Locals Only
A vibrant cafe with a bohemian vibe, serving delicious brunch and lunch classics, specialty coffee, and creative cocktails.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
Locals Only
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant cafe with a bohemian vibe, serving delicious brunch and lunch classics, specialty coffee, and creative cocktails.
Make Reservations
Book ahead, especially for weekend brunch, as seating is limited and popular times fill up fast.
Cash Option
Consider paying with cash to avoid potential credit card convenience fees.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
American Cafe
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Instagrammable Brunch Haven
A trendy, bohemian cafe serving visually stunning brunch & lunch dishes, perfect for capturing those 'gram-worthy moments.
Creative Cocktail Flights
Sip on unique cocktails like mimosa flights or creative chef's choice drinks, elevating your brunch or lunch experience.
Chef's Choice Surprise
Trust the chef for a unique, personalized dish bursting with flavor, tailored to your preferences.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Make Reservations
Book ahead, especially for weekend brunch, as seating is limited and popular times fill up fast.
Cash Option
Consider paying with cash to avoid potential credit card convenience fees.
Arrive Early or Late
Beat the crowds and potential wait times by visiting during off-peak hours.
Trust the Chef's Choice
Opt for the 'chef special' for a surprise dish, often featuring unique and delicious flavor combinations.
Tips
from all over the internet
Make Reservations
Book ahead, especially for weekend brunch, as seating is limited and popular times fill up fast.
Cash Option
Consider paying with cash to avoid potential credit card convenience fees.
Arrive Early or Late
Beat the crowds and potential wait times by visiting during off-peak hours.
Trust the Chef's Choice
Opt for the 'chef special' for a surprise dish, often featuring unique and delicious flavor combinations.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Locals Only is praised for its exceptional food, creative drinks, and bohemian-chic ambiance, making it a popular brunch destination. While many rave about the 'chef's choice' and visually appealing dishes, some diners note that the restaurant can get quite loud, and service can occasionally be slow during peak hours. Despite minor acoustic issues and potential wait times, the overall consensus is that it's a gem worth visiting for its unique culinary offerings and welcoming vibe.
"We had a fantastic experience here from start to finish. I made a reservation online (they do require a credit card to hold the spot), and I’m so glad we did. The vibe is relaxed yet elevated, and the staff couldn’t have been more friendly or accommodating.
The menu isn’t overwhelmingly large, which I actually loved—it’s thoughtfully curated, and everything we tried was delicious. They serve both breakfast and lunch, and the best part? You can order lunch items even during breakfast hours. Big win!
My husband went with the chef’s choice and was blown away by the flavors. They really take allergies and preferences seriously—just let them know, and they’ll tailor the dish accordingly.
The drinks were another highlight—creative, flavorful, and definitely boozy in the best way. They did have a few mocktails options if you’re looking for something non-alcoholic.
Bonus points for validating parking—such a nice touch that makes the whole experience even more enjoyable.
Highly recommend this spot whether you’re a true local or just passing through. It’s worth the stop!"
Trishna Hira
"My wife & I met a friend here for brunch on a Saturday. The restaurant is absolutely beautiful! The food & drinks were delicious- we tried multiple items on the menu. My reason for 4 stars is the acoustics. The sound carries when you eat upstairs, making it difficult to hear, especially when it's busy (which it was a Saturday). If you are looking for an Instagram worthy place with amazing service, this is a great place to visit."
Nina Tillman-Schewe
"We had breakfast here. It wasn’t busy but service was quite slow. My coffee was good but my husband’s was no longer hot by the time it arrived. The fried cauliflower bites were the tastiest thing we had there, but could do with better plating as the avocado was just buried under the cauliflower. The fries with brisket & eggs (prepared well) was also quite tasty but lacked flavor & seasoning. The biggest letdown was the egg burrito. Very very bland. Prices were quite high, but portions were big. Nice that they helped pay for parking, but some strange administrative fee on the bill. Not sure we’d come back but glad we tried it."
