Fun spot with unique cuisine, this restaurant may be small but the food packs big flavor. On my visit here, I had the opportunity to try two dishes off the shareables menu and was super impressed with both of them. Service was also quick and friendly throughout the entire meal. The Birria egg rolls were a bit on the smaller side but made a big impression with its preparation. I've never had birria wrapped in anything as crispy as the wonton wrapper this was wrapped in. The birria was flavorful while being tender and not being too salty. The white cheddar and chihuahua cheese added a small amount of extra saltiness and a bit more fat, which matched well with the chipotle aiola. The duck poutine was incredibly flavorful, while sitting on the edge of potentially being too bold. The fries were incredibly crispy though there was quite a bit of gravy on the dish and the white cheddar cheese curds did a great job of keeping the entire dish hot throughout the meal, while adding a little bit of extra flavor. The bacon and onion added some umami though it almost made the dish a bit too salty and the duck confit added a nice protein element. Overall a little pricey, but given the more unique menu and quality of both the flavors and textures, it's worth the premium. The food here is definitely memorable and in line with excellent options available in Geneva. read more

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All around had an amazing time! Visiting in town for work and wondered along this place that was delightful and charming. Henry was our server/bartender and gave us excellent service. He was naturally humorous and humble. The best part was my Tuna Tartare. I order it everywhere I go & I must say - it was the best I've had this year! Thank you Barrel + Rye! read more

Barrel + Rye - Tuna Tartar paired delightfully with SB- EARTHGARDEN from NZ. - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Geneva, Illinois

Had an amazing date night here. Cocktails were great--loved the old fashioned. The salmon bruschetta and birria egg rolls were out of this world. Crab cake sandwich was second only to one I had when I lived in Maryland. Dessert cocktails were a great night cap! The Tira-Miss-you and s'mores espresso martini were a great end of the night. The server was so kind and willing to give solid recommendations. The food came quickly and was great. 10/10. We can't wait to go back read more

Barrel + Rye - CRAB-CAKE SANDWICH - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Geneva, Illinois

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The birria egg rolls are PERFECTION, highly recommend. The Brie Burger had just the right amount of sweetness. We went there for lunch and they were more than accomodating with our baby in a stroller. The inside is swanky but approachable. Love it! read more

Amazing service as we needed a seat to accommodate a stroller for my granddaughter. The charcuterie board was a delicious start and the sangria hit the spot. My son devoured the Mac n cheese and my daughter in-law and me had the B&R salad with blackened chicken. Lovely view from the patio and we enjoyed the shade of an umbrella. read more

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What a treat! My husband and I went here after taking a dance class and loved it. We weren't terribly hungry, so we got two small plates to share. The first was the birria egg rolls. It was sooo good. Delicious depth of flavor, and definitely use the spicy mayo that comes with it! The second one we got was the crab stack-a light and enjoyable stack of crab, sweet corn, and mango eaten with chips. It was just enough as we drank and sat listening to music from across the street. I'd definitely try it! read more

Loved our recent dining experience here! The restaurant is a little small so make your reservations if possible. So many cocktail options and seasonal ones as well! We came around the holidays so they had Christmas shots and festive cocktail options on top of their staple ones. We started with the duck poutine which was so good - almost a meal in itself. Highly recommend. We were pretty full after the poutine that we settled for the birra grilled cheese which was so good as well, added truffle fries which were excellent as well. Everything was good - drinks, food, service. Highly recommend if you're in the area! read more

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If you appreciate a restaurant that takes its bourbon seriously and pairs it with food that actually rises to the occasion, Barrel + Rye is where you want to be. We kicked things off with their meat & cheese board -- beautifully presented, thoughtfully curated, and the kind where every slice and spread has a purpose. No filler vibes here, just flavor. For dinner, I went with the Cacio e Pepe and added blackened chicken. Let me tell you -- if you like a little heat, this dish delivers. Creamy, peppery pasta with that slow-building spice from the chicken... chef's kiss. Not overdone, not gimmicky, just really well executed. But the highlight? The whiskey & bourbon lineup. This is the type of bar where the shelves are stacked with gems, and the bartenders know exactly where to guide you based on what you like. I tried a couple new pours I hadn't seen in the wild lately -- and left impressed. read more

