Rhea

For those of us in New York, especially around Saratoga Springs, finding a dining spot that offers something a little different, a place with both character and culinary innovation, is always a welcome discovery. Rhea, located right on Broadway, is quickly becoming that go-to spot for locals seeking a fresh take on Asian-inspired cuisine, particularly their hand-made noodles and "wildly inventive" cocktails. It’s not just a place to eat; it’s an experience designed to be "funky" and vibrant, making it an excellent choice for a date night or a lively gathering with friends.

Rhea distinguishes itself by offering a menu that’s "ingredient focused, technique driven, globally inspired." While ramen is a core offering, it's presented with unique twists and alongside other exciting dishes that showcase a fusion of flavors. From creative bao buns to delectable shareable plates, the culinary team at Rhea aims to surprise and delight. Beyond the food, the atmosphere is a significant draw, often described as having a "cool funky vibe," with comfortable seating and a lively bar area that invites good conversations. The combination of innovative food, creative cocktails, and a welcoming ambiance makes Rhea a compelling addition to Saratoga Springs' vibrant dining scene.

Rhea is conveniently located at 389 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866, USA. This prime address places it right in the heart of Saratoga Springs’ bustling downtown, making it highly accessible for residents and visitors alike. Broadway is the main artery of Saratoga, known for its vibrant atmosphere, shops, and other dining establishments. This central location means that Rhea is within easy walking distance for many who live or are staying in the immediate area.

For those arriving by car, parking can be found along Broadway or in nearby municipal lots, though it's always advisable to account for Saratoga Springs' popularity, especially during peak seasons or events. The restaurant's prominence on Broadway makes it simple to find, whether you're using GPS or simply strolling through the city center. Its accessibility contributes significantly to its appeal as a convenient and desirable dining destination, allowing patrons to seamlessly incorporate a visit into their plans for exploring Saratoga Springs.

Rhea offers a carefully curated set of services designed to provide a unique and enjoyable dining experience:

• Dine-In Service: Enjoy your meal in Rhea's distinctive atmosphere, with options for seating at their large central bar, in cozy booths, or on a small outside patio (weather permitting).

• Hand-Made Noodles: A core focus of their menu, featuring freshly made ramen and lo-mein noodles as the base for many innovative dishes.

• Creative Cocktails: The bar offers a wide selection of "wildly inventive" craft cocktails with creative names, along with sake, wines by the bottle, and a variety of canned and draft beers.

• Shareable Small Plates: The menu includes a selection of "shareables" and "buns" designed for sharing, encouraging a communal dining experience.

• Takeout and Delivery: For convenience, Rhea offers both pickup and delivery services. Orders can be placed online through platforms like Mealeo, allowing you to enjoy their unique dishes at home.

• Happy Hour: A dedicated Happy Hour menu is available at the bar on select days, offering special pricing on beer, wine, sake, and a rotating selection of cocktails and food items.

• Gift Cards: Gift cards are available for purchase, making it easy to share the Rhea experience with friends and family.

Rhea distinguishes itself with several unique features and highlights that contribute to its "funky vibe" and appeal:

• Innovative Ramen and Noodle Dishes: While they offer traditional ramen like Pork Belly Ramen, Rhea shines with its creative takes, such as "Royale With Cheese" Lo-Mein (featuring wagyu beef blend and kimchi aioli) and Birria Ramen (with braised short rib and ancho chili broth), offering a fresh perspective on classic comfort food.

• Unique Fusion Menu: Beyond ramen, the menu includes exciting shareables like Bacon Kimchi Fried Rice (praised for its strong bacon and spice flavors), Chinese-Style Crispy Beef (twice-fried and incredibly tender), and a range of inventive bao buns (Spicy PB&J, Reuben, Nashville Hot Chicken).

• Exceptional Craft Cocktails: Described as "wildly inventive," their cocktail menu receives high praise, with unique creations like "Moonrise Kingdom" (gin, sake, bergamot liqueur, cucumber, watermelon) and "Kentucky Caribbean" (bourbon, orange, pineapple, housemade grenadine). They also offer interesting mocktail versions of many drinks.

• "Cool Funky Vibe" and Decor: The restaurant’s atmosphere is consistently noted for its "funky vibe" and appealing decor. It's designed to be inviting, with cozy booths and a spacious central bar, creating a setting that's perfect for a date night or a lively evening out.

• Top-Notch Service: Despite being a busy spot, the service is often described as "top notch," with servers being "hard working and dedicated," ensuring a pleasant and efficient dining experience.

• Ingredient-Focused Approach: The menu emphasizes "ingredient focused, technique driven" dishes, promising fresh flavors and thoughtful preparation.

• Dessert Highlight: The Sticky Plum Cake with butterscotch chips and miso caramel sauce has been singled out by a reviewer as potentially "the best dessert I've ever had in my life," indicating a strong finish to the meal.

Rhea offers specific promotions that enhance the dining experience, particularly for those looking for value on drinks and appetizers:

• Happy Hour: Available at the bar only, Rhea’s Happy Hour runs on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM, and all day on Sunday from 4:00 PM until close. This is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy discounted beer, wine, sake, and a selection of cocktails and small plates. Examples of Happy Hour food items include Cucumber Salad, Crispy Fried Shrimp, Steamed Pork Dumplings, Cheeseburger Bao Buns, and Ramen Cacio E Pepe, often at reduced prices.

• To-Go Cocktails: Rhea offers select craft cocktails to-go, such as the "500 Days of Summer" and "Kentucky Caribbean for Two," allowing patrons to enjoy their inventive drinks at home.

• Gift Cards: While not a direct discount, the availability of gift cards serves as a promotional tool, allowing patrons to share the Rhea experience with others or treat themselves to future visits.

For the most current details on their Happy Hour menu and any other specific promotions, it’s always best to check their official website or inquire directly with the restaurant.

To experience the unique flavors and vibrant atmosphere of Rhea, or for any inquiries, here’s how you can connect:

• Address: 389 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866, USA

• Phone: (518) 886-8962

Reservations are often recommended, especially during peak hours, and can be made through their website. You can also find them on online ordering platforms like Mealeo for convenient pickup and delivery.

For the residents of Saratoga Springs and the wider New York region, Rhea stands out as a highly suitable and exciting dining option. Its commitment to offering "handmade noodles prepared in bold ways" and "wildly inventive cocktails" provides a fresh and engaging culinary experience that goes beyond typical ramen restaurants. The "cool funky vibe" and thoughtful decor create a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere, making it ideal for a memorable date night, a relaxed evening with friends, or even a solo culinary adventure.

While some specific dishes might be a matter of personal taste, the overall consensus points to a restaurant that is pushing boundaries with its fusion menu, delivering exciting flavors and high-quality ingredients. The positive feedback on their unique takes on dishes like Chinese-Style Crispy Beef and the praise for their cocktails highlight their strengths. Furthermore, the availability of Happy Hour specials and convenient takeout/delivery options through platforms like Mealeo makes it a versatile choice for any occasion. For locals seeking a dynamic, flavorful, and stylish dining experience that blends innovation with comfort, Rhea in Saratoga Springs is undoubtedly a place worth exploring.

Rhea

389 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866, USA