Restaurant
Unclaimed profileCRISP Rochester
Rochester, NY · $$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
CRISP runs a serious cocktail program: nine named drinks spanning sangria, mezcal-tequila, bourbon, and gin, all at $14. The wine list reaches from Finger Lakes Riesling to a Gaston Chiquet Champagne pairing, while local beers and a full non-alcoholic menu round out a program that rewards exploration.
- What should I order?
- Start with the Taxi Dancer, a mezcal-tequila cocktail with tepache and habanero bitters on a habanero-tajin rim. For a gin drink, Uncle Tony’s Martini muddles cherry tomatoes with pepperoncini brine. The CRISP Old Fashioned uses High West rye.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Cocktail drinkers who appreciate both creative builds and classic templates will find a broad menu. Wine drinkers get Finger Lakes options and a premium Champagne pairing, while non-alcoholic guests have dedicated cocktails and beers.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Craft cocktails are $14, classics $13–$15, and non-alcoholic cocktails $12. Wine glasses run $10–$16, bottles $35–$68. Beer is $5–$12. A Champagne pairing with fried chicken costs $125.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- The cocktail menu is unusually inventive: a sangria with Cointreau, a martini with pepperoncini brine and torched tomato garnish, and a bourbon-rum drink with bacon. Local beer and Finger Lakes wine reinforce a New York identity.
Beverage categories
We only score what a venue sets out to do. Categories a venue doesn't attempt are left unscored rather than penalized.
Cocktails
A deep cocktail list separates craft, bubbly, classic, and non-alcoholic categories. Signature drinks show real technique: a sangria with Cointreau, a martini with pepperoncini brine and torched tomato, and a mezcal-tequila with tepache and habanero bitters.
Menu strengths
- — Menu is organized into clear categories, from craft to classic.
- — Several signature cocktails use housemade elements like tepache, habanero-tajin salt, and torched tomato garnish.
- — Pricing is consistent and accessible at $14 for craft pours.
Standout selections
- — Taxi Dancer – mezcal, tequila, tepache, habanero bitters, habanero-tajin salt rim.
- — Uncle Tony’s Martini – gin with pepperoncini brine, muddled cherry tomatoes, torched garnish.
- — Join Me On The Porch – housemade sangria with seasonal red wines, fruit, Cointreau.
Pricing: Craft cocktails $14; classics $13–$15
Wine
Wine list spans whites, rosés, bubbles, and reds, with several Finger Lakes selections like Ravines Riesling and Hosmer Rosé of Cabernet Franc. A Gaston Chiquet Champagne pairing with fried chicken adds a premium option.
Menu strengths
- — Includes local Finger Lakes producers such as Ravines and Hosmer.
- — Offers both value glasses and premium bottles, from Sauvignon Blanc at $10 to Au Bon Climat Chardonnay at $16.
- — A Gaston Chiquet Champagne 1er Cru Brut is available as a food pairing.
Standout selections
- — 2019 Ravines Riesling, Dry – Seneca Lake, Finger Lakes.
- — Hosmer Rosé of Cabernet Franc – Cayuga Lake, Finger Lakes.
- — Gaston Chiquet Champagne 1er Cru Brut – offered with fried chicken pairing.
Pricing: Glasses $10–$16; bottles $35–$68
Beer
Beer list emphasizes local craft: Rohrbach Scotch Ale and Highland Lager, Big Ditch Hayburner IPA, Frequentum Cream Ale and a fruited sour, plus Strangebird Bird Light. Imports and a cider round out options.
Menu strengths
- — Strong local representation from -area breweries.; Includes a heavily fruited sour from Frequentum for adventurous drinkers.
- — Cider option from Black Bird Estate Reserve adds variety.
Standout selections
- — Frequentum Brewing Just Fruit – heavily fruited sour with raspberry, pineapple, mango.
- — Rohrbach Scotch Ale – Scottish-style ale at 6.8% ABV.
- — Big Ditch Hayburner IPA – citrusy IPA at 7.2% ABV.
Pricing: $5–$12
Nonalcoholic
Non-alcoholic program is robust with three craft cocktails using Ritual alternatives, plus NA beers from Athletic, Stella Artois, and Brooklyn. Coffee and tea on the brunch menu add further non-alcoholic options.
Menu strengths
- — Three dedicated non-alcoholic cocktails using Ritual spirits alternatives.
- — NA beer selection includes both golden ale and IPA from Athletic Brewing.
- — Pricing is modest at $12 for cocktails and $5–$6 for beers.
Standout selections
- — Innocent Paloma – Ritual tequila, lime, grapefruit, soda.
- — Ritual Whiskey Smash – muddled mint and lemon with Ritual Whiskey Alternative.
Pricing: Cocktails $12; beers $5–$6
Spirits
Spirits are showcased through the cocktail menu rather than a standalone list. High West rye appears in two Old Fashioned variations, and a Negroni uses gin and Campari.
Menu strengths
- — High West rye is used in the CRISP Old Fashioned and Billionaire’s Old Fashioned.
- — Classic cocktails like the Negroni feature specific spirits.
Standout selections
- — Negroni — $13.00 — Gin, sweet vermouth, Campari.
Pricing: Classic cocktails $13–$15
How it sits with the food
A Gaston Chiquet Champagne 1er Cru Brut is offered with a fried chicken pairing at $125, suggesting the kitchen’s fried chicken is meant to meet bubbles.
Inebrious does not score kitchens, food or the restaurant overall. We review the beverage program only.
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