Famous Original Ray's Pizza

- 811 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10065

For many New Yorkers, the search for the perfect slice of pizza is a lifelong quest, and Famous Original Ray's Pizza holds a legendary place in that journey. Located at 811 Lexington Ave, this casual, no-frills spot embodies the spirit of classic New York City pizza. While the name “Ray’s” has a famously convoluted history across the city, this particular location has built a reputation for delivering a reliably good, quintessential NYC slice that satisfies the cravings of locals and visitors alike. It's the kind of place you can pop into for a quick, affordable, and delicious meal, whether you're on your lunch break or grabbing a bite before heading home.

The atmosphere at Famous Original Ray's Pizza is authentically casual, making it a comfortable and inviting spot for everyone. It’s a popular haunt for locals and is especially known for being great for a quick solo meal or for a laid-back dinner with friends. The menu goes far beyond just pizza, offering a comprehensive selection of Italian comfort food that ensures there's something for every appetite. From classic Italian baked dishes to an impressive array of heroes, pastas, and calzones, the offerings are a testament to the broad appeal of Italian-American cuisine. The friendly and efficient service ensures that your order, whether a single slice or an entire pie, is delivered with the speed that New Yorkers appreciate.

The debate over which "Ray's" is the true original is a storied part of New York City folklore, but for those simply seeking a tasty slice, the one on Lexington Avenue delivers. It provides a classic experience—the pizza is prepared and displayed, then reheated to perfection in the oven for a hot, cheesy, and satisfying result. The selection of specialty slices, from the popular Chicken Caesar to the Buffalo Chicken, shows a willingness to go beyond the basics, offering a creative twist on the beloved staple.

Famous Original Ray's Pizza is situated in a prime location in the heart of Manhattan, on Lexington Avenue at 811. This puts it in a bustling, central area, making it easily accessible for a wide range of people. Whether you're working in the nearby offices, shopping in the neighborhood, or simply passing through, its location is incredibly convenient. The restaurant's storefront is a familiar sight to locals, and its reputation for quick service makes it a go-to for those on the move.

Accessibility information for the restaurant is not specifically detailed, but as a typical New York City slice shop, it is designed for a quick and easy entry and exit. The casual, walk-in nature of the place means it’s a no-fuss dining spot. The surrounding area is well-served by New York's extensive public transportation network. The 6 train stops a few blocks away at 68th Street, and the E, M, N, R, W, and 4/5/6 trains are all within a reasonable walking distance, making it a straightforward destination for anyone coming from another part of the city.

While a fast-paced environment, the restaurant is notably good for kids, offering a kids' menu and a family-friendly atmosphere that makes it a great spot for a casual family meal.

Famous Original Ray's Pizza provides a variety of service options to meet the needs of its diverse customer base, from those who want to dine in to those who need a quick meal delivered to their door.

• Dine-in: The restaurant offers seating for customers who wish to enjoy their food on-site in a casual, relaxed atmosphere. It's a great place to sit down and enjoy a slice or a full meal.

• Takeout & Delivery: For the ultimate convenience, the restaurant provides both takeout and no-contact delivery services. This makes it easy to enjoy their classic pizza and Italian dishes from the comfort of your home or office.

• Catering: Famous Original Ray's also offers catering, allowing you to bring their delicious pizza, pastas, and other Italian fare to your next event, party, or business meeting. This service is a perfect option for feeding a crowd with classic comfort food.

• Payments: The restaurant accepts a variety of modern payment methods, including credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments, making transactions quick and seamless.

Famous Original Ray's Pizza is distinguished by several key features that contribute to its enduring popularity and status as a local institution.

• Fast Service: The efficiency of the staff is a major highlight. Whether you're ordering a slice or a full pie, the service is quick, making it an ideal choice for a grab-and-go meal during a busy day.

• Extensive Menu: Beyond the pizza, the menu is a feast of Italian and American comfort food. It includes a wide variety of appetizers like fried calamari and mozzarella sticks, soups, salads, spaghetti, ziti, heroes, calzones, and desserts like New York cheesecake and cannoli. This extensive selection caters to all tastes and cravings.

• Variety of Slices and Pies: The selection of pizzas is a major draw. From classic cheese and pepperoni to specialty options like Buffalo Chicken, Chicken Bacon Ranch, and a unique Caesar Salad with Grilled Chicken pie, there's always something new to try. They also offer a gluten-free pizza option.

• Affordability: The prices are notably reasonable for a Manhattan establishment, particularly for a quick slice. This makes it an accessible and budget-friendly option for a delicious meal in a high-cost area.

• Casual Atmosphere: The environment is relaxed and casual, perfect for a no-fuss meal. It is popular for lunch and dinner and is a great option for solo dining.

• Beverages: The restaurant offers a variety of beverages, including domestic and imported beer, which is a perfect complement to a slice of pizza after a long day.

For direct inquiries or to place an order, you can contact Famous Original Ray's Pizza at the following:

Address: 811 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10065, USA

Phone: (212) 223-8116

For anyone in New York City seeking a genuine slice of local culture and a satisfying meal, Famous Original Ray's Pizza is a standout choice. It is worth choosing for several key reasons that go beyond just the food. First and foremost, the restaurant provides a quintessential New York experience that is hard to find elsewhere. It's a place where you can quickly grab a slice that is consistently good, representing the "everyday" pizza that is a staple of city life. The reasonable prices make it an accessible luxury, proving that a quality meal in Manhattan doesn’t have to break the bank.

Furthermore, the sheer variety of the menu is a major draw. While the pizza is the main event, the extensive selection of Italian dishes, from baked ziti to hot heroes, means that everyone in a group can find something they love. It's a one-stop shop for comfort food. The fast and friendly service is another reason to visit; in a city where time is of the essence, the efficiency of the staff ensures that you get a great meal without a long wait.

The restaurant's history, tangled as it may be with other "Ray's" locations, adds a layer of a certain kind of legendary mystique. For a true taste of New York, where you can eat like a local and feel a part of the city's rich pizza legacy, Famous Original Ray's Pizza is a must-visit. It may not be a high-end gourmet spot, but its authenticity, variety, and reliability make it an invaluable part of the city's culinary landscape. It’s a classic for a reason, and a visit here is a rite of passage for any pizza lover in NYC.

Famous Original Ray's Pizza

811 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10065, USA