Genesee Brew House
Iconic Rochester brewery with stunning High Falls views, craft beers, and a unique holiday Keg Tree tradition.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Lively atmosphere, live music
Genesee Brew House
Best Time
Lively atmosphere, live music
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic Rochester brewery with stunning High Falls views, craft beers, and a unique holiday Keg Tree tradition.
"The restaurant has amazing views of High Falls and downtown which makes for a very nice dining experience."
🎯 Reserve a Balcony Seat
Book ahead for balcony seating to get the best High Falls views.
🍺 Taste the Local Brews
Don't miss trying Genesee's craft beers, especially seasonal specials.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
High Falls Views
Balcony and rooftop deck
Breathtaking panoramic views of the majestic High Falls waterfall and downtown Rochester skyline.
The Iconic Keg Tree
Outdoor area
A unique holiday tradition featuring a towering tree constructed entirely of beer kegs, lit during the festive season.
Craft Beer Selection
Bar and tasting room
Sample a wide array of Genesee's signature brews, including seasonal and limited-edition offerings.
Rochester Plate
Restaurant menu
A local specialty featuring a cheeseburger or white hot with mac salad, fries, and meat sauce.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Views & Brews
+1Seasonal Spectacles & Reservations
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Reserve a Balcony Seat
Book ahead for balcony seating to get the best High Falls views. +1
🍺 Taste the Local Brews
Don't miss trying Genesee's craft beers, especially seasonal specials.
🍔 Try the Rochester Plate
Experience a local favorite: a hearty plate with a burger, mac salad, and fries.
📸 Capture High Falls
The Brew House offers prime photo ops of High Falls.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Reserve a Balcony Seat
Book ahead for balcony seating to get the best High Falls views. +1
🍺 Taste the Local Brews
Don't miss trying Genesee's craft beers, especially seasonal specials.
🍔 Try the Rochester Plate
Experience a local favorite: a hearty plate with a burger, mac salad, and fries.
📸 Capture High Falls
The Brew House offers prime photo ops of High Falls.
🎄 Visit the Keg Tree
See the unique keg tree during the holiday season for a festive experience. +1
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Genesee Brew House is praised for its stunning High Falls views and unique holiday Keg Tree tradition. While the beer selection is a highlight for many, food quality and service can be inconsistent, with some finding it pricey for the experience. It's a popular spot for its atmosphere and scenic location.
"A friend recommended Genesee Brew House after I mentioned wanting to check out downtown Rochester. We ordered the mushroom burger and the Spaetzle Mac & Cheese. Maybe my expectations were a bit high because it came so highly recommended, but overall, I was disappointed.
The burger was overcooked, and for $17 I was surprised it came with chips instead of fries. You can substitute fresh fries, but it costs an extra $3, which feels a bit much. The mac & cheese had good cheese flavor, but it was so heavy and rich that it was hard to finish — it tasted more like something reheated in a microwave than freshly made.
The service was also just average — not terrible, but not particularly friendly or attentive either. The view from the place is nice, but for the food quality, service, and price, I don’t think it’s worth it. If I go back, I’ll probably try something else on the menu."
Michael Cheung
"I was visiting on a business trip from Texas. The venue is great. Get a reservation to sit on the balcony and see the waterfall. We tried a few different beers and they were all good. Food was okay but rather typical. Beer was the focus. Enjoy"
Christopher Mix
"The Genesee Brew House regularly appears on online lists of the best places to eat in Rochester and for good reason. The food and drinks are absolutely delicious and the service is very friendly. Prices are reasonable. The restaurant has amazing views of High Falls and downtown which makes for a very nice dining experience."
The Suave Sultan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Genesee Brew House is located at 255 North St, Rochester, NY 14605. It's easily accessible by car, with parking available. Public transportation options also serve the area.
Yes, there is parking available at the Genesee Brew House. It can get busy, especially during events, so arriving early is advised.
Yes, it's a pleasant walk from many downtown Rochester locations, offering scenic views along the Genesee River.
The top of the Genesee Brew House offers excellent views, as does the bridge next to it. A little-known path from Rose Garden Park also provides unique perspectives.
The Brew House generally offers good accessibility, with elevators and ramps. However, specific areas like the rooftop deck might have limitations. It's best to call ahead if you have specific concerns.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, general admission to the Genesee Brew House is free. You only pay for food and drinks.
Hours can vary, but typically the Genesee Brew House is open daily. It's always best to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date hours, especially around holidays.
Yes, reservations are recommended, especially for balcony seating to enjoy the High Falls view. You can usually book through their website or by calling.
The Keg Tree Lighting event is typically free to attend, though food trucks and vendors will be present for purchases.
While not always advertised, inquire about potential brewery tours or tasting room experiences, as they may be available.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
They offer a diverse menu including burgers, sandwiches, salads, and local specialties like the Rochester Plate. They also have delicious smoked wings.
The menu typically includes some vegetarian options, such as mushroom burgers or salads. Vegan options may be limited, so it's best to ask your server.
Prices are considered reasonable for the quality and location, with entrees generally ranging from $15-$25. Some reviewers found certain items a bit pricey for what was offered.
The Rochester Plate is a local dish featuring a cheeseburger or white hot, mac salad, fries, and meat sauce, often topped with onions.
While specific gluten-free menus aren't always highlighted, many dishes can be modified. It's advisable to speak with your server about your dietary needs.
📸 📸 Photography
The balcony and rooftop deck offer stunning views of High Falls. The area around the Keg Tree during the holidays is also very photogenic.
Absolutely! The historic Genesee Brewery building is an iconic Rochester landmark and makes for great exterior shots.
Yes, the Keg Tree is a popular photo opportunity during the holiday season. It's best photographed at dusk or night when it's illuminated. +2
Drone usage is generally restricted in urban areas and near public attractions due to safety and privacy regulations. Always check local ordinances before flying a drone.
Golden hour (shortly after sunrise or before sunset) offers beautiful lighting. Dusk is also ideal for capturing the falls with city lights in the background.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during off-peak hours to ensure a more relaxed experience. The gift shop also offers a chance for kids to pick out a souvenir. 🍻 Beer Enthusiasts
The opportunity to sample different beers, perhaps in a tasting flight, is a major draw. The knowledgeable staff can often provide insights into the brewing process and the history behind each beer. 📸 Photographers & View Seekers
+1 The Keg Tree during the holiday season is another iconic subject. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Iconic Keg Tree Tradition
This tradition has become a symbol of holiday cheer in Rochester, NY, and a must-see for those visiting during winter. The sheer scale and ingenuity of the keg tree make it a memorable sight, embodying the spirit of the Genesee Brewery and the local community.
Experiencing High Falls from the Brew House
+2 Many visitors rave about securing a spot on the balcony to enjoy their meal or drinks while taking in the powerful sight and sound of the falls. Beyond the visual spectacle, the falls also hold historical significance, being a central feature of Rochester's industrial past. The Genesee Brew House itself is part of this historic landscape, nestled within the Brown's Race historic district.
+1A Taste of Rochester: Food and Brews
+1However, diner experiences can vary. Some reviews suggest that while the food is generally good, it can be inconsistent, with one diner noting an overcooked burger and a heavy mac & cheese.
+1
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