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Rye
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 5:30 pm - 2 am
Sat-Sun 7 pm - 2 am
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Music:
- DJ
- Best Nights:
- Tue, Wed, Thu
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ambience:
- Hipster, Trendy
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
984 reviews for Rye
Review Highlights
"The basil gimlet was SO refreshing and crisp."
(in 177 reviews)
"Pool table/smoking area/lounge and very modern decor."
(in 144 reviews)
"Great food options after some great drinks."
(in 41 reviews)
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981 reviews in English
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Review from Lisa R.
2/2/2012 1 Check-in Here
Just love this joint. Dark, modern, clean, hip, cool (way too cool and hip for me to go there, but I brought some hip friends)
Great, friendly bartenders. Excellent choice of American whiskeys and ryes. I had the Redemption Rye (with one ENORME ice cube) and my friend Erica got a foo foo drink that came in a gorgeous polished copper mug that I needed to leave my DL for at the bar... apparently the mischevious drunks who like to steal like to steal these....
Great ambiance, expensive drinks, easy to park nearby (street parking) -- easy to get lost in the Tenderloin and almost get mugged (but MY fault, not this place's location).
:)
Watching the bartenders make the foo foo drinks (which taste divine) is magic. They are artists. -
Review from Glenn G.
The legendary Rye is the home of the Basil Gimlet, which I heard so much about from so many of my Yelp friends that I simply had to try one! Cecelia S.'s first review of this place really piqued my interest in that infamous concoction. So much so that small tactical problems like unanticipated operating hours, flu epidemics, and Global Warming (I don't know what Global Warming has to do with anything, but it's good to give Al Gore a nod once in a while) could not deter me and several of my fellow Elite Yelpers from continuing our PYE here.
Cecilia S., Janice. C., Bobby L. and I rolled in here sometime after 7pm on a Saturday in January. I KNOW it was after 7, because we had tried to go here earlier that night and discovered they were closed until 7! :-) We were joined shortly after we arrived by Mish L. and David B.
The atmosphere at Rye is cool but welcoming, and the lighting is low. It wasn't at all hard to figure out what I wanted as my first drink - a Basil Gimlet! http://www.yelp.com/bi... Slightly sweet with a bright citrus tang from the lime, and the refreshing herbal note of basil, a basil gimlet feels light going down - the combination of basil and lime gives the cocktail a nice refreshing taste that isn't heavy at all. So well mixed and finely balanced are the tastes of this legendary cocktail that's it's also got a deceptively non-alcoholic mouth feel to it - while it's got a punch as potent as any thrown my Mike Tyson in his prime, it's sheathed in a velvet glove...
When it came time for my 2nd drink, I was fortunate to be able to consult that celebrated Mistress of Mixology, Janice "vesper" C. There ain't nobody nowhere that knows more about cocktails than Janice! In fact, she's more knowledgeable about alcohol than Dick Cheney is about waterboarding... Her suggestion for my 2nd drink was a Bobby Burns: scotch, dolin rouge vermouth, benedictine and orange bitters. It was pretty good, but I guess I had a decided Basil Gimlet jones going that night, and didn't need to think long and hard about what my 3rd drink would be!
When it got to be that time, I hung out at the bar for a few and watched the professional Mixologists do their legendary deeds. It's a total pleasure to watch them work; they make some amazingly complex moves look easy, and who can argue with the quality of their work product? Case in point - CiCi invented a whole new concoction (subsequently dubbed "The Drink with No Name") which she described to them, and low and behold it came to be! I don't know if CiCi's invention can truly give the Basil Gimlet a run for it's money in my book, but the process was impressive all the same, and she totally LOVED the end result!
It was around this point when our waitress asked the bunch of us to change tables because a larger party wanted the one we were at. To make the process completely painless, she bribed us with a round of free shots of chilled Ketel One, which inspired Bobby to take a group picture. Due to the low lighting, it's not the greatest digital photo by any stretch of the imagination, but it's good enough for government work :-) http://www.yelp.com/us... In fact, we were so pleased we were still recognizably ourselves that we bought several more rounds of chilled Ketel One shots to celebrate...
It was great coming here as part of my first PYE. Meeting half a dozen uber-cool Yelpers in one night was awesome, and I especially enjoyed meeting CiCi and Janice after having Yelped with both of them for quite a while. My special thanks to CiCi (Cecilia S.) for her PYE inspiring review of Rye and it's incredible cocktails.
To those of you who haven't taken the time to check out the legendary drinking establishment that is Rye, there's no time like the present - don't forget to try the Basil Gimlets!Listed in: "It was the best of times..."
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Review from Negien M.
San Francisco, CA
1/27/2012
The TL tour continues... well, not tour.. besides this place, B&B, Chambers, and Whiskey Thieves, what are the good TL bar options? And yet, they seem to pop out randomly from the woodwork.
I tried one of their special cocktails.. something w/ whisky and grapfruit and bitters.. Derby Derry? It was pretty tasty, but I preferred my friends awesome delicious milky drink w/ brandy that came in a cute little short glass. The bartender was super fast.. as soon as he poured one thing he'd be squeezing, measuring, or pouring another. I think he was hiding another pair of arms!
The crowd is whatever.. come with a group because it's not a very mingling crowd.
Rates low on my patio scale because the patio is a big cage.. I guess the TL boogies can't get you that way. But there's probably no feasible way to have a patio and better to have one than not! -
Review from Emily D.
1/27/2012 1 Check-in Here
Put it in my dusty shoebox entitled "Good TL Bars."
The layout was interesting. Smokers cage? Bummer that I quit a quick minute ago.
They played a treasured mix of 80s songs including a heavy hit of Depeche Mode which always gets me excited.
I liked the downstairs. We got a booth which is pretty unheard of in that area- usually its just stools around a barrel. The one bathroom thing is interesting. The "lightest beer they had was a Stella" so that pretty much means they serve good beers only, no domestic crap. (Though we did have a rousing debate about whether bud light, miller lite, or coors light was better.) (Winner coors.) (It wasn't at this bar, don't worry.) (Then we discussed the federal government.) (...Wow you can't take us anywhere.) -
Review from Fatty A.
San Francisco, CA
2/5/2012 1 Check-in Here
This is a good place to pick up a basil gimlet and also to lose your fatty balls. Chicks don't want to talk to dudes carrying around a drink with a leaf of basil in it. Its a good drink but expect it to be a game killer.
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Review from carlie c.
1/18/2012
Rye isn't located in the safest neighborhood, but I love it's modern decor and back room dark living room feel. They offer a variety of special cocktails to choose from depending if you like whiskey, gin, or vodka. I ordered the Merchant Mule and was pleasantly surprised. It was kind of like a mint gimlet only made with vodka in this absurd copper cup which you have to put down your credit card in order to drink out of this cup. You also have to return the cup to the counter in order to get your credit card.
I'll definitely be back and Osha is next door!Listed in: Creative Cocktail Concoctions
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Review from Cecilia S.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 1/9/2012 2 Check-ins Here
And once again I'm updating my review:
A couple of fellow Yelp Elites and I decided to hang out and grab a few drinks. With all the great talk of how amazing their basil gimlets are, my new friends decided they HAD to try it. Of course, it always lives up to its expectation... it refreshing and simply delicious.
However, I wanted to try something else. Every time I come to Rye, I always order a basil gimlet. EVERY TIME. If their basil gimlets are that amazing, I'm sure their other drinks are great too. I remember on my first adventure here, a friend of mine ordered something with lavender and egg whites. I know it may sound a bit strange.. but trust me, this may be my new favorite drink here. There's no name, at least I don't think there's one... but if you ask any of the bartenders to make you a drink with egg whites and lavender, they always make this beautiful concoction with no name. The lavender is so fragrant, the egg whites make it deliciously frothy, and there's a hint of honey to make it perfectly sweet. Oh it's just such an amazing and delicate drink!
Oh yeah, and Rye gave us free shots! HAYYYYY!!!!!!!! :)Listed in: Places to drink in SF, Happy Hour in the City
2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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11/2/2011
Oh the Basil Gimlet.. once again, it's amazing :) Read more »
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Review from Janna M.
1/8/2012
I know quite a few people who love Rye. I don't. It's not like you have to drag me there kicking and screaming, but it's a bit antiseptic for my taste. Coziness is my litmus test for a bar, and that's not the vibe here. Sure, there's a pool table, but I also wouldn't feel uncomfortable wearing (trendy) business casual. I never, ever want to feel comfortable in business casual.
The drinks are well-made, with an obvious bent toward whiskey. I've had a couple memorable Manhattans in particular. However, you can order memorable whiskey drinks a couple of blocks away at Bourbon and Branch and get atmosphere too. It just doesn't compute.
So yeah, Rye does what it does well. If that's your scene, cool. If you're my friend and that's your scene, I'll tag along without complaining. If you leave it up to me, though, it won't make the cut. -
Review from Hannah A.
1/5/2012 1 Check-in Here
I have bittersweet memories of winter 2010 at Rye.
I once stumbled through the debris of a heart wrenching break up and found myself in front of a rather unforgettable old fashioned. It sent warm sensations throughout my body and ruined me for any cocktail to come. I do wish I had a reason to brave the tenderloin again because I miss the place . It has the power to make me forget the terrible things and only remember the healing power of whiskey.
Perhaps the next time I need whiskey, crack, a hooker, or leave a man I care for ...we will meet again. -
Review from Angela L.
1/18/2012
SERVICE:
Bartenders are nice. Offered a lime with my tecate, because she likes it better with one
ATMOSPHERE:
Not bad, chill place, has a pool table, nice loungey area, a small bar. Place is limited for seating, but atmosphere is over nice yet casual. -
Review from Sam K.
1/5/2012 1 Check-in Here
Rye is another entry in the ever-more-crowded field of craft cocktail bars.
Drinks are delicious, often feature obscure ingredients, are about $10, and strong. I had a Blood and Sand and my usual Manhattan (I love me some whiskey). Both excellent.
Decor is modern and trendy, the lights are dim, and it's a big place with plenty of seating.
Kind of like if someone took Churchill or Blackbird, made it twice as big and half as loud (this in particular is really awesome), and dropped it on the edge of the Tenderloin. A bit of an odd location but I guess the rent is cheaper, and hey, it's walking distance from work! With any luck I'll be back. -
Review from Shai G.
Culver City, CA
1/2/2012
My wife's parents live in San Francisco, so I'm always up here for the holidays. We always try out a new lounge whenever we're here and this time we tried out Rye.
First off let me mention that we love SF night life. Its nothing like LA's and in a good way. The crowds are not as obnoxious, the bouncers are less pretentious and its an overall better feel.
Rye was more than decent. The bar service was unparalleled, at least to us LA natives. The venue was very modern, crowds were friendly and talkative, and drinks were good too.
We had a blast here actually, the only part I didnt like is that they dont have any beers on tap. -
Review from Anne K.
San Francisco, CA
1/7/2012 1 Check-in Here
Only the front half of the bar is accessible; there's a full step down into the main area. But there are normal-height tables and it isn't totally too dark to see, and a pool table of sorts, and the music doesn't suck and yet is not so loud that one can't hear a conversation.
While there is a criminal lack of beers on tap (What is it with these swanky cocktail bars and their lack of beer? Ever heard of a beer cocktail?) they do at least have some in bottles (which is better than some of these snotty bars). The bar goes low enough at one end that I can see over it and order. The bathroom is accessible and in pretty darn good shape for a bar.
Rumor (aka the doorman at Bourbon and Branch) has it that this place is related in some way to the famous B&B, and it shows in the cocktail craft, quality and ingredient selection. Cocktail Snob partner was very pleased to drink and nerd out with the bartender about orgeat or something, and I had a decent drink or two before switching to beer.
In a saner world, that's be a three-star bar. But there's such a lack of wheelchair-friendly bars at all that I'm being generous. -
Review from Steven F.
San Francisco, CA
1/10/2012 1 Check-in Here
Medium sized bar.
Huge selection of whiskey.
Very nice ambiance and decor (Not a dive).
They are known for their mixed drinks, but i'm just happy to find a place that looks nice and has a large selection whiskey.
Only think is that when the bar gets crowded service is super slow because everyone is ordering fancy drinks so the bar tenders take a lot of time with each order. -
Review from Blaise C.
