This was my 2nd time eating at Rocky's - an old time Rochester Italian restaurant. It is like stepping back into the 60s or 70s! They take only cash- and when my companion asked for a receipt- he was told that they don't have receipts- just hand written checks. Who cares- the food is great- we both had the lunch portion of Chicken Parm- nice and and thin and crispy- with a side of penne and doused in that famous Rocky's sauce/ gravy. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The restaurant is broken up into 3 rooms- with a tight squeeze doorway between them - watch out for servers with a load of dishes ![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] If you like the old school Rochester Italian food experience (including tripe which I have never had!) - go to Rocky's. Nothing fancy or pretentious- just authentic Italian fo read more

Rocky's - Chicken Parm with penne - Italian Near Me - Rochester, New York

Great italian place that feels like you went back in time 100 years but dont go in without a plan. It's cash only seating and is limited. The menu only has a couple things on it and changes everyday. The people are also not the friendliest so dont go in there being high maintenance. The prices are amazing though and the food is great. read more

Mom and pop place that has minimal hours. I usually get the homemade ravioli, the gnocchi, meatballs or eggplant. Husband loves the tripe, spaghetti and meatballs. They only serve certain meals on certain days so you have to look up their menu online before you go. The disappointing part is I always work the same days so I never get to eat certain things. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The place is small and cozy and they run out of popular dishes fast so if you want to make sure you get what you want, and a seat, I would get there around the time they open.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Their prices are beyond reasonable and the food is even better! Rocky's is a staple in Rochester and we love coming here. read more

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IYKYK! For as long as I've been coming here I've never tried the eggplant until last Monday. What an eye opener! They bread their eggplant in a flour batter like French style. It was delicious. Love their salad with the crumbly blue too Only disadvantage that day is the food was ridiculously covered with sauce. You couldn't tell who had what lol, will not stop me from going back. Lunch for 3 adults was $56.00 you can't beat Ricky's! read more

Rocky's - Beautiful salad with crumbled blue cheese - Italian Near Me - Rochester, New York

Finally trying my the historic Rocky's. -Sauce is spot on -eggplant was meh. A bit soggy. But prob because theres a ton of sauce. -Family style salad was fantastic! -[[HIGHLIGHT]]Aesthetic of the location and building can't be beat. Old school nonna's cooking up Italian comfort food, in a small diner like setting surrounded by pieces of our shared Italian American history in this area[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]. An experience 9/10lll read more

Rocky's - Eggplant parm. The sauce itself was amazing! - Italian Near Me - Rochester, New York

Visited Rocky's on two consecutive days for the first time while on vacation in Rochester, New York. I didn't realize how much of a treat the experience would be until I met long time patrons and enjoyed the food. Thursday I went for lunch (open from 11-2). The place was packed and the waitresses were slammed. I wound up sitting at the bar next to a retired policeman (Bob), who filled me in on the history of the third generation owned restaurant which opened in 1949. Although the neighborhood has changed, Rocky's remains a bastion of tradition in the once traditionally Italian neighborhood. I thought I knew what I wanted from the Thursday daily special menu, but then I saw another patron order the homemade cheese ravioli with 2 meatballs. When the waitress took my order I took the cheese ravioli with 1 meatball and 1 link of Italian sausage. The ravioli were large and fresh. The meatball was flavorful and juicy. The sausage was arguably the best Italian sausage I have tasted with fennel and slightly sweet notes. All was encompassed by the delicious red sauce. Everyone was so friendly dedicated to the success of this restaurant. I truly felt at home at Rocky's. To add to the experience Mr. Bob was so kind to pay for my lunch! The owner's wife was my waitress and she was so friendly and glad I chose her family's restaurant during my visit. She informed me they were open for lunch and dinner service Friday from 4-7 p.m. I returned on Friday and had a large linguini (homemade) with white clam sauce. I chose the white sauce rather than the red on the waitress' recommendation. I couldn't have been more pleased. The clams were plentiful and the sauce did not overwhelm clams or the pasta. The meal was perfectly constructed. I look forward to a return visit to Rocky's on my next visit to Rochester to try other menu items and meet great locals again. read more

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I will start this as I always do by saying that I don't give out five stars and less I am really blown away. I love this place. They make their own homemade pasta only have so many servings of it a day and change it up on a daily basis. I will come back every Thursday if possible to get these raviolis. I should've gotten a whole plate of them and skipped the chicken Parm . There's anything wrong with the chicken Parm but the raviolis were that good. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The ambience makes you feel like you're stuck in the past some old Italian home cooking joint.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] They are not trying to be fancy just trying to make damn good Italian food. The staff was great right on top of things. Family run family owned family operated. The food feels like family See you next Thursday and Thursday after and the Thursday after. read more

Rocky's - Ravioli and chicken Parmesan - Italian Near Me - Rochester, New York

Old school Italian food. Simple but affordable and delicious! Love the fact they haven't moved from Jay Street.

