EllaRay's was so good! I appreciate the fact that its one of those 'if you know, you know' places. From the parking lot, I don't think many would know that this is where this great spot is located. I was invited here for dinner with a high school friend who had been here before, and I text him appreciating the NEXT DAY, to say how good this place was. When you come in, you pass the bar and I'm sure someone has already greeted you by then. The customer service here was great! Throughout our entire hour.5 stay at EllaRay's, my table of 2 was probably asked at least 5 times if we needed anything - in the best way too, not the inconvenience type. The food is served hot-bar style, with someone there to present to you whatever you want. I ordered the smothered turkey, mac&chz, and cabbage, along with some red velvet cake and a mixed lemonade-tea mix that was sweeeeeet! The food itself was DELICIOUS. The smothered turkey was exactly that - see the picture of the portions too. The mac&chz was also that, cheesy, and the cabbage had a great spice to it, that I enjoyed! My friend ordered the yams, string beans and catfish - and from what he let me try (I was only interested in trying the catfish), I loved it! I think it would be something that I'd order as my side next time. For desert, I had the cake the following day and loved the fact that the icing was homemade - not heavy or thick. Now the only thing that I haven't noted was the service. Was the staff attentive and great with their recommendations, yes - but their line was just so long. Maybe I came during a rush but to get all of the delicious food offered, it did take a little longer than expected. Other that that, I loved this place! Pack your patience, and appetite! read more

EllaRay's Cafe - Soul Food Near Me - Forestville, Maryland

Everyone swears they have the best authentic soul food. A claim like that is subjective for real. Unfortunately, Ella Ray's Cafe was a miss for me. This buffet style soul food spot lacked flavor and seasoning. I ordered turkey wings w/ collard greens and yams as my 2 sides. They give you what they say is cornbread but more like a corn muffin. Bland. The only thing I liked was the sweet tea. The service was ok, ambiance average, food mediocre. read more

The staff is super friendly and the cake was delicious. The food however was expensive and really sub par.

This was my 1st visit and I absolutely loved it. Love the decor and the feel of the place. I ordered the pork chop dinner with string beans, cabbage, and potato salad. I could only eat 1 pork chop, which was seasoned great but a little tough. If cooked 1 min less on each side would be perfect. Cabbage was delicious. Potato was good, but just a little too much dill seasoning. Too full to eat the strings beans, but definitely looking forward to them. I will definitely be back. read more

EllaRay's Cafe - Dining Area - Soul Food Near Me - Forestville, Maryland

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Decided to come and try Ella's since my regular place was closed and I wanted a pork chop meal. When you walk into the restaurant you have to walk in to the back as the front is the bar area. The place was packed I guess no one wanted to cook...lol. The line was long but it was moving fast as most of the food is already prepared. I ordered the pork chop platter, the lady that took my order told me that it was going to be a wait since there were none available at the moment. I didn't have a problem waiting since I knew that my food was going to be hot and fresh. We'll let me tell you the lady that took my order completely forgot about me and I ended up waiting 30 minutes for my food. Another server asked me what I ordered because she seen that I been waiting for a long time and made my food. She was very nice and apologized for the wait and other lady forgetting about me. Now let's get to the food. The pork chops were freshly cooked and hot but were very tough. The greens were great and the Mac and cheese were okay. Would I come back maybe but it wouldn't be my first choice. read more

EllaRay's Cafe - Pork Chop Platter - Soul Food Near Me - Forestville, Maryland

I had been to this establishment before when it was across the street at the mall. I love how they were able to grow - and I love seeing them succeed. Normally when I'd visit, I'd order a dinner. Back then, an order took time, thus I assumed it was cooked fresh. They now have food behind the glass that you do not have to wait on to be cooked. I assume, the most popular items are behind the glass. I ordered a catfish sandwich. I wanted something hot and built with love. I wanted more than a fish sandwich from Popeyes, Burger King, or McDonald's... well, they gave me two pieces of fish that were warm (cooked earlier) and two slices of cool bread. It was definitely not what I expected for $9. At the same time, it's not bad. I went home and added some tomatoes, pickles ... and stuff. It was decent. This is NOT the place to go to for a fish sandwich. When I return, I'll get a meal. You can get more fish, two sides, and bread for not much more money. The place appeared clean. read more

EllaRay's Cafe - Fried Catfish Sandwich - Soul Food Near Me - Forestville, Maryland