Lawrence, KS
1/11/2012
This is my favorite bar in San Fransisco. I travel for work often, and it is really nice to find a bar where the staff and patrons are friendly. Sitting alone at a bar where the people are rude or standoffish is not very much fun.
The selection of whiskeys is really nice, and the bartenders are extremely knowledgeable and talented. My Manhattan and Old Fashioned were both tasty, and when I requested a surprise I got the best Whiskey Sour I have ever tasted. Not to mention that this bar was one of the more affordable bars I've patronized in the city.
All in all, I don't think you could go wrong by visiting on any night of the week. Go early for a spot at the bar, however. Also, you should ask for one of the more exclusive small-batch Ryes. For a non-Californian, the options were a real treat. -
Review from Leana L.
12/20/2011
4 Stars!... At least that's my rating from what I can remember!
It was Saturday on Halloween weekend and we were going bar hopping for my 25th birthday. We made this stop #1 since one of my friends/coworkers was having his birthday celebration at this place. Walking in was easy -- just an ID check and no cover charge. This place was pretty busy with a young, friendly crowd. Dim lighting set the ambiance and getting to the bar was pretty easy. I didn't seem much else of the place because I got caught chatting with people at the corner of the bar by the door.
When we were going in and out trying to gather the rest of our group before heading to our next stop, the guy at the door was really nice about it and didn't bother us at all.
A solid place for a good drink in a trendy (but not hipster) bar. Hopefully I'll make it out here again! -
Review from Deanna A.
12/26/2011 2 Check-ins Here
3.5 STARS: I really like this venue. Its sleek, urban, and un-pretentious. Its in the Center-loin: is that what it would be since it borders Civic Center and Tenderloin? Whatever. Anyways, its a good looking spot with ample interior space for a neighborhood bar. I had a hard time locating the Rye sign, but if you see Osha Thai, Rye is next door.
Here's where points were docked:
-Pool Table: Shiiiiieeeee. Man, thing needs to be retired. I mean, I love playing pool while tossing a few back with coworkers but not under these conditions. Felt is hurting. Balls get stuck. 2 sticks, 1 chalk. .5 point deduction.
-NO BEERS ON TAP. That's a full point deduction in my book.
Happy Hours specials:
Nothing huge (I think its because they don't have beer on tap)
I believe it was $1 off beers and $2 off speciality drinks.
CHICKS: Basil gimlet and Pim's cup
I of course (queue: pant shift) was jamieson & ginger backs plus beers. (beelch.... a true dainty lady I know.) ahahha :) -
Review from Christine M.
San Francisco, CA
1/20/2012 1 Check-in Here
came here for a friend's bday. the place is hard to spot and pretty small. it basically is a bar lounge with really strong drinks.
we stood around the bar area the whole time. i tried the basil gimlet and it was veryy refreshing and good. whiskey sour was strong, your typical jack and coke was strong. definitely get ur moneys worth.
wish they played the music a bit louder or had a small dance floor, but its more of a chill drink place. parking can be hard but snagged one a block away.
nice bartenders but its true it can take awhile to get ur drinks since they get fancy with it.
extra star just for good drinks -
Review from Stephanie M.
San Francisco, CA
11/23/2011 1 Check-in Here
Rye never disappoints. They should have a drink here named "Catcher in the Rye" or "Holden", I loved that book. It would be a quintessential recipe: Shake and strain 2oz rye whiskey, 3/4oz sweet vermouth, and 2 dashes of bitters. Add a cherry or orange peel. A reliable concoction for teenage angst or just plain new to SF rebellion.
I am really happy to see they have added more upbeat music these days. The ambiance is chill, dark, high ceilings, cool artwork, lounge tables, an outdoor patio for smokers, pool table, and two bathrooms. I seem to enjoy more Thursdays and Fridays here, but its always a pretty chill vibe.
The drinks are always top-notch and beautifully crafted. I recommend ordering sazerac, birds of a feather, pimms cup, mojito, old fashioned, campari, and their usual specials. The best part about Rye is that you can start off here and then when you are ready to dance, go across the street to Ambassador and see where the night takes you.Listed in: HH Time!
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Review from Sandy L.
