2016 was another banner year for the food and drink scene in Rochester. A bunch of high caliber restaurants opened such as The Vesper and Nosh. We also witnessed the construction of the enormous Three Heads Brewery along with the new Stoneyard Beer Hall location in Webster. Overall, the Rochester restaurant scene keeps getting better – so here we present the best new spots and the one food item you must get there.
STONEYARD – CUBANO
1517 Empire Blvd, Webster, NY 14580
stoneyardbrewingcompany.com – (585) 347-4450
The Stoneyard has had a location in Brockport for years, but in 2016 they brought their beer mecca to Rochester. With it, they brought one of the best Cuban sandwiches around. This sammy is piled high with roasted pork loin, ham, swiss, provolone, dill pickles and chipotle mayo. All of these fantastic ingredients are pressed on a fresh roll. It is really the chipolte mayo that separates this Cuban from others in the area. The Stoneyard is also a great place for craft beer with a never ending tap selection.
CREPE N’GO – BULOGI BEEF
651 Monroe Ave, Rochester, NY 14607
facebook.com – (585) 417-5543
If you are looking for a quick meal for under $10 with quality ingredients, Crepe N’Go is your spot. They specialize in Chinese crepes, which are a popular street food in Northern China that are packed tight with flavor. The crepe to go with is the bulgogi beef that has been soaked in a delicious marinade and then grilled to perfection. Then they add a mix of romaine lettuce, scallions, cilantro and a fried wonton that gives it a delightful crunch.
SOUTHPOINT RESTAURANT – FISH TACO
1400 Empire Blvd, Rochester, NY 14625
southpointrestaurant.com – (585) 667-0100
Set on the shores of Irondequoit Bay, Southpoint has a fantastic mix of New American and seafood items on their diverse menu. The must have dish though are the fantastic fish tacos. They come with a healthy piece of mahi mahi, garnished with a superb citrus aioli, napa slaw and radish. Other dishes to get are the oxtail pierogi and lobster roll.
NOSH – BELLIED CORN DOGS
47 Russell St, Rochester, NY 14607
noshroc.com – (585) 445-8700
Nosh is one of the hottest new restaurants in town that had a buzz around it all year. With a fantastic atmosphere in their NOTA location, they have an interested mix of cuisines. Yelp actually has the cuisine classified as New American, Asian Fusian and Mexican. One of the stand out dishes though is the bellied corn dogs. The meat inside is a Bostrom Farm pork belly that is wrapped in a fried corn meal encasing. Then they add sauces like an avacado salsa for your dipping pleasure. (photo credit Veronika S)
THE VESPER – THE VESPER BURGER
1 Capron St, Rochester, NY 14607
rocthevesper.com – (585) 454-1996
Vesper opened this past year in the vacated space formally occupied by Nikko. They host a New American menu with a strong focus on seafood items like their delicious oysters. The highlight on this menu is The Vesper Burger. All we have to say is this thing has seared foie gras on it – enough said. It is also slathered with caramelized onion and a delicious garlic mayo that make for an unbelievable taste. The Vesper also has a fantastic cocktail bar with their signature Vesper cocktail modeled after James Bond’s favorite libation – a shaken, not stirred classic martini.
