Lower Greenville Avenue became a hub in the mid-1920s, when it was the main thoroughfare to reach points north before Highway 75 was built. The area has become what it was developed to be: A neighborhood with numerous popular spots to eat, drink and shop. It now serves as a home base for three Michelin-recognized restaurants (used to be four — keep reading), along with a handful of long-standing dives, brunch spots, sports bars and more. All within walking distance of one another on tree-lined sidewalks.
Rye seemingly thrived as a super seasonal small-plate restaurant and cocktail bar. The 2024 Michelin Guide recognized it for its Exceptional Cocktail Program, striking a balance between the drinks and the seasonal tasting menu. In 2025, it was named a semifinalist for Outstanding Bar by the James Beard Foundation. The tasting menu was regularly heralded as one of the best in the city. Yet despite these accolades, in January the owners announced that Rye would close in early March. The space will now become a second room for Apothecary, its sister bar next door.
Why is such a celebrated restaurant shutting its doors?
Death by Permit
Closing time is a big issue for restaurants and bars. Last summer, a bar in Deep Ellum told the Observer it generated $80,000 in revenue per month from midnight to 2 a.m., double what it made from 6 p.m. to midnight…