The Rook

Very cool vibe sitting outside in the garden, we could bring our dog too which was great. Food was really quick and delicious, staff are really lovely too so no complaints. Would definitely recommend this place. Quite close to the Ithaca commons so all around great place to visit.

A hidden treasure! They serve amazing southern comfort dishes and the cocktails are amazing. Get the duck fat fries, my first time trying and i loved it. The fried chicken really hit the spot. I love the shrimp grits as well. The salad was one of the best. Refreshing and a good balance of tangy sweetness and savoriness.

Got all 4 of the small plates and it was a good amount of food and variety for 2 people. So delicious. And a great Manhattan too!

Absolutely loved this place! The food was amazing and delicious. One of the best burgers I have had and service was great. So nice sitting outside with a dog

Went there for the first time for dinner, although I’ve had their chicken before. We ordered the fried chicken with collard greens and the pork schnitzel with spaetzle. Oh my goodness. The atmosphere is comfortable and cozy, the service was excellent, and the food is absolutely delicious.

Always great service and food at The Rook. I like how they always have a few staple menu items and some rotating, so you can stick to a favorite or branch out depending on your mood. Plus, the cocktails are top notch! I’ve definitely gone here just to sit at the bar for a couple of perfectly mixed drinks. Recommend.

Unexpectedly delicious and beautiful dishes, with service that made us feel like VIPs. Really interesting north/south fusion flavors and terrific cocktails. Way, way better than Fine Line Bistro (which occupied this space years ago) ever was. We're coming back soon!

Solid eats. As the other reviewers have said it is a little pricey but you are getting awesome food and I don't mind paying a little more. When I go away for a week or weekend I just don't hold back, if there is something new, unique and fun, I want to try it. I personally didn't think the prices were out of control I think they were quite all right. I have paid more money for really subpar food before, and all of the food here is aces. Our server was awesome. Their beer list is equally awesome, You can find some beers here but you won't find elsewhere. A good amount of German, and some Polish beer as well. I think I would call this comfort food, it feels like gastro pub? We started with some gandalfini fries. They were terrific, a lot of flavor there, executed nicely. I got the fried chicken and greens. Do it. As the others have said you won't regret it. She got the pancetta (absolutely five star) with some fingerling potatoes. For dessert we got the donuts of the day which were absolutely stellar. I believe they had an Earl Gray glaze or reduction and the texture was more like crumb cake, dynamite .it wasn't overly sweet which would have ruined it IMO. Now for the constructive criticism... And I didn't feel like it warranted taking a half a point or a point off. I firmly believe that the music sets the feel, tone and mood. The bluegrass style lively music made me want to drink up and laugh. There was some music that was really really slow dark and down the place was a little bit empty at first so it was kind of droning. Kind of like Radiohead but more sad. I like the upbeat bluegrass stuff though, it fits the feel and style more of the place. Without a doubt 100% I will be coming back to eat and drink here again. I really wish my hometown had more places like this.

Very nice meal and attentive service. Bartender was intelligent and seemed proud of his bar area, restaurant and co-workers. Not too pricey for the level of meal and services. Will go again.

Quality, appealing F&B experience with great service! The cocktails are fresh and unique. They have a depth of flavor and that idea carries over to the food as well. The bacon wrapped dates were our favorite of the evening! They don't look like much, but the full flavor experience makes them completely worth it. Salmon was cooked just as we asked, crispy outside and soft middle. The pork chop was alright but saved by the bits of delicious pork belly morsels surrounding it. Highly recommended and will be back.

This is our favorite neighborhood restaurant! Always so reliably good in all ways. The small menu makes choices easy and both food and drinks are excellent.

My fiance and I went here for a few drinks while visiting family in Marathon! Great bartender and drinks. Didn't get any food, but a lot of schnitzel was ordered by others, and it looked and smelt amazing!! Would definitely try that the next visit!

I cannot recommend The Rook enough. Start to finish, one of the best meals I've ever had. The hushpuppies with the pimento cheese is better than some entrees I've had. Having spent a few years in NC, I can say that the south wishes it could create such a wonderful hushpuppy. The cheeseburger was able to do what it shouldn't have, given its lackluster name of "Cheeseburger." It was able to display a taste profile that no basic "Cheeseburger" should be capable of. Then there were the fries. I can honestly say I've never had a better french fry. This meal was A+. 10/10, 100/100, a truly perfect meal.

Love love love the vibe here! We travel from NYC and went to the Rook for very first dinner in Ithaca. My favorite was date-bacon. The BBQ ribs were bomb and please try their hot toddy.
Thank for keeping the business running through the hard time!

A wonderful small restaurant. Excellent staff, tasty food, and inventive cocktails. Highly recommended!

Incredible tasting dishes and a cozy atmosphere!! We loved it!

Food was amazing, all of the flavors were matched perfectly with each dish. I had the summer pasta and my partner had the fried chicken, both were cooked perfectly and seasoned expertly. We also had the date appetizers and they were so unique but delicious! Cocktails were interesting and had good flavor.

The waiter was also so friendly and had great timing. He didn’t hover over us but also was available when we wanted to order more. Great experience and I can’t wait to come back.

Great food and service! Tried the Salmon appetizer.Delicious!! Fried Chicken and Pork schnitzel... donut dessert...Fresh lemonade was perfect!!
Not too many places in Ithaca I rave about, but this is one I would definitely recommend.

Delicious!! Friendly and quick service!! 10 stars

First time here. Really loved it. We started with the Hush Puppies and Cambozola then moved on to the Salmon and Pork Schnitzel. After that we were stuffed and out of time. The Hush Puppies were crispy outside and flaky inside and served with awesome pimento cheese. The Cambozola is a blue brie served in a big wedge sized for two with tasty saving grilled bread and a nicely compatible apple pear compote. We enjoyed the mains just as well. We'll be back next time we're in town. Overall a nice tight menu with a focus on quality.

The service was outstanding. Everything was quick and easy, the staff was polite. The menu is brief and simple and the drink selection is above average.