Last weekend was our 12th wedding anniversary and we celebrated with a little date night, out-and-about in Bellingham.
While we didn’t start our evening at Rock and Rye Oyster House, Bellingham’s newest restaurant, we certainly wish that we had. Located on the bottom floor of the historic Herald building, I swooned when we walked in the door. Literally. I’m pretty sure that Josh was rolling his eyes over all of my gushing. That’s what happens when you’re married for 12 years.
The interior is so, so pretty. It’s simple and spacious and full of natural light and rustic elements. (You can get a sneak peek on their Instagram account…) We chose to sit in the bar, where there was plenty of seating to choose from — not because it was empty, but because they filled it with plenty of seats, both along the bar itself and with some high-top tables that fit couples and crowds easily.
Now, to the food.
(You can preview their entire menu on the Rock and Rye Facebook page.)
We started with drinks. Josh had a pint of beer and I had their My Darling Clementine (citrus vodka, rosemary, honey syrup, lemon and bubbles, $9). Both were delicious.
I ordered their Beet and Chevre Salad ($9), which was amazing and generous. I couldn’t believe how much herb chevre was piled on top and I practically licked my plate, it was so fresh and light. A nice first choice before digging into the main attraction, the oysters.
I prefer my oysters cooked, so we choose the the Rockefeller Oysters (topped with house-made bacon, spinach, watercress, green onion, butter and asiago cheese, $12 for four large, delicious oysters) from the Off the Grill selection. If you’re new to eating oysters or just aren’t thrilled about their typically slimy texture, give them a try like this. Yum.
And, an important note for those of you who aren’t oyster fans, there are plenty of other things on the menu to choose from. I have my eye on the Crab Melt and the Mustard Ginger Halibut and Chips for our next visit…
While we have yet to take our kids, we noticed that there were a few families enjoying dinner when we visited and they just reported on their Facebook page that they now have highchairs available for the littlest oyster lovers.
Rock and Rye Oyster House is still in its soft opening phase, which means that service is a bit limited as they’re learning the space and menu, but don’t hesitate visiting before their grand opening on July 1. They also have a fantastic happy hour from 3-6 p.m (restaurant or bar) and they have a pretty patio in the back for these sunshiny Bellingham days.
Rock and Rye Oyster House
1145 N. State St.
Bellingham, WA 98225
206.746.6130
Open Tuesday through Sunday
3-11 p.m.
Happy hour daily from 3-6 p.m.
Find Rock and Rye Oyster House on Facebook and Instagram for their latest news, menu updates and more.
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