Bar Bantam

“If you're looking for the authentic Rochester flavor , this is a place to go . After a ball game after a concert at the Rochester Eastman School of Music, or just looking for the best place to get the true tourist experience or local experience of a fine bar and dining experience in Rochester . This is the place in stars, five stars. Don't forget to ask for Toussaint. He is a consummate professional and a very good person who will give you the best bar service you've ever had!!!!”

“Bar Bantum is a a fantastic hipster chic restaurant! Located on the first floor of the Metropolitan with floor to ceiling windows and a white modern interior, there were a mixture of lounge chairs and tables that provided a home like atmosphere without this discomfort of feeling like you are on top of others. I was worried about being under dressed going only in a sweater and jeans but I fit right in! There is no formal dress code. Business casual or even street attire would work well in this low pressure atmosphere. I really liked the chicken cutlets which were Italian fried and served with collard greens drizzled with a light vinaigrette. They were good on their own but I thought something was missing so I asked my server if they had any sauces. Well he brought out this honey cheddar sauce with an ever so slight kick to it. I can’t handle heat and I was able to eat it. This sauce paired well, really completing the dish. The espresso crème brûlée special wasn’t overpoweringly sweet from the sugar or bitter from the espresso. It was well balanced. I don’t drink so I can’t really comment on the taste but there was a full service bar with several large shelves of bottles giving one plenty of options. Bar Bantum has their own custom cocktail menu. They have an impressive list of Old and New World wines. I couldn’t be happier with the service! They checked in regularly, I was accommodated when I wanted something added to my dish that wasn’t an option on the menu, everyone was very friendly, and I was given my choice of seating. I am definitely coming back here again!”

“Fun, clean, great staff. This place is brand new and they already have it figured out. Their cocktail menu is well put together with some pretty creative drinks. $10 each. All our drinks were great. A little more than I like to pay, but on part for the down town area. They're open mornings for coffee and breakfast food. Each day they have one dinner option which is different daily. There is lots of bar seating an tables are also available. Everything is clearly thought-though and well done, I love it. I'd never been in the metropolitan building before going there, it's a cool place, very modern and clean. The bar is off to the side, creating it's open space. Their hours are a bit strange, I'd like to see them extended and they did mention that they plan to be open longer in the future. The bar had a "professional people's" vibe to it, I didn't go dressed down during the day. I will go back for sure.”

“This bar is at the main lobby of The Metropolitan building. Nice drinks. Lots of space.”

“They give you the address - IMO, they should also say 'Chase Tower Lobby' - had drinks and dinner. The Drunk Uncle was a little harsh - I'd sat stay away from that one - our server/bartender (Courtney) we thought was AWESOME! She must observe people that order Drunk Uncles to watch their reactions - she paid us the 'how are things at first sip' visit - and offered us a substitution since she couldn't bear to watch anyone not enjoying their drink. She substituted a Crystal Coconut (with extra 'zhoozh') - I'd order that one again, I gave Nic Nac a try - a tasty libation - the cherry bitters I thought would add a nice taste, and they were! The Cauliflower bites with hot ginger we REALLY liked - still good the next day. The Ahi Tuna Nachos weren't bad - being frank, a similar dish we had at Nosh was exceptional. Cool atmosphere - lots of foot traffic - most from the residents of the upper floors with their dogs.”