🍸 On a Rochester Rooftop

🍸 On a Rochester Rooftop, a Sunset and an Empty-Stomach Misunderstanding Living in Rochester, you get used to certain things: like five months of winter snow, the classical columns of the George Eastman Mansion, and—never fully trusting Google Maps for restaurant info. Last Friday, my best friend and I, dreaming of “sushi with sunset views,” rushed on empty stomachs to Hattie's at 550 East Ave, only to push open the door and discover: the once sushi-centric spot had transformed into a pure rooftop cocktail bar. The bartender in a black apron smiled apologetically: “The kitchen closed last year—we only serve drinks now. But would you like to try our new ‘Sunset Special’?” 🌅 The View: Skyline as the Best Bar Snack We climbed the spiral iron staircase to the rooftop and were instantly struck: the entire Rochester downtown skyline spread out like building blocks, the Genesee River a silver zipper gently stitching the city north and south. Best were the floor-to-ceiling windows facing west—no railings obstructed, the sunset poured in unreservedly, staining the teak floor honey-gold and making ice cubes in our glasses glitter like diamonds. A breeze blew from Lake Erie’s direction, carrying a watery coolness that dissolved our last bit of “no sushi” regret. My friend lifted her phone to take photos and murmured: “This view is more filling than any appetizer.” 🍹 The Drinks Menu: Liquid Poetry Named After City Landmarks With food hopes dashed, we turned our attention to the drinks menu. Hattie’s cocktails are named after Rochester historical landmarks—each one a tipsy piece of local lore: High Falls Fizz: Inspired by the city’s iconic waterfall, gin-based with elderflower liqueur and soda, topped with a dehydrated lemon slice like mist from the falls. Susan B. Sour: A tribute to suffrage pioneer Susan B. Anthony, blending bourbon with blackberry purée and lemon juice, sweet-tart with woody depth, the rim adorned with an edible gold-leaf “vote.” Kodak Moment: Nostalgia for Kodak’s golden age, shaking vanilla vodka, caramel syrup, and espresso, topped with velvety foam—served with a mini instant camera to snap a photo before drinking We ordered the High Falls Fizz, watching the bartender flip the shaker behind the bar. As the liquid poured into the coupe glass, bubbles rose like a cascade. A sip brought the floral elderflower and juniper’s crispness intertwining on the tongue—for a moment, we could almost hear Niagara Falls’ distant roar. 💡 Tips: Lessons from an Empty Stomach & Reservation Philosophy Don’t go hungry: Unless you plan to replace dinner with alcohol (not recommended!), eat beforehand. The bartender hinted they host monthly pop-up collaborations with local food brands (think taco trucks, barbecue stands, even donut workshops). Follow their Instagram to catch these “mystery meal” moments. Golden rule for sunset hour: Arrive half an hour early to snag west-facing “sunset seats.” Our hesitation over missing sushi cost us—we ended up in the back, watching the sunset melt in others’ glasses—a vivid lesson in “hesitation means defeat.” Call ahead: The rooftop is often booked for weddings or private events, especially weekends. Always call to confirm before heading over. Leaving, night had fully fallen. City lights rose like constellations from the ground; tipsy, we descended the stairs, stomachs empty but hearts full. Looking back, Hattie’s rooftop string lights formed a warm band in the dark, like a glittering crown placed on the city. It struck me: this “no dinner” rooftop trip turned into the most Rochester experience—teaching you to go with the flow, to trade a drink for a view, and reminding you that in this often unpredictable city, the best moments often bloom in the gaps outside plans. If you ever visit Rochester, pick a clear evening and go to Hattie's. Forget Google Maps’ outdated info, bring an empty-cup mindset, and the determination to date the sunset. As for hunger—trust me, when the sun sinks below that skyline, you’ll forget all cravings. Because here, the best “dinner” is the whole city serving you a plate of light. ✨ #RochesterRooftopBar#SunsetCocktails#EmptyStomachAdventure#HattiesTransformation#CitySkylineWithADrink