Mike O.
Yelp
It's been a REALLY long time since we've been back to Rye, as the first experience was one of those experiences that, for the price and the reputation, just didn't live up to the hype.
After a few years away, some friends wanted to meet up here for a date night.
We arrived in the heart of happy hour on Friday evening. We had a reservation, and arrived right on time. We were immediately seated upon arrival.
Our waitress was prompt and attentive all evening, refreshing drinks, taking our food orders, and providing above-average attentiveness throughout our stay.
There are a lot of decent food options at Rye, but the establishment is known for its fried chicken. When in Rome...
I went for the three piece fried chicken option for dinner. On the positive side, I will say that the batter and skin was super crispy, done just right! However, all of my pieces were overcooked, and a bit dry. And, for a place known for it's chicken, I expected there to be much more flavor...a kick, a zing, some zest...anything at all. Unfortunately, it tasted like they forgot even the basic salt and pepper, much less some advanced concoction of flavorful spices. This tasted more like something you'd expect to get at a retirement home, where the residents are all on low sodium diets and everything is beyond-well-done, and completely lacking season and flavor.
I did try a bite of my wife's pork chop dish, which was leagues better than my chicken. She and I also shared a side of brussels sprouts, which were fantastic (but, shouldn't they be for $11??). Most at our table seemed very happy with their dishes and beverages as well.
So, although I might have drawn the short straw on food selection, it's difficult to give highest marks, especially since it's one of the dishes, if not THE dish, the establishment is known for.
I still struggle with whether or not Rye is worth the spend... Judging by my own dinner alone, definitely not. Looking at the experience as a whole, maybe a bit closer.
Food = 2/5
Facility = 4/5
Service = 3/5
Ambiance = 3/5
Value = 2/5