I've been eating here for years, been a loyal customer since they were in Forestville Mall. This was my first time trying them since they moved across the street, and there have been some noticeable changes. First off, you can't call in orders anymore. I learned that the hard way the first time I tried to order after the move. I was told, "We don't do call-in orders on this side, sir" , no further explanation. So this time, I just went in person. They've definitely expanded, much bigger space. Looks like they've got two small bar areas (unoccupied when I visited) and four dining areas: two larger ones and two smaller ones with just high tables as soon as you walk in. Now all the food is laid out buffet-style on hot tables, even stuff that used to be cooked to order, like the wings, which is all I ever get. I was skeptical about that because when I first started coming here, the wait was 25-30 minutes even with call-in orders. But once I got there, I understood the new setup. I was also worried the wings might not be hot anymore since they're no longer made to order, but they were still nice and hot, so that was a win. The 6-wing dinner used to be $15, which honestly, was underpriced. So I'm not mad at the price increase($20 now), but with that increase, I'm more critical now. I waited about 15 minutes just to place my order because the line was long, but that's still better than waiting 25-30 minutes like before. Still, it's not as convenient as calling it in. Food was still solid. Chicken: hot and seasoned right Mac and cheese: creamy and just right Yams and cabbage: still hitting like always Cornbread muffin: still not a fan, but I never have been Looks like they're setting up a self-service kiosk too, which wasn't working yet when I went. I'll go back on a less busy day to see what the wait looks like and whether the wings stay hot even when it's not peak time. read more

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The food was good so if you like southern fried soul food cooking, it's a nice place to visit

My daughter Gina brought a wing dinner, a pork chop dinner and chicken and dumplings from here, they didn't disappoint. Wow everything was absolutely delicious. I will go there the next time myself. read more

Tried Ella Ray and it was good, but honestly it cost way too much for what it was. The food wasn't bad at all, just nothing special I definitely feel like I could've made this myself at home. For the price, I was expecting a lot more flavor and creativity. It's cool, but I probably wouldn't rush back I say 1/10 because catfish was good read more

The food is great, customer service makes you feel at home! The greens are fresh and delicious.

I loved it when they were at the mall. Across the street I'm just not a fan of food that's sitting out. When they used to take my cabbage out that hot pan it was the BEST! Now that's in the serving line/food stations, it's always cold. Then when the lady was moving the Mac and cheese, the water that's steaming under neath. Dripped into the cabbage that the guy just took my cabbage from on the serving line. They don't care that the water that's underneath is being rolled into other food. She was transporting old Mac and cheese into the new Mac and cheese. So the hot boils of water is rolling down into the food down below. To me that's not sanitary. If I would've seen that before he fixed my food. I would've walked out. Last time I got some fried chicken. The chicken used to be one of my favs & to me personally it's soggy waiting in the hot food cabinet & food warmer. But the consistent opening it up allows the fried food to become soggy. I got the pork chop platter. I asked them to not use the tongs because the lady just used them picking up fried fish. He def reassured me that it's a sanitizer that kills germs. I'm not disputing that. But it's food particles waiting at the bottom. If I worked there I wouldn't care either to use the same tongs. But it just doesn't look good to me. The guy who fixed my food was extremely patient & had great customer service. However, I don't see myself coming back. $10 for a breakfast sandwich is crazy to me. read more

I seek out breakfast places that serve fish and grits, and EllaRay's matched my needs. I headed there Monday of this week, but it was closed. (This was not all bad, because I discovered Lucky, which was delightful.) nevertheless, I ventured back on Tuesday. I ordered fish, grits and egg. When I was attempting to pay, something bazaar took place. I had my wallet in hand along with a shoulder bag over the same arm, so I placed the bill on the counter and counted out the coins. When I finished, with my free hand, I slid the money to the cashier. She replied, can you put it in my hand. I thought, perhaps her nails were too long, and quickly complied. Then, I looked at her hands and saw no hinderance. Now, I am thinking what kind of crazy ideology is this. EllaRay's is in a shopping mall that wasn't too crowded or safe looking. It has ample seating and a bit worn. While I waited for my order, I spoke with other patrons who spoke highly of the food. My order was O.K. The grits were good, and the fish was hot right out of the fryer; but not the best quality of frozen fish. While nicely fried, the three pieces were uniformly thin and light. read more

Food was delicious. Employees are courteous. I was greeted when I came in and the lined moved quickly. I got my food to go so I can't comment on dining in. read more

The food is delicious, but the light skinned cashier is so nasty. She needs to be replaced. MS Ella is awesome Check them out.

