Answers, in one place.
Reservations, dining, events, weddings, and getting here. If we missed something, we'll answer the phone.
At a Glance
The essentials.
Hours
- Wed – Thu · 5:00 – 9:00 PM
- Fri – Sat · 5:00 – 10:00 PM
- Sun – Tue · Closed
Holiday hours may vary — please call ahead.
What to Wear
No dress code.
Most guests come in business casual or date-night attire — wear what you'd like.
Parking
We have a 35-space lot on-site, plus free street parking.
Dining
What to expect at dinner.
Hours, dress code, the menu, dietary needs, and what we can do for the kids.
What type of cuisine does The Alexander serve?
Seasonal New American with an emphasis on locally-sourced ingredients from regional farms and producers. The menu changes regularly to reflect what's fresh.
What are your hours?
We're open for dinner Wednesday through Saturday. Wednesday–Thursday: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM. Friday–Saturday: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM. Closed Sunday through Tuesday.
Is there a dress code?
No dress code — wear what you'd like. Most guests come in business casual or date-night attire, but it's just a suggestion.
Do you accommodate dietary restrictions?
Yes — vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and most food allergies. Please note any dietary needs when making your reservation, and your server will guide you through options.
Do you have a children's menu?
We don't have a separate children's menu, but the kitchen is happy to prepare simpler dishes for younger guests. Just let us know when you arrive.
Is The Alexander wheelchair accessible?
Yes. Ramp to main entrance. There are steps inside the building. Accessible restroom on the main floor. If you have specific accessibility needs, tell us when booking and we'll arrange the most comfortable path through the venue.
Do you have outdoor seating?
Yes, weather permitting.
Can I see the menu before I visit?
Yes. The current dinner menu and drinks menu are online. Seasonal items may change.
Do you offer vegetarian or vegan options?
Yes. Vegetarian options are always on the menu, and we can accommodate vegan diners with advance notice. The kitchen takes plant-based cooking seriously — these aren't afterthought dishes.
Is The Alexander part of a restaurant group?
Yes. The Alexander is part of the Swan Family of Restaurants, a Rochester hospitality family on Park Avenue and Alexander Street. Sister restaurants include Vern's (Modern Italian), Dorado (Mexican), Leonore's (Thai-Inspired), Roux (French Bistro), Bevy (Mediterranean), The Daily Refresher (Gastropub & Craft Cocktails), and Pearson's (Brunch & Bakery).
Reservations
Booking a table.
When to book, how to cancel, what happens if you're late, and how we handle large groups.
Do I need a reservation?
Reservations are strongly recommended, especially Friday and Saturday evenings. We accept walk-ins when space is available, but can't guarantee a table without one.
How do I make a reservation?
Online through Resy, or call (585) 287-6933 during business hours.
How far in advance can I book?
Reservations open 30 days in advance. For special occasions or large groups, we recommend booking as early as possible.
What's your cancellation policy?
We ask for at least 24 hours notice if you need to cancel or modify. For parties of 6 or more, a credit card is required to hold the reservation, and late cancellations may incur a fee.
Can I request a specific table?
We're happy to note your preference (window, booth, quieter area) and will do our best to accommodate, but can't guarantee specific tables.
What if I'm running late?
Call (585) 287-6933 to let us know. We'll hold your table for 15 minutes past your reservation time. After that, we may need to release it.
Do you take large group reservations?
For parties of 20 or more, we recommend one of our event rooms. For groups of 6–18, we can often accommodate in the main dining room with advance notice. Call (585) 287-6933 to discuss.
Events
Hosting a group with us.
What we host, how the kitchen feeds your room, and when to reach out. Kaylyn answers every event inquiry.
What types of events can you host?
Weddings, corporate events, rehearsal dinners, birthday celebrations, anniversary dinners, holiday parties, and more. If you have a group and want a dedicated room, we can likely accommodate you.
How many guests can you accommodate?
The Main Dining Room seats 65 (or up to 120 cocktail-style), the Turret seats 38 (50 cocktail-style), and the Tonga Room seats 20 (30 cocktail-style). Full venue buyout accommodates up to 123 seated or 200 cocktail-style.
Do you provide catering?
Yes — all food and beverage is provided by our in-house kitchen. Your guests eat restaurant-quality food prepared by our culinary team, not outside catering. It's one of our key differentiators.
Can I bring my own caterer?
No. All food and beverage must be provided by The Alexander. This ensures quality control and lets us deliver the experience our kitchen is known for.
Can I bring my own cake?
Yes. You're welcome to bring a cake from your preferred bakery for birthdays, weddings, and celebrations. We'll store it, present it at the right time, and handle cutting and plating.
Can I bring outside vendors (photographer, DJ, florist)?
Yes. You're welcome to bring your own photographer, DJ, florist, and other vendors. They coordinate with our events manager and provide proof of insurance.
Is there a food and beverage minimum?
Yes. Minimums vary by day of week, time of year, and room. We'll provide specifics when you request a proposal.
Do you have AV equipment?
We have a 65" display screen with HDMI connectivity, wireless presentation capability, basic microphone, and WiFi. For more complex AV needs, we can coordinate with local AV partners.
How far in advance should I book?
For weddings and large events, 3–12 months. For corporate events and smaller celebrations, 4–8 weeks is usually sufficient. Holiday dates book 4–6 months in advance.
How do I inquire about an event?
Email our events coordinator Kaylyn at events@swanfamilyofrestaurants.com or call (585) 287-6933 during business hours. She'll be in touch as soon as possible.
What's included in the room rental?
Room rental typically includes tables, chairs, linens, tableware, and basic setup. Specific inclusions depend on your package and will be detailed in your proposal.
Is there parking for event guests?
We have a 35-space lot on-site, plus free street parking.
Weddings
Ceremonies, receptions, and the day itself.
How a wedding day unfolds at The Alexander — from ceremony setup to tastings to the final payment.
Can we have our ceremony at The Alexander?
Yes. The Turret Room and Main Dining Room can both be configured for ceremonies. Many couples have their ceremony and reception here.
Do you have a preferred vendor list?
We have partners we love working with — photographers, florists, DJs, officiants — and we're happy to share recommendations. You're also welcome to bring your own vendors.
What's included in wedding packages?
Packages typically include venue rental, event coordination, tables/chairs/linens, in-house catering, bar service, and basic AV. We'll customize based on your needs and provide itemized pricing.
Can we do a rehearsal dinner the night before?
Absolutely. We're Rochester's #1-rated rehearsal dinner venue. Many couples host both their rehearsal dinner and reception with us.
Do you offer tastings?
Yes. Once you've signed a contract, we'll schedule a menu tasting so you can sample dishes and finalize selections.
What's your payment schedule?
Typically: deposit to hold the date, 50% payment 60 days before the event, final payment 2 weeks before the event. Exact schedule lives in your contract.
Getting Here
282 Alexander Street, Rochester's East End.
Where to park, our exact address, and how close you are to downtown hotels.
Where can I park?
We have a 35-space lot on-site, plus free street parking.
What's your address?
282 Alexander Street, Rochester, NY 14607. We're in the East End neighborhood, near the intersection of Alexander and East Avenue.
Are you near downtown hotels?
Yes. We're walking distance from several downtown hotels including Hilton Garden Inn (0.3 miles), The Strathallan (0.5 miles), and Hyatt Regency (0.6 miles).
Still have questions? We answer the phone Wednesday through Saturday — and our events manager will be in touch as soon as possible.
Get in Touch