A Manhattan institution. But service and product just sub par. Shake was water down. Staff didn't know prices. But the fried oreo was good.

Was very disappointed on my visit here. I'm not sure if I just got unlucky with a specific staff but the fried Oreos I ordered were not even made right. The young man practically sprinkled batter on the Oreos and dipped it in oil as if he didn't care how he'd be serving this to customers. So all I ate was Oreos covered in oil, no batter or anything on them whatsoever Maybe the staff are better at night, but the noon/afternoon shift I wouldn't recommend at all. read more

After a dreadful pizza dinner nearby, the last thing on my mind was to look at their dessert menu, much less, having any there. My favorite Wafels & Dinges was our Plan A but by the time we got there, they were closed. Mr. Man's Plan B, though, seemed to be a far better choice at 11:30pm. Stepping into Ray's, brought back fun and real bizarre memories as it was my after school escapade eons ago and Mr. Man's late dancing B-Boying hangout spot. Ray's has been serving ice cream, Beignets, this and that, in Alphabet City for decades and still looks the same as I remembered. Selections here- especially their ice creams, aren't by any means artisanal, but they're just good. We'd parked right across the street and soon after, popped the trunk to enjoy our ice cream at almost midnight. It's straight up, old-school shop and grungy alright. But the fact that Ray's has been a one-stop junk food destination with a sweet nostalgic vibe for folks and has remained opened for this long, goes without saying. read more

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I LOVE RAYS! They have the best late night munchies and the prices are so affordable for the amount they give you. They make their beignets and fried oreos fresh which is the best time to enjoy them. There's no dine in or sit in and you just order straight at the counter. Such an amazing place. read more

Like early 90s New York City stuck in time. Deep in the heart of the east village, there are many little shops an eateries that are bold, unique all in both flavor and appearance. Walking in, its small, cramped, you get your food and scram kind of spot. What youll find is pictures of the numerous items(hotdogs, mango icecream, fried oreos, etc) its like carnival food on the block. Today we ordered a half dozen beignets, half dozen oreos, paid, ok cool. The wait was a bit much, but in turn we ended up walking out with a FULL dozen oreos, and a FULL dozen beignets, maybe more! The oreos, hands down, the best fried oreos I have had in life, you dont have to have them anywhere else. Fried to the point of funnel cake, but the oreo still maintains some integrity even in its gooey melted state. The beignets however, were more like fried dough. Though delicious, not what we asked for. Walking thru the village and want to feel like youre a kid at a fair, this is the spot. read more

Ray's Candy Store - Fried oreos - Desserts Near Me - New York, New York

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Pure confection perfection! Got the vanilla chocolate swirl ice cream and it's the best I've ever had! I thought all soft serve was the same but Ray's soft serve is simply the best! It's so smooth and creamy! Also, be sure to grab some fried Oreos (they're what he's known for). We saw Ray in the back making them himself! Definitely recommend trying something here! I promise everything is good and you won't regret it :) read more

This is one of my absolute favorite establishments, where it literally can transform you back to being a childhood, the moment you walk into the small storefront or even when you take your first bite or sip! It is an NYC staple, where you can get deep-fried Oreos and milkshakes basically any time of the year and it is served all day. They have a very small menu, which literally means they just focus on all the great desserts! This is a hole-in-the-wall establishment but it has never disappointed, I mean how can you be disappointed by deep-fried anything? Ray the owner is such a kind elderly man, that takes your order with a smile and makes sure to fulfill it timely, as the place is cramp and he is older now, the wait may be a tad longer - but trust me it is definitely worth the wait! Would say they have meals too like chicken tenders and fries, all of them are great options! I would say, if its your first time try the oreos! Definitely recommend this place!! read more

This is one of my favorite neighborhood staples!It's a little hole in the wall counter service location, but packed with so many amazing things! Ray is an absolute gem. Their pistachio soft serve is the best ever. read more

The fried oreos are amazing. I have been coming here for years. The service is quick and the people that work behind the counter are always nice. The ice cream and fried oreos I highly recommend. I hope this place never closes down. read more

Staples and essentials they have it all. Great prices, fast and so good! Get fried Oreos, chili cheese dog and chili cheese nachos. Classic snacks that are hard to find in this new world. read more

