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RAY'S CANDY STORE

Updated

Phone: (917) 340-7855

Address: 113 AVENUE A 10009

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TLDR

East Village institution w/ classic diner vibes. Famous for traditional milkshakes, egg creams, & soft serve ice cream.

Reddit Sentiment for RAY'S CANDY STORE(based on 26 Reddit opinions)

50% Positive42% Neutral4% Negative

Achievements and Accolades

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Tags

american 8diner 8ice cream 6egg cream 9milkshake 6ice cream 3View All

Neighborhoods

East Village

Other Article Mentions

Lists, round-ups, and guides where this restaurant is featured.

Mentioned In
Where New York Ate
neutral

This restaurant, identifiable by Sugar Ray Robinson's signature pink Cadillac parked outside, was a place where the boxing legend could be seen by fans.

Matthew Schneier • Date unknown
Read More →
Grubstreet

Details

An East Village institution, this spot is celebrated for its classic American diner fare, particularly its milkshakes and egg creams [1], [2]. While some may find the pistachio soft serve artificial, others praise the strawberry soft serve as the best in the city [3]. It's a place that evokes nostalgia with its traditional offerings.

Food Overview

This American diner is renowned for its classic offerings, especially its milkshakes and egg creams, which are considered traditional favorites [1], [2]. The soft serve ice cream receives praise, with the strawberry flavor specifically called out as exceptional [3]. However, one reviewer found the pistachio soft serve to have an artificial taste and an unpleasant aftertaste [1].

Highlights / Recommended

"Customers highly recommend the traditional milkshakes and egg creams, with the strawberry soft serve also being a popular choice. These items are often cited for their nostalgic appeal."

Mentioned Dishes:

  • •strawberry soft serve(3)
  • •egg cream(2)

Customer Sentiment

Customers often recall this spot with nostalgia, highlighting its traditional milkshakes and egg creams as standouts. While most soft serve flavors are well-regarded, the pistachio has received mixed reviews for its artificial taste [1], [2].

Reddit Opinions & Reviews

Top Reddit Posts About RAY'S CANDY STORE

Best Chocolate Milkshakes in NYC?
This thread highlights Ray's Candy Store for its traditional chocolate milkshakes, with multiple users agreeing it's a great choice for an authentic shake. One user also mentions potential concerns about cleaning habits.
Where to find Strawberry soft serve in NYC?
Ray's Candy Store is recommended as an East Village institution with the best strawberry soft serve. Other users agree and plan to try it.
Iconic Foods in NYC
This discussion mentions Ray's Candy Store as an institution that has been serving egg creams for decades, with several users planning to visit or confirming its reputation for this classic drink.
Where are the best milkshakes in NYC right now?
Ray's Candy Store is mentioned multiple times in this thread as a great spot for milkshakes, with users praising their nostalgic quality and comparing them favorably to other soft serve options.
Soft Serve in NYC
This post includes mixed reviews for Ray's soft serve, with one user calling the pistachio flavor artificial and disappointing, while others mention vanilla/chocolate swirl and strawberry.

Recent Reddit Mentions

From post: Where Are The Best Milkshakes In Nyc Right Now

"This user listed Ray's in the East Village as a place with good milkshakes."

Positive
Jun 9, 2026View Comment →

From post: Where Are The Best Milkshakes In Nyc Right Now

"Responding to a comment about Ray's, this user reminisced about going there for their excellent soft serve, comparing it favorably to Mr. Softee."

Positive
Jun 9, 2026View Comment →

From post: Where Are The Best Milkshakes In Nyc Right Now

"This user recommended Ray's for its nostalgic value when it comes to milkshakes."

Positive
Jun 9, 2026View Comment →

From post: Where Are The Best Milkshakes In Nyc Right Now

"This user mentioned Ray's Candy Shop in the East Village for their milkshakes and possibly egg creams, though they haven't personally tried the egg creams."

Positive
Jun 8, 2026View Comment →

From post: Best Chocolate Milkshakes In Nyc

"Expresses gratitude for the reminder about Ray's and Lexington Candy Store."

Positive
Apr 21, 2026View Comment →

From post: Best Chocolate Milkshakes In Nyc

"Responding to concerns about cleaning habits, this user states they are unbothered by such issues given their long-term residency in the neighborhood."

Neutral
Apr 21, 2026View Comment →

From post: Best Chocolate Milkshakes In Nyc

"Mentions that while Ray's excels operationally, there might be concerns about the cleaning habits of some staff, though this hasn't stopped their own consumption."

Neutral
Apr 21, 2026View Comment →

From post: Best Chocolate Milkshakes In Nyc

"Agrees that Ray's is great for a traditional milkshake."

Positive
Apr 20, 2026View Comment →

From post: Best Chocolate Milkshakes In Nyc

"This user recommends Ray's for a traditional chocolate milkshake, distinct from overly elaborate modern concoctions."

Positive
Apr 20, 2026View Comment →

From post: Iconic Foods In Nyc

"The original poster acknowledges the recommendation for egg creams at Ray's Candy Store."

Neutral
Apr 17, 2026View Comment →

From post: Iconic Foods In Nyc

"The original poster acknowledges the recommendation for egg creams at Ray's Candy Store."

Neutral
Apr 17, 2026View Comment →

From post: Iconic Foods In Nyc

"Mentions Ray's Candy Store as an institution that has served egg creams for decades."

Positive
Apr 17, 2026View Comment →

From post: Iconic Foods In Nyc

"Mentions Ray's Candy Store as an institution that has served egg creams for decades."

Positive
Apr 17, 2026View Comment →

From post: Iconic Foods In Nyc

"This commenter has been meaning to visit Ray's Candy Store in Alphabet City, having heard they make great egg creams."

Neutral
Apr 15, 2026View Comment →

From post: Iconic Foods In Nyc

"This commenter has been meaning to visit Ray's Candy Store in Alphabet City, having heard they make great egg creams."

Neutral
Apr 15, 2026View Comment →

From post: Where To Find Strawberry Soft Serve In Nyc

"This user agrees that Ray's is excellent and plans to try the strawberry soft serve next."

Positive
Apr 6, 2026View Comment →

From post: Where To Find Strawberry Soft Serve In Nyc

"This user recommends Ray's for its strawberry soft serve, calling it an East Village institution and the best."

Positive
Apr 6, 2026View Comment →

From post: Best French Fries Specific Style

"Ray's Candy Store on Ave A is stated to be the correct answer for the described fries."

Positive
Feb 14, 2026View Comment →

From post: Psa Legendary Midtown Hot Dog Vendor Famous Eddie

"This commenter asks about the retirement plans of Ray from Ray's Candy Store, drawing a parallel to the news of Famous Eddie's retirement."

Neutral
Oct 28, 2025View Comment →

From post: I Am Writing A Book On Classic Regional American

"The author mentions getting an egg cream at Ray's Candy Store, and states they have mastered the technique of making them at home to a very high standard."

Neutral
Sep 28, 2025View Comment →