San Francisco, CA
11/28/2011
Rye has the best Basil Gimlets...so refreshing and easy to drink! I like the overall set up of the place...one room that is nice for hanging out in groups, cool bar area where you can watch the bartenders work their magic, and a POOL table!
Oh yeah, there's a patio area too!Listed in: Happy Hour! Woo-hoo!
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Review from Mercy D.
Pretty awesome spot! Picked this place to gather some friends for a pre bday showdown in the hopes of facing the last days of my still very youthful status with grace and it turned out to be an overall successful celebration! Just a few annoying things but I was a very happy camper at the end of the night! And my friends all had a great time too!
My PROS:
1) No dress code and no cover!
2) Awesome crowd - friendly, patient, non pissed off mix of patrons even though everyone and their brothers, sisters and cousins were crowding the bar!
3) What others have been saying about the bartenders is true - friendly bunch and mixes great drinks!
4) At least they have one little table with a few seats that doesn't require a bottle service reservation located near the pool table area. Thank goodness a couple of friends got there a little early and snagged it!
5) Pool table!!! No fees to use it! No fights over it either! Good distraction.
6) Clean bathrooms!
7) There's an outdoor cage for smokers with a couple of small 2-person bar type tables.
My CONS:
1) Dang it was packed when we arrived at about 10 on a Saturday night! Not a lot of places to sit so beware ladies who decide to wear stilletos into this venue! I think the lounge area requires bottle service because two friends got booted out when they tried to sit. I didn't think they'd require a reservation for seating but I guess they do... oh well... (correction: bottle service is not usually required but the night I came I guess someone reserved all of the tables)
2) so packed it could take anywhere from 10-20 minutes to get a drink at the bar
3) They measure their drinks to the tee but guess what their drinks are pretty awesome (well at least the ones I ordered were!)
4) Aww pretty good music but no dance floor?
It's more of a bar or club that's missing a dance floor than a lounge because you can't really have a normal convo without yelling at your companion. However, I think with the exception of the few annoyances I was entirely happy with my experience here at this bar. Too bad the actual lounging area may require bottle service Saturday nights though (correction: nope, bottle service usually not required but you are able to reserve all their tables if you wanted to). Drink prices were decent; they aren't wallet breaking, at least in my opinion... but hopefully that doesn't mean there was a calculation mistake in there somewhere! 2 jack shots, 4 kamikazes, 1 vodka cocktail - all for $50! Nice. -
Review from Fawn B.
Daly City, CA
12/11/2011
#1 sure-fire mouth watering cocktail: Basil Gimlet.
Come here for the casual to trendy atmosphere, seating, and maybe even the free pool.
Watch out though, the pool table is free but totally cruddy. If you're wondering why a ball is missing, either someone stole it or more likely it's stuck inside the table. Drop some more balls into the pockets to try to knock it out, and hope they don't get stuck too. -
Review from Mike M.
Stockton, CA
1/19/2012
Cool bar, nice bartenders, and they served a killer basil gimlet.
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Review from Robin S.
11/18/2011 1 Check-in Here
First ever mixology bar I have been to and I'm thoroughly impressed. The Mixologists seem really into what they are mixing and listened to their customer's requests.
I'm allergic to alcohol but tasted my cousin blood orange with mint cocktail and I really liked the taste very much. This place gets pretty full and you'll have to wait if the bar is at their full capacity, but the bouncer is super friendly and really enjoy talking to you. -
Review from Jackelyn N.
San Diego, CA
1/15/2012
Why is the tenderloin considered 'ghetto'? Maybe I don't grasp the seriousness of it because I've only seen it at night. Maybe I'm too easily charmed by all the old architecture. But, whatever. Rye has a cool ass modern front door.
Obviously, I'm not from SF. I visit family here and they took me to this bar when I asked for a place that serves interesting cocktails. WOW. LOVED. You go now! Seriously, I still crave that sweetish cucumber peppery drink of mine. I forgot it's name, though, because I was so thoroughly buzzed from just one. I can say it wasn't whiskey based and I'm quite the light weight. It was clear liquid and came in a glass. Help much? -
Review from Peter L.