This isn't a place I would have walked into if a friend hadn't told me about it. From the outside, you can buy snacks from a window and the store is small and covered with images of foods for sale. Looks really old school. We went inside to discover that they sell basically every theme park/carnival food (hot dogs, soft serve, etc.) at really affordable prices. Ray owns and operates the store and he is just the sweetest guy. Super friendly and even willing to take a few selfies with us. Someone told me he still operates the store so that he can save money for his grandchildren. Can get like 12 fried Oreos for $6 and they are amazing. Basically the best I've ever had. read more

Sorry I want to love this place but everything my friends and I got was disgusting and had to be thrown away - the hot fudge Sunday was literally liquid in a cup read more

Cash only. Prices aren't bad at all. I tried the fried oreos here. I've learned that I'm too old for all that fried greasy oily junk food. I could only eat 2 oreos and take the rest to go. Too much sugar. Shame though. I did enjoy it and will come back to try other treats. read more

Ray's Candy Store - Desserts Near Me - New York, New York

Mmmmm... yes!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I met Ray in 1865 when both of us had just moved to NYC. Love to see him still working here. Well I visited one day and well.. he wasn't there at the front. I thought he must be in the back and I really wanted to see him so I crawled over the counter and made my way. At the back of the store stood just one door that said 'employees only' (or so I assume, I can't read very well). An iridescent light glimmered through the bottom of the door. What? What could be behind this door. I open it and am transported to an old timey candy store laced with wonder and whimsy. "Where am I?" I asked to a gumball machine. "WHO IS THAT" a voice echoes and startles me... but it only took me 30 seconds of thinking about why that voice sounded familiar for me to realize.... "RAY!" I exclaim. He floats from the ceiling, traveling on a bed of cotton candy. "Welcome to Mr. MacGorium's Wonder Emporium," he announces loudly to only me. I gaze in awe. "Isn't that movie about a toy store?" "That's my brother, Dustin Hoffman MacGorium," he explains to me. "Don't you remember me Greg? It's your old friend Ray! We shared a room with the Brooks Brothers on farmland property when New York City still had farms?" "How could I forget?" I yell across the room to him (my hand is stuck in the gumball machine). Great to see you old pal! Fantastic corny dog with a side of ketchup that's filling half of a to-go coffee cup. Just like Edward Brooks used to make! Ray's Candy Store, I will be back! read more

It's such a cute little hole in the wall! While we didn't get to eat while we were there - we did order delivery and it was delicious!!! They even threw in sauce which we didn't ask for. So yummy! So glad we got to try it out before leaving NYC! read more

Deep fried oreos are a must. After having dinner down the street it was rather late, and the only place still open for business was Ray's! Had to swing by and see what the all the fuss was about online and it lived to its expectations. Fairly cheap for how much you get, definitely had enough to bring back home to eat when you wake up in the middle of the night craving more. read more

Such a cute little place, made even cuter by seeing Ray himself serving customers. The friend Oreos were delicious and amazingly did not get soggy after sitting for a bit. The egg cream was so interesting- I can see why people love it! And the banana split was huge and classic. They do serve savory food as well but we did not test it. Open 24hrs which is wonderful. Highly recommend! read more

Ray's Candy Store - Desserts Near Me - New York, New York

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24/7 place in the city and it's desserts with other foods. Had to come down and check it out. Came at 2am and it was actually open. Inside wasn't your ordinary candy store. They had the items listed on paper plates that were on the wall. Newspapers all over. It's a small shop. Can't sit Inside and eat. Order then leave the store. Got a soft serve icecream, fried Oreos and icecream with butterscotch. The fried Oreos tasted burnt to me. Icecream was good. Would I come here again, I would if I can't find anything sweet to eat. Would I drive an hour again to come here just for this specific place, maybe not. But hey if I lived in the city and it's close by then yes. read more

Ray's Candy Store - Soft Serve Ice Cream - Desserts Near Me - New York, New York

I really wanted to like this place after reading the reviews. I got the butterscotch sundae and it was just ok, paired with the fact that there were flies everywhere and the place was a bit smelly. I usually love hole in the walls but this place took it to the next level. read more

