Rays

Located in New York, New York

Address: 177 Chrystie St, New York, NY 10002, United States

Phone:

Rating: 4

Services

Outdoor seating
Dine-in
Delivery
Bar games
Fast service
Great beer selection
Great cocktails
Quiz night
Sport
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Food
Food at bar
Happy-hour drinks
Happy-hour food
Spirits
Wine
Seating
Toilets
Casual
Cosy
Trendy
Groups
LGBTQ+ friendly
Transgender safe space
Accepts reservations
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Free of charge street parking
Dogs allowed

Photos

Latest NYC Bar Directory

Comments

Review 1 (2024-09-14 - Rating: 5)
Alex R. is the best!!! She made me and my friends feel so welcomed and killer drinks. Today was my second week in a row coming back. 10/10 recommend and they have the best music.

Review 2 (2023-12-28 - Rating: 5)
Rays is my local bar when working in NYC! Love the whole vibe! Always made to feel welcome and have met loads of interesting characters sat at the bar. Shout out Hayley and Cheyenne: the BEST bartenders around!

Review 3 (2025-01-03 - Rating: 5)
Rays is a really cool, unique place - it gives a divey feel but old school all in one. The atmosphere is fun, pool table and vintage circle booths. We do girls night there when our favorite bartender is working. He always makes sure you feel taken care of even when it’s packed ! Highly recommend :)

Review 4 (2024-10-03 - Rating: 5)
Super nice, the bartenders were great as well and nice people, bathrooms were clean and food was actually good as well, would go again!

Review 5 (2024-09-29 - Rating: 5)
Lively atmosphere with great cocktails and drink options. I’ll definitely be back!

Review 6 (2024-10-08 - Rating: 4)
I may be in the minority, but I love an upscale dive bar. I cant really put my finger on why, as it is such a blatant contradiction.... but one of my favorite terms is the silence was deafening, so I guess it tracks.Rays is leading the charge of the upscale dive bar from the front, like any good leader should. I do love the versatility of feeling like Im in a no frills environment with sticky checkered floors and a pool table where I can get a beer and a shot ($12), but also get a bomb $18 espresso martini. Gotta stay flowy.I most recently came here for my big homies birthday, as he is known in our friend group as Mr. Rays. He has 12 different colored Rays hats hanging on his walls, which is crazy. Rays is like the Shellback of the Lower East Side. Real ones know.After shaking hands, kissing babies, and downing a couple tequila sodas he began to run that pool table like a prime Efren Reyes. The silence was deafening.IG @jnov_Tiktok @jnov_reviews

Review 7 (2024-01-10 - Rating: 5)
Have been going to Rays for years and feels like home. Staff is friendly and helpful, food is great, and the drinks are STRONG. The crowd is always so welcoming and fun — especially love the summer of Tays. Super busy on the weekends so great if you’re looking for a lively scene but quieter on the weeknights which is great for taking bigger groups. Always a fan fave with co-workers and out of towners. Best best best.

Review 8 (2023-12-14 - Rating: 5)
My fav bar in NYC! I always come here with my friends and we have so much fun, a safe place for the girls. You must get their french fries; heaven sent.

Review 9 (2023-07-10 - Rating: 4)
I visited this bar on a Friday night, not long before it became fairly crowded. I wasnt able to get a seat at the bar, but stood in the corner. Their cocktails are all named after celebrities. I got the Lana del Ray which had a fruity taste but not one that was particularly distinguishable. By 11 the place becomes loud and crowded. Fun atmosphere.

Review 10 (2023-12-17 - Rating: 5)
My favorite spot in LES!!! Music is always good, food amazing, and drinks are strong. The staff is always so welcoming and friendly. Love putting people onto here

Review 11 (2024-04-08 - Rating: 5)
The staff at Rays are excellent! Very engaging, and had a great experience with their customer support team when I ordered merch from their online store.

Review 12 (2024-11-07 - Rating: 5)
Rays is the best bar on the LES! Amazing vibes, cocktails and people. Tasty food menu. Ben the GM and Peter the bartender are the best!!!

Review 13 (2024-09-29 - Rating: 5)
Had a sick time with friends at Ray’s, the bartenders Xena and Cheyenne were amazing! Anytime me or one of my friends went up they were quick and made a great drink. Place is awesome!

Review 14 (2022-04-02 - Rating: 5)
I got bullied into writing this review but it’s the truth. 5 stars for the employees/owners. Randy and Lee are the guardians that watch over us. Ben makes sure the drinks are strong enough that $15 is well worth it. Carlos ensures all patrons are having a good time and treats everyone with kindness. Most importantly they care about hats. If you lose a hat - they will find it. Or find you.You’ll just have to go yourself to experience the rest ♥️

Review 15 (2022-01-02 - Rating: 5)
The perfect faux dive bar with something for everyone!! Great vibes, tasty bar food (the French fries hit the spot every time and sometimes I stop by just for a burger), AMAZING staff and friendly people all around.If you go on a busy friday/Saturday night, like all bars on LES, it can be a little nutty but give Ray’s a chance to win your heart ❤️‍🔥

Review 16 (2024-10-04 - Rating: 5)
Been coming here regularly for a couple years and never had a bad time or drink. Staff are always sweet and the fries are delicious :)

Review 17 (2022-03-17 - Rating: 5)
Rays is my favorite bar in the city, why because it’s a small neighborhood bar! Great energy, fun, friendly, and everyone knows &remembers you! From Randy at the door to Max the manager! Also, the best burger “Gotham Burger social club” does weekly pop-ups their and Lindy of “Those D*mn cookies” bakes her cookies and amazing treats hot and fresh out of the oven every night at Rays! On a side note Carlos ( owner of Rays) has a new baby called Pebble bar go check that out too.Happy Saint Patricks Day ☘️ Have nothing to do tonight head to RAYS!

Review 18 (2024-09-29 - Rating: 5)
One of my favorite bars in nyc! Love coming here with friends (maybe a little too much) ❤️❤️❤️

Review 19 (2024-09-30 - Rating: 5)
Great place , Alex and door staff are great too

Review 20 (2024-07-21 - Rating: 5)
Had so much fun last night! really great atmosphere and drinks, would definitely recommend! staff is super friendly :)

Review 21 (2021-11-19 - Rating: 5)
First dive bar I went to in NYC. Friendly, casual service by the musician-trio behind the bar. One of them, Connor (I think), bass player 🎸for @susu_supernatural told me about the bands upcoming tour.My order of whiskey 🥃 had a generous pour and a low price ticket 😁Attractive girls 👩🏼👩🏽👩🏿👩🏼‍🦰 glammed up the bar area as more arrived at the joint, keeping the woman-to-men ratio high 😉. Introductions were swift and conversations were struck with a few. As one of them was preparing to leave, she discreetly slipped a box of matches w/her info inside my shirt pocket.😏The boys, by the pool area, were amicable and ready for a game.🎱With sadness in my ❤, I left the establishment around 10pm, though the night seemed to have just gotten started as new faces walked in and headed for the bar. Not too shabby for a Sunday night in the BIG 🍎.

Review 22 (2022-06-01 - Rating: 5)
As a major fan of a good old classic dive bar, Rays is something special. From a casual weekday afternoon to the high energy of a Saturday night, I have yet to find anything quite like it in NYC. If you havent tried Rays youre missing out.

Review 23 (2023-07-09 - Rating: 5)
Been here numerous times. Everyone in there is always friendly and super friendly doorman - which in nyc goes a very long way.Good spot to start the night

Review 24 (2020-01-06 - Rating: 5)
Went on a Sunday to watch an Eagles game. Hunter was our bartender & he was one of the best bartenders Ive ever had! I told him to surprise me & he made me a vodka honey sour (an above & beyond drink using eggwhite). Then there was popeyes ordered and shared amongst all at no extra cost. I loved the candles lit at every table & along the bar. The disco ball added some seriously fun flare! Theres a tiny lounge which appeared to be pretty much a private/make out room. The bathroom was clean & simply designed. I loved everything about this bar but Hunter made the experience extra special for my bf & I through fun banter. Definitely hope to make it back to this bar someday soon.

