We are starting off 2024 STRONG (like our latte's). Who's ready for a COMPREHENSIVE Rochester Latte break down?
Back in June of 2023 I released the first version of my Best Iced Oat Milk Vanilla Latte review and got some fantastic feedback from readers like you. The past 6(ish) months have been filled with exciting coffee news here in Rochester, NY so it seemed some updates are in order.
First order of business, we have some new coffee shops appearing on the local coffee scene which have affected the previous rankings. You might be surprised who our new number one is (keep reading to find out - no seriously please keep reading).
Second, while the original concept of making the rankings ALL about the coffee still rings true, I received some requests to include other items to consider so I propose a compromise: the rankings are ALL about the coffee, but I will add in little snippets about the best coffee hang spots/vibes/moods as well. Vibes are v important. Price will be rated on cheap, reasonable and bougie.
Lastly, here in Upstate/Western NY (don't @ me) the winds have been blowing a bit cooler and therefore I feel confident in saying it is HOT latte szn once again. You will see a mix of hot/iced latte photos but iced vs hot did not affect any rankings.
As you know all coffees shops/lattes reviewed must come from a Rochester local cafe in the city.
What makes a perfect latte? First and foremost it has to taste like coffee. Yes I know, I know, lattes are mostly milk but IDGAF. The perfect latte should have a hint of vanilla sweetness but mostly a full, robust underlying coffee flavor. A beautiful rich caramel color. End of story.
The 2024 Best (Oat Milk Vanilla) Latte in Rochester Review:
12. Equal Grounds Coffee House
Equal Grounds coffee shop is a LGBT+ ran coffee shop that offers a unique and inclusive atmosphere. While the coffee shop concept is amazing the latte was.....gross. Honestly, it was really not drinkable. It tasted like burnt coffee meets watery coffee but yet somehow was the most expensive (over $8). It may have been an off day but it left such a bad taste I had no desire to go back for a 2nd try. For me, this was by far the lowest out of them all.
Location: South Wedge. The shop is spacious and offers foods and other treats. There is lots of seating and it has an eclectic feel.
Price: Bougie
11. Melo Coffee & Kitchen
Melo Coffee & Kitchen (located in the once Starry Nights Cafe) is a cool spot located next to some fantastic shops and museums in the area. The latte was, subpar. I have been to Melo several times and every time I'm left exceptionally underwhelmed. The latte is too milky and there is not enough coffee flavor.
Location: NOTA. There is lots of outdoor seating but indoor options are limited. Fun for a meet up but not always conducive to a work environment.
Price: Reasonable
10. New City Cafe
New City Cafe is located on Parcel Avenue and their mission is to mentor youth in the surrounding neighborhood. The latte was drinkable, but didn't leave me wanting more. Not enough coffee and way too much vanilla. Again - mid at best.
Location: Beachwood Neighborhood. A little off the beaten path but lots of space to hang out or work for.
Price: Reasonable
*It should also be noted that the coffee shop is a part of the non-for profit 411 Ministries Beachwood.
9. Rochester Coffee Company
Rochester Coffee Company, also known as RoCoCo is located inside the Mercantile on Main (side note this place is super cool and totally worth checking out). While I have only been twice both times were simply nothing impressive, too milky not enough coffee etc. etc. Much like spot 10 this coffee was very mediocre.
Location: Center City. Super cool place to explore on a weekend. Lots of games to play and comfy couches.
Price: Reasonable
8. Java’s Cafe
Java's is a Rochester staple located next to the Eastman School of Music. The latte took me on a trip. It started off warm (even though it was iced) and undrinkable but as the latte cooled down a sweet/creamy flavor crept in. It tasted more like a milkshake than a latte but I did in fact drink the whole thing. All in all it was good, just not great.
Location: East End. Super funky cafe with lots of great artwork to look at and fantastic people watching.
Price: Reasonable
7. Pearson's Market & Cafe
Previously known as Glenn Edith, Pearson's Market & Cafe popped up in the Fall of 2023. Pearson's boasts it's the same coffee we have known and loved from Glenn Edith but I can't help feel like something is...different. A bit less coffee flavor a lot more milk. It's not bad, but certainly not as great as it once was.
