Ray’s

- 177 Chrystie St, New York, NY 10002

In the heart of New York City’s bustling Lower East Side, where new bars and clubs pop up almost daily, finding a spot that feels like home is a rare and cherished discovery. Ray’s, located on Chrystie Street, is just that—a unique bar that artfully blends the trendy, metropolitan vibe of NYC with the warm, familiar feeling of a hometown watering hole. While the neighborhood is known for its high-energy nightlife, Ray’s offers a cozy and casual retreat where the focus is on great drinks, good company, and a genuinely welcoming atmosphere. It’s the kind of place where you can walk in alone and leave feeling like a regular, thanks to the friendly and attentive staff who make every guest feel at home. This is not just a place to grab a drink; it's a destination for those who want to escape the city's relentless pace and find a spot to relax, converse, and enjoy a quality evening. The bar’s reputation for having a "dive-themed spot" is a testament to its unpretentious and laid-back character, attracting a diverse crowd from locals to tourists and even a few celebrity regulars.

Ray's has cultivated a reputation for being one of the best bars on the Lower East Side, a claim supported by its stellar service and high-quality offerings. The staff, known for being welcoming and personable, are a major draw. Customer reviews often highlight the exceptional service, with bartenders like Haley and Peter being singled out for their ability to remember regulars and make everyone feel special, even when the bar is "pretty packed on the weekend nights." Beyond the excellent service, the bar excels at providing a curated experience. The menu features a great beer selection, a variety of well-prepared cocktails with clever names like "MARGA-RAY-TA" and "RAY LIOTTA," and a solid food menu that includes comfort classics like a "Ray's Burger," "Fried Chicken Sandwich," and "Hot Wings." This combination of a friendly atmosphere, top-notch service, and quality food and drinks ensures that every visit to Ray's is a memorable one.

Ray’s is conveniently located at 177 Chrystie Street, in a prime spot within the Lower East Side. This central address makes it easily accessible for anyone in the New York area. The closest subway stations are Bowery (J, Z trains) and Grand St (B, D trains), both just a short walk away. The Delancey Street – Essex Street station (F, M, J, Z lines) is also within a comfortable walking distance, providing multiple options for public transit. This accessibility is a major plus, allowing patrons from all over the city to easily reach the bar. For those who prefer to drive, the rare but valuable amenity of free street parking is available, making it a more convenient option than many other city bars. The location also means you’re just steps away from other Lower East Side attractions, so you can easily make Ray’s a stop on a larger night out, whether you’re heading to a nearby music venue or exploring the neighborhood's bustling streets.

The bar's location on Chrystie Street gives it a vibrant backdrop, reflecting the energetic and artistic spirit of the Lower East Side. It’s a place that feels connected to its surroundings, drawing a diverse crowd and serving as a true hub for social activity. The availability of outdoor seating adds to its charm, providing an excellent option for enjoying a drink on a pleasant evening while soaking in the neighborhood's unique atmosphere. The combination of a prime location, easy access, and a variety of dining and seating options makes Ray’s a top choice for a night out in one of NYC's most dynamic neighborhoods.

Ray’s offers a wide array of services and features that cater to a diverse clientele.

• Service Options: In addition to a classic dine-in experience with table service, Ray's also provides outdoor seating, perfect for enjoying a drink on a nice day.
• Offerings: The bar’s menu is comprehensive, featuring a great selection of alcohol, beer, cocktails, and wine. They also offer a full food menu with "food at bar," as well as happy hour drinks and food specials.
• Dining Options: You can enjoy a seated meal or a quick drink at the bar, with table service available to make your experience seamless.

The bar is renowned for several highlights and unique features that set it apart from other establishments in the city.

• Highlights: Ray’s is a destination for fun, with popular bar games, sports screenings, and a dedicated trivia night. The "fast service" is a major plus, ensuring you get your drink quickly even when it's busy. The bar is known for its "great beer selection" and "great cocktails," offering something for every taste. Happy hour specials on both drinks and food are also a huge draw.
• Atmosphere: The bar's atmosphere is a perfect blend of casual, cozy, and trendy. It has a welcoming, dive-bar theme that makes you feel at home, while also being a popular spot for a fashionable crowd.
• Crowd and Planning: Ray's is a popular spot for groups and is explicitly LGBTQ+ friendly and a transgender safe space, making it a truly inclusive environment. The bar also accepts reservations, which is a great option for planning a night out with a group.
• Payments and Pets: The bar makes transactions easy by accepting credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments. It’s also a pet-friendly establishment, with "dogs allowed" to join their owners in the outdoor seating area.

For those looking to visit or get in touch with Ray’s, here is the essential contact information.

Address: 177 Chrystie St, New York, NY 10002, USA

Phone: The provided information does not include a phone number, but a text line for party inquiries is available at 617-340-8791, according to a public source.

The address is easy to find on Chrystie Street, placing it in a well-known area of the Lower East Side. While a standard phone number is not listed, the online presence and text line provide a way to get in touch for specific events and reservations.

What makes Ray’s a must-visit bar in New York City is its unique combination of a friendly, hometown feel with the trendy, high-quality offerings expected from a top NYC establishment. The service is a major highlight, with a staff that goes above and beyond to make patrons feel welcome. As one reviewer noted, the bartenders are the "real draw of Ray’s." The bar’s ability to cater to a diverse audience—from those looking for a quiet drink to groups celebrating a special occasion—makes it incredibly versatile. The popularity for "bar games," "sports," and "trivia night" ensures there is always something fun happening, providing entertainment beyond just drinks. The food menu, featuring well-prepared comfort classics, makes it a great spot for a full meal or a late-night bite. The fact that it's an LGBTQ+ friendly and transgender safe space also makes it a truly inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone. Ray’s has successfully created a niche for itself as a low-key, high-quality bar that feels both authentic and special, a true "dive-themed spot" in the heart of the city that's worth seeking out on any night of the week. Its ability to maintain a cozy and personal feel while being a celebrity hotspot and a popular local destination is a testament to its unique and well-executed concept.

Ray’s

177 Chrystie St, New York, NY 10002, USA