They don't mess around at rays! Â Amazing salads and reliable sandwiches. Â they have it down to a science. Â The owners are locals and they work their asses off, they are there every time i go, and that's how you know its good, cuz they are there running it! Â I wish i was closer, but i make it to rays on a good week twice. Â they have a fun bar that is more secluded that you can always get a good selection of brews at. Â if you're wanting a sandiwich, salad and or just a beer with a causal local vibe, Rays is the first place i'd reccomend!
Review Source:Driving through Petaluma and wanted a local unique place to grab a bite. My daughter found this place on Yelp! The best sandwiches ever. We got a Kekua (sp?), the turkey avocado and a Reuben. We all shared bites and all three sandwiches were amazing! They were also having an open mike night. Fun, yummy place.
Review Source:We stopped here on our way up the coast because of all the wonderful reviews. Â I must say that they deserve all of them. Â The food was great, lots to pick from, the bread was amazing and the people were SO nice. Â There is also a cool bar that was calling our name for a second visit. Â You won't be disappointed!
Review Source:My wife and I stopped here on our way to Tomales for the weekend.
All of their sandwiches on the menu sounded delicious so it was difficult to choose.
I ended up going with the Rachel - a pastrami on marbled rye with Swiss cheese and house made slaw.
This sandwich was absolutely perfect. Â The bread was fresh and did not have that overpowering rye flavor you get sometime in rye bread. Â The pastrami was not too salty and was perfectly seasoned. Â The slightly melted Swiss cheese was creamy and delicious. Â The house made slaw is what really elevated the sandwich. Â It did not have too much mayo and was light and flavorful.
We ate outside as all the tables inside are tall and my wife is not. Â However, there was not a lot of road noise and it was actually quite pleasant.
This would be a perfect place to grab sandwiches on your way to a picnic.
We will definitely be going back to Ray's the next time we are in Petaluma.
I finally tried this place after driving past it for years and years. Â I thought, "it's just a deli and tavern and it's way out here, out of the downtown, so it's probably dry-bread and too much mayo" kind of thing.
Well I could not have been more wrong! This is probably the best deli in all of P-town and there are a lot of GREAT deli's here. Â
Their sandwiches are unique and sides are too and the sandwiches are made to order. Â Even if you order a hot sando, the meat seems as if it's cooked to order. Â I had one with chicken breast (can't remember the name of the sandwich, sorry) and the breast was cooked perfect: tender and juicy and not at all overdone which is rare. Â
The tavern is cute and the staff is friendly and professional.
I will be back, again and again!!
Now that's how you make a sandwich!
Fresh baked roll from Full Circle is oh so pillowy, cradling my ingredients just right.
I'm a huge fan of Ray's they have an amazing selection of incredible sando's, chips, house made salads, and beverages. Seating outside or in, super cool wood tables, great bar with wonderful craft beer selections and friendly service, can't ask for much more.The price is right on too, check this spot out its killer!
A new fav
Absolutely the best sandwiches around. Â The keokuk is AMAZING. Â We also love the Chicken POP, Kryptonite, Western BLT and the French Dip. Â Also, don't miss the macaroni salad. Â Call ahead, it can be busy if you are just picking up a sandwich to go. Â Tables outside are wonderful to enjoy your lunch and a brew. Â Staff is very very friendly.
Review Source:Ray's is a west side neighborhood gem! Old school chill vibe inside and out, I feel so lucky to have a place like this right down the street from me - although it's definitely worth the drive for those who are not as close. You walk in and you are always greeted with a smile and a hello, and sometimes a boisterous "HEEEEYYYY!" from everyone in the bar!
The bar feels like an extension of your own living room... the owners, staff and the customers are some of the sweetest people you'll ever meet, it is so comfortable and relaxed. And the beers! They have a great selection, including at least 2 Lagunitas on tap always, and other super local brews like Henhouse and 101 North Brewing Co.
Their sandwiches are the best I've ever had, amazingly creative and tasty. I don't know how they think of some of them, they are genius! With lots of local, gourmet ingredients, Full Circle bread, and they even bake their own bread on site - the "Ray's Roll" - which is heavenly! The Keokuk, the Chickabacon, the Rachel, so many yummy choices. They have lovely salads and soups as well. And they sell beer, sodas, chips, and other munchies in the deli to go.
Great live music a couple of times a week, and an Open Mic night on Wednesdays which showcases some really talented and creative musicians.
Perfect for sunday funday beers outside, dinner in the bar, bringing the kidlets, watching some sports, good conversations with old and new friends....
Just go.... you'll get it once you do :)
Ray's is a great place to just grab a tasty sandwich on your way out to the beach or a chill bar to sit with your sandwich and have a drink, watch a game, hang out with friends...
