Whether it’s the Erie Canal, Genesee River, Irondequoit Bay or Lake Ontario, Rochester has bodies of water that criss-cross the landscape. Couple these remarkable waterfront views with a good meal and you have the perfect evening. With the quality weather now in full swing, we take you through some of the best restaurants around Rochester that are set on the water. We also, of course, let you know of any weekday deals they offer to save you a couple bucks. Let us know your favorite places to eat on the water in the comments or tweet us at @SeizetheWeekday.
SOUTHPOINT RESTAURANT
1400 Empire Blvd, Rochester, NY 14625
southpointrestaurant.com – (585) 667-0100
Set on the shores of Irondequoit Bay, Southpoint has been dubbed as a ‘chef driven’ kitchen by the Democrat and Chronicle. This is accurate considering their general manager and head chef both have lineage to the popular Nikko Restaurant where they were chefs. The cuisine they have constructed is New American with seafood influences with dishes like a lobster and shrimp roll lining the menu. Two of the must-have menu items are the fish tacos and oxtail pierogi (pictured above). The tacos come with a healthy piece of mahi mahi, garnished with a superb citrus aioli, napa slaw and radish. The pierogi dish has a unique and delicious flavor stemming from the chi chi beans, tzatziki and cilantro. In addition to the remarkable menu, Southpoint is a worthy destination just for the spectacular waterfront view and fantastic bar space.
BAZIL
1384 Empire Blvd, Rochester, NY 14625
bazilrestaurantrochester.com – (585) 697-2006
Considered a casual Italian eatery, Bazil is widely known for their delicious funnel cake desserts. The other benefit of their Penfield location is the fantastic view – overlooking the Irondequoit Bay. Your best bets on the menu are the chicken parmesan, chicken french or the seafood alfredo. There is also a MacGregor’s right across the street if you are looking for a good craft beer after dinner.
Weekday Deals
- Monday – kids eat free with each adult entre
BAYSIDE
279 Lake Road Webster
baysidepubwebster.com – (585) 323-1224
This cozy bar and restaurant is nestled in a corner of Irondequoit Bay with docks available for boaters to pull up. The menu features a selection of bar foods and tasty BBQ items. Some of the more popular foods are the chicken wings and the Bay Burger which comes loaded with a 2/3 pound patty that is dressed with cheese, bacon, lettuce, tomato and onion. Make sure to check out their weekly specials such as steak night on Mondays and BBQ night on Wednesdays.
Weekday Deals
- Monday through Friday – 50 cents off all drinks from 4 – 5:30 pm at the bar
ERIE GRILL
41 N Main St Pittsford
eriegrill.com – (585) 419-3032
Part of the Del Monte Inn, the Erie Grill sits close to the canal with a nice view from their dining room. The dishes to go for are the duck meatballs, Maine lobster/polenta, bison sliders and Erie Grill salad. Make sure to grab a cocktail because their drink menu is full of interesting options like the 41 North Main. The grill is also located right across the street from the Pittsford Pub and JoJo Bistro if you are looking for additional quality watering holes.
Weekday Deals
- Monday – $1 oysters and $5 select bubbly
- Tuesday – 1/2 off bottled wine and $5 by the glass
WEST EDGE RESTAURANT
284 Exchange Blvd Rochester
westedgerestaurant.com – (585) 319-3388
Corn Hill’s newest restaurant, West Edge has one of the best views of the city from their spacious patio. They have have a new American menu and a huge bar area with a multitude of craft beers on tap. Your best bet for an entre is their delicious flank steak. Happy hour occurs from 3 – 7 pm with $1 off drafts, wine and cocktails along with 1/2 off social plates.
Weekday Deals
- Tuesday – BYOB with no corkage fee on wine
PELICAN’S NEST
566 River St, Rochester
pelicansnestrestaurant.com – (585) 663-5910
The Pelican’s Nest is literally right on top of the Genesee River with a spacious deck that accommodates a ton of seating. The marque items on the menu are the calamari with pepperoncinis and Pelican pasta, which is topped with chicken breast and andouille sausage. They also usually have live music so check their Facebook page for updates.
