Q&A with Haley
- What is Rye Tavern?
Rye Tavern is a locally owned and operated restaurant in Plymouth that focuses on fresh, farm-to-table cuisine. The historic restaurant was built in 1792 by Josiah and Abigail Cornish, who ran the business as the Cornish Tavern for many years. The building looks remarkably similar to the way it did over two hundred years ago. Rye Tavern opened in 2011 and is currently owned by Jennifer Withington. The business gets its name from the nearby rye fields and has successfully kept the old tavern tradition alive.
- What makes Rye Tavern unique?
Rye Tavern’s charm stems from its unique status as a relic of the past, as it’s one of the few authentic 18th-century taverns still in existence today. In fact, John Adams himself is known to have visited. The Tavern is situated on a dirt road that is one of the oldest in the United States, creating the impression that you’ve been transported back to the 1700s before you even set foot inside. It’s impossible not to imagine people riding in horse-drawn carriages, eager to take refuge in the Tavern after a long day of travel. The atmosphere of the Tavern is not unlike how it would have been back in the 18th century, giving everyone who visits a glimpse into what life was truly like during that time. It’s not just the atmosphere and the history that make Rye Tavern stand out, the restaurant is also known for its commitment to fresh, farm-to-table cuisine and unique spins on classic dishes. All of the meat and much of the produce that is served is sourced from local farmer’s markets and growers. The rest of the produce comes straight from the onsite Rye Garden, located just fifty feet from the restaurant.
- What will I find on the menu at Rye Tavern?
The restaurant’s menu changes about 4-6 times per year based on what is currently in season. Executive Chef Joshua Todisco is responsible for the creation of the menu, and he loves to get creative with the dishes he puts together. He carefully selects ingredients based on the desired taste, texture, and scent that he wants to create and often finds inspiration everywhere from customer suggestions to online sources. He likes to incorporate unique elements into dishes such as sweet and savory combinations and crunchy textures. This can be seen in dishes like the salmon, which is served with nori shallot crust, kimchi fried rice, and sweet soy, or the short rib, which is served with pimento cheese grits, broccolini, red wine reduction, gremolata, and crispy pickled onions. On the brunch menu, the French toast and waffle flavors change often. On a recent visit, espresso waffles served with mascarpone cream were on the menu. The eggs benedict is another highlight, served with Canadian bacon, a Portuguese muffin, hollandaise sauce, chives, and home fries.
- What can I do at Rye Tavern?
In addition to dining on amazing food, you can also take advantage of the beautiful natural surroundings by relaxing on the outdoor patio. Occasionally, entertainment will be provided in the form of live music. There’s also a variety of handcrafted cocktails, mocktails, and beer on offer at the bar, which is enclosed and heated, meaning you can enjoy the space year-round. You can even hold your wedding or rehearsal dinner at Rye Tavern. The surrounding natural beauty and charming interior of the Tavern are sure to make an unforgettable backdrop for such a special occasion. If you’re interested in outdoor recreation, the surrounding forest is also great for hiking.
- Where can I find Rye Tavern?
Rye Tavern is located in Plymouth, Massachusetts at 517 Old Sandwich Road. You can find more information about them, including current menus and more, at their website theryetavern.com
