Ray’s Liked Places

Ray Hartjen: Bring a group for cooking class and a little wine drinking for a good time.

Ray Hartjen: Great local beer selection, and the food is quite good.

Ray Hartjen: Despite being a busy street, the shaded dining area outside is a nice place to eat and a relatively well kept secret. Uh, until now, I guess.

Ray Hartjen: Great burgers and a great place for big groups. Nice place to catch the Frogs on TV too.

Ray Hartjen: Nice selection of boots, hats and clothing. Staff is friendly and helpful. Worth the drive out if you're in Fort Worth.

Ray Hartjen: Not the Ritz, but best option a long way in either direction and fair value. Go to Joseph's down the hill for dinner after checking in.

Ray Hartjen: Big, roomy and CLEAN. Best rest area in the southwest. Better than most hotels in the area.

Ray Hartjen: Day old spaghetti is good bet. Milkshakes aren't as good as legend has it. Pretty mundane.

Ray Hartjen: Try the trailer park (fried chicken) "trashy style." Definitely get the Green Chile queso.

Ray Hartjen: If you want something other than Mexican, try the chicken fried steak, "ranchero" style with a creamy green chile gravy.

Ray Hartjen: Can get super busy at lunch (hey, the food is great), so plan accordingly. Big servings. Come hungry.

Ray Hartjen: Classic old-school hotel downtown, easy walk to most anywhere. Great staff and service. Stop by the bar and say 'hello' to Simon.

Ray Hartjen: Great place for coffee and foreign groceries. That is if you make it past all the stuff by door.

Ray Hartjen: Try a refreshing Moscow Mule on the deck.

Ray Hartjen: C'mon, it's the best aquarium in the States. Be sure to check out the jellies.

Ray Hartjen: Awesome luxury in the heart of downtown Vancouver. Easy walk to most places. You'll want to stay longer.

Ray Hartjen: Nice happy hour crowd and vibe. The John Colins is a refreshing, light whiskey cocktail. Definitely try one.

Ray Hartjen: Best Chinese in Pleasanton, by far. Try the spicy crispy fish - outstanding. Oddly, no Chinese beers on menu. Great decor too.

Ray Hartjen: Great staff is professional and welcoming, and Dr. McNay has mad skills.

Ray Hartjen: Coffee is so-so, but damn, they make a great bagel breakfast sandwich! Go egg, bacon and cheese, and try it in a jalapeño bagel.

Ray Hartjen: Great SoMA location for that happy hour drink. Not the best cocktail, so stick with the beer, straight on rocks, and conversation.

Ray Hartjen: Good pizza done quick, sorta Chipotle style down a line of pizza makers. Try the Link In.

Ray Hartjen: Pizza is great, pasta is good, service is young and fun. Don't waste money or calories on french fries.