Barrel + Rye - Meat and cheese board - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Geneva, Illinois

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Over the past 5+ years, Barrel + Rye has remained one of our favorite dinner spots in all of Chicagoland! The staff are always so kind and welcoming! We've enjoyed getting to know them over the years and appreciate their professionalism, cordiality, and expertise! The space itself is chic, welcoming, modern, and clean. It is truly an atmosphere of upscale dining mixed with the comforts of a sports bar. A little something for everyone! The drink menus are phenomenal: a great local beer list, creative cocktails that are delicious, and a strong wine selection. Once again, something for everyone! The food is the main event! We have tried so many different menu items over the years and have loved every bite! However, our go to order is to start with the Brussel sprout salad, my spouse gets the southern chicken sandwich, and I get the Brie burger. We both always upgrade to truffle fries because they are delectable and unmatched! I'm getting hungry just typing this! Prices are reasonable, seating is roomy, patio in warm weather expands the seating, and reservations are always helpful! If you have not yet been to Barrel + Rye yet, be sure to check it out ASAP! read more

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Barrel + Rye....whew!!! Wow!!! I will be back!!! This place is a perfect mix of a classy, casual, fine dining saloon. Yes, I said saloon! I truly had no idea what to expect, but I was not disappointed. This place has the potential to be a downtown Geneva staple, if not already. The food was great and the drinks were even better. Our waiter, Stacy, was amazing. She was kind, soft spoken and friendly with each table she served. The lighting in the restaurant wasn't my favorite upon entering, but I noticed that after I had my sangria, it didn't matter . I had the brussel sprouts salad and added salmon, for only $23!! The salmon was cooked to perfection and the brussel sprouts steamed and shredded beautifully!! Barrel + Rye you will see me again very very soon! read more

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Everytime we come here we are so incredibly happy! The food is always a 10/10, cocktails are even better and the restaurant itself makes you feel like you're in a Chicago upscale restaurant! read more

Stopped in on a Thursday night after having dinner across the street. This is a cozy cocktail lounge serving small plates and craft cocktails with an extensive whiskey /bourbon list. We tried a Barrel Sold Fashion made with Buffalo Trace Bourbon. It was a generous pour and delicious! My wife had a Mocktail called Some Like it Hot which was a hot chocolate mixed with cardamon,smoked chipotle pepper and toasted marshmallows. Definitely warmed you up on a cold January night. They offer Happy Hour drink and food specials Mon-Thu 2-5pm Staff is super friendly and their prices are good! read more

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Brussel sprout salad with salmon was delish. Ducky poutine was great. Bf said his jambalaya was great. Good old fashioned! Wish the menus had more GF options. A gf veggie burger, a rice and veggie dish would all be amazing. read more

Stopped by for post dinner drinks and we were not disappointed. Barrell+ Rye is amongst the many dining options located in the downtown Geneva area. The cocktail list drew us in after having dinner nearby. Everyone enjoyed the cocktail list and we ordered a couple. The Bramble+ Bubbles was a hit amongst my friends and was ordered twice. I was interested in the whiskey cocktails so I ordered the Sazerac and Primo Old fashioned. The initial sips of the Sazerac felt a bit watered down and not enough Rye bite but as the cocktail sat, it felt less watered down but still didn't compare to ones I've had in New Orleans. On the other hand, the Primo Old Fashioned was a well balanced whiskey options and worthy of another order. Our server was polite and was well versed with the menu. Her attention to detail was amazing and did not go unnoticed. Although we didn't try much of the food menu, other patrons seemed to enjoy and appeared worthy of a future visit. read more

