Ray's Candy Store - A Sweet Spot In NYC

It's almost like a little piece of history, this particular shop, having first opened its doors way back in 1974. For decades now, it has been serving up all sorts of tasty things to people from all walks of life. The owner, a man named Ray Alvarez, has been the heart and soul of the operation, making sure that every visitor gets a taste of something special and, in a way, feels right at home, quite a feat for a city shop.

So, whether you are looking for a quick bite or just a little something sweet, this spot, located at 113 Avenue A, New York, NY 10009, has pretty much become a go-to for so many. It has gathered quite a following over the years, with many people sharing their good experiences and, well, just loving what Ray’s Candy Store offers, which is quite a lot.

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Table of Contents

• The Person Behind the Sweets - Who is Ray Alvarez?
• What Makes Ray's Candy Store an East Village Gem?
• A Legacy of Flavor - What Treats Does Ray's Candy Store Offer?
• Ray's Candy Store - A Community Favorite
• How Long Has Ray's Candy Store Been Around?
• Beyond the Counter - What's the Buzz Around Ray's Candy Store?
• The Enduring Appeal of Ray's Candy Store
• Connecting with Ray's Candy Store
• A Half-Century of Sweet Success

The Person Behind the Sweets - Who is Ray Alvarez?

The story of Ray's Candy Store is, in many respects, deeply connected to the man himself, Ray Alvarez. He is not just the owner; he is the person who operates the place, giving it its unique feel and character. Born in Iran in 1933, Ray came to the United States with his father when he was still quite young. This journey, you know, set the stage for his future endeavors in the food business.

His start in the food world was, apparently, rather humble. He began his working life as a dishwasher, a job that requires a lot of hard work and dedication. Through this work, he managed to save up enough money, bit by bit, to eventually purchase the spot that would become Ray's Candy Store. This act of saving and then buying his own business shows a good deal of determination and, well, a clear vision for what he wanted to achieve.

Ray Alvarez has, in a way, become a local icon, especially within the East Village. At 84 years old, he was still running the place, and he was set to turn 90 years old in January, which is quite a milestone for anyone, let alone someone still actively running a shop. He has been behind the counter for a very long time, gathering, you know, some really interesting stories over the decades. One of those stories includes a particular time that, apparently, was quite memorable for him, though the details are not fully shared here.

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Ray Alvarez - Quick Facts

What Makes Ray's Candy Store an East Village Gem?

Ray's Candy Store is, in some respects, more than just a place to grab a bite; it's a real part of the East Village neighborhood. Located at 113 Avenue A, it has been a constant presence there, a spot that people know and rely on. It has been called an East Village institution since 1974, which, you know, means it holds a special place in the hearts of those who live and visit the area.

The shop has, over the years, attracted a lot of well-known people, or celebrities, as they are often called. They come for the delicious desserts, yes, but also for the shop's rich history and, very importantly, for the beloved owner, Ray Alvarez, who is still often there, behind the counter. This combination of good food, a long story, and a welcoming face makes it, apparently, a truly unique spot in Lower Manhattan.

It's the kind of place that feels lived-in and, well, full of character, which is something people really appreciate in a city that is always changing. The fact that it has been open 24 hours a day for so long also adds to its appeal, making it a dependable spot for early birds, night owls, and anyone in between. It is, in a way, a place that caters to the rhythm of city life, always there when you need it, offering a sense of comfort and, you know, a bit of joy.

A Legacy of Flavor - What Treats Does Ray's Candy Store Offer?

When you step inside, you might be wondering what delicious things await, and, well, Ray's Candy Store has quite a spread. They are known for serving up what many consider to be the finest Belgian fries in New York City, a true treat for anyone who enjoys a good, crispy potato snack. These aren't just any fries; they are, in some respects, a signature item that keeps people coming back for more, often paired with other delightful offerings.

Beyond the savory, there is a whole world of sweet temptations available. You can, for instance, get a creamy shake, perhaps a classic flavor or something a little different. Then there's the ice cream, a perfect cool down on a warm day or, really, any time you feel like a sweet indulgence. And for those who enjoy a bit of nostalgia, the egg creams are a popular choice, a true taste of old New York that many people cherish, a classic that, you know, brings back good memories.

They also offer things like hot dogs, which are, you know, a classic American street food, and frozen yogurt, for a lighter, yet still satisfying, sweet option. The menu also includes soft serve, which is a popular choice, and deep-fried Oreos, which are, apparently, a truly special and somewhat indulgent treat. It's almost as if they have thought of every craving, making sure there is something for everyone, whether you are in the mood for something warm and hearty or something chilled and sweet. The selection is, in a way, quite broad, covering many different tastes and preferences, ensuring that visitors to Ray's Candy Store always find something that hits the spot, pretty much every time.

Ray's Candy Store - A Community Favorite

Ray's Candy Store has, over the years, built up a significant following, showing just how much people appreciate what it offers. On social media platforms, like Facebook, for example, the page for "Rays Candystore" has gathered a considerable number of likes, with 19,563 people showing their approval. There are also 182 people who are actively talking about the store online, which, you know, indicates a good level of ongoing interest and discussion.

Beyond the online world, a good number of people, specifically 2,565, have actually checked in or indicated they were physically present at the store. This suggests that it's a place many people visit and want to share their presence at, which is, in some respects, a sign of its popularity and status as a local hangout. It’s clear that people feel a connection to Ray’s Candy Store and want to show their support, which is, well, pretty nice to see.

