Craftsman Cottage Guidebook
Restaurants and Craft Breweries
Local restaurants, most of which we have visited several times. The standard of culinary offerings in Rochester's best restaurants continues to escalate and their numbers are increasing.
There are also around 30 craft breweries in the city and county, some of which offer tours and serve food. The city is highly ranked in the northeast for the quality and variety of its craft beer. We have listed a few favorites but check out this website for a full list: https://daytrippingroc.com/breweries-in-monroe-county/
Only 8 short, hungry minutes from Craftsman Cottage to this very popular restaurant where you need to book ahead on weekends or get there really early and be prepared to sit at the bar. Wherever you are seated, this excellent food will not disappoint you! My recent thickly cut, perfectly seasoned and cooked pork chop certainly deserves a return trip. The friendly barman even recreated a favorite cocktail to humor a nostalgic memory! Very good service, off-street parking.
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AVVINO
2541 Monroe AveOnly 8 short, hungry minutes from Craftsman Cottage to this very popular restaurant where you need to book ahead on weekends or get there really early and be prepared to sit at the bar. Wherever you are seated, this excellent food will not disappoint you! My recent thickly cut, perfectly seasoned and cooked pork chop certainly deserves a return trip. The friendly barman even recreated a favorite cocktail to humor a nostalgic memory! Very good service, off-street parking.
They use locally sourced food - except for the oysters! - cook it with creativity and passion, serve it with elegant friendliness, and keep an even level of high quality. Happy hour specials, Monday prix fixe, fish specials on Fridays and Sunday brunch too. Free parking across the street in a large lot. This restaurant is a family favorite. 10-12 minutes from Craftsman Cottage, in the same attractively restored restaurant/small business compound as The Gate House and several other restaurants. We're gradually eating our way through all of them! Special kudos to Lento management for their superb pick-up service during NY-PAUSE in Rochester last year. We've enjoyed wonderful meals!
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Lento
274 N Goodman StThey use locally sourced food - except for the oysters! - cook it with creativity and passion, serve it with elegant friendliness, and keep an even level of high quality. Happy hour specials, Monday prix fixe, fish specials on Fridays and Sunday brunch too. Free parking across the street in a large lot. This restaurant is a family favorite. 10-12 minutes from Craftsman Cottage, in the same attractively restored restaurant/small business compound as The Gate House and several other restaurants. We're gradually eating our way through all of them! Special kudos to Lento management for their superb pick-up service during NY-PAUSE in Rochester last year. We've enjoyed wonderful meals!
This place must be doing something right. They have been around for ever and they get great reviews. We've had several finger-licking family dinners here over the last 20 years or so, and still go back. Parking can be a bit restricted but not a big problem. If you love barbecue, go.
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Dinosaur Bar-B-Que
99 Court StThis place must be doing something right. They have been around for ever and they get great reviews. We've had several finger-licking family dinners here over the last 20 years or so, and still go back. Parking can be a bit restricted but not a big problem. If you love barbecue, go.
Interesting multi-level space plus outside garden. Note the fabulous white glass chandeliers over the bar! Friendly staff, and my waitress was super-helpful and charming. The huge hamburger was good too, served on brioche. Many seafood choices in this South Carolina low country oriented restaurant - we will check out some of those next time. Good wine selection.
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The Revelry
1290 University AveInteresting multi-level space plus outside garden. Note the fabulous white glass chandeliers over the bar! Friendly staff, and my waitress was super-helpful and charming. The huge hamburger was good too, served on brioche. Many seafood choices in this South Carolina low country oriented restaurant - we will check out some of those next time. Good wine selection.
Website says "creative burgers" - and they are both creative and delicious! Wood fired oven for pizza. We're trying those next. Friendly and efficient service, reasonable prices, off-street parking for this Neighborhood of the Arts restaurant that displays the very attractive results of a gifted interior designer! All combine to make this a popular neighborhood spot. Don't miss it.
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The Gate House
274 N Goodman StWebsite says "creative burgers" - and they are both creative and delicious! Wood fired oven for pizza. We're trying those next. Friendly and efficient service, reasonable prices, off-street parking for this Neighborhood of the Arts restaurant that displays the very attractive results of a gifted interior designer! All combine to make this a popular neighborhood spot. Don't miss it.
