— By Kevin Montgomery (@kevinmonty) |
Don't get me wrong, Rhea's is a personal favorite of mine and they can do nothing short of drastically overcharging to get me to stop eating there. But part of the magic of the place was that a nondescript corner store dished out sandwiches that caused you to gush superlatives without a hint of exaggeration or irony.
Let's compare:
Now that looks like a place that sells 40s of Olde English to bums. But inside? So much more.
That's what always did it for me: their aesthetic nonchalance screamed “fuck foodies, this is a hole for motherfuckers who want to eat a damn good sando and enjoy a tallboy of piss while doing it.” It was always hidden from those not in the know, despite being smack-dab in the middle of the fanciest of streets in this part of town.
Feelings matter, and now I feel like I'm eating somewhere rather than just eating.
Argh.
Whatever.
Who wants to go grab lunch early?
Side note: we've been hearing some rumors that Rhea's is opening a second location on 24th. Anyone care to confirm?
Comments (8)
That place must have made tons of money in the past few years -
A very limited selection, with a relatively high markup, and long operating hours. I’m not trying to begrudge them at all - given the neighborhood demographics, I’d be trying to open a second location as well. Early retirement would be nice!
I’m afraid you’ve exceeded your quota for usage of the word “nonchalance” this week, sir.
Looks like it belongs on a strip mall in Florida - the new one.
Second location will be opening in the late summer (depending on time-line for the renovation). And not on 24th, nobody wants to build anything close those Wise Son’s assholes.
Come back in 20 years, Rhea’s will be the new Bi-Rite (which used to be a liquor store too)
Now how will I know where to buy my 1980s vintage Diet Pepsi?!
My drinking buddy “Corner Store George” (the young guy with the long hair & goatee behind the counter @ Rhea’s) has spoken of the new location over on Bryant and 22nd (I believe).
Despite the new sign (shopping mall food court, anyone), I’m sure George will yell at you just the same if you complain or do anything else “out of line” while ordering or waiting for your sandwich.
I heard the new location was on Bryant at 20th, where the Sirron Norris mural was.