Pier 45 at the Port: Mediocore and overpriced for dinner, but a great summer cocktail spot!

Excited for Rochester Rib Fest we were handed two free admission tickets from a nice patron only to wait in an endless line for what seemed like eternity for award-winning ribs. Hungry and growing somewhat impatient with the seemingly 60 minute wait, we headed to Pier 45 based on some previous recommendations.

Immediately off of the elevator we entered a Florida-colour themed waterfront restaurant with tangerine and avocado walls, silk drapery, a seemingly well-stocked bar with a relaxed, summertime ambiance. The menu, although diverse, was nothing special yet featured starters, tapas and entrees from "raclette" to pricey cold seafood platters, sliders to lemongrass beef with boston lettuce cups. The entree selection was rather small offering a narrow span of choices and the service was simply okay. According to our waitress, the chef boasts that he is French; he must be speaking only of from where he hails because his menu, his cooking style and his presentation spoke otherwise. There is nothing French about raclette made with home-made potato chips and Gruyere cheese, or Hawai'ian ahi tuna wrongfully paired with crab succotash. The restaurant, though, is rather proud of their award winning ribs which we did not try and while creatively plated, the food was mediocre at best and to be honest, quite overpriced.

That being said, Pier 45 does have positives. The outdoor seating is spacious along a huge deck (well equipped with heaters) and is perfectly located for a prime harbor view. The scenery of the boats and channel is nice, the starter menu is variant and good and the cocktail/bar list was definitely eye-catching. I would not return for dinner, however, but I would definitely return with a group of friends, or with my fiance for some live music, a few drinks and to catch a small snack to share under the sun or better yet under the stars.

Pier 45 at the Port

1000 N River St # 230
Rochester, NY 14612-2178
(585) 865-4500