41 Best Cocktail Bars in Rochester

“I have been to La Bola a few times for lunch and love their sandwiches on foccacia. Recently I went to a holiday party there and it was out of this world! What a cool place to have an event! They put out several different spreads to graze on, one was an eggplant and fig foccacia- fantastic. I also really enjoyed the craft cocktail options they had for the event which were winter themed. I will most definitely be back for lunch (or dinner) and I hope to get to go for an event there again.“

“We had lunch here for the first time. Everything was delicious. it was nice to find sit down dining!“

“Marge’s Lakeside Inn is a magical place that has the vibes of a tropical paradise and a bar named Cheers! Francine, Fran, Ron & Marge, together built this fun, relaxing & memorable haven that has become engrained in our hearts and memories. ❤️“

“I am a musician that recently played a gig at Bad Ending. I was very happy with my experience. The staff was awesome, especially the manager Fred. The show went great, and everyone had a great time. The bartender was super friendly, and the drinks were reasonably priced. All around wonderful experience! I definitely planning on going back soon.“

“Great food and great service with Jordan. Thank you!!“

“I hosted an event here the other week. I can't recommend this space enough. The team on site is so helpful and works with you to accomplish whatever you want. They were flexible to those last minute changes. Mikey, the team lead, was always checking in to make sure I had everything and things were taken care of. The bar staff easily managed the room of 40 students. The view was gorgeous. It unfortunately rained during my event so we couldn't use the outdoor space but the view was still gorgeous and the space inside was great. Also the food was delicious. HIGHLY recommend the baked mac & cheese, people were raving about it.“

“The food is amazing I have had most of the menu and it is spectacular. Charon Rameriz is the manager she is the 💣“

“This is a great place for cocktails. They have a certain number on draft but can also make anything you like. I've never been a fan of martinis, but on a whim I tried their signature drink which happens to be a martini and honestly I was blown away. It was smooth, with just the right amount of bitter and sweetness making it incredibly well balanced.“

“My kids loved it!!! Awesome place!“

“Our first time here and we will be back. This was one of the best restaurant experiences we have ever had. Thank you for the delicious meal, hospitality and the lovely environment. 🤍“

“Whoever is behind the menu is a shaolin master. This food hits like Inspectah Deck dropping that iconic verse in Triumph. Like Kung Fu classics, I would stand in the rain for a hundred days straight to learn from the Master. The drinks are bomb as well. This has quickly become my favorite watering hole.“

“Enjoyed a yummy breakfast from the Churchville Location. The bread was delicious and I love the red skin potatoes! The food was great!“

“Great atmosphere, friendly and attentive staff, and delicious drinks! You can’t go wrong with any of their cocktails!“

“Outstanding dinner, the salmon and filet were both perfect! The spinach fritters should be an appetizer if they were so delicious!“

“Affogato is very good and very good atmosphere“

“Every single person working here was so kind, so accommodating, and really made the atmosphere warm and welcoming. Already told my husband we will be going back here! Their espresso martini 🤌🏻 superb“

“If you want the best craft cocktail in the city, in a place where you feel like like you just walked into a 1920’s speakeasy, Cheshire is your vibe. Evvy is a traveled, experienced, and seasoned cocktail craftswomen. I promise you will not be disappointed with anything she makes for you!“

“A++ all around, staff knows what they are doing“

“I need to make you aware of a wonderful diamond in the rough on Rochester’s west side. My wife and I visited this quaint Lower Manhattan style eatery with my brother-in-law and his wife. This unassuming place from the outside pleasantly surprises once you enter with its quaint bar area, blacked out ceiling and twin open kitchen stations. First litmus test is the quality of bread with a full complement of spices to prep your own dipping oil. Check! Special of the day, Seared Halibut on a bed of risotto, didn’t disappoint, nor did my samples of homemade Rigatoni à la Bolognese (just like Mom’s Sunday sauce) or the Chicken Milanese! Completed the meal with an ample slice of homemade Ricotta Cheesecake with Berry Compote. The owner checked in with us several times. The table service was perfect. The glass enclosed wine cellar in the middle of the dining area completed an impressive ambience and dining experience. Run don’t walk to this most pleasant gastro treat!“

“The food was top notch! And customer service was wonderful!“

“Great food, great service, awesome flavor, fresh!“

“Late night arrival into Rochester on a Tuesday evening and I chanced upon Branca Midtown via Resy. We took a chance and I am so so glad we did. This place was divine. The host and the servers were impeccable. Sassy, funny, and attentive to a T, we were incredibly impressed and immediately relaxed with the atmosphere and the people. The ricotta appetizer was incredibly and reminded me of a favorite dish in Florence Italy, and the swordfish was perfection. Drinks were delicious, so thank you to the obviously talented bartender, as those were very much needed after our long drive. We will definitely make a point of stopping back then next time we are in town.“

“First time there - the food is AMAZING! Some of the best food I’ve ever had. So reminiscent of El Ricon, but yet different. Huge and intriguing menu. The quesadillas are so delicious as are the sopes, & chile rellenos..the flan is creamy & caramel and the chocolate dulce de leche is sinful. If you haven’t been - GO… does not disappoint! I’ll be back for sure.“

“Really awesome place. Was looking for a place on the west side that was decent and found this place. You’d never expect this inside a plaza type building like this but it’s pretty awesome. Insane whiskey and spirit selection, and the food we got was amazing. Burrata toast appetizer was one of the best I’ve had- and the smoked wings with the Cajun dry rub were perfection. Definitely check it out.“

“Tried pot roast, fried mozz, chicken tenders & crab cakes. All amazing. Highly recommend.“

“We just had the best experience! From booking a reservation, parking right out front, AWESOME wait staff. The food... every single bite of every single thing we ordered was FANTASTIC. We will absolutely be back!“

“Service was great and quick, food was delicious…just was unaware they did away with the kid night. Kids dish was still reasonably priced but definitely a bummer in the moment.“

“Outstanding dinner, the salmon and filet were both perfect! The spinach fritters should be an appetizer if they were so delicious!“

“Amazing drinks, food, and service!“

“Fantastic food as always!! Duck was cooked perfectly!“

“OMG the food was amazing. Worth every dollar. The environment is perfect. Great place to take a date or just relax. oh yea try the Lemon Drop tree too“

“The staff and the bar were top notch. Cocktails and food were excellent. We will be back.“

“Great service (I think Frank was our server), excellent food, fantastic cocktails. Highly recommend the chefs table if you’re on a date. It’s a little show to watch while there. If it’s still on the menu get the tuna crudo, it was the best bite of the night!“

“Exceptional! Great food and service!“

“We recently celebrated our anniversary at Pane Vino. They provided us a very quaint seat overlooking the river. They have done a nice job masking the noise level of their beautiful interior that is full of character. We interacted with 4 staff that were all very personable, professional, and efficient. The food was all exceptional and the wine list very nice. We were impressed that the owner checked on us several times, he definitely cares and pays attention to detail. We plan to return here on our next visit to the area.“

“Clean bar rest and food was straight fire. highly recommend.“

“Always good food and big portions. The best jalapeno margarita around! Highly recommend!“

“Best tequila bar north of Mexico. Great service to boot.“

“this is absolutely the best place for tacos. Dave absolutely pours the best drinks. if you haven't been go! you are literally missing out!“

“Loved everything 🧡❤️🩵🩷💚💜💛 Thank you so much to everybody there! Everyone that we encountered was nice, friendly, polite and made my family feel welcomed.“

“Great service great staff great food“