Ray's Bar

I attended an event hosted by Well Red Damsel at Ray’s Bar, and watching how Ray’s Bar handled it was enough to ensure I’ll never come here for a drink. Well Red Damsel always runs excellent, well-organized events, but this one was completely derailed by Ray’s Bar. There weren’t enough chairs, the TVs weren’t set up, and the event started nearly an hour late because the bar wasn’t prepared. What really crossed the line was the behavior of the staff. They were rude, dismissive, and openly annoyed, slamming doors and offering no help while the host was left scrambling. I also watched Ray’s Bar staff remove the event signage and throw it away, which was shocking and incredibly disrespectful. On top of that, drink pricing was inconsistent. I paid $32 for three drinks, while someone standing right next to me was charged $42 for three of the same drinks. No explanation, no transparency. If this is how Ray’s Bar operates during a busy event, I wouldn’t trust them on a normal night. Disorganized, disrespectful, and not worth anyone’s money. Well Red did the best they could and we stayed because of that. I will never be back to Rays and will never recommend this place to anyone!

First time here. Came from one of the special events, Silent Book Club. The bar is located upstairs over the Liquor Store. It's a nice space for a special event. Different rooms, with seating for different size groups. We were there on a Sunday, at 3:00. There were several groups there, either for the event, or just to drink at the bar counter. Got nice service from a couple of bartenders. No wait staff so you needed to stand in a short line. The drinks were both good. The only think that I did not care for was the noise level. It's had hard walls, and a low ceiling, so it can get pretty loud, which makes it difficult to hear. Had to get very close to have a conversation. It's a decent event space, but I'm more of a coffee shop person, so don't necessarily think that it's a place that I would come back to.

Had the Central Waters Headless Heron (spiced/herbed beer) which felt right for a snowy day. Wife had the Martin House True Love (fruited sour) which was delicious too.

I have only gone for some of their whiskey tastings. They are reasonable, informative, and fun. They always come with an "opportunity for commerce" where you can buy some of the samples offerings at a reduced price. The other room of the Growler Gallery is a bar offering special beers, wines, and whiskeys in a bar type setting. This is definitely a great venue.

The guys working here are awesome, and they serve some amazing and often hard to get brew. The location is great, offering lots of space indoors and tables outside in the warmer season. Play Willow while you're there!

Huge fan of this place. They always have had some great beers on tap and the outside seating is nice too! Definitely a great place to stop in for a beer.

Try the slashes! Flavors change often so you'll never get bored. They have wonderful cabernets, whites and prosecco as well. Many, many beer selections to choose from including flights. No food other than snacks, but you can bring in your own food.

This is an awesome spot to grab a drink- staff is super friendly and give great opinions on the different beers offered. They change up the taps frequently, so you can try something new each time you go! I also highly recommend the slushies- we tried all 4 flavors they had at the time and all were delicious!

This is a fun, almost hidden, slightly nicer than a dive bar place to grab a drink! There was only one bar tender (surprisingly busy week day night), but she rocked it! They do daily specials, which are very fun. You can also get points built up over time for discounts at the liquor store that's in the same building!

I stopped here while having lunch down the street because I knew that somewhere in this building is like a bar or something so I checked it out. Its actually upstairs to the left down a hall with no signage looking like your walking into Rays office's area. It's actually a bar and event room with furnishings on one side and the bar on the other. The casual seating area has a wall of customers liquor purchased bottles under lock and that they can visit and have a drink because they own the liquor. The furniture are had a cigar bar casual vibe/look even though it's no smoking which I liked. The bartender was friendly with conversation and prompt with my Bloody Mary but the Bloody was on the pathetic side because it had no garnish and not spicy because the ran out of hot sauce. For a place that has growler gallery in the name I was shocked to get a tiny can of Fred Smith lager and not a tap of something of the day. Overall I expected a better Bloody and a chaser from a growler tap room and I left after one because my neighborhood regular low rent dive bar has a better Bloody Mary.

Ray's has become my staple liquor store in the area, having the best variety of all products, and being super knowledgable. However, I have been missing out on the growler gallery! I recently took my first class at their gallery for Manhattan Madness and was so impressed with Scott's knowledge of bitters and apertifs and the balance of the cocktails. They spiced it up giving us a traditional, dry, tequila based and a spin on the aperitif for this one! He was so engaging and fun that I didn't want the class to end. I cannot wait to attend more of their events going forward!

