Things To Do
Wine Bar: Unwine’d
Unwine'd is a dangerous lady, because their wine is self-serve. You're given a card that acts as your tab and from there, you have the freedom to choose whatever wine(s) you want and the size pour you have for each. They don't really serve food, but they do have charcuterie and some other fancy snacks. Perfection.
Winery: Living Roots Rochester
The Finger Lakes region is home to many fabulous wineries, including Living Roots. Thank god they have a location in Rochester as well because yum. Honestly, extend your weekend and do a little Finger Lakes winery tour. It's a beautiful time of year to putter around the area and get a little saucy at wine tastings.
Wine Bar: Carnegie Cellars Wine Bar & Kitchen
Hello from springtime Adrienne. We haven't been here as of March. I'm putting this on the list because we've heard great things and this is my official call to action to schedule a date night with Danny here.
Breakfast/Lunch: The Mad Hatter Restaurant & Bakery
Great brunch spot! You're not likely to get a big table here. They don't take reservations. But they have mimosas, absolutely delicious breakfast/lunch/brunch food, and a cute little pastry counter if you just want to pop in for a sweet snack.
Lunch: Magnolia's Deli & Cafe
Great lunch spot on Park Ave. Are you going to be able to commandeer a big table for a large group here? No. But their sandwiches, their wraps, are top tier. Lovely spot.
Lunch/Dinner: Native Rochester
Great good, great beverages. One of our original haunts when we started dating and we still love it. Definitely more of a casual upscale restaurant with a wraparound bar people can unwind at. They can probably accommodate larger groups because they do take reservations. And there's a cheap/usually free/but sometimes cash parking garage across the street- hallelujah.
Brewery/Lunch/Dinner: Strangebird
Strangebird never misses. Ever. The beer, the cocktails, the wine, the FOOD. Oh their food is so delicious. Highly recommend the BBQ cauliflower sandwich. Super casual, seat yourself, order at their bar or food counter, they don't take reservations.
Dinner: Good Luck
The restaurant we ate at the night Danny proposed! Aw! Okay so the burger. My mouth is watering just thinking about it. I have multiple photos of it on my phone. It's a love affair. You want a really nice date night while in Rochester that's upscale but not faaancy? This is it. Everything is served family style here, so it's great for trying a few things on the menu. The cocktails are some of our favorites in the city. **Make a reservation in advance! Like a couple weeks in advance. They are popular!**
Dinner: Redd
Oh Redd is fancy. Wildly delicious. Danny has said it's his favorite restaurant in the city. Great spot for a date night. Fun fact: In 2024, USA Today named it one of the best restaurants in the US! **Make reservations a couple weeks in advance if you want to eat here!**
Dinner: Vern’s
You want upscale, but ultra cozy vibes? Fantastic food including dreamy tomato pie? Great cocktails (some of our favorite cocktails in the city)? Vern's is it. They don't take reservations and it fills up fast. They offer table and bar seating. Honestly, sitting at the bar and ordering a few things is great because the bartenders are truly lovely and you can watch what's going on around the restaurant and on Park Ave. It's just a perfect place, it really is.
Brewery: Iron Tug Brewing
If you're on Park Ave, Iron Tug is a super cute, super small spot to grab a great beer! Last time we were there they had coloring pages. Love it.
Dinner: Fiamma Centro
Italian deliciousness. Reservations accepted and I think they can accommodate larger tables. Last time we were here, I had a kiwi cocktail that made me want to tour Italy on a vespa like Lizzie McGuire.
Brewery: Sager-Stoneyard Pub
Great little brewery! Love the beer, love how chill the place is. They have a pretzel challenge that might kill you, so not sure if I recommend that but you do you.