Rye House (permanently closed)

Words by Simon Difford on 15-May-2015

Address: 11 West 17th Street, (btwn 5th & 6th Aves), New York City, New York, 10011, United States
Tel: +1 212-255-7260
Website: view Rye House’s website
Door: Open door/walk-ins
Style: Restaurant bar
Food: Tapas/plates & dishes
Established: 2009

Review

As the name suggests, the focus here is American rye whiskies and Bourbons with other domestic small-batch spirits a close second. Even the many vodkas stocked here are all from the good-old-U.S. of A.

The décor also has something of a domestic feel with reclaimed woods and rustic glass light fittings set against modern detailing and a white granite bar counter. Two picture windows allow passers bye to watch drinkers sat at the bar and vice versa. However, Rye House stretches back and many prefer the 25-person communal table made from reclaimed Pennsylvania wood hidden from view towards the back of the long narrow space.

Expect twists on classic cocktails with the seasonal house julep being most in demand from the dozen strong cocktail list. Rye also offers a choice of a dozen craft brews on draught and equally interesting bottled beers. For the puckish there's always the fabled Pittsburgh (basically a sandwich filled with grilled Andouille sausage, slaw and fries.