Ella Ray’s Cafe

  3.9 – 170 reviews   • Restaurant

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EllaRay’s Cafe is located in the heart of Prince George’s County Maryland (Forestville Park Mall) where we have been serving hot, delicious meals to lifelong customers who have become more than friends! Some would ask what makes EllaRay’s Cafe the premier and heartfelt place to dine. Ray would gladly smile and tell anyone that Authentic Soul Food is from the heart. This is not just soul food, it’s heart food… food that makes you love! We pride ourselves on serving fresh ingredients (canned foods are not allowed at EllaRay’s Cafe) and having a heart for our customers. Our mission is higher than food, we cater straight to the heart.

✔️Breakfast ✔️Lunch ✔️Dinner ✔️Dine in ✔️Take out Ella Ray's Cafe 20747

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ellarayscafe.com

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EllaRay’s Cafe Menu & More – District Heights, MD 20747

In 1996, Ella (originally from Kinston, North Carolina) and Ray (originally from Santee, South Carolina) began a journey in the hospitality business.

Menus – EllaRay’s Cafe

Tender beef short ribs on fluffy rice coupled with two of Ella Ray’s mouthwatering sides… … 3392 Donnell Drive, District Heights, MD 20747. (301) 420-6807 …

About EllaRay’s Cafe – District Heights, MD 20747

We’re located at 3392 Donnell Drive, District Heights, MD 20747! Come by and check us out! NC BBQ with cole slaw at EllaRay’s Cafe …

Reviews

The Maldonado’s
The atmosphere is down-to-earth, and you feel like family surrounds you. No pretenses. Nothing to prove, just great people and great food.

Honestly, the food is fantastic — just like it’s made fresh at home by grandma. We had an opportunity to meet Mrs. Ray. Such a beautiful and joyful person!
I like homestyle silverware. Unfortunately, they told me next time.
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Brandon Graves
If I could give this place a flat out 0, I would. They serving HAIRY CHICKEN and acting like you still want the damn SAME FOOD afterwards.

First off, it took forever to get the food. I was waiting for 10 minutes with no line for someone to greet me and take my order. Second, soon as I get back to eat my food after working all day, the first thing I see is a hair COOKED INTO THE DAMN CHICKEN.

So I go back, and inform the cashier that I had a hair in my food and requested a refund. This guy (assuming the manager or owner) comes out, gives me $16 out his pocket, and says “I took the piece of chicken out that had a hair on it & you can keep the rest” like he’s doing me a damn favor! No checking my receipt to see how much I actually paid ($20), no offering to REMAKE my food, just hands me the food I brought back like I still wanted it. Completely unacceptable. Like thats the best way to make it right.

Completely disgusting and disgraceful. Don’t expect much if there’s anything wrong with your order. I’m sending this to a food blog to let them know they serving hairy chicken.
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Michael Greene
This spot is a hidden gem for authentic southern soul food, cooked to perfection. I enjoyed the smothered turkey wings with collared greens and yams. It was hard to choose when their braised short ribs and rice, fried chicken, and oxtail dinners were on the menu. What a very well run black owned business. I talked to the owner, Ray, who was working dressed in his Sunday’s best. If I could give more than 5 stars, I absolutely would.
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Sonya Connor
I bought THREE dinners total. One turkey wings dinner with yams and mac and cheese, one turkey wings dinner with cabbage and rice with gravy, and one pork chops dinner with baked beans and mac and cheese.
The turkey wings were DRY, the cabbage WASN’T seasoned and the gravy tasted like HEINZ gravy in the jar!
The yams and mac and cheese were delicious!
I had asked for a SAMPLE of the potato salad to see if I would like it. I absolutely LOVE Carolina Kitchen’s potato salad. The server told me that they DON’T offer samples. I wasn’t asking for a container, I just wanted to TASTE a small TEASPOON. Had I been able to sample and I liked the potato salad, I would’ve bought at least three containers.
The corn muffins were dry and burnt.
I also purchased two slices of sweet potato pie.
When I had gotten home, the crust on the bottom of one was burnt and the crust on the bottom of the other was undercooked.
I spent $72.15
The two slices of pie were $13.98 total!
I definitely WILL NOT patronize this business again!!!
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MD Lewis
I wandered in on a Thursday evening and was immediately greeted by a welcoming staff member, who asked me if I wanted to dine in or takeout -I opted for takeout, and he directed me to the takeout area. This was my first time ordering from Ella Ray’s, and there were several main options to choose from-smothered baked chicken, braised turkey legs, ox tail, whiting, catfish, and of course a variety of different sides -collard greens, macaroni and cheese, southern yams, green beans -I ordered the catfish (which was made to order, and was a short four-minute wait). For my sides, I ordered the cheesy macaroni and cheese and the cabbage and collard green-combo (this was permissible and they stated that people do this often-this is a better value :)). The yams looked too delicious to pass on, so I ordered a small side. Further, I noticed an array of homemade slices of cake; they looked yummy as well, but I passed on dessert.
Everyone was friendly and helpful; while checking out, the cashier asked if I’d like any condiments, and of course, I wanted some, so she added a few packets of Texas Pete and tartar sauces to my bag.

