Rua, Andrew Jones’ and Andrew Holladay’s much anticipated latest addition to the dining scene in downtown Warsaw, finally opened its doors at 108 East Market Street. Longtime locals and visitors alike will be amazed not only at the food selection but the setting as the owners and their supporters have transformed the old Brennan Pharmacy building into an alluring physical manifestation of their eclectic world cuisine menu.
Rua is now open and you can find it at 108 E. Market St. in downtown Warsaw. Wherever you are, it’s worth the drive.
Natural elements abound in and around the renovated building with exposed brick, woodwork, stone and other natural elements melding seamlessly together with mid-century modern Eames-era touches and cinematic adornments to create a one-of-a-kind dining atmosphere not easily replicated in the area.
Just a handful of the adornments dotting the landscape at Rua, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for your next meal out on the town.
A “thank you” note to Scott Holladay, the father of Andrew Holladay, who was responsible for the unparalleled look of Rua.
The restaurant, which was supported with a successful Kickstarter campaign, features a family-friendly main dining area with seating for around 30 people that overlooks the open kitchen. Family-friendly overflow seating is located in The Brennan Room (named after Brennan Pharmacy, the longtime past occupants of the building), an adjoining event space which can be reserved separately for private parties, corporate events and the like, also allows for an additional 30 people to be seated.
The impressive 21 and over bar area, featuring a soapstone bar top, wood accents and custom painted wall by Holladay’s father, is housed adjacent to the main dining area. Managed by Maura Davis, who also includes front-of-house and back-of-house manager among her list of duties at Rua, the bar includes seating for about ten at the bar with another 20 on the floor.
This bar top makes the perfect landing spot for the craft cocktails emanating from the mind of Maura Davis and her staff at Rua.
The moderately priced food menu, with current plans to limit it to about 15 items, features mostly small plates. Priced around the $15 range and under, the inexpensive pricing/small plate combo is meant to encourage community dining with the hope that diners will choose multiple items to share amongst themselves.
Two of the delectable main courses available at Rua. The food menu will change about every week so get in early and often if you find a favorite dish.
Inspired by food discovered at street vendors around the world (Rua is Portuguese for “street”), the dishes will change often, sometimes even weekly, as Jones and Holladay continue to tweak and expand it as needed.
Main dining area at Rua with a view of the open kitchen. Gabe Rager, the mastermind behind Curbside, one of Warsaw’s best food trailers, is lending a helping hand in the kitchen at Rua … and photobombing my pic. 🙂
To stay up to date on the latest news and information from Rua, you can visit their website or check them out on Facebook.
Table for two, please.
Don’t forget to get into the details at Rua, not just in their food but within the surroundings as well.
View from the bar to the main dining area at Rua.