Oh boy! Meat lovers beat a well trodden path to this very popular spot. Excellent butchery but also serves breakfast (pancakes are exceptional!) and lunch with a wide range of sandwiches. We buy their ham off the bone which has a flavor found in no supermarkets, likewise their dry-aged steak will guarantee the success of any special meal. Too many other items to mention. The staff are friendly, knowledgeable and helpful. My son knows the owner by name (both former Brooklyn boys). If you like meat, just go.
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McCann's Local Meats
739 S Clinton AveOh boy! Meat lovers beat a well trodden path to this very popular spot. Excellent butchery but also serves breakfast (pancakes are exceptional!) and lunch with a wide range of sandwiches. We buy their ham off the bone which has a flavor found in no supermarkets, likewise their dry-aged steak will guarantee the success of any special meal. Too many other items to mention. The staff are friendly, knowledgeable and helpful. My son knows the owner by name (both former Brooklyn boys). If you like meat, just go.
You are just ten anticipatory minutes away from creative food with a subtle Korean influence; Nosh has offerings like the Peachy Pig thin crust pizza that will have you eating it out of the box as you drive back to the house! Their Ahi Noshos pretty much defies description - picture a mess of food on the plate which, after you recover from initial recoil and start grabbing pieces of it, turns into a very tasty selection indeed. There is much more. Eating in can be noisy at peak times but there is outside dining too, as well as pick-up. You will like it here!
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Nosh
47 Russell StYou are just ten anticipatory minutes away from creative food with a subtle Korean influence; Nosh has offerings like the Peachy Pig thin crust pizza that will have you eating it out of the box as you drive back to the house! Their Ahi Noshos pretty much defies description - picture a mess of food on the plate which, after you recover from initial recoil and start grabbing pieces of it, turns into a very tasty selection indeed. There is much more. Eating in can be noisy at peak times but there is outside dining too, as well as pick-up. You will like it here!
We, and our guests, have tried several pizza spots but this one ranks highest. So far. Pizza go-to for locals and voted "immensely satisfying" by recent guests who know their pizza! Brooklyn and Sicilian styles, order by slice or whole pizza. Crisp crusts and fresh basil too. 1100 Jefferson Rd, Unit 3. Tel: 585-424-5637 Also 1918 Monroe Avenue. They deliver.
Joe's Brooklyn Pizza
1100 Jefferson RoadWe, and our guests, have tried several pizza spots but this one ranks highest. So far. Pizza go-to for locals and voted "immensely satisfying" by recent guests who know their pizza! Brooklyn and Sicilian styles, order by slice or whole pizza. Crisp crusts and fresh basil too. 1100 Jefferson Rd, Unit 3. Tel: 585-424-5637 Also 1918 Monroe Avenue. They deliver.
A secret spot fast being discovered by those who love great food. This Italian restaurant is tucked into Rochester's popular Public Market which means lots of parking is available if you go there for dinner. (Market has good parking for lunch visits too.) Just drive in through the lovely old iron gates of the market and turn left. My waitress was one of the most helpful ever - I dithered over a red wine choice and she brought me several small samples, even arranging them so I could remember easily. I chose the house red which was delicious. The pork chop was also full of flavor. Next time I'm going for the roasted eggplant vegetarian dish. Neighboring diners were eager to recommend their favorites too!. That is a very good sign!
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Fiorella
5 Rochester Public MarketA secret spot fast being discovered by those who love great food. This Italian restaurant is tucked into Rochester's popular Public Market which means lots of parking is available if you go there for dinner. (Market has good parking for lunch visits too.) Just drive in through the lovely old iron gates of the market and turn left. My waitress was one of the most helpful ever - I dithered over a red wine choice and she brought me several small samples, even arranging them so I could remember easily. I chose the house red which was delicious. The pork chop was also full of flavor. Next time I'm going for the roasted eggplant vegetarian dish. Neighboring diners were eager to recommend their favorites too!. That is a very good sign!
Mexican/Latin cuisine - the flavor and presentation of the food matches the creative, imaginative decor of the restaurant. New general manager with long experience - means what is already good can only get better.
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Ox And Stone
282 Alexander StMexican/Latin cuisine - the flavor and presentation of the food matches the creative, imaginative decor of the restaurant. New general manager with long experience - means what is already good can only get better.
