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ROC List: Rochester Libations
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items Craft cocktails, zero-proof sips, cozy wine bars, and even a ‘spirit’ bar with actual spirits—Rochester’s drink scene is full of charm. These are THE spots to sip and savor.
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ROC List: Cocktail Bars
ROC List: Wine Bars
ROC List: Cocktail Bars
Rochester has so many amazing spots for craft cocktails, and one of my favorite things to do is sip something delicious with a few small bites. I've tried a bunch of these places—here are my top recs!
Rochester doesn't have too many rooftop bars, but this is one of them! Char Steakhose is on the first floor, so eat there and then come to this rooftop to continue your fun! They have live music a couple times a month during the summer onths.
Hattie's Cocktails
I can't say enough good things about this establishment. The food is great, and so are the cocktails. The space is also great at all times of the year! Cozy up to the fireplace in the cold months or enjoy an outdoor table when the weather permits. Th...
Lila's
I have not been here…yet. According to their description, they have the “best cocktails in the netherworld.” It looks like you can get cocktails AND readings here. Live music too! Looks cool!
The Spirit Room
Great ambiance and cocktails. They also have a “Mobile Martine” allowing you to bring Martine cocktails to your party with their kegged kocktail system! Very kool!
martine kocktails
An open and airy space on the ground floor of the Metropolitan Building in Rochester, NY. Come for their creative cocktails. I love their “cougar juice.” Saturday nights they have live music on the patio - weather permitting.
Bar Bantam
I actually work down the street from Alt Bar, but have yet to try it. This is a nonalcoholic bar, serving drinks with NA spirits, and mocktails made with juices, syrups and teas. They also have snacks and NA beers. The menu looks really cool. I'm tem... “Stay Beautiful” - Lyre’s Pink London Spirit, Roots Bianco, rose tea syrup, All the Bitter lavender, and orange blossom. Yum!
AltBar
They pride themselves on being an intimate lounge offering bespoke hospitality. Space is limited so you must make a reservation. You can enjoy small bites with your cocktails.
Grace & Disgrace
This is the neighborhood cocktail bar you've been looking for! In the fun and funky Park Ave neighborhood. Are you a healthcare worker, teacher or first responder? If so, on Wednesdays and Thursdays your first round is 2 for 1 at Pourin Joy!
Pourin Joy
A little bit of everything here, but they do have a good cocktail menu. Try the “Shag on a Shag Rug” - their version of an espresso martini. They also have shotskis!
Jack’s Extra Fancy
If you want to go all out - this might be the place for you! Start out your evening with dinner and cocktails and end your evening with dancing and cocktails! A live DJ comes out at 11 pm each night. If you like to drink your dessert, they have a who...
Studio Lounge
Black Button is Rochester’s first grain-to-glass distillery since prohibition. Check out their website to read about what makes this Bourbon so unique and award winning. blackbuttondistilling.com/our-spirits/rochester-style In their tasting room enjoy a variety of craft cocktails made with their gins, whiskeys and vodkas.
Black Button Distilling
Voted best cocktail bar in Rochester! The Daily Refresher offers Rochester's largest spirits selection and over 300 whiskeys. There's two bars; one upstairs and one downstairs. They offer classic cocktails and creative concoctions! You can order food...
The Daily Refresher
A French restaurant that's also a cocktail bar! This is a cozy little place in the public market. It has great ambiance!
Cure
ROC List: Wine Bars
The coziest of neighborhood wine bars. Stop here while in the Park Avenue neighborhood. They will help you pick out the perfect wine if you're not sure what to order.
Apogee Wine Bar
This is a tasting-room/wine bar for Living Roots Winery.
Living Roots Rochester
Located in Rochester’s charming Corn Hill neighborhood, right along the Erie Canal, this spot offers more than just a high-quality wine list. Think live jazz on many evenings, painting classes, and wine pairing events—just a few of the extras that ma...
Flight Wine Bar
Sip and relax at this stylish urban wine bar, featuring selections from top-tier wineries. Look out for frequent specials and live music events that make every visit feel like an occasion.
Legacy Wine Bar
Unwine’d is an interactive wine bar with about 40 wines on tap at any given time. Just swipe your card and use their self-pour system to sample as much—or as little—as you’d like. Find a favorite? You can buy it by the bottle next door!
Unwine’d
If you want to experience the best of Finger Lakes wines without leaving town, this is your spot. Located near Lake Ontario and other local attractions, it’s perfect for making an evening of it. Along with live music, they also host yoga sessions and...
Vine & Tap
A lively wine bar in the Neighborhood of the Arts (NOTA). They offer “a large, diverse selection of hand-selected wines from around the world, as well as local favorites from the Niagara region and the Finger Lakes.” Food is fresh, seasonal and local...
Carnegie Cellars Wine Bar & Kitchen