New wine bar is (finally) up and running downtown

When folks were stuck at home in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, Ebony Smart joined an online Black Girls Wine Club that met once a week. The members would discuss their favorite wines and more.

"We also talked about life," she said. "I was able to build relationships with people all across the country over some wine."

Her interest in wine also led her to take online classes and study with the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET). "I'm a wine enthusiast, not like a sommelier or something like that," she said.

Now, Smart has opened Legacy Wine Bar at 51 State St., directly across the street from the Holiday Inn downtown.

"I wanted to bring a chill vibe to downtown," she said. "I thought it would be something nice to bring to downtown and the people that live around here."

Smart has lived most of her life in Rochester, as well as several childhood years in Birmingham, Alabama. Her mother worked full time, but always had a side business, such as braiding hair for clients or providing day care in the evenings. Smart always aspired to open her own business.

Her first business ― Smart also works as a case worker at Rochester Housing Authority ― got off to a rough start. Legacy Wine Bar originally opened last July, but road and sidewalk construction on State Street made seeing and getting to the wine bar nearly impossible. Smart used the space to host private events.

Now, sidewalks, curbs, parking spaces and the street itself have all been repaired. Finally, Legacy Wine Bar is fully up and running.

Legacy Wine Bar menu

Smart tasted all the wines on her wine list. They range from dry to sweet, and mostly come from small family-owned wineries from around the world, including Rochester's Living Roots Wine & Co. The menu also includes a selection of beers, primarily local craft beers but also Corona Extra, Heineken and Genesee Light.

A concise menu of light, shareable dishes has an urban cultural approach. Jasmine Avery, Ebony's sister, developed the menu; she attended culinary school but works primarily as a nurse.

The best sellers are Philly cheese steak egg rolls, with shaved steak and cheese inside a crispy egg roll, all drizzled with Boss Sauce and served with a spicy sauce. There are also small flatbread pizzas, chicken lollipops (chicken legs), truffle fries and charcuterie. Smart is happy to offer make wine recommendations to go with each dish.

The vibe at Legacy Wine Bar

It was a two-year labor of love for Smart to renovate the narrow but deep space, which holds as many as 80 people.

"Everything in here is brand new except for the brick walls," Smart said. She added a kitchen and bar, as well as new floors, walls and ceiling. She credits contractor John Proper of Proper Renovation with making her vision a reality.

The look is sophisticated, with earthy tones accented by jewel toned green lighting and bar stools. It has a mix of high top tables and comfortable lounge-style seating.

The wine bar has a calendar of events, including monthly R&B events as well as live smooth jazz every other Friday. A small shelf with games is also available to pass the time.

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Legacy Wine Bar hours: If you go

Legacy Wine Bar is at 51 State St. Hours are noon to 3 p.m. and 4:30 to 10 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday (it will stay open as late as 1 a.m. on weekends if there's a good crowd).

Parking is on the street along State Street and in the Sister Cities Garage, 28 N. Fitzhugh St. On-street parking is free after 6 p.m. and on weekends and legal holidays. Weekends are free in the Sister Cities Garage unless there's an event.

Find more information at legacywinebar.com or call (585) 672-4686.

Tracy Schuhmacher covers Rochester's food and drink scene. Notice something open or close in your neighborhood? Send tips to tracys@gannett.com