Mystery Diner in Geneva: Barrel + Rye a popular draw on Third Street

A rainy day seemed like the perfect excuse to linger over a special takeout lunch on the weekend.

We called Barrel + Rye, a self-described American bistro, that’s situated on Third Street at the corner of South Street, about a block north of the Geneva train station. Within 20 minutes, my dining companion was picking up our food, and a server met him in the vestibule to make the transaction quick and easy.

The restaurant, which has inviting tents out front, is offering indoor and outdoor dining, as well as curbside pickup, which extends to cocktails. The attractively appointed interior with its showplace bar is intimate, its lighting appealingly dimmed.

The bar is known for its signature cocktails, but if it’s whiskey you’re interested in, you’ll need to budget extra time to peruse what seems an almost infinite list of choices. May we suggest going online and doing your research before heading to Barrel + Rye and being stunned by the breadth of whiskeys on hand, highlighting small-batch bourbon, rye and single-malt scotch.

We began by warming up with the tomato bisque, a brightly flavored, creamy soup spiked with brie-infused croutons.

My fellow diner picked the brie burger, its patty an 8-ounce custom blend complemented by a pear and bourbon jam, grilled onions and melted brie cheese.

“It’s delicious, and the onions are incredibly sweet,” he said, noting it was cooked perfectly to order.

The restaurant offers a gluten-free bun option, and one can substitute a black bean patty for a meat-free alternative. The burgers and sandwiches all come with a choice of fries or side salad.

Since I was ordering a salad entree, I cajoled him into the fries, and we were both glad. They arrived with a seasoned crispy exterior, and were wonderfully tender inside. They rank among the best around.

Other sandwich sides, available for an up-charge, include mac and cheese, mash and gravy, or green beans.

My salmon salad was as tasty as it looked. The pan-roasted fish was served warm on the salad, brimming with grilled pear slices, frosted walnuts, flavor-packed bacon cubes and generous shavings of Parmesan atop mixed greens, with rosemary vinaigrette on the side.

Next time under the shareables, we look forward to trying the house board, a selection of chef-procured meats and cheeses with crostini. The restaurant also suggests pairing the tomato bisque with its bacon-jam grilled cheese, combining Muenster and Tillamook cheddar on sourdough.

Barrel + Rye’s small plates and libations offer ample reasons to return.

• The Mystery Diner is a newsroom employee at the Kane County Chronicle. The diner’s identity is not revealed to restaurant staff when ordering or picking up the food. If the Mystery Diner cannot recommend the establishment, we will not publish a review.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Barrel + Rye

WHERE: 477 S. Third St., Suite 184, Geneva

PHONE: 630-402-0647

INFORMATION: www.barrelandrye.com