September 2015 – Seize the Weekday

Whether you are getting together for a special family occasion, important business dinner, or just want to eat out like a straight baller – private dining is something you must experience. These secluded dining areas allow for a unique and intimate setting with a menu that is customized to your exact needs. There is nothing like it, so if you have a special occasion, contact one of the eleven restaurants below to set up your private dining experience.

Good Luck
50 Anderson Ave, Rochester, NY
One of Rochester’s most popular restaurants has two favorable options for secluded dining. The private dining room is set off the main room and can host a maximum of 32 guests for a sit down dinner. The meal is a pre-selected menu tailored to your preferences and served family style over several courses. If you want to take things to the next level, you have to go with the chef’s table. Up to 14 people can sit on a raised seating area that overlooks the bustling Good Luck kitchen. The menu is much more customizable with a multi course meal, chosen among three totally unique themes. The themes include Farm to Table (Whatever is in season), Salmanazar (Italian, Indian or French), or Nautilus (Seafood). The chef’s table is great for foodies who want to be up close and personal with the hustle of a professional kitchen.

TRATA
145 Culver Rd Rochester
TRATA has a lot of designated areas for private parties throughout their sprawling location – but their Riley Room is the best for an intimate dining experience. The completely private room fits 16 people for a sit down dinner. You will dine on a stylish long table that ends at a 50″ flat screen TV set on a beautiful exposed brick wall. For food, your options include creating a custom made menu or order off the regular menu that is best described as ‘upscale American fare.’ The Riley Room is perfect for getting a group of friends together in a casual setting – but be sure to venture out on the roof deck for a night time cocktail after.

Amore
1750 East Ave Rochester
The Italian restaurant by Wegman’s has a private room that encompasses one of the most unique atmospheres around. The Tower Room is adorned with lavish drapes, tall chairs and a cathedral ceiling that evokes a medieval castle atmosphere. The room seats up to 11 people with a round table that has a lazy susan to help facilitate family style food sharing. You can order off the menu, pre plan a family style menu or create a limited menu of your own choice. The Tower is an excellent option for getting a group together over classic Italian fare in a fun setting that may remind you of Game of Thrones.

City Grill
384 East Ave Rochester
The Grill Room at City Grill has one of the best and most spacious set ups for a private dinning experience in all of Rochester. The modern designed room has its own full bar, private outdoor patio space and a 70″ TV mounted among the unique pieces of art lining the wall. With up to 40 people, you can do a sit down dinner with a set menu, buffet, stations, or appetizer packages. The Grill Room is perfect for high end business dinners with an upscale American menu.

Monroe’s
3001 Monroe Ave Rochester
Monroe’s Restaurant plays host to a classic Victorian setting in their private room set off the main dining area. Sit down dinner can be done for up to 50 people and the space is equipped with a fireplace to add extra ambiance. Furthermore, they have a side room that has a private bar if your party needs a healthy stream of cocktails. For food, you can order off a pre set menu, full buffet or just order off the regular menu. If you are looking for a classy, old age dining experience with standard Italian dishes done right, this room will work best.

Black and Blue
3349 Monroe Ave Rochester
Black and Blue features two unique spaces for private dining. First is the Club Room which accommodates 30 guests for a meal and features a working gas fireplace. The other is the Board Room that accommodates 16 guests for a meal and features a high-definition television with PC connectivity, and internet access. They have five different menu options for events or you can order off the regular menu. Black and Blue is most know for their steaks and seafood, so if that is what your group craves, then this is your spot.

The Ox and Stone
282 Alexander St Rochester
Upstairs in the Ox and Stone lies a truly private space called the Turret Room that hosts up to 50 guests. This magnificent room has exposed brick walls and various pieces of artwork, that adorn spacious area. If you are looking for a smaller and more intimate setting, The Tonga Room is an option set right off the main dining room. Overall, if your party is in the mood for delicious Latin and Mexican cuisines, the Ox is your option.

Avvino
2541 Monroe Ave Rochester
Avvino plays host to the Meyer’s Den private dining space that holds up to 20 guests. The room evokes an old time atmosphere due to its dark wood paneling and vintage frames that line the walls. You can choose off their regular menu or kick things up a notch with a specialized tasting of two or three courses. Their farm to table inspired menu changes monthly but always has Italian, French and Spanish influences. The room is also equipped with a projector and screen which makes it perfect for high end business lunches.