Ray's Candy Store - Desserts Near Me - New York, New York

Rainy day yum yums! Saw a vid on YouTube (Food Insider)and made a beeline to Ray's! It is literally everything the video said it would be! My mom is currently digging into the fried Oreos as I bust down my Belgian cheese fries! Everything is absolutely fresh and delish!!!! And Ray (who was the only person manning the counter!) brought my food out so fast! He's so friendly. And efficient! Thank you Ray‼I'm so glad I came. read more

Ray's Candy Store - Me, Mama & Ray! - Desserts Near Me - New York, New York

The beignets were TO DIE FOR!!! Must try!! No wonder these are so famous, they were so warm and pillowy and not too greasy. The powdered sugar on top was just *chef's kiss* It was $6 Also love that this place is 24/7. Nice mom and pop shop vibes and a great place for when I have sweet tooth cravings. Can't wait to try the fried oreos and candy bars. read more

Ray and his wife are legends. All of the desserts are amazing and cheap. Get a milkshake, get a cream egg, get a fried treat, get one of everything. read more

Read so many reviews from other Yelper's about this place. I had to go and check it out. I had walked passed by it numerous times. The place is located right across the street from Tompkins Square Park on East 7th Street. This place is a hole in the wall. Something like in the 1970's or 1980's. Place where you come to get your sugar fix after classes are over when you were back in JHS/HS. It's standing room only and no tables or chairs. Line up to get your milkshake, ice cream, etc... The menus are hung up on the wall. I usually go for the soft ice cream in a cup or cone- Chocolate and Vanilla and it is only $4 bucks. Will be back for the egg cream and Oreo Milk Shake. There is an ATM machine where you can get cash. read more

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The best!! Yup, its the best desserts place that open 24/7. Its cheap & for sure it'll gonna satisfied your sweet tooth. Upon walking inside its surprisingly different. Its a small place without any tables & chairs. It has lots of papers on the wall & it makes it unique. It has atm machine inside. Ray the owner is really nice. It feels good seeing someone like him still working & he looks happy of what hes doing. We got the half dozen of fried oreo $5, half dozen beignets $5 & the soft serve pistachio on the cup $4. When we got our order were so surprised about how big the serving is. So huge for half dozen. Ohh my! the fried oreo & beignets is fresh, sweet, crunchy & delicious! My soft serve pistachio is very big & tasty! I shared it with my bf & friends. You can share it with 3 to 4 people. It surely is made with love as what their yelp info page says. Its so worth it! We finished & enjoyed everything. They also serve fries, hotdogs, shakes, ice cream, frozen yogurt & many more! read more

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Good place to go when craving some good snaking food Fried Oreos. Cheese fries were so yummy read more

Ray's Candy Store - Desserts Near Me - New York, New York

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Fried Oreos. Fried dough. Fried candy bars. Cheese, old bay, and regular fries. Mozz sticks. Fish and chips. Chicken fingers. Ice cream. Suffice it to say, I could probably exist quite happily on only their food offerings. My arteries might hate me, though. On my first trip I got the fried Oreos and the fish and chips. The fries were quite good, the fish a bit too salty, and the Oreos were perfection. I can't wait to someday have a drink at Miss Lily's and then gorge on this afterwards! I still want to try their fried dough, Twinkie's, Reese's, and of course get a dipped cone and cheese fries. Seeing as that'd be A LOT for one trip, I guess I'll just have to come a few times more! read more

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There are only a few shops in the city that are reminiscent of old-school New York as I remember it. I grew up not too far from here in nearby Lower East Side and this is the one of few hole-in-the-walls candy shops that you can basically get anything from. The whole store from floor to ceiling is lined with colorful paper advertising all the goodies that they sell here. If you like street-fair food, this place is the hidden gem you've been searching for. On my most recent visit here, I settled for a half-dozen order of beignets coated in powdered sugar. The order took about 5-10 to make as everything is freshly fried here. As I was waiting, an older woman came in and ordered an old-fashioned New York egg cream. Every sip she took, she kept telling the server about how the taste of the egg cream reminded her of her childhood. Once my order of a "half-dozen" beignets were complete, I was surprised at the monstrosity of a plate I was given. Apparently, the definition of a half-dozen is a big ass plate here lol. I could only imagine what a full order looks like. Overall, my plate of beignets tasted exactly how I imagined it to taste like. Fried dough. There was an overload of powered sugar covering everything and I eventually got that powdered sugar everywhere as soon as I was done with everything (my clothes, my lips my arms lol.) In conclusion, I'd definitely recommend this place whenever you're in the area and looking for a quick treat. The owner is nice and they do not skimp on the portion sizes here. read more