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Had a wonderful lunch with fresh crafted appetizers and wonderful mixed drinks and beer. It was a warm summers day, and we took refuge under an umbrella on the patio. Started with wine and mixed drinks. Had 3 appetizers between the three of us and it was more than enough - good portions. The sticky ribs were tasty, the charcuterie had quality meats, cheeses, mustard, chutney, and more. The only thing in would improve would be more attentive service. I would return in an instant. read more

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This was my second visit to Barrel + Rye, this time with friends. The atmosphere is still great--casual, warm, and perfect for a night out in Geneva. Service was friendly and attentive. That said, the food was a mixed bag. We ordered the burger medium rare, but it came out medium and lacked flavor--it really needed some salt to bring it to life. On the positive side, the tuna tartare was fresh and delicious, and the mocktail I ordered was creative and well-balanced. Overall, still a nice spot for drinks and appetizers, but the burger was underwhelming this time. read more

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Really cool vibe!! Great Midwest nice service! The food was amazing and drinks were amazing. read more

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Very cute bistro right along the Main Street in this cute little town. I ordered the pistachio & beet salad and was dreaming of all the flavors after I had left. Amazing flavors and a delicious opus homemade vinaigrette to go along with it. Very cute bistro right along the Main Street in this cute little town. I ordered the pistachio & beet salad and was dreaming of all the flavors after I had left. Amazing flavors and a delicious opus homemade vinaigrette to go along with it. read more

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Located a block away from the Geneva train station, it's a great lunch spot with an outdoor patio dining area. Always great burgers & drinks! This time I had the Brie Burger and it did not disappoint. Very quick service and friendly staff. The next time I visit, I'll surely try their shrimp & grits. read more

Made reservations for a Sunday lunch and entered a fairly empty restaurant right at opening (11am). The restaurant quickly filled up as we sat and dined, but the noise level and service remained great! The place itself is small but the interior is beautiful and they have a bar. Our server was kind and answered all of our questions about the menu happily. For food, I went with the jambalaya. It was pretty good. The burger was cooked well and taste fresh. Overall, good experience and I would come back again! read more

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The ambiance was really nice! We sat outside, but the inside was lively and well decorated as well. I am all about flavor... so we started with the rib appetizer which was okay... and then the Mole chicken which was super super salty! I was excited about both of my choices but both were not as great as I expected. The service was good. I would still come back ... and try new things read more

Barrel + Rye - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Geneva, Illinois

Upon arrival, there was a 30 minute wait, but the staff did their best to accommodate us and got us in within 20. Staff gave us ample time to look over the menu and answered any questions we had. We started with drinks: modern jazz and oh my darling. The modern jazz was very smooth, the chocolate liqueur calmed down the taste of the alcohol and had a hint of citrus at the end. Oh my darling was subtly sweet with hints of coconut and citrus taste. We had the steak aquachiles. It's a very light and refreshing appetizer especially with the greens and vegetables on top. There is a strong lime taste with a kick of spice. The chicken shawarma with fries was delicious. It was a meticulous masterpiece, the yogurt sauce was amazing and really brought the flavors together. The Brie burger has a pear jam that was perfectly sweet. There were some type of caramelized onions on top that paired well with the jam. read more

Barrel + Rye - BRIE BURGER & CHICKEN SHAWARMA - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Geneva, Illinois

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My daughter and I had lunch This place was Amazing Try the Sweater Weather! The place is small and cozy! read more

It's a cozy, ambient environment with very limited seating so get there early. They have incredible variety and twists on traditional dishes. Highly recommend, it's very delicious! read more

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2nd time here, first time post. We did some shopping in the area, and Barrel + Rye was one of our first dates. I ordered the barrel burger medium. The chef/cook had it perfect. It's not too greasy, a little crispy, and seasoned well. I ordered a Bourbon Milk Punch with a wafer. I can't remember the name of my 2nd drink. I uploaded a photo. It was pink, had sprinkles, and had an animal cookie floating in it. It was delicious. It was sweet and tasted like candy, haha. Our server mentioned she was working overtime to cover staff shortage. She was hustling. She was great at managing multiple tables. Even though she was busy, she stopped and checked on us often. read more

