Stock Exchange Restaurant

I came here recently because I was really, really hungry and knew the lunch I packed wasn’t going to cut it. I work in the crossroads building which is connected to Reynolds Arcade which is connected to the First Federal building which means I don’t even have to go outside to get here which is amazing in the winter.
They are a large variety of foods. They have a salad bar, sandwich station, soup, fried foods, hot subs, cold subs, amazing cookies, ice cream, coffee, and alcohol for after your work day. With this many options, everyone can find something they would like but sometimes the quality of food suffers. Once you figure out what isn’t so tasty, you don’t order it again and life goes on.
My husband has found out about my sneaky behavior of not eating my packed lunches so I told him I got chicken breast and potatoes for lunch… that is really just a healthy way to say I got chicken fingers and french fries :) THey made my food fresh right in front of me what was great. I love knowing that I am not eating french fries that have been sitting around all day. They were salted well and hot and crispy. The chicken fingers were also cooked to perfection and tasty because it is hard to screw up chicken tenders.
This is cafeteria styled so figure out what you want and then get in line at that station. The line goes by very quickly and it is helpful to know what you want before you get in line to continue to move it quickly.
The prices are beyond reasonable. Most things from the hot station are just under $ 6.00. I got my chicken fingers, fries and a soda for about $ 9.00 which is incredibly rare for downtown.
There is a large amount of seating everywhere and some even outside but it is semi quiet unlike a real cafeteria.
They have breakfast which I haven’t been able to get to yet but, I see it in my near future. I would love to try some more things that aren’t as easy as chicken fingers and french fries and as long as I continue to work downtown, i will probably come here when I don’t want my lunches.

Not only is the service fabulous, but the food is amazing! John is always on top of things. Who needs bar food when you have Stock food? There is a laid back atmosphere and great people. Whether it’s lunch or happy hour, they are there to serve. I wouldn’t go anywhere else.

The Stock is the absolute worst and everyone knows it.
However, it’s also totally awesome at the same time. We complain about the food all the time, but we just keep coming back for the awesome people who work there, the cheap prices, and the convenience (for those working in First Federal.) Oh, and the cookies, Kate the bartender, and the breakfast sandwiches (more on this in a sec).
Features include: rubber chicken in the salad bar, soup comprised solely of canned tomatoes thrown together with over cooked noodles, mushy tomatoes, and those weird baby corn things I’m not sure are actually food.
At the same time, the breakfast sandwiches are just about as close as you’re gonna get to a NYC style breakfast sandwich in Rochester, with real eggs and cheese. And the cookies are wonderful. They’re right by the cash register and only $ 1. The chocolate brownie ones with the walnuts are friggen to die for as are the chocolate pb ones.
So, if you’re downtown looking for some cheap lunch, why not come to The Stock? But before you come, follow this survival guide:
–Do not under any circumstances get a soup (it may look ok, but trust me).
–The salad bar is safe, but beware, it’s by the pound and adds up quickly.
–The grill is good if you’re depressed about your job and need to destroy your diet. Just know going in it’s all grease.
–Get a cookie.
–If you flirt with Don a little bit he’ll probably give you extra pickles or something free (if you’re feeling especially broke)
P. S. the bar is pretty good for a pre-​game after work. They have free Cheetos on Friday. Kate makes strong drinks with top to middle shelf liquor at bottom shelf prices. They let you eat outside food in the seating area, so if your bring your lunch or order pizza it’s not a problem.
Enjoy!

Stock Exchange is more of a café-​teria, than a cafeteria. I come for the turkey rueben melts and chocolate chip cookies and convenience. Other people stop by for the lovely views of the river, excellent quick-​service items, and pun-​derful signs, like «Liquid Assets» by the beverage area. You just go with it, because you’re not really sure why it’s called Stock Exchange in the first place.
Located in the First Federal Plaza building, Stock Exchange is a favorite of white-​collar gray hairs and new hairs alike. However, the prices are more than reasonable, when everyone, other than Subway, jacks up the sandwich over $ 6 bucks in Downtown Rochester. It also has awesome views of the river in the summertime. You can sit inside and stare out their floor to ceiling windows, or they also have stone tables outside to get a picnic experience in the middle of your work day.
I chose the Turkey Reuben melt for just above $ 5. As a creature of habit, I have only eaten two things over my four year lunch-​affair with Stock Exchange: their turkey sandwiches and their chocolate chip cookies. That’s because I am extremely picky when it comes to my afternoon fuel, and that is also because those two items are delicious.
The Stock Exchange Turkey Reuben melt is a classic symphony of toasty rye paired with a balanced portion of roasted deli meat turkey, sauerkraut, russian dressing and that tang of swiss cheese. You order it at the counter. The people who make it are friendly, but not overly friendly. They give you some time to weigh the option of keeping the chips and a hefty side pickle, or substituting tater tots ($ 2.15-my only «Whoa!» in this review). It’s toasted up on a griddle, and spatula-​ed hot, fresh, and melty onto your plate. They do it right.
Personally, the chocolate chip cookie to my lunch, is like the Alfred to my Batman. Trusty and true. So long as it’s done properly. The Stock Exchange cookie is 97 cents. It makes your great lunch a super lunch. It has a faint taste of banana. I don’t know why, but I love it. It’s chewy and chocolatey, and usually gone two seconds after I walk out with it. You leave this place happy, with your wallet and belly both full.

During the day, Stock Exchange is a wonderful cafeteria serving a great variety of food at wonderful prices. At least, I’m pretty sure all of that is true.
The part I know about, however, is when you get there Monday-​Friday after 4, when the cafeteria portion is closed and the bar is open.
Ever hear about that dive in Boston, Cheers? Well, literally, everyone does know your name here. If they don’t, Kate will ask it and then introduce you to everyone. You don’t have to be a regular to feel like one.
A few of the features and specials:
— Happy Hour pricing all night
— Free appetizers, and by appetizers, I mean ripple chips and pretzels
— Trivia every night at 7:30 (it’s called Jeopardy, and no talking unless you’re shouting out answers)
— Karaōke Tuesdays at 8 (American Idol is on, and there’s a bracket/​pool to pick the winner)