All photos by Pete Wayner
Neighborhood Gems in the ROC
Written by Linh Phillips @sirrochasays
One of the best aspects of living in Rochester, NY is touring through all the neighborhoods. The city of Rochester is comprised of several distinct neighborhoods, each having its own unique feel and charm. If you’re creating your own food tour, you’ll be pleasantly surprised with the abundance of options and diversity you will find. These are some of the gems waiting to be discovered by you.
NORTH WINTON VILLAGE
Balsam Bagels
Balsam Bagels is a staple in the North Winton Village, where you can find bagels on par with NYC. The chewiness and density of the these are perfectly balanced. You’ll be able to choose from over 20+ bagel options, as well as tons of cream cheese flavors made locally every week. I went for my go-to breakfast option: an everything bagel with egg, cheese, and sausage. Note that these guys are more than just bagels, they have vegan options, paninis, wraps, salads, and pastries galore! Balsambagels.com | 288 Winton Rd N, Rochester, NY 14610
The Winfield Grill
A ten-minute walk from Balsam’s, you can find a longtime neighborhood favorite and landmark, the Winfield Grill. One of my top spots to get your wing fix in Rochester. A dozen wings tossed in your sauce of choice: I would highly recommend the ‘Winfield’ as it has both heat and sweetness all in one. The perfect spot to grab a bite & beer, catch a game, and devour those Winfield Wings and a side of tater tots. Thewinfieldgrill.com | 647 Winton Rd N, Rochester, NY 14610
BEECHWOOD
Swan Market
In the Beechwood neighborhood, you’ll stumble upon a little taste of Germany: Swan Market. This bustling deli and restaurant have been an institution in Rochester for over 80 years. Filled with an old-world charm, communal tables, classic German style hand cut meats and sausages, and a lunch that will make you come for more. Try the sampler platter aka the “German Garbage Plate”: a tour of their various entrees: Jager schnitzel, rotating meats, red cabbage, sauerkraut, German potato salad, and noodles with gravy. Oh, so delicious. Swanmarket.com| 231 Parsells Ave, Rochester, NY 14609
Tony’s Diner & Vietnamese Cuisine
Being first generation born Vietnamese American, I am always looking for the most authentic Vietnamese food. Tony’s Diner & Vietnamese Cuisine never lets me down. Don’t let the name “Tony’s Diner” fool you, this is 100% Vietnamese fare. One of my favorite dishes is the Bún bò Huế translated to a Spicy Vietnamese Beef Noodle soup. I like to playfully call it ‘Pho on crack’. Other dishes to devour are the Bánh xèo, a crispy Vietnamese pancake and the Bún Thịt Nướng (Vietnamese Grilled Pork with Rice Noodles). Rochester has some legit ethnic cuisine if you take the time to discover. Facebook.com/eatattonys |1011 Culver Rd, Rochester, NY 14609
IRONDEQUOIT
Netsins Ice Cream
Tucked in a cute residential area of Irondequoit, you will find Netsins, your local neighborhood ice cream shop. They have been serving the community for over 20 years with their hard & soft ice cream flavors. I ordered the salted caramel soft ice cream with rainbow sprinkles in a waffle cone and it certainly delivered on taste and size! Rumor has it their ice cream garbage plate is worth splurging calories on. Netsinsicecream.com | 290 Culver Pkwy, Irondequoit, NY 14609
