Ray's Pizza & Bagel Cafe: A New York Institution for Pizza and Bagels

Ray's Pizza & Bagel Cafe Introduce

Introduction / Overview

Ray's Pizza & Bagel Cafe stands as an authentic and beloved fixture in New York's ever-evolving culinary landscape. Located at the vibrant and iconic 2 St Marks Pl, this eatery is much more than just a pizza joint—it's a one-stop-shop for two of the city's most famous foods: classic New York pizza and jumbo bagels. The moment you step inside, you're greeted with the timeless, no-frills ambiance of a true neighborhood spot. With its "old time authentic pizza joint feel," as noted by customers, and quirky murals in the back dining area, Ray's offers a genuine taste of New York life.

What truly sets Ray's apart is its incredible versatility. This is a place where you can get a quintessential cheese slice for lunch, a hearty Italian sub for dinner, and a fresh bagel with cream cheese for breakfast the next morning. The menu is expansive, catering to all appetites and times of day. It's a popular destination for college students grabbing a quick meal, tourists seeking an authentic New York food experience, and locals looking for a reliable, late-night bite. The late-night availability is a major highlight, making it a "game-changer" for those finishing a night out or just needing a quick snack.

The dual focus on pizza and bagels is a unique selling point that appeals to a wide audience. The pizzas are hailed for their classic New York thin and crispy crust, with a balanced sauce and cheese. Meanwhile, the bagels are praised for their jumbo size and incredible selection of spreads. This combination ensures that whether you're in the mood for a savory slice or a comforting bagel sandwich, Ray's has you covered. Beyond these two staples, the menu extends to a variety of specialty sandwiches, wraps, paninis, and even hot entrees and desserts. This breadth of offerings means you can visit multiple times and always find something new and delicious to try.

Ray's Pizza & Bagel Cafe is more than just a business; it’s a community institution that has been serving the East Village for years. It embodies the fast-paced, casual, and delicious nature of New York City dining. The fact that it serves as a reliable spot for everything from a quick coffee to a full meal makes it a valuable asset to the neighborhood. Its laid-back, welcoming atmosphere, and a large selection of food and drink options solidify its reputation as a must-visit spot for anyone wanting to experience a slice of authentic New York City.

Location and Accessibility

Ray's Pizza & Bagel Cafe is situated at a highly prominent and easily accessible location at 2 St Marks Pl, New York, NY 10003. This puts it squarely in the heart of the East Village, a neighborhood famous for its vibrant street life, diverse culture, and eclectic mix of eateries. The restaurant's position on St Marks Place, a destination in its own right, makes it a convenient and well-known spot for both locals and visitors.

Getting to the restaurant is simple, thanks to its proximity to New York City's public transportation network. The Astor Place subway station, served by the 6 train, is just a stone's throw away. Additionally, the 8th Street-NYU station, with service from the N, Q, R, and W lines, is also within a very short walking distance. This makes Ray's an ideal stop for anyone traveling through downtown Manhattan, whether for work, school, or leisure.

For those with accessibility needs, Ray's is accommodating with wheelchair-accessible restrooms and seating, ensuring a comfortable experience for all diners. While parking can be challenging in this busy part of the city, there are both free and paid street parking options available. However, given the excellent public transit access, taking the subway is often the most convenient choice.

The restaurant offers a variety of service options to fit any preference. You can enjoy your meal on-site in their spacious dining area, which features unique murals and a "cool vibe." For those who prefer to eat outside, there is also outdoor seating available. And of course, for New Yorkers on the go, Ray's offers convenient takeout, delivery, and even curbside pickup, ensuring you can enjoy their food wherever you are.

Services Offered

Dine-in: Enjoy your meal in the casual, authentic atmosphere with ample seating.
Takeout: Grab a slice or a full meal to go for a quick bite.
Delivery: Have your favorite pizza, bagels, or sandwiches delivered directly to your door.
Curbside Pickup: Place your order ahead of time and pick it up conveniently from the curb.
Outdoor Seating: A few tables on the sidewalk provide a great spot for enjoying food and people-watching.
Catering: While not explicitly listed on the provided info, the presence of a diverse menu suggests that catering for events and groups is a possibility.

Features / Highlights

Classic New York Pizza: Known for serving an authentic, no-frills New York slice with a thin and crispy crust.
Jumbo Bagels: A wide selection of jumbo bagels with various spreads, a local specialty.
Expansive Menu: The menu goes far beyond pizza and bagels, including a variety of breakfast items, sandwiches, wraps, paninis, and more.
Open Late: A popular spot for late-night food, catering to the city's 24/7 lifestyle.
Casual and Authentic Atmosphere: The interior features a laid-back, classic pizzeria feel with unique murals in the back dining area.
Fast Service: Known for quick service, perfect for a fast-paced city.
Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible seating and restrooms are available.
Family-Friendly: The casual atmosphere and wide variety of food options make it a great place for kids.
Serves Local Specialties: Specializes in two iconic New York foods—pizza and bagels.

