Ray’s New York Pizza in Atlanta: What to Know Before You Go

If you’re craving classic New York–style pizza in Atlanta, Ray’s New York Pizza is one of the better-known local spots. Whether you live in the city or you’re just visiting and staying nearby, this guide walks through what to expect, how it fits into Atlanta’s dining scene, and tips for getting the most out of a visit.

What Is Ray’s New York Pizza?

Ray’s New York Pizza is an Atlanta-based pizzeria that focuses on thin-crust, foldable New York–style slices and pies. It’s not a chain imported from New York; it’s a local Atlanta operation that leans heavily into New York flavors and style:

  • Large, wide slices you can fold.
  • Crispy-yet-chewy crust with a bit of char.
  • Simple, familiar toppings (pepperoni, sausage, veggie combos) alongside a few specialty options.
  • A menu that often includes calzones, pasta dishes, salads, and wings in addition to pizza.

It’s the kind of place that works for a quick lunch downtown, a pre-game bite, or a casual dinner before heading home on MARTA.

Where Ray’s Fits Into Atlanta’s Pizza Scene

Atlanta’s pizza scene covers everything from Neapolitan-style in intown neighborhoods to bar pies in the suburbs. Ray’s New York Pizza sits in the “classic slice joint” category:

  • More casual than a sit-down Italian restaurant.
  • More traditional than trend-focused artisanal pizza spots.
  • Designed for people who want something familiar and filling without a lot of ceremony.

For locals working in or visiting central Atlanta, Ray’s is often used as:

  • A lunch break spot.
  • A place to grab a slice before or after events, especially if you’re already downtown.
  • A convenient meet-up option if you’re coordinating with friends or family coming from different parts of the metro area.

Typical Menu Highlights

Exact offerings can vary by location and over time, but in Atlanta you’ll generally see:

New York–Style Pizza

By the slice or whole pie, with:

  • Cheese – the go-to baseline slice.
  • Pepperoni – usually one of the most popular options.
  • Meat combos – sausage, bacon, ham, or similar.
  • Veggie pies – peppers, onions, mushrooms, olives, and variations.
  • White pies – typically with ricotta and mozzarella instead of red sauce.
  • Specialty pies – combinations with names tied to New York or house themes.

If you’re used to Atlanta’s thicker crusts or pan pizzas, the crunchy edges and foldable center at Ray’s can feel noticeably different.

Beyond Pizza

Many Atlanta diners use Ray’s as a general Italian-American stop, not just a slice shop. Common non-pizza items include:

  • Calzones and stromboli
  • Pasta dishes like baked ziti, spaghetti with red sauce, or lasagna-style options
  • Salads (Greek, Caesar, house salads for a lighter meal)
  • Appetizers such as garlic knots, mozzarella sticks, or wings

These can be useful if you’re with a group where not everyone wants pizza.

What to Expect When You Visit in Atlanta

Ray’s locations around Atlanta tend to follow a similar pattern:

Atmosphere

  • Casual and relaxed – no dress code, fine for jeans or game-day gear.
  • Order-at-the-counter style at many locations, especially where slices are on display.
  • Often a mix of office workers, students, and families, depending on the neighborhood and time of day.
  • TV screens are common, frequently tuned to sports, especially when Atlanta teams are playing.

Service Style

  • You typically order and pay at the counter, then:
    • Take slices that are already ready to go, or
    • Receive a number or name and wait for a whole pie or cooked-to-order item.
  • Food is often brought to the table or called out when ready, depending on the setup.

If you’re visiting from out of town, the service format is similar to many New York slice shops, just with an Atlanta crowd and pace.

Timing Your Visit

Because Atlanta traffic and event schedules can change how busy places get, planning your visit to Ray’s can make a difference.

Peak Times to Keep in Mind

  • Weekday lunches (11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.) in business-heavy areas can get busy with office workers.
  • Evenings before games or concerts near major venues often see a rush.
  • Weekend late nights near nightlife hubs can draw crowds of students, locals, and visitors.