Review 25 (2024-02-25 - Rating: 5)
I love their fries burgers and the drinks menu.

Review 26 (2022-01-24 - Rating: 5)
Best bar in NYC. People and atmosphere are top notch. If you’re thinking about going somewhere else to grab drinks, don’t.

Review 27 (2023-08-24 - Rating: 5)
Was in New York and had a lot of fun visiting this bar with some friends. Good vibes, good food and great drinks!

Review 28 (2023-12-17 - Rating: 5)
Rays is the best bar to go to for a fun girls night!! The staff is super helpful and the fries are delicious

Review 29 (2021-09-30 - Rating: 5)
So, I mistakenly left my work bag under the bar when I went to the bathroom and the security guard actually grabbed my bag & put it behind the bar and then when he saw me looking for it with with a bit of panic starting he saw that it was mine and gave it to me from its safe keeping. Wow that’s a level of care that impresses. Thank you.

Review 30 (2022-01-06 - Rating: 5)
Someone described this place as a “faux” dive bar. I asked the bartender for green tea shots and he said no. Then I asked for lemon drop shots. He said no. Then I asked for “Shots?” And he poured vodka shots before realizing he didn’t ask me what kind of shots I wanted. I wanted tequila. He dumped the vodka shots and gave us tequila. 10/10 ??? I guess ???

Review 31 (2022-03-22 - Rating: 5)
One of the best bars in NYC. Always a good time. Even my parents are obsessed to the point our groupchat name is “Ray’s VIPs”. Enough said 🤠

Review 32 (2022-07-24 - Rating: 5)
If you like dive bars then this one’s worth going to. The vibe was good the whole time we were there and the bartenders were chill too.

Review 33 (2021-11-25 - Rating: 5)
Best bar, best owners, best place, best bartenders, best doordady. Follow the Ray’s rules, tip well.

Review 34 (2024-01-10 - Rating: 5)
What a great bar and super happy they have cocktails now!

Review 35 (2022-01-24 - Rating: 5)
If you’re not at Ray’s, where you at?Diverse crowd.Great bartenders.Dope music.Best bar food!What line?

Review 36 (2022-08-02 - Rating: 5)
Fun stop for drinks and pool. Had heard a lot about it from other friends. There’s only one pool table and you put downs dollar to claim next. You play the winner of the previous game not a game between the two of you. Fries are good, they were able to make the hot dog gluten free with lettuce wrap instead of bun.

Review 37 (2023-08-24 - Rating: 5)
Great atmosphere, really good casual drinks & super fun on Thursday Tays nights!

Review 38 (2024-06-22 - Rating: 5)
Rays is the best. best management best staff and best fries

Review 39 (2023-12-18 - Rating: 5)
Went for drinks with my friend. Was a good place. Will visit again

Review 40 (2021-10-08 - Rating: 5)
Hard to decide what I love most. The staff, the frozen drinks, the burger, or the general sense of community from the regulars. Fav bar forever.

Review 41 (2024-06-09 - Rating: 5)
The two doormen were amongst the best i’ve ever experienced, kind, able to communicate well and politely. The female bartenders, especially the one with red hair were awesome too.

Review 42 (2022-01-20 - Rating: 4)
Retro chic bar with a pool table. Great for a couple of casual beers with friends. Or cocktails too - bartenders do a nice job of classics with a generous pour. Cool music selection. Good vibes, good times

Review 43 (2019-07-25 - Rating: 5)
Secret of the LES. Great vibe. Good people. Pool. Good music. Decent drinks. The vibe is Brooklyn without having to go there. The western version of the flower shop. I live in Brooklyn and came to hang here. Enough said.