ALADDIN’S
8 Schoen Pl Pittsford
myaladdins.com – (585) 264-9000
Priding itself on all natural ingredients, Aladdin’s has long been one of the best Mediterranean kitchens in town. The Pittsford location has two floors of outdoor seating that cozy up tight to the Erie Canal. Go with the gyro plate that comes on mixed greens with pita chips, feta and choice of dressing. After your meal we highly recommend heading next store to Lock 32 for one of their delicious craft beers on tap.
LABEL 7
50 State St Pittsford
labelseven.com – (585) 267-7500
Schoen Place is one of the hot destinations in Rochester and Label 7 is one of the reasons why. The back deck has limited seating, but it is worth it for the people watching and canal view. The menu items of choice are the grilled wings, Angry Caesar, and chicken and waffles. They also have a renovated bar area that is the perfect spot to grab a cocktail. Be sure to take advantage of their ‘Napa Hour’ which is half priced drinks and wine from 4 – 7pm.
Weekday Deals
- Monday – BYOB with no corkage fee on wine
- Tuesday – BYOB with no corkage fee on wine
PANE VINO
175 N Water St Rochester
panevinoontheriver175.com – (585) 232-6090
Situated right next to the Genesee River, Pane Vino is one of the better Italian Restaurants in the city. Their side court yard is a beautiful setting to dine while looking over the river. The calamari and chicken french are the most talked about dishes on the menu. Other good entrees include chicken anthony, penne vodka and filet mignon. The restaurant is also right nearby Tapas 177 if you are looking for a good bar for drinks after dinner.
Weekday Deals
- Monday – BYOB with no corkage fee on wine
RICHARDSON’S CANAL HOUSE
1474 Marsh Rd Pittsford
richardsonscanalhouse.com – (585) 248-5000
Richardson’s is set on a lengthy plot of land running parallel to the Erie Canal. You can take a table on their spacious patio or grab a drink to sit in chairs right next to the canal. The outside grill menu has some some nice items like the and . They also always have some local craft beer options on tap if you are thirsty.
HEDGES
1290 Lake Rd, Webster
hedgesninemilepoint.com – (585) 265-3850
Hedges has been a Rochester favorite for years, boasting the best restaurant view of Lake Ontario. They are mostly known for their seafood, which is flown in fresh on a daily basis. Some of the menu highlights include the roasted prime rib of beef, Tuscan seafood pasta and seared fresh mahi-mahi. The outside area has cushioned seating to enjoy a drink while looking out over the lake.
SCHOONERS
40 Marina Dr, Rochester
shumwaymarine.com – (585) 342-8363
With a large deck overlooking the Genesee River, Schooners is a great spot to be in the summer. They have an excellent bar area that is covered by an open air gazebo. On the menu, the most popular items are the wings, Schooners salad and spindipper chicken wrap. Almost every night they have live music so check their website for the full schedule. There is also a beach area for kids that is great to keep them entertained.
CASTAWAYS
244 Lake Rd, Webster
castawaysonthelake.com – (585) 323-2943
Castaway’s has been a favorite Rochester waterfront dining spot since the 1920’s. With one of the best views of lake Ontario and huge deck space, this is a premier destination when the weather is good. Their marque menu item is the cajun rubbed blackened prime rib that comes in petite, regular and the huge anchor cut. Other dishes to try are the crab legs and chicken french.
Weekday Deals
- Monday-Thursday – 4pm to 6pm they have $4.00 well drinks, margaritas/house wines and $3.00 Bud Light drafts
GENNY BREW HOUSE
25 Cataract St Rochester
geneseebeer.com – (585) 263-9200
Once a 100 year old packaging center, the brew house is now a revitalized building with one of the most breathtaking views of the High Falls. You can choose to sit on the side porch or the roof deck, for an even better view. The menu is limited, but favorites include the Bavarian pretzels and beef on weck. They, of course, have an excellent selection of beers, with all of the tasty Genny options on tap. There is also a museum, shop and tasting room on the first floor.
Weekday Deals
- Tuesday – $2 off growler fills
- Wednesday – Keep the glass on a featured beer from 3pm – 6pm