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Rays candy store is a treasure. We ordered a chocolate shake, fried Oreos and fried Beignets. They were definitely the most satisfying Oreos I've had and they were amazingly priced as well. I would recommend trying their large array of fried foods! read more

After briefly finding peace in God's Hands, I encountered Ray's Candy Store in my travels. Show me the candy! A minimal candy selection for a business that states "candy store." The hot dogs are grilled which I always prefer grilled rather than boiled for the favorable taste. One hot dog at $2.00 includes two free toppings; one small Belgian Fries at $4.50 with Honey Dion sauce at $.50 totaled $7.00 for a on-the-go lunch. The Belgian Fries were okay as it was no different than any other fries, thankfully, without swimming in the salt sea. Belgian Fries, Belgian Waffles are several of many of my ultimate favorites. There is no seating either indoor or outdoor. Ray's Candy Store seemingly look like an apartment or home office converted to a small eatery. Beignets is listed on Ray's menu which is entices me for a return visit of this savory New Orleans treat. Notes: No business name on the outside No business card No delivery No takeout menu read more

Ray's Candy Store - Desserts Near Me - New York, New York

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Egg cream is a little like an ice cream float. Got the vanilla egg cream. Really good. And their Oreo milkshake is insanely good. Ice cream is really creamy too read more

This place is a relic of a bygone era. It is the essence of the Lower East Side meets the East Village. This cash-only establishment is owned by 87 year old Ray Alvarez. Spotting Ray himself behind the counter last night felt like spotting a white rhino in the vast plains of South Africa. While I could go on about the fascinating back story of the shop owner (look him up, you won't be disappointed), I will focus on the establishment itself. Upon entering, there is a narrow hallway. One way in. One way out. Once greeted (often by a local teen or NYU student), $6 cash is exchanged for the order placed based on pieces of paper taped to the wall behind the counter. Behind you is a wall covered with newspaper articles highlighting our old pal Anthony Bourdain (RIP) and the infamous Kardashians visiting Rays. Evidence of the rich history is apparent by the ads and posters that surround. Shortly after order is shouted to the back, it appears on a paper plate with paper towels ready to be devoured or shoved into a paper bag for on the go. I encourage you to take a bite while the goods are hot! The beignets, fried Oreos, fried Reese's and egg cream will thrust your taste buds into a tailspin. Wild with the emotion of a kid at a fair on a hot summer's day. Your heart will warm and the world will be right again. Don't for a second think of the calories and clogged arteries. Just close your eyes, take a deep breath... and enjoy! Did mention it's open 24 hours? Thank you Ray for fleeing to New York City to bring us this joy and wonderment in a place I did not know could possibly still exist. read more

I had passed by this little shop countless times before stepping in for the first time, I don't even think I registered it's existence until I walked in for the first time a couple months ago. I'm so glad I did! picture this; it's late. you're cold, tired, and a bit hungry. you decide to walk into the first place you see open, and you find yourself inside Ray's. it's small and a bit worn, but clean. pictures and posters and old articles are pasted to the walls, the lights are warm and muted pastels are everywhere. its all very old school and it's got a dreamlike quality. you order some fried oreos (sounds disgusting, but trust me on this one) from the incredible menu and you are pleasantly surprised when just a couple minutes later a plate piled high with goodness is slid over to you by the kind person behind the counter. delicious. you ask for powdered sugar and a heap of it is added to the piping hot dish. you taste it and you and feel nostalgic for a time you've never known. this is the ray's experience. a time capsule in a city that is always changing. 5/5 read more

