Flat Iron Cafe

561 State St, Rochester, NY 14608, United States
+1 585-454-4830
$$$ Cafe
(40 Reviews)

Welcome to Flat Iron Cafe, a delightful gem tucked away at 561 State St, Rochester, NY 14608. This inviting cafe is not just a place to grab a bite; it's a vibrant hub for food lovers and salsa dancers alike.

The atmosphere at Flat Iron Cafe is warm and welcoming, reminiscent of a cozy family-run establishment where everyone feels like a valued guest. With the recent renovations, the space may be smaller, but it buzzes with an energy that is contagious. The decor is modest yet charming, creating an ideal backdrop for enjoying good food and lively music.

One of the highlights of Flat Iron Cafe is its dedication to the art of dance. The cafe hosts salsa dancing classes, brilliantly helmed by the passionate Frances. Customers rave about her genuine commitment to teaching, making it a beloved spot for both novices and seasoned dancers. Tania Marco notably appreciated how this cafe felt like a vibrant family business, complete with engaging salsa instruction on Thursdays—an experience worth every visit.

But let's not overlook the culinary offerings. The cafe prides itself on serving delicious cafe-style food that will leave your taste buds rejoicing. While specific menu items weren’t listed, customers like Everett Weber laud the food for its quality and resemblance to the comforting cafe fare found in Indianapolis, declaring it simply “so good.” Moreover, the pricing here is refreshingly affordable, meaning you can indulge without a hefty bill shocking you at the end.

Music plays an essential role in the Flat Iron experience. Past guests have shared fond memories of the fantastic tunes that fill the air, enhancing the ambiance and inviting customers to let go of their daily stresses. Whether you're eating, dancing, or mingling, the excellent local music adds a euphoric rhythm to your evening.

While parking can occasionally be a hassle, and some find the space snug, the overwhelming positivity about the atmosphere, service, and community is undeniable. Svetlana Kim echoed the sentiments of many when she noted that Flat Iron Cafe is a superb little getaway despite its off-the-beaten-path location.

If you're seeking a unique blend of social interaction, dance, and delectable cafe-style food, Flat Iron Cafe undoubtedly deserves a spot on your itinerary. Whether you're passionate about salsa or simply in search of a comfortable place to unwind, Flat Iron Cafe welcomes you to experience the vibrant spirit that has everyone smiling.

Service options
Dine-in
Delivery
Highlights
Fast service
Great beer selection
Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Coffee
Spirits
Wine
Amenities
Bar on site
Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Trendy
Crowd
Groups
Tourists
Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
Credit cards
Openings Hours

Monday

Closed

Tuesday

Closed

Wednesday

Closed

Thursday

10:00 PM - 2:00 AM

Friday

10:00 PM - 2:00 AM

Saturday

10:00 PM - 2:00 AM

Sunday

Closed

40 Reviews
Tania Marco (La Lola)

20 Sep 2025

Love the Dancing classes with Frances she is so devoted and passionate about salsa. The service is great felt like in a family business totally recommended.

C. D.

19 Sep 2025

Renovations left this place very small. It's nice and clean. The music is great. Great place to learn Salsa dancing.

Everett Weber

12 Sep 2025

Cafe food... so good. Visited on Sat I believe. The service here is better than most. The bill won't shock you. Menu is like a cafe in Indianapolis I loved.

Evelyn Torres

26 Aug 2025

Small place but you can go and dance to great music

Jose Peo

27 Jul 2025

Very small, but it works for what it is. Parking is tough, especially when you dont really want to park too far that late at night in that area

Svetlana Kim

19 Jul 2025

I am surprised to see no one has written a review for this little gem in town. It is not in the best of locations, but a fantastic little get-away, with latin music, dance floor and a bar. They do have drink specials and salsa dance lessons for free on Thursdays. I used to be a frequent dancer, but have not been here for quite some time now. However, I recommend the place highly.

Pistol Pete

15 Jun 2025

Great place and great music! Love the building, so much history. Great drinks and awesome people

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