Review 44 (2024-09-29 - Rating: 5)
Fave bar

Review 45 (2024-03-08 - Rating: 5)
Only felt the need to leave a review because there were so many negative ones. I can’t speak to the people who left said reviews…I’m sure their experiences are valid. I decided to go anyways and had a great time despite my preconceptions. Staff was virtually all female tonight and was so lovely. Doorman was a friendly giant. Food was great not good, and I know what I’m talking about. If you’re complaining about “overpriced” remember you live in NYC and also come during happy hour. I thought it was a chill, come one come all, lovely experience. I felt comfy.

Review 46 (2022-01-25 - Rating: 5)
They make the best tequila redbull around.But i digress,The bar is bumping, the people look good, and the alcohol is flowing. There is much pain in the world but not at Rays.

Review 47 (2020-12-07 - Rating: 4)
Nice vibe. The burgers are from the Gotham Smash Burgers popup which were good, but very similar to Shake Shack so nothing too special.

Review 48 (2022-01-25 - Rating: 5)
One of my favorite bars in NYC doordaddy is the best just a fun place to meet with friends!

Review 49 (2024-04-05 - Rating: 5)
Pool table is in good condition, and it has the option of paying via credit card. However, if it’s a busy night, it’s going to be very hard to take a shot without bumping into somebody.Big shout out to the bartenders for handling chaos with skill and grace!

Review 50 (2022-05-17 - Rating: 5)
Good spot

Review 51 (2021-06-12 - Rating: 4)
Cool place to chill. Not an extensive food menu, basic American staples. Good beer.

Review 52 (2023-11-06 - Rating: 5)
Been coming to this place since it opened. Felt like it was worthy of a great review. Incredible atmosphere, staff and bartenders all extremely friendly and fun. Fairly priced drinks. Love the crowd too. A mix of fun downtown people with Hollywood actors. Never a dull time. Worth checking out. 5 out of 5.

Review 53 (2022-01-25 - Rating: 5)
It’s always a good time at Ray’s! Great inside bar with booths and a pool table PLUS a sweet outdoor area set up for cold nights.

Review 54 (2023-08-28 - Rating: 5)
Great neighborhood bar, friendly staff, amazing vibes

Review 55 (2024-02-29 - Rating: 5)
Been my go to spot since it was open. Love this place

Review 56 (2022-03-21 - Rating: 5)
I fear I always have TOOOO much fun here! Sweet staff, yummy drinks, best music in LES

Review 57 (2021-10-19 - Rating: 5)
I love this place we had a great time. @ray’s bar you get treated like family.

Review 58 (2022-04-02 - Rating: 5)
I love Rays. It’s a bar and they have beverages. A good place to sit down or stand up.

Review 59 (2022-01-24 - Rating: 5)
Ray’s never disappoints. Stop by for door daddy and stay for the burgers, this place feels like home.

Review 60 (2021-10-09 - Rating: 5)
Five stars for Randy, Cheyenne, and Connor!! No better folks in the biz. All smiles.

Review 61 (2023-05-19 - Rating: 5)
Fun spot

Review 62 (2021-10-10 - Rating: 5)
Favorite bar. Favorite bartenders. Start my week with drinks here and end my weekend with drinks here.

Review 63 (2023-12-13 - Rating: 5)
Hands down my favorite bar in New York! Hometown atmosphere with hometown people. Come here once and have a great time and I promise you will be back!!!!!

Review 64 (2023-12-03 - Rating: 5)
Typical and fun nyc bar. Prices are fair and it’s always a fun bunch of people. They have great French fries.

Review 65 (2021-10-18 - Rating: 5)
I feel like I’m in GTA ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (Seriously this is one of my favorite bars in LES)

Review 66 (2023-12-13 - Rating: 5)
Favorite bar in town. Great burger, fries and atmosphere! Always a good time here!