If your ever in the Lower East Side of Manhattan, this is a must visit! Rays has been there ever since I was a kid. When businesses come and go and you want to eat something quick and late night after a night in the city, you must stop in and see Ray. He has everything your stomach will desire..from fried Oreos which are my favorite, to Belgium Fries with all the fixings, and one of the best places to get soft serve ice cream on a hot day. Keep in mind you must pay cash. No credit cards. His prices are very reasonable for being at that location. There is no places to sit of eat but you can go across the street to the park to eat. read more

Classic spot! Ray is great to talk with and it's a underground New York landmark! Four stars because there's definitely some strange health codes that are questionable. Get the egg cream read more

Every time I've come to this shop, day or night, I have seen Ray here. I wish I had that man's energy. My bf and I always order the fried Oreos and they are so good. The bag becomes soggy with oil but the fried Oreos stay crispy and cakey inside. I don't think I've ever ordered anything else here but I always enjoy the atmosphere. The inside of this shop is pure nostalgia-the same feeling of buying treats from an ice cream truck in my childhood. Definitely worth a visit for a unique experience. read more

Anyone that knows New York and/or the East Village in general know Rays Candy Store is the place to go when you were drunk or not drunk. Get the fried Oreos! It cost five dollars for 12 fried Oreos and you can easily share it between 4 people, it's so good and so cheap. It is cash only but there's an ATM right outside the door. It is very small so be aware but it's super cool. In general if you're looking for some good junk fried food, Ray's Candy Store is the place to go. It's also right next to Tompkins Square Park so you can get your food and chill in the park. read more

Ray's Candy Store - Ray's candy store interior - Desserts Near Me - New York, New York

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This shop is open 24 hours with Ray working the night shifts himself. Ray is honestly one of the sweetest and kindest person you will ever meet. The store offers a lot of different assortments. The menu is individually printed sheets of paper with the price written with permanent marker and it covers the entire store! It definitely gives you nostalgic feelings. One of the best soft serve ice cream with an unbeatable price! The portion of the ice cream is huge and it only costs $5! It's good old fashion plain, soft, smooth, and creamy! read more

If you want soft served ice cream - RAY'S IS THE SPOT! Best soft serve I've ever had. I live up the block, and I came here 4 times in one week since I recently moved here. The soft serve is creamy and full of flavor. The cones are definitely fresh and not stale. Ray is usually there, I've seen him 3 times already, and he's such a sweet old man. What I love about the place is the decor! It's just great. It really takes you back in time and gives such a homey feeling. He even has a 60's cash register which is super cool since I'm such a 90s kid! What I really do like is that Ray hasn't raised his prices, especially since where his shop is located - in the heart of LES. It's insane that he hasn't - YET great he hasn't. This is definitely one shop I'm always going to come back to and support. Everyone should support Ray's business. BTW, try the Mozzarella sticks, they are sooooo cheesy and served hot & fresh! read more

Ray's Candy Store - Desserts Near Me - New York, New York

Best place to get beignets. For $6 you can get a whole plate of it. They are nice, hot, fluffy and crispy and enough for more than 4 people. I got the cookie and cream soft serve and it tasted kind of funny, it was a bit sour. So I would skip the soft serve in the future. But I heard great things about the waffle fries too. Not recommended for anyone that is ocd, you can see the flies flying around. More for a late night, after drink place to grab a snack. read more

Ray's Candy Store - Beignets -$6 - Desserts Near Me - New York, New York

Yearning for Miami one night, I thought of all my great memories in the third greatest city in the U.S. (behind LA, NYC, ahead of Vegas): working on a paper at a rooftop bar, walking along Ocean Drive and reflecting on "life," and the fried oreos at Prime Eleven. I couldn't get them out of my head, so started doing "research" on where they are in NYC, besides random street fairs. Jenny L. told me about Jacob's Pickle, but the line seems atrocious. But several websites alerted me to Ray's. The place *is* a literal hole in the wall, and I hoped it'd be more proof for my "the dumpier it looks, the better it tastes" theory. But unfortunately, the stuff is just too canola oil drenched to be good. Although the great dozen for $5 price is awesome P2P (price to portions) ratio, it's not enough to counteract how I was feeling when I got to #11. I wanted to believe the hype, but I couldn't. read more