Extraordinarily creative Szechuan food - NYC-based daughter-the-chef was astonished and delighted by such an unusual find in Rochester! Szechuan means hot and spicy but if that is what you like, absolutely do not miss a take-out order from Szechuan Opera. They will bring the heat down for you on request, so fear not!
Szechuan Opera
630 Park AveExtraordinarily creative Szechuan food - NYC-based daughter-the-chef was astonished and delighted by such an unusual find in Rochester! Szechuan means hot and spicy but if that is what you like, absolutely do not miss a take-out order from Szechuan Opera. They will bring the heat down for you on request, so fear not!
Located in a building that dates from the late 1800's, and that began as a tavern, Rooney's is tucked away in the South Wedge area of Rochester, about ten minutes from Craftsman Cottage. For several decades Rooney's has been one of the highest ranked restaurants in Rochester. Elegant dining and excellent food is an unbeatable pairing. For special occasions or just because you like fine dining in a historic and elegant setting, with great service - this is your place.
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Rooney's Restaurant
90 Henrietta StLocated in a building that dates from the late 1800's, and that began as a tavern, Rooney's is tucked away in the South Wedge area of Rochester, about ten minutes from Craftsman Cottage. For several decades Rooney's has been one of the highest ranked restaurants in Rochester. Elegant dining and excellent food is an unbeatable pairing. For special occasions or just because you like fine dining in a historic and elegant setting, with great service - this is your place.
A highly recommended sushi online order/pickup only. Fresh, creative and delicious. Three essential elements of great sushi.
Shema Sushi - Online Order and Pickup Only
277 Alexander StA highly recommended sushi online order/pickup only. Fresh, creative and delicious. Three essential elements of great sushi.
Located in a building where beer was being made more than 100 years ago, the Genesee Brew House is building an increasingly strong reputation as a place to go for good beer and good food.
You can book a tour and a tasting as well, then be seated in the restaurant area and enjoy stunning views over the High Falls area.
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Genesee Brew House
25 Cataract St Located in a building where beer was being made more than 100 years ago, the Genesee Brew House is building an increasingly strong reputation as a place to go for good beer and good food.
You can book a tour and a tasting as well, then be seated in the restaurant area and enjoy stunning views over the High Falls area.
No tours and they don't serve food, but the beer is good and the location right beside the Erie Canal and the scenic downtown section of Pittsford pulls you right into the summer life in this water-bound city.
Seven Story Brewing
No tours and they don't serve food, but the beer is good and the location right beside the Erie Canal and the scenic downtown section of Pittsford pulls you right into the summer life in this water-bound city.
Fairly new on the Rochester brewery scene but quickly gathering enthusiastic reviews; Strangebird has a wide variety of beer and a varied menu.
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Strangebird Beer
62 Marshall StFairly new on the Rochester brewery scene but quickly gathering enthusiastic reviews; Strangebird has a wide variety of beer and a varied menu.
The IPA expert in our family lists this brewery as one of his Rochester favorites. His experience is extensive but an RIT list (https://www.rit.edu/behindthebricks/content/top-7-breweries-rochester) also includes Swiftwater in their seven top breweries - that settles it! Tours, meals, and an attractive, atmospheric setting with more than a touch of the founder's passion for white water kayaking. Open Wed. through Sat.
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Swiftwater Brewing Company
378 Mt Hope AveThe IPA expert in our family lists this brewery as one of his Rochester favorites. His experience is extensive but an RIT list (https://www.rit.edu/behindthebricks/content/top-7-breweries-rochester) also includes Swiftwater in their seven top breweries - that settles it! Tours, meals, and an attractive, atmospheric setting with more than a touch of the founder's passion for white water kayaking. Open Wed. through Sat.
Guests recommend this down-town restaurant as a great place for breakfast or lunch. And if you are in town for a special celebration, The Mad Hatter can do a custom order cake for you! They offer high tea as well. Check their website for details. Hours are Sun-Wed., 8am-2.30pm.
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The Mad Hatter Restaurant & Bakery
176 S Goodman StGuests recommend this down-town restaurant as a great place for breakfast or lunch. And if you are in town for a special celebration, The Mad Hatter can do a custom order cake for you! They offer high tea as well. Check their website for details. Hours are Sun-Wed., 8am-2.30pm.