Contact Information

Address: 2 St Marks Pl, New York, NY 10003, USA
Phone: (332) 263-4216

What is Worth Choosing

With a menu as extensive as Ray's Pizza & Bagel Cafe, it can be tough to narrow down your choices. However, for a true taste of what this place is all about, there are a few items that are absolute must-tries.

First and foremost, you can't visit without trying the Authentic New York Pizza. Whether you opt for a simple cheese slice or a whole pie with your favorite toppings, the classic thin and crispy crust with a balanced sauce is a quintessential New York experience. Pair it with the 6 Garlic Knots for a perfect, savory meal. The Slice of Sicilian Pizza is another top choice for those who prefer a thicker, fluffier crust.

If you're visiting for breakfast or a more casual bite, the Jumbo Bagels are a highlight. The Bagel with Lox Spread is a classic New York staple that Ray's does justice. For a simpler yet equally satisfying option, a Bagel with Scallion Cream Cheese is a go-to. Their bagels are consistently praised for their size and freshness, making them a standout item.

Beyond the two main specialties, Ray's offers a variety of other delicious options. The Italian Sub, loaded with cappy ham, salami, pepperoni, and provolone, is a hearty and flavorful choice. For a hot and comforting meal, the Chicken Parmigiana Panini is a great pick, with its perfect combination of breaded chicken, fresh mozzarella, and tomato sauce. The Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich is also a solid option for those craving a warm, cheesy, and satisfying sandwich.

To wash it all down, be sure to grab a beverage from their Espresso and Gourmet Coffee Bar. An Iced Coffee or Iced Cappuccino is perfect on a hot day, and their selection of smoothies, like the Tropical Fantasy Smoothie, offers a refreshing, fruity alternative. With so much to choose from, Ray's Pizza & Bagel Cafe truly has something to satisfy every craving.

Ray's Pizza & Bagel Cafe Menu

Breakfast Sandwiches
Egg Sandwich $4.95
Egg Sandwich With Cheese $5.95
Egg Sandwich With Bacon $5.45
Egg Sandwich With Ham $5.45
Egg Sandwich With Sausage $5.95
Egg Sandwich With Turkey Bacon $5.99
Egg Sandwich With Bacon And Cheese $7.95
Ham And Cheese Croissant $5.95
Healthy Egg Whites With Veggies Sandwich $8.95
Mediterranean Healthy Egg Whites Sandwich $8.95
Egg whites, tomatoes, spinach, onions, feta cheese with oregano and olive oil. Served on your choice of whole wheat wrap or multi-grain baguette.
Create Your Own Breakfast Wrap $7.95
Choose any 3 of our breakfast fillings and toppings. Add side of bacon, ham, sausage, or turkey bacon for an additional charge.

Eggs and Omelets
2 Eggs Any Style $7.95
2 Eggs Any Style With Bacon $10.95
2 Eggs Any Style With Ham $10.95
2 Eggs Any Style With Sausage $10.95
Cheese Omelet $9.95
Choose a cheese.
Meat Lover's Omelet $12.95
Choice of bacon, ham or sausage.
Western Omelet $12.95
Ham, peppers and onions.
Greek Omelet $12.95
Feta, onions and tomatoes.
Healthy Egg White Veggies Omelet $14.95
Mediterranean Healthy Egg White Omelet $14.95
Create Your Own Omelet $14.45
Choose any 3 of our breakfast fillings and toppings.

Griddle Specialties
Challah French Toast $8.95
Buttermilk Pancakes $8.95
Challah French Toast With Meat $11.95
Choose a meat.
Buttermilk Pancakes With Meat $11.95
Choose a meat.
Challah French Toast With 2 Eggs $13.95
Eggs any style. Add bacon, ham or sausage for an additional charge.
Buttermilk Pancakes With 2 Eggs $13.95
Eggs any style. Add bacon, ham or sausage for an additional charge.
Hot Oatmeal
With cinnamon and honey. Add raisins, berries or apples for an additional charge.
Fresh Fruit Salad $6.95
Seasonal fruits and melon with mixed berries.
Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice
Yogurt Parfait With Granola And Berries

Croissants
Plain Croissant $4.50
Filled Croissant $5.00
Danish $5.25
Muffins $4.40
Apple Turnover $4.75

Jumbo Bagels
Bagel With Butter $2.95
Bagel With Jelly $2.95
Bagel With Cream Cheese $4.95
Bagel With Low-Fat Cream Cheese $5.25
Bagel With Tofu Cream Cheese $5.25
Bagel With Scallion Cream Cheese $5.25
Bagel With Vegetable Cream Cheese $5.25
Bagel With Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Cheese $5.25
Bagel With Lox Spread $6.95
Bagel With Peanut Butter $5.25
Smoked Salmon And Cream Cheese $17.95
Served with red onion and vine ripe tomato.

