The Rook Snackbar At Argos

We have eaten here once in a while over the years and always liked it. Tonight, we went in and asked for a table for two. The server said he had just the table for us, and showed us a table with two high chairs. Being somewhat elderly, we are not comfortable on high chairs, so we said that. I asked him how long we would have to wait for another table. He said, in a not encouraging tone, that he didn 't know, maybe 15 or 20 minutes, maybe more. Pointing to a table for four, I said, What about that table? He said, That 's for someone else, not for you. He might have said, That table is reserved, or We are holding that table for four people, and we would have understood, that would have been ok, but that 's not what he said. His whole demeanor, from the start, was contemptuous, snide, uninviting and unapologetic. We both felt he was extremely rude.

This is the cutest bar in Ithaca and perfect for a date night or get together with friends. The outdoor space made me feel like I was in Greece! Great Fancy cocktail menu and friendly service. Drinks are very expensive (overpriced in my opinion), but you're really paying for the ambiance.

We walked by and made a spontaneous decision to eat here as there were lots of diners outside, which gave a great atmosphere. They had well-cooked comfort food, including a good veggie option. Our server was friendly and helpful, and accommodated our requests. Excellent cocktail menu as well!

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.