Native - A New American Spot in Downtown

Native - A New American Spot in Downtown Rochester | Breezy Summer Cocktails & Delicious Bites 🍹🌿 When it comes to recommendable New American restaurants in downtown Rochester, Native definitely holds a spot on my list! ✨ Not only does it boast a sleek, modern, and urban vibe, but it also impresses with both its drinks and food, making it perfect for catching up with friends or unwinding after work. 🌃 🍸 Cocktails: Refreshingly Summery, Each One Worth a Try First, huge praise for Native's cocktails! Their drink menu gives an overall impression of being "so refreshing, so summery." 🍋 Almost every cocktail is perfectly balanced—not too sweet nor overly boozy—making them ideal for pairing with food or simply enjoying the buzz. Two strong recommendations: Lavender Special: This is my personal favorite! 💜 The subtle floral note of lavender is elegantly blended with the base spirit. It's smooth on the palate with a lingering finish, like drinking a little piece of a summer garden—a treat for both the eyes and the taste buds. SWV: A friend ordered this, and I had a sip—what a pleasant surprise! 🍊 It features bright fruit flavors, also on the refreshing side, with well-controlled sweetness and acidity, very appetizing. A little tip: If you sit at the bar, ask for bartender Amy! 👩‍🍳 She's not only professional but also happy to adjust or recommend based on your preferences, ensuring a great experience! 🧀 Food: Some Highlights, A Few Misses Burrata: Must-order! Must-order! Must-order! 🧀🔥 This is probably the most delicious Burrata I've had at a non-Italian restaurant! The cheese's texture is exceptional—a tender outer pouch giving way to a rich, creamy, almost flowing center. It's soft, pillowy, and cloud-like. The accompanying fruit compote (usually fig or berry) is fragrant and sweet, creating a perfect symphony with the cheese's creaminess and a hint of sea salt. The toasted bread is crisp, making the whole combination flawless. Tostones (Fried Green Plantains): 🌿 This Caribbean snack is executed authentically! Golden, crispy on the outside yet tender inside, packed with garlic and savory spices. Dipped in their special sauce, they're utterly addictive. Mahi Mahi Tacos: 🌮 This was a bit of a letdown. The fish texture leaned towards being dry and a bit tough, feeling slightly overcooked. The seasoning also didn't help much—lacking sufficient sauces or toppings (like crema, salsa) to balance out the dryness, resulting in a somewhat bland overall flavor. Personally, I think if the fish were cooked a minute less to retain more juiciness, it would have been much tastier. 💡 Final Thoughts Overall, Native is a restaurant with standout highlights in its cocktails and appetizers. It offers a relaxed, trendy atmosphere and friendly service. If you come for the wonderful cocktails and that stunning Burrata, you will not be disappointed. As for main courses, it might be better to ask the server for daily recommendations or try other signature dishes. It's an especially lovely spot for a summer evening, enjoying a few signature drinks, sharing a couple of refined small plates, and feeling the pulse of downtown Rochester with a gentle buzz. 🌙 #Rochester#NewAmerican#CocktailBar#FoodExploration#DowntownRoc