You’re standing on that rooftop deck, the mist from High Falls hitting your face, and you’ve got a cold Cream Ale in your hand. Life is good. But then the hunger hits. You look at the Genesee Brew House food menu and realize it’s not just a list of things to soak up the booze. It’s a weird, delicious love letter to Rochester’s greasy spoon history and German roots.
Honestly, if you go there and just order a basic salad, you’re doing it wrong. This is the home of the "Genny Plate" and heavy-duty pretzels. It’s pub food, but it’s Rochester pub food, which means it’s usually covered in meat hot sauce or beer cheese.
The Heavy Hitters: Starters and Shared Bites
Let’s talk about the Bavarian Pretzels. They’re basically a requirement. You get these massive, salty sticks that are soft enough to pillage, and they come with a choice of dipping sauces. Most people go for the beer cheese—which is solid—but the jalapeño honey beer mustard is the real sleeper hit. It has that sharp, nose-clearing bite that cuts through the salt perfectly.
If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous (and don't mind the calories), the Buffalo Chicken Pierogies are a Rochester staple you won't find at your average suburban Applebee's. They’re fried until they’re crispy and stuffed with a spicy chicken filling. It’s a total "dirty" appetizer, but it works so well with a crisp pilot brew.
Then there’s the Buffalo Chicken Eggrolls. They’re crunchy, greasy, and served with ranch. Are they authentic to anything? Probably not. Are they exactly what you want after two 12 Horse Ales? Absolutely.
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The Famous Genny Plate
You can’t talk about this menu without mentioning the "Build Your Own Genny Plate." For those not from around here, a plate is basically a chaotic pile of food that shouldn't work together but somehow does. At the Brew House, you pick your protein—usually burgers or Zweigle’s hot dogs (the local gold standard)—and then it’s buried under mac salad and home fries.
The kicker here is the meat hot sauce. It’s not "spicy" like a habanero; it’s a savory, cinnamon-tinged, beefy gravy that ties the whole mess together. A lot of people find it intimidating, but once you start, you can't really stop.
Burgers and Sandwiches That Don’t Mess Around
If you want something you can actually hold with two hands, the burger section is where most people land. They do an Elk Burger that’s surprisingly lean and topped with arugula, pickled red onions, and a lemon pesto aioli. It sounds fancy for a brewery, but the flavors are actually pretty grounded.
For the traditionalists, the Beef on Weck is the move. This is Western New York’s other great contribution to the world besides wings. It’s thinly sliced roast beef on a kimmelweck roll (that’s the one with the big salt crystals and caraway seeds). They serve it with au jus and horseradish aioli.
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A quick tip: If you order a sandwich, it usually comes with kettle chips. If you want fries, you’re probably looking at a $3 upcharge. Some people find that annoying, but the fries are generally better than the bagged chips if you're looking for a full meal experience.
The German Influence
Genesee has deep German roots, and the menu reflects that. The Jagerschnitzel is a legitimate meal—breaded pork cutlet smothered in a mushroom gravy. It’s heavy. It’s comforting. It’s the kind of food that makes you want to take a nap immediately after. They also do a Sausage Platter with local Zweigle’s links that feels very authentic to the brewery’s heritage.
What’s the Vibe for Vegetarians?
I’ll be honest: if you’re a strict vegan, your options are a bit thin. This is a meat-and-potatoes kind of place. However, the Black Bean Veggie Burger is actually house-made and doesn't taste like cardboard. You can also snag a Florentine Flatbread or a Pear and Prosciutto one (minus the meat) if you want something lighter.
The Spaetzle Mac & Cheese is another vegetarian-friendly option that’s incredibly rich. It uses cavatappi pasta and a smoked gouda-cheddar blend. It’s thick. Like, really thick. Michael C., a recent reviewer, noted it can almost feel too heavy, so maybe share it with a friend instead of trying to conquer it solo.
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Drinking Your Dessert
Most people skip the actual dessert menu and just order a Brew House Vanilla Porter or whatever seasonal stout is on tap. But if you really need a sugar hit, they usually have brownies or cookies available. Sometimes they’ll have cinnamon pretzels which, let's be real, are just an excuse to eat more of those Bavarian pretzels.
Practical Tips for Your Visit
- Check the Pilot Taps: The food menu stays fairly consistent, but the beer menu changes constantly. The "Test" IPAs or the seasonal Kolschs are often only available at the Brew House.
- Rooftop vs. Pub: The menu is the same, but the vibe isn't. If the weather is even remotely nice, fight for a spot on the rooftop. Seeing the High Falls while eating a burger is the whole point of being there.
- Timing Matters: This place gets slammed on weekends and during festivals. If you're coming for the Genesee Brew House food menu, try a Tuesday or Wednesday afternoon. You’ll actually get a table without a two-hour wait.
- Parking: It's a bit of a nightmare. Use the dedicated lot across the street, but be prepared to walk a bit if it’s busy.
When it comes down to it, the food here isn't trying to be Michelin-starred. It’s honest, salty, and designed to make the beer taste better. Whether you’re a local regular or a tourist doing the "High Falls" photo op, you’re probably going to leave full and a little bit sleepy.
Next time you head down to Cataract Street, skip the usual suspects. Grab a Rochester-style plate or that Beef on Weck. It’s the best way to experience what this city actually tastes like.
Make sure to check the current tap list before you head out, as the small-batch brews often run out fast on weekends. If they have the Scotch Ale or the Robust Porter on tap, they pair exceptionally well with the heavier meat dishes on the menu.