10/10/2011
Another venue that has mixologists rather than bartenders, lol. Introduced by a famous yelper, it is now one of my favorite places to go for quality cocktails - you know, the kind that:
-uses fresh ingredients (no bar-containers of ingredients and garnishes seen)
-uses quality alcohol
-drinks take minutes, rather than seconds, to make
-don't give you hangovers the next day
This is not a divy bar, but it is not too chic either, and has a separate side if you want the lounge vibe...a nice compromise. There is a pool table too, but I've only sat at the bar to watch the mixologists handiwork. Go here from opening up until when the post-dinner crowd comes in when it gets crowded. Don't aska rye, justa goh, rye nao, hehe. -
Review from Christie B.
Oakland, CA
1/15/2012
I don't see what all the fuss is about regarding this bar's drinks. As a first timer there was nothing listed for me to choose from and try out. One drink on the board was in honor of the football game-and I don't care for cinnamon. That said I just ordered a whiskey sour. The bar tenders are not very engaging or helpful regarding what to try. They also seem to think bitters goes in everything. I'm not sure how this bar gets first timers to go back.
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Review from Eddie H.
San Francisco, CA
12/28/2011
Great cocktails, a good ambiance (you can hear the people across from you and they have a pool table).
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Review from Sally T.
11/7/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I love this little spot even though you can easily miss it. Located on Geary right before it gets too sketchy. Parking is a bitch but don't drink and drive anyway. The drinks are good but definitely not strong. I appreciate that my Greyhound always tastes like it's made with fresh squeezed grapefruit juice, even though I've only ever seen him pour it out of a bottle. But hey, there's a bowl of fruit on the bar so I'm assuming they just bottled the stuff themselves.
The folks who work here are nice and friendly. I appreciate a bartendar who makes eye contact and tells you he'll be with you shortly when it's packed and says it with a smile. The folks who come here aren't your douchey marina type (yes, stay on that side please) so it's always a good vibe in there. I like the chairs/couches but one of the reasons why I dig this place is their enclosed-ish smoking patio thing. I know smoking is terrible for you and that I really should quit, but I love how I don't have to go outside and stand on the sidewalk for a ciggy break, because that almost always invites unwanted attention. Whoever thought of this idea, kudos to you! -
Review from John R.
11/6/2011
I live close to Rye and I absolutely love this place. By far one of my favorite bars in the city. I feel pretty good naming this my neighborhood bar I frequent whenever I can. Oh, and I'm bringing back bullet points for all the positive things for this review...get excited...
* They make delicious specialty cocktails
* The Old Fashioned, one of the best in the city, get's it's own bullet point.
* Sazerac, "..."
* Cool layout
* Friendly and cool bartenders that know how to make amazing drinks.
* Consistently awesome music
* A random pool table
* Oh and one time they had this whiskey with just a moustache on the bottle. It was hilarious.
So all in all, I love Rye. Writing this review has reminded me I haven't been in a while actually. So now I'm going back this week.
:) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :)
17 smiley faces above. Read previous review. Have a good one. -
Review from Cindy A.
San Francisco, CA
12/30/2011
Came here on a Monday night and there was still a decent crowd. Basil Gimlet, you are so good and got me SO drunk. I love the venue. Very modern without feeling pretentious. Great place to come grab some delicious cocktails and just relax and enjoy good company.
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Review from Raul R.
San Francisco, CA
1/5/2012 2 Check-ins Here
You really cannot go wrong with any drink here. Don't believe me even the water was delicious and refreshing (it had cucumber in it) . I have had the best Old Fashioned EVER complements of Vincent who was running the show behind the bar. Other drinks i would recommend are the Moscow Mule, Manhattan, and the Joy Division. Damn i need to get back soon.
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Review from Tania S.
Miami, FL
10/20/2011 1 Check-in Here
My boyfriend and I stopped in after a long day of walking and sight seeing! The ambiance was perfect! Dim lighting, great music, & perfect way to end our day (& begin our night)! Drinks were great, service impeccable and super friendly! Nothing bad to say! Will definitely recommend
and return! -
Review from Daisy M.
Vallejo, CA
9/15/2011
Paul Rudd on 40 year old virgin "Yea it's 15 dollar beer night"
Swanky. -
Review from Debbie P.
