Ray's Café & Restaurant

- 205 City Island Ave, Bronx, NY 10464

Welcome to City Island, a unique seaside enclave right here in the Bronx, where you can find a true local gem: Ray's Café & Restaurant. Tucked away on City Island Avenue, this establishment stands out not just for its friendly, cozy atmosphere, but for its wonderfully diverse menu. Far from a typical diner, Ray’s Café & Restaurant masterfully blends all-day American breakfast staples with authentic Puerto Rican and Mexican culinary traditions, creating a dynamic and satisfying dining experience for every New Yorker. Whether you're a local resident or visiting the island for a day, Ray's offers a comforting and flavorful stop for any meal.

The restaurant is a genuine community favorite, celebrated for its fresh food and warm service. Customers consistently praise the friendly staff and the quality of the dishes, noting that the food is always fresh and the environment is welcoming. It's the kind of small, neighborhood spot that captures the spirit of the Bronx, offering a relaxed setting for families, solo diners, and friends to gather throughout the day.

Ray's Café & Restaurant is conveniently situated at the heart of City Island, making it an easy destination for those exploring this charming part of the Bronx. The address, 205 City Island Ave, Bronx, NY 10464, USA, places it right on the main thoroughfare of the island. While City Island maintains a distinct, tranquil, small-town vibe, Ray's location ensures it is accessible to both local foot traffic and those driving in.

For patrons requiring specific access, the restaurant is committed to comfort and inclusivity. They offer a wheelchair accessible entrance, a wheelchair accessible restroom, and accessible seating, ensuring a welcoming environment for all New Yorkers. For those planning a visit and relying on GPS, the contact details below will prove useful for locating this highly-rated spot.

Ray's Café & Restaurant is a full-service dining spot that caters to your needs from morning till night, whether you prefer to dine in or enjoy your meal elsewhere.

• Dining Options: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Dessert are all served with table service. They proudly offer an All-Day Breakfast menu.
• Service Flexibility: You can choose from Dine-in, Takeout, or Delivery services.
• Planning: The restaurant accepts reservations, which can be useful for planning your visit, especially for larger groups or during peak times.
• Atmosphere: The venue is described as having a Casual and Cozy atmosphere.
• Amenities: Customers can benefit from a clean Restroom and Wi-Fi access.
• Family-Friendly: Ray’s is a great choice for families, offering a dedicated Kids' menu and High chairs for younger guests.
• Payment: Please note that the restaurant is Cash-only for payments.

The menu at Ray's Café & Restaurant is its most compelling feature, reflecting a unique fusion of comfort food, breakfast classics, and robust Latin flavors. It’s rare to find such a well-executed blend in one local spot.

• All-Day Breakfast & American Classics: The breakfast menu is extensive and available throughout the day. It includes favorites like the Two Eggs With Bacon, Sausages Or Ham, various omelettes (such as the Western Omelette and the healthy Low Carb High Protein Omelette), and a range of griddle items including Pancakes (Lumberjack Pancakes are a standout), Waffles (with various fruit and side options), and French Toast. You can also find classic sandwiches like the B.L.T. and a City Island Cheese Steak.
• Authentic Latin Cuisine: A major highlight is the authentic array of Puerto Rican and Mexican dishes. This includes staples like Mofongo (Mashed Green Plantains With Pork), Fried Pork Chops, and Chicharron De Pollo Con Hueso (Chicken Chunks With Bones). The Mexican offerings feature favorites like Huevos Rancheros, Huevos Con Chorizo, a selection of Quesadillas (Cheese, Chicken, Steak, Chorizo, or Shrimps), Fajitas (Pollo, Cerdo, Camarones, or Mixta), and various Burritos (including the specialty City Island Burrito and Fiesta Burrito).
• Unique Beverages and Dessert: The Batidas De Frutas (Fruit Shakes) are a signature offering, with the option for a Mix Fruit Shake—a perfect, refreshing pairing for the Latin dishes. For dessert, they offer home-made cookies and muffins, as noted by customers, along with Macaroni & Cheese on the kids' menu (a cheesy comfort food that some consider a dessert!).
• Sandwiches, Wraps, and Burgers: For lunch and dinner, the menu offers numerous Wraps (like the Tuscany Wrap, Malibu Wrap, and Grilled Chicken, Bacon & Avocado) and a variety of Burgers, including the Mexican Burger, Champion Burger, and Ray's Burger.
• Seafood and Comfort Dishes: The "Mariscos" section offers dishes like Fried Fillet Of Flounder, Shrimp In Garlic Sauce, and a Mix Fried Shrimps & Fillet of Fish, which pays homage to City Island's seaside reputation. Other comfort foods include Chicken Parmigiana and Shrimp Pasta.
• Excellent Coffee: The restaurant is highlighted for its Great coffee, a crucial component for any excellent breakfast spot.

To plan your visit, place an order for delivery or takeout, or inquire about reservations, here is the essential contact information for Ray's Café & Restaurant:

• Address: 205 City Island Ave, Bronx, NY 10464, USA
• Phone: (347) 346-9119
• Mobile Phone: +1 347-346-9119

For New Yorkers seeking a memorable meal at Ray's Café & Restaurant, the true value lies in embracing the intersection of cultures on the menu. While the classic American breakfast is solid and comforting—try the Lumberjack Pancakes or a custom Low Carb High Protein Omelette—the distinct Latin offerings are what truly set this local business apart.

A top recommendation is to dive into the savory Puerto Rican and Mexican fare. The Shrimp In Garlic Sauce (Camarones) or the hearty Fried Pork Chops with yellow rice and beans are authentic choices that come highly recommended by regulars. The Mexican menu is equally enticing, with the Huevos Divorciados offering a vibrant start to your day, and the custom City Island Burrito being a satisfying option for lunch or dinner.

Beyond the entrees, be sure to experience the house-made beverages. The Batidas De Frutas (Fruit Shakes) are the perfect, refreshing accompaniment to the richly seasoned dishes. Customers have specifically noted the mango shake as being superb.

In essence, what makes Ray's Café & Restaurant a must-visit in the Bronx is its ability to deliver authentic, fresh, and high-quality meals across multiple culinary genres, all served up with a friendly, local spirit. It’s the perfect place for a relaxed, no-frills meal where you know the ingredients are fresh and the hospitality is genuine. Stop by for a great cup of coffee and stay for the comfort food, Latin flair, and cozy vibe of this exceptional City Island spot.

Ray's Café & Restaurant

205 City Island Ave, Bronx, NY 10464, USA