Location: Park Ave. Pearson's is an upscale, elevated cafe experience which offers both intimate table settings and larger group gathering seating options.
Price: Bougie
6. Cafe Sasso
Cafe Sasso is another Rochester staple, with yet again fantastic people watching. As far as the latte's go, Cafe Sasso is so hit or miss. I've had amazing latte's and some really crappy ones. On the whole it tends to run too milky (although the latte picture below was one of the better ones). The inconsistency puts this coffee shop at the half way point.
Location: Park Ave. A Rochester classic. Everyone has to visit Cafe Sasso at least once in their life. The perfect hang out spot.
Price: Reasonable
5. Boulder Coffee Co.
Boulder Coffee shop is COOL. They have so much seating and lots of yummy GF/DF treats (IYKYK). I have been to Boulder Coffee Co. exactly 2 times. The first experience was wayyyy too milky; however, the second (pictured) was an AMAZING latte. The size/price comparison is very generous and if there had been more consistency- this place would have beat some of the competition below.
Location: South Wedge. This cafe is HUGE. Tons of space to work remotely and spread out. The vibes are very indie.
Price: Reasonable
4. Fuego Coffee Roasters
Fuego is coming in hot at number 4. Located next to Geva theater and Washington Square Park, Fuego offers a bold and vibrant vibe. Their lattes are creamy and boast a strong vanilla flavor. The coffee taste creeps up after and lingers around. If powerful flavors are your thing - this is the place to go.
Location: Manhattan Square. Located in a part of the city that does not get enough hype. Laid back coffee shop with lots of open space.
Price: Reasonable
3. Ugly Duck Coffee
Ugly Duck is tucked away behind the old Harts building (RIP). If you have not already heard it from a co-worker/friend/stranger on the internet let me be the first to tell you - Ugly Duck Coffee is one of the best coffee shops in Rochester. Their latte has a STRONG coffee flavor perfectly paired with a hint of sweet vanilla. I have rarely had a bad latte from Ugly Duck - they are consistent and delicious. Worth every penny.
Location: East End. Ugly Duck is small. It's a tiny shop with great coffee.
Price: Bougie
2. Hydra Coffeehouse
New on the scene, Hydra has filled a desperate coffee need in the Monroe area. When I took my first sip of the latte I was transported to a cafe in Paris . Hydra's latte is the perfect balance of coffee and cream with a very unique vanilla flavor - much more vanilla bean less vanilla syrup. Highly, highly recommend you sit in the cozy burnt orange and wood chairs while you sip on your cozy vanilla latte - just not while I'm there (that's my spot).
Location: Pearl-Meigs-Monroe: Hydra is located next to Dogtown (and operated by the same owners). Hydra is decorated beautifully with lots of tables/couch and comfy chair combos that make it ideal for catching up with friends or finishing a project.
Price: Cheap
1. Winter Swan
Winter Swan is simply magical. Every single moment is magical. While its specialties are Vietnamese style coffee (which hold way too much dairy for this DF girly to enjoy) the latte's are unmatched. They are packed with a bold, sexy coffee flavor with just the right hint of vanilla. If I could have one final latte before I die, it'd be this one every time. Make sure to check out the living green wall and say hi to the incredibly friendly owners who are often slinging coffee's behind the bar.
Location: NOTA. The location is EVERYTHING. It has shopping, it has fresh flowers and tons of open seating for work and play.
Price: Bougie
Honorable Mention: Coffee Connection
Coffee Connection is located in the South Wedge (and the Market Place Mall). It provides job skills and a sober-supportive environment for women in recovery. While the latte wasn't to die for the cause sure is. Definitely worth checking out and supporting the women working hard to better their lives.
There you have it, the (probably not) complete ranking of best and worst latte's in Rochester. Did I miss a Rochester Local Coffee Shop? Do you absolutely HATE my review of your favorite latte place? Do you want to ask how one gal survived drinking so many lattes? Let's connect. DM me, send a message on the site, write a smoke signal - I'll be here waiting to duke it out.
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