I came here several times during last winter. Between covid and the thigh-high snow, you might think I was mad to traipse on foot all the way to Walnut street from Bay street NJT just for a breakfast fix. But then, you haven't enjoyed the brekkies at Ray's, or felt the warmth of the gas-fired braziers on the pavement outside. The breakfasts are diner-staples done next-level: huevos rancheros, french toast, pancakes - with avo toast and even arepas on the menu. Delicious, hearty stuff. Good service, decent coffee, and a great place to fuel up on an icy morning. read more

The food and service was awesome!! I had the scrambled eggs with potatoes and whole wheat toast! My food was prepared quickly and properly. I'm definitely coming back! read more

I've been eating at Rays since i was a kid and have seen many changes and many owners come and go. Angie has transformed this ordinary luncheonette in to a truly extraordinary culinary experience. read more

An old school hole in wall luncheonette that is simply marvelous. Ray's is a no frills old world diner with remarkable food. Breakfast, lunch or dinner, you won't be disappointed. I recently ventured into Ray's for breakfast; and I must say I had the best Taylor ham, egg and cheese sandwich of my life. The sandwich was warm, salty, and covered in cheese! The bagel that it was on was fresh and toasted to a crispy perfection. I also ordered some corn beef hash, which was amazing. The hash had the right amount of corned beef, onions and potatoes. Finally, Ray's has the best coffee in NJ....I know a bold statement, but I stand by it! Ray's itself is super tiny. However, what Ray's lacks in size it makes up in quality of food and service. The servers are kind and super efficient. Also, they are superstars when it comes to topping off your mug of coffee. You won't be disappointed with Ray's read more

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Make sure you try any of the specials. The Spanish ribs with rice and beans are killer and reasonably priced. I bought lunch for 5 people with two shakes and 3 coffees for less than $50, quality food for reasonable price no other place in the area can match. read more

Ray's Luncheonette - Killer Spanish ribs with rice and beans. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Montclair, New Jersey

The food is absolutely delicious. It's the perfect family owned gem that has a mellow atmosphere with spectacular food. The staff are all super nice and the service is perfect. The place is small enough you can get anyone's attention quickly. read more

SO GOOD. Came here after the brunch place down the block was packed and we were not in the mood to wait. Ray's is a no frills, small diner, but the food is delicious! If you go- get the breakfast tacos with bacon. Best breakfast dish I've ever had! (Didn't take a picture because we ate them too fast). We also ordered a breakfast quesadilla that took MAYBE 5 more minutes to come out- so as an apology they gave us a free stack of pancakes (with Nutella I think?) and they were so good I finished them and had to take the breakfast quesadilla home! The coffee is also really good. Service is amazing- you feel like a local as soon as you walk in. My husband and I loved it so much we already planned our next trip back! ...and all at an unbelievable price! read more

Ray's Luncheonette - a 90% eaten breakfast taco, and the best pancakes EVER. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Montclair, New Jersey

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The best cafe con leche around. Generous and delicious meals. It's where I take my kids after shots or bloodwork as a pick-me-up. It always works! read more

Ray's Luncheonette, what can I say? Service is usually pretty good, the food is never a problem. I can't say this is a 4 star place because I truthfully don't LOVE this spot. I only like it, mainly because Ray's feels like a small diner. I can find what they offer and more at other places in Montclair/the area. However, Ray's Luncheonette prices may be easier on your wallet! read more

Love Ray's Luncheonette. It's a small spot, but has a solid menu with interesting items. I stopped for breakfast and ordered the Arepa special, with eggs, choice of meat, fried cheese and avocado. It was delicious, and not an item you can get everywhere else. People working there are genuine and friendly. Prices are reasonable. Go to Ray's, you won't be disappointed. read more

Ray's Luncheonette - Arepa with eggs, fried cheese and avocado - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Montclair, New Jersey

Not Gonna Lie..i didnt think it will be good.. but when i had their hash potatoes it was over lol.. Been twice in a week so far.. Simple Breakfast/Lunch Spot nothing out of the ordinary.. And the prices are good for the pockets.. Definitely a in the cut gem.. Will be back #MarKnowz read more

So delicious! Friendly service by everyone we encountered and a pretty vast/diverse menu. Tres leches french toast was so fresh and the berries were perfectly ripe, just not very hot. Mexicombo got great reviews too! Generous portions! Lots of happy regulars going in and out. Fair price compared to many Montclair cafes. read more

Ray's Luncheonette - Tres leches french toast (breakfast special) - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Montclair, New Jersey

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Favorite place for breakfast in Montclair. Not a big place, but has character, friendly service, and delicious reasonably priced food. Their corn beef hash and spinach and feta empanadas are insanely good read more

