Top Lunch Spots - Rochester A-List - Rochester NY Restaurants

With summer in full swing, it seems the perfect time to share this guest post with you from Seize the Weekday about lunch. It is never a good idea to eat lunch at your desk. And the next time you need to take a client out to lunch or a friend says “let’s do lunch,” you will have several very good ideas to work into your summer lunch schedule. Enjoy. Seize the Weekday is a great (local) website to keep you in the know about Rochester area weekday deals!

Top Lunch Spots That Won’t Break The Bank

It’s time to stop bringing that lame turkey and rye sandwich to work with you every day. Instead, break out of the daily office monotony and cozy up to some of the tastiest lunch spots in town. The seven restaurants below all have reputable food selections, along with favorable price points, so you aren’t breaking the bank having lunch.

La Casa in The South Wedge

La Casa

$2 Tacos on Tuesdays

This South Wedge eatery has made a name for itself as one of the premier Mexican cocinas in the Flower City. The tacos come dressed with their signature salsa and grilled shells that add the perfect crunch. If tacos aren’t your fancy, try the empanadas, queso fundido, or quesadillas. La Casa always brings chips and salsa to start for free – so you are never going to leave hungry. Also, their outside deck is lined with picnic tables for warm weather enjoyment.

2Vine in the East End

2Vine

Small Plate Lunch Menu

Rochester’s titan in New American and seasonal cuisine, 2Vine has recently introduced a delightful small plate menu. There are a wide array of items here, including creative salads, aged sirloin, Cape Cod clams, house made sausage, cured salmon and even jambalaya. The best part is these unique dishes range from $9 – $14. Be sure to take advantage of their beautiful side patio that is surrounded by lush plant life.

Amore by Wegmans, East Avenue

Amore Italian Restaurant and Wine Bar

$7 Express Lunch

Set inside the East Avenue Wegmans, the Italian restaurant and wine bar offers a superb deal if you are a panini lover. For just $7 you get a half panini, soup or salad and soft drink – all in a 30 minute time frame. Highly recommend the Spicy Amore panini which comes hot pressed with salumi, provolone, and delicious Calabrian chilies. Amore is also well known for their thin crust pizzas if you need a bigger meal.

Buta Pub in The South Wedge

Buta Pub

$3 Tacos on Tuesdays

Located in the basement of the historic German House, this Asian inspired kitchen surprisingly serves great tacos as well. They have a wide selection, including tempura fish, chorizo, carnitas, rock shrimp and chicken tacos. If you are looking for something more than tacos, get your hands on their ramen bowls. Fans of celebrity chef, David Chang, know about these noodle delights from his famous Momofuku restaurants.

Next Door by Wegmans in Pittsford

Next Door by Wegmans

$15 Burger and Beer on Monday

Having a marque hamburger has quickly become the trendy menu item at a majority of Rochester’s best kitchens. The Next Door is no different. Their burger incarnation comes piled with bacon, pickled cucumber, tomato, lettuce and a spicy mayo lathered on a tasty brioche bun. The bonus here is the beer that the deal comes with. The Next Door Ale is a delicious English pale ale that is custom made by Rohrbach Brewing Company.

California Rollin’ at The Village Gate

California Rollin’

2 for 1 Sushi Rolls Tuesday – Saturday

Tucked away in the Village Gate, California Rollin has been a long standing sushi retreat for Rochesterians. Their extensive list of sushi options include variations of raw, cooked and nigiri style. Other dishes of interest include the wasabi dumplings and moo moo platter, which is seared beef with a delicious brown glaze. If the weather is cooperating, be sure to sit outside in the decorative Village Gate court yard.

Ox and Stone in the East End

Ox and Stone

$9.75 In and Out Lunch Deal

The Latin influenced bistro lets you choose three menu items and promises that the whole experience will take a half hour. Perfect for the on-the-go worker, looking for a quick and tasty meal. The three choices you get are a salsa with fresh made chips, an entre and a side dish. The best bet is to go with the hobenero salsa, chicken tacos and spicy black beans. We promise, you will leave full and happy.

Grappa Italian Restaurant at College Town

College Town

Wednesday Music Lunch

It’s all about music and dining options during the Wednesday Music Lunch happening all summer long at College Town. Gather your co-workers or make a lunch date with a friend and take in the sunshine and atmosphere. Grab your lunch to go from one of the many restaurants and eat picnic style (bring chairs or a blanket to sit on). Moe’s, Grappa, Breathe Yoga, Constantino’s Market, Corner Bakery, The Beer Market, or Jimmy Johns. Music is noon-2pm.