Rye Restaurant

In the case of Rye, the camera drinks first, because the star at this restaurant is for the bar. We’re those people, the ones who sample a new (for us) Michelin restaurant by jockeying the camera to get a photo before taking a sip or lifting a fork. It’s okay, we tell ourselves. We appreciate attentive and whimsical design, whether it’s in the bricks and mortar, the lighting and interiors, or what’s happening in the kitchen. We also scan our environment for contemporary clothing and jewelry that invite conversation and take a snap of those.

The Michelin guide noted that “Rye is a seasonally-driven, small plates establishment and cocktail bar known for its ever-evolving menu and use of locally sourced ingredients.” Former bar manager Julian Shaffer was rewarded with a star for the creativity of the drink menu, which features a mix of classic and contemporary options. The ‘small plates’ food also received a “green star” for their sustainability practices, using what’s available and cultivated nearby.

Know in advance that the á la carte menu is limited and the plates are indeed small. The drinks, however, deliver the punch for the price. Of course, we had to sample several cocktails to determine if they actually deserved their Michelin designation, knowing we need to use our phone’s transportation apps to get there and home again, as well as its camera.

Featured below in photo gallery are: R&B: (Reposado Tequila, Blueberry Cordial, Lo-Fi Gentian Amaro–salted ice shaft); Fire Island: (Grey Whale Vodka, Caramelized Pineapple, Salt Foam, Fire Water); Golden Martini: (Botanist Gin, Fino Sherry, Pickled Golden Raisins, Caviar Bump); Carrot and Beets over Meyer Lemon Slaw, Wagyu Tacos for small plates.