WHAT’S NEW
Spotted Octopus Brewing Co. opened mid-March in the space that was formerly Roc Brewing, which sadly closed in October. This is the second location for Spotted Octopus. The original spot is in Buffalo’s Allentown neighborhood. Moving forward, all of Spotted Octopus’s beer will be brewed in Rochester. The brewery is open for lunch, dinner, and drinks, offering a menu that features brewery classics with a Mediterranean twist, plus a kids’ menu. In addition to its house-brewed beer, Spotted Octopus serves New York State wine, spirits, and cocktails. The space includes seating for 100 guests inside and 30 on the patio, along with a private event space. Closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Redd Wood opened in mid-March on Monroe Avenue in Brighton—and the buzz has been extraordinary. The restaurant is already earning rave reviews, with diners praising its innovative menu, warm ambiance, and top-tier execution. This is the second Rochester restaurant from Michellin-starred chef Richard Reddington. Redd Wood is a partnership with Marty O’Sullivan, founder or Marty’s Meats. The restaurant opened in the renovated space that formerly housed Grinnell’s Restaurant. The menu offers hearth-fired seasonal cuisine with French and Italian influences. Open Tuesday–Sunday from 5 PM.
Big changes are coming to 120 East Main Street with a major downtown redevelopment. The long-vacant Rochester Riverside Hotel is being transformed into a vibrant mixed-use destination, leveraging its prime location along the Genesee River. The 14-story revitalization will feature three floors of hotel rooms, eight floors of 171 market rate and mixed income for rent apartments, ground-level retail spaces and restaurant with outdoor dining, and meeting space and exhibit space that will complement the Joseph A. Floreano Rochester Riverside Convention Center Commercial (connected via enclosed pedestrian bridge). Developer Angelo Ingrassia is teaming up with Ellicott Development of Buffalo for the project, with completion expected in 2027. Read more
A new curated space opened at the top of the Metropolitan April 1st. Prive offers exclusivity through its amenities, services and comfort as you view Rochester from an elevated perspective on the 26th floor with panoramic views. 3The venue accommodates up to 40 guests for seated events and up to 75 for cocktail receptions. For overnight stays, Prive provides customizable short-term accommodations for up to six guests. Rates are available upon request.
(Adult) summer school is about to get fun. A-List is bringing all of you who thirst for knowledge Geeks Unleashed, a new happy hour event series where you can learn something new over a drink. We got our feet wet with Geeks Unleashed in 2024, and we’re ready to get our geek on in 2025 with a schedule of fun locations to get a drink while soaking up insider knowledge from local experts. Each event is your chance to give google a rest and gain access to a local expert sharing insights and advice on topics you’re interested in. Classrooms/beverage destinations move around the city so you can explore great spots to grab a drink while you are learning new things. Learn how to make spring rolls on the beach with Food Network Hell’s Kitchen finalist Chef Kimberly Roth at Marge’s, discover extremely cool things you iphone can do with Apple Insider Dave Pope at Lock 32, and more dropping to the calendar for summer sessions. Got ideas for what we should dive into next? Help us choose topics and experts by filling out our quick two minute survey. Rodney Dangerfield had the right idea going back to school.
The much-anticipated Bonnie & Clyde opened in February, bringing a new energy to Fairport’s already booming food and beverage scene. Housed in the original Fairport National Bank (built in 1924), the restaurant blends historic architecture with a fresh, modern dining experience. Original details remain, from soaring ceilings to oversized windows, and the old bank vault has been reimagined as a private dining space.
The restaurant is the latest project from Jodi and Chef Greg Johnson, the team behind The Cub Room, which recently closed. Their menu focuses on seasonal American cuisine, highlighting fresh ingredients with a creative touch. The cocktail list is just as considered, offering a mix of classic and house creations. Open Wednesday through Saturday for dinner service. Lunch and brunch coming soon.
It’s not brand new, but it’s new to our What’s New spotlight—X-Golf Pittsford has been giving golfers a high-tech indoor experience since opening at Pittsford Plaza in November 2024. With a fun bar, TVs at every bay and at the bar, and state-of-the-art simulators, it’s a great place to swing your clubs and catch your favorite sporting event. Speaking of great sporting events—Masters Weekend is coming up April 10. Grab a bay, order a drink, and enjoy Masters-themed specials at the bar while watching the tournament with other fans.
The 7,036-square-foot facility features eight advanced golf simulators that utilize a combination of camera systems, infrared lasers, and impact sensors to deliver unparalleled accuracy and realism. X-Golf has a full bar and kitchen, offering local beers, craft cocktails, and seltzers, along with a menu of shareable items like soft pretzels with dipping sauces, chicken wings and tenders, hummus plates, and nachos—perfect for fueling up between swings. They also host corporate events and parties.
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The warm weather is on its way, and we know that means more days and nights out exploring and enjoying our wonderful city. Whether you’re grabbing a bite at a new restaurant, checking out an exciting event, or trying something new, there’s no shortage of things to check out and places to love. If you liked this post, (or just want to chat about all things Rochester), let us know. And if you’re hungry for more insider tips about what’s great in our city, sign up for our Insider email list (top right on this page) to be the first to be in the know about what’s new and what’s great in Rochester, NY.
Top Photo by Monica Mullen
