Restaurants in downtown Rochester have once again banded together for Restaurant Week, a celebration of food and community where local eateries offer discounted prices in order to draw new customers and reward returning ones.

The week started last Monday and ends this Sunday. While the official website of Restaurant Week provides necessary information about each participant.

One of the main focuses of Restaurant Week is to raise awareness of the many restaurants in downtown Rochester for people who don’t live in the area. In order to accommodate the higher volume of people Restaurant Week draws, many participants have done extra food prep work and staffed additional personnel.

Certain restaurants are also providing additional enticements that aren’t listed on the official Restaurant Week website.

In addition to new menu items, Kruse and Muer on main is running a Caribbean promotion this week providing $5 and $10 coupons in local papers.

O’Connor’s Public House is hosting a “Bell’s Beer Tap Takeover” on Wednesday, showcasing seven different Bell’s beers paired with entrees. They are also tapping a gravity fed keg.

Penny Black highlights a scratch kitchen, meaning everything in their restaurant is made fresh from scratch.

Many participants reported increased sales on Monday, attributing the additional patronage to Restaurant Week. Success for these businesses also provides potential customers for other establishments in downtown Rochester. This is important because it emphasizes the sense of community and growth in a recovering economy; a sentiment shared by all of the participants.

By partaking in this event, you can feel good about saving money on excellent food while bolstering your own community. The participants of Restaurant Week want to provide you with a pleasurable, affordable experience that the entire neighborhood will benefit from, so check it out.

Highlighted Menu Items

Penn Station – Philly Cheesesteak

Kruse & Muer – Grouper

Penny Black – BBQ (Smokehouse Combo)

O’Connor’s Public House – Braised Pork Osso Bucco

Main Street Deli – Strawberry Chicken Salad, Dutch Salad

Rochester Mills – Jambalaya, Fish and Chips

Mr. B’s Food & Spirits – Half Slab of Ribs

Rojo Mexican Bistro – Camarones Rellenos

Birkshire Restaurant – Crab and Lobster Hush Puppies