Restaurant
Unclaimed profileRadio Social
Rochester, NY · $$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
Radio Social's beverage program spans ten $13 cocktails, a wine list with Finger Lakes picks, local draft beer, and thoughtful zero-proof options. The cocktail program, started by Chuck Cerankosky and now run by Jared Steeves, shows inventive pairings like mezcal with strawberry and basil or rye with pink guava and chile. A whiskey bar and gazoz sodas round out a program that treats non-drinkers as seriously as cocktail fans.
- What should I order?
- Start with the Social Butterfly, a vodka, mango, sticky rice cordial, and coconut number that balances tropical fruit with an unexpected savory note. For something smokier, Pink Rabbits pairs mezcal with strawberry, basil, pear, and soda. Non-drinkers should try the Tangerine Dream, a zero-proof mix of muddled orange, oat milk, and vanilla seltzer.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Cocktail enthusiasts will find creative, well-priced drinks. Wine drinkers can explore Finger Lakes selections, while beer fans have local drafts from Strangebird, Other Half, and Rohrbach. The substantial zero-proof menu and gazoz sodas make it welcoming for those skipping alcohol.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Cocktails are uniformly $13, with zero-proof cocktails and gazoz at $12. Wine runs $10–$12 per glass, with bottles at $61.50. Beer pints range from $4 to $9, pitchers from $16 to $36, and bottles or cans from $4 to $11.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- The cocktail program's pedigree—founded by Chuck Cerankosky and continued under Jared Steeves—shows in a menu that mixes ingredients like sticky rice cordial, arak, and black walnut bitters. A dedicated whiskey bar and a full gazoz program extend the range beyond typical bar offerings.
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
Ten cocktails at a flat $13 cover vodka, mezcal, tequila, rum, rye, gin, and bourbon bases. Ingredients run from mango and sticky rice to pink guava and chile. The program, founded by Chuck Cerankosky and led by Jared Steeves, shows ambition without pricing itself out of reach.
Menu strengths
- — A broad base-spirit range from vodka to rye and bourbon, each with inventive pairings.
- — Consistent $13 pricing keeps the entire menu accessible.
Standout selections
- — Social Butterfly: vodka, mango, sticky rice cordial, coconut.
- — Risky Karma: rye, pink guava, chile peppers, elderflower.
- — Spirit Animal: bourbon, cherry, sweet vermouth, arak, black walnut bitters.
Pricing: $13 each
Wine
The wine list spans sparkling, rosé, white, and red, with several by the glass and bottle. It includes Italian sparklers, a Spanish rosé, and Finger Lakes selections like Lamoreaux Unoaked Chardonnay. Reserve wines are available on request.
Menu strengths
- — Diversity across styles and regions, from Prosecco to Paso Robles Cabernet.
- — Inclusion of Finger Lakes wines supports local producers.
Standout selections
- — Zardetto Prosecco (Italy, NV); Clos Amador Cava Rosé (Spain, NV)
Pricing: $12/glass, $61.50/bottle; house wine $10/glass
Beer
Ten drafts plus packaged options focus on local and regional breweries, including Strangebird, Other Half, and Rohrbach, with standards like Genny and Blue Light. Cider from OSB is also on draft. Pricing is wallet-friendly, with pints starting at $4.
Menu strengths
- — Strong local representation with Strangebird, Other Half, Rohrbach, and OSB Cider.
- — Broad price range accommodates both budget and craft drinkers.
Standout selections
- — Other Half Green City I.P.A.; Rohrbach Scotch Ale
Pricing: Draft pints $4–$9; pitchers $16–$36; bottles/cans $4–$11
Nonalcoholic
Non-alcoholic options are extensive: a zero-proof cocktail, three gazoz sodas, soft drinks, and non-alcoholic beers. Gazoz sodas can be made boozy for an extra $3. The Tangerine Dream zero-proof cocktail is a standout, priced at $12.
Menu strengths
- — A dedicated zero-proof cocktail and multiple gazoz sodas show real effort.
- — Gazoz sodas can be spiked for flexibility.; Non-alcoholic beers include Heineken 0.0 and Guinness Zero.
Standout selections
- — Tangerine Dream: zero-proof with muddled orange, oat milk, vanilla seltzer.
- — High Violet: gazoz with blueberries, ginger, cucumber, chili, kaffir lime.
- — Midnight Bloom: gazoz with orgeat, tart cherry, black sesame, vanilla, hibiscus.
Pricing: Zero-proof cocktails and gazoz $12; NA beers $6–$8; soft drinks $3–$9
Spirits
A dedicated whiskey bar anchors the spirits program, which also supports cocktails and boozy additions. This is a complement to the cocktail menu rather than a standalone showcase.
Menu strengths
- — A whiskey bar is a notable feature.; Spirits are used in cocktails and available for boozy add-ons.
Standout selections
- — Bar program curates an expert selection of spirits.
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