NYC’s watering hole Ray’s, known for its pool tables, disco ball, and overall dive bar vibes, has opened the doors of its second location in Greenpoint–and no, this is not a drill.
Opened by the nightlife veterans of Authentic Hospitality, the ones behind other NYC venues such as Jac’s on Bond, Bar Calico, Georgia Room, and Pebble Bar, Ray’s has expanded from being a hometown bar on the Lower East Side to now putting down new roots in Brooklyn.
And don’t worry–things haven’t changed just because they’ve expanded.
NYers can still expect all the same home-away-from-home vibes “Raygulars” have come to know and love at the LES space, including its signature wood-paneled walls, vinyl booths, and neon bar signs. And of course the space pays homage to New York sports teams, with jerseys of Nets, Mets, and Jets players decorating the walls.
In other words it’s meant to look like every best hometown bar you’ve ever thrown back a drink at combined into one cohesive space.
“Ray’s has always served as a friendly gathering place for locals and travelers alike to grab a drink, order a bite, shoot a round of pool, and meet up with old and soon-to-be friends and this location will be no different,” reads a press release.
At the bar guests can order ice cold beers, classic cocktails on tap, and a selection of custom cocktails inspired by the decades and lives the fictional founder Ray has lived through and named after specific characters who have added to the American cultural canon over the past century.
Noteworthy sips include Ray Romano, made with Casamigos Blanco Tequila, lime, and soda, Stevie Ray, made with Patron Blanco Tequila, pineapple, lime, agave, and hellfire tincture, and Carly Rae Jepson, made with Buffalo Trace Bourbon, peach, and lemon.
To eat, the focus is on well done, straightforward bar food.
That’s to say guests can expect bites such as Ray’s Style Fries, seasoned and smothered in a spicy Zab’s butter sauce, Onion Rings with a smoky chili mayo, a Fried Bologna Sandwich with spicy mustard, swiss, and pickles, and the Veggie Heaven, with endive, carrots, celery, and green goddess.
Authentic Hospitality’s Carlos Quirarte stated:
Ray’s has always been a friendly place to hang your hat. This iteration, located…across from McCarren Park, invites the neighborhood to enjoy Ray’s trademark affable atmosphere within Greenpoint. Here we cheer on the Mets, savor bar food done right, and welcome in everyone to join.
Ray’s new outpost is located in Greenpoint at 905 Lorimer Street. It’s open Sunday through Thursday, 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. and Friday through Saturday, 5 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Since opening they’ve already hosted a number of happenings, which can be found here.