Tucked into Charisma Commons Plaza on Spencerport Road in Gates, The Coterie Restaurant is more than just another addition to the local Rochester dining scene – it’s a labor of love from its passionate owners: three Rochester locals and one Nashville native, who brought every detail of the establishment to life themselves. From vision, construction, design, menu creation, and service standards, the dedicated owners have been completely hands-on in transforming their vision into reality. Every detail is infused with their personal touch.
From the outset, the owners crafted The Coterie’s identity around the perfect balance of upscale and inviting, with an eclectic yet familiar feel. Even the name invokes a friendly gathering place where everyone can come and feel at home. The interior sparks creativity and an ambiance that welcomes patrons to stay a while – from the cozy lounge, generational music wall, one-of-a-kind bar and bowling alley tables, accent lighting, and the greenhouse windows of the dining room – everything was curated to offer an intimate space, perfect for conversation, connection, and community. While including many mementos from past generations and the history of the city of Rochester, their main goal was for the space to seem like everything was hand-picked and with purpose.
You can expect the same of the food and drink menus. From the whimsical names to the innovative twists on classic Rochester comfort foods, both menus provide ample choices to appeal to any palette.
Additionally, each menu item was thoughtfully designed to accommodate a variety of dietary restrictions. They offer several vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free options that do not compromise on flavor or ingenuity. The artfully crafted drink menu boasts an impressive array of cocktails, lattes, and other non-alcoholic beverages. The number one difference lies in the preparation and care behind each individual menu item – from hand-breaded chicken tenders and house-made sauces, to freshly baked desserts, and syrups for cocktails – the thoughtfulness shines through in every aspect of the dining experience. With most items being hand-crafted in-house, diners are sure to have a difficult time deciding what they should try first.
Upon walking in the doors for the first time, you are sure to be greeted by several friendly faces, who you can tell really appreciate your business. Every step of service feels well-thought-out and intentional, as the owners have prided themselves on paving the way for The Coterie to uphold its high standards for many years to come. This dining experience is truly one-of-a-kind and one you’ll want to come and see for yourself. Once you do, you’ll be lining up your next visit before you walk out the front door. But before you do, make sure you check out the mirrored wall in the vestibule for the pre-renovation photos.