A group of us came here the night before Easter and unbeknownst to us, they were closing at 10pm, which surprised us. Regardless, we stayed for a couple drinks and had a lovely time! It's behind/upstairs Ray's store and a small space with a bar with wine, beer, and some slushy drinks. The seating space was interesting with some comfy chairs and church pews. The waitress was super nice and patient while we decided on our drinks. I ultimately got the boozy Shamrock Shake slush and despite not being a minty girl, I very much enjoyed this drink! They had another slush options which we were told didn't quite slushify due to the high alcohol content - would have been great for a different night! Overall we enjoyed our time, but wished we could have stayed longer.

Kind of an odd place. Smells and looks like a VFW hall and it's right above Ray's. They have a limited beer menu that rotates pretty regularly. My husband got bourbon since he didn't like any of the beers on tap and though it was listed as $10 on their menu, we were charged about $12 for it. When asking why it differed, we were answered with a shrug. We came with friends for trivia and they were raving about the specialty drinks like the Paloma. Sounds like they were pretty good and didn't disappoint. They don't serve food here but had someone in with chips and homemade salsa which was really good. Not a place I would run back to anytime soon. Not with other options so close by.

Ray's is a cozy spot to meet friends and watch an event. Ordering food from outside spots is allowed: recommend Midtown Grill across the street! Outside patio as well as outside events held periodically.

I used to LOVE this place and the growler gallery ambiance. Now it's more of a cocktail and wine place which is fine but makes it less unique. I feel like the setup for staff is not made for making cocktails, and the wine and beer menus are limited. I miss the ever changing tap list and choices!

There's something special about this place. Maybe it's the strange location being above a liquor store. Maybe it's the non-stop tap takeovers and meet the brewer events. Maybe it's the booze slushies. Maybe it's having Lumpia City and other foods trucks there at least once a week. Alright, alright, alright... it's all these things make this Ray's Growler Gallery unique and not your typical bar. Ray's may not have 40+ taps, but the taps they do have are rotating quality craft brews that may even be specialty limited release kegs. The tap takeovers happen quite often, yet my favorite is when they do a style takeover. They had a hazy tap takeover and it was so interesting to see the variation within a single style from a bunch of different breweries (local and from afar). No kitchen here, but you are welcome to bring in your own food (like from Lalli's nearby) or from a food truck that they bring in at minimum of once of a week. Their primary go-to food truck is Lumpia City which serves up some mighty fine Filipino version of an egg roll but stuffed with five-cheese mac, Korean beef and more. Perfect pairing for beer. Oh, on your way out yet want another drink once you're back home? Just walk downstairs and hit up the liquor store for so many options, including an incredible craft beer selection with new beers daily. The one thing I haven't done at Ray's Growler Gallery? Fill up a growler, hah. Maybe I'll head there now...

Came to Ray's Growler Gallery not expecting to find a full blown beer bar (though I realize 'wine bar' is in their name!) . Growler filling stations are super popular out west (where I relocated from 2 years ago). And, typically, you'll find them equipped with 16+ taps of craft brews of all brands and styles for all your growler filling desires. And, while, they'll often have an area for tasting--they're not typically full blown bars. So, when I came here on a Saturday afternoon, it was simply to fill my growler. I was unprepared for the delightful, comfy beer bar that met me upon my arrival. Ray's doesn't have quite as many taps as I was hoping, but do carry quality craft brews. Beyond bar seating, there's plush club chairs and high top tables. I noticed people playing board games while enjoying a leisurely beer on a Saturday afternoon. Not exactly what I was expecting, but pretty cool none-the-less. Get to it!

My new plan is to spend an inappropriate amount of time at Ray's Growler Gallery. I visited with my mom to check it out. I'm not a beer person and I wasn't feeling like wine, so I was reluctant at first. BUT they have adult slushie beverages! And flights of them. They change seasonally. They also have flights of high end liquors. My bourbon flight included a $135 option, that unfortunately, I loved. The atmosphere is upper end VFW hall, but the service was friendly.

