Rye House has been open since late 2009 and we’ve been there countless times over the years.  They opened at the time of the specialty liquor craze along with places like Madam Geneva or Mayahuel (gin and tequila, respectively).  Rye House does offer a full selection of alcohol but specializes in American whiskeys.  They also have a nice bar menu which I suppose characterizes them as a ‘gastro-pub’.  It is a large space with a bar and bar height banquettes and tables in the front and a large communal table and booths in the rear dining area.

When we first went to Rye House we’d read the menu was inspired by Pittsburgh’s Primanti Brothers sandwich, which is made with the cole slaw and the french fries on it.  I went to the University of Pittsburgh and the idea of having access to a spot who served Primanti Bros-type food had me pretty psyched.  It turned out to be complete bull.  As it turned out there’s one sandwich called ‘Pittsburgh’ It is made of Grilled Andouille Sausage, Provolone, House Slaw and Fries.  At Primanti Brothers, it was kielbasa (Polish sausage).  I was really hoping for a pastrami.  But that said, they have pretty great bar food.  We’re big fans of the Sloppy Joe sliders.

The real fun here is the cocktail selections.  While I am not a big whiskey or bourbon gal, they do have some fantastic drinks that are worth trying.

COCKTAILS

Jimmy Stewart – 14

Balcones Brimstone Smoked Whiskey, Grand Marnier, Angostura & Orange Bitters, Honey

Queen of Scots – 12

McIvor 12yr Blended Scotch, Lemon, Honey, Cinnamon, Ginger

Pumpkin Flip – 12

Laird’s Applejack Bonded Brandy, Landy VS Cognac, House Pumpkin Syrup, Cinnamon, Whole Egg

Nostalgia – 14

Rittenhouse Bonded Rye, Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum, Landy VS Cognac, Creme Yvette, Orange &

Chocolate Bitters, Absinthe Wash

Sylvia – 12

Four Roses Yellow Label Bourbon, Aperol, Lime, Sugar Cane Syrup

The Graham Cracker – 12

High West Silver Rye, Honey, Maple, Lemon, Cinnamon, Orange Juice, Chelsea Blonde Ale

Wake Up Call – 12

Jalapeno – Infused Evan Williams Bourbon, Lemon, Honey, Cinnamon, Mint

Crystal Maiden – 12

Berkshire Greylock Gin, St. Germain, Boudier Maraschino, Peach Bitters

Oaxaca Sunset – 12

Del Maguey Mezcal Vida, St. Germain, Lime, Ginger, Peychaud Bitters, Bourbon Salt Rim

The Baroness – 12

Breuckelen Glorious Gin, St. Germain, House Lavander Syrup, Lemon

Fallback – 12

Rhum JM Blanc, Vieux Carre Absinthe, Demerara, Lime

11 West Sazerac – 14

Willet Straight Rye, Zacapa Centenario Rum, Peychaud & Creole Bitters, Demerara, Absinthe Wash