Ray's Bakery

- 45 Railroad Ave, Valley Stream, NY 11580

For discerning food lovers across Long Island, especially those who appreciate true wholesale-level quality in their daily bread, Ray's Bakery in Valley Stream stands as a cherished local secret. This is not your typical corner storefront bakery; Ray's operates primarily as a wholesaler, providing freshly baked goods to various resellers, but fortunately for the local New York public, they open their doors for direct retail sales as well. The experience of walking into Ray's is defined by the incredible, unmistakable "aroma of freshly baked bread," a testament to their dedication to baking at scale for quality and freshness.

Located discreetly at 45 Railroad Ave, Ray's Bakery has built a formidable reputation based entirely on the superiority of its products, proving that substance far outweighs elaborate storefront presentation. Customers who find this gem quickly become loyal, stating they "will not buy bread anywhere but here" for their everyday needs, excluding sliced bread. This loyalty is also deeply rooted in the genuinely excellent customer service provided by the women at the front counter, who are "always helpful and very nice," embodying a community spirit that makes every visit a pleasant one. In fact, one memorable customer experience involved the owner trusting a customer to take their order and pay on their next visit when they realized they were short on cash—a sweet gesture that speaks volumes about the business's integrity and connection to its patrons. Ray's Bakery is the essential stop for anyone in the Valley Stream area who believes that the foundation of a great meal begins with exceptional bread.

Ray's Bakery is conveniently situated in Valley Stream, New York, a vital community on Long Island. The exact address is 45 Railroad Ave, Valley Stream, NY 11580, USA. While the appearance may suggest a wholesaler rather than a conventional retail shop—as noted by customers—its location on Railroad Avenue makes it a practical destination for local New Yorkers running errands or taking a walk.

The bakery operates early hours to ensure the freshest baked goods are available throughout the day. The hours cater to early risers and those needing to pick up rolls and bread for the day's events.

The current operating hours are generally:

• Monday: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Tuesday: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Wednesday: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Thursday: 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM or 6:00 PM (Hours may vary, best to confirm close time)
• Friday: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Saturday: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Sunday: 6:00 AM – 4:00 PM

The weekend hours, particularly the early opening time, are ideal for New Yorkers planning brunches, parties, or just stocking up on fresh bread for the week ahead. Customers should be aware that the bakery's identity is centered on wholesale, meaning the "store front" presentation is minimal, but the focus on the product is paramount.

Ray's Bakery’s services are optimized for both their core wholesale operations and their dedicated public clientele, prioritizing quality and convenience for bulk and daily purchases.

• Direct-to-Public Retail Sales: Although primarily a wholesaler, the bakery welcomes the public to purchase their freshly baked goods on-site.
• Freshly Baked Bread: A wide variety of bread and rolls are offered, with their Italian bread being a popular staple.
• Specialty Baked Goods: Known for specific items like Hand Rolled Bagels (Plain, Poppy Seed, Sesame, Onion, Everything, Bialy, Cinnamon Raisin) and excellent Pretzel Rolls.
• Pre-Ordering for Occasions: Customers can call ahead to place large or custom orders for all occasions, covering everything "from dinner rolls to bread bowls," ensuring items are set aside.
• Roma Rays Pretzels and Platters: They offer Roma Rays Pretzels, which can be purchased individually or as part of a Pretzel Platter, with choices of dipping sauces like Chocolate, Cheese, and Honey Mustard.
• Takeout Service: All transactions are for carry-out, reflecting their focus on fresh baked goods for at-home consumption or events.
• Cash-Only Transactions: It is crucial for customers to note that the venue only accepts cash payments for purchases made on-site, a standard practice for many long-standing, value-focused businesses in New York.

The defining features of Ray's Bakery are what transform it from a simple wholesaler into a truly essential stop for fresh baked goods in the Valley Stream area. These highlights underscore the quality and community connection that keep local New Yorkers coming back.

• Wholesale Quality for the Public: The primary distinction is that customers get access to the freshest bread and rolls that typically go to high-end resellers, ensuring a superior product quality not commonly found in standard retail bakeries.
• Exceptional Freshness and Aroma: The unmistakable "aroma of freshly baked bread" upon entering is a major draw, confirming the goods are made on-site and are incredibly fresh.
• Stellar Customer Service and Trust: The staff are consistently praised as "very nice" and "helpful." The anecdote of the owner allowing a customer to take their bagels and pay later highlights an amazing level of trust and genuine, old-school customer service that is rare in New York today.
• Renowned for Core Products: The bakery is specifically known for its high-quality "Italian bread" and "excellent pretzel rolls," making it the go-to source for these staples.
• Affordable Hand Rolled Bagels: The availability of hand-rolled bagels in classic flavors at a highly competitive price point makes it an ideal spot for a quick, quality breakfast or lunch component.
• Community Institution: The loyalty of its customer base—with many refusing to buy bread elsewhere—shows its deep-seated status as a trusted, reliable community provider in Valley Stream.
• Simple, Product-Focused Model: The lack of a fancy storefront is actually seen by knowledgeable customers as a sign of respect for resellers and an indicator that the business is hyper-focused on the quality of the bake itself.

To place a large order, confirm current hours, or inquire about product availability, you can contact Ray's Bakery using the information below:

• Address: 45 Railroad Ave, Valley Stream, NY 11580, USA
• Phone: (516) 825-9170

For Long Island residents, choosing Ray's Bakery is about prioritizing unparalleled freshness and authentic quality over superficial retail appearance. What is truly worth choosing here is the opportunity to purchase wholesale-grade bread and rolls directly from the source. In a competitive region like New York, finding a bakery where the bread is so good that customers state they "will not buy bread anywhere but here" speaks volumes about the superior flavor and texture achieved at Ray's.

The bakery’s unique business model, where they sell to the public while maintaining a wholesaler focus, guarantees that the production volume keeps everything moving and intensely fresh. The early morning hours, starting at 6:00 AM, are perfect for busy commuters or anyone planning a meal later in the day, ensuring they secure their favorite items before the daily supply is distributed. Whether you are planning a large family dinner requiring specialized bread bowls or simply want a dozen of their famed, affordably priced, hand-rolled bagels, the pre-ordering service makes any large purchase hassle-free.

Crucially, the cash-only policy is a small, easy-to-manage caveat for access to goods that offer tremendous value. This policy often contributes to the maintenance of their fantastic prices, passing savings directly to the consumer. Ultimately, Ray’s Bakery is worth choosing for the unmatched quality of its Italian bread and pretzel rolls, the convenience of bulk pre-ordering, and the warm, trusting customer service that feels like a welcome step back to a more community-focused time. It is a true Long Island bakery experience that prioritizes the baked good above all else.

Ray's Bakery

45 Railroad Ave, Valley Stream, NY 11580, USA