Readers share memories of Petaluma Cattlemen

After 54 years of serving sizzling ribs, bone-in grills and specialty drinks and desserts to Sonoma County families, Cattlemens in Petaluma is now is closing its doors Completely at the end of December.

Before the beloved steakhouse, open since 1970, sailed off into the sunset, The Press Democrat asked readers to share their favorite memories of the restaurant, and many wrote stories of long-ago family gatherings and other memories that are near and dear to their hearts.

Gretchen Felciano of Petaluma told The Press Democrat she’s been going to Cattlemens long enough to remember the menus featured wooden cowboy boots.

“We’ve had many family celebrations there; birthdays, anniversaries, our rehearsal dinner,” Felciano wrote. “It was one of my grandfather’s favorite places.”

“When my mom told my dad she was pregnant with me,” the Petaluma resident told The Press Democrat, “Jill Mello was in Cattlemens.”

When Mello chose the restaurant to announce she was pregnant to her younger sister, the announcement became a tradition in the family, her mother said. Later in 2008, Mello told her parents she was pregnant while having dinner at Cattlemens.

“My family has hosted countless family dinners, birthday dinners, company dinners,” Mello wrote. “My favorite unforgettable times spent with family are the times I spent in Cattlemen’s beautiful ranch-style building. “I’m very sad to be leaving Petaluma.”

Kevin Jackson of Petaluma remembers Cattlemens as his mother-in-law’s favorite restaurant and says the family eats there every year for her birthday.

Jackson also wrote: “My wife and I had our rehearsal dinner there before our wedding.” “Lots of great family memories at that restaurant.”

The Santa Rosa resident said the restaurant also serves Yvonne St.’s restaurant for family gatherings, birthdays, anniversaries and other celebrations. He wrote that St. Clair was the source of many “fond memories” of his childhood.

Windsor resident Nathan Jaehing told the Press Democrat that he proposed to his wife 40 years ago at Cattlemens in Petaluma.

“An amazing night I will never forget,” he wrote.

Mark Tannehill of Santa Rosa also has romantic memories of Cattlemens.

“My girlfriend brought me (to Cattlemens) to buy me dinner in 1978 and I asked her to marry me right after and we have been married for 45 years,” he wrote. I knew he was a protector.

Family memories sent by readers were echoed on social media by many people who shared their own memories on Facebook.

“It was always our favorite stop on the way home after a weekend on the river,” Kathy Patterson wrote. “We would park the truck in the back, in a shady spot, open the back, and then ask for a window table so we could keep an eye on our dog in his crate. As a bonus he enjoyed a few pieces of steak as a reward. “Sad to see this location closing.”

“This time we went to Cattlemens when my grandmother and her friend came to visit,” wrote Stephanie Rathe. “Bean girl poured a ladle onto my grandmother’s friend’s lap. He wasn’t amused. “I’m still laughing today.”

“Watching my kids eat steak for the first time,” Mark Jennings wrote. “The service and food have always been great. I’ll miss it (Cattlemen). It’s been about a year since I’ve been there, I’ll definitely try to get there before they close.”

“Rehearsal dinner with all my sons’ relatives and friends,” Deanne Cramer wrote. “We had a big room and everyone had a great time.”

“Free Vets’ meals on Vet’s Day,” Dan Widger wrote.

Do you have a favorite memory from the Cattlemen in Petaluma? Let us know in the comments below.