Ray's Cafe image

Ray's Cafe

Restaurant Cafe Coffee shop Breakfast restaurant Bar and grill

Compact eatery serving up hearty portions of prime rib & other comfort food in a low-key setting. People often mention prime, good, order, hole, worth, wall, chicken, great, portions, prices,


Address

2033 N King St, Honolulu, HI 96819

Website

m.facebook.com

Contact

(808) 841-2771

Price rating

$ $$$

Rating on Google Maps

4.60 (737 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Thursday: 6 AM to 5 PM
  • Friday: (Good Friday), 6 AM to 5 PM, Hours might differ
  • Saturday: 6 AM to 5 PM
  • Sunday: (Easter), 6 AM to 5 PM, Hours might differ
  • Monday: 6 AM to 5 PM
  • Tuesday: 6 AM to 5 PM
  • Wednesday: 6 AM to 5 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: prime (24) good (14) order (12) hole (11) worth (10) wall (10) chicken (9) great (9) portions (8) prices (8)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Rachel K. 1 year ago on Google
    THIS IS A MUST TRY!! Easily the best food place we had in Honolulu. The portions were very generous, service was exceptional! Prices was also extremely reasonable. We got the mahi-mahi, ono & chicken and prime rib on the daily menu. Absolutely worth going out of your way to go to this place.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Chanel M. 2 years ago on Google
    Always a must visit when I'm home. Generous portions, resonable prices and delicious food! Absolutely love the Prime Rib! **Cash Only**
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 HoHo H. 2 years ago on Google
    Budget gourmet in Oahu. Picked up the prime rib and pork chop to go during the COVID-19 pandemic. The prime rib was perfectly done at medium rare for $20. The double pork chops were juicy. Each order comes with white rice and a side salad or mac salad. Great bang for a budget travel at Oahu. Parking is a big problem but I was lucky to find a spot on a side street.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Miggy M. 1 year ago on Google
    Heard a lot about this place and the hype is real. It’s a old school restaurant and food gives you that local home cook feel. I never wrote a review for a place but I had to for this place. I went in and I saw there special the prime rib and king crab and I asked how much crab legs would I get and one of the cooks brought out this massive crab leg bigger than the ones you get at crab boil places and that sold me. The prime rib was the best super soft and flavorful and what really did it was at the end when I paid for my bill I was gonna tip 15$ but the guy told me “no youre young boy use this when you need it” and gave me my exact change. Still was able to tip 5$ that he didn’t wanna take lol Can’t believe there’s still people like that. CRAZY coming back whenever I can.. one of a kind place
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 henry c. 10 months ago on Google
    Okay it’s off the beaten path but well worth the drive. The food is amazing and the serving is huge. The place is small and seating is limited though so take outs might be your only option. You’ll ask yourself how can this small diner with just Ray cooking in the kitchen have such an awesome menu! This was our first time there and it showed. Surprisingly all the local diners started to help us navigate the extensive menu. We felt like family. Nice atmosphere. We will make this place a regular stop when in Oahu.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jenjira S. 2 years ago on Google
    Best food in town. Good food with the best price huge portion. Busy small restaurant if you need to dine-in you need to go early.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Debra Caracol P. 4 years ago on Google
    A friend recommended this place! Since we were in the area, we decided to check it out! The only problem was the parking, thank God, there was an opening, located on North King St. & Kopke St. The prices are low!.quality and taste was awesome!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sheryl O. 2 years ago on Google
    At first impression, the location was a bit sketchy. Apparently we arrived after closing, but the owner was super nice and sweet, even during the pandemic he let our family in and let us sit, order and eat. The food was good, staff was friendly. Owner sat down at table near us to shoot the breeze and talk about basketball teams. I'd go back just to say hi to "uncle Ray". Mahalo uncle.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Milton Y. 3 years ago on Google
    DEFINITELY ONE OF MY FAVORITE PLACES!!! Good fresh wholesome food, tasty, GREAT portions, DECENT prices. And I have a TREMENDOUS AMOUNT OF RESPECT FOR THE OWNER!!!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 MiltonIn808 4 months ago on Google