Publicly Shouted At by Owner Over Polite Inquiry - Shocking and Unacceptable Service I had visited this restaurant multiple times before with no issues whatsoever, and I even know several of the waitstaff positively from those experiences. But my last visit was one of the most shocking and embarrassing experiences I've had anywhere, leaving me dismayed, angry, and unwilling to ever return. I called more than two hours before opening to place a same-day order with Sandy. My father and I arrived early, waited for the doors to open at 11 AM, and I was the first person through the unlocked dining entrance. No staff directed seating (which is normal here), so I took a middle table. Several tables had "Reserved" signs, but many others--including some right next to mine--did not. The server (the woman who unlocked the doors; she's the only blonde waitress there) immediately began helping other tables across the front, back, and even neighboring ones: chatting with patrons, taking orders, and serving them--while completely ignoring my table and my father for several minutes. This included both reserved and non-reserved tables, despite our pre-placed order and being first seated. I politely stopped her as she passed nearby and calmly asked a few questions: the status of my called-in order, why reserved tables (and others) were being prioritized, and why we were overlooked when we arrived first. I did not raise my voice or act rudely--my father witnessed the whole thing. She was dismissive, said the others had reservations, and when I noted I did too (via phone), she brushed me off and walked away. Less than a minute later, the owner (the bald cook--no other cooks I've seen there are bald) came straight to our table, stood across from us, raised his voice to a full shout, accused me of yelling at his waitress (which absolutely did not happen), and stormed back to the kitchen without asking for my side, listening, or attempting any resolution. [[HIGHLIGHT]]This created a loud, public scene that humiliated me and my father in front of the entire dining room.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Another server brought our food later; when I explained what happened, which she apologized for, however I explained it wasn't her fault. We paid the bill and left without eating much--the incident completely ruined the visit. My father and nearby patrons were witnesses to both exchanges. I had spoken with another patron as I was leaving who said the owner has been quick-tempered before. This wasn't minor slow service; it was blatant ignoring of a pre-arranged customer followed by aggressive, unprofessional shouting from the owner with zero effort to hear the full story. I felt shocked, embarrassed, and disrespected in a way that's hard to believe from any business. If you value basic courtesy, fair attention, and an owner who handles complaints like an adult (calm conversation instead of yelling), I strongly advise going elsewhere. I won't be back, and I hope this prevents others from the same upsetting experience. read more

Had lunch today and everything was absolutely amazing. I have a gluten intolerance disorder,and Stephanie our waitress walked me through the menu,and settled on things that I could eat.Thank you so much for a delicious meal. read more

Very good raviolis ! My review needs to be at least 85 characters What it doesn't say is there are a number of characters at Rocky's everyday between 11:00 - 2:00 Enjoy ! read more

Excellent excellent sauce & ravioli's! My fav place !! I highly recommend this Italian Restaurant! Great service!! read more

Long time lover of this place- tripe, ravioli and lasagna! can't wait to go back again.

What has happened to our beloved Rocky's? We were there a month or so ago and the food was " different ". Sauce not the same and portions smaller. Back today and still not what we've come to know and love. The meatballs were bland, no flavor and dry. Sauce was ok but bland also. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The place is usually filled up by noon but today there were maybe 20 people there.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The staff is different too. Do we continue to go? Unknown. read more

[[HIGHLIGHT]]Place never had ambiance but it was a family that worked it.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] What happened. I've been going since I was 8 years old with my Grandfather and brother. The son charged me $60 for 2 tripe 2 gnocchi and 3 waters 3 side salads which are supposed to be included with the dinner. No personality, no greeting no thank you for your business. There was hardly anyone in there and it took forever to get the food. It was never a place you went for their personalities but at least the food used to be good. Not anymore! Won't be going back! read more

