RAY & AL'S LUNCHROOM

THEY SAVED YOU A SEAT

At Ray & Al’s, there are two golden rules. All are welcome. And yes, order that donut.

Since 2022, this nostalgic, unfussy breakfast and lunch spot has won hearts across the lakeshore and further afield, including at Bon Appétit magazine. And what’s not to love?

A bell dings when you walk through the old-fashioned shop door. Friendly faces—and a case of those cakey iced donuts—welcome you in. There’s a full espresso bar with roasts by local Infusco Coffee. Housemade pastries. And a sandwich menu chock full of the classics, and then some.

In a tiny scratch kitchen, in the tiny town of Galien, chef Reyna Larson whips up soups, daily specials, and tasty sandwiches of her own creation. Like the must-try, guilty-pleasure Spaghetti: saucy, cheesy pasta between two slices of buttery garlic bread. Staple sandwiches get their own gourmet flair, too. A sun-dried tomato mayo makes the B.L.T. and turkey club sing.

If you’re a food person, you get it. If you’re not, you still get it. There’s universal appeal on purpose. Reyna and her partner/co-owner, Alice Hoffmann, designed it that way. And on a typical weekend, you can see it’s working.

Tables are full of young people, old people, lifelong locals, out of towners, and sandwich lovers of all stripes. At Ray & Al’s, everyone has a place. All you need is an appetite.

Local Tip: On special nights, Ray & Al’s Lunchroom transforms into Ray & Al’s Listening Room, hosting concerts and dances with local musicians and DJs. Check their website for upcoming events.

Want a taste of Ray & Al’s at home? Try Reyna’s crowd-pleasing recipe for diner chili.

words Lena Singer
images Wesley Moguel
January 2026