September 13, 2023

Rochester NY's Irresistible Brunch Spots: A Culinary Adventure for Weekend Warriors

Discover the best brunch spots in Rochester, NY with our guide to the city's top eateries, offering a variety of mouth-watering dishes, cozy atmospheres, and unique culinary experiences.

Richard Gargan
Richard Gargan
Reviewed from:
New York
Rochester NY's Irresistible Brunch Spots: A Culinary Adventure for Weekend Warriors
Editor's Note: Brunch Expert is supported by our readers. We sometimes earn commissions when you click through to restaurants or affiliate links.

As the third largest city in the Empire State, Rochester is not only home to the world-renowned Eastman School of Music and the iconic Strong Museum of Play, but it also boasts an impressive array of brunch spots that cater to a variety of tastes and preferences. In this guide, we will introduce you to the best brunch places in Rochester, each offering their own unique flair and scrumptious dishes that will make your weekends even more enjoyable. From cozy cafes with mouth-watering pastries to trendy bistros dishing up farm-to-table fare, you're sure to find a brunch spot that suits your palate and keeps you coming back for more. Join us as we explore the gastronomic delights of Rochester's vibrant brunch scene!

CRUMPETS

441 Monroe Ave, Rochester

(585) 434-2535

Reviewed by:

Crumpets in Rochester NY is a great spot to get delicious and unique crumpets. They have lots of options to choose from, including gluten free and vegetarian/vegan options, as well as meat and fish. The employees were friendly and the wait time wasn't long. The crumpets were flavorful and filling, and almost everything is homemade or local. The tea is good too. Highly recommended!

House of Whacks

250 Andrews St, Rochester

(585) 360-4800

Reviewed by:

House of Whacks for brunch in Rochester, NY offers amazing food and service at reasonable prices. The chicken and waffles are fresh and the honey butter served with it is delicious. Their Four Layer Shake is the perfect amount of sweet and the roast dinner with sides and a dessert is an amazing deal for $15 plus tax. The owners are friendly and attentive and offer free snacks and drinks to delivery drivers. Highly recommended!

POP ROC

45 Euclid St, Rochester

(585) 310-2423

Reviewed by:

POP ROC is a fun, family-friendly restaurant in Rochester, NY that serves up eclectic, unapologetically pop culture-inspired brunch options. Their menu features wild cereal combos, quirky drinks, and vegan options like the Impossible Chicken Nuggets with Sage Waffles. The staff is friendly and accommodating, and the atmosphere is filled with nostalgic collectibles. It's a great spot for a fun and delicious brunch experience!

Founders Cafe

13 S Fitzhugh St, Rochester

(585) 770-1721

Reviewed by:

Friends and I had a great experience at Founders Cafe for brunch in Rochester NY. The food was delicious, the service was superb, and the ambiance was great. We ordered two paninis, avocado toast, bacon, egg, and cheese on a ciabatta bread, and a wrap with chicken. The wrap could have had more pesto, but the coffees and cookie were a great treat. Sitting options are inside or outside, and the staff was wonderful. Highly recommended!

Amberly's Eatery

489 South Ave, Rochester

(585) 319-4322

Reviewed by:

We were seriously impressed with our visit to Amberly's Eatery for brunch in Rochester, NY. The place was clean and organized, the service was pleasant, and the food was delicious. We got crab cakes Benedict, cinnamon roll pancakes, and a French press coffee, all of which were excellent. The quality of the bacon was a pleasant surprise, and the portion sizes were generous. The French press coffee was fresh and vibrant, and the cinnamon roll pancakes were delightful. We plan to make this a regular stop for our weekend activities and highly recommend it to others.

Jines Restaurant

658 Park Ave, Rochester

(585) 461-1280

Reviewed by:

Jines Restaurant for brunch in Rochester, NY is an absolute must-try! From the warm and cozy atmosphere, to the generous Mimosas and top-notch breakfast food, Jines is the perfect place to enjoy a delicious brunch. The service is always spot on, and the prices are very reasonable. Highly recommend!

Edibles Restaurant and Bar

704 University Ave, Rochester

(585) 271-4910

Reviewed by:

Edibles Restaurant and Bar is a great spot for a date night. The staff is warm and welcoming, the drinks are on point, and the food is delicious. Prices are reasonable for the quality of food and atmosphere experienced. The ahi tuna wontons and Burrata are great starters, and the bolognese and Osso Bucco are well cooked and flavorful. Highly recommend!

Jim's On Main

785 E Main St, Rochester

(585) 442-4172

Reviewed by:

Jim's On Main is a great spot for breakfast and brunch. The food is delicious, the prices are very reasonable, and the staff are friendly and attentive. Highly recommended!

