The Siren and The Sea: Books and Coffee — Restaurant in City of Rochester

Beautiful new local and women-owned book store! The decor and outdoor space are amazing. I missed the building twice, but it seemed like the exterior was being updated, so maybe there will be a sign there soon. If you're not careful, you'll miss the parking lot, but there is ample space next to the building. There might have been signs for parking but I didn't see anything when I drove by. I actually thought the building next to this location was the store at first and I parked there - thankfully no ticket.

The place was hopping today! The cafe area was packed and the coffee smelled AMAZING! I didn't have time to order anything, but plan to next time I visit.

There is a small section of books downstairs and a good amount of cafe seating. Upstairs is a fabulous bookstore, with what I'm sure is a growing collection. The current selection includes a nice mix of popular and independent books with a moderate selection in each genre. Looking forward to visiting as the bookstore grows! The children's section is adorable!

Other than more obvious signage, the only other suggestion would be to plan for the flow of people coming in. The counter for the cafe is directly across from the door and it was tricky to get in with people waiting for their orders. (Hopefully it will always be this busy!) If you just want to go to the bookstore, you walk through the cafe and tables. Love the idea but the entrance was bottlenecked, as was the checkout upstairs. If both areas were turned 90 degrees, the flow would work well when it's busy. Perhaps there will be a dtreet entrance once tje outside is finished, to help...

Siren has only been open for 3 days and it was packed to the rafters!

At 11:00 we ordered the Gary Soto (Hot Chai Latte with Orange Syrup Served with wrapped vegan chocolate) I still have no idea where the wrapped chocolate was and a Americano.

We didn’t get our drinks until 11:25. The numbers for the drinks were not called out in order at all. Customers who came in way after us got their drinks whilst we sat there twiddling our thumbs.

The barista’s were visibly picking and choosing which ones to serve as we could hear them!

I mentioned that to a member of staff and she said we are busy and told me to go read a book! I found that extremely rude as no one was shouting our numbers out and we had to work it out ourselves by periodically checking the drinks. So reading a book wouldn’t have worked. Giving a dig with a smile doesn’t make it any better.

The Americano was undrinkable. My partner said it tasted like pickle juice. So he just left it.

Would I come here again? I am willing to give them the benefit of doubt as they were overwhelmed for a short while and my Gary Soto was absolutely delicious! I would highly recommend getting this drink. I am willing to change my rating if only the service improves.

There is ample seating indoor and outdoors. The upstairs library...

Siren and The Sea is so enchanting and beautiful! I love the aesthetic and energy of the space! The people that work there are sweet and helpful! many different spaces in the store to explore and the book selection is incredible. The coffee and pastries are delicious. Jess the owner is very willing to support your search for whatever book or themes you want to explore. I am looking forward to seeing more unfold there…I have heard there will be some exciting author talks and other events! I think this will be a home away from...