Speakeasy Bar Opens in Rochester: Step Back in Time

A New Era for a Historic Building

A grand Georgian Revival building, constructed in 1929, has found new life with the opening of Vanni's Jazz Lounge. This stylish cocktail bar, designed with a speakeasy-style entrance, is located on the lower level of The Inn on Broadway, a downtown hotel that was originally home to The University Club of Rochester. The club, a fraternal membership organization, went bankrupt in July 1999, but the building itself has remained a significant part of Rochester’s architectural heritage.

The Inn on Broadway, which opened as an upscale boutique hotel in 2000, is situated just off East Avenue and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is now owned and operated by the LiDestri family, who also own LiDestri Foods in Fairport. The latest addition to the property, Vanni's Jazz Lounge, is named in honor of Giovanni LiDestri and is pronounced "VAH-nees."

A Hidden Gem with a Speakeasy Vibe

Vanni's is tucked away in a space that was once a wine cellar, making it somewhat difficult to locate without prior knowledge. Like the speakeasies of the past, the entrance is concealed behind a bookcase. To gain access, guests must pull on the right book to unlock the door. This clever design adds to the allure of the lounge, offering a sense of exclusivity and discovery.

The intimate space features soft lighting and can accommodate up to 50 people. The plan is to feature live music from Thursday through Saturday evenings, with a stage in one corner and a VIP area that seats 10 to 12 adjacent to the stage. While the primary focus is jazz, other musical genres are also expected to be represented.

A Menu Inspired by Literature and Local Flavors

The cocktail menu at Vanni's offers creative twists on classic drinks, many of which are given book-related names. For example, the first edition is a variation of an Old Fashioned, made with chocolate milk-clarified bourbon and served with a house-made chocolate truffle. Another standout is Petals & Proof, a margarita infused with lavender and coconut flavors. The food menu includes light fare such as bruschetta, charcuterie, and truffle fries.

In addition to the lounge, other renovations have been made to the inn’s steakhouse-style restaurant, Tournedos Restaurant. Now rebranded as Gio's Prime 26, the space has been updated with new paint and flooring. The walls are adorned with colorful artwork from the legendary local artist Ramon Santiago, who was a friend of Giovanni LiDestri. The pieces come from the LiDestri family’s personal collection.

A Focus on Fine Dining with a Personal Touch

Gio's Prime 26 has also seen changes to its menu, featuring long-time customer favorites along with new budget-friendly options like a burger topped with pork belly, Cheddar cheese, and onion jam. Laura Eldridge, the general manager of the inn, said, “We're working on revamping the experience and giving new life to an old staple in the city of Rochester. We're aiming for more approachable fine dining.”

Visiting the Inn on Broadway

The Inn on Broadway is located at 26 Broadway. During restaurant and lounge hours, the parking lot is available via valet only, though street parking is also an option. Vanni's Jazz Lounge is open from 4 p.m. to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, while Gio's Prime 26 is open for dinner daily. Reservations are recommended for the restaurant, and you can call (585) 232-3595 to make a booking.

Accessibility at the inn is well considered, with a wheelchair lift available for entry and an elevator leading to the lower level where Vanni's is located. There is a large gender-inclusive restroom on both the first floor and the lower level, and most seating is at conventional height tables.

Tracy Schuhmacher covers the Rochester area's food scene. If you notice a new restaurant in your neighborhood, feel free to send information to TracyS@gannett.com.