I've only visited the Growler Gallery once, but I get notifications of their events, and after visiting the space last week, I want to go back again. The space gives a vibe of a neighborhood watering hole crossed with a neighborhood coffee house. It's located on the second floor of Ray's Liquor Store, and the entrance is separate from the store entrance, but still accessible from the parking lot. There are restrooms, down the hall from the tasting room, and the tasting room itself has a bar with rotating taps and lounge furniture, as well as some fun drinking related wall decor. They hold tasting events for distilleries, wineries, and breweries, so there are events for every drinking preference. Grab your friends for an event at Ray's Growler Gallery or go on your own and make new friends. You know, be "that guy (or lady)."

Tucked away at the back of the building is the entrance to Ray's Growler Gallery and Bar, conveniently located above their liquor store. Their tasting room has such a comfy, home-like feel to it. Very welcoming. I attended a beer and chocolate tasting event they were doing with Indulgence Chocolatiers. I highly recommend checking out Indulgence if you haven't already but that's another review in itself. Rob from Ray's did a great job talking about the 6 beers we were tasting and answering all the beer related questions while Katie (think that's her name) touched on the chocolate and how it complimented the beer. Overall a really solid event. I look forward to many return visits, including trips down to the liquor store.

I will start off with Ray's staff is amazing! A friendly place to go enjoy a craft beer, a choice of wine, Ray's adult slushies or whiskey. I definitely recommend this place.

This little gem is right above Ray's Liquor store - who knew?! Nice big bar and separate "party" space in the back. We called ahead to see if they would be playing the Bucks game and if they anticipated a big crowd. We were told we would have zero issues finding a table and that was the truth! There was maybe 7 people in there during the game. This isn't a sports bar so it was nice that the game was played and they stayed open until the game ended (typically this place closes at 10pm). Some things to note, they do not serve shots/it is not a full service bar. There is some outdoor seating right along the building. They serve frozen drinks that they call "slushis" think: FROZEN ROSE (score!) There is very limited food available for purchase inside such as Lush popcorn, maybe some pringles. Definitely eat beforehand if you plan to stick around for more than one drink. Everyone is very chill and welcoming. Think basic but slightly upscale watering hole.

Rays is a place that frequently comes to mind when I'm looking to say... grab a quick drink somewhere on a Saturday in between errands. Especially when one of those errands is stocking up the beer fridge for the upcoming party/ game/ Tuesday night/ polar vortex. It's very casual and unassuming, but they almost always have something special on tap. There are also plenty of board games and TVs, which make it a great spot for that "let's just stop for one" turn into one more and then another and so on. For the uninitiated, note that this spot is upstairs above rays liquor store. You'll need to go in a separate door. Regulars may laugh, but I've seen too many people wandering around downstairs like lost puppies. Another tip: if you're shopping downstairs and feeling indecisive as to whether you should head upstairs for a pour (you should), there's a menu posted at the end of the checkout line. Well played, Rays.. as usual.

Not quite as many beers on tap as I was hoping far and some of the listed ones had been tapped already. I was a bit shocked that some of the standard pints were $12 a glass. That is a LOT for Wisconsin and deterred me from a few of the beer options. The space is nice and they offer up growling filling which is nice too, but also can add up very quickly! I can't wait to try back and sit on the patio when the weather warms up a bit! Its a great place to go for a somber bar experience!

Another big thank to Yelp. I travel frequently and always use Yelp to search for and find local wine bars. Rays is a hidden gem destined to grow....located upstairs and in back of a liquor store. These guys are specialist at growlers, craft beers and hard to find flavors. A great selection wine and specialty liquor is as well. Great service, great prices and a cozy atmosphere. A++ all the way around.

Sometimes you want to drink beer in someone else's living room, that's when you should to Ray's Growler Gallery. Warm, friendly, and with an ever-rotating array of beers, there's always something on draught that will suit your fancy. Furthermore, Ray's Growler Gallery is easy on the wallet--many top quality craft beers are  $5 or less. You can't beat that! Another cool thing is that you can bring your own food. It's encouraged even! In warmer temps, various foods trucks park nearby or in Ray's lot and you can pick update some tasty vittles to pair with your drink. If there's no food truck, order a pizza--Lalli's is only half a block east. And when you go, don't forget your growler. Ray's fills 'em to 9:00 PM. Take that beer you like home to your own living room and really get your beer nerd on. Ray's Growler Gallery, as comfortable as your own home... just don't forget to wear pants!