    If you like, huge portions, good taste, and very reasonable prices, Ray’s Cafe may be the place for you. However, you have to find street parking, seating is limited, there is no air-conditioning, its crowded, you may have to wait, and you have to pay cash. They run different specials on different days of the week. For example, they serve prime rib on Friday through Monday. This is the only hole in the wall that I know of that serves prime rib, fresh fish, ribeye steak, king crab, lobster, rack of lamb, next to fried chicken, beef cutlet, pig’s feet soup, sari-sari, oxtail stew, hot cakes, and Vienna sausage omelet. Lol! They are open for breakfast, lunch & dinner. You can also call in a takeout order and eat the comfort of your car, at the office or at home. Plates come with your choice of toss salad or Mac salad and you can bring your own wine or beer. Overall: **** Food: ***** excellent! Very reasonable! Menu: **** great choices, varies daily Ambiance: * hole in the wall with no AC Service: *** depends on when you go Parking: * Street parking only RATINGS & RECOMMENDED ORDER: Prime Rib = A Rib Eye & King Crab = A Oxtail Stew = A Sari Sari = B Fried Chicken = B (look at the pictures of the food on Yelp or Google) Yelp: https://yelp.to/Obhoo4actQ If you would like to see the complete video, more restaurant reviews, ratings of each dish, and my recommended order follow me on Instagram at MiltonIn808
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Phillip T. 3 years ago on Google
    Very amazing prime rib which is fridays, and their fried chicken is on point!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 candie s. 3 years ago on Google
    Sunday breakfast...steak n eggs, yummerz! Heard the prime rib is a must, thats my next try
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 hiroshi i. 4 months ago on Google
    Felix is always looking young. And keeps cooking up a storm. Sarisari is a good soup to eat with the prime rib. Oxtail stew is always popular. You can't get that kind of grinz without paying out of your pocket big time. He keeps it affordable and Delicious. I had oxtail stew with prime rib then slept for a day not hungry for 2 days. Mahalo Felix for all your years of hard work
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Robert B. 4 months ago on Google
    I had the pleasure of trying their special of the day, the Ox Tail Stew, and I must say it was absolutely divine. This hidden gem, situated off the beaten path, is a hole in the wall that I stumbled upon by chance. Despite its unassuming appearance, the culinary expertise that lies within its walls is truly commendable. As a first-time visitor, I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the food. The Ox Tail Stew, cooked to perfection, demonstrated the chef's exemplary skills. The meat was succulent and tender, falling off the bone effortlessly. Each spoonful was bursting with rich flavors that left my taste buds longing for more.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ann G. 3 years ago on Google
    Rays is the best. Hands down. Idc, idc! I would eat here breakfast, lunch, and supper if I could.... even though I don’t think I’d like the weight gain. Lol. You must try the RibRoast if you like red meat. Omg. To die for. It’s your typical hole in the wall and definitely worth the wait. If you’re in a hurry, just call ahead. It’s about a 10 -15 minute drive from the touristy areas.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Evan W. 1 year ago on Google
    Not many places surprise me these days, but this unassuming joint in a residential area surpassed any expectations I had. The prime rib plate was the standout and possibly the best prime rib I've ever eaten. I can say with confidence, don't leave Oahu without trying this place.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jeramy P. 1 year ago on Google
    Charming little Cafe in the heart of Kalihi. There are few tables here so if you are dining in try to make it around 11 for lunch. The last time I came here they ran out of Prime Rib as I was sitting down, but not this time. The order came with your choice of salad and scoop white rice. I had my cut medium rare. The crab legs tasted like they were steamed with a hunt of white wine. Everything tasted wonderful. Don't t expect any fancy dinnerware, the food is served on paper plates and that's ok with me. Great place. Well worth the visit. Parking does not exist here, lol.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kaiser T. 3 years ago on Google
    As I said hole in the walls are always the BEST. Great, quality fresh food made by the Chef himself.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Remarkable Review OBM / P. 3 years ago on Google