Went to lunch with my wife and the stuffed shells they were homemade and very delicious sauce was on point meatballs were excellent in Italian sausage was excellent prices were right. Service was excellent. Wouldn't hesitate to recommend going there thanks, Rocky's! read more

Cash only. If you are tired of chain Italian want to be restaurants, this is for you. Authentic! I recently had lunch and listened to the story of the Hickok Belt being told. WOW, when Rochester, New York was an American town on the map. The eggplant and gnocchi went down delicious. Menu on the wall hanging. Great service! Very satisfying! read more

Rocky's - Italian Near Me - Rochester, New York

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The hospitality is lacking to say the least. I haven't been in about 20 years. It's a far cry from what it once was. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The employees look like the border on homeless.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] They have no organization. It used to be in the door, sat, order, dine and pay in 30 to 40 minutes. Today I finally was able to order 40 minutes into sitting at the table. I had to ask for bread. 40 minutes later we were asked what we were waiting for like we were holding up the table. I expressed the fact that it took 40 minutes to order and it's been another 40 minutes without food. I also explained that the 2 dinners sat right before us left 30 minutes prior. I was told lunch was on the house. 10 minutes later the waitress came to the table and asked what we ordered. We had had enough at 2 hours in. We got up and left. The man bun guy that said lunch was on him said it would take 2 minutes and we said why now will it be so speedy. We were done. We walked out. Man bun chased us out saying we were running out on a 20 dollar wine bill after he already said our lunch was on the house. They totally dropped the ball big time and didn't even have respect enough for a customer to admit it. Instead of being apologetic man bun, who I think may be family, acted getto and chased us out yelling and screaming over 20 dollars of crap wine that we drank in 2 hours for a bowl of pasta. Terrible. It's a shame. I was so excited to introduce my boyfriend to Rockys. It was pretty much the worst dinning experience I've ever had. read more

A friend brought me here, I moved to Rochester a year ago, and have kept hearing their name. Their sauce and tripe was incredible! I never had tripe before this dinner and I have to tell you, it was incredible. I will definitely be going back for it. We also tried the beans and greens and added an Italian sausage. Another huge win. I loved it! It is only available on Mondays, it's a shame because it was that delicious! One of our guests had the ravioli and it seemed homemade and he absolutely loved it. The culture is all locals and mostly Italian/Americans. It was awesome. Very casual, just the place for me. It was super clean. Most seemed like regulars, which I probably will become. What I didn't like was the chicken soup. It fell short of homemade Italian. Mine is much better. I also didn't like that the sodas were bottled, but it's a weird pet peeve of mine. If it's not going to be bubbly, fresh, soda from a soda fountain. I'd prefer a really cold can. Cans stay cold longer and cannot be spoiled sunlight. An ice cold can over ice would be. The dream. They were out of most soda collections and didn't have milk. I know sounds picky! But only took a star over it. The waitress was super friendly, on point, very busy, and just an overall around good person. I also want to make comment on how good the bread was. It was fresh, melt in your mouth Italian bread. It was thick and dense enough to not get soggy when dipped in sauce or soup. Spectacular! read more

Had my first Rocky's experience today after having wanted to go for SO long! What a special relic this spot is. On an unassuming corner on Jay St, this repurposed house has a few different entrances and the restaurant weaves through three separate rooms. Take a sneak peak in at the kitchen if you get a chance - the size of most modern closets with three hearty Italians busting out ravioli like their lives depended on it. Day by day the offerings change, and our server said that Saturdays are the absolute best (albeit busiest) days to go. Thursday featured beef stew, ravioli, and some classic pastas like ziti. No specials, no nonsense, all delicious. I went with salad, a meatball, and the ravioli, and would order everything again in a heartbeat. It was a cooky February break day and the serve staff seated us quickly and got everything out at a great pace, despite the crowd. I cannot wait to come back and try the gnocchi and a few of their other beautiful looking dishes. So few of these kinds of spots remain (everything on the menu is under $10) and it was so wonderful to have this old school, straight up experience today. Stop in for some carbohydrate bliss ASAP! read more

I shouldn't tell you this. Here come closer, I don't want anyone to hear This is my #1 place in town. It's my favorite. It's cash only, open from 11-2. They usually run out of the specials, so you should hurry. Everyone in this place wants the tripe. This is an institution that ain't changin, in a neighborhood that changed around it. This place is not for everybody but it is a special place. You know that saying, "At Olive Garden, your family?" Fuck Olive Garden. If you want Italian this is where you go to get the family vibe with old ladies cooking in a closet and old pictures on the wall and people crackin smartass jokes while they smell like they just inhaled a carton of cigarettes between construction jobs. Sounds appetizing eh? Trust me. It is. read more

