The Scenic Lounge — Restaurant in Rochester

(EDIT: The owner, Chris, reached out immediately to let us know how he was working on any issues we had. I'm adding a star for management that engages with customer feedback and is dedicated to the success of the restaurant!) I wanted to love this place, but the first visit was not a great impression. I went with someone who made reservations for my birthday. They asked what the occasion was prior to our visit. Booking a reservation was quick and easy. When we arrived for an 8 pm reservation, it was a little confusing walking in the door. There was no sign to tell us where to wait. The place was mostly empty on a Tuesday. No one greeted us right away, so we wandered to the bar. It's a very small restaurant, but decorated nicely. We told them we had reservations and they brought us to the smallest table in the place. Our table was a high top shelf type table and was right near the kitchen curtain which they left open all night. The table was set up with cards for each of us thanking us for visiting, which was a nice touch. We just weren't sure why they sat us in the most awkward seat in the house for the occasion. There was a lovely table near the window that seats 3 people. THAT would have been a beautiful spot to seat newcomers who were celebrating a birthday! We figured they must be packed with reservations, but no one came in the whole time we were there. It was pretty dead. The bigger tables in the windows went to waste all night. The drinks were all yummy! Maple Chicken Flatbread, lettuce wraps, and meatballs were tasty. Staff was nice and the wait was not too long for food. The decor is speakeasy/20's themed and is pretty. Bar is big and comfy. Other seating is a bit awkwardly placed. There was lots of space on a weeknight for a bite to eat and it was quiet. Our suggestion is to be more mindful of seating customers when you can - especially when you've asked their details in a reservation. Use the good seats, especially when the place is empty all night. It was missed opportunities to make customers happy (and to show passersby that you're a fun establishment they'll want to try). Also, if you're seating customers next to the kitchen area, make sure the curtain is closed. We really don't want to watch food being scraped into the trash and the dishwasher running. It's just nicer for your...

To say we had EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE is a total understatement. The Scenic Lounge does not disappoint, their beautiful downtown location with a rich history, has been artfully restored to a beautiful and tasteful cocktail bar/lounge with a very fun art-deco esque speakeasy ambience.

You immediately feel comfortable and welcome the second you walk in the door. My mom and I were blown away by the truly unique and thoughtfully designed drinks and dishes. Our meals came out so quickly and we cleaned off our plates even quicker lol! ( the pork belly lettuce wraps are a must!! )

What truly sold us was the superb customer service from all the staff, we were immediately greeted at the door and quickly shown to our table that had the sweetest cards with our names waiting for us! Our waitstaff went above and beyond. Our drinks were always filled, our server was extremely attentive and kind without being overbearing. Every employee had a smile on their face, creating a really light and pleasant energy in the whole restaurant.

We ended our meal with the most delicious and decadent hot chocolates, the bartender even came over and asked how we liked them because she was trying something a little different (which was phenomenal btw!!)

The Scenic Lounge is truly top-notch in every aspect and exceeds all expectations. I have a feeling this new spot is going to be...

Chic art deco vibes, sophisticated but not pretentious cocktails and mocktails, fantastic menu and execution, talked with all three owners and the very attentive staff.

We shared the Korean Lettuce Wraps and Maple Chicken Flatbread. Each was delicious! The lettuce wraps especially blew my mind. Thin slice pork belly, homemade kimchi, pickled onions and fresh radishes seasoned with a garlic sesame mix. It was perfection. I ordered the Cool as a Cuke cocktail, which was sweet but not cloying and a fantastic pairing with the wraps. My friend enjoyed the Strawberry Kisses mocktail. We treated ourselves to dessert, the tiramisu and the cheesecake. When the whipped cream alone stops you in your tracks, you know it’s going to be a winner.

The owners put a LOT of thought into the speak easy vibe. The place leans heavy into the art deco style, from the beautiful bar all the way down to the engraved glasses and golden dinnerware.

Each of the partners came to our table for a nice chat (it was the soft open, so this was expected). Their enthusiasm was clear, and it was a pleasure hearing about their vision, execution, and hopes for the future of the venue. They’re off to a great start, and I hope Rochester shows them love!

My only complaint is that I know it’s going to be busy all the time, so I think they’re going to need a bigger space! We will...