Khayriyyah Mohd Hanafiah
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Reservations are highly recommended, especially for weekend brunch, as the restaurant can get busy.
The 'chef's choice' is a popular option for a unique dish. Other favorites include the breakfast burrito and French Baiser.
Yes, Locals Only offers several vegetarian-friendly options on their menu.
They offer specialty coffee selections, seasonal drinks, and unique cocktail flights like mimosa flights.
Some diners find the restaurant to be quite loud, especially when busy, due to its acoustics.
Yes, they have seasonal specials and a 'chef's choice' option for a surprise dish.
Yes, parking is available in the adjacent lot. Ask your server for a ticket to validate.
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5 Top Brunch Spots in Rochester
Locals Only is a super trendy brunch spot located in the heart of the city and serves the most “Instagrammable” avocado toasts, omelets, and pancakes. The modern ambiance and perfectly curated décor is the ideal backdrop for a vibey Sunday afternoon. In addition to beautifully crafted plates of food, Locals Only serves delicious brunch cocktails and mocktails, ideal for every upperclassman!.
Things to Do in Rochester, NY, on Your Next Weekend Getaway
Open daily from 8 AM until 3 PM, Locals Only is a great place to start your day with their delicious breakfast and lunch selections. Coffee lovers, you need to stop in and check out their many seasonal and specialty coffees, including a fun and ever-changing Latte of the Month. The food was delicious, and the atmosphere was relaxed and welcoming (even for visitors, despite its name).
15 Best Breakfast & Brunch Spots in Rochester, NY
the super-cool and trendy Locals Only is a classy brunch spot in Rochester. With an impressive lineup of mouth-watering brunch delights and chef’s specials, it is a wonderful spot to indulge in delectably prepared Bruschetta and scrambled eggs. The top items on their brunch menu include Gucci Egg Sandwich and tasty Grilled Quesadillas.
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For the person who likes to eat just two meals a day (or maybe even one…), Locals Only is the perfect place for a hearty brunch that’s sure to tide you over. If you time it right, the menu will be equal parts breakfast and lunch—and this is one of those rare places where the vegetarian options don’t feel like an afterthought.
Hotspots & BEST Things to do in Rochester, NY (Weekend Getaway Guide)
Another great breakfast spot to check out is Locals Only where you can find breakfast and brunch served daily until 3 PM. They offer coffee, cocktails, and their kitchen goodies including seasonal specials, classic breakfast sandwiches, lunch items, and other fun items like their soft pretzel or tater tot flight.
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The salads at this establishment are always fresh and satisfying, making them an excellent choice for a nutritious meal. The ingredients used are of superior quality, and the homemade dressings add an extra layer of flavor. If you're in the mood for a healthy and delicious meal, Locals Only is the place to go.
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Locals Only is a great spot for brunch in Rochester, NY. The food is delicious, the staff is courteous, and the environment is quaint. The Chef's special is a unique concept and the blueberry lavender flight is a must-try. The online menu is easy to use and the staff is helpful.
Breakfast & Brunch Spots in Rochester, NY
If you're looking for a fun, trendy, hipster vibe and great food to go along with it, Locals Only is the place to go. Don’t miss out on “Hip Hop Brunch” each Friday from 8am to 3pm, featuring the best tunes from the 90s as well as new hip hop. View this post on Instagram
15 Best Brunch Restaurants in Rochester
311 Alexander St, Rochester, NY 14604585-537-7566 Visit Website. Locals Only is one of the most hip brunch places in Rochester. I love that they offer a chef’s choice, and as someone who’s ordered it multiple times, I can confirm that you should, in fact, trust them.
Best Brunch in Rochester, NY (2025) — 25 Top Places!
311 Alexander StreetRochester, NY 14604(585) 537-7566 Visit Website See Menu Open in Google Maps. Locals Only is a relaxed, airy restaurant serving hearty morning and noontime classics, coffee drinks, tea and milk beverages, plus a variety of craft cocktails.
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And the lattes come with beautiful latte art, which is great!. I'm sure you and your partner will enjoy going here.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit