Raise a Glass to Happy Hour at Farmhouse Table Midtown

Cubano Sliders from Farmhouse Table Midtown

For years, locals in Downtown Rochester, New York, have been awaiting the return of a golden era of buzzing nightlife that has not been seen in many moons. The seemingly empty, yet highly walkable streets of Midtown tell the story: a downtown with stunning architecture, an abundance of rich history, but limited bars and restaurants stand in the once affluent and proud Roc city. That narrative is changing.

What should be first understood about the nightlife on the seemingly quiet streets of Downtown Roc is that the car remains king in a city that was designed with walkability in mind. While the sidewalks around town appear to be empty at times, there is an influx of drivers who pull into downtown and park in the Rochester Underground, which swells beneath the streets of Midtown and the adjacent Washington Square neighborhood, connecting pedestrians to the city above. Downtown is never truly empty. This perception derives from the simple truth that it is a city built for a population two to three times its current size, and the underground remains the place where visitors move to and from their destination. With that understanding, let’s move forward.

A selection of spirits on the bar at Farmhouse Table Midtown’s second floor bar

This past year, downtown has seen a revival of the happy hour, as new restaurants and bars have opened up and are catering to those ending their workday, but who want a little nightcap before calling it quits. Happy hour spots like AM: FM Coffee, Cocktails, Vinyl, a bar and coffee shop at 45 Euclid, and Farmhouse Table in Midtown have listened to the needs of the people and are bringing the happy hour scene back to downtown Roc.

The Boulevardier cocktail from Farmhouse Table Midtown’s happy hour special

Farmhouse Table Midtown, by day, is a nice spot for breakfast, lunch, and a darker roast coffee. With the added happy hour, the space becomes a great place to unwind. It runs from Wednesday to Friday, 5 pm to 8 pm. They feature a robust cocktail menu and serve dishes that bring the farm-to-table quality. If you’re a fan of bourbon, try the Boulevardier, think Negroni, but with bourbon rather than the traditional gin. However, the real star of the show is the Cubano Sliders on the happy hour menu. They are made with roasted and tender pork belly, Dijon mustard, dill pickles, and ham, all packed between fluffy-buttery and slightly crisp buns made in Roc.

Views from the second floor bar at Farmhouse Table Midtown

Farmhouse Table Midtown delivers ingredients from local farms that are cooked to perfection and served fresh. It is truly an elevated experience at happy hour prices. One thing to notice is the space. They built their home in a house made of glass, and as a result, you get some of the finest views of the downtown Roc aesthetics, including the Innovation Square building, which is formerly the Xerox Tower. The music tends to be on the quiet side, which can be soothing for individuals who prefer a quiet ambiance, but leaves those of us who prefer a slightly more lively music-centered cocktail space wanting a touch more. Overall, it is a fantastic space to enjoy a nice, robust cocktail at the end of the shift.