Canandaigua, New York
Visit Canandaigua and explore non-alcoholic options like n/a beer, juices, and mocktails
Right at the north end of Canandaigua Lake is a village of the same name. For many, Canandaigua is kind of the entrance to the Finger Lakes if you’re coming from Rochester or further west.
The long row of businesses in the village include everything from art galleries and music shops to breweries and restaurants. Whether you’re here for a class at New York Kitchen, a show at Fort Hill Auditorium, or just to explore, you’ll find plenty to keep busy.
Like many of the Finger Lakes locales, Canadaigua is proud of their contribution to the local beverage industry. Luckily, there’s a few spots around town that you can also find great non-alcoholic options!
Nonalcoholic Options In Canandaigua, New York
New York Kitchen – Tasting Room
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If you’re at the Sand Bar also listed here, you’re just a few steps away from New York Kitchen! There’s two components to this spot–a restaurant/bar and then also an educational organization. On the educational side, you can take all kinds of classes ranging from wine tasting to bread baking. As part of their educational wing, they also have a tasting room where you can learn all about regional products, and wine in particular. The tasting room folks have also done a really great job of curating some non-alcoholic options like local hop waters, sparkling juices, and non-alcoholic beers.
Rheinblick
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As one of the best known gems of the region, Rheinblick restaurant right on Main Street is a true destination. Their dedication to serving an authentic German menu has earned them high praise from locals. Like any German-fare eatery, their beer selection is pretty great, and they even have the non-alcoholic Erdinger. Their menu also includes a German favorite called Apfelschorle. It’s a mix of apple juice and sparkling water served in a stein with ice and this is one of the only places you’ll see it right on a menu in this area.
The Sand Bar
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Located at the prestigious Lake House hotel on the north edge of Canandaigua Lake, the Sand Bar is one the nicest lakeside options in all of the Finger Lakes. Their menu is an upscale casual collection of familiar favorites like smash burgers and fish fries. You can sit at a waterside table and dine, or eat at the extensive bar. Earning them a spot on this list though is their dedicated zeroproof cocktail menu crafted with Seedlip products. With a few options to choose from, their N/A list is both intriguing and well-thought out.
Twisted Rail Brewing Company
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Twisted Rail has been a local favorite for over decade now. They have slowly expanded their operations over the last decade to include four different locations in the Finger Lakes. One of their most picturesque though is right on the water next to Kershaw Park. If you’re lucky enough to get one of the outside tables, you cannot beat the view! In addition to a food menu and many beers they produce is one of the few nonalcoholic beers brewed in the region. Their ‘Lone Train’ IPA has less than .5% ABV and is available on draught or in cans to go.
Things To Do Nearby
Sonnenberg Gardens is one of only two public gardens in the entire New York State Parks System. The 50-acre grounds offer a stroll through local history and beautiful themed gardens.
Foodies will love New York Kitchen for their long list of classes. You can take hands-on classes and learn to make pasta, asian fare or how to taste wines, all from local culinary experts.
Hit the water with no effort at all and take a cruise on the Canandaigua Lady. This steamboat replica of a paddle wheel boat goes for regular rides out on the water. Sit, relax and just enjoy the view, or book a dinner cruise!
Fun Facts About Canandaigua
- After casting her ballot in 1872 Presidential polls in Rochester, famed suffragist Susan B. Anthony was arrested because at the time, women could not legally vote. It was here in Canadaigua at the court house on Main Street that her trial took place.
- Marvin Sands founded the Canandaigua Wine Company in 1945 and later the company grew substantially. The company joined forces with some others and became Constellation Brands, which grew to be the largest wine and spirits distributor in the world.
- Just off the north western shore of Canandaigua Lake is Skenoh Island. It’s one of only two islands in the Finger Lakes, and one of the few places in the entire world where limestone oncolites form.
NONROCAHOLIC – Copyright 2023