Cheshire — Restaurant in City of Rochester

Going to try to be constructive here! Cheshire set the bar years ago for the speakeasy cocktail scene in Rochester. Since then, other restaurants and bars have come along built upon Cheshire’s pioneering example. So when I stepped into the new Cheshire, I was expecting the bar to be reset for another 10 years and beyond. What I walked into was the exact same look and feel in a new location. Same brick, same colors, same decor, same pictures. Even the menus are exactly the same. I get the desire for nostalgia, but I feel like a chance to create a fresh take was missed.

I was one of two people there. There were random crates of beer all over the entrance and the bar. I get that there was a delivery, but the optics were not great.

I ordered a drink that I had ordered a million times at the old Cheshire, only to watch the bartender, totally unsupervised, have to refer to instructions on how to make it. He even made it wrong, realized it and had to make another one. In fairness, he gave me both drinks. I don’t blame the bartender, as obviously he was new and doing his best with no assistance. The second drink was just fine :)

It was about 80 degrees inside. No explanation that the AC had gone out or anything.

Two friends joined me shortly after and by then there were likely 10-12 people in the bar. My friends waited 18 minutes for their drinks. Not a single “be right with you!” In comparison, I went to Angelina’s (which was packed) down the street on Saturday night and waiting 3 minutes for the same drink and it was better.

In sum, I could understand this underwhelming experience if this was a “new to the game” situation. But Cheshire set the bar years ago, and I expected that again, only to find that this experience was very disappointing. Perhaps this was a one-off bad night, but honestly with so many other amazing places around the Wedge today, I will probably be choosing other locations. I post this in the hopes that the...

Cheshire stands out as one of Rochester’s premier cocktail bars, offering an experience that effortlessly blends sophistication with warmth. The expertly crafted drinks are nothing short of legendary, and the talented, welcoming staff elevate every visit with their genuine hospitality.

The ambiance strikes the perfect balance between intimate speakeasy charm and contemporary style, making it feel like a well-kept secret worth discovering. Whether you're savoring handcrafted cocktails with a close group of friends or planning a private event, Cheshire delivers an unforgettable experience. For larger gatherings, advance reservations are highly recommended to ensure a seamless evening.

Without a doubt, this is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking Rochester’s finest in mixology...

So wonderful to see Cheshire not only resurrected but vastly improved by a new space . It is much like coming home - so nice to see everyone in a brighter and happier place with all the charm and new improvements. The hospitality and professionalism is first rate and the atmosphere is lovely. It may be small but it is a standout in so many ways from other bars in Rochester. One of my perennial favorites and one of the few places I could call home ( if it...