Sightseeing
Stunning collection of lilac bushes, showcased every May in the Lilac Festival, in 2018 from May 11-20. Too much to describe in this high spot of the year: https://www.rochesterevents.com/lilac-festival/ Also check website for Highland Park Conservancy for information on flowers/sights you can expect to find during every month of the year.
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Highland Park
Stunning collection of lilac bushes, showcased every May in the Lilac Festival, in 2018 from May 11-20. Too much to describe in this high spot of the year: https://www.rochesterevents.com/lilac-festival/ Also check website for Highland Park Conservancy for information on flowers/sights you can expect to find during every month of the year.
Only half an hour from Rochester, this 1,000 acre park encompasses a length of the Genesee River that plunges through a gorge, over 500' deep in places, with no less than three waterfalls. There are hiking trails, picnic areas and playgrounds, swimming and boating areas. Guests and locals alike confirm that this is well worth a visit.
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Letchworth State Park
1 Letchworth State ParkOnly half an hour from Rochester, this 1,000 acre park encompasses a length of the Genesee River that plunges through a gorge, over 500' deep in places, with no less than three waterfalls. There are hiking trails, picnic areas and playgrounds, swimming and boating areas. Guests and locals alike confirm that this is well worth a visit.
Well rated park along the shore of Lake Ontario. Boardwalk and pier walking to enjoy the sunset, or watch the shipping during the day. Swimming beach, food available. The carousel is a major attraction.
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Ontario Beach Park
50 Beach AveWell rated park along the shore of Lake Ontario. Boardwalk and pier walking to enjoy the sunset, or watch the shipping during the day. Swimming beach, food available. The carousel is a major attraction.
RECREATION
Beautiful campus with too many notable features to list here. Drive 3 minutes from Craftsman Cottage, park and walk across pedestrian bridge over Genesee River to stroll around the River Campus. Over 150 acres so pick what you want to see before starting. https://www.rochester.edu/aboutus/campus.html
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University of Rochester
Beautiful campus with too many notable features to list here. Drive 3 minutes from Craftsman Cottage, park and walk across pedestrian bridge over Genesee River to stroll around the River Campus. Over 150 acres so pick what you want to see before starting. https://www.rochester.edu/aboutus/campus.html
Part of the University of Rochester but in a separate campus that occupies several gorgeous Art Deco buildings - worth a trip just to see them. Check online to see what free concerts may be available during your visit. The students are gifted and skilled. The school is a vital part of Rochester's cultural heart; you will not be disappointed. https://www.esm.rochester.edu
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Eastman School of Music
26 Gibbs StPart of the University of Rochester but in a separate campus that occupies several gorgeous Art Deco buildings - worth a trip just to see them. Check online to see what free concerts may be available during your visit. The students are gifted and skilled. The school is a vital part of Rochester's cultural heart; you will not be disappointed. https://www.esm.rochester.edu
If you have children, go. Even toddlers will find something to enjoy but it is perfect for those over about 3 years. And even teens can enjoy the Butterfly House. The museum is currently being expanded which should only increase its already high national rating. We often have guests who plan a Rochester/Strong Museum trip as a special treat for their children.
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The Strong Museum
1 Manhattan Square DrIf you have children, go. Even toddlers will find something to enjoy but it is perfect for those over about 3 years. And even teens can enjoy the Butterfly House. The museum is currently being expanded which should only increase its already high national rating. We often have guests who plan a Rochester/Strong Museum trip as a special treat for their children.
World's oldest museum of photography, started by George Eastman (Kodak) in 1947. But, for fans of Indian cinema, do not miss their recent acquisition of a huge treasure trove of contemporary Indian cinema. Check their special events: https://www.eastman.org
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George Eastman Museum
900 East AveWorld's oldest museum of photography, started by George Eastman (Kodak) in 1947. But, for fans of Indian cinema, do not miss their recent acquisition of a huge treasure trove of contemporary Indian cinema. Check their special events: https://www.eastman.org
Hard to compete with Strong, but this museum also has much to offer, of interest to adults and children. We recommend a visit.
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Rochester Museum & Science Center
657 East AveHard to compete with Strong, but this museum also has much to offer, of interest to adults and children. We recommend a visit.
