Now open: AltBar in Rochester

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — A different bar option is now open in Rochester: AltBar! This business at 1947 E. Main Street serves and sells non-alcoholic drink options.

The business started five years ago when one of the owners, Bob Hartman, quit drinking.
He and his wife Meg, say they had a hard time finding quality drinks when they were going out, or replicating the social experience of getting drinks with friends.

So they started AltBar as a pop-up in 2021. But after a couple years of hard, the two were able to open their brick-and-mortar in late summer. Meg even gave up her previous line of work to be full-time at the business.

In this cozy place, they have a rotating seasonal cocktail menu. You can get anything from a “phony Negroni”, mock margarita, N.A. beer, booze-free wine, or their own special creations at the bar. There is ample seating, and a small section in back with tables and board games.

AltBar also has a wide selection of bottles and cans for sale if you want to shop there. For Meg, it’s all about sharing the passion.

“To get to know the customers who come in, get to hear their stories, seeing when they take a sip of the cocktail, and their eyes get big and they say ‘oh my gosh, that’s so good…’ That is super rewarding,” she said.

AltBar is hosting a grand opening Saturday, complete with a ribbon cutting at noon. Select free samples will be offered, and a special grapefruit drink — made with grapefruit-infused ice —will be served.

Meg says they are slowly working to offer some more food options, though without a kitchen, AltBar will focus mainly on small plates.

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