Santa's Workshop: Popup Christmas Bar & Restaurant — Restaurant in McKinney

Wow, wow, WOW!

My husband and I have been waiting for RYE to reopen, and it was worth the wait. We came for a low key date night and were greeted at the door by a very friendly gentleman, who escorted us to our table, pulling out my chair for me upon arrival. Later into our meal, after talking for about 10 minutes with this gentleman, we find out he is the owner.

From the small town feel, charm and intimate setting created, all worries and stress that may be tagging along with you are washed away as your sink into your meal. My husband ordered a local beer, and after receiving feedback from our waiter regarding each cocktail, I went with the Giggle Juice, very refreshing!

Rye has reinvented themselves with a "small plate" concept and from what we experienced, it's working flawlessly. We ordered the Russian Roulette Peppers, Pork Belly Lollipops, Gouda Mac N Cheese, and Smores for dessert. Each plate was brought out in succession, not all at once allowing us to really savor each plate.

The strategic thought that went into each dish was well organized, clever and purposeful. The peppers are called "Russian Roulette" because one of the peppers is hotter than the rest- but they don't tell you which one! We loved that idea. The mac n cheese was superb- my husband and I both agreed we should have gotten the larger portion! The pork belly lollipops were so incredibly tender and the Swiss and rainbow chard garnishment that went along with those were just as delicious.

When the smores came out, staff came out with a small torch and lit cedar (I believe it was cedar?) chips on fire in a miniature Dutch oven to create an aroma you would find at a campfire, roasting marshmallows. It was fantastic.

One last final thought- I am a bit of snob with bathrooms, I attached a few pictures from their bathroom. It was pretty clean, although there is only one bathroom for both men and women, so I think constant attention to maintaining it will be necessary to ensure cleanliness. They are doing a great job!

We cannot wait to come back, and have shared with our friends and family as a MUST TRY on...

I took my wife here recently based simply on all the glowing reviews it has on Google / Yelp. It was alright, but I felt obligated to post a review as I definitely don't see any reason this place should have such a high review. The food was good, but for the price- it wasn't that great. If I'm going to pay top dollar to be seated in a small restaurant at a table so small I'm constantly having to watch that I don't knock my drink off of it- with small portions- I expect the food to be flawless. It was not. It was good, but overpriced. Examples- The pork belly lollipops- delicious, but 2 out of the 5 or 6 pieces we got were inedible fat chunks, pure fat. The other pieces had some fat, but some meat- which is expected for pork belly, but I'm not paying premium for pork fat. We got the large Charcuterie board, and it was good, but the cheddar tasted like it was old, like we got some edges of a piece that set uncovered and dried out- I notified the kitchen of this, they were un-phased.

At any rate, the food was good, but again, for the price and the portion size (small plates) it was less than I expected, based on the current reviews. The service was decent as well, maybe that I would give 4/5 stars if I could rate separately, but 3 sums the experience up...

Thankfully the other place that we originally intended to go to could not accommodate us. Why? Because it allowed us to give Rye a try, and we can confidently state that this has been the best dinner we've had since moving to Texas 7 months ago.

Locally sourced ingredients, very extensive whiskey/bourbon menu with some international selections, and something that most places lack.....the ability to build excitement about the menu options either by reading about them on the menu or hearing the waiter describe them. And, the kitchen does not disappoint - every single dish was not only beautifully presented, but the marriage of flavors and textures made each dish unbelievably delicious. Charred cauliflower with pistachios and pomegranate, with some delicious drizzle did not disappoint. Tacos were the bomb. But the star of the show are the short ribs.

Well, the other stars of the show are the wait staff, especially our waiter Daegan who was not only attentive, but described each dish and its preparation with such character that we were anxiously awaiting the next course. Also, was very impressed to see such a young man make some very impressive bourbon suggestions based on my personal drinking preferences (neat, rocks, mixer).

Do yourself a favor and get to Rye...