Next Door by Wegmans
3220 Monroe Avenue Rochester
The Wegman’s high end eatery has some excellent private dinning options like the Petrus and Rothschild Rooms. These are perfect for smaller groups set in a unique ambiance and full of eye catching artwork. But the gold standard for private dining here is the Test Kitchen. You begin in the kitchen library for drinks and appetizers. Then, you head over to watch an entire dinner be created before your eyes. The room can fit 45 people for a sit down dinner with menu options that include custom made, family style, or a tasting of four courses. The Next Door has a New American menu made exclusively from sustainable and organic ingredients.

Grappa
30, Celebration Dr, Rochester
Rochester’s newest Italian restaurant has a private room called the Camera Piccola that can hold up to 18 people. The room has a modern design with a view out on to the side patio. You are allowed to choose off the menu or design your own that fits the exact needs of your party. If you are looking to get a small group together over a delicious new Italian menu, then look no further. Just a heads up, it is $100 down to rent it, but it goes towards your bill.

The Inn on Broadway
26 Broadway St Rochester
If you want to dine like you are in a scene from The Godfather, then the Inn on Broadway Wine Cellar is your spot. Located on the lower level, this lavish space features a glass-front wine room and its own personal bar. Sit down dinner can be done for up to 32 people and they have three menus to choose from. The options have two or three courses with items including beef tenderloin filet, wild raised Tasmanian salmon, smoked pork chop and NY strip steak. The wine cellar is definitively for high end affairs if you are looking to impress.

Let’s face it, there is nothing better than being on a roof deck when the weather is cooperating. The combination of being outside with a heightened view and quality food help form the perfect dining experience. Here we present the six best roof decks in Rochester – take advantage of them while the good weather is still in full swing. What is your favorite roof deck in Rochester? Let us know in the comments or tweet us at @SeizeTheWeekday.

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Aladdin’s
646 Monroe Ave Rochester
Restaurants have come and gone on Monroe Avenue, but Aladdin’s has stuck around, dishing out their delicious take on Mediterranean cuisine. The roof deck has a covered awning and nice view looking down the bustling Monroe Ave neighborhood. If you know the area, it is a perfect spot for people watching. For food, go with the classic gyro or souvlaki platter that comes loaded with grilled tenderloin and healthy portion of onions and peppers.

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Sticky Lips
625 Culver Road Rochester
The constant debate in Rochester over BBQ starts and ends with Sticky Lips vs Dinosaur. One leg up that the original Sticky lips location has, is its roof deck that overlooks East High School. Although, at the time of this story posting it was under construction, it will come back soon. For your meal, get one of the combo BBQ platters like the Rita Hayworth that has ribs and pulled pork. Or if you are feeling like a true test, try the infamous atomic bomb challenge that pits you against piles of meat.

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Richmond’s
21 Richmond St Rochester
One of Rochester’s main stay bars, Richmond’s is well known for their award winning chicken wings. The unique touch to these wings is the large selection of sauces they offer like country sweet, BBQ, maple bacon, fireball whiskey, wasabi ginger and dry rubs. It is also a safe bet to go with their classic cheeseburger that loads on a 1/2 pound of meat, dressed with lettuce, tomato and red onion. Their roof deck has an excellent view of the city, lots of tables to dine on and a newly painted mural that completes the setting.

Weekday Deals

Monday – 50 cent wing night (Open: 4:00 pm – 2:00 am)
Wednesday – Quesadilla and a Corona for $6 (Open: 4:00 pm – 2:00 am)
Thursday – 10 wings and domestic pitcher for $15 (Open: 4:00 pm – 2:00 am)

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TRATA
145 Culver Rd Rochester
TRATA plays host to the best set up for a roof top deck in all of Rochester. The spacious deck has a full bar area with several high top tables for dining. At night, the roped lighting overhead sets a nice atmosphere. Suggested eats include the fish tacos or the Kobe burger that comes topped with beer battered onions, applewood smoked bacon and cheddar cheese on a pretzel roll.

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Hattie’s
550 East Avenue Rochester
On the 9th floor of the Stathallan Hotel sits a newly constructed restaurant and roof top experience called Hattie’s. The Japanese inspired menu is full of an excellent selection sashimi, nigiri, and rolls. For drinks they have an extensive scotch menu and several creative cocktail options at the bar. The amazing deck allows for a 360-degree view of the city and also has a private space with a fire pit.

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Genny Brew House
25 Cataract Street Rochester
The Brew House plays host to the best roof deck view in all of Rochester. The combination of the High Falls and the city skyline, result in spectacular scenery. For food, you have to get the Bavarian pretzel sticks, served with your choice of our beer mustard or beer cheese sauce. Then, of course, they have a huge selection of all the best Genesee Beers on tap for your thirst entertainment.