Ray's Candy Store

I finally got to go after having this location saved in my Google maps for a few years! I enjoy making my own fried Oreos so I decided to their special of half fried Oreos & half fried beignets. They were so gooodd! Funny thing is I asked for zeppoles and i basically got a mini version of them 😆 I went on a Sat. night and luckily there was no line! I loved the decor and I liked how there was so much to look at and luckily it wasn’t hard for me to choose from because I already had my heart set on fried goodies! Can’t wait to come back and order more 😆

My wife was hesitant when I told her I wanted to try an egg cream. I told her there were no eggs and no cream. We heard Rays was the place to go for an egg cream so we thought we give it a try. And we got to meet Ray! This place is amazing. So much going on. The egg cream was interesting but delicious. Great place to visit!

Saw the story of the owner Ray and I just had to visit. Drove from Staten Island with my son just to meet this beautiful human being not forgetting very hardworking. As we stepped inside he walked in behind us and with a big smile he said hello. I said hello Mr Ray can I have a pic with u and he smiled and said sure. We chat a bit, I told him I was from Trinidad and Tobago and he knew where it was close to. I must say for his age (92) he's moves around very strong and energetic. I wanted to just stand and chat with him. His store is very nostalgic, we had egg cream which was delicious. Told me his b'day was on Jan 1st and that he takes his rest in between during the day. Such a beautiful soul. The lovely lady behind the counter was such a doll. I pray God bless him with many more years. I truly and highly recommend this place.

Ray’s Candy Store isn’t just a food stop — it’s a New York institution with powdered sugar on its knuckles. 🍩🔥 Located at 113 Avenue A, Ray’s is where you go when your cravings overpower your common sense. Fried Oreos, beignets buried in sugar, fries, milkshakes, egg creams, chili cheese hot dogs… basically everything your doctor warned you about but your soul desperately needs. All served from a perfectly ramshackle counter that feels like NYC before it got polished and overpriced. People don’t just love Ray’s — they love Ray. Born in 1933, former Iranian Navy, lifelong grinder, and the definition of a real New Yorker. Through the gritty 70s, the Tompkins Square Riots, 9/11, the pandemic — Ray kept the lights on. When times got rough, the neighborhood raised nearly $50K to make sure he could keep doing what he’s always done: take care of people. No matter the hour, you’ll find NYU kids, neighborhood legends with face tattoos, punk rock lifers, and confused but happy tourists from Germany and Japan all packed in together. Ray talks to everyone. Gives directions. Takes photos. Tells stories. The man’s in his 90s and still outworks most people half his age. Ray’s is for bad days, broken hearts, late nights, brutal hangovers, or loving someone who doesn’t love you back. You walk in hungry — you walk out better. I went classic: chili cheese hot dog (elite), fried Oreos (dangerously good), and finished it off with his famous egg cream — no eggs, no cream, just chocolate syrup, milk, club soda, and NYC magic. Everybody should have a Ray’s memory. Go in. Talk to Ray. Eat whatever feels right. And appreciate one of the most beloved humans this city has ever had. 🗽💪

VERY cute old man. The Oreo milkshake very good, the Nutella had an odd also banana flavor. I’d want to try the fried Oreos!