Ray's Cafe & Tea House — Restaurant in Philadelphia

I'm very torn by Ray's. I was initially really excited to try a place that carried specialized tea and coffee, plus served Taiwanese fare. I'd come prepared to splurge a bit, and get your emotions in check because it might be a rocky ride.

Ambiance - 3/5

I think the first thing is that the name is misleading. They serve phenomenal coffee and tea, but the place doesn't have the relaxing ambiance that you'd expect from a cafe or tea house. There are signs everywhere that laptops and cell phone use is not allowed, which is the complete opposite of what I expect from a cafe or teahouse. More explanation later, but my mom had been texting me and I was legit afraid for my life as I rushed replying to her under the table, and silently praying that she wouldn't call me.

The space is very narrow, with very little room to move around or navigate towards your table. I came in the winter, and was so worried I'd knock over a neighboring table's food as I took my coat off. We were seated next to the bar, but it was very cramped and uncomfortable, and I kept thinking I would hit my head on the counter edge. The decor is cute though and I had a fun time noticing all the little decorative details around the room.

Service - 1/5

We came in as a party of two and were greeted immediately, and rushed over to a small table under the counter. The person who greeted us seemed to be the one in charge, and the people behind the counter, his family. The way he greeted us was very casual and pleasant, but the way he immediately switched his tone in talking to the staff/his family was very off putting. I guess I don't look like I'm multilingual, but his language towards them during my meal in both English and Chinese made me very uncomfortable.

This is kind of where things got weird. I've worked in the NYC restaurant scene, and I thought I'd seen it all. I wasn't prepared for the emotional yoyo-ing I experienced here - the person in charge seemed to have two polar opposite personalities that he would just switch back and forth between in a split moment. One moment he was polite and chit-chatting with his regular customer, the next he would be screaming and berating the staff for a minor mistake.

This continued my entire meal, in both English and Chinese. At one point, a group of customers arrived, the the guy in charge yelled at them, that they can "f wait for a table if they want to eat" - I was truly speechless. The entire time, I was really scared that the guy would see me replying to (my mom's) texts and start yelling at me.

When the young server came and tried to give us someone else's dish, we were almost afraid to let him know that it wasn't our dish - and for good reason, because the guy in charge proceeded to brutally berate him in front of the entire dining room.

Food - 5/5 Value - 3/5

We ordered some coffee, a pot of tea, some appetizers, and entrees. Overall the coffee was superb - definitely worth the hefty price tag. Much more so than your standard green lady brand - BUT I don't know that they want you to come in here and just get a coffee and sit down. All clue point to no, this would be discouraged at the very least. Scoldings may or may not be included...

Our oolong tea was brewed well, but they never came back with hot water as I was sure there was more than one steep in that pot - but I really wasn't about to ask them for more hot water. At this point I just kind of wanted to get the heck out of there.

The food was surprisingly impressive for such a small place. The star was the beef noodle soup - definitely homemade with lots of personal touches like the home made pickled side dish. Again, on the pricey side, but worth the splurge once in a while since you're supporting a small business and getting authentic, home made cuisine. But also with the huge caveat that the entire experience might be awkward and uncomfortable, and you may or may not get...

My experience at Ray’s Cafe and Tea House was extremely disappointing. From the moment I walked in, I felt unwelcome. The woman behind the register did not greet me and was on the phone having a personal conversation. I waited for five minutes to place my order, which I didn’t mind at first, but when I decided to use the restroom while waiting, the situation took a turn for the worse.

As I made my way toward the restroom, she abruptly got off the phone and yelled that only paying customers could use it. I explained that I had been waiting to order, planned to dine in, and was expecting my fiancé to join me. Instead of acknowledging that I was a legitimate customer, she continued raising her voice, insisting that people frequently claim they will purchase something but leave after using the restroom. I reassured her that I was genuinely there to enjoy the tea and food, but she remained hostile.

After using the restroom, I sat down, expecting to receive a menu. Instead, she returned to lecture me again about people taking advantage of the restroom policy. Her energy was aggressive and unwelcoming, and when I calmly expressed that I was there in good faith and simply wanted respectful service, she sarcastically asked if I expected to be treated like a president or a queen. At that point, it was clear that this was not a place I wanted to support.

No one should have to argue just to receive basic hospitality at a cafe. The hostility, discrimination, and lack of professionalism made this the worst tea house experience I’ve ever had. My fiancé and I decided to leave, unwilling to spend money in a place where we were treated so poorly. I would never return and wouldn’t recommend this place to anyone who values kindness and...

As a Taiwanese American, finding Ray’s cafe has been such a blessing and well-worth the over one hour drive. Upon entering the cafe, you’ll see that it’s a perfect blend of the Asian American experience ranging from the food options to the atmosphere. Sprinkled throughout the cafe, there are so many little things that remind me of home—the organic tea imported directly from Taiwan, the smell of fresh Taiwanese beef noodle soup lingering in the air (a MUST TRY), and the most lovely owner, Grace and family who will host you like they’re your own. Ray’s cafe even offers organic oolong tea directly imported from Alishan. For those unaware of Taiwanese tea, Taiwan is known for its oolong! And while I do not drink coffee myself, my family was incredibly impressed with the wide range of coffee varieties that the cafe carries ranging from Jamaican Blue Mountain to coffee from Sulawesi. They also offer siphon coffee!! Onto the menu, you’ll see quite a stark contrast between the “typical” American breakfasts that are offered and the really traditional Taiwanese meals that they provide ranging from the methodically stewed Taiwanese beef noodle soup that is so incredibly flavorful to the staple egg and tomato dish! Also a must try are the desserts. We ordered the matcha and chocolate cheesecake and its so lovely—very light, fluffy, rich, and strikes the perfect level of sweetness. I am so incredibly thankful that we found Ray’s cafe and I look forward to continually visiting my little cafe that reminds me of my island and all that I love...