THIS FUN, NEW RESTAURANT SERIES IS PRESENTED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH TWOCENTS, AN APP THAT ALLOWS YOU TO GIVE HONEST FEEDBACK DIRECTLY TO ANY BUSINESS YOU VISIT IN NEW JERSEY – AND YOU CAN DO IT ANONYMOUSLY IF YOU WANT.
📍 Ray’s Luncheonette, 99 Walnut Street, Montclair
🎧 Hear the full episode (above)
If you’ve ever cruised down Walnut Street in Montclair, you’ve probably passed Ray’s Luncheonette, the little diner tucked beside the firehouse that’s been a neighborhood institution for more than 60 years. Opened in the 1960s by lifelong Montclair resident Ray Festa, a 1957 graduate of Montclair High, the restaurant has long been a morning hub for locals, including firefighters, police officers, families, and freelancers. All gathered over coffee and eggs.
Today, it’s lovingly run by Angelica Flores, who first started at Ray’s as a server when she was just 16 years old. “We are very family-oriented and we love to create food from our hearts and make our dishes with love,” Festa says, smiling from behind the counter where her mother and husband now help run the kitchen
A Neighborhood Morning Ritual
On any given morning, Ray’s feels like a cross between a diner and a living room. It’s quiet enough for conversation, warm enough to linger. Regulars read their papers while the scent of frying bacon fills the air.
“This is a mellow spot,” says co-host Mike Schreiber, taking in the calm. “You can actually whisper and hear each other. It’s that kind of place.”
During the visit, a familiar voice cut through the hum. We bump into Julia Kaplan, a Montclair Pod board member, who just happened to stop by for her first meal at Ray’s.
“I had the chilaquiles and they were excellent,” she said. “Really fresh avocado, nice big eggs, and the hot sauce; it had bits of stuff in it. You know it’s good when I like it, because I used to live in Mexico City.”
The Secret Menu (and a Perfect Iced Coffee)
Kaplan had one more insider tip for listeners, and for users of the Twocents app.
“They should put that they have iced coffee on the menu,” she said. “It’s really good, but it’s not listed. I think there’s a secret menu here. You just have to ask.”
A secret menu? Yep. The hosts spot it posted on the fridge behind the counter. They order some of Ray’s favorites: the bacon, egg and cheese on a poppy seed roll and the mozzarella arepa with eggs and avocado.
“This is pure comfort food,” Mike said, admiring the perfect crisp of the bacon.
And the best part? A hearty breakfast and coffee for under $20, which something that’s becoming harder to find in town.
A Taste of Family
Before leaving, Farnoosh and Mike peeked into the kitchen, where Flores’ family was hard at work. Fun fact: Her mother is behind their signature hot sauce.
Just as they were wrapping up, the kitchen sent out one last surprise: a plate of fresh empanadas.
“Oh my,” Farnoosh laughed. “We need to go on a cleanse after this season.”
THE LEGACY OF RAY’S
Ray’s Luncheonette is more than just a breakfast spot. It’s a slice of Montclair history, a place where generations of locals have gathered to start their day, swap stories, and feel part of something familiar.
The food is simple. The prices are fair. And the secret, like the hot sauce, is made with love.