    Okay. I'm not sure where to even start, but this place was amazing. Growing up in SoCal, you learn that the best food are typically found off the beaten path and hole in the wall types usually take the crown. A friend of our recommended this place to us. He said everytime he's in the area, he makes it a point to go, and now we will do the same. We are total carnivores so we got the prome rib twice. The servings are really healthy servings so we each ended up having left overs twice both times we went. If you get the prime rib, the meat juice goes wonderfully with the white rice. The chicken and pork was great also. It's a small place with like 5 tables. The menu has so many options and most is cooked to order. Friendly gentleman server too. It was definitely worth going and if you are near, you should too. I will forever reccomend.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 wowlaulau 4 years ago on Google
    I ordered my prime rib medium rare. The table next to me ordered the same. They returned their first order saying it was too well done. Ray takes it back and 10 minutes later returns with their order, then goes back into the kitchen and serves us the prime ribs he first cookednfir them. As we were waiting there for over 40 min we decided to just take it. BIG MISTAKE!! Prime rib was well done and cold. Wouldn't go back again.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Lance O. 2 years ago on Google
    Parking was not necessarily difficult to find, but it wasn't easy, even on a weekday night. They served us even after they had closed but unfortunately they had run out of prime rib. Regardless, the food was good and with reasonable prices. The owner was super friendly and they also gave us lots of complementary watermelon plus our food. Overall, a must try when visiting Honolulu. We will definitely be back next time.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Edna K. 3 years ago on Google
    Went to buy pork chops.pork chops are really good.my aunty and I like to go there.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Steven C. 3 years ago on Google
    Love it here. Jus about everything is tasty and ono. Try the Ray's special fried chix and hamburger steak soooo ono.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 David F. 3 years ago on Google
    Great food, pleasant atmosphere, but needs to get better location , and bigger place, rays Cafe is a popular and well enjoyed cafe, parking is none. But if he does he will have to increase his great prices.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kenneth Mark O. 3 years ago on Google
    Ray’s Cafe is the bomb y’all. The food is good and tasty. Can’t beat the price and the portions you get. Small eatery with usually the same staff. They all work so hard, and the owner Felix is just awesome. They can get pretty busy, and yet food still come out great. Thank you.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Jay R. 3 years ago on Google
    Best deal in town for a prime rib. Portions are bigger than other places. Fried chicken is also very good but it takes 20 minutes so order ahead. Street parking only and it could be hard to find at times. Service could be better.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Bryan R. 6 months ago on Google
    Small place. 6 tables. The place fills up quickly. Get in and order, make yourself noticed as the place is busy. Also, be patient. Takeout is preferred if Ray's is full. Chill atmosphere. Friendly staff.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nene S. 3 years ago on Google
    Best prime rib deal on island!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 崔德浩 3 years ago on Google
    Best prime rib in town.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 David Y. 3 years ago on Google
    Pretty good food and a good price.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Michelle L. 3 years ago on Google
    This is one of my all time favorite restaurants on Oahu. Amazing food! The best fried chicken, prime rib, and opakapaka; just to name a few. Take out, cash only, street parking if you're lucky close by.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Char M. 3 years ago on Google
    Excellent deal $20 for 15ozs of tender, and juicy Prime Rib melts in your mouth. You would think your Prime Rib is from a fine dining restaurant when in reality its a hole in the wall place.....yummy lol
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Bert B. 3 years ago on Google
    Don't order the chop steak. They give you more vegetables then meat
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Miles T. 3 years ago on Google
    WOW!!!!!GOTA CHECK IT OUT THERE FAT NEW YORK STEAK ABOUT $16.00 AND PRIME RIB ABOUT $20.00 FRESH AND GOOD CASH ONLY!!!!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Leslie M. 3 years ago on Google
    Ray's is AMAZING! Always been going here, so ono!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Michael K. 3 years ago on Google
    The PRIME RIB. AU JUS. FRESH GRATED WHITE HORSERADISH. GARLIC/PECAN BUTTERED GREEN BEANS. BUTTER WHIPPED MASH.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ryan H. 2 years ago on Google
    I've been hearing about this hole in the wall for years.....parking sucks.... but food was totally worth it.