Espresso and Gourmet Coffee Bar
Fresh Brewed Coffee
Flavored Coffee
Cappuccino
Latte
Hot Chocolate
Cafe Au Lait
Cold Brew
Expresso
Americano Coffee
Macchiato
Iced Coffee
Iced Cappuccino
Iced Americano
Fresh Tea
Iced Tea

Salads
Garden House Salad $10.95
Greek Salad $14.95
Feta cheese, tomatoes, red onions, Kalamata olives, cucumber and green peppers served over crispy romaine lettuce.

Create Your Own Salad
Create Your Own Salad

Authentic New York Pizza
Cheese Pizza
1-Topping Pizza
2 Toppings Pizza
Pizza With Chicken
Slice Of Sicilian Pizza
6 Garlic Knots $3.95
Beef Patty $3.95
Pizza Bagel $3.95
Calzone $7.60
Stromboli $7.95
Roll $8.25

Salad Sandwiches
Tuna Salad Sandwich $10.45
Chunky Chicken Salad Sandwich $10.45
Egg Salad Sandwich $10.45
Whitefish Salad Sandwich $11.95
Baked Salmon Salad Sandwich $11.95

Specialty Sandwiches
Italian Sub $13.95
Cappy ham, salami, pepperoni, provolone, lettuce, tomato, oil and vinegar.
Prosciutto Di Parma Sandwich $13.95
Comes with fresh mozzarella, roasted red peppers, basil and balsamic vinegar.
Tex Mex Sandwich $13.95
Breaded cutlet, bacon, fresh mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, pico de gallo and fiery chipotle gourmandize.
Ray’s Special Sandwich $13.95
Mesquite wood smoked turkey, deluxe ham, muenster cheese, lettuce, tomato and honey mustard.
Black Forest Sandwich $13.95
Smoke master beechwood smoked black forest ham, brie cheese, lettuce, mixed greens and honey mustard.
Asiago Roast Beef Sandwich $13.95
Roast beef, Asiago and cheddar cheeses, lettuce, tomato and horseradish sauce.
Jack Attack Sandwich $13.95
Cracked pepper mill, turkey, jalapeno pepper jack cheese, lettuce, tomato, pesto and mayo.
St. Marks Sandwich $13.95
Mesquite wood smoked turkey, brie cheese, avocado, alfalfa sprouts and honey mustard.
Turkey Avocado BLT Sandwich $13.95
Oven gold turkey, bacon, muenster cheese, avocado, roasted peppers, lettuce, tomato and honey mustard.
Maple Honey Turkey Sandwich $13.95
Comes with fresh mozzarella, avocado, sundried tomatoes, basil and honey mustard.
Buffalo Chicken Sandwich $13.95
Served with scallions, chunky bleu cheese dressing and hot sauce.
Prime Roast Beef With Cheddar Sandwich $13.95
Caramelized onion with mayo.
Smoked Turkey With Brie Cheese Sandwich $13.95
Crispy leaf lettuce, vine ripe tomato and honey mustard.
Grilled Marinated Chicken Breast With Fresh Mozzarella Sandwich $13.95
Fresh baby spinach, ripe plum tomatoes and pesto sauce.
Black Forest Ham With Swiss Cheese Sandwich $13.95
Vine ripe tomato and dijonaise.
Turkey With Muenster Cheese Sandwich $13.95
Mayo, avocado, sprouts and tomato.
Grilled Chicken Club Sandwich $13.95
Bacon, lettuce, tomato, mayo and Swiss cheese.
Breaded Chicken Cutlet Sandwich $13.95
Comes with cheddar cheese, bacon and ranch dressing.
Soutwestern BBQ Chicken Sandwich $13.95
Grilled chicken breast with BBQ sauce, caramelized onions and tomato with Jack cheese and chipotle mayo.
Grilled Chicken Alfalfa Sandwich $13.95
Comes with avocado, sprouts, tomato and balsamic vinaigrette.
Turkey With Muenster Cheese Sandwich $13.95
Crispy leaf lettuce, sun-dried tomato with French dressing.
Hot Pastrami Sandwich $13.95
Comes with melted Swiss cheese.
NY Corned Beef Reuben Sandwich $13.95
Comes with melted Swiss and sauerkraut on rye bread.
Turkey Club Sandwich $13.95
Comes with bacon, lettuce, vine ripe tomato and mayo.
Chicken Cordon Bleu Sandwich $13.95
Comes with black forest ham, Swiss cheese, lettuce, tomato and honey mustard.
Tuna Melt Sandwich $13.95
Served open faced with melted Swiss cheese and vine ripe tomato.
Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich $13.95
Comes with melted American cheese, and grilled onions and peppers.
B.L.T. Sandwich $7.95
Bacon, lettuce, tomato.
Grilled Cheese Sandwich $7.45

