Greetings and Salutations,
It’s fitting that on Memorial Day week I get to write another article for another Thursday night excursion to an establishment I have been eagerly awaiting: Ray and Dot’s Tap, which is not only a bar but also an American Legion post! I would like to take this time to thank all those who serve or have served, and remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice; I will certainly be raising a glass for all of you this Thursday.
Ray and Dot’s has been a name that I have known since I was little. You see, this bar was my dad’s watering hole when I was growing up. I never had a chance to go with him since I moved to Texas before I turned 21, but that all changes this Thursday. Opening all the way back in 1957, this establishment has been serving up patrons with cheap prices and a great attitude for over 60 years! Originally the building was used as a boarding house for the very first teacher in Greendale.
Photo Credit: rayanddots.com
Ray and Dot’s is located in the village of Greendale, a community that I was very lucky to grow up in. Almost as if it was out of a movie, this village quite literally fits the bill for being a true community. You see what most people don’t realize is to be a great community, there is one secret ingredient – and when it is utilized, the possibilities are endless.
Greendale realized this at an early stage of development and has since become one of the most picturesque communities to date. That secret ingredient, of course, is the golden elixir that brings us together every Thursday night: beer. Whether it’s Old Milwaukee or Pabst, this drink is what makes a good community great. When beer is involved, everybody is happy, and when everybody is happy great things are accomplished.
Photo Credit: Wisconsinhistory.org
If you get a chance, take a walk through the village, take in all the history, maybe stop into Ferch’s Malt Shoppe for some custard, or swing by Ricardo’s for some amazing pizza. After all that, head over to Ray and Dot’s and have a cold one, or two….or three. No matter what you do be sure to join us on Thursday, as this bar is a shining example of why my co-founder/cousin and I started this whole thing. It’s a place that I’m sure many of you have never heard of, but will never forget after Thursday. I look forward to seeing you all this Thursday and beyond!
Cheers!
Your co-founder and friend,
Jeremy Blandin
*Keeping your glass filled and spirits high one Thursday at a time, this is Welcome to Thursdays: a local social group determined to make your Thursdays more fun. Each week, The Squeaky Curd features a Milwaukee County bar that we gather at on Thursday evening. Join us Thursday, May 31, 2018 at Ray and Dot’s Tap, 1328, 6351 W Grange Ave (Greendale), at 7:30pm.*