Review 67 (2024-02-14 - Rating: 5)
The best bar ever. Stop reading reviews about where to go just go to Ray’s

Review 68 (2021-05-07 - Rating: 4)
Awesome little bar, the staff are great and super friendly.

Review 69 (2024-04-06 - Rating: 5)
Vibes are great, Grace is a great host!

Review 70 (2024-01-10 - Rating: 5)
Favorite bar in New York! Great staff great drinks!

Review 71 (2023-10-02 - Rating: 4)
Fun dive-y bar. would be a blast with friends. really cool crowd

Review 72 (2023-08-24 - Rating: 5)
The best place to grab drinks with friends, always a good crowd and super fun on Thursdays for Tay’s!!

Review 73 (2021-11-25 - Rating: 5)
Best door daddy in the LES. Rest of the staff is cool, too.

Review 74 (2023-07-18 - Rating: 5)
Bought a beer and tequila shot and it was only $14, ON A SATURDAY NIGHT. Beautiful atmosphere, will be back 🤝

Review 75 (2022-03-17 - Rating: 5)
Honestly an amazing bar; good decor, good vibes, and relatively nice people. I feel like I always meet somebody new who is willing to chat and have a good time, you just need to know where to look (can get scene-y at times but then again, what NYC bar doesn’t get like that). From security to bartenders, the people that work there are so incredible if you’re friendly to them, which you always should be.If you go on Fridays or Saturdays after 9, you can’t complain about the line because you did it to yourself.

Review 76 (2021-11-03 - Rating: 4)
Cousin greg wasn’t there but the bathrooms were clean

Review 77 (2023-05-24 - Rating: 5)
Great bar great staff and music under 35 bar check it out and enjoy yourself

Review 78 (2021-10-09 - Rating: 5)
One of my favorite bars in NYC!

Review 79 (2022-04-02 - Rating: 5)
Its like, I just love a cowboy, you know?

Review 80 (2022-04-02 - Rating: 5)
Always have the best time at Rays! Its always a great vibe. Love the frozen margs and bartenders are really chill. Music is always a 10 too. Cant wait to come back! 💘💘

Review 81 (2021-10-08 - Rating: 5)
Hosted my best Bud’s bday there. Entire staff was incredibly friendly and so helpful. Ben the bartender was rad. They food was great. Good tunes. It was just an overall awesome experience. 5 stars. I shall return.

Review 82 (2021-11-12 - Rating: 5)
Always great energy, people, and vibes. Unfortunately many LES bars and clubs lack diversity of people, style, and culture… NOT RAYS! Rays seems to attract a diverse crowd always looking to have fun.

Review 83 (2021-10-21 - Rating: 5)
Great serviceBest cold beer ever

Review 84 (2022-04-11 - Rating: 5)
Really trying so hard to be any bar in Bushwick and succeeding.

Review 85 (2022-05-27 - Rating: 4)
A “cool” spot, and most people there seemed to be trying hard to be exactly that. Ray’s is basically a bougie dive bar, but the drinks are good and bartenders were friendly enough. As long as you know what you’re getting into, it’s a solid spot.

Review 86 (2022-05-13 - Rating: 5)
Awesome dive. Good music and friendly people.

Review 87 (2022-06-11 - Rating: 5)
Lovely lady was selling the best cookies I’ve ever had right outside. Those d*mn cookies are AMAZING!

Review 88 (2021-10-09 - Rating: 5)
Favorite neighborhood spot! Always a great time

Review 89 (2024-06-01 - Rating: 5)
Best!

Review 90 (2022-01-25 - Rating: 5)
Friendliest bartenders - literally the best!! It can get a little busy but def worth the wait. Ray’s is a must in the LES!

Review 91 (2022-03-18 - Rating: 5)
Never been but it looks cool when I walk by it

Review 92 (2022-04-02 - Rating: 5)
Great vibes, service and food! I am never disappointed when I go to Rays. One of NYC best bars.

