Nola's BBQ - Rochester, NY

Nola's BBQ, in Rochester, NY use to offer great bbq foods in a unique atmosphere. Housed in what was formerly a nightclub, Nolas offers New Orlean's style cuisine on the beaches of Rochester's Lake Ontario.

Nola's was the first place that I encountered Sweet Potato French Fries, and I must admit that I fell in love right away. My first trip there, two summers ago now, was one I remember vividly. The food was very good for what you paid. My pulled pork sandwhich came to the table fresh and hot. There was a good selection of different in-house sauces at the table to try and I found just the right one to compliment my sandwhich and fries. The service, mostly high-school and young college age students, was nothing above the expected. Given its location right across the street from Ontario Beach State Park, and the fact that I feel in love with their Sweet Potato Fries, I couldn't wait for a return visit the next summer.

My return vist to Nola's left much to be desired. What use to be a quaint dining atmosphere, is now Rochester's version of a New Orlean's biker bar. The main parking lot has been roped off, and a very large bar has been set up. Whatever parking you can find on side streets, or at the beach is what you get. Our "host" approached us and greeted us like we were street buddies. It was very informal, unprofessional. The attire of most of the wait staff that we did see left much to be desired. From the baggy saggy shorts to the oversized stained tshirts I wasn't sure if we were at a restaurant or someone's back yard. The tables scattered across the parking lot were hot and sticky from the late afternoon sun. After waiting 10 minutes to even be acknowledged by our host/slash server, we decided that this was not going to be the place for us that evening.

Where did we go instead? Schooner's, of course!