If you want a quieter experience:

  • Try arriving slightly before noon on weekdays or early evening on weekends.
  • Consider weekday afternoons for a more relaxed vibe if your schedule is flexible.

Ordering Tips for Atlantans and Visitors

A few practical suggestions tailored to how people in Atlanta often use Ray’s:

1. Slices vs. Whole Pie

  • Grab a slice if:

    • You’re on lunch break downtown.
    • You’re hopping between events or exploring the city.
    • You’re trying different flavors without committing to a whole pizza.

  • Order a whole pie if:

    • You’re with a group or family.
    • You want leftovers for later (helpful if you’re staying in a hotel or short-term rental).
    • You prefer custom toppings or specific combinations.

2. Consider Travel and Reheating

Many Atlanta residents pick up pizza on the way home through traffic:

  • If you have a long drive on I-85, I-75, or I-285, a whole pie generally travels better than reheated slices.
  • New York–style pizza reheats well in a standard oven or toaster oven, which can be useful if you’re staying in a place with a kitchen.

3. Plan Around Events

If you’re in town for:

  • Sports games at major stadiums or arenas
  • Conventions or conferences
  • Concerts or festivals

build in extra time. Slices can be the fastest option when crowds pick up before or after these events.

Price Expectations in Atlanta

Prices will shift over time, but Ray’s New York Pizza in Atlanta typically sits in the mid-range for casual dining:

  • Slices: expect an affordable price for a quick solo meal.
  • Whole pies: usually competitive with other local pizzerias, especially when feeding multiple people.
  • Add-ons like salads, appetizers, and drinks can increase the total, so budget accordingly if you’re with a group.

If cost is a concern:

  • Splitting a large cheese or basic topping pie among several people is often the best value.
  • Water is usually available at no extra charge if you’re dining in.

Dietary Considerations

Options can vary by location and change over time, but common patterns in Atlanta include:

  • Vegetarian options: cheese pizzas, veggie pies, salads, and some pasta dishes.
  • Meat-heavy options: plenty of choices for pepperoni, sausage, and multiple-meat combinations.
  • Gluten or dairy concerns: some locations may offer alternatives, but availability is not guaranteed, and cross-contact is often possible in busy pizza kitchens.

If you have serious food allergies or strict dietary needs, it’s wise to:

  • Call ahead to the specific Atlanta location you plan to visit.
  • Ask which options they can reasonably accommodate.
  • Decide if their setup fits your comfort level.

Using Ray’s as a Local Convenience Stop

For Atlantans, Ray’s New York Pizza is often as much about convenience as it is about style:

  • A quick pick-up option on the way home from work in the city.
  • A simple solution when friends from different parts of metro Atlanta meet downtown and want something universally familiar.
  • A predictable choice for out-of-town guests staying in central Atlanta who ask, “Where can we get a decent slice nearby?”

Because Ray’s focuses on recognizable New York–style pizza rather than experimental flavors, it tends to work well when you need a place that almost everyone in the group will be comfortable with.

How to Decide if Ray’s New York Pizza Is Right for You in Atlanta

Ray’s may be a good fit if you:

  • Want classic, foldable New York–style pizza without leaving Atlanta.
  • Need a casual, come-as-you-are spot near where you’re working, staying, or exploring.
  • Prefer simple, familiar toppings and straightforward service over more upscale or experimental pizza concepts.

It may not be your first choice if you’re looking for:

  • Trend-driven, wood-fired or ultra-artisanal pies.
  • A quiet, fine-dining Italian experience.
  • Extensive specialty-diet menus.

For most people in or visiting Atlanta, Ray’s New York Pizza serves as a reliable, recognizable option when the craving for a classic slice hits—especially if you’re already spending time in the city’s core and want something quick, filling, and easy to understand.