The Rook Snackbar At Argos

Revisiting proved to be a good call. Since covid they have enhanced their menu and really focused on the dining experience. Great food and service. This place knows how to pick a power combo. The Chef has produced a carefully curated small but tasty menu, and the cocktail selection was well defined, interesting and mature. I was rather inpressed with who i assume was the sous chef and main servce bartender who both churned it out during our visit the place is small and was packed, and that service power couple executed like champs.

This place gets it. They were the antidote to our previous night 's meal. We had gone to a well liked stuffy upscale restaurant that promised all kinds of culinary dimensions but just couldn 't deliver on any of them. In contrast, The Rook offered a compact, focused menu of creative dishes and drinks in a cool environment outside. Our opening round of the Bobby Dolcetto and the Sammy Davis Jr., Jr cocktails really set the tone. Both the fried chicken with collard greens and the summer pasta were well executed just what we needed.

The Rook is the kind of place that takes good care of you. The staff are friendly and attentive they know that my husband likes his water with ice, and a glass of ice and a spoon will magically show up at his elbow without even asking. They know my taste in cocktails, and will offer me one as I'm settling in. The food has always been well prepared, with an eye toward seasonal produce and local offerings when possible. The burger is one of the best in town thick soft buttery bun soaked with burger juice (get it with bacon and brie, you won't regret it). The entrees are seasonal, with at least one vegetarian option at any given time. If you save room for dessert, the trifle of the moment always hits the spot (and they use real whipped cream, of course). They have a strong cocktail program, and change up the cocktail list with the seasons. They're not afraid to experiment with bitters and various amari, and the results are delicious! They have indoor (socially distanced) and outdoor seating the picnic tables under the tent are nice on summer evenings with the lights strung up. Whether you're looking for a tasty meal or just a drink, you'll be well taken care of here.

This is the most beautiful bar I have ever enjoyed! The backyard was so romantic. Strings of soft yellow lights lined the tent. I highly recommend spending an evening here. I had the espresso martini and it was very bad. I'll just have to try something new next time

Slightly off the downtown /restaurant row path, but worth the extra few blocks. small but eclectic and carefully selected menu. great cocktails too.