14 Best Brunch Spots In Rochester, NY (Best Cafes, Diners, & Bistros)

Going out for brunch is one of the best ways to spend a weekend morning. However, when you’re on vacation, you should be having brunch every morning. If you’re going to be visiting Rochester, NY, you may be wondering what some of the best brunch spots in the area are.

There’s a great assortment of brunch spots in Rochester. You’ll be able to find delicious food all throughout the city. One of the best brunch restaurants is Brown Hound Downtown. This restaurant has an amazing brunch menu and features daily specials. Another great choice is Trata. It features all of America’s favorite brunch dishes and more, including a breakfast burger.

Are you looking for a spot to eat brunch in Rochester, NY? Today, we’re going to tell you about some of the best places to enjoy your favorite meal of the day. These restaurants have menus that are so good, that you’ll want to make room to try all of them.

1. Brown Hound Downtown

• Address: 500 University Ave, Rochester, NY
• Phone Number: 585-506-9725
• Michelin Rating: N/A

Brown Hound Downtown is one of the most comforting brunch spots in Rochester. Locals and tourists alike have fallen in love with this brunch menu. Diners enjoy this restaurant because it’s where healthy eating and comfort food collide.

What To Eat At Brown Hound Downtown

People that want a hearty favorite can enjoy classics like country-style eggs benedict or chicken and waffle. The menu also features lighter options for people that don’t want a heavy brunch. You can enjoy a deluxe take on avocado toast or a nutritious grain bowl. We can’t forget about the fresh veggie frittata either. 

Why Should You Eat Here?

Brown Hound Downtown has something for everyone on its brunch menu. This is one of the best spots to consider for family outings or with a group of friends. Even picky eaters can find something they enjoy on this menu.

The restaurant is quaint and cozy, with excellent service. It is a small restaurant, but it does have a very intimate setting. It's the perfect spot to enjoy a great meal with good company.

• Yelp Rating: 4.5
• Cost: $$
• Specialty Dish: Stuffed French Toast
• Cuisine: American      

2. Trata

• Address: 145 Culver Rd, Rochester, NY
• Phone Number: 585-270-5460
• Michelin Rating: N/A

Sunday mornings in Rochester are made for brunch at Trata. This trendy restaurant is known for its delicious brunch menu and the self-serve beer and wine station. The beer wall has a unique selection of brews with new types frequently being added.

What To Eat At Trata

Groups often start off the meal by sharing a grilled toast basket. This selection of fresh bread and biscuits gets served with homemade jam and butter. For the main event, the menu features a selection of light, classic, and hearty brunch dishes.

Mixed berry bowl is a sweet and refreshing dish that’s also loaded with nutrients. For something hearty, the sunrise poutine has all your favorite breakfast ingredients, smothered with Havarti cheese and gravy.

Why Should You Eat Here?

The only day of the week that Trata is open in the morning is Sunday. For this day, they go above and beyond to create a wonderful brunch experience for their guests. You can expect friendly service, scrumptious food, and delicious brunch cocktails. The tables at Sunday brunches do fill up fast, so you should make reservations.

• Yelp Rating: 3.5
• Cost: $$
• Specialty Dish: Sunrise Poutine
• Cuisine: American

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3. The Frog Pond

• Address: 652 Park Ave, Rochester, NY
• Phone Number: 585-271-1970
• Michelin Rating: N/A

The Frog Pond has been a brunch hotspot since 1975. It's known for having a delicious brunch menu and funky decor. The walls are lined with paintings by local artists as well. This restaurant has become a staple to Rochester's community.

What To Eat At The Frog Pond

If you’re in the mood for an omelet, this is the restaurant to visit. There are 20 different omelets on the menu. A favorite is The Little Comfort, which is an omelet made with chili and cheese and a lot of flavors.

Eggs benedict lovers will also be impressed with this menu. The Frog Pond has 8 different takes on this classic brunch favorite. A delicious version is The Michelle, eggs benedict with mushrooms and swiss cheese. 

Why Should You Eat Here?

The Frog Pond has something for everyone’s tastebuds. There is a wide selection of fresh off-the-griddle dishes, with bacon, eggs, and all your favorite brunch sides. People can also satisfy their sweet tooth from the sweet goodness section of the menu, featuring pancakes, waffles, and french toast.

This locally owned business also serves a variety of vegetarian-friendly dishes. They want to make sure everyone can find something they enjoy on the menu.

• Yelp Rating: 3.5
• Cost: $$
• Specialty Dish: Crab Cake Benedict
• Cuisine: American

4. The Mad Hatter Restaurant & Bakery

• Address: 176 S. Goodman St, Rochester, NY
• Phone Number: 585-545-4985
• Michelin Rating: N/A

The Mad Hatter Restaurant and Bakery is all about putting a unique twist on the menu items. This restaurant has a delicious brunch menu with so many options, that it’s hard to settle on just one.

What To Eat At The Mad Hatter Bakery

So, what can you expect on this brunch menu? A little bit of everything. There are brunch bowls, paninis, quiches, eggs benedict, and more. The Mad Hatter even features a mouth-watering vegan section on the brunch menu.

Tater toppers are also a hit to go along with dishes served with potatoes. You can choose from different vegetables, cheese, and meats.

Why Should You Eat Here?

The Mad Hatter is a top-choice brunch location in Rochester because of the wide selection. On top of brunch, there is also a full-service bakery in this restaurant with many fresh treats.

Guests have the option to make reservations for high tea, which features a bottomless pot of tea. They can choose their own selection of tea for the event. High tea is only available at certain times of the day, and there is no option to reserve it on Sundays.

• Yelp Rating: 4
• Cost: $$
• Specialty Dish: The Mad Hatter Plate
• Cuisine: American

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5. The Cub Room

• Address: 739 South Clinton Ave, Rochester, NY
• Phone Number: 585-504-2790
• Michelin Rating: N/A

The Cub Room is one of the best spots for brunch in Rochester because they use fresh seasonal ingredients. These brunch platters don’t disappoint. They will have you wishing it was Sunday morning every day of the week.

What To Eat At The Cub Room

This is one of the best spots for groups of friends and families because there are brunch-style appetizers to share. Guests can share plates like Manhattan donuts (whiskey glazed donuts) or hush puppies (shrimp and jalapeno with aioli).

The entrees on the bunch menu feature classic dishes with The Cub Room flare. Avocado toast and frittatas are always a different experience here because they’re prepared with seasonal ingredients. You won’t get the same thing every time you visit.

Why Should You Eat Here?

The Cub Room is a traditional American restaurant with a spectacular Sunday brunch menu. They are only open for brunch on Sundays, so you won't want to miss out. The chef takes All-American brunch items and puts a luxurious spin on them.

• Yelp Rating: 4
• Cost: $$$
• Specialty Dish: Seasonal Avocado Toast
• Cuisine: American

6. The Revelry

• Address: 1290 University Ave, Rochester, NY
• Phone Number: 585-340-6454
• Michelin Rating: N/A

The Revelry is proof that cocktail bars are some of the best places to have brunch. This restaurant is known for its exclusive drinks and fine dining atmosphere. The servers and chefs here are very attentive to detail with every order.

What To Eat At The Revelry

The Revelry has its own selection of brunch menu items that set it apart from other brunch hotspots in Rochester. This includes menu items like pork belly hash, shrimp + grits, and smoked char lox. Instead of a BLT, you can have a BLAST with avocado and salt bread. Another menu item guests can't get enough of is the beet-deviled eggs.

Why Should You Eat Here?

The brunch menu here also comes with the signature brunch cocktail menu. They put a boozy spin on some of your favorite breakfast beverages. Earl t-shirt is made for tea lovers. This brunch cocktail mixes earl grey with chardonnay and gin. If you really want to wake your taste buds up, you should try the Tran 84. It’s a combination of tequila, sriracha, lemon, and cucumber. 

• Yelp Rating: 4
• Cost: $$
• Specialty Dish: Beet Deviled Eggs
• Cuisine: American

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7. Cure

• Address: 50 Public Market, Rochester, NY
• Phone Number: 585-563-7941
• Michelin Rating: N/A

Cure has made a name for itself by serving guests meals that are farm-to-table. Everything you order here is made fresh with local ingredients. The menu is simple but features dishes that have the perfect balance of creativity and flavor.

What To Eat At Cure

A lot of people love this brunch spot because it features menu items that are custom to Cure. Dishes like lemon ricotta pancakes, oatmeal brulee, and kataifi eggs are some of the best-selling items that regulars look forward to every Sunday.

Guests can also enjoy a cocktail with their Cure brunch. Community coffee is a favorite, which is a mixture of espresso, whiskey, creme de cacao, and sugar. Regulars also enjoy the Pamplemousse mimosa to wake up their tastebuds.

Why Should you Eat Here?

The atmosphere at Cure sets the right tone for a great meal. It's dimly lit and very intimate. The decor is a lot of fun as well. You can expect exceptional service and some very unique dishes. They have specialty menu items that you can't find anywhere else in Rochester.

• Yelp Rating: 4
• Cost: $$
• Specialty Dish: Boudin Benedict
• Cuisine: American & French

8. Jines Restaurant

• Address: 658 Park Ave, Rochester, NY
• Phone Number: 585-461-1280
• Michelin Rating: N/A

Jines is a family-friendly brunch spot that features items even the pickiest eaters will enjoy. There is a full breakfast and lunch menu that guests can order from.

What To Eat At Jines Restaurant

Jines also has a specialty brunch menu. The menu does get changed seasonally, so guests may get to try a new brunch special each time they visit. While the dishes change, you can also expect housemade food with the freshest ingredients.

Some of the most scrumptious brunch items on the menu include breakfast poutine, french toast, and Belgium waffles. Guests also left great reviews about the eggs benedict.

Why Should You Eat Here?

Jines is also known for its exclusive brunch mimosas. Guests can choose from a variety of flavors, such as orange, apple cider, pineapple, cranberry, or grapefruit. Another popular brunch cocktail is the High Noon Sun Sip vodka soda. 

This is also a great family-friendly location. If you have young kids that are picky, you can find items like cereal, danishes, muffins, and other kid-friendly foods.

• Yelp Rating: 4
• Cost: $$
• Specialty Dish: Eggs Benedict
• Cuisine: American and Greek

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9. POP ROC: Pop Culture Cafe

• Address: 45 Euclid St, Rochester, NY
• Phone Number: 585-310-2423
• Michelin Rating: N/A

POP ROC is Rochester’s first comic book shop and cereal bar. Guests travel from all over to try the unique cereal combinations at this cafe. However, it’s not just the amazing cereal combos that are catching guests’ attention. POP ROC also has a great brunch menu.

What To Eat At POP ROC

The brunch menu features something for all brunch eaters. There are classic American breakfast items, lighter options, burgers, chicken, grits, and more. Brunch boards are also a great menu item for groups.

If you want a brunch meal that stays in tune with POP ROC’s original cereal theme, you should try ROC Toast. This is french toast taken to the next level. The bread is soaked in cinnamon toast crunch cereal milk. After it’s cooked, it’s tossed in cinnamon sugar.

Why Should You Eat Here?

People enjoy eating here to get a dose of nostalgia. Many kids grew up eating cereal and watching cartoons on Saturday morning. At POP ROC, guests can eat their favorite cereal combinations and get their hands on some comic book merchandise. This place has everyone feeling like a kid again.

• Yelp Rating: 4.5
• Cost: $$
• Specialty Dish: ROC Toast
• Cuisine: American

10. Blu Wolf Bistro

• Address: 657 Park Ave, Rochester, NY
• Phone Number: 585-270-4467
• Michelin Rating: N/A

Blu Wolf Bistro is the best gastro-pub in Rochester. This restaurant is known for featuring a variety of events throughout the week. One event you should keep your eyes open for is the Brunch Event. This is often held on Saturday and Sunday late mornings.

What To Eat At Blu Wolf Bistro

Hangover bowls are a hit at Blu Wolf Bistro. You can choose your favorite combination to help you fuel up after a night of too much fun. There are also several brunch entrees that make guests' mouths water. The corned beef breakfast and the chicken & waffle plate are both very popular menu items.

Why Should You Eat Here?

These brunch events will usually have a special to get people interested, like BOGO mimosas. However, the menu is packed full of delicious brunch dishes that will have people looking forward to the event all week long.

Are you in the mood for breakfast, but your bestie is in the mood for lunch? No problem. You don’t have to compromise at the Blu Wolf Bistro brunch events. These menus have a big selection of both breakfast and lunch dishes.

• Yelp Rating: 3.5
• Cost: $$
• Specialty Dish: The Walk Of Shame (hangover bowl)
• Cuisine: Gastropub

11. Locals Only

• Address: 311 Alexander St, Rochester, NY 
• Phone Number: 585-537-7566
• Michelin Rating: N/A

Locals Only features a brunch menu that’s available every day of the week. Fridays are the most exciting day for brunch at this restaurant because they host hip-hop brunch from 8 am to 3 pm. Guests can listen to 90s hip-hop to get them energized for the rest of the day.

