Head up Petaluma Boulevard North on a weekend and you might be tempted to call the fire department when you spot plumes of smoke near the outlet malls. No need to fear. That’s not Banana Republic’s fall line going up in flames, but something much, much better. It’s Lombardi’s BBQ & Gourmet Delicatessen grilling and serving as fast as they can.
Right before you pull into the parking lot, you’ll know you’re in the right place by the rows of over-sized barbeque pits and the aromas of grilling goodness. There’s something about those mysterious black beasts, billowing with smoke and enticing aromas, that gets this Texas girl excited for a cold beverage (most likely not the virginal kind) and a full day of BBQ cook-offs. At least, that’s always the sensation I get when pulling into Lombardi’s parking lot full of trucks and motorcycles, equally fitting of the southern nostalgia. Ahhhh, the mysteries of the olfactory memory bank…
Lombardi’s, a family owned business that also does catering, opened their original Cotati location back in 1999. Although never having been to the original location (definitely on the SCL-to-do list), I can wholeheartedly attest to the Petaluma location which has now become a regular summer weekend lunch stop.
Climb up the wooden steps (past the pool supply store owned by a surely well-fed Herb), stake out your favorite table on the outdoor patio and you’ll soon find yourself in a normal looking, yet very busy, deli with loads of local wine for sale. Rows of it in fact. Head left to the end of the line which wraps around refrigerated cases filled with vintage soda selections, local microbrews and an enormous selection of potato salads. Then finally pony up to the shoulder-high counter to place your order, when the real decisions begin.
Full or half rack baby back ribs? Grilled salmon or BBQ oysters? Pulled pork or grilled chicken? Sandwich, salad or à la carte à la Atkins? The SCL favorite: Lagunitas Sausage Sandwich on a soft roll. Everything, please.
After ordering your protein of choice, be sure to peruse the deli case in front of you which includes delectable sides such as deviled eggs, garlic mashed potatoes and cole slaw. Food can be packaged to go for both picnics and home (they even have a to-go dinner for 6 including all the sides, for those too-lazy-to-cook nights), but experience Lombardi’s the SCL recommended way: grab a frosty microbrew with your sausage sandwich and enjoy both on the outdoor patio while watching the grill masters wield their craft.
Maybe one day they’ll have a cook-off.
Lombardi’s BBQ & Gourmet Delicatessen: 3413 Petaluma Blvd. North, Petaluma; 707-773-1271 (M-S: 10-8; Sun: 11-7). Cotati location: 101 E. Cotati Ave.