This spot is a pretty good option for soul food. It's not the best, but everything I get is always good. I particularly like the fried fish. The catfish and whiting are both seasoned and fried well. It's delicious. The fried chicken is tasty and the sides are solid. Also the prices are right! The down side is the wait time. Their system is inefficient. I'm not sure why they haven't figured out how to efficiently get people through a line, especially because this is how their new spot is set up. I think they should revisit it because the wait is exhausting. Wait time was an issue at the last place and the same issue persists at the new spot. Lastly, not being able to call an order ahead is mind boggling in 2025. Invest in online resources and allow people to order ahead and have a separate line for pick up. read more

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Excellent food and service. Very beautiful restaurant. Plenty if parking, great customer service. Delicious food. read more

This is my favorite restaurant in Forestville. Although, like any small business, they are always busy; you can expect a wait for your food, I will continue to patronize this establishment. I usually order the same items: the Mac and cheese, cabbage, catfish and/or meatloaf. They are consistently a hit. What I usually wont order are the green beans or collard greens. Otherwise, the cornbread is delicious and I like to visit to say hello to the owners. They get in the trenches with their staff, and that to me is an overlooked business standard these days. read more

Tried the chicken wings, Mac & cheese, and cabbage. The wings were just okay, but my friend loved the cabbage. I also had a slice of cake that was extremely dry. I don't live in the immediate area and wouldn't drive out of my way to get food here again. Giving three stars only because he really enjoyed the cabbage. read more

If You have a taste for North Carolina barbecue spareribs catfish fried or rotisserie chicken meatloaf whiting and more this well known Southern and SoulFood gem is right up Your alley. Breakfast Brunch and more at 3392 Donnell Dr.Forestville Md.20747 Phone-301 420-6807 so check out their buffet style hot tables read more

Was in the forestville area waiting for my daughter to finish practice around 1 and wanted some breakfast. Arrived and while the breakfast menu shows side by side with the dinner menu, breakfast was over. I'd advise turning off whichever tv is not applicable for the time. Adding this to the website would be helpful as well. My wife and I ended up getting dinner instead. I'd advise calling head as you will be waiting 20-30 minutes for your food. I ordered the fried whiting platter with green beans and yams. The yams were delicious. I enjoyed them. The green beans were good as well but a little spicy. The fish did not taste fresh nor was it hot. It felt like it was made earlier in the day and warmed up. My wife ordered the meatloaf was was hard and tasted like yesterday or earlier in the week. The Mac and cheese was good but the rice was a brick. Scooped from the frig and warmed up like the meatloaf. While the yams and mac and cheese were good I doubt I'd go back. read more

EllaRay's Cafe - Golden Fried Fish Whiting with green beans and yams - Soul Food Near Me - Forestville, Maryland

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Place a order paid $65.00 gave a $8.00 tip got home order was not complete went back was told by manager how do we know you didn't get what you ordered, refused to make me whole,I was in uniform read more

3.5, rounded to 4 for staying open longer than other establishments that occupied this space and friendly staff! This is black American soul food, in my opinion, but in the category of southern Baptist, after church cooking-- not the gentrified DC soul food, nor soul food from the chef that graduated high school in 2003. No shade at all to those that fit in those categories, but I'm trying to give you an accurate description of this food. It's old school, nice portions, maybe a sister Dorothy is in charge of the Mac n cheese... idk, but before people got too fancy, doing brunch after church, or church online, churches used to have food after church or for special events (every other week). (Lucky you if you go to a church that still does this!). It looked and tasted like this. Daddy Grace's anyone? I've had their turkey wings and chicken with sides. I can't eat fish, but my family members that got the fish, love it. We picked this as an establishment to patronize for Kwanzaa. While it's not always my go to, it's there and provides comfort. A good hearty warm meal when you need one. I'm so glad to have this option, let alone at 'the mall' where there could easily be a food court of everything, but things resembling home- cooked food. read more

The food was very good, I had the smothered turkey wings were so tender falling off the bones, greens and yams

I've jumped off the beltway twice to stop by this place and get food. The is some tasty soul food. I think little ole church ladies are in the back cooking it. Well whoever it is put their foot in this food. read more

This is the spot for Southern Soul Food that is really good and large portions. The staff were great and well dressed. read more

EllaRay's Cafe - Mac and Cheese,cabbage and stew chicken gizzards with rice. - Soul Food Near Me - Forestville, Maryland

Service,Ambiance. Food is always great. Except last month.I ordered Liver which was tough. I order liver frequently, which is always tender. I was very disappointed. read more

New address: 3392 Donnell Drive, Forestville, MD. I really love their new spot. The wood decor, the personal touches in the mural and the family pics. They all make this a special place. Plenty is parking. There's a new buffet and you can order some foods to be cooked like eggs for your breakfast meal. They don't serve hot drinks so no coffee or tea. The food is still delish! They're closed on Mondays. read more

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Meatloaf combo with mac&Cheese. candi yams and a muffin.Muffin was dry and bland along with the meatloaf that needed some seasoning. Mac&Cheese was yummy as were the candies yams read more

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My family and I went after church on Sunday the food was great the service was okay considering it was very crowded I love the music all in all we have it a ten out of ten read more

