Spotted Octopus Brewing

Spotted Octopus Brewing is a nano-brewery at 56 South Union Street in Rochester, NY, occupying the former home of Roc Brewing, which operated in that space for over a decade. Co-owned by Domenic Nicotera, Ken Shaw, and Barbara Priore, the brewery originally launched in Buffalo's Allentown neighborhood before expanding to Rochester with a second location that opened on March 22, 2025. The Rochester taproom uses a 7-barrel brewhouse carried over from the previous tenant and focuses on small-batch beers made with premium malts and ingredients sourced from New York State producers.

The taproom pours around 12 beers on draft at a time, spanning styles from lagers to IPAs to stouts. Head brewer Evan Flury developed the flagship lineup, which includes Call the Kraken hazy IPA, Just a Beer rice lager, and Paxton's Pale. Operating under a New York farm brewery license, the venue also serves state-produced wines, ciders, and spirits from partners such as OSB Ciderworks, Lilly Belle Meads, and Buffalo Distilling. A MUG Club membership is available for regulars.

The on-site restaurant, Flow Food Rochester, is run by Brendan Zugibe of the Zugibe Vineyards family. Flow's menu blends Mediterranean influences with pub-style staples — smash burgers, weekly burger specials, and shareable items like mozzarella sticks sit alongside dishes with a Lebanese-Mediterranean slant. The kitchen is closed on Mondays.

Spotted Octopus Brewing is known for its commitment to locally sourced New York State hops and ingredients, distinguishing it from breweries that rely on out-of-state supply chains. The taproom maintains a family-friendly atmosphere with board games available at tables, and the pairing of a full-service restaurant kitchen with a working nano-brewery gives it a combined brewpub identity that sets it apart along the South Union Street corridor. The brewery also hosts events and offers party bookings.

The brewery sits on South Union Street in Rochester's East End, a short walk from East Avenue's dining and nightlife strip. The surrounding neighborhood is one of Rochester's more walkable corridors, with a mix of independent restaurants, shops, and cultural venues nearby. The taproom is open Tuesday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; it is closed on Mondays. Delivery and takeout are also available through the Flow kitchen.