Sacramento, CA
8/30/2011
Once upon a time when I was acting like I lived in the city, Rye was a perfect stop if you were feeling fancy. It's located in the prestigious Tenderloin and just a few blocks away from many many other amazing bars in the TL.
Come on a breezy summer afternoon and enjoy some of their specialty drinks, they use some awesome ingredients that are extremely fresh. The result ends up being a super refreshing drink to help you get through the evening. Or chug down some damn Whiskey! It'll give you courage to walk around at all hours of the night in that neighborhood. Trust me. -
Review from Joshua S.
Richmond, VA
10/10/2011
Very nearly missed this place. It was dark out and the front of the bar blends right in to its surroundings.
Best gimlet I've ever had (Basil Gimlet) and their version of Pimm's Cup is phenomenal. If you are a brown liquor drinker, then try the Buffalo Nickel. Root Beer Liquer, ginger syrup, and buffalo trace bourbon with some grate nutmeg and I believe a pinch of cloves. Knocked my socks off.
Bar staff was extremely helpful and very friendly. The best part is watching them make the drinks. Real skill on display and I swear it makes the drink taste better.
If you are in the Union Square neighborhood, this is a must. -
Review from Brittany K.
9/7/2011
Low lighting, very tasty drinks, and an atmosphere that's cool but welcoming.
I do love me some cocktails, and Rye serves up some very creative concoctions. If I could sustain on cocktails alone, I think Rye would be my nutrient source.
I dig the design and the tables on the lower half, plus the steel cage that surrounds the "patio" out front, even if there wasn't quite enough seating for all of us out there.
Hopefully I get another chance to sip a Rye signature next time I'm in SF! -
Review from Fong L.
Updated - 8/25/2011 19 Check-ins Here
OK, after many years coming here, I really need to update this review. Jen set me on the path of the cocktail connoisseur (snob?) and I have to give props. The crowds aren't nearly as douchey as they used to be (or they've matured, or I've gotten more douchey?) but it can still get pretty crowded here on a fri/sat night.
But the cocktails are still the bomb. Not usually as intricate as the ones at 15 Romolo, but still finely crafted and delicious.
Over many years, Rye has become my default bar on Friday nights after work. And between the bartenders' friendly demeanors and artful craft, I just can't stop coming back. The cocktails are easily accessible, yet can be complicated or simple enough to satisfy my cocktail snobbery. What do you expect? I "grew up" on the drinks here.Listed in: Boozin for da connoisseur in…
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/22/2006
The most rye whiskeys I've seen in one spot in a while...that's for sure!
The bartenders here have… Read more »
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Review from Steve V.
9/26/2011
Came here on a Tuesday and it was fairly crowded. This bar is hard to find if you don't know what you're looking for since there sign is small on the outside. It is modern décor on the inside and dark.
Their $3 beers for Happy Hour are great but the service is a bit lacking. The bar staff was not the most friendly on this night and slow at times. The crowd is diverse and for this part of town, that is expected.
All in all, a decent place to chill with your friends, but I wouldn't expect to meet anyone new. -
Review from Dee D.
Oakland, CA
8/22/2011 1 Check-in Here
My coworker and I decided to extend our thirsty Thursday into Friday. Would that make it fun, freaky or maybe even fabolous? Well, it was too early to tell. We ventured to Rye on my own selfish reason to possibly join in on the Yelp DYL gathering. I figured hey... why not. Kill two birds with one stone sort of thing.
We got there pretty early (the place still smelled like fresh cut limes and lemons) so we were able to grab two seats at the bar. They have a great selectiong of whiskey and even their own infusion. We decided to try some of their cocktails. Pretty darn tasty! We soon realized that having an open tab might become dangerous. But again... why not. We were even gutsy enought to try out their rock and rye whiskey- neat.
As the night and happy hour progressed, another coworker joined us. I was also able to spot the Yelp crew - yay!Met a couple of cool people and enjoyed the lounge area behind the bar. This place is pretty chill and even has a little patio/smoking area. It does get crowded quickly though. But everyone looks to be having a great time, except for the homeless person who strolled in for a moment. Maybe she knew that the bartenders make a tasty and mean cocktail too! As the night progressed there was a bouncer outside and you have to start defending seats. But all in all, a great place for cocktails and fun with some pals and strangers.
