Sonny's Tavern opening in Rochester: What's on menu, what to expect

ROCHESTER — Sonny's Tavern, a popular eatery for eight years in Dover, is about to open a second location in Rochester.

Sonny's will take over a space at The Ridge Marketplace shopping plaza recently vacated by Mooyah.

Dean Baltulonis, one of the three owners, said the new space will have a lot in common with Sonny's in Dover, with a few new twists.

"We plan to open for dinner to start," he said. "Next we want to add brunch on Saturdays and Sundays."

A soft opening for just family and friends is expected this weekend, and July 14 is the target date for opening to the public, according to Baltulonis. Eventually, Sonny's will be open seven days a week.

Baltulonis said they have been working since March to get the space ready.

New look at Sonny's in Rochester

One of the first things diners will notice is a look featuring natural wood. Baltulonis said they worked with a local arborist, New England Tree, and much of the restaurant's furniture is made from reclaimed wood.

"We built the bar, the tables and a few other areas," said Baltulonis. "We really like the clean, fresh look."

An outdoor dining area is under construction and should be ready for the opening.

One fun item at the new Sonny's is a Vestaboard, a digital display messaging board that will change frequently throughout the day.

"It will have lots of surprises," said Tyler Lessard, another of Sonny's owners. "It will show sports updates, dad jokes, trivia, and special messages for staff and customers."

Special events are in the works, but the owners were not ready to reveal them yet.

"We want to be very involved in the community," said Baltulonis. "We are open to ways to get involved."

Menu at Sonny's Tavern in Rochester

Baltulonis said many of the popular menu items and signature cocktails from Sonny's Dover will be coming to the new location. And some new surprises are in store.

"At Sonny's we have two of our cocktails on draft," said Baltulonis. "Here almost all our signature drinks will be on draft."

Among the choices will be "coffee talk," Sonny's take on a coffee martini that includes a signature "smoke bubble." Other cocktails will include Modern Love, with strawberry, lemon and lavender infused vodka; and the Darryl Strawberry, named after the former baseball player.

One new cocktail is a "clarified" Long Island iced tea. Baltulonis said it will taste like the usual version but will be completely clear due to the magic of mixology.

One of the new items is a Korean corn dog, a hot dog with cheese and a flaming Cheetos coating, topped with umami aioli.

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"We are going to have an Adult Happy Time meal," said Baltulonis. "It will be a smashburger, fries and a beer or cocktail. That should be fun."

Other menu items include mac 'n cheese, a variety of burgers, chicken fingers and braised ribs, with starters like a fried wild mushroom medley, popcorn chickens and Brussels sprouts.

This article originally appeared on Fosters Daily Democrat: Sonny's Tavern opening in Rochester: What's on menu