Rochester has a booming food and craft beverage scene and is a destination in its own for foodies and beverage connoisseurs. Rochester has been recognized as one of the top cities for food in the country, and is filled with scores of creative culinary hotspots—many of which find inspiration from our city’s historic roots and regional abundance from local farmers.
Known as “The Young Lion of the West” and America’s first boomtown, Rochester drew settlers from around the world and with that they brought their family recipes with them. More than 200 years later, the region is a smorgasbord of traditional and contemporary cuisines and diverse ethnic flavors that create a culinary experience for those dining in Rochester.
From gourmet to the Garbage Plate, you will be sure to find a place that will satisfy any craving.
Rochester has been named one of the top cities for beer in the country! In fact, Matador Network called Rochester the “best city for beer in the northeast” and Smart Asset ranked the city #12 on the list for best cities for beer drinkers in the United States.
We’re home to the Genesee Brewing Company which was founded in 1878 and is one of the largest and oldest continually operating breweries in the United States. The brewery makes the Genesee line of beers, including the iconic Genesee, the refreshing Genny Light, and the original Cream Ale. The Genesee Brew House operates as a pilot craft brewery and has a pub-style restaurant.
Savor wines produced by Finger Lake vineyards with award-winning vintages that are among the best in the world. Rochester is home to Casa Larga Vineyards with a tasting room and vines located on a picturesque hill in Fairport, NY and the Mendon, NY, family-run 20 Deep Winery, along with and Living Roots Wine & Co. – Rochester’s first urban winery.
Rochester is the front door to the Finger Lakes and a short drive to the largest concentration of wineries. We’re also home to many wine bars that feature Finger Lakes wines poured by the glass or flight.
New York State has the second-highest number of distilleries in the nation. Taste world-class spirits crafted in Rochester at either Black Button Distilling or Iron Smoke Distillery.
New York is the second-largest apple producing state in the country with a growing hard cider industry. Crisp, tart, oaky, sweet, or dry –you’ll find a style of hard cider to suit your tastes with one of the local cideries that call Rochester home.
