Something for everyone at Roaring Donkey

My first foray into Jamison’s Roaring Donkey came one warm and sleepy August afternoon.|

My first foray into Jamison’s Roaring Donkey came one warm and sleepy August afternoon. Although pleasant and comfortable, I could not figure out what type of bar this was: a pub, club, lounge or taproom? I was not even sure what to call it - Jamison’s, JRD, the Roaring Donkey or maybe just “The Donkey”?

However, the more I sat back, relaxed and enjoyed the conversation with other patrons, the more I started understood what the owners mean when they call it a “clubhouse for adults.” Comfortingly dark inside, like any good bar should be, the huge picture windows give a panoramic view of Kentucky Street, a window to the world, so to speak. As afternoon turns to evening, the scene transforms from serene to vibrant, just as a photonegative comes to life when conferred with color. As the skies darken, the soft interior lighting highlights wood accents and whiskey barrel tables. The crowd is a mix: business folks and ranchers, young and old, hipster and hickster.

Historically, this location housed a string of misfit bars. I viewed a “new” bar with skepticism but a peek in the door during construction soothed any reservations. The former cold club space received more than just a whitewash. Stripped to its roots it was transformed with steel and reclaimed lumber more befitting of the neighborhood and the natives.

Jamison’s Roaring Donkey is the collaboration of childhood friends Brian Tatko and Kelton McMullen. With a background in bar management, Bob Waegner rounds out the trio. Admittedly, investors bristled at the bar’s name, envisioning frat boys doing keg stands and barstools flying through the front window. However, the name has enchanting origins.

Spelled differently than the Irish whiskey, which is offered on tap, “Jamison” is a touching tribute to the friend Tatko was helping open a bar in San Francisco before his premature passing. “Roaring Donkey” is the Irish pub where Tatko’s girlfriend found him hours after he had left their apartment in search of a corkscrew to uncork a bottle of wine for dinner. The name was a natural choice for his new bar as it was likely to become his second home.

Although initially attracted by Petaluma’s downtown layout and architecture, McMullen says, “We were blown away by the sense of community.” Not wanting to ride the coattails of an established bar, the partners’ first step was to find “that bar that everyone hates.”

Next, they hired MAD Architecture, headed by Mary A. Dooley, whose successes include the Petaluma Visitors Center, the downtown façade restoration and the Water Street promenade’s rusted steel accents. Dooley name on the project added local credibility was my first clue that the partners “get it,” as in “get Petaluma.”

On the advice of a legendary Petaluma saloon owner, Roaring Donkey is betting its success on “listening” to Petaluma. Tatko refrained from opening a standard pub, in deference to the Irish pub across the street. He also checked with Ray’s Tavern when planning the Roaring Donkey’s open mic night so as not to ruffle any feathers.

Additionally, Roaring Donkey shares Petaluma’s penchant for community involvement. Breast Cancer Awareness Month found the Roaring Donkey featuring female vintners, brewers and distillers, and donating a portion of sales to charity.

These are all things that have earned Roaring Donkey a loyal and local following. Also popular are the much-loved “leave a drink” board and the Legion of Mad Fellows, which is a beer club of sorts.

“We wanted patrons to try all our beers…plus everyone likes being part of a club, right?” says Tatko. The bar has a diverse list of libations and hopes to add a “bling box” for displaying a variety of top of the line elixirs that are not usually available by the glass. “We will offer shots, at cost,” says Tatko. “We want people to celebrate their special occasions with us.”

Although proud of their beer and liquor selection, what usually catches the eye upon entering Roaring Donkey is the stack of copper mugs behind the bar. These are the traditional serving vessels for Moscow Mules, a “buck” cocktail of vodka, ginger beer and lime.

In true Petaluma fashion, Roaring Donkey incorporates local ingredients and adapts to seasonal changes.

Just as the bar’s laminate tiles were stripped away to reveal beautiful wood flooring, Tatko, McMullen and Waegner have done more than simply redesigned this space. The partners have transformed Jamison’s Roaring Donkey it more than just a favorite watering hole. As Roaring Donkey settles into its niche, it is destined to become an endearing and enduring downtown public house.

(For a more detailed report, visit Houston Porter’s blog at rivertown.blogs.pet aluma360.com)

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