Brown Hound Downtown

500 University Ave, Rochester

(585) 506-9725

Reviewed by:

Brown Hound Downtown is a great spot for brunch in Rochester with a modern, chic atmosphere. The food is delicious and generous in portion size, and the service is great. The coffee is excellent and they also offer a charcuterie board and lobster bisque. Highly recommend for a nice brunch with friends or a date day.

The Mad Hatter Restaurant & Bakery

176 S Goodman St, Rochester

(585) 545-4985

Reviewed by:

The Mad Hatter Restaurant & Bakery is a great place to go for brunch in Rochester, NY. The staff is friendly and the food is delicious, with lots of gluten-free options. The restaurant is themed after Alice in Wonderland's Mad Hatter's tea party, giving it a unique atmosphere. High tea is a bit disappointing, with dry bread and baked goods, but the salad option is decent. All in all, it's a great place to go for a unique brunch experience.

ROAM Cafe

260 Park Ave, Rochester

(585) 360-4165

Reviewed by:

ROAM Cafe is a great spot for lunch or dinner. The fish fry, red snapper, spinach artichoke dip, pizza, smothered chicken, steak, salad and pasta and shrimp dishes are all highly recommended. The food is freshly prepared and of high quality, and service is fast and friendly. The atmosphere is great and overall it's a great spot for a night out. Highly recommended.

Highland Park Diner

960 S Clinton Ave, Rochester

(585) 461-5040

Reviewed by:

Highland Park Diner in Rochester, NY offers a great classic diner experience with delicious breakfast food, plenty of options, and a cozy atmosphere. The Gyro Skillet and the two egg combo were both excellent, and the coffee was hot and tasty. The wait times can be long, but it's worth it for the old-time feel and the delicious food.

The Gate House

274 N Goodman St, Rochester

(585) 473-2090

Reviewed by:

The Gate House for brunch in Rochester, NY is a great place to visit for a delicious meal. The food is amazing, with huge portions for a great price. The atmosphere is inviting and the service is attentive. Highly recommend for a great brunch experience!

Peppermill Restaurant

1776 Dewey Ave, Rochester

(585) 621-4527

Reviewed by:

Peppermill Restaurant in Rochester, NY is a classic diner offering breakfast all day with excellent options on the menu. The staff is warm and welcoming, and very accommodating and attentive to customers. The chefs presentation shows attention to detail and the food is amazing. The only downside is that there is no military discount, but otherwise Peppermill is a great place to enjoy a delicious brunch.

1872 Cafe

431 W Main St, Rochester

(585) 323-1872

Reviewed by:

1872 Cafe offers a unique dining experience that celebrates women's rights. The menu is expansive and includes numerous vegan, gluten free, and customizable options. The food is made with fresh ingredients and is worth the wait. The Suzy B breakfast pizza is a unique dish, and the coffee order is always accurate. Customers appreciate the friendly customer service and atmosphere.

Busy Bee

124 W Main St, Rochester

(585) 232-4991

Reviewed by:

Busy Bee is an old fashioned diner that offers an authentic and delicious experience. The prices are straight out of the 70s, and the menu includes traditional diner items like garage plates, breakfast sandwiches, grilled cheese, and more. The atmosphere is friendly and the owner is accommodating. If you're looking for a delicious diner experience, Busy Bee is the place to go.

Mt Hope Family Diner

1511 Mt Hope Ave, Rochester

(585) 256-1939

Reviewed by:

Visitors to Mt Hope Family Diner in Rochester, NY can expect a friendly and speedy service, with great options for gluten free diners. The staff are always friendly and accommodating, and the food is always delicious. A great place to grab a bite to eat, and the owner is very passionate about providing excellent customer service.

Locals Only

311 Alexander St, Rochester

(585) 537-7566

Reviewed by:

Locals Only is a great spot for brunch in Rochester, NY. The food is delicious, the staff is courteous, and the environment is quaint. The Chef's special is a unique concept and the blueberry lavender flight is a must-try. The online menu is easy to use and the staff is helpful. Highly recommend!

Blu Wolf Bistro

657 Park Ave, Rochester

(585) 270-4467

Reviewed by:

Blu Wolf Bistro offers great food and drinks at reasonable prices, with friendly and attentive service. The atmosphere is great for a night out with friends, and the burgers, pasta with shrimp, and salads are particularly delicious. The brunch bowl is also a great choice.

The Hideaway

197 Park Ave, Rochester

(585) 434-0511

Reviewed by:

The Hideaway in Rochester, NY is a great place to have a meal, whether it be brunch, dinner, or a special event like a rehearsal dinner. The food is fantastic and the service is top-notch, with special mention to the bartender Meg who is a genius at cocktails. The ambiance is perfect for any occasion and the private space for more private parties is a great plus. Highly recommended!

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