12 of the Best Restaurants and Bars in Downtown Rochester (2024)

By Lisa Havelka

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Rochester is home to some of Minnesota's best restaurants and bars. Whether you're seeking aquick bite over lunch or a fabulous night of fine dining, here are 12 that are worth a trythe next time you're visiting downtown or the world class Mayo Clinic.

1. Benedict's

   

   Benedict's

   Weekends are made for brunching, and Benedict’s is the best brunch in town. The restaurant's signature dish can be orderedseven different ways including an incrediblecrab and asparagus option.Seeking something sweeter? Order the decadentElvis pancakes, which arecovered in bacon, bananas and peanut butter like The King's favorite sandwich. And since this is brunch, Benedict's also offers a variety offreshmorning co*cktails to pair with your meal.

2. Chester's Kitchen & Bar

   

   Chester's Kitchen & Bar

   Rightin the heart of downtown,delicious mealsand top-tier people watching are both on the menuat Chester’s. Theirclassic American foodpopsin a contemporary, casual settingwith a seasonal al fresco patio thatextendsonto the Peace Plazacourtyard — the gem of downtown Rochester. For an extra bit of fun, pair your meal with live jazz performances on Friday and Saturdaynights.

3. Twigs

   

   Twigs

   Rather than offer a gluten-free option or two, Twigs builds its entire menu around dishes that can be easily tweaked to accommodate dietary restrictions without dialing back on flavor. Owner Michelle Salz was actually diagnosed with celiac disease in 2008, so she understands the importance of maintaining a contaminant-free kitchen and a menu that's memorable. Mains include everything from pan-fried walleye to applewood-smoked meatloaf wrapped in mashed potatoes and cheddar cheese. The restaurant also boasts one of Rochester's very best sun-baked patios.

4. Bitter & Pour

   

   Bitter & Pour

   Several of Rochester's stellar breweries — including Forager and Little Thistle — are a short drive from downtown, but the city's best co*cktails can be found right around the corner from Broadway at . Order a couple rounds to explore a wide range of palate-expanding drinks, from gin & tonics spiked with blackberry, lemongrass, lime or lavender to a splurge-worthy sipper called The Rich Uncle (Whistle Pig 15 washed down with caramelized demerara sugar, housemade bitters, and an orange twist).

5. ThaiPop

   

   ThaiPop

   Housed in a timeless space on the corner of historic Third Street, ThaiPop brings a taste of Thailand to downtown Rochester. Chef/co-owner Annie Balow leans into family recipes that feel like a one-way ticket to Bangkok or Chiang Mai, including a soul-warming Khao Soi Curry soup; spicy papaya salad prepared with pickled crab, small-but-mighty Thai chilis and fermented fish sauce; and flour-coated Yum Yum Wings, a local favorite served with a side of pickled cucumbers. Much like the popular Minneapolis restaurant Hai Hai, ThaiPop is also a welcome escape from Minnesota's long winters, complete with creative tropical co*cktails and abundant greenery.

6. Newt's

   

   Newt's

   See Also

   20 Best Restaurants in Rochester, Minnesota (of 2024)

   One word: burgers.Twelve different burgers, to be exact.The most popular patty is the Works Burger, awhopping3/4-poundburger that's smothered in cheese,layered withhardwood smoked bacon, crisp lettuce, fresh sliced tomato, red onion andNewt’sfamous Bleu Cheese sauce on a special Kaiser bun. If you're looking for delicious and unique burgers, Newt's is your spot.

7. Nupa

   Nupa

   Family owned and operated since 2009, Nupaserves upfast, fresh and healthy Mediterranean staples like gyro, falafel, kabobs and hummus.Little touches like scratch-madetzatziki sauce and imported Greek olive oil elevate the menu andprovidea taste of the Mediterranean withevery bite. Visit Nupa’s downtown location in the First Avenue Food Court, or one of their other locations around town.

8. Olde Brick House

   

   Olde Brick House

   Everyone’s Irish at the Olde Brick House, an authentic Irish pub in downtown Rochester. Stop by after work for a relaxing"Irish Recess"(happy hour) of poutine and discount drinks, or visit any time for delicious Scotch eggs, bangers and mash, shepherd’s pie, and Guinness-battered fish and chips.

9. Pasquale's Neighborhood Pizzeria

   

   Pasquale's Neighborhood Pizzeria

   This downtown eateryand Italian marketplace specializes inauthentic, New York-style pizza and Italian classics made with the sametime-tested ingredients Italians have been using for centuries.Pizza isavailable by the slice, as a standard18-inch pie, or as a massive, 30-inch "BRONXosaurus" that's ready tofeed the whole neighborhood! Save room for their signature, custom-filled cannoli’s and decadent New York cheesecakes.

10. Bleu Duck Kitchen

    

    Bleu Duck Kitchen

    With a name that's a nod to the Adam Sandler movie "Billy Madison", Bleu Duck Kitchenfocuses on playful dishes like Buffalo frog legs, al pastor meatloaf, and shrimp and grits served with mascarpone polenta, tempura nori, fermented black beans and Brussels sprouts. The drinks are just as dynamic; while "Technically" a Martini weaves prickly pear & orange blossom gin into a perfectly balanced pairing of dry vermouth, lemon bitters and soda, Proust's Madeleine emulates the iconic French cookie with brandy, ginger liquor, black tea syrup and lemon juice.

11. Victoria's Ristorante & Wine Bar

    

    Victoria's Ristorante & Wine Bar

    The large-portion Italian meals at Victoria's are sure to leave you full and satisfied. A personal favorite is their scratch-made Fettuccine Alfredo, which uses fresh parmesan cheese straight from the Eau Galle Cheese Factoryjust over the border in Wisconsin. Decadent desserts and an extensive wine list round out the menu, making thisthe perfect spot for a first date,anniversary or other milestone celebration.

12. Pittsburgh Blue Steakhouse

    

    Pittsburgh Blue Steakhouse

    Next time you have an occasion worth celebrating, get dressed to the nines and head to Rochester's premier steakhouse,Pittsburgh Blue. Located in downtown's chicHilton Hotel, the restaurant is known for itsperfectly aged, Pittsburgh-style steaks. As the legendgoes,Pittsburgh steelworkerswould flash-cooktheir meatdirectly ontheblast furnaces for a steak that'scharred on the outside but still pinkin the middle.