Hubby and I went for my birthday. The environment was calming, upscale, and natural. I loved the color scheme of the restaurant itself. The bar area was relaxing and inviting. The wine selection was different than other places and I was very pleased. We got there early and decided to spend some time the bar before being seated at our table. We enjoyed watching the smoked manhattans being made and presented. I am glad we did because I would go back to just have a drink and appetizer at the bar.
We were seated and that’s when the real special attention began. There was a staff of multiple people helping to ensure we were constantly cared for; filling our water, wiping our table, taking our orders, bringing our food and drink, clearing our plates. I haven’t even gotten to the food yet. You are paying al la carte, so please keep that in mind as you order, the sides are definitely shareable. This is not surprising as the menu is very clearly marked, and the server also mentioned it. She provided us with the popular items and the one non-menu item (American Waygu strip steak). I really appreciated the additional information she provided about the various menu items.
We got an order of the oysters (Brunswick). I was surprised by the size, they were small, but the flavor and freshness was spot on. No complaints. We didn’t get any other appetizers because we knew we wanted to save room for dinner and dessert. I got the 10oz filet and hubby got the Australian waygu strip. We both ordered medium rare and they came out with the most amazing crust and flavor. Temp was perfect. I decided to get the bernaise sauce with my steak and I was not but disappointed . It was divine. So lemony with the perfect hint of tarragon. The filet didn’t need the sauce, but it did enhance the experience. The waygu did not need any sauce; it was so delicious on its own. For sides, we ordered the carrots and hasselback potato. Both were delicious. The carrots had a chili maple spiced yogurt sauce that was perfectly tangy with a little spice. The hasselback potato had cheddar, bacon, and sour cream. It was like an upscale bar potato skin with so much flavor.
We got the butterscotch crème brûlée and chocolate almond and cherry budino for dessert. I got a pot of tea. They brought out the box of teas for me to choose from, which included caffeine free and medium caffeine. The crème brûlée was so silky with the perfect level of butterscotch flavor. The budino was very chocolaty. The cherries offered a nice complement to it. I almost wish there were a few more cherries, but I just love cherries and chocolate together. The almond whipped cream helped to temper the rich chocolate flavor. The server bright a plate with toffee and a single candle as a birthday wish. No stinging, no making a scene. Very much appreciated and appropriate for the type of restaurant.
This is the perfect special occasion restaurant. Although I would be more than happy to go more frequently than that. Tuesdays are special, right?! We will absolutely be going back. We both agreed there are so many other items on the menu that we want to try. Thank you for making my birthday dinner so very special.
Another important item to note: There is complimentary valet parking on Elm Street (just make sure to bring cash for a a tip) and no pay meter parking after 6pm on weekdays. There is also a free parking lot on Chestnut Street, but we decided valet was worth it since we know the sidewalks are not always very clear...
Read moreA Divine Dining Revelation: Patron Saint
After months of hearing whispers, rave reviews, and glowing recommendations, I finally made my way to Patron Saint—and I can say without hesitation: it was worth the wait. Nine months since its opening, this Rochester gem has already etched itself among the finest dining experiences the city has to offer. To call it exceptional would almost feel like an understatement.
The moment you step through the doors, you’re enveloped in an ambiance that’s nothing short of mesmerizing. The design is a masterclass in balance—elegant yet approachable, moody but not dim, elevated yet entirely welcoming. The lighting is flawless, the decor sophisticated, and the energy of the space hums with quiet confidence. It’s the kind of atmosphere that immediately invites you to relax, linger, and savor.
The cocktail menu is as inventive as it is refined, and the dinner menu boasts a wide range of offerings—a bold move for any establishment. Typically, such variety risks sacrificing consistency, but Patron Saint delivers with impressive precision. We sampled four appetizers, three entrées, and a dessert, and each dish arrived as if it were the chef’s signature specialty. Every bite felt worthy of a handwritten letter home. The flavors were bold, nuanced, and beautifully composed, underscoring the culinary talent operating behind the scenes.
But what truly elevates Patron Saint from memorable to remarkable is the people. The service is nothing short of inspired. You get the distinct sense that someone painstakingly assembled a dream team, and the results show in every interaction. Leading this exceptional crew is Alyssa, the General Manager, whose grace, attentiveness, and passion set the tone for the entire experience. To my surprise and delight, I also recognized several standout staff members from other beloved local spots—all now part of this unified force creating something truly special.
In a city filled with culinary talent, Patron Saint doesn’t just stand out—it transcends. This isn’t simply a restaurant; it’s a vision realized, a thoughtfully orchestrated experience that leaves a lasting impression long after the final course. Hats off to the brilliant mind who brought this masterpiece to life.
I left already anticipating my return. Five stars....
Read more⭐☆☆☆☆ Never Again! Hair in Food and Horrible Customer Service 🫠🫣😵💫
If you're looking for a dining experience that leaves you with a bad taste in your mouth – and a hair or two – then look no further than Patron Saint. My recent visit was nothing short of a culinary and overall nightmare. We visited the restaurant with high hopes for a delightful dining experience, but what we encountered was appalling.
My elderly Aunt fell on the walk way into the Resturant* The floor was very wet and I was sliding around and almost fell a few times on my way to the table.
Our appetizers arrived with a disgusting surprise—a strand of hair right in the middle of the oxtail croquettes. This is completely unacceptable for any establishment, let alone one that claims to be a top-tier steakhouse.
The server was pleasant at first but once we notified him that we had hair in our food, he avoided us like the plague the rest of the night. To be fair, he notified the GM, Alyssa (Alissa?, not sure), and she came over to our table to apologize and offered free desserts.
The food was ok but in no way justified the price, which was over $100 per person. Honorable mentions include the carrots, spinach, and bone marrow.
When the meal concludes, the bill arrived. They took off the oxtail croquettes and provide desserts. This is not nearly enough for finding hair in our food as you can imagine. I asked the GM, Alyssa, to also take the drinks off the bill and she refused. This made the situation even worse because there was a lack of adequate remedy. This left us feeling unheard and disrespected.
Valet was a complete nightmare. It is 10 degrees outside and it took way too long for the valet team to retrieve our cars. It appeared that only 1 person was working so we were standing outside for a while in extremely cold weather.
We visited Patron Saint for my dad’s birthday. I have been all over the world and had the privilege of have some special experiences. This by far is the worst.
We were very disappointed in our experience and I would NEVER go to Patron Saint again.
Save your money and your stomach—find another place to...
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