Don’t let appearances fool you—the decor may be dated, but the flavor and nostalgia of a relative’s cooking is definitely there! I will return to try the ox tail and a slice of cake 🙂

Food reviews:
Catfish 10/10 crispy, lightly seasoned batter and hot fish (the BEST)

Yams 10/10 sweet, caramelized glaze and tender

Collard greens 10/10 seasoned , vegetarian

Macaroni and cheese 9/10 rich and creamy

Cabbage 5/10 required simple salt and pepper and a splash of vinegar

Cornbread muffin 6/10 semi-sweet on the dry side
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Victor Pope
First time stumbling into Ella Ray and what an amazing experience! I was greeted by every single staff member with such warm, blessed energy that made me feel right at home. The food was absolutely delicious — fresh, flavorful, and truly satisfying. I even had the opportunity to meet the owners, who were so warm, welcoming, and genuinely pleasant. They personally invited me back, and I can honestly say this first visit will definitely not be my last. Highly recommend!
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Nettie P
Thursday March 5th was definitely an off day. Around 5:00pm I picked up a catfish dinner. One of my catfish pieces was not fully cooked. The mac n cheese was okay. The collard greens were horrible. They tasted like the had been burnt and they had a clear liquid film when I tasted it. I knew something was off when I opened the dinner box and the foul smell of the greens hit me. I trashed my dinner to avoid getting sick.
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Cherylyce Martin
In summary, my husband and I opted for the braised beef ribs with two sides. Let me provide a concise evaluation of each dish: cabbage (3/10), string beans (6/10), macaroni and cheese (8/10), and beef ribs (5/10). The ambiance was exceptionally pleasant and hygienic. Without hesitation, I would return to experience other culinary offerings. The essence of enhancing the flavor of the food lies in the simple yet effective use of hot sauce, vinegar, pepper, and salt.
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M Underwood
When you walk in your feel like you’re in grandma’s kitchen. The smells of the delicious sould food, the kind disposition of everyone in the building, the beautiful artwork and inspiring music makes you nostalgic. The food was flavorful and well seasoned. Good portions as well.

In the video my sister got emotional because it felt so welcoming, encouraging and just overall soul inspiring in the restaurant. We will definitely visit again next time we’re in the area.
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Robert Mccray
I was told about the establishment over 1 month ago.
I say, ‘Let me try the food.’
Placed several orders in two weeks and went in person to purchase the Food.
Everything was delicious.
I was getting food from Henry’s Cafe, another African American restaurant.
The workers who prepared the food make all of the soul Food at Henry’s is just like Ella Rays
The Food is Salty.
I am now hooked on the food here at Ella Rays. The workers are happy and smiling.
Food is served in reasonable portions.
Taste Delicious of Course.
I will be heading back there next week
Sundays get enough for 3 Days.
It is always good to help support African American Establishments.
God Bless you, Ms. Ella Ray, for the excellent food you serve.
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