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Welcome to EllaRay's Cafe

Welcome to EllaRay's Cafe, where Ella and Ray have been serving authentic soul food to the Forestville, MD community since 1996. Bringing traditional flavors from North Carolina and South Carolina straight to your table, we offer everything from hearty breakfast favorites to our famous soul food platters. Order online today and experience the warm hospitality and homestyle cooking that keeps our neighbors coming back for more.
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BBQ food available at EllaRay's Cafe in District Heights, MD 20747

All About EllaRay's Cafe

We're located at 3392 Donnell Drive, District Heights, MD 20747!
EllaRay's Cafe serves authentic soul food in Forestville, MD with classic Southern comfort dishes made from the heart.

EllaRay's Cafe Hours of Operation

  • Monday:
  • Tuesday:
  • Wednesday:
  • Thursday:
  • Friday:
  • Saturday:
  • Sunday:
  • Closed
  • Closed
  • 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM
  • 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM
  • 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM
  • 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM
  • 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Our Specialties

Our specialty is authentic soul food prepared with recipes passed down through generations and perfected over nearly three decades. We bring the true taste of Southern comfort food to Forestville with every dish made fresh and served with love. From sunrise to sunset, our kitchen delivers the kind of homestyle cooking that fills your belly and warms your soul.
Soul Food Platters (Pork) at EllaRay's Cafe in District Heights, MD 20747

Soul Food Platters (Pork)

Breakfast Platters at EllaRay's Cafe in District Heights, MD 20747

Breakfast Platters

Soul Food Sides at EllaRay's Cafe in District Heights, MD 20747

Soul Food Sides

Our Favorite Items

Our soul food platters are customer favorites, featuring your choice of perfectly seasoned pork, tender beef, flaky fish, or juicy chicken paired with our amazing homemade sides. Start your day right with our classic Southern breakfast that will fuel you through the morning. Every plate is prepared with the same care and attention to quality that Ella and Ray have been committed to since opening our doors in 1996.
Pork Chop Platter at EllaRay's Cafe in District Heights, MD 20747

Pork Chop Platter

Two scrumptious pork chops fried to perfection is what you have been thinking about all day! This platter comes with two tasty sides and your choice of bread (cornbread or a roll).

North Carolina BBQ Pulled Pork Platter at EllaRay's Cafe in District Heights, MD 20747

North Carolina BBQ Pulled Pork Platter

The sweet taste of the pork with a vinegar base makes this platter AUTHENTIC Carolina BBQ. Coupled with EllaRay's coleslaw makes this platter simple delicious! This platter comes with two sides of your choice and bread (cornbread or a roll).

Braised Beef Short Rib Platter at EllaRay's Cafe in District Heights, MD 20747

Braised Beef Short Rib Platter

Tender beef short ribs on fluffy rice coupled with two of Ella Ray's mouthwatering sides... Don't forget the cornbread!

BBQ Spare Ribs Platter at EllaRay's Cafe in District Heights, MD 20747

BBQ Spare Ribs Platter

Meaty ribs slathered with EllaRay's sauce.... two sides of your choice... corn bread or a roll.. We promise you will not be disappointed!

Fried Catfish Platter at EllaRay's Cafe in District Heights, MD 20747

Fried Catfish Platter

Hot catfish that has been battered lightly and fried to a golden brown. Ready for your first bite! This platter is served with two sides and your choice of bread (cornbread or a roll).

Fried Whiting Platter at EllaRay's Cafe in District Heights, MD 20747

Fried Whiting Platter

One of the DMV favorites! It's hot, fresh, boneless and fried to perfection! This awesome platter comes with two sides and your choice of bread (cornbread or a roll).

What Our Guests Say

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.
- Michael G.
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.
- M. Underwood
My family and I went this past Saturday for an early Mother's Day dinner and I have to say we were not disappointed. The food, atmosphere, and music made us feel like we came to Big Mama's house for Sunday dinner. They have several food options for everyone. I'm looking forward to coming back!
- Jazmin T.
BBQ at EllaRay's Cafe in District Heights, MD 20747

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Check out EllaRay's Cafe on Social Media!

Follow EllaRay's Cafe on social media to stay connected with your favorite soul food spot in Forestville. Get the latest updates on daily specials, new menu items, and special events happening at our cafe. Join our online community and see what keeps locals talking about our authentic Southern cooking.
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Order Online & Get Your Favorites from EllaRay's Cafe Today!

Craving real soul food? Order online from EllaRay's Cafe and enjoy authentic Southern comfort food without the wait. Whether you need a hearty breakfast to start your day or a satisfying soul food platter for lunch or dinner, we make it easy to get your favorites delivered or ready for pickup. Place your order now and taste the difference that nearly 30 years of experience makes.
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