Vegetarian Sandwiches
Grilled Portabello Mushrooms Vegetarian Sandwich $13.95
Comes with fresh mozzarella, roasted peppers, sun-dried tomatoes and pesto sauce.
Fresh Melted Mozzarella And Vine Ripe Tomatoes Vegetarian Sandwich $13.95
Comes with fresh basil with extra virgin olive oil.

Paninis
Cuban Panini $13.45
Roast pork, ham, Swiss, pickles and mustard.
Tuna Melt Panini $13.45
Fresh tuna salad, cheddar cheese, lettuce and vine ripe tomato.
Siciliano Panini $13.45
Prosciutto, ham, mozzarella, sun-dried tomato and creamy balsamic vinaigrette.
Chicken Parmigiana Panini $13.45
Breaded chicken cutlet, fresh mozzarella, tomato sauce, fresh basil and Parmigiana cheese.
The Combo Panini $13.45
Pastrami, corned beef, provolone cheese, lettuce, vine ripe tomato, mustard and house dressing.
Meatless Panini $13.45
Fresh mozzarella, fresh plum tomato, fresh basil, fresh spinach and sun-dried tomato spread.
Chicken Fajita Panini $13.45
Grilled chicken, cheddar cheese, roasted peppers and onions and salsa.
Toasted Monte Cristo Panini $13.45
Layers of ham and smoked turkey, swiss and cheddar cheese, lettuce, vine ripe tomato and honey mustard.
Russian Panini $13.45
Roast beef, muenster cheese, caramelized onions, lettuce, vine ripe tomato and Russian dressing.
The Italiano Panini $13.45
Grilled chicken, roasted peppers, fresh mozzarella and pesto sauce.
Eggplant Parmigiana Panini $13.45
Oven-roasted eggplant, fresh mozzarella, tomato sauce, fresh basil and Parmesan cheese.
Chicken Club Panini $13.45
Grilled chicken, smoked bacon, brie cheese, vine ripe tomato and house dressing.
Veggie Panini $13.45
Grilled seasonal veggies, fresh mozzarella and balsamic vinaigrette.

Wraps
Mexican Wrap $13.45
Spicy grilled chicken with salsa, guacamole, sour cream, lettuce and tomato.
Italian Wrap $13.45
Pepperoni, ham, Genoa salami, provolone, lettuce, roasted peppers and Italian dressing.
Hellenic Wrap $13.45
Lemon herb grilled chicken, feta cheese, olives, lettuce, vine ripe tomato with a creamy dressing.
French Wrap $13.45
Sliced smoked turkey and imported French brie with honey mustard, lettuce and tomato.
American Wrap $13.45
Hot roast beef, American cheese, grilled onions, lettuce, tomato with mayo.
Grilled Chicken Wrap $13.45
Vine ripe tomato, lettuce and balsamic vinaigrette.
Vegetarian Wrap $13.45
Grilled seasonal veggies, alfalfa sprouts and avocado with balsamic vinaigrette.
Chicken Salad Wrap $13.45
Comes with lettuce, vine ripe tomato and cheese.
Tuna Salad Wrap $13.45
Comes with lettuce, vine ripe tomato and cheese.
Chicken Caesar Wrap $13.45
Crispy romaine, Parmesan, grilled chicken and Caesar dressing.
Ranch Grilled Chicken Wrap $13.45
Grilled chicken with cheddar cheese, bacon, lettuce, tomato and ranch dressing.
California Wrap $13.45
Grilled chicken, roasted peppers, avocado, lettuce and vinaigrette dressing.

