The Rook

I enjoyed this place very much! It's a small, well appointed restaurant and bar and you can see right into the kitchen. The menu is also small but that can be good, less decisions and everything HAS to be good, I wanted to try it all. I started with the ECHO cocktail, I loved it! Next was the duck fries then the fried chicken and collards. I cleaned the plate, all is well. My server Brandon was cool.

the food was good, but i wouldn’t say mind blowing. the fried chicken was good in a way that’s not too greasy. the inside of the chicken was completely unaffected - which i love. the portion is also big with one chicken breast and one chicken leg. the summer pasta was on the creamy side with some spice providing good kicks. i enjoyed not having many options on the menu; it helps with the decision making process! plus points go to the atmosphere, particularly pleasant for summer nights but do be careful of bees / flies / mosquitos things because our table had 2 that were dancing around for too long. overall, might not come again just due to the lack of menu choices for those with dietary restrictions

I was driving through Ithaca on my way to Albany Airport and stopped for some takeout! I got the salmon: delish! It had this yummy tomato relish that was a pleasant surprise. The potatoes were like a sad over-warmed breakfast buffet option but luckily I ordered an additional side. It can be hard finding good greens in a restaurant but Rook’s has got it! Definitely made up for the disappointing potatoes. Would try this place again for sure if I’m ever in the area.