• Banner 1
  • Banner 2
  • Banner 3

Welcome to The Red Fern

At The Red Fern, we celebrate vibrant plant-based cuisine, crafting dishes that are both innovative and delicious. Nestled in Rochester, NY, this women-owned eatery stands out as a go-to destination for vegan and gluten-free delights. Our menu features crowd favorites like the scrumptious Lentil Burger and the unique Compost Plate—a healthy twist on a classic. Guests appreciate our accommodating options for various dietary needs, coupled with a warm atmosphere perfect for any gathering. With a commitment to sustainability and community, The Red Fern invites everyone to enjoy nutritious meals that don't compromise on flavor. Join us in redefining comfort food!

The Red Fern: Reviews & Ratings

Jason M.
Jason M.

The Compost Plate is fantastic. I loved that they are flexible and allowed me to swap the sweet potato salad (can't stand sweet potatoes) with mashed potatoes. Healthy and so delicious. Have been there twice now and both times the food and service were top-notch.

Diane S.
Diane S.

Got the compost plate, juice, smoothie, and tea. All were amazing. The food is so flavorful! Even though it was a lot of food, I didn't feel like I was in a coma afterwards. The waiter was friendly and the food/drinks came out very quickly after we ordered. Overall a tinier restaurant with small tables and chairs. Felt a bit cramped at times but honestly given how good the food was, I didn't care. Definitely coming again.

Pamela P.
Pamela P.

The food is always delicious and the service is top notch. I love the unique menu items and that the restaurant is excellent at accommodating my friends who have food allergies (eg gluten free). Very yummy desserts too.

Celina G.
Celina G.

Tried this spot for the first time last month - sandwiches were delicious- lentil Burger, tofu egg sandwich, steak bomb sandwich. We also hand a GF chocolate chip cookie which was also good. We are not vegan but do enjoy vegan food and we're already making plans to return with family/friends. The wait for our food was a bit long but understandable as it was a bit busy- obviously a popular take out place, too. The only thing I would change is not ordering sesame sticks as a side (no photo here). I wasn't sure what to expect and they just looked like the Trader Joe's sesame sticks.

Sam P.
Sam P.

I can not recommend this place enough!! Vegan or not you will find great food here! If you are vegan or vegetarian or just trying to eat more plant based this is the perfect option. If you have never had vegan food or have no desire to go vegan you should still check this place out because it is just amazing high quality food! This a a small place in a great stretch of town. A lot of cool people coming through and a great and friendly staff. We started off with a veggie pizza which was the special for the day. It was delicious! I hadn't had many vegan pizzas before but this was very good. I got the buffalo chicken bacon ranch wrap and I don't think anyone would know that it was vegan if you didn't tell them! The wrap was huge. I wanted to eat the whole thing but I was stuffed after half. Now I have lunch for tomorrow! My partner got the compost plate. Which is their vegan, healthy version of a garbage plate. It was also delicious! We tried their banana split cake and their cheesecake. I was shocked at how good the cheesecake was! I have never had a vegan cheesecake before and I assumed it would be a tough dessert to pull off without plant products and they nailed it! So good! The prices are outrageously cheap! We got 2 entrees (which we ate half of) an appetizer 2 low dough burritos ($6!!!!) to go and 2 deserts for $80. Thats 6 high quality meals for $80. Such a deal.

Kate B.
Kate B.

We went to the Red Fern on a Thursday for lunch and were seated quickly on the patio. It was a lovely spot to sit and watch the people go by. This restaurant deserves all the good reviews. It's not just good for a vegan restaurant, it's just plain good! The menu was super diverse with lots of options for all preferences. I had the special which was a mexican rice bowl and our other guest had the chicken caesar wrap with sesame sticks. Both meals were outstanding. Delicious, ample portions and very fresh and flavourful. Our server was pleasant, timed his visits well and looked after us perfectly. I would definitely go back ... loved it.

MJ K.
MJ K.

The Red Fern serves its purpose incredibly well, and has a lovely, homey vibe, tucked away half-underground. The menu is entirely vegan and can be largely made gluten-free, and thus is an easy place to bring folks with dietary restrictions. However, the food is quite pricey for what you get, and despite my desire to really love the restaurant, I can never quite get there. The pastries and soups are the best things there, in my opinion, and the staff are very accommodating of other dietary needs such as allergies. I wish I could leave half-star reviews, because for me, Red Fern would sit at a solid 3.5. But honestly, their dedication to providing a completely vegan option in Rochester is commendable, and more than worth that extra piece of star.

Sierra S.
Sierra S.