People around town have been talking about how amazing Rays is for years, We're not big into going out to breakfast BUT SO GLAD WE DID. Since another restaurant arrived a few blocks away a few years ago a lot of traffic has left from Ray's so less of a wait but no less of a amazing experience. The staff is attentive and extremely pleasant, the eggs tasted like they were straight off of the farm the bread freshly baked & blueberry pancakes sublime I would not hesitate to return. Well done and highLy recommend. read more

Old school and delicious! It's becoming harder and harder to fine simple classic food in Montclair with no foo foo. Home cooking at its best! read more

Great spot good food great service they treat you the way there supposed to here very happy going here

My co-workers and I order breakfast from here from time to time. My orders aren't always accurate...ex: when I ask for beef sausage I receive a pork sausage....but the sandwiches are good. It def serves its purpose. My co-worker has ordered and not gotten everything that came with his platter- his toast- but also said the food hit the spot. The food is good. The accuracy of the order is off sometimes. Since I've been patronizing the business it's never been crowded during the morning hours on a week day. So you don't have to worry about huge crowds or long wait times which is great. The customer service is ok. I think it could be better if the girls were friendly and smiled every once in a while. read more

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I've been coming here for breakfast and is allways the perfect choice. Friendly service and delicious arepas and tostones. Highly recommend it. read more

Stopped in today and ordered a Dylan Wrap (grilled chicken, Lettuce, Tomatoes, Pepperjack Cheese, and Jalapeño sauce). The service and wrap were fantastic. Will definitely be back. read more

Great hole in the wall spot in the heart of Montclair.. great service and even better food.. Gotta try the gravy fries. Im not a big fry eater but they arw amazing.. Also very cheap for what you get.. From breakfast to meatloaf you wont be disappointed.. read more

One of the great luncheonettes anywhere. Good service, great coffee. A short order cook who knows how to serve up eggs any style. A varied menu. Nice community of clientele. This place is a real asset to Montclair and I'm thankful for it. read more

I haven't written a review in awhile but really need to give credit where credit is due. I really love Ray's and their food and their service is just terrific. I can go into the individual things I have eaten there (today I had an egg wrap with avocado and cheese and it was SO GOOD) but having lived here for ten years, I have eaten there many times. Almost every time someone comes to Montclair for breakfast they ask I like "Raymonds" which - I won't say anything negative about - but if you want consistently good food, great prices and really personalized "hometown" service, this Ray's is the spot. So much is being built up on Walnut but Ray's is always reliable and has some really great things on the menu over and above eggs if you want more. I hope they continue to do well as things open up more. Love stopping in for breakfast, lunch or even just to grab a (well priced!) coffee. read more

The first line says it all: "Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated." These were the wise words of Confucius ― an illustrious Chinese philosopher whose words still dictate truth today. Preaching the importance of morality and simplicity, every human being could use his words as guidance within the many corners of life we occupy. But look who's talking: me, the same person who looks for ways to get his stomach in trouble when tussling with a foreign eatery menu. I understand that trying new things gives life a new branch to breed leaves, but sometimes what you already know is all you need. Directness leaves no room for a conundrum in your tummy because you are already used to what you know. If this is the path you want to take on a lovely afternoon brunch run then ladies and gentlemen, I present to you, Ray's Luncheonette, located on 99 Walnut Street, Montclair, N.J. Ray's menu reads out like the American handbook for starting a restaurant: plain and simple. That's not to say plain is boring ― it's just easier to enjoy. You know what you're getting up front. There is no gibberish presentation to the food that will scare you off like Heart Attack Grill in Las Vegas, Nevada (if you survive Heart Attack Grill, please email me immediately). I can say, "I would like to have the chicken fajita with rice, beans and vegetables" with confidence. What's even better is the price: eight dollars and fifty cents. Not included in that price is the "natural flavors"- filled Kiwi Strawberry Snapple I disappointingly ordered before I made up my mind to go the chicken fajita route. Now, I could give you some bombastic description as to how the beans changed my life and how the combination of sautéed cucumbers, broccoli and carrots replenished my soul, but then it wouldn't be plain and simple, would it? Again, there is nothing wrong with being typical when it comes to taste, as this meal was for me, but sometimes that is really all you need at 1 p.m. on a Wednesday in Montclair. read more

This is a great place for a hearty and inexpensive breakfast. Though some may consider the layout and decor to be kitsch, I think this place is worthy of Donald Draper dalliance. Delicious eggs and yummy French toast should also be mentioned. read more

