The Gray family is back where they started in downtown Turlock.
Owners of the now defunct Vintage Lounge and Piano Bar, the Grays are back in the same location with Gray’s Tavern, which opened its doors on Nov. 18.
The spacious, century-old building at 130 W. Main St., which sits beneath what once was Turlock’s first dentist office, features a red brick interior with a 20-seat bar and seating for another 90 diners.
“Not many places in the area have a bar that seats 20,” boasted Blake Gray. “People have really been gravitating toward the bar.”
Gray’s will feature a rotation of beer taps to accommodate numerous local breweries, in addition to a bevy of spirits.
The Grays — Dan, Jayme and son Blake — also formerly owned Center Street Grill, Staley’s Club, and Shooters Wings and Things, in downtown Turlock. Now, they still operate Shooters in Patterson and Manteca, in addition to Gray’s Tavern, which is their only Turlock concern.
“Something being family-owned, like most of the establishments downtown, really makes you accountable toward the customer,” said Blake Gray, who, after working for his folks for more than 20 years, is taking on a larger role with Gray’s Tavern. “We think the menu and the setting can accommodate any type of crowd, especially with our dinner specials.”
Visitors to Gray’s Tavern can expect not only typical “pub fare” — burgers, sandwiches, wings, salads, sides, starters, and desserts — but also a wide array of comfort food, such as steaks, seafood, pork chops, and meatloaf, in addition to a kids' menu.
The Grays had planned to move their Turlock Shooters location, but plans changed and deals fell through until their former Main Street location once again came open.
They decided to snag it, and then decided to rebrand with Gray’s Tavern.
Gray’s Tavern has five large-screen TVs where patrons can enjoy most any big game.
A sixth television that can be turned on for heavy game days, is kept turned off most days to give the rear dining area a more intimate feeling.
Gray’s Tavern is open Wednesday through Monday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. (on weekends, that closing time is fluid). Gray’s opens at 10 a.m. on Sundays for the NFL games.