The most delicious birthday cake! Red Fern knocked this vegan Triple Chocolate Cake out of the Park! Not only was the cake flavorful and not dry, it was beautiful as well. When I went in to pick up the cake, it was a busy Saturday night. There was one person working the counter. She was friendly and let me know she'd be right with me. After I spoke to someone, they were attentive in getting my cake right out to me. The ambiance inside is comfy cozy, although I wasn't there this time to dine in. I will be returning soon for more cake orders and likely dinner or lunch. Thank you Red Fern for making his 40ish so special.

Alicia L.
Alicia L.

Red Fern is always a win for me. I look forward to their weekly specials, and if I'm not feeling any of those my go-to meals are .. Buffalo Bleu, Steak Bomb, Compost Plate w/ lentil burger, and Steak & Potatoes. The Fruit and Cheese platter is a must for an appetizer ! And as far as desserts.. I've tried most and I'd say their cheesecake is pretty good. I'd pass on the regular cakes though as they can be dry from time to time. It's hit or miss. Cookies are sometimes too hard as well but still flavorful. Overall, 5 stars for me. I love this place and have been here well over 15-20 times. They're one of the only vegan places, if not THE only, that has consistent hours, and I can rely on them to be open from lunch until late. Whether I want a smoothie or a snack. And I should mention that I usually get my food to go unless I'm meeting with friends. But have eaten inside plenty of times. It can be tight in there, so I prefer sitting outside when I do. Staff is always super friendly, and my food is usually ready to go when I arrive to pick it up ... except one time I had to wait almost an extra 30 minutes... But that seems very rare. Parking can be a little annoying too, but they do have the back lot available until 5pm I believe .. and if you circle the streets long enough something will open up.

Melissa S.
Melissa S.

I found their menu online as I was looking for someone for lunch on a day trip to Rochester. They are a vegan restaurant tucked into a little corner of a quaint building in the gorgeous Park Ave area of a Rochester. The red double doors into the place was my first awe moment! I'm very into the ambience of a restaurant. The inside is super sweet with white chairs and a home-like vibe. It is small, but we were there during daytime on a Friday so there was no wait at all. There is also some outdoor seating. I had the grilled cheese on sourdough with avocado. The cheese spilled over the sandwich! It was super tasty. I had a side salad with their signature balsamic. Delicious! They also have a good selection of smoothies that went down amazingly for the kids! They loved it. I ended my lunch with the most amazing rainbow sprinkle rice crispy treat! I highly recommend a visit to The Red Fern!

Location

  • The Red Fern
    283 Oxford St, Rochester, NY 14607 Hotline: (585) 563-7633

Welcome to The Red Fern, a standout gem nestled in the heart of Rochester, NY. This vibrant eatery specializes in New American cuisine with a dedicated focus on vegan and gluten-free options, redefining how we experience plant-based food. With its innovative menu and commitment to sustainability, The Red Fern is not just a restaurant; it is a movement towards healthier eating and greater inclusivity.

Located at 283 Oxford St, The Red Fern produces dishes that are as satisfying as they are wholesome. You'll find an array of scrumptious sandwiches, such as the Buffalo Bleu Spicy Buffalo Tempeh Sandwich and the delightfully savory Chickn Caesar Wrap, both made from quality ingredients and bursting with flavor. Their signature Compost Plate has become a favorite among patrons, praised for its flexibility and taste. As one satisfied customer, Jason M., noted, it’s a dish that’s both healthy and delicious, showcasing the culinary prowess of the chefs at this establishment.

The ambience at The Red Fern is casual yet trendy, perfect for groups or a cozy meal with family. The inviting outdoor seating offers a relaxed atmosphere while maintaining accessibility features, including wheelchair access and ADA-compliant restrooms. The attention to detail extends to their service—customers rave about the friendly staff who are knowledgeable about ingredients and prepared to accommodate special dietary needs.

  • Reservations: Available for a hassle-free dining experience
  • Takeout & Delivery: Enjoy your favorites at home!
  • Sustainable Practices: Compostable containers and plastic-free packaging
  • Variety of Payment Options: Including Apple Pay, cryptocurrency, and more

As for beverages, you can sip on their locally-roasted iced coffee and indulge in delightful deserts that leave a lasting impression—especially the vegan cheesecake that has earned rave reviews. Many patrons, including Sam P., have expressed their surprise at how delicious vegan options can be, regardless of their usual eating habits.

In a world filled with dining choices, The Red Fern stands out not only for its exceptional food but also for its values as a women-owned business committed to providing high-quality, plant-based meals. Whether you're a die-hard vegan or just someone looking to explore healthier options, this restaurant guarantees a delightful culinary experience that keeps you coming back for more.

Visit The Red Fern and discover for yourself why it has become a beloved staple in Rochester's dining scene.