Not exactly in Rochester but just over an hour away in the town of Auburn is the former home of Harriet Tubman. History is sensitively presented here. Worth a visit to help gain an understanding of this aspect of US history.
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Harriet Tubman Home
180 South StNot exactly in Rochester but just over an hour away in the town of Auburn is the former home of Harriet Tubman. History is sensitively presented here. Worth a visit to help gain an understanding of this aspect of US history.
If you want to know more about the culture and spirit of a city, always visit their art galleries! The Memorial Art Gallery of Rochester will certainly be a rewarding place to visit.
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Memorial Art Gallery
500 University AveIf you want to know more about the culture and spirit of a city, always visit their art galleries! The Memorial Art Gallery of Rochester will certainly be a rewarding place to visit.
The Rochester Curling Club attracts visitors to Rochester from many different parts of the US. We know - they have stayed at our property! The club is just a few minutes away. Come and check out this addictive sport!
Rochester Curling Club
71 Deep Rock RdThe Rochester Curling Club attracts visitors to Rochester from many different parts of the US. We know - they have stayed at our property! The club is just a few minutes away. Come and check out this addictive sport!
SUPERMARKETS & OTHER ESSENTIALS
This is a must-visit - you will see who lives in Rochester and what they like to eat! Crowded on weekends by locals looking for the freshest food at the best prices. The market is gradually attracting restaurants and shops to its immediate neighborhood. Walk around a little and enjoy this aspect of Rochester's culture.
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Rochester Public Market
Rochester Public MarketThis is a must-visit - you will see who lives in Rochester and what they like to eat! Crowded on weekends by locals looking for the freshest food at the best prices. The market is gradually attracting restaurants and shops to its immediate neighborhood. Walk around a little and enjoy this aspect of Rochester's culture.
Wegmans is the closest supermarket; you will find everything you hope for in a supermarket right here! About ten minutes' easy drive away. 2301 Lyell Avenue, north on 390 to Lyell Ave. exit. Closes 12 am. There are many others in Rochester too.
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Wegmans
1750 East AveWegmans is the closest supermarket; you will find everything you hope for in a supermarket right here! About ten minutes' easy drive away. 2301 Lyell Avenue, north on 390 to Lyell Ave. exit. Closes 12 am. There are many others in Rochester too.
Rochester's only Trader Joe's: TJ's, as it is known by many of its customers, is a national fast-growing chain with an equally fast-growing clientele. Limited range of products but they include many creative, innovative food options that you will not find elsewhere, including a wide range of ethnic choices. New items appear daily. Prices are very good. You will want to return. They also specialise in hiring friendly, helpful staff. It's about ten minutes away. There is a large Wegmans in the same mall, if you have favorite food choices there.
You can put a whole meal together at TJ's, to prepare with a minimum of fuss and $$!
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Trader Joe's
3349 Monroe AveRochester's only Trader Joe's: TJ's, as it is known by many of its customers, is a national fast-growing chain with an equally fast-growing clientele. Limited range of products but they include many creative, innovative food options that you will not find elsewhere, including a wide range of ethnic choices. New items appear daily. Prices are very good. You will want to return. They also specialise in hiring friendly, helpful staff. It's about ten minutes away. There is a large Wegmans in the same mall, if you have favorite food choices there.
You can put a whole meal together at TJ's, to prepare with a minimum of fuss and $$!
Closest source of food essentials: Fastrac is a 24/7 convenience food store right by the exit ramp - fine for milk, eggs, bread, snacks, if you are too tired to drive another 10 minutes to the 24 hour Wegmans on Chili Avenue.
Fastrac
1064 Scottsville RdClosest source of food essentials: Fastrac is a 24/7 convenience food store right by the exit ramp - fine for milk, eggs, bread, snacks, if you are too tired to drive another 10 minutes to the 24 hour Wegmans on Chili Avenue.
Good selection of fresh fruit and vegetables as well as all the usual grocery items. This store is the closest to Craftsman Cottage, about 7 minutes away.
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Walmart Supercenter
6265 Brockport Spencerport RdGood selection of fresh fruit and vegetables as well as all the usual grocery items. This store is the closest to Craftsman Cottage, about 7 minutes away.