#COVIDPIVOT
The kitchen.
The Rook is a little restaurant serving big flavors. Chef Gentry Morris and crew dish out reimagined comfort, soul and street food.
SNACK boards
duck fat FRIED CHICKEN
DONUTS of the day
family-style SIDES
bottled COCKTAILS
SALADS with heart
BEER and WINE
uncle g's bbq RIBS
HANDMADE cavatelli
flavor dave's PUDDING/MOUSSE
Just like any great small upscale restaurant should, The Rook satisfies that itch, that craving for the perfect drink and the pleasure of comfort food. Our staff (led by underspoken owner, Chef Gentry Morris aka Uncle G) has worked tirelessly to pivot since the COVID19 pandemic, to become a chill outdoor dining venue downtown plus some of the best takeout in Ithaca. Stop by or order dinner, dessert, bottled cocktails, and your favorite craft cocktails, beer and wine for pick-up or join us in our outdoor dining area, THE ROOK PICNIC! Plus, we are now open indoors!
Special thanks to our valued and devoted friends and customers for keeping us afloat during one of the most challenging periods the industry (and the world) has faced in modern history. We ask that you continue to be patient with us as we adjust to the "new normal" and stay tuned for updates!
Please note: Uncle G's dad is turning 80, so we will be closed June 26th through July 9th to party!
THE BAR.
Third generation barman, Manny Flores, came up in NYC during the peak of the cocktail resurgence. He learned his craft and hospitality from the best, during his years at the Waldorf Astoria, Gramercy Tavern & Bar Veloce.
Now joined by local designer, fur mom and bar veteran, Jonni Campbell, these lucky bastards get to bring you classic and contemporary
cocktails with a sense of humor, in a casual/comfortable/safe atmosphere.
fast, high-quality, casual, outdoor
food and drink
The Rook is now offering a casual dining and cocktail bar option, in the comfort of our safe and spacious picnic area/patio or indoor area.
Seating is available on a FIRST COME, FIRST SERVE basis. Unfortunately we are unable to accept reservations at this time. However, once we are at capacity we will begin a waitlist for present customers (i.e. your party needs to physically be there to keep your place in line).
PLEASE SEE HOST TO BE SEATED
After being seated, you can place your order online/by QR code - OR - through a human at the entrance service/host stand.
From there you can relax and we'll bring your order right to your table. Please have state issued ID or passport readily available for all alcohol purchases.
OPEN FOR INDOOR & OUTDOOR DINING
FORGIVE US, WE ARE WORKING ON IT #COVIDPIVOT
Please be patient with us as we make yet another covid-pivot as a SMALL business (we are tiny in terms of square footage i.e. indoor occupancy, but there is no shortage of heart here)
**We will let you know if there is more than a 30 minute wait time - your time is as important as ours!
**Valid ID required for all alcohol purchases
Please note, your final bill will be subject to a 15% gratuity should you tip below that rate or "stiff" our staff. We are a traditional restaurant who has pivoted with the pandemic. We are striving to continue providing the Ithaca community with great food and drinks. We ask that you support us in that by ensuring we can continue to pay our own local employees a living wage, while keeping our doors open under modified conditions. We thank you for your continued support and we encourage you to contact us with your feedback.
#ITHACAISDUCKFATFRIED
YOUR Duck fat fried FIX
The HUSTLE
MANHATTAN
bourbon, sweet vermouth, bitters
STRAWBERRY NEGRONI
gin, strawberry, contratto, cynar
TORONTO
rye, fernet, bitters
SLUSH FUND
gin, ginger-lime cordial, fresh lime
ECHO PARKING LOT
tequila, grapefruit, aperol, fresh lime
WHISKEY SMASH
bourbon, lemon cordial, mint
MARGARITA
tequila repasado, curaçao, lime
boozy.
refreshing.
bottled cocktails.
We’ll find the perfect drink to fit your mood, and bring it to your pod in the safest way possible...safely encased in a "crowley" secured vessel and delivered to your heated outdoor picnic table.
Classics or originals, boozy sippers or refreshing aperitifs, now as a 16oz. sharable cocktail
(more than 3 full cocktails per bottle - valid ID for entire party required - standard professional serving standards apply).
THE HUSTLE
BOTTLED COCKTAILS
$32/each
$75/for three
We have a soft spot for critics who eat two desserts and anyone who can finish a full order of ribs...
Rumor
in the roost
LOCATION & HOURS
404 West State St,
ITHACA, NY 14850
OPEN Tues-SAT
5pm till 10pm
The Rook is located in downtown Ithaca, NY. Convenient to the Ithaca Commons, Cornell University, Ithaca College and the beautiful finger lakes region. Now offering the safest indoor & outdoor dining and carry out options in the heart of Ithaca, NY.
