Grace & Disgrace — Restaurant in City of Rochester

Grace and Disgrace is more than just a restaurant—it's an experience, thanks to the incredible hospitality of the owner, Ralph. This was my first time here! From the moment we walked in, Ralph made us feel like we were visiting an old friend. His warm welcome, coupled with his evident pride in the quality of his drinks and ice, set the tone for a fantastic evening.

Ralph shared the heartfelt story behind Grace and Disgrace, giving us insight into his deep connection with the community and his commitment to maintaining high standards, on par with top restaurants in cities like Las Vegas, Chicago, and NYC. His enthusiasm was contagious, and before we knew it, he was introducing us to another couple, and we all enjoyed a shot together with the chef at the very end of the night —a truly memorable moment! Even though we were pretty full when we arrived, the chef's dumplings were so good that we couldn't resist trying more of their offerings. Ralph, ever the gracious host, surprised us with a complimentary crème brûlée, simply because the conversation was flowing and the vibes were right. This personal touch made our night even more special. We will definitely be back to see more of the chef's talent and bring our friends!

Ralph even took the time to give us a tour of the restaurant, further illustrating his dedication to his craft and his genuine involvement in the culinary scene. Despite its intimate size, Grace and Disgrace stands out for its exceptional service, high-quality offerings, and the passion that Ralph pours into every aspect of the business. If you're in Rochester and want to experience a place where the food, drinks, and hospitality are all top-notch, Grace and Disgrace should be at the top...

Simply wonderful. Our evening (unfortunately no walk ins - reservation only) started with a hot towel and a friendly chat with our host/bartender/establishment co-owner about the menu. I ordered their signature Old Fashioned cocktail, a fantastic twist on my favorite drink that elevated a basic drink beyond what I could have ever done myself - seriously, if you like Old Fashioneds you have to try it - along with a few other cocktails on the menu. While they have beer and the makings for other classic drinks, the drink menu they have is finely tuned and diverse to accommodate all different tastes so do yourself a favor and stick to it. For food we ordered the Lamb Pops (wow, perfectly seasoned and seared) and Wagyu Dumplings with a chocolate fudge brownie for dessert. The food was delicious but portions are meant to complement the drinks, not to be the main course.

I have been to many fine dining establishments in town and when I read about this place in passing I was surprised that I had not heard of it earlier. The atmosphere was intimate and cozy, seating no more than 15-20 at a time. Our host was happy to chat about the menu as well as his day job making specialty craft ice (see photo) for restaurants across WNY. Our only regret was not learning about this place earlier. We will certainly...

I’ve been lucky enough to visit some incredible bars around the world, and Grace & Disgrace easily ranks up there among them.

Everything about this place feels just right—the warm, intimate ambiance, the soft jazz playing in the background, and the beautifully crafted cocktails that make every sip an experience. It’s cozy without being pretentious, with just enough seating (around 20 or so) to create the perfect atmosphere for genuine conversation over exceptional drinks.

But the true highlight? Ralph.

As both the owner and sole operator, he brings an unmistakable charm to the place. His grace, wit, and deep knowledge of spirits make every interaction special, and it’s all wrapped in a rare humility that makes you feel like you’re catching up with an old friend.

I was so taken with the experience that I’m already booked in—not once, but twice—on my next visit to Rochester. It’s simply not to be missed.

Thank you, Ralph, for an unforgettable evening. See you next week!

P.S. The crème brûlée here is the best I’ve ever had. Just thinking about it makes my mouth water—seriously,...