The store's reputation is also reflected in various online reviews. On Restaurant Guru, for instance, Ray's Candy Store in New York City has a rating of 4.5 out of 5, which is a very good score. This rating is based on a large number of reviews, with 2,366 visitors sharing their thoughts. Additionally, there are 399 photos and 8 videos available, allowing potential visitors to get a good visual sense of the place and its offerings before they even arrive, which, you know, is quite helpful.

On TripAdvisor, Ray's Candy Store also receives high marks, with 28 unbiased reviews giving it a rating of 4.9 out of 5. This rating places it quite high among restaurants in New York City, ranking it as #1,596 out of 8,623. These numbers, you see, really do paint a picture of a place that is consistently well-regarded by its customers, showing that, in a way, it delivers on its promise of good food and a pleasant experience.

How Long Has Ray's Candy Store Been Around?

This place has, you know, been around for quite a while, earning its spot as an East Village institution. Since 1974, it has been a consistent presence in the neighborhood, seeing so many changes happen around it while staying true to its own way of doing things. It's almost like a familiar face in a constantly shifting urban setting, providing a sense of continuity for folks who live nearby or who just happen to be passing through, which is, in some respects, quite a comfort.

The idea of an "institution" means that it's more than just a shop; it's a place that has, in some respects, become a part of the very fabric of the community. People have grown up with it, shared memories there, and, well, it holds a special spot in the hearts of many who have experienced its offerings over the years. It truly represents a long-standing tradition, something that has been there for generations, offering comfort and good cheer to everyone who walks through its doors, pretty much day in and day out.

Ray's Candy Store is, in fact, celebrating a significant milestone: 50 years in business. This half-century mark is a big deal for any small shop, showing its ability to adapt and continue to serve its customers for a very long time. It’s a celebration of five decades of serving up some of the best fries, shakes, soft serve, egg creams, and deep-fried Oreos, among other items. The fact that it has been around this long speaks volumes about its quality and its connection to the people it serves, you know, making it a true landmark.

Beyond the Counter - What's the Buzz Around Ray's Candy Store?

The popularity of Ray's Candy Store extends beyond just its immediate neighborhood. People often look up the menu online, perhaps before they visit or when they are thinking about ordering something. You can view the menu for Ray's Candy Store in New York, NY, and even place an order online for delivery, which, you know, makes it very convenient for those who can't make it to the shop in person.

There's also a good deal of visual content available for those who want to see what the fuss is about. You can see photos, videos, and reviews of their delicious milkshakes, deep-fried Oreos, ice creams, and more. This kind of visual information helps people get a better feel for the place and its offerings, making it easier to decide what to try when they visit, or, really, what to order from home.

The store even has a connection to the world of photography. A photography book about the candy store, created by Whitney Browne, can be ordered. This suggests that Ray's Candy Store has, in some respects, captured the imagination of artists and observers, becoming a subject worthy of a dedicated visual record. It’s a testament to its unique character and the stories it holds within its walls, showing that it's more than just a place to eat; it's a place that inspires, pretty much, a feeling of warmth and nostalgia.

The shop also, apparently, offers "soft serve support" all year round. While the exact meaning of "soft serve support" isn't fully detailed, it suggests a consistent and comforting presence, perhaps referring to the availability of its popular soft-serve ice cream or a general sense of continuous, friendly service that is always there for its customers. This commitment to being there for people, you know, truly sets it apart.

The Enduring Appeal of Ray's Candy Store

The enduring appeal of Ray's Candy Store seems to come from a few different things. One major aspect is its round-the-clock availability. Being open 24 hours a day means it's always there, whether you need a late-night snack, an early morning treat, or just a quick bite in the middle of the day. This constant presence makes it a reliable spot in a city that never really sleeps, a place you can count on, which is, in some respects, quite a comfort.

Another part of its charm is its history. Having been in business since 1974, Ray's Candy Store has seen generations of New Yorkers come through its doors. It has, you know, become a part of the fabric of the East Village, a place with stories and memories attached to it. This long history gives it a sense of authenticity and a feeling that it belongs right where it is, which, you know, is something people truly value.

And, of course, the food itself plays a big role. The fact that it serves up what are considered "NYC's best fries, shakes, and more" means that the quality of its offerings is consistently high. People come back for the delicious Belgian fries, the creamy shakes, the classic egg creams, and the fun deep-fried Oreos. This combination of quality food, a rich history, and constant availability makes Ray's Candy Store a spot that people keep coming back to, pretty much, year after year.

Connecting with Ray's Candy Store

For those who want to stay connected or learn more about Ray's Candy Store, there are several ways to do so. The most direct way, of course, is to visit the store itself at 113 Avenue A in New York, NY 10009. Experiencing the atmosphere and the treats firsthand is, you know, the best way to understand its appeal.

For those who can't visit in person, the online presence offers a good alternative. Checking out the menu online, seeing photos and videos, and reading reviews from other visitors can give you a good sense of what to expect. The positive ratings on sites like Restaurant Guru and TripAdvisor, you know, speak volumes about the customer experience.

Additionally, connecting through social media, like joining the "Rays Candystore" page on Facebook, allows people to stay updated and engage with others who appreciate the store. This online community, in some respects, extends the feeling of warmth and connection that the physical store provides, allowing fans to share their love for the place, which is, well, pretty cool.

A Half-Century of Sweet Success

Ray's Candy Store has, you know, reached a remarkable milestone: 50 years of being in business. This is a significant achievement for any establishment, especially in a city like New York, where things are always changing. It means that for five decades, Ray Alvarez and his store have been a steady source of comfort and good food for the East Village community