Upstairs from Ray's Liquor Store is a "secret" bar. Separate entrance, as someone else menioned, it feels like someone's really awesome basement bar. Well stocked with taps and serving up many special events, they're also often served by local food trucks who will take your order and serve up some great food. Watch for tasting opportunities, they regularly feature specific breweries (and wineries, I'm guessing). Well worth the trip!

Did I just walk into a time machine to my grandpa's basement bar!? Wow... what a great experience, I'm so glad I stopped in on a whim. Great beer selection offing rarely found taps and I just happened to be there during a tap take over from Modern Times Brewery out of San Diego. Will definitely be back!

Sometimes, when I can't find my husband, I just look here. Ray's always has great taps, even if there aren't a ton of them. They also do really good special events and tappings. So, it's above the liquor store. Genius, right? It's a tiny bit weird cause it looks like you're in a raggedy office building for a minute there, but then you're like oh, cool, the beer is over here and it's fine. The space is nicely done - plenty of room for everyone (including Tiny's carseat, occasionally) unless there's a tapping going on. The folk behind the bar are always up for a chat. It's a GROWLER bar. They have a wall of varied vessels with which to carry your beer home in. However, they will happily pour you one or two (or three) while you contemplate just which one you want to drink 64 more ounces of at a later point in the day. Prices are pretty fair. Don't forget about the rewards program! If you're going to drink, you may as well get rewarded for your skill at it.

Great hangout for drinks! It is a,ways very clean and a great place to visit with friends. Awesome beer, beer, wine and whiskey!

I love Ray's Growler Gallery! It's a low key place to grab some beer or wine. It's quiet and great for a small group to get together and have a casual drink. They always have an amazing selection of draft beer only. I recommend stopping here to grab your favorite growler or checking out their regular Tap Takeover nights where they feature unique brewers throughout the country.

This is a great Tosa gem. They have numerous craft beers on tap. They have an extensive menu that offers beer, wine, whiskey and adult slushies. The atmosphere is very relaxed and friendly. It seemed like we were in a friend's rec room. They offer flights of whiskey which is a great way to try it before you buy it. The bartenders were very knowledgeable and really enjoyed sharing their products. Check out their web page or FB page to see when they have special events. Another bonus is that when you like something, you just have to go downstairs to the store to buy it. It doesn't get more convenient than that!

Nice ambiance with genuine, professional service. Extremely knowledgeable bartender. Nice lighting and comfortable setting.

This is one of my favorite bars within walking distance to our home. The decor is cozy and very inviting. They have an extensive list of beer and wine to satisfy all. I will definitely be coming back!

Great people, great atmosphere, and an always fresh selection on the taps. This place is like my "Cheers" -- even when I don't feel like a beer, I want to stop in and chat or catch the game. It's always a good time -- and I enjoy the fact you can bring in food or have a pizza cooked while you enjoy beer #1. Brendan, Pat, and Scott are the brew-slingers you're most likely to interact with and each of them are great in their own right. Cheers to Ray's and the Growler Gallery -- I hope it is here to stay for a long time!

The growler gallery is an awesome place to grab a beer or flight. The tap list is always impressive, the atmosphere is great, and it's just a relaxing comfortable place to be. We recently went for a packer game and had a blast! You can also bring your own snacks to complement their great selection of beer. They also have whiskey flights and a variety of wines, you will definitely find something you like.

We live in the 'Rayborhood' just down the block and have been coming here for 5 years. Beers are great...unique and always options I've never tried before. I would love to give it 5 stars but most of the bartenders changed over a few years ago and they lost the customer connection that kept us coming here often. The last 3 times I visited I didn't feel welcome and left wondering if I should return. Once was with a friend - a neighbor who lives nearby, another time was for my son's school fundraiser and the last time was with my family, albeit children - these are young kids who have all been coming here since they were newborn babies. We got the stare down by the bartender who is not very friendly yet my kids were coloring and not causing any harm while my husband and I enjoyed a few beers. They got rambunctious as we were packing up to leave but the dirty looks from the bartender were not warranted. It's a win if you can walk a few blocks down to grab a beer on the weekend and a double win if you feel valued and welcomed no matter who you're with.