Restaurants & Bars
Rye To Close Saturday After 10 Years In Williamsburg
The Prohibition era-styled bar and eatery will serve its last round of drinks Saturday night, owners announced.
WILLIAMSBURG, BROOKLYN — An iconic Williamsburg whiskey bar will close Saturday, after 10 years in business, when its lease comes to an end, owners announced.
Rye — a high-end pub on South First Street — will serve its last round of drinks on Feb. 17, owner Cal Elliot announced on Instagram.
“Saying goodbye is never easy and this is no exception,” Elliot wrote. “I have not done everything perfectly at Rye, and Rye itself was not perfect, but we showed up everyday to this spot in the middle of a tough block, and did our best.”
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Dear Friends and Neighbors, I am sad to announce that Rye is approaching the last days of our 10-year lease. Our doors will open for the last time Saturday February 17th 2018. I have called Williamsburg home for the last 25 years and for the last 17 of them, I have been fortunate enough to also have worked here as a cook. I couldn’t conceive a better community to have been a part of and I am so grateful for all your support, inspiration, and joy. The last 10 years at Rye have been the most meaningful years of my life. All the wonderful people who have worked and dined at Rye can take credit for that. Thank you. To my brothers Milton, Demetrio, Joel, Miguel, Ricky, and Nacho – you are not only the best kitchen staff I have ever known, but the best people as well. I love you. Some of us have worked together for as many as 19 years. I hope this is just a brief pause and we will work together again, side by side, very soon. To my FOH family, thank you. There are too many to name, but there has been so many special people who have come in and out of Rye over the years. I will say scheduling can be difficult when you employ artists, musicians, writers, actors, world travelers, and free thinkers, but just being around such unique people makes it all worth it. It fills my heart with happiness and pride that Rye has played a role in so many wonderful memories – weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, proposals – so I’d like to invite you to come in and celebrate those memories in the coming weeks. Allow us to raise a glass in your honor to show our gratitude for letting us share those moments with you. Saying goodbye is never easy and this is no exception. I have not done everything perfectly at Rye, and Rye itself was not perfect, but we showed up everyday to this spot in the middle of a tough block, and did our best. I couldn’t be more proud of you Rye. I will miss you dearly. Sincerely, Cal Elliott
A post shared by Rye Restaurant (@ryerestaurant) on Feb 5, 2018 at 3:00pm PST
Rye’s unique takes on classic American fare — think meatloaf sandwiches with buttermilk onions — and a very affordable $12 old fashioned-and-cheeseburger happy hour special earned it several awards and accolades.
Michelin included Rye on its Bib Gourmand list, Brooklyn Magazine named it one of the 50 best bars in Williamsburg, and a New York Times reviewer dubbed it “a relaxing cabin” with several well-made drinks to be had.
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The Times also reported Elliot built most of the Prohibition era-inspired wood and tin interior himself.
Elliot invited “friends and neighbors” to stop by for one last drink on Saturday night.
“It fills my heart with happiness and pride that Rye has played a role in so many wonderful memories – weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, proposals,” the Rye owner wrote.
“Allow us to raise a glass in your honor to show our gratitude for letting us share those moments with you.”
Photo courtesy of Google Maps/Sept. 2017
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