Whether you’re looking to dine along the Genesee River, the Erie Canal, Lake Ontario, or the Irondequoit Bay, there are a variety of waterfront restaurants to choose from in Rochester, NY! Some of our local favorites are outlined below.
Genesee River
Pane Vino on the River
For Rochester’s premier Italian dining experience, Pane Vino’s location on the Genesee River offers the finest traditional dishes infused with modern touches. The Chicken French, a chicken breast sauteed in a sherry wine lemon butter sauce, is a signature dish for Rochesterians and a must-try when visiting.
Genesee Brew House
Outdoor dining at the Genesee Brew House comes with a spectacular view of the High Falls of the Genesee River, a scenic icon in Rochester. As one of the largest and oldest continually operating breweries in the United States, the Genesee Brew House offers tours and tastings, as well as sit-down dining.
Corn Hill Landing
Enjoy drinks and dining alongside the Genesee River as well as sweeping views of the Rochester skyline from Corn Hill Landing in downtown Rochester. Enjoy classic American cuisine with a culinary twist at Rabbit Hole Tavern, then head over to Flight Wine Bar for live music and wines by the glass or curated flights from wine regions around the world.
Port of Rochester
The Port of Rochester building is located on North River Street at the mouth of the Genesee River, where the river meets Lake Ontario. Located within the Port of Rochester building are a number of dining and event spaces with sweeping views of the Genesee River.
Enjoy a traditional Rochester White Hot (made by Zweigle’s) at Bill Gray’s Port of Rochester Tap Room or another Rochester classic - Abbott’s Frozen Custard. Other waterfront spots on the Genesee River in the Port of Rochester include California Rollin’ II and the event venue Arbor at the Port. Nearby are classic Charlotte (pronounced Char-LOT) spots including Mr. Dominic's at the Lake, Hose 22 and Windjammers.
Other Riverfront Locations
Additional waterfront spots alongside the Genesee River include the Whiskey River Pub and Grill, located inside the former Steamboat Hotel building in Charlotte, which dates back to 1853. Schooner’s Riverside Pub is located within the Shumway Marina, and is open seasonally for dining on its open-air gazebo and large deck overlooking the Genesee River. Silk O’Loughlins is located on the river next to the U.S. Coast Guard station.
Erie Canal
The Rochester area is home to the 100 Must See Miles of the Erie Canal. Within Monroe County, visitors will discover several canalside communities built for exploring - by land, bike or boat! Canalside dining options in each village are outlined below.
Further east of Pittsford is the village of Fairport, which was dubbed as a “fair port” to stay by travelers on the Erie Canal in the 1820s. Fairport is home to a couple of canalside dining establishments, including LULU Taqueria and Mezcal and the Porterhouse Steak and Seafood. Other Fairport favorites located near the canal include Donnelly’s Public House and Mulconry's Irish Pub and Restaurant. Be sure to also visit the new businesses inside the historic American Can Factory in Fairport, including Iron Smoke Distilling, Tin Cup Social, Triphammer Bierworks, Fairport Brauhaus and Compane Trattoria.
Bushnell’s Basin
The Hamlet of Bushnell’s Basin offers a few waterfront food and drink options. Richardson’s Canal House is a restaurant located inside a tavern and public house originally built in 1818. Today Richardson’s offers dining on the banks of the Erie Canal or inside the historic building. After dinner, enjoy Abbott’s Frozen Custard in Bushnell’s Basin, or take a short stroll over to Aurora Brewing for a craft beer on the canal.
Spencerport
On the western side of Monroe County is the quaint village of Spencerport. In addition to being home to the Spencerport Depot & Canal Museum, visit Spencerport and enjoy waterfront dining at Clutch on the Canal, an upscale kitchen and sports bar. Other Spencerport eateries steps away from the canal include Texas BBQ Joint, Grandpa Sam’s Kitchen and McColley's.
Brockport
West of Spencerport is the village of Brockport. Start your trip to Brockport with a visit to the Brockport Welcome Center, located on the canal. For waterfront dining, check out the Custom House. Other nearby restaurants include 58 Main BBQ, Coleen’s Kitchen and Barber’s Grill & Tap Room.
Rochester is on the southern shore of Lake Ontario. Enjoy sweeping views of the lake at one of these waterfront restaurants on Lake Ontario. Castaways on the Lake, based in Webster, NY, offers spectacular views and gorgeous sunsets while dining outside. Marge’s Lakeside Inn is a beachfront tavern on Lake Ontario, located in Rochester, NY. With a small, but charming front bar, old-time jukebox, live music, and private events, this vintage watering hole has been a staple in our community for over 60 years. Hedges Restaurant offers fine dining, spirits, and entertainment along the shores of Lake Ontario. Diners can listen to live music most Friday and Saturday nights as they enjoy elegant surf and turf options.