Barrel + Rye - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Geneva, Illinois

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We got in easy on a Saturday night on the patio. I think it was because it was hot so not much people wanted to sit outside. The winery across had a concert so it was nice. The cocktails here are great! A lot of great options. The Brie burger was delicious. The combination of the Brie and apricot jam on the burger tasted amazing. The Birria grilled cheese was great. I could only eat half because it's very heavy because of the combination of the meat and cheese. There is some arugula in the sandwich but the cheese and meat overpower it. I'm glad I got a side of salad with it! read more

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We stopped here with friends for after dinner drinks. Our server was so kind and attentive. This place is cozy like a warm hug. Drinks were delicious and a perfect way to cap off the evening. A really reliable, intimate experience here in Geneva. read more

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Barrel + Rye exceeded my expectations. We arrived 45 minutes before our reservation and they seated us immediately. Our service was fantastic, we had a great table outside, the food was top-tier and was ready very quickly, and the serving sizes were great. read more

Food, Service, atmosphere & drinks are all top notch! The next time we're in the area we will 100% be back! read more

Barrel + Rye - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Geneva, Illinois

Visiting from out of town and we stopped here. It was great! There was a 45 minute wait on a Saturday night; no big deal to us. Our waitress was really bubbly and attentive! The atmosphere was small, really dark, and cozy. I had an old fashion, which was excellent ! The sangria was way too sweet for my liking, like a candy! Everyone really enjoyed their meals. I got the beet and pistachio salad which was so flavorful and filling! I would definitely recommend and come back here ! read more

Barrel + Rye - Beet and pistachio salad - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Geneva, Illinois

We went here with a couple of friends for dinner. The entrance area can get pretty cramped. The bathroom is also on that side so it was a little hectic. We had ordered Brussel sprout salad with salmon, clam linguine, truffle fries, and side mac and cheese. When I ordered the Brussel sprout salad, I was thinking mostly shaved Brussels sprouts and other fillers in between. The salad was more like a mixed green salad with shaved Brussel sprouts and other things. Over all, the salad was pretty good with the pickled fennel and green apples for acidity and tartness, bacon for salty, dried cranberries for some sweetness, and pepitas for nutty. I throughly enjoyed the salad with the addition of the roasted salmon with it. The clam linguine was okay. The sauce was well flavored. The pasta felt a little over cooked for me. There were a decent amount of clams in there. The truffle fries were also okay. It's crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. The Mac and cheese was whatever for me. Very underwhelming actually. read more

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Stopped in this quaint spot for appetizers and drinks early on NYE. Oh my, what a great place! Ordered old fashioned, Chardonnay and a winter sangria. All well made. Alex, our waiter, was helpful in recommending appetizers and so we ordered a charcuterie board, dry rub wings and the tuna tartare. This was more than enough for our party of 4. And each app was delicious. We ended our afternoon with a couple s'mores espresso martinis. Oh my goodness, they were so good. Kudos to the bartender. She rocks! You need to visit this spot and won't be disappointed! read more

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My friends and I were in town for the Tacos and Tequila fest this past weekend and stopped to check this spot out. Stacie was such an amazing waitress! She was very friendly and gave lots of tips on getting to the concert. The sweater weather drink is to die for. Will definitely go back to visit Stacie! read more