Rocky's - Bar - Italian Near Me - Rochester, New York

The food was just like my grandmother made. The service was great, everyone made sure we were satisfied with our meals. I will definitely return. read more

Rockies have great food. I always love the food so much 10 out of 10 recommend service is great as well they always busy but always keep in mind that they have grateful so they service don't even matter read more

This is a place my wife frequented as a child. Our family stopped one Friday evening for dinner. It has the feel of an old supper club. We were the outsiders. Everyone else there were regulars. That being the case our waitress was very nice and explained what they did and did not have that night. The food was very good and it is a place i would visit again. read more

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If you are looking to step into your aunts or uncles Italian home this is where you need to go. Limited menu but honestly you won't go wrong with whatever you choose. I got the ravioli and it was amazing. They give you so much bread and sauce. Just a great place for lunch. We also had them cater my graduation party and have not stopped getting compliments to this day. If you have a chance try their homemade balsamic dressing! Good amount of parking in the lot behind the building and some on the street. I made a reservation but you don't need to. read more

Old school Italian treasure. Not many like Rocky's these days. All of the standard Italian fair, done unpretentiously and deliciously. Bread and butter served before ordering. I am a big fan of their tripe stew which is a Rochester thing. I recently took my best friend who is a bargain hunter, he loved his meatball parm sub for its size and affordability. On Saturday call for a reservation for lunch as they're quite busy. Enjoy. read more

What went well everything professional staff and the food is outstanding. If you enjoy tripe this is undoubtedly the place to go and as far as Italian foods, they can't be read more

I've heard about this place for years and finally got the opportunity to stop in... The building is ancient and a bit rough around the edges... As are the furnishings and decor inside... And I hope that never changes! The gentleman who took our order said that it was opened by his great grandfather in 1949 and now, four generations later, is being run by his mother, sister, cousin and himself. After tasting the sauce it is easy to see why Rocky's has stood the test of time. Not fancy but definitely FANTASTIC! Seating is limited. The menu is limited to a few daily items plus daily specials. Only open for lunch except on Friday and Saturday. Not only do I not take exception to any of the limitations, I love the place more for them. If you need additional recommendation, there were various members of the RPD and RFD having lunch or getting take out. I always trust the fire department and police department when it comes to great food! Do not expect a fancy, five star restaurant... But you will get five star food and feel like part of the family. read more

People mention and rave about Rocky's when I ask for good ol' Italian food so I finally had a chance to try it for myself. I was told it was in a sketchy location, but it wasn't as bad as I thought. It's on its own corner and not deep in residential territory. They have a small lot, but there's street parking available. I discovered later on when we were leaving that the restaurant is shaped like a U. We walked in on the side where the bar was located, but there's another section on the other side. The gentleman, I presume owner, was very nice and gave us a sample of the tripe dish after telling him someone recommended that to me. It tasted really good, but since we were having tripe the next day at home, we opted for the pasta specials. We ordered all of it - spaghetti, gnocchi, cheese ravioli, and meatballs. I believe the cheese ravioli are homemade; the gnocchi was good; and the spaghetti was my favorite. I guess I've never cooked spaghetti right because it was cooked perfectly and tasted scrumptious with their sauce and meatballs. While I enjoyed everything, I prefer trying different flavors so the only downside of the pasta dishes is that the red sauce is the same. The tripe sample I tried is in a red sauce, but seems like there's more seasoning in that so it may be a little different. Overall, really glad I had a chance to check out a well-known ROC favorite and enjoyed my experience. read more

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The food here is phenomenal! My husband and I had lunch together today at Rocky's. Staff is very personable and friendly! I had the rigatoni with meatball and meat sauce. Hubby had the spaghetti and meatballs with meat sauce. Absolutely spot on authentic Italian food! Pasta was al dente and sauce was as flavorful as I remember my great grandma's sauce from my childhood. This is one of the only family run restaurants that has 5 generations working together! Great achievement Cash only for payment but that's okay because prices are so reasonable! We could easily have spent twice as much someplace else! Thank you Rocky's family for a very enjoyable meal! We'll be back read more

