Archive and Alchemy: Apothecary Reopens as a Two-Room Experience

Rye officially closed on Saturday, March 7, and in just a few weeks, its sister concept Apothecary expanded and transformed into the next-door space along Lower Greenville. 

The avant-garde cocktail bar is now open as a two-room cocktail experience called Archive and Alchemy. Guests can choose which room on arrival, but they’re encouraged to explore both sides throughout the night.

What was once Rye is now Archive. This side has a more approachable menu with drinks from Apothecary’s original “Over the Counter” section and other classic cocktails. 

It will have hundreds of spirits behind the bar, plus a thoughtful wine list and cocktails built on the balance, technique and seasonal ingredients that Rye was known for. 

The K-Marg, made with Espolón blanco tequila, gochujang, coconut, lime and Thai basil has our name written all over it. As does the Large Popcorn & A Coke, made with buttered popcorn bourbon, a house digestive “coke” blend and a splash of soda. 

Apothecary’s original digs have been transformed into Alchemy, where the bar team ventures into new territory with cocktails that push the envelope and raise the bar. On this side, cocktails are playful, inventive and occasionally a little strange, just how the bar team likes it. 

They approach the drinks with a culinary mindset, using unusual ingredients, modern techniques and unexpected flavors. Alchemy is the place to discover how far your cocktail can go. 

Just how far? What about a pickle cheesecake cocktail?

This debut drink is made with vodka, cream cheese, rice wine pickles, graham cracker, egg white and soda. And as disgusting as it sounds, trust us, the bar team figured this one out.

Another interesting choice from the menu is the R-Oaxaca-Fort that is made with blue cheese mezcal, house mole liquor and yes, chili fried cricket. Sign us up. 

Uniting the two rooms is a full dinner menu that can be ordered from either side. Rye’s Michelin-awarded team is still behind it, and the new menu still has nods to old favorites like the Icelandic hot dog and the sauerkraut cake. 

Reservations are available nightly and are recommended for Friday and Saturday evenings. For clarity, Apothecary will keep the same main name, but inside will be divided into the two concepts. 

Walk-ins are usually a good option on weeknights before 6:30 p.m. and on the patio. Reservations can be made at the link here. 

Apothecary, 1922 Greenville Ave. Open 5-12 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday.