Hello 2019! The new year is already here and I wanted to take the time to discuss three quick and delicious places to stop in Rochester, NY. I also want to make some suggestions of what I think are the tastiest items on each menu that you should try. Some of these establishments have been Rochester staples for quite some time, but many of you may not know the absolute best specials and deals you can snag at each one. Whether you are looking for a date spot to take the person you kissed at midnight, or a meeting spot to make new plans for the new year, these three locations would be the perfect fit. All three have menus with something for everyone, as well as some hidden gems you won't find elsewhere.
The first stop on my tour of taste is the brand new Old Pueblo Grill Mexican restaurant, located off of University Avenue in Rochester, NY, which has some surprising fusion twists. Now, I've discussed a few places for Taco Tuesday here on my blog, including Rio Tomatlan and Silver Iguana. However, OPG is a fantastic place to grab some interesting Asian, Hawaiian, and even Native American fusion cuisine in addition to the expected Tex-Mex on their menu. Confused? Curious? So was I. I took it upon myself to try the Seoul Man Burrito, a gigantic $10 burrito stuffed with Korean-influenced ingredients such as bulgogi beef or chicken, kimchi, gochujang hot pepper sauce, and scallions. The filling also contained rice, crema, lettuce, and, unexpectedly, pickles. Needless to say, not only did this burrito taste exactly like a bibimbap bowl you could hold, but its fusion with the typical Mexican ingredients was completely on point and not overwhelming in the least.
If you typically like to sample a few different tacos during your Taco Tuesday nights, you can also get the Korean-themed flavors as a soft-shell taco. All of their à la carte tacos are $4 each or 3 for $11. TDB whether they will have specific Taco Tuesday special prices, but 3 for $11 is a pretty solid deal for any time of the week. In that same category, there is also a Hawaiian soft-shell taco filled with huli huli chicken, pineapple salsa, scallions, and a soy glaze. The final intriguing specialty item at Old Pueblo Grill is a Navajo taco made with a big piece of Indian fry bread as the shell and topped with red chili beef or chicken, beans, cabbage, pico de gallo, avocado, and cilantro. I have seen recipes for Indian fry bread tacos to make at home, but have never seen one as a featured menu item, so I find that a bit unique.
It also appears that Old Pueblo Grill is working on getting their liquor license, so unfortunately no margaritas are being served yet. However, in the meantime they do have a large selection of themed beverages including Mexican sodas, house-made juice refreshers, and a horchata to try. If you're looking to just grab a snack or for something extra to add with your meal, they have many different munchies, sides, and toppings, as well. Overall I find Old Pueblo Grill to be cute, quick, and fairly affordable - definitely a contender to add to my Taco Tuesday rotation! OPG is located at 55 Russell Street and is open Monday through Thursday until 10PM and Friday and Saturday until midnight.
I wanted to talk about Cafe Sasso because I feel it has gone under the radar lately due to newer roasteries such as Ugly Duck, Glen Edith, and Fuego gaining momentum over the past year. However, Sasso is not to be overlooked, especially during this winter. I'm about to give you a hard pill to swallow. Think about it - January, February, and March it will still be dark after work and we will feel so unproductive and sluggish. Never fear, however, as Cafe Sasso has a special that I personally have been a fan of for this reason. Did you know about their Happy Hour Special? Yup, they sell liquor. In. Their. Coffees. Coffee cocktails. Also fresh-squeezed iced juice cocktails. AND from 5PM until 7PM they are only $5. You heard that right.
My favorites to get are the "Big Boss Man" - Kahlua, hazelnut liqueur, Irish cream, espresso, and coffee; and the "North Meets South" - bourbon, spiced maple, espresso, coffee, whip, and cinnamon (pictured). In addition to drinks, they also have some yummy quick bites such as panini, salads, and breakfast sandwiches. Cafe Sasso is located right next to Glen Edith at 739 Park Avenue and are open daily until 10PM, except Sunday they are open until 9PM. Have a date and can't decide between drinks, coffee, or food? Now you don't have to choose! This leads me to my final recommendation - Boxcar Donuts and Fried Chicken.
Boxcar, or as their entrance displays, BXCR, is a restaurant mainly known in Rochester for their specialty donuts. However, they also fry up chicken and have a strangely good selection of craft beer and cocktails. While many people gather at Boxcar for breakfast, you can also hit this restaurant at lunch and dinnertime as well. I will quickly talk you through a couple of my favorite things to order. First things first - definitely try their hot beverages. They are able to make them so thick and creamy and really have a zing to wake you back up during an afternoon slump. I've tried both their cortado and their hot chocolate and both were so rich and delicious. Also, definitely scope out their seasonal donuts. I have gotten a Girl Scout Cookie inspired Samoa donut as well as one that was Heath Bar inspired and both were really innovative.
In terms of food for lunch and dinner, the best bang for your buck is for sure the Kids Finger Basket. Yes, you can order this and not be a kid (or maybe you are a kid at heart!) as it truly is a small sampler platter. You receive three of their famed breaded and fried chicken fingers along with your choice of a homemade sauce and a small side. I recommend ordering either their beer mac and cheese or their roasted Brussels sprouts. All of their sauces are delicious and you can't go wrong with any of them - but I have a soft spot for their Maple Mustard the most.
Boxcar is located directly by the Rochester Public Market on 127 Railroad St. They are open Tuesday and Wednesday until 8PM, Thursday through Saturday until 10PM, and Sunday until 3PM. Thank you for reading my restaurant reviews, keep an eye out for more articles like this by following my Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram for post updates!
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