New waterfront hotspot to offer food, cocktails, and live music

Show Caption

• The new establishment will be owned by the owners of Whiskey River Pub & Grill, a half-mile away.
• The new establishment will host live music year round.
• “I think they’re really going to complement each other. They’re really going to be two different venues.”

A new waterfront bar, restaurant and music venue is slated to open on the second level of the Port of Rochester building this summer. Whiskey’s Upper Deck is planned for the former home to Jetty at the Port, which closed in 2021.

Owner Bob Youst also owns Whiskey River Pub & Grill, a casual bar and restaurant roughly a half-mile up the Genesee River in Charlotte. Whiskey River will remain open.

Youst recently answered questions about the new spot.

Why open a second business so close to Whiskey River?

Whiskey River has several limitations when it comes to hosting live music, Youst said. The historic building was constructed in 1853, and the space is divided into small rooms, with seating for just 35 to 40 people in the bar. That means it’s not practical to host live music indoors. That’s why bands play only during the summer, and zoning allows live music outdoors only until 10 p.m.

In contrast, the roomy indoor space at the port building will allow it to host bands inside year round, and have shows go as late as 1 or 2 a.m.

There are other business reasons for the two businesses in close proximity, he said. It offers a potential backup for inclement weather with bands booked at Whiskey River.

“I think they’re really going to complement each other,” he said. “They’re really going to be two different venues.”

It also will allow him to share staff between the two venues. And, from a strategic standpoint, “what better than to be your own competitor?”

Will Whiskey River continue to host music in the summer?

Both venues will host bands during the summer. The times will be be staggered so that you could potentially leave Whiskey River and head to Whiskey’s Upper Deck for a later show.

What kinds of bands will play?

Both venues will focus on bands that play classic rock, Southern rock and new country music.

What will the outdoor area be like at Whiskey’s Upper Deck?

The 6,600-square-foot outdoor space, which has expansive views of Lake Ontario and the Genesee River, will be reconfigured. It will have space for dining as well as an space set up with games like corn hole. It also will have areas for small private parties like birthday parties and rehearsal dinners.

What will the indoor area be like at Whiskey’s Upper Deck?

The indoor area is being remodeled, and the main focus will be the stage for bands. It also will have space for private parties.

What will the food and drink be like at Whiskey’s Upper Deck?

Whiskey’s Upper Deck has a much larger kitchen that will enable it to serve a more extensive menu than Whiskey River. It will serve many comfort food favorites from the Whiskey River, as well as salads, fish, pastas and chops. Youst expects it to be a popular destination for lunch.

When will Whiskey’s Upper Deck open?

The opening day will largely depend on when it secures its liquor license. Youst is targeting the last week of May.

Tracy Schuhmacher has been the D&C’s full-time food reporter since 2015. Email story tips to [email protected].