About This Spot

Walking into Ray's Harvest House in Albany feels like stepping into a familiar, comforting corner of town, where time slows just enough to savor good food and easy conversation. The pace here moves gently, with an inviting hum of everyday life that welcomes locals and travelers alike to a spot that feels both unpretentious and full of heart.

This is the kind of place where the aroma of sizzling breakfasts and hearty dinners wraps around you like an old friend’s embrace. The atmosphere carries a homegrown warmth—plainspoken and sincere—with friendly faces behind the counter and servers who seem genuinely glad to see you. It’s no wonder regulars fill the booths, drawn as much by the camaraderie as by the home-style dishes that speak of tradition and simple pleasures.

The menu here is a comforting map of familiar favorites, each plate thoughtfully prepared to bring out the soul of classic American cooking. Whether it’s the savory richness of a country fried steak, the satisfying heft of a chopped steak, or the inviting balance of flavors in a freshly made chicken sandwich, the offerings feel like a nod to those who appreciate a meal crafted with care and shared in good company. And the small but delightful touches—crispy pickle fries, golden onion rings, or a slice of freshly baked pumpkin pie—add just the right amount of nostalgic joy to each visit.

Meals at Ray’s often come with a side of lively exchanges, hearty laughs, and a sense of belonging that lingers long after the last bite. It’s clear from the volume of regulars that this is more than just an eatery—it’s a gathering place where stories unfold over coffee, brisket plates, and homemade sides. Whether you’re dropping in for a relaxed breakfast or a satisfying dinner, the experience feels grounded in familiarity, with enough character to make every visit feel like a small discovery worth savoring.

What’s Available Here

  • IconTakeaway
  • IconDine-in
  • IconDelivery
  • IconFast service
  • IconGreat coffee
  • IconGreat dessert
  • IconGreat tea selection
  • IconServes local specialty
  • IconBreakfast
  • IconLunch
  • IconDinner
  • IconSolo dining
  • IconWheelchair-accessible car park
  • IconWheelchair-accessible entrance
  • IconWheelchair-accessible seating
  • IconWheelchair-accessible toilet
  • IconCoffee
  • IconComfort food
  • IconHealthy options
  • IconPrivate dining room
  • IconQuick bite
  • IconSmall plates
  • IconBreakfast
  • IconBrunch
  • IconLunch
  • IconDinner
  • IconDessert
  • IconSeating
  • IconTable service
  • IconToilet
  • IconCasual
  • IconCosy
  • IconQuiet
  • IconFamily friendly
  • IconGroups
  • IconTourists
  • IconAccepts reservations
  • IconCredit cards
  • IconDebit cards
  • IconCredit cards
  • IconGood for kids
  • IconHigh chairs
  • IconKids' menu
  • IconFree of charge street parking
  • IconFree parking lot
  • IconParking

Location & Hours

Monday 06:00 AM - 08:00 PM
Tuesday 06:00 AM - 08:00 PM
Wednesday 06:00 AM - 08:00 PM
Thursday 06:00 AM - 08:00 PM
Friday 06:00 AM - 08:00 PM
Saturday 06:00 AM - 08:00 PM
Sunday 06:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Guest Reviews

Lady Python 13 Dec 2025

We stopped here on a business trip and it was absolutely delicious!

OliverCloseoff69 27 Nov 2025

Homestyle cooking, quaint atmosphere, friendly staff. This is the place to eat when in the area. A welcome change from fast food and "meh" eating experiences. They have daily specials, but dont plan on getting any of that if you wait until later in the day. LOL I dont consider that a downside, its just a testament that the specials are that good. Lots of locals eat here, which are friendly "salt of the earth" type folks. They probably just got done doing a hard day's work or if in the morning are preparing for that hard days work. The wait staff is nice and attentive, sometimes it might take a minute to get waited on during busy times, but nothing excessive. Sometimes they are just busy. You don't see any of them standing around talking, unless everyone has been attended to. If driving by, swing in and give it a try.

gwendolyn wiese 13 Nov 2025

Nice little place to eat. The food was great and the service was outstanding.

Mike Wilson 08 Nov 2025

Not from the immediate area and have been here one other time passing through. The food is home made and fantastic. Some of their items like the home made potato chips are my point of reference for other places we go. We have been all over the country and prefer to dine in mom and pop style places and avoid mainstream. The portions are definitely enough to fill you up, but even if you're full, you have to get dessert even if you take it to go . Rays Harvest House is absolutely one of the best restaurants we have been to and the service is top notch as well. Our server was very personable, attentive, and had a great sense of humor. If you want an old school diner vibe this is the place to go. Bacon Cheeseburger & home made Chips, Ham with Mashed Potatoes & Brown Gravy, Coleslaw, Blackberry Cobbler with Vanilla Bean Ice-cream, and Peanutbutter Cream Pie. They have Pepsi products and the Sweet Tea is excellent!

Brian James 02 Nov 2025

I haven’t been in this place for 35 years. It was like I’d never left. My food was very good. The company was excellent. And our server really busted it to keep up with our table of 7.

Savannah Perry 23 Oct 2025

Good food, quick service. We enjoyed everything we ordered. Highly recommend the Big John Burger and the homemade chips. We also really enjoyed the club sandwich and the ultimate grilled cheese. All of our food came out very quick and it was all good and made well. Large parking lot with plenty of seating. We went for an early dinner around 5:00 and it was not busy we got right into a seat and got our orders and food quick.

Jose Prado 15 Oct 2025

Great food. Great place to have breakfast. The pancakes are the best I've had in a while. My server was also the best, great service, friendly and a big smile. I really enjoyed my visit here. Would definitely come back again.

Robbie Scott 20 Sep 2025

We came here to eat during graduation/move out weekend in Athens. The three of us had 3 different dishes, and all were enjoyed. It was really busy, and I think there were only 3 persons keeping up with a restaurant that every table was full the whole time we were there. Being that busy, everything took just a little longer than I'm used to, but the flavors were good, and it is obvious many of the locals enjoy it. We took pieces of pie to go ... Yes, definitely plan for pie. The prices are reasonable, the flavors are good (and my eating partners both had fries, and really liked them).

Share Your Experience
Related Listing

Recently Viewed Listing

4.3
243 Reviews

Pastime Tavern

127 Front Ave NW, Castle Rock, WA 98611, United States
4.4
504 Reviews

Ponchito's Taqueria

1022 W Fayette St, Syracuse, NY 13204, United States
4.3
946 Reviews

Sushi Pier (Reno)

1290 E Plumb Ln J, Reno, NV 89502, United States
4.3
302 Reviews

Mitsui Sushi

10815 Bathurst St unit 28, Richmond Hill, ON L4C 9Y2, Canada
4.6
301 Reviews

Farinata Italian Style Pizza

1360 State 372 #3, Pahrump, NV 89048, United States
Subscribr Now

Get All Updates & Advance Offers