I went to Ray's  with some friends.  They have a small-but-good selection of wine.  I had La Crema Pinot--a popular wine for pubs and bars of this area.  :) Â
My friends ordered sandwiches that looked amazing. Â The bread is brought in daily from Full Circle Baking Co. in Penngrove, CA. Â The bartender, who was super cool and laid-back, assured me that the bread made all the difference in the sandwiches. Â However, the ingredients were pretty impressive as well. Â
Beer, wine, sandwiches, chill-bar environment....loved it!
They just don't make 'em like this anymore--Ray's is a relic from some better, friendlier, tastier past. When you walk in there it's like you're walking into a California version of "Cheers" which is to say, friendly as hell, but with local microbrews and gourmet sandwiches.
Miranda and Eli are the lovely pair that owns it and runs it, and they're just as good for a pint as for a conversation on parenting. Or how to use a smoker for the perfect brisket. Or some local history. They're bartenders in the fullest sense of the role.
Ray's is a truly great neighborhood spot, and we're lucky to have it.
Best sandwiches in town. Great beer selection. The sweetest kindest owners and staff. So far, their customers and regulars are the kindest, most open-hearted, loving and creative people I have ever met at a bar.
This is the best place to hang out, eat a meal, drink a beer, watch a game, meet a stranger, take a date...
This place ROCKS! Â The sandwiches are outstanding and have left our friends and family drooling for more and proclaiming that they just ate the best sandwich they ever had. A friend from the food mecca of Seattle LOVED their club!
They offer a lovely gluten free bread for their sandwiches. Â The coleslaw and beet salad with feta and greens is an excellent accompaniment.
The only reason I am not giving 5 stars is it gets so damn smokey in there when they are making the delicious sandwiches. Â It's a little hard to breathe. But who needs to breathe when you are eating a sandwich with crunchy bacon and dripping cheese?
Stop in now. Â Also serving beer in the bar! Â It looks awesome and low key. Â I don't frequent it as I tend to hang out at the toy table in the other side with my kid. My kid likes the bar, though. Â She thinks it looks fun. She's only 2.5.
Just wanted to give a quick update. Ray's new owners have turned this place into a bomb sandwich and brew joint. The food is superb and the beer selection rocks too! If you are pressed for time CALL AHEAD!!! Otherwise a great place to order a sandwich and sip a cold brew while you wait. Chinese chicken salad and the keokuk are my favorites. The club is pretty rocking too.
Also it is extremely family friendly with a nice little play area for kids in the back.
I live pretty close to Ray's and have been a few times for the convenience & the fact that I love sandwiches. Today I came in after a morning spent in the sunshine and had the most lovely experience. Today was typical of all my previous visits - we ordered sandwiches, grabbed a beer and some wine, and sat outside.
The tables in the sun outside are the best. It was such a pleasant way to spend a Saturday afternoon - taking in the sun and sipping delicious wine.
But the best part of the whole place is the sandwiches - the thin sliced onions, the generous but not crazy big portions, the incredible housemade aioli.
The people that work there are always super nice - easygoing and welcoming. It's definitely a product of the owners - every time they are there the atmosphere is awesome.
Ray's is the ideal neighborhood deli/bar. Great food, friendly people - perfect!
I have a great lunch at Rays almost every week. Â It's the perfect neighborhood place to go for a friendly warm and casual atmosphere. And the food is great - the sandwiches, especial sandwiches, Chinese Chicken salad are just a few items. Â It's popular and they can get busy at lunch time. I usually take my mentee who goes to Valley Vista with me. Â I will have to try it in the evening with a glass of wine per Dr. Greg's recommendation. Â
The customer service has always been great for me - sorry to hear about the experience of the other reviewer. Â It must have been an off day.
Great hot sandwiches at this place, especially the Keokuk. The variety they offer here is fantastic, and the funky neighborhood-eatery atmosphere is cool too. My only minor gripe is that sometimes wait times for your food can be a little long if they have only one person working behind the counter. The huge, tasty sandwiches are worth it.
Review Source:Eli and Miranda have done an amazing job with this place! Â Miranda is really an expert in wine. Â I enjoy all of her selections and she has never steered me wrong. Â I love going in for a glass of wine and a sandwhich. Â Also, the bar has a cast of characters that are really funny and amazing people. Â
All time best Petaluma eats combined with your classic neighborhood bar.
This place is the epitome of awesome. The sandwiches are easily the best in Sonoma County. The owners are super friendly and there to answer any questions you might have and just basically ensure that you have a great time. The tavern section has great beers and wines and a great kick-back vibe that just kind of makes you want to let your afternoon melt into your night and not move an inch. It's especially easy when they have live music going off. Such a breath of fresh air compared to the whole downtown Petaluma scene. I don't understand how anyone could complain about children being in the deli. Do you reviewers hate kids? This is a place with great sandos, beer, wine, people, and atmosphere. How could you ask for more? It definitely falls into the "hidden gem" category in my book and if you give it a try, I'm sure it will fall on the same page for you.
