From Mexican wine to Michelin-rated burritos: 5 things to buy at Ray & Roy’s Market

A corner store in Boyle Heights is drawing shoppers for more than just snacks and soda. At Ray & Roy’s Market, you can find Mexican wines, locally made candles, vintage clothing and Michelin-rated frozen burritos, all tucked inside a historic neighborhood market. 

The shop is believed to have once been a Jewish grocery store before Japanese American father-son duo Ray and Roy Kurihara took it over in 1947 after returning from incarceration during WWII.

Last year, Picaresca co-owner Francisco Valderrama and Boyle Heights native Juan Carlos Luna took over with a new vision while honoring that legacy. They kept the name and the inspirational women mural that covers its west-facing wall, painted by a then-15-year-old under previous owners. 

Today, the market on 4th and Camulos streets is becoming a neighborhood hub for local makers, pop-up chefs and shoppers looking for something a little different. 

Neighbors stop by for the reasonably-priced rare finds and stay for events like wine tastings, art and photography exhibits, Barrio Flea and Discos y Vinos, which draw vintage clothing and record collectors. 

Here are some of our favorite finds at the restored market. 

Mexican wines

Fully stocked handmade walnut shelves feature 32 labels from Mexican and Latino winemakers, including Cesar Reyes’ small-batch Valle de Guadalupe standout Cē Ācatl and Napa Valley-made Prohibido. Sparkling Sierra Vita rosés by third-generation Valle de Guadalupe vineyard worker Arnulfo Vazquez Fernandez and Quasar’s award-winning Cabernet Sauvignon are a perfect pick for a dinner party. Prices start at $15 and go up to $69. 

Craft beer y más

With the original cooler still intact, indie labels like Arts District’s Boomtown, Lucky Buddha Asian-style lager, Donna’s Pickle Beer and San Diego’s Bücha share space with everyday brands like Modelo, Miller and Corona. Plenty of non-alcoholic drinks are available, including Jarritos and Fanta, and healthier options like Olipop, Humm kombuchas, De La Calle Tepache and Agua de Piedra sparkling mineral water. Located just two blocks west of Picaresca Barra de Cafe, the shop carries bags of their downtown-roasted coffee beans and bottles of their beloved café de olla syrup. Thick glass bottles of Montebello’s famed Broguiere’s chocolate and regular milk pair perfectly with a bag of Famous Amos chocolate chip cookies found at checkout. 

Snacks, staples and comfort foods

A small selection of fruits and vegetables can be found along with pantry items. Popular snacks include chips imported from Mexico and El Monte-based brand Burritos La Palma’s Mejorado tortilla chips and salsas, which go great with Cacique Ranchero queso fresco. For more sustenance, grab a Michelin-rated frozen burrito out of the little red Burritos La Palma cooler. Yo Mama’s alfredo and marinara sauce and Bianco DiNapoli organic New York-style pizza sauce make for an elevated home-cooked Italian dinner. Tin fish, fine sea salts and spices sit next to bbq sauces, pickles and cans of familiar El Pato, Las Palmas and La Morena.

Gifts by local artists

In an effort to support the local maker scene, one-of-a-kind pieces like coffee and tea cups, bowls, vases and plant holders by local ceramicist Marlon Marinero, who teaches classes at the store, as well as Montebello-based Oeste candles, soaps and oils are available for purchase. Cellophane-wrapped Sriracha gift baskets with the popular Thai hot sauce come inside a “I put Sriracha on my Sriracha” coffee mug with Maruchan ramen and bamboo chopsticks for a cute, quick gift.

Vintage threads

A costume and wardrobe designer, Luna studied the intersection of fashion and Chicanx culture at Cal State LA and brings his love of second-hand clothing to the store, carrying authentic men’s short- and long-sleeved shirts from the 1950s and 1960s  at reasonable prices. His wife, Gloria Plaza, is adding women’s clothing from the 1960s and 1970s to the mix soon. Their Barrio Flea and Discos y Vinos events draw dozens of vendors selling unique vintage clothing and records, so be sure to check those out.