Ventured out to Barrel + Rye for lunch after the Geneva farmer's market. If you are looking for a spot with unique bites, fun cocktails, and an extensive whiskey/bourbon collection, this is the place for you! The inside has a lot of black accents with glass globe lights, wooden touches, and playful artwork. While the restaurant is smaller inside, they also have an outdoor patio for additional seating. Both of our cocktails were delicious; nothing too sweet or overly flavored so one could still taste the spirit. We started with the duck poutine which was out of this world! It was the perfect size to share with 2-4 people. All burgers and sandwiches have multiple sides to select from. My husband got the birria grilled cheese with a side of elote. He stated the sandwich was not too cheese forward to let the juicy meat shine. My burger was perfectly cooked and I loved the bacon and avocado additions. The burger itself had a custom meat mixture and one could taste/see how juicy it was. Our server Ally was very personable, gave us good attention but also time to chat and peruse the menu. She was on top of the small details like refilling our water and brining us condiments, to go containers, etc. We loved our experience at Barrel + Rye and will be back or will be stopping by their sister location in Glen Ellyn! read more

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My mom and I love Barrel, we stumbled upon it randomly one afternoon we went out walking and we keep coming back for the salads and drinks ofc! read more

We had a very nice time. We were seated promptly, had some excellent drinks, and very much enjoyed the food. Definitely a place that I'll return to. read more

We go here pretty much once a week, and have for months now... It's delicious. Honestly the best food in town for the price (meaning it could be wayyy more expensive for how good the food you're getting is!). I do have a regular order and I stick to it (pistachio & beet salad with salmon added) but my boyfriend mixes it up a lot and it never misses. I'm hungry just thinking about it. The service is always quick and professional, and the interior is lovely. Warm and cozy vibe, but they also have a patio. It can get crowded! read more

Flavor out the roof! I had the poke bowl and loved it. Gluten free and vegetarian options. The outside seating was roomy and shady. The service was perfect. Enjoy! read more

Small restaurant with a dark, moody vibe that offers great drinks, food, and service. Been here twice and both times were enjoyable and the food is definitely memorable. Wings- maple bourbon dry rub with the good ranch and homemade blue cheese dressing these are a must Brussel sprout salad- fresh and the acv dressing me feel better about myself before we consumed all the delectable food we ordered. Brie burger with seasoned fries- pairs good with the multiple cocktails I am sure you will order here. Grits- I didn't even know I liked them until now Chicken Shawarma Sandwich- I knew there was a reason I kept seeing everyone order this. It's amazing. How do they make better shawarma than most shawarma places around here?! Birria grilled cheese- good but the wings and shawarma have my heart. Seriously you would be doing yourself a disservice if you didn't try these things at least once if you come here. Personally, I would recommend the wings, brie burger, and chicken shawarma sandwich. Legit I still think about them and it's been a month since we have been there. Oh, and the fries as a side .. just get them your stomach will thank you later. read more

Barrel + Rye - Maple bourbon and buffalo wings - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Geneva, Illinois

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Another posh little boîte in the burgeoning Geneva 3rd Street restaurant row. A very impressive bar is the focal point-which, due to inclement weather, driving by myself and it being early, I did not get to take advantage of. Can't wait to go there with Wife and have a go at what looks to be a very tasty cocktail menu. I had a burger here, with truffle fries; my pal had the crab cake sandwich. Both very good quality. A small gripe--the buns for both, though yummy, were no match for the juiciness of the proteins within--both of our sarnies were a mess by the time we got to the last bites. The truffle fries were excellent, served with shavings of Parmesan--the crispy buggers had just enough truffle "funk", and they were seasoned well. I'm not a big potato aficionado, but these fries were on point. Also glad to see a proper slice of raw onion on my burger. When did onions become an endangered species? Nowadays when I ask for raw onion on my burger, mostly I get a paltry ring or 2. They'll give you different cheeses at your request, but a decent slice of onion is asking too much? Outrageous! Nice to see this joint knows how to serve a burger. The remainder of the menu looked interesting. In the "picking-fly-shit-out-of-pepper" dept.: I'm not usually happy with high-top tables--they can be uncomfortable, due to foot-rests on the stools being placed for aesthetic design rather than leg convenience. The high-tops and stools here were great and comfortable. Service was attentive and non-invasive. As one might expect, this isn't a budget place-to-eat™, but whaddya want? It's Geneva... read more