I came in and ordered a cheeseburger and onion rings based on the strength of these yelp reviews. It was really not good. The burger meat had some fat in it and the onion rings were the really cheap frozen variety that barely have any onion in them. The whole meal lacked flavor but the wait staff was nice. 10 minimum to use a card. read more

This little place has really good food at affordable prices. The menu is standard diner menu and the space is warm and unpretentious. Everything I had there was very good and service is always excellent. read more

I had to accompany someone to a doctor's appointment in the area and we decided to visit a classic Jersey diner as long as we were in the state. Ray's is located on a cute tree lined street surrounded by other small businesses (the Pie Store is also a 4 minute drive away). It's a tiny place with a big heart, everyone who walked in seemed to know the staff. We ordered two burgers with bacon, pepperjack, jalapeno sauce, and caramelized onions with fries and onion rings. The burgers were amazing. You can't get diner food like this in NY. Perfectly moist meat, top notch toppings, crispy but not burnt bacon. We pretty much licked our plates. The best part of our meal had to be the service though. Our waitress was super sweet and friendly! And in a really genuine way. Her uncle cooks in the back (I love that it's a family business). She made us feel right at home :) read more

Everything on this menu is just fantastic. We had the tres leches French toast, coffee and a few egg dishes. Amazing!

Best grits I've ever had! I've only had 3 things at Rays: grits (w/American cheese & butter), garden omelet and half&half to drink. Now I'm not calling myself a grit connoisseur or anything, but these are the best ones I've ever had. The first time I was there I ordered them with American cheese and butter and that's how I've gotten them ever since. I usually order them with the garden omelet, which can easily feed 2 people, and is tasty as well. I CAN call myself an Arny Palmy connoisseur and this half&half (lemonade&iced tea) suites me just fine! To be honest I don't mind the decor, everything doesn't always have to be fancy. I actually like "dives" and Rays is the ish. read more

Ray's is a classic luncheonette with decent food served fast and hot. Though not under the original ownership of Ray since shortly after his passing, the new owners nevertheless stay true to the menu, style and customer expectations, and have as well put their own stamp on Ray's with a welcome touch of latin flare. If you're looking for classic breakfast and lunch fare with no fussiness or over-complication, served by friendly staff in a cozy neighbourhood atmosphere, Ray's is THE place. read more

The absolute best. Small casual cafe with a really tasty breakfast. We sat at the counter and had such a nice time. The service was great and the servers were all super friendly. Tons of regulars in when we were there on a Saturday morning so you know it's a good spot. We can't wait to go back for lunch! read more

I don't know why anyone bothers going anywhere else for breakfast in Montclair. Seriously. These folks totally know what they're doing. The low prices are just icing on the cake. read more

In an area fraught with overpriced dining options, Ray's stands out for its throwback atmosphere, rollback prices, and an underrated charm. Will be going back. read more

Don't know what the hype is all about. Food is ok. Service is fine. Wait for food is so looonnnggggg.... It's a bit on the pricey side for a hamburger but think they use better ground meat-? I'll go if friends really want to meet here but not some place I'll initiate-it's basically your typical diner but upscale to accommodate the Montclairites I guess ...for the quality n wait, not sure about anyone else but I'm better off going to the local diner...upper Montclair diner is pretty good read more

This place has the best burgers and gravy fries. It's small but the food comes out hot and quick Ask for the California burger with cheese and you'll have one of the best burgers in Montclair. They close early but if you can get in during the day you're golden. Also large selection of drinks including bottled cream soda. Great local spot, mostly regulars read more

Having lived in Montclair for a few months I thought I had tried all the breakfast spots in town. Never judge a book by the cover . The owner is a nice young woman and the omelette and grits and latte we excellent . And it's much more cost effective then most places in Montclair . read more

I gave it a one star because as you can see there is a long hair in the food and when we first walked in it was akward because the red headed girl didn't greet us and then after 5 minutes of just sitting she says oh you have to order in the back. It was my first time here and my last. The other people were more friendly. The steak taco was good. As for the ground beef it was hairy.... read more

Ray's Luncheonette - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Montclair, New Jersey

The best breakfast I've had in a long time. Working for the railroad takes me to many different places in NJ. The great food and excellent service with a smile will keep me going back for more. You know your in the right place when the Manager and Waitresses remember your name. I will tell all my friends and family to stop in. And remember to always Tip for Excellent Service Hakiem aka TANK read more

This place is straight fire. Best breakfast place in town. Baller customer service with a smile. Try the juevos rancheros. Check out their sweet website. Ang is on it three times read more

I've tried Huevos Rancheros all around town now but these were the absolute BEST. I devoured the whole thing because it was so good that I couldn't stop eating them. The service is always so friendly and the prices are great considering how much food you get. Will definitely be coming back often! read more