THE REAL GREATER ROC FOOD SCENE, ACCORDING TO THESE LOCALS
Six people shared their favorite spots in the region. Spoiler alert: They’re delicious.
There’s no other way to say it: Our food scene is amazing. From corner pubs to Michelin-rivaling restaurants, we have countless opportunities to taste something special. It’s part of what gives our community its flavor. The only problem is deciding where to go.
Where do you go? Good question. Ask 50 different people and you’ll get 50 different answers. We started with six locals and they shared their favorite spots from all across Greater ROC.
Dicky’s Corner Pub
Dicky’s is the kind of warm, unpretentious bar that feels like the treehouse from your childhood, but they serve great wings and a $2 Utica Club. I’ve also heard that the gorgeous antique ornamental back bar is worth more than the building itself, but that might be one of those apocryphal bits of lore that comes with being a South Wedge institution for so long. It has everything you want in a good neighborhood dive: free popcorn, a pool table, dart board, TouchTunes machine and every local character. You’re also likely to meet the who’s who of the Wedge’s four-legged companions, as much a meeting spot for friendly dogs as it is for friendly people. Plus they serve a mean poutine and a killer fish fry. It’s a classic for a reason. Dicky’s forever!
—Sara L.
Cure
This past weekend, my boyfriend and I celebrated our two-year anni at Cure in the Public Market. Everything was so beautifully curated, from the drinks to the presentation of the app special to the postcard they sent us home with. They had a delicious brie special with cold fingerling potatoes as dippers, and I didn’t realize it but they specialize in carbonated cocktails. My BF got a carbonated old-fashioned, which I think took him a minute to get used to, but he couldn’t take too long because I was taking a lot of sips … something I love about Greater ROC restaurants is this little hint of the unexpected everywhere you go. Cure had the vibe, the food, the drinks and the bubbles.
—Kate G.
Big Tree Inn
As a SUNY Geneseo graduate, I have to give a shoutout to Big Tree Inn. Sitting in the heart of Main Street, this Livingston County icon has been around for 130 years—and for good reasons. With ample outdoor seating and a cozy yet fancy indoor setup, Big Tree is the perfect place for an event, date or fun family dinner. My mom and I went recently and although we don’t usually eat red meat, we both got burgers that were delicious. Definitely one of the best I’ve had in a long time. As we finished up our dinner, we were just able to catch one of the iconic Geneseo sunsets on our way out. Doesn’t get better than that!
—Trevor C.
Sips Coffee & Café
One of my weekend rituals is driving to Sips, getting a week’s worth of coffee beans, snagging a latte for my wife, smoothies for the kids, then driving back with a cappuccino in my hand. Not a bad way to start the day, huh? It helps too that the staff is delightful. Kind, caring and totally embedded in the Irondequoit community. My wife and I recently went there after getting our kids on the bus for the first day of school. We figured what better way to come to terms with the children getting older than by stuffing our faces with a sausage, egg and cheese on a bagel? Turns out, a lot of parents felt the same way, because the place was packed. Further proof that Sips is there when you need them most.
—Nick G.
AM:FM Creekside
AM:FM Creekside opened in Churchville in January of this year, and I've probably been there every week since. Unassuming from the outside but modern inside, without feeling like you can’t let your kids touch anything with their jelly fingers. The Adirondack chairs and seating by the creek have been amazing over the summer, and it feels like every time we go, they’re adding reasons to come back—serving ice cream, adding a stage to the outdoor space.
—Jewel M.
Park Place Restaurant
Some friends were back in town for our 10-year reunion at St. John Fisher University, so naturally we took them to one of our go-to weekend brunch spots: Park Place Restaurant. It’s right down the street from our house and an easy stop off the Thruway, making it especially convenient when we have friends visiting.
Everyone was craving something savory, so we ordered a mix of omelets, frittatas and the Mississippi Benny, which came topped with a flavorful sausage gravy. Everything was delicious, the portions were generous and our servers were incredibly attentive. Their French toast is also a favorite, so I already know what I’m ordering next time!
—Gina P.
Everyone has their spot. Old, new, inventive or tried-and-true—Greater ROC has something for everyone, no matter your taste. Some call it a food scene. We call it a food culture.