What To Eat At Locals Only

This menu features a great selection of brunch items, like the breakfast burrito and Gucci egg sandwich. However, the one menu item that also catches people's attention is the chef’s choice. The description says “trust us” and the reviews say that you definitely should.

Another menu item that people can’t resist is the morning glory. This dish features 3 eggs with braised brisket and au jus. It’s served with fresh-cut breakfast potatoes. 

Why Should You Eat Here?

Rochester residents love this brunch hotspot for many reasons. They are considerate about special dietary needs. Guests can easily find gluten-free and vegetarian-friendly meals because they are labeled on the menu.

• Yelp Rating: 4.5
• Cost: $$
• Specialty Dish: Chef's Choice
• Cuisine: American

12. Jim’s On Main

• Address: 785 East Main St, Rochester, NY
• Phone Number: 585-442-4172
• Michelin Rating: N/A

Jim’s On Main has been awarded the best diner in Western NY. If you’re only going to be in Rochester for a short time, you will need to put this brunch diner on your bucket list. It doesn’t matter if you arrive late, their breakfast menu is available all day long. 

What To Eat At Jim's On Main

There are two pages of breakfast items on this menu. You can get everything from cinnamon Texas french toast to eggs Florentine. They offer the best selection of breakfast sandwiches and frittatas as well.

Jim’s On Main also has a selection of kid-friendly brunch meals. The #1 choice for many kids is the Mickey Mouse-shaped pancake. However, they can also get kids-sized portions of bacon and eggs or waffles.

Why Should You Eat Here?

At Jim's On Main, you can get delicious food at affordable prices. While the food is great, the service is even better. You'll be greeted by friendly staff that are happy to make sure you have a great crunch experience. This is why it's such a popular restaurant for visitors.

• Yelp Rating: 4.5
• Cost: $
• Specialty Dish: Cinnamon French Bread French Toast
• Cuisine: American

13. Roam Cafe

• Address: 260 Park Ave, Rochester, NY
• Phone Number: 585-360-4165
• Michelin Rating: N/A

Roam Cafe hosts Sunday brunch to end your weekend on a delightful note. Guests can enjoy starting their meal off with a carafe of mimosas for the whole group. Every week there are new brunch specials included on the menu as well.

What To Eat At Roam Cafe

The regular brunch menu that guests can expect every Sunday includes a variety of breakfast pizzas, quiche, ham and cheese croissants, and more. Guests that want a light bite to eat can enjoy a fruit salad parfait. 

The type of quiche will change each week. This is because the quiches are handmade using fresh seasonal ingredients. Roam Cafe also features a vegan-friendly tofu scramble with toast and home fries. 

Why Should You Eat Ate At Roam Cafe?

This cozy and casual breakfast cafe prides itself on having something for everyone. Guests enjoy the warm and welcoming atmosphere on top of the delicious food. It's also conveniently located on Park Avenue, near many attractions and shops.

• Yelp Rating: 3.5
• Cost: $$
• Specialty Dish: Housemade Quiche
• Cuisine: American and Italian

14. Morgan’s Cereal Bar

• Address:320 East Ave, Rochester, NY
• Phone Number: 585-434-2014
• Michelin Rating: N/A

Morgan’s Cereal Bar is an amazing brunch spot in Rochester if you want a sugar rush. This exciting spot is the best place in Rochester for cereal and waffles. You can find all your favorite childhood cereals and then some. 

What To Eat At Morgan's Cereal Bar

Morgan's Cereal Bar has over 35 different kinds of cereal. However, there is more than just cereal at this bar. The waffle specials will have you feeling like a kid again. Choose from flavors like chocolate lovers or cereal-infused waffles. 

If you don’t want something sugary but are visiting this place with others, you’re not out of luck. There are several savory items on the brunch menu as well. You can choose from omelets, breakfast sandwiches, and even a shrimp and grits combo.

Why Should You Eat Here?

Morgan's Cereal Bar is all about getting creative with your breakfast. If you want to have fun with your breakfast, you can treat your cereal like a sundae. There’s a variety of fruit, candy, and other toppings. You can also add a flavored drizzle, like strawberry, caramel, or chocolate. Of course, there’s whipped cream as well!

• Yelp Rating: 4
• Cost: $$
• Specialty Dish: Cereal Infused Waffle
• Cuisine: American