You’re standing on a rooftop deck, a cold "Genny" in your hand, watching 96 feet of water thunder over a cliff in the middle of a city. It’s a vibe you won’t find anywhere else. Most people think of the Genesee Brew House Rochester NY as just a corporate taproom for a budget beer brand. They couldn’t be more wrong.
Honestly, this place is the heartbeat of High Falls. It’s a 9,200-square-foot behemoth built into a century-old packaging center. You aren't just here for a drink; you're standing in a piece of American history that dates back to 1878.
The High Falls View is Actually the Star
If you haven't been, the first thing that hits you isn't the smell of hops. It's the view. The Brew House sits right on the edge of the Genesee River gorge. From the rooftop terrace, you get an unobstructed look at High Falls.
It's loud. It's misty. It's beautiful.
Most cities hide their industrial past, but Rochester puts it on display. The falls powered the flour mills that built the "Flour City," and later, they provided the water that built the brewery. Sitting there with a flight, you realize the brewery didn't just happen to be here. It belongs here.
What’s Actually on Tap?
Don't come here expecting just the standard Genesee Lager you find at a gas station. The pilot brewery is where the magic happens. They have a 20-barrel system where brewmaster Dean Jones experiments with small-batch stuff you can't get anywhere else.
Take the Brew House Blonde Ale (Winter '25-'26). It’s brewed with Helios hops and kveik yeast, giving it these weirdly delightful notes of strawberry and passion fruit. Or the Dry Hopped Vera Cream Ale. It’s a 6.5% ABV monster that tastes like tropical candy but finishes smooth like the classic Cream Ale your grandpa used to drink.
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A flight of four is only $10. In 2026, that’s basically a steal.
Current Favorites (January 2026)
- Brew House Vanilla Porter: 5.5% ABV, heavy on the bourbon vanilla.
- Amerks Amber: A malty, toasty tribute to the local hockey team.
- Citrus Pils: A crisp lager with natural tangerine and lime.
- Test IPA #11: Hazy, unfiltered, and bursting with Mosaic and Citra.
The Food: A Mixed Bag of Rochester Classics
Let’s be real for a second. People have opinions about the kitchen. If you go to Reddit, you’ll see local Rochesterians arguing about whether the food is "mid" or a masterpiece.
The Beef on Weck is a staple. It’s a Western New York classic—roast beef on a kummelweck roll encrusted with salt and caraway seeds. When it's good, it's life-changing. When it's rushed, it's just a salty sandwich.
Then there’s the Dog Plate. If you’re a tourist, this is Rochester’s "Garbage Plate" lite. It’s greasy, it’s heavy, and it’s topped with that signature meat hot sauce. Is it healthy? Absolutely not. Will you need a nap afterward? Probably.
Pro Tip: If you order the Bavarian Pretzels, ask for the beer cheese on the side. Sometimes they get a little heavy-handed with the slathering, and you want to actually taste the dough.
More Than Just a Bar
The first floor is basically a museum. You can walk through and see old memorabilia from the 1800s, including stuff from the Wehle family era. They’ve been at this since before Prohibition. In fact, they were one of the few breweries that knew exactly where they were when Prohibition ended—they started shipping beer again on April 27, 1933.
There’s a massive gift shop too. You can buy everything from neon signs to hoodies that cost a small fortune. But hey, it's the "Jenny" lifestyle.
The $50 Million Facelift
The brewery across the street is currently undergoing a massive $50 million renovation. It’s a big deal for the city. They’re turning it into a world-class packaging facility.
What does that mean for you? It means the Genesee Brew House Rochester NY is becoming the US home for Labatt Blue production. It’s solidifying Rochester as a beer capital of the Northeast. They're adding more jobs and better tech, like a "mash filter" that works like a giant French press to make the brewing process more efficient.
Is it Worth the Trip?
If you're in Rochester, it’s a non-negotiable. Even if you aren't a huge fan of the beer, the atmosphere is worth the price of a pint.
- Parking: There’s a big lot, but it fills up fast on weekends.
- Reservations: They don’t take 'em. It’s first-come, first-served.
- Tours: Pilot brewery tours are usually Thursday through Sunday, but you should book ahead online.
The service can be a bit slow when the rooftop is packed, but just look at the waterfall. You’re not in a hurry.
How to Do the Brew House Right
- Check the weather. If it’s snowing, the indoor views are still great through the floor-to-ceiling windows.
- Order a flight. Don't just stick to what you know. Try the experimental IPAs.
- Walk the bridge. After your meal, walk across the Pont de Rennes bridge for the best photo op of the falls and the brewery.
- Skip the Mac & Cheese. Unless you really love super-heavy, rich sauce, it can be a bit much for one person to finish.
The Genesee Brew House isn't trying to be a snobby craft brewery. It’s an honest place for honest beer. It’s a celebration of Rochester's grit and its history. Grab a Cream Ale, head to the balcony, and watch the river go by. You’ll get it once you’re there.
Check the current tap list on their official site before you go, as the pilot brews change almost weekly. If you're planning a group visit, aim for a Tuesday or Wednesday to avoid the 45-minute wait times that plague the Friday night crowd.