Tucked away in Atterdag Square, in the heart of downtown Solvang, you’ll likely smell the scents of the smokehouse drifting through the quaint streets of town. Whiskey ‘N Rye with its rich design and vibrant bar offers you a sophisticated BBQ dining experience, while also making you feel like part of their family. With the tagline, “For Your Barbecue Pleasure,” Whiskey ‘N Rye specializes in sauces from Kansas City to the Carolinas and Texas, all under one roof. With a broad menu that appeals to anyone from a meat lover to a vegan, most dishes on the menu offer up an element that’s either smoked or grilled. “Elevated comfort food” and “fun and approachable” is how Don Conner, Owner, and Matthew Negrete, Director of Operations, describe their Americana restaurant. I sat down with them to discuss Whiskey 'N Rye and how they turned a passion for BBQ and spirits into a memorable experience for all guests.
When asked how they differentiate themselves from other restaurants in the Valley, Don and Matthew shared the following,
"Outside of having an emphasis on barbecue, we pay special attention to customizing and scratch-creating with over 100 different ingredients being used. If you’ve experienced our food, it’s very flavorful. We spend a lot of time customizing and creating unique flavor profiles. Portions... we don’t skimp on portions here. When you look at it from a complete picture of value, one of our most popular items is our Sampler Trio: brisket, ribs, pulled pork, and two sides. It’s enough to feed 2-3 people and all for $55. As to the quality of food, we put out and price point, the value is pretty amazing, and that’s why we’ve become so successful."
Even the way that the team approaches each guest is special. When I asked how they go about attracting customers, they quickly informed me that they do not refer to the people coming in as "customers" but rather they are guests. "It’s a valued mindset from the moment they walk in the door. We want to be in a constant state of growth and refinement. We meet weekly with our management staff, Head Chef, and Culinary Director to discuss feedback and reviews. The way we invite guests to come is quite literally doing it on a one-on-one basis. We go throughout the Valley and introduce ourselves, say hi, and put a face to the business. With any new initiative, like brunch, we want to get the word out locally and draw that business from a personal perspective." It is truly amazing how much the entire team prioritizes the local experience and feeling of being welcome. To further show their support for our local community, Whiskey 'N Rye is a sponsor of Theaterfest, and Music in the Park, and is involved in the Pirate Sports Programs and donating meals as a part of one of Ballard School's initiatives.
Whether you are a whiskey fanatic, beer/wine lover, or opt for a non-alcoholic drink, there are options for everyone. "We have a bar manager with over 10+ years of experience in whiskey, and that’s a big impetus for us in our growth. We want to grow our 150 whiskey selections to over 250." As for their food options, "We’re constantly looking at the products we’re serving. We have fan favorites, but being able to tweak the menu brings a fresh perspective. We want our restaurant to be a place for the locals and regulars to visit. We’re ready to work double-time to make that happen. We realize the importance of having high-quality menu options that are consistent."
The future for Whiskey 'N Rye looks very promising and bright! As a local, finding my go-to "brunch spot" has proven to be a challenge over the years. They have recently launched a Saturday and Sunday brunch, which I am so excited about. Whether I am planning Father's Day, a fun family meal, or a mid-morning brunch date with my girlfriends... Whiskey 'N Rye will be at the top of our list! Another really exciting offering is their 34-foot food truck. "We’re going to be able to have an off-shoot of our business and do pop-ups and catering, bringing Whiskey ‘N Rye to the people. We’re also expanding our patio seating area to accommodate even more guests. We try to invest in people and processes to create an environment where people are happy to be a part of an experience."
Whiskey ‘N Rye is open Friday-Monday for Brunch/Lunch/Dinner, and Tuesday-Thursday for
Dinner. To see the complete menu and make a reservation, visit https://www.whiskeynrye.com/.
As to the quality of food, we put out and price point, the value is pretty amazing, and that’s why we’ve become so successful.
We want our restaurant to be a place for the locals and regulars to visit. We’re ready to work double-time to make that happen. We realize the importance of having high-quality menu options that are consistent.