We liked the history and familia of the restaurant. Our waitress, Giana, told us that her grandfather opened the place in 1949 and that it is family run ever since. Our salads were exceptional, and the gnocchi was also very good. We told Giana that we hail from Long Island and she says, "lots of family Italian there", which is true, but not at these prices. Charming family restaurant where we also enjoyed cupcakes because "it's mom's birthday tomorrow." BTW, mom was in the kitchen.... read more

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So quaint, it reminded me of my granny's kitchen and the pasta with red sauce, meatball and Italian sausage was so delicious. The prices are such a bargain too and I can't wait to go back! read more

I've lived in Rochester all my life and had never been to Rocky's until earlier this year. Boy what a mistake. Today was our 5th visit and the food was just dam good! Salad was fresh with really good crumbly blue cheese. Bread on the table was fresh and rigatoni with meatballs was just delicious. One of my lunch partners got the rigatoni with meatball and sausage and the sausage was tasty also. My other lunch partner ordered the minestra which was delicious! Our waitress was friendly and knowledgeable and had a smile on her face the whole time. They won't win awards for ambiance, but I felt like I was in a home. Everyone from old timers getting together for lunch to policemen, office workers and construction guys it's a hidden gem. And lunch for 3 was &48.00. read more

Rocky's - Rigatoni with meatballs. - Italian Near Me - Rochester, New York

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I've been going to Rocky's since I was a young kid. I'm currently in my 50s and still visiting the greatest Italian restaurant in Rochester!

As someone who has been to Italy many times, I can assure you that this is the best Italian food I've had in a long time! Great service 10/10 highly recommend read more

Best little Italian joint in the city. The Mastrella Family is still the King of Rochester.

the last of the big three. I love coming here but do it at 11am unless you've hit a day to wait. Also cash only and no ATM.

Great food, this place has character and is always filled with a variety of people from judges to basic workers. Don't expect linen table cloths and napkins, just good food! read more

Rocky Balboa owns this restaurant. It's the second location. The first one is on some steps in Philadelphia next to some statue. And the food at both locations is amazing and will fill you up and change the entire ecosystem of your body. Which is why when you come here, you're gonna eat lightnin' and you're gonna crap thunder. But you'll enjoy every minute because it's the best Italian-American food in Rochester. What to get: Chicken Parm is good, Lasagne is good, sauce is great, everything rocks. What else: Portions so enormous they could be in porn. Anything else: Don't expect any fanfare on Thanksgiving. To you it's Thanksgiving; to them it's Thursday. Yo Adrian. Good service. Good people. Absolutely *amazing* prices. All the prices are literally half of what you'll think they should be, if not less. They have huge portions of delicious homemade Italian American food and they're only open at lunchtimes. Friday evening is their exception. They run out of all their food nice and early so get there well before 1pm if you wanna try any given item on the menu. After that? Fuggedabahtit. I want to fight because I can't sing or dance. But I can eat. Although I couldn't get through even half of the portions that Rocky's delivered me of stuffed shells, rigatoni, Chicken Parm and Lasagne. They're just... so... big. That's what she said. An Italian chef in Rochester at a different restaurant recently said of Rocky's chef: "I mean, who am I kiddin'? I ain't even in the guy's league." He may be right. The cooking here is so delicious and wholesome and homemade. It's definitely not Italian though. It's decidedly and definitively Italian-American. Heavy with lots of sauce and cheese and pasta. Not too much in the way of spices and seasoning. That's the way America does it. I got my nose broken at this place, but honestly it's an improvement. I took my friend Paulie Gazzo here the next day and he finished his whole portion. Stuffed his face. I told him "you see, that's why I can't connect you with Gazzo. You know that, Paulie. Because you got a big mouth." They wanted to kick us out because he ate too much, so I told them, "You stop this lunch, I'll kill ya'!" As for most of this review, where the hell did I get it from, you ask? Oh I made that up one night while I was eating dinner - from Rocky's. I mean lunch. They say you gotta be a *moron* to wanna eat here. Well I'm proud to be a moron. And my friend Mick said that the fact that I eat off his plate makes me a bum. I was like, I ain't no bum, Mick. I ain't no bum. Tom Green on the other hand. He's all about the bum. OK so am I. There I said it. read more

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Seems every time II go there, the staff, except for the owner, is different. Food still good, but they are definitely going downhill in service. Tables are often empty compared to a few years ago when you had to wait in line. Also the place should be inspected for cleanliness. I'm not sure it would pass. read more