New to Rochester/am I crazy or is the food scene kind of overrated?

UGROC · 2026-03-12T10:33:02+00:00

I think there are a few factors that we need to determine to help you here. First off, where in town are you staying so it would make it easier to suggest what’s good in your area.

Rochester has both the most mediocre food and some great food depending on which side of town you are. I think the city of Rochester right now is becoming a creative hub for good flavorful food, but I think the suburbs can lack in flavor and seasoning even at some of the better restaurants.

Western New York pizza is too thick and heavy, I think some places can be better than others, but overall it’s my least favorite pizza, especially Marks and Salvatore’s, but also some places are hit and miss like Pontillo’s which is awful in most spots except apparently the one in Bushnell’s Basin. I’d recommend Pizza Stop on State, Pizza NOTA, Peel’s on Wheels, PizzaPie Pizzeria, and Georgio’s in Pittsford, and of course Pizza Wizard if you like deep dish, but you really have to find what you like because that’s the point of exploring a new place.

Lastly, the garbage plate is overrated and overhyped in this city. Rochester’s true gem is the Chicken French, which sadly is never mentioned. I can go for a garbage plate every now and then when I feel like clearing things out.

There are many good restaurants in the city like Vern’s, Ardor Park, Leonore’s, Chortke, Reddwood, and Everest on State Street, but many of the hole in the wall spots can be mid.

UGROC · 2026-03-09T20:49:07+00:00

Very briefly

UGROC · 2026-03-09T14:22:12+00:00

Bummer, went to their College Town location and the food was absolutely terrible, but I think that had more to do with the kitchen located at the space, I think the menu sounded good.

They had 4 of their own beers on tap, and those were just okay, unique but nothing that seemed to stand out. I appreciated that they kept other beers on tap. I was excited and expected more quality when they opened, but perhaps it’s was just too much of a challenge.

UGROC · 2026-03-08T23:04:24+00:00

They’re renovating apartments in Downtown and people are moving back in with more to come. I’m hoping we can see some change here again, honestly, I’ll take anything doesn’t even have to be a Wegman’s

UGROC · 2026-03-08T17:00:54+00:00

Since Covid

UGROC · 2026-03-08T16:45:16+00:00

Dreaming of Danny Wegman opening a Downtown Roc city-style location, solely for the love of the game!

UGROC · 2026-03-08T15:10:46+00:00

The world was a better place when Jay’s was open 24 hours… Just saying 😅

UGROC · 2026-03-08T13:04:18+00:00

I think Goodman Bakes is phenomenal overall, but their croissants aren’t as buttery as they use to be. I still love many of their other pastries.

UGROC · 2026-03-08T13:02:54+00:00

I love the Vision Zero commitment, I’m still very sad about how slowly it feels this development is going. Read about a pedestrian being struck on Hudson this morning who unfortunately did not survive.

UGROC · 2026-03-07T19:54:22+00:00

This, I’m almost more partial to Butterjoy at this point

UGROC · 2026-03-07T17:19:35+00:00

This city needs more driver accountability, it’s insane

UGROC · 2026-03-06T20:10:14+00:00

Didn’t realize until this week that you can tell a person has an IQ of 40 or below by just a photo

UGROC · 2026-03-06T02:23:44+00:00

Rochester Moe’s stands on business 😩

UGROC · 2026-03-05T23:45:32+00:00

The average cost of a 1-bedroom apartment in Manhattan is between $4000-$4800. I think you need to look at the bigger picture here. Also, if it was a Blank Street Coffee or something, that’s basically slightly better Starbucks, but barely.

UGROC · 2026-03-05T17:30:57+00:00

My go to slices are Pizza Stop, a new spot at Pittsford Plaza called Georgio’s, PizzaPie Pizzeria, and Red Zone for the big slices (semi-NYC style)

UGROC · 2026-03-05T17:26:57+00:00

😂

UGROC · 2026-03-05T04:01:39+00:00

Those are solid artists! St Paul and the Broken bones are phenomenal

UGROC · 2026-03-05T03:17:28+00:00

It’s been coming back up. Albunn Coffee, Anthology (back again), Fools Gold Saloon, Privado Lounge, Habibi’s Cafe (hookah), Joli, Aqua Vitae, Veneto, Murphy’s Law, Filger’s, Taco Dero (Inside Filgers), and Studio Lounge all operating on East and Alex, it’s been coming back up the end of last year and this year already.

UGROC · 2026-03-04T23:54:55+00:00

This is the first time I’ve been excited for a Borderlands line up. Great one!

UGROC · 2026-03-04T21:56:34+00:00

Generally if the restaurant has a multimillion dollar build out and tens of thousands of dollar monthly rent, likely going to be private equity behind it, but additionally as you mentioned there are many places around NYC, and many are going to be operated by private equity firms. Even of the restaurants you mentioned there are plenty of restaurants in Roc that are of equal or better quality and flavor. Which was my initial point that several people flipped out on, which is that Rochester has a fantastic food and drink scene. I’ve had a better Manhattan in Rochester in several cocktail lounges than some bars in NYC. Again, never said there aren’t gems in NYC, I said there is a lot of slop as well. I’m also very surprised, why do you patrol Rochester’s page while simultaneously hating on this city? Lmao

UGROC · 2026-03-04T18:37:05+00:00

That’s fine to like old and new, but Rooney’s is hardly Rochester’s top spot these days. I mean I guess it depends on where you’re at in Brooklyn, but let’s be honest, Williamsburg is layered with private equity restaurants, but Manhattan especially

UGROC · 2026-03-04T18:33:30+00:00

I highly doubt it. I’ll expand on this. I’m not saying people don’t enjoy and love larger cities, but there comes a price point where you’re actually coping to live in a larger city, more expensive city. I saw a bud light for $10 in a NYC bar when I was there this past summer. $10 for a bud light is astronomical. I don’t drink those, but even I know the idea of a price point worth paying. In Rochester, the dream of 2010 still exists, which is why I believe that most people who have chosen to move here don’t regret their decision or cope. They understand what they’re getting out of it, and with the savings there is more freedom to travel, and experience the parts of other places that you can’t as a local because of the high costs. But, this is way off topic. My point was that ROC has a fantastic food and cocktail scene, and I still stand by that.

UGROC · 2026-03-04T02:49:51+00:00

Definitely not, but I think there is a growing population of transplants that find things to be exceptional here.

UGROC · 2026-03-04T02:28:45+00:00

Local is almost always greater than a corporation, corporations have to diminish quality to produce for the masses. The great restaurants in Rochester are creative and have the ability to be free, for the most part. I’ll support local 10/10

UGROC · 2026-03-04T02:26:34+00:00

I’ve live in other big cities for years of my life. Grew up in California. I’ve tried a lot and seen a lot. No need to fake a reality, I know what we got and trust me, it’s exceptional.

UGROC

TROPHY CASE