Posted by Daron McKee on July 02, 2009
Swan Market is a true Rochester gem and a great throwback to yesteryear. This place has got it all: friendly staff and delicious food all washed down with a nice German brew in a traditional butcher shop/market atmosphere.
I'm a huge fan of the Hungarian goulash, which sometimes is a little spicy. I also regularly enjoy the German Sampler platter which always changes depending on the specials that day. The sauerkraut and red cabbage sides are delicious. I've never been a fan of German potato salad until I had Swan's. Their smoked ham (speck) is terrific, more like a fine Italian prosciutto than your typical deli-case ham.
I would be there once I week if I could afford it. All meals are served with delicious German rye bread to start. They also stock imported German grocery items. If you're a fan of traditional German food and find yourself in the Rochester area, then this place is not to be missed.
Overall: Worth driving from anyplace
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Reviewers "Must Eats" List
Fresh Bratwurst
(N/A)
Bauernwurst
(N/A)
Sausage Appetizer
($2.00)
Sampler Platter
($8.00)
Sausage Platter
($7.00)
Noodles with Gravy
(N/A)
Spaetzle with Gravy
(N/A)
Sandwich Meats
(N/A)
Bread
(N/A)
German Potato Salad
(N/A)
Jäger Schnitzle
($7.00)
Leberkase
($7.00)
Imported Draft Pitcher
($10.00)
"Bauernwurst (farmer sausage) is a coarse-ground pork sausage. Note that these sausages are served heated, but not pan-browned or grilled. With sausages this good, the taste of the sausage itself is showcased."
Bruce Bilmes and Sue Boyle
"A basket of good, chewy, earthy German rye breads is presented when you sit down."
Bruce Bilmes and Sue Boyle
"The fresh bratwurst is gentle and easy to love."
Bruce Bilmes and Sue Boyle
"Peruse the selection of cold cuts at the front counter. They carry kaiserfleisch, beerschinken, yachtwurst, gelbwurst, zugenwurst, both sour and regular head cheese... Which is which? Your guess is as good as ours."
Bruce Bilmes and Sue Boyle
"Giant loaves of German-style bread are available to take home."
Bruce Bilmes and Sue Boyle
"There's a small collection of German sauces, pickles, and groceries for sale, but meat is the thing."
Bruce Bilmes and Sue Boyle
"The menu hangs above the meat counter. Click on the picture for a readable view."
Bruce Bilmes and Sue Boyle
"The Swan is casual in the extreme; just a few tables in front of the meat counter."
Bruce Bilmes and Sue Boyle
"The Swan Market is a lunchtime treat, and bargain, in Rochester."
Bruce Bilmes and Sue Boyle
