Forget what you think you know about bar food—or wine bars that only dabble in food. The Finger Lakes is rewriting the rules, one killer glass and perfect plate at a time. Here, the new breed of restaurant-bar is where serious drinks meet serious eats in spaces designed to impress. These are not places where the food props up the wine list (or vice versa); they’re dialed-in destinations where chefs and the beverage team conspire to blow your mind.

 

Wine & Spirits Editor Kevin has worked his way through every pour, plate, and playlist at these ten spots. The verdict? Each one passes the ultimate vibe check: gorgeous spaces, dynamic kitchens, and beverage programs that could hold their own in Brooklyn, Copenhagen, or Tokyo.

 

Whether you’re craving a silky Burgundy with soba ramen or a Rhône red with your ribeye, these are the Finger Lakes addresses to know.

 

The Krebs isn’t new—it’s an institution reinvented. Since 1899, it’s been a fixture, but now the kitchen fuses modern fine dining with respect for its past. Think duck breast with cherry jus, handmade pastas, and artful small plates. The cellar is the real flex: Burgundy grands crus, Barolo, and other European treasures sit alongside a carefully curated global selection, all served with sommelier-level care.

 

Vibe check: Think timeless elegance layered with a contemporary edge. Velvet drapes, crystal stemware, and a polished, knowledgeable staff create an atmosphere where heritage meets modern luxury—perfect for savoring nuanced wine flights and impeccably plated courses.

 

Part farmhouse tavern, part downtown loft, Kindred Fare balances warmth with polish. The bartenders here know their way around a Negroni riff or barrel-aged Old

 

Fashioned, while the open kitchen sends out food that tastes like it was made with equal parts precision and soul. Think wood-fired heritage pork belly, honey- lacquered wings, and smoked trout crostini that pairs impossibly well with their “Greenhouse Gimlet.”

 

Vibe check: Rustic-chic with a cosmopolitan pulse. Reclaimed wood tables and exposed brick meet sleek bartenders and thoughtfully curated playlists—making it feel like your favorite neighborhood spot got a luxurious makeover.

 

Creola is unapologetically bold: a room filled with brass chandeliers, leather banquettes, and the faint scent of hickory smoke. The food is no less confident: 16oz bone-in ribeyes, shrimp étouffée, and biscuits so good they should come with a warning. Their bourbon list alone is worth the visit.

 

Vibe check: Southern grandeur meets Ivy League sophistication. The ambiance is lush and slightly theatrical without being stuffy, creating the kind of space that invites slow, celebratory dinners with friends who appreciate the art of indulgence.

 

Microclimate is where wine obsessives come to play. The cellar runs deep with rare Burgundies, Rhône selections, and European naturals—the kind of list you’d expect to find in a Parisian cave à manger. The team moves between bottles with the ease of seasoned sommeliers. The chef, who staged in Michelin-starred kitchens, brings the same finesse to the menu: spicy soba ramen crowned with a silky egg yolk, spatchcocked quail crisped to golden perfection, and Vietnamese beef stew so rich it demands a glass of earthy Burgundy.

 

Vibe check: Urban wine bar meets Finger Lakes cool. Concrete floors and hanging greenery set a low-key glamorous tone, where the energy is intimate yet vibrant— perfect for serious sipping and mindful bites.

 

Bonnie & Clyde in Fairport is a stylish American restaurant housed in the original 1924 Fairport National Bank, where historic charm meets modern edge. The airy, light-filled space features a sleek white stone bar serving both classic and craft cocktails with swagger. The menu leans bold and refined, featuring dishes like Manila Clams and rich, tender Braised Pork Copa. For a truly unique experience, guests can dine inside the restored central vault, now an intimate private space. 

Vibe check: Upscale but unpretentious, with vintage glamour, creative flavor, and just enough mischief to keep things interesting.

 

Anorah channels quiet sophistication without a hint of pretense. Its menu is a refined fusion of Mediterranean sun and Asian spice—braised pork bao buns, Filipino- inspired adobo, and sweet-and-spicy wings that pair brilliantly with their White Negroni. The wine list flirts with standout Italian, Spanish, and French bottlings, perfectly balancing the bold flavors of the kitchen.

 

Vibe check: Sleek minimalism meets warm, inviting color pops. Crisp lines, natural textures, and intimate seating make this a refined yet approachable spot—great for dates or after-work unwinding with a glass of something special.

 

Simeon’s wears its French influences proudly, but don’t mistake it for stuffy. Seafood crudo, beet-and-goat-cheese napoleon, and beef cheek bourguignon feel light yet luscious, paired perfectly with Chablis or a lively Prosecco. It’s a place where polished service meets relaxed charm.

 

Vibe check: Casual elegance that invites lingering. Soft lighting and classic bistro touches blend with modern warmth—making it an easy spot for everything from weekday dinners to weekend celebrations.

 

Light yet moody, and ever so slightly decadent, Elephant & the Dove is the place for long pours and longer conversations. Bartenders here have a soft spot for aged rums and rye, crafting drinks like their fig-infused Old Fashioned that practically purrs. On the plate: shrimp & grits that hit all the right notes, pimento cheese croquettes, and fried chicken so good it’ll ruin you for all others.

 

Vibe check: Deeply sultry with an airy edge. Moody lighting, plush booths, and unexpected textures invite you to settle in and savor every bite and sip in a space that feels like a secret waiting to be discovered.

 

If the Finger Lakes had a flagship for the farm-to-glass movement, it would be Graft. Nearly everything on the menu comes from farms within 50 miles, and the local wine list—skin-contact Rieslings, earthy Cab Francs, pét-nats—reads like a love letter to the region. Wild mushroom risotto, lamb kofta sliders, and heirloom carrot salad with tahini-lemon drizzle showcase how dialed in the kitchen is.

 

Vibe check: Industrial elegance grounded by rustic warmth. Exposed beams and open kitchens meet handcrafted wood accents, creating a space where sustainability feels stylish and every detail invites connection.

 

Rose Tavern is pure lakeside luxury. Picture a roaring fire, leather armchairs, and the soft glow of filament bulbs as you sip a barrel-aged bourbon or their signature honey- ginger smash. The kitchen isn’t playing around either: charred Spanish octopus with smoked paprika aioli, house-made gnocchi in sage brown butter, and gouda mac & cheese that begs for a farmhouse ale pairing.

 

Vibe check: Sophisticated rustic with a cozy lakeside glamour. Warm woods, textured textiles, and crackling firelight make it a destination for lingering evenings that feel both elegant and effortlessly comfortable.

 

These aren’t just restaurants with bars, or bars that throw together some snacks. This is where the art of dining and drinking collide, a curated symphony of flavors and experiences designed to elevate every bite and every sip. Here, chefs, bartenders, and sommeliers don’t just coexist—they collaborate, crafting menus and drink lists that push boundaries while honoring tradition.

 

The spaces themselves? Equally important. From rustic-chic farmhouses to sleek urban lounges, each venue sets a tone that invites you to slow down, savor, and get lost in the moment. This is the Finger Lakes with an edge—cosmopolitan yet approachable, intimate yet electric.

 

So whether you’re a wine nerd chasing rare bottles, a cocktail aficionado hunting the perfect Old Fashioned, or simply someone who appreciates food and drink that refuse to be ordinary, these ten destinations demand your attention.

 

Book the table. Order the second bottle. Stay late. Because here, you’re not just eating and drinking—you’re joining a community of tastemakers who know that the best nights are built on great food, unforgettable drinks, and vibes that linger long after the last pour.