  • 5/5 Seth A. 2 years ago on Google
    Hidden gem. Local food. One of the best

  • 4/5 JMAC 10 months ago on Google
    5/2023 It's not a place for the inexperienced, high expectations, demanding foodie. It's a neighborhood foothold that gets by serving good simple food, breakfast all day, 3 - 5 different ways to serve a cow, Prime Rib Friday's, in an old school, growing up in the hana butta days, and get good eats at a really good price. Friendly owner, busy, and does what he can sharing his Aloha through his food, with Filipino specialties. I haven't seen Sari Sari in a long time. It's hard to find parking but worth the fix. 🤙✌️

  • 5/5 J. W. 2 years ago on Google
    Best prime rib that you can carry out. Affordable prices for great quality! Have to try prime rib, pork chops and catch of the day..

  • 5/5 Mike K. 4 months ago on Google
    The perfect bare-bones diner experience, Hawaiian style. Anthony Bourdain would have loved it!

  • 5/5 Arnold H. 1 year ago on Google
    Friendly staff and great food! We had chicken cutlet, fried chicken and pork chops and there was no single complaint. Our food had great taste and the service was excellent. Definitely making this a regular visit.

  • 5/5 Ligaya R. 1 year ago on Google
    We got there late so had takeout instead. Big portions and delicious food. We had the rib eye and grilled ahi. There were 4 of us and couldn’t finish as there was so much food. Highly recommended. A little far from Waikiki but worth it.

  • 5/5 norman s. 6 months ago on Google
    This is must to go spot for breakfast if you find yourself in Honolulu. Cash only hole in the wall that has some incredible food. Ray is genuine and an awesome person.

  • 5/5 Paul C. 3 years ago on Google
    Great hole in the wall plate lunch place!

  • 5/5 Michael Mick M. 3 years ago on Google
    You always get a delicious "home cooked" meal at a reasonable price and a wide selection to choose from

  • 5/5 Jp B. 3 years ago on Google
    Bomb local spot! Huge portions for the price! Parking is hard to find but definitely worth it

  • 5/5 John P. 3 years ago on Google
    Ono kinetic grindz and plenty.

  • 5/5 Bobo S. 3 years ago on Google
    Mean broke da mouth lunch winner

  • 3/5 Annette N. 3 years ago on Google
    The food is great

  • 4/5 Joe B. 3 years ago on Google
    Great food with good prices!

  • 4/5 D J. 3 years ago on Google
    The food was good and plenty

  • 5/5 mahina K. 3 years ago on Google
    "Just like home cooked kine grind!!! 👍🤙😎"

  • 5/5 Leilani A. 3 years ago on Google
    Well worth the wait... call ahead like I did

  • 5/5 Blu Phone South K. 3 years ago on Google
    Someone recommended this place to us as best prime rib place. I believe that recommendation is accurate! Had lamb as well and both were great. Meat was flavourful and tender. They (or one of them?) came with mac salad. We shall go back there again!

  • 4/5 Joseph T. 3 years ago on Google
    I go for the steak and eggs, medium rare

  • 5/5 Dexter G. 3 years ago on Google
    I emloyed. .

  • 5/5 Shane T. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) The bomb (Original) Da bomb

  • 5/5 Matt A. 3 years ago on Google
    Omg this place is one of the best on the island don't judge a book by the cover🤣😂🤣😂🤣

  • 5/5 ln96821 3 years ago on Google
    Great food for this hole in the wall restaurant.

  • 5/5 Kendal L. 3 years ago on Google
    Perfect Prime Rib! Perfect Lobster!

  • 5/5 Cliff L. 3 years ago on Google
    Broke da month, to much food. The ahi was big like one whale lol and side order fried chicken

  • 5/5 Alex B. 4 years ago on Google
    Love the Ono KauKau & Local Service

  • 5/5 Krishna A. 2 years ago on Google
    Amazing portions of fresh fish, cooked to perfection. And you get a free slice of watermelon for dessert.


Call (808) 841-2771 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Parking
    • ✓️ Free street parking
    • ✓️ Difficult to find a space
  • Payments
    • ✓️ Cash-only
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Coffee
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Quick bite
    • ✓️ Comfort food
  • Popular for
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Breakfast
    • ✓️ Solo dining
  • Accessibility
    • ✗ Wheelchair accessible entrance
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Brunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Dessert
    • ✓️ Catering
    • ✓️ Breakfast
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✓️ Takeout
    • ✓️ Delivery

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