Food is always good but for a $30 dinner the lady scraped the bottom of the rice pan & walked away to get the short ribs. I asked another person if I can have fresh rice & was told that I should've said that when it was being made. Very disappointed & will spend my $30 elsewhere. No ty! read more

After my morning errands, my mouth was for some good old "Soul Food". Sorry Ms. Ray's what was $17 plus tax wasn't good. The catfish was not freshly cooked but dry. Greens taste like cardboard, and the yams were not candied, more like a little citrus ‍ and not enough seasoning. Price to high for garbage. Well that concludes my last tasting for Ms Rays. Oh, the gathering of flies inside the seating area was a Red flag . The hostess was gracious. read more

A family member recommended that I try their catfish. Food is tasty and serving dove is decent. They asked if I wanted corn bread or white bread and I didn't get either. Potato salad is very good. I live in VA and I'm not used the sass that you get from Black Owned and operated businesses in that area. One of the other ladies working the counter helped me that's how I realized you have to pay extra for a bag or bring your own. read more

EllaRay's Cafe - Golden Fried Catfish - Soul Food Near Me - Forestville, Maryland

Really good food...This is a good place for a mature crowd to enjoy themselves and have a good conversation while dining.

My Boyfriend and I have ordered here multiple times. Honestly the food used to be nice but it has recently gone down hill. Today I ordered the fish, rice & gravy, and green beans. The green beans were okay. Rice and gravy was nice but cold. But the fish was horrible. Obviously not fresh. It was just wrong. It was cold and hard. As if had been reheated multiple times. Salty as well. My Boyfriend had the spare ribs. It tasted gamey. And there is a lot of bone shards in the meat. Every bite had the small bone fragments hurting my mouth. Again we've been here before and considering the recently decline in food quality and customer service this will mostly likely be our last time ever in this establishment. read more

EllaRay's Cafe - Whiting Fish - Soul Food Near Me - Forestville, Maryland

I had a small issue with calling in my order, but the food was good...fried fish was crispy, delicate and delicious! I would have ordered more - in line of veggies had I known what was offered. I was truly surprised that the eatery was actually in the mall. Easy in and out. A return visit is promised!!!! read more

Listen... I'm not from around here and I was just looking for some food and came across Ella Ray's. Now at first I was skeptical because when I walked in, it smelled crazy in there, but folks was on line and waiting for their food. So it had to be good right? YA D@MN RIGHT!!! I got the Turkey wing dinner with collard greens and Mac n cheese. The Mac n cheese was seasoned and cheesy, the greens were delicious and the turkey wings were tender. The hot sauce that they use pairs amazingly with the food, especially the greens. I ordered peach cobbler as well but I was so full that I didn't try it yet. I'll update when I do. The folks at the counter were really nice too. I would definitely come again if in the area. If I had any tips it would just be to freshen up the place, maybe it's the carpet. A good steam cleaning of the place would be great. But again, the food was bomb!! read more

EllaRay's Cafe - Turkey Wings - Soul Food Near Me - Forestville, Maryland

I finally tried EllaRay's!!!! The fish was flavorful and fresh. The macaroni and cheese was delicious: cheesy, seasoned, and rich with flavor. The yams were nice and sweet. I wasn't a fan of the desserts. The sweet potato pie wasn't sweet enough and I didn't really like the peach cobbler it just wasn't what I expected. I called in my order and it was ready before I got there. Ms. Ella took my order and she was so friendly. When I arrived for pick up the staff was very friendly. I will absolutely be back!!! read more

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On the hunt for good soul food in "the Hood" we venture five minutes from DC into Forestville, MD. And that's about the same driving distance from Andrews AFB and Alexandria VA! Service can be harried, and you may have to check on missing items from your order, but the home style cooking is delicious! We had the Pigs Feet which were cooked to a tender, sticky, gelatinous perfection. The Oxtail was also another long slow braise that brings flavorful, fall-off-the bone meat over a bed of gravy covered rice. The collard greens were sweet, and the macaroni and cheese was tangy and savory. I'd order an extra mac and cheese on my next visit! The Strawberry Lemon cake was a sweet ending to the meal, but we thought it lacked the fruit flavors to match the bright colors of the cake. Take out is a good option as the cafe can be loud. Oxtails and Pigs feet are best eaten in the privacy of your home when you can really dig in without being dainty. VIDEO: https://youtu.be/2PiEBROjyKQ?si=nr94Cp5ln4S6r_Dh read more

Food not worth the money. Spoonful of each side. Plate was so light and empty. Fish was dry n toooooo soft filed with grease. Never had soul food like that before. Try to avoid this place if you looking for good soul food. If I could give a half star that would be great read more