Review Source:Another great Yelp find which I came across while looking for places in Petaluma with a 4+ star rating that serve good beer. Â It's a bit outside the downtown Petaluma area. Â Took me about 10 minutes to walk there from the main street, but the walk was worth it. Â Sort of dive-y-looking from the outside and, to some extent, on the inside, too. Â I love the vibe in the small bar, though. Â It's divided into two sections. Â The deli area and the bar area (plus the outdoor seating area on the sidewalk out front). Â The bar is quite "old school" with some quaint memorabilia, dollar bills stapled to the ceiling, and the cozy feel. Â Johnny Cash and the like playing on the stereo. Â A couple of TVs with sports on. Â People chilling out; shooting the breeze. Â Small, but good beer selection. Â I had the Keokuk sandwich which was damned tasty and a Lagunitas Fusion 10 which was sublime. Â I'll definitely be coming back here and bringing reinforcements!
Review Source:First I will say - I LOVE THE FOOD!!! Â It's a nice change since the last ownership. Â I do have a few complaints though........
First - My brother, who just moved to the westside of town, went in there one Saturday nite  to have a couple of beers on his way home and was not treated as well as I would have expected.  He said he didn't feel welcome at all - I am a bartender and even if I don't particularlly care for a person or people who come into my bar - I ALWAYS welcome them and treat them as I would anyone else that walks into my bar. I would hope other bar owners would do the same...it's the people that come there that make your business profitable.
Second - While I TOTALLY understand it take a bit of time to make SUPER YUMMY food and I am more than willing to wait when I have time.......but when I call in an order and am told it will take about 10 to 15 minutes and I arrive in 15 minutes...I still have to wait another 10 to 15 minutes. Â Please correct me if I am wrong.....but I do believe if I call in an order it should be treated just as if I am standing in line and that the order would be produced in the order received. This has not been the case on a few occations.....but since the food is so good I keep going back and have just changed the way I go about getting my order.
So there you have it - GREAT FOOD - SEMI-POOR SERVICE!
Although I will continue to go there....I will call my order in WELL in advance.
The sandwiches are DELICIOUS!  I would consider these gourmet deli sandwiches since you have the option of toppings and spreads that most deli's don't such as roasted peppers, pesto mayonnaise, ect.  The Cole Slaw  has a little kick they use a champagne vinaigrette that is very tasty.  As others have said the sandwiches DO take a little while to make but remember these are gourmet sandwiches not your fast food Subway type.
Review Source:RAY's food is delicious, always with the perfect balance of flavor. I've tried several of their sandwiches, and each one really is perfectly done.
Gas is $4.39 a gallon, and it's worth every penny to get to Ray's! Great food, great wine, great Lagunitas on tap, and great owners who love their business. Also, they have great live music on weekends - they've had local bands, and flamenco guitar.
I've been counting down all week - two days until my next Ray's deli experience!
Love sandwiches? This is the best place in town. And it's got some stiff competition, Petaluma has some of the best sandwiches anywhere!
Little deli with some great outdoor seating and a few to go options, and a small bar/sports bar on the other side of the wall. Great place to go on a hot sunny day!
The bar gets crazy if there are any big games going on, good place to root for your favorite team!
I used to live next door to this place through the last two owners, and they really just let it get away from them. The latest owners though, man! Great people! If you go in at any time, to either the bar or the deli, chances are one of the owners will be that smiling face making your sandwich or pouring your beer.
I've gone there often enough that I know the owners personally, and they're great people. They love their place and want it to be the best possible. Ask them about their wine selection or beer selection and they'll tell you exactly why they chose what they did. It's a tiny place, but their selection of wines and beers is terrific and fluid (no pun intended. Well maybe a little) with new selections appearing all the time.
A lot of microbrews, especially CA favorites, but with a number of more obscure beers to mix it up.
But the food. GOD the food! It's great lunch fare, an awesome selection of inventive and delicious stuff, and a deli counter with some dishes made by local cooks just for them. It's awesome, a touch of local love on everything in the room.
I highly recommend this place!
**If there's a giant hairy guy working there it's probably my friend Morgan (and he didn't bribe me to write this, not on purpose at least, he just made me the best lunch I've had in months!) - give him a hard time and ask how he feels about vegetables
speaking from a parent perspective. they changed the set-up on the inside and it turned from super kid friendly to not as kid friendly. bar stools for seating creates a more stressful experience in regards to having children with you. i also feel that the one long table does create a more communal feel but a claustrophobic one as well.
the food is good, the owners are pleasant with me.
now speaking from a non-parent perspective. i imagine its great for a hangout, live music and other casual outings. the vibe is always pretty laid back and mellow.
a side-note, the place at times is a bit too smokey.
Easily one of the best neighborhood bars in Petaluma.
I just went to Ray's for the first time since ownership change; it's changing for the better...and I liked it before.
Eli and Nicole were a pleasure to talk with, much better beer and wine selection, great updated deli highlighting local, seasonal and organic. Â Good music with nice sound...classic atmosphere.
Eli stayed around toward the end of a night chatting when he could have been closing up, great customer service.
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