Italian Subs
Chicken Cutlet Parmigiana Sub $13.45
Comes with melted mozzarella cheese and tomato sauce.
Meatball Parmigiana Sub $13.45
Comes with melted mozzarella cheese and tomato sauce.
Prosciutto With Fresh Mozzarella Cheese Sub $13.45
Roasted peppers, olive oil and vinegar.
Genoa Salami, Pepperoni, Ham And Provolone Cheese Sub $13.45
Roasted peppers, olive oil and vinegar.
Sausage And Peppers Sub $13.45
Meatball Sub $13.45

Burgers
Beefburger
Cheeseburger
Turkey Burger

Side Orders and Appetizers
French Fries $5.95
Buffalo Wings $12.25
Chicken Fingers $12.25
Chicken Fingers Deluxe $13.75

Gyros
Gyro Sandwich $10.95
Fluffy pita bread with tomato, onion, fries (inside the pita) and tzatziki.
Gyro Platter $11.95
Platter with tomato, onion, fries or rice, tzatziki and pita bread.
Gyro Spinach Pie $7.95

Hot Entrees
Hot Entree $14.95
Choose 1 entree and 2 sides.

Desserts
Flan $5.95
Cup Cake $4.75
Tiramisu $6.25
Eclair $5.75
Cannoli $5.75
Bread Pudding $6.25
Biscotti $3.50
Slice Of Cake $6.95
Pound Cake $4.50
Crumb Cake $3.75
Elephant Ear $3.75
Giant Cookie $4.25

Smoothies
1. Tropical Fantasy Smoothie
Banana, mango, peaches and orange juice.
2. Berrylicious Smoothie
Strawberries, raspberries and blueberries with apple juice.
3. Hawaii 5-O Smoothie
Pineapple, banana, mango and orange juice blended with coconut water.
4. Tangy Berry Smoothie
Strawberries, blueberries, cranberries and apple juice.
5. Gone Bananas Smoothie
Banana, strawberries and orange juice.
Create Your Own Smoothie
Choice of any 3 fruits and 1 juice.

Beverages
Bottled Water
Canned Soda $1.75
Bottled Soda $2.95
Gatorade $3.50
Snapple $1.95
Vitamin Water $3.50
Vita Coco $3.50
2 Liter Soda $4.95

Special
One Cheese Pie Plus 1.2ltr Soda Plus Garlic Nut $19.90
one cheese pie plus 1.2ltr soda plus garlic nut
Two Large Cheese Pie Comes With 1.2ltr Soda $29.99
Two large cheese pie comes with 1.2ltr soda

Ray's Pizza & Bagel Cafe Details

Service options
Outdoor seating
Curbside pickup
No-contact delivery
Delivery
Takeout
Dine-in

Highlights
Fast service
Serves local specialty

Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible restroom
Wheelchair accessible seating

Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Coffee
Comfort food
Late-night food
Quick bite

Dining options
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Dinner
Dessert
Seating

Amenities
Restroom

Atmosphere
Casual

Crowd
College students
Groups
Tourists

Payments
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Children
Good for kids

Parking
Free street parking
Paid street parking
Parking

Ray's Pizza & Bagel Cafe Photos

Ray's Pizza & Bagel Cafe Location

Ray's Pizza & Bagel Cafe

New York New York County New York Saint Marks Place

2 St Marks Pl, New York, NY 10003, USA

Ray's Pizza & Bagel Cafe Reviews

An average rating of ★4 from 1010 user reviews.

breakfastbathroomcheesecakewalkingnyc style pizzapaninipizza slicecream cheesehotelbagel sandwiches

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

Pretty cool joint that sells pizzas and bagels. HUGE selection to choose from! Lots of seating in the back. The pizza was good. They also had two small tables on the front sidewalk for those who love outdoor dining. The dining area in the back has cool murals to look at. The whole place has an old time authentic pizza joint feel to it.
June 13 · O V H
I loved the incredible selection of pizza slices. See pics. However I went for a bagel, also see pic. Huge! On a cold December day I was able to sit outside on their "patio" which isn't heated as such but wasn't cold. Seems like a classic authentic NY place to grab some quick food before walking or heading to the Subway station opposite.
December 27 · Terry Hughes
We enjoy stopping here for a quick bite to eat every time we are in New York City. My wife explained how this is not a Bodega, but just a casual pizza place. They also have Dr. Pepper, which is hard to find in NYC.
March 08 · Dan Bronson
$5 for a pepperoni slice, it’s good but should be $3-$4 max.Ample seating but the music is so loud..Other than that the service was really good! Very attentive and spoke loud enough to hear over the loud music.
April 20 · Sergio
This place gets a lot of hype. But plenty more better pizza places than here. It’s a legacy pizza place that has been a name in NY for a long time but I feel there isn’t much going on here compared to other places. But it’s edible and good enough for a quick bite.
August 28 · Rob