Rococo’s on Western, the new iteration of Bruce Rinehart’s popular East Coast-style eatery, will open before the end of November. Located in the space formerly occupied by The Barrel and Cafe Nova, RW (as Bruce likes to call it) will feature a scaled down menu of Rococo’s favorites and new, chef-driven cuisine, including plate options.
“We want our guests to have some flexibility with the menu,” Rinehart said, “so we’ll have options like three or six Clams Casino or three or six bone marrow oysters. We’re even planning a late-night menu, since we’ll be open ’til midnight seven days a week.”
Rinehart hired industry veteran Ryan Goodman as his bar manager, and Goodman has created a cocktail menu that focuses on a craft experience, with excellent beer and wine options. “We’ll have classics, and we’ll also have some fun, creative stuff,” Goodman said. “The wine list will be eclectic and affordable, with some of the ‘big bottles’ for people who want to spend a little extra.”
The affordability won’t just be at the bar. As part of the move to scale down the menu, Rinehart said he’s also lowered the price points, creating an East Coast-style bistro with an emphasis on seafood. The theme runs throughout the restaurant’s design, which was mostly conceived by Amber Kendall-Rinehart. Original art, beautiful banquettes by Laura Bathchelor, a fireplace and other touches make for a warm, rustic-meets-modern feel to Rococo’s on Western.
Rinehart has kept the partially enclosed patio that seats about 60, and it’s sure to be a popular option when Chef Jason Bustamante fires up weekend brunch.