Review 93 (2022-08-19 - Rating: 5)
Literally just a normal club in New York…. Giving it 5 stars because these other reviews are so unserious… how are you hating from outside the club when you can’t even get in? Please fight with me. My IG is @brunner.nate

Review 94 (2022-04-02 - Rating: 5)
One of my favorite bars in NYC!! Such a fun vibe, crowd with great bartenders and the best staff.

Review 95 (2022-03-17 - Rating: 5)
Ray’s is the best nyc bar! BEST staff and sick tattoos, plus yummy fries!

Review 96 (2021-10-09 - Rating: 5)
Best Bar hands down in NYC. Bartenders are super hot and sweet , heavy pours. Guaranteed a great time.

Review 97 (2022-04-14 - Rating: 5)
We had such a great time at this bar! They had free Taco Bell and free shots!

Review 98 (2021-10-08 - Rating: 5)
Feels like something fun or memorable happens every night involving people you wanna be around and wont ever forget

Review 99 (2021-11-25 - Rating: 5)
Great vibe, amazing bartenders, if I could I would go every single day until the day I die.

Review 100 (2021-10-08 - Rating: 5)
I came to this bar to have drinks and they were able to give me drinks, thank you for your help.

Review 101 (2021-10-10 - Rating: 5)
Favorite Bar in NYC. Best drinks and fries in Manhattan. Randy the door guy is also a class act

Review 102 (2021-10-08 - Rating: 5)
I love this bar so much I got a tattoo to commemorate.

Review 103 (2019-11-08 - Rating: 5)
I love these guys always treating me with care

Review 104 (2021-11-25 - Rating: 5)
Amazing drinks, amazing staff and even better vibes 💖

Review 105 (2021-09-14 - Rating: 4)
Huge bummer that tiktok discovered this place, otherwise i love it here

Review 106 (2020-12-20 - Rating: 5)
Awesome place. Great drinks and the best burger from #gothamburgersocialclub

Review 107 (2022-01-13 - Rating: 5)
This place always feels pre-pandemic. Miss those days.

Review 108 (2021-10-18 - Rating: 5)
Great drinks, great staff, great vibe always

Review 109 (2021-10-08 - Rating: 5)
Never been there but looks really fun

Review 110 (2021-10-09 - Rating: 5)
I yearn for a long-term relationship with Ray’s

Review 111 (2023-08-24 - Rating: 5)
Love the atmosphere

Review 112 (2019-11-10 - Rating: 5)
Amazing everytime. Its been many times ive visited and now im sure its the best. Great music. Small dance floor & a few seats make this place spectacular.. Great pool table. Bathroom. Never dissappointed

Review 113 (2021-10-09 - Rating: 5)
Hands down my favorite bar in NYC. You can never miss with a Spaghett and fries from Ray’s.

Review 114 (2021-10-08 - Rating: 5)
Solid burger. Great crowd.

Review 115 (2021-10-08 - Rating: 5)
Great bar with beer and other drinks too

Review 116 (2021-10-09 - Rating: 5)
Randy is the best doorman to ever live 🤍

Review 117 (2020-01-16 - Rating: 4)
Fine dive bar digs. Small space, pool table, packed.

Review 118 (2024-02-29 - Rating: 5)
Best bar on earth

Review 119 (2020-01-24 - Rating: 4)
Place is awesome, but getting too crowded now

Review 120 (2021-10-09 - Rating: 5)
Awesome collabs, vibes and peeps!

Review 121 (2021-10-09 - Rating: 5)
A great place to alcohol 👍🏼

Review 122 (2021-10-09 - Rating: 5)
Good place to trade money for beer

Review 123 (2022-03-18 - Rating: 5)
Every time you see this, I will be there tomorrow.

Review 124 (2021-10-09 - Rating: 5)
I left my credit card at Ray’s last night. Thinking about just leaving it there forever. That’s my Ray’s card now.