06/17/2026
Hi everyone,
Can you believe AltBar's brick and mortar location has been open for 2 years!? What a fulfilling, chaotic, fun, exhausting, rollercoaster of 2 years it has been.
What makes it worth it is when a customer comes in and thanks us with tears in their eyes because they have missed being able to socialize since quitting alcohol. Or when a customer has a huge smile on her face after sipping her first zero-proof sparkling wine because she's growing a baby. Or when a regular stops in to try some new NA beer and sits down and chats about his life. Or when a couple sits at the bar for a first date, knowing they are safe and can be comfortable.
Every time we hear, "I am so glad you're here and that you exist," we are rewarded with the reason we started the business - to be a welcoming, inclusive place for anyone who is looking for non-alcoholic alternatives, for any reason.
We wouldn't be here without you - our staff, our regulars, our first-timers, our friends, our family, and our community. We are so grateful YOU'RE here. Thanks for joining us in this journey.
To thank you, we're celebrating on Saturday with free cotton candy, a drink special (which you can NAME for our summer menu!), and a raffle prize for anyone who makes a purchase on Saturday.
Hope to see you to celebrate together!
Cheers,
Meg & Bob
Upcoming Events!
June in Bloom 🌸
👉 Check out our website for full event details, ticket info, and updates
Draw Club Every Thursday
Our friends Justyn Iannucci and Mike Turzanski, among others, have been leading a weekly draw club at AltBar at 7pm on Thursdays. Pull up a chair and come draw with a friendly group! All are welcome.
Crochet 101 - Thursday, June 18
Moon Mama Arts is hosting Crochet 101 — a beginner-friendly workshop covering the fundamentals: slipknot, chain, slip stitch, single stitch, and double stitch. Tickets are $20 and must be reserved in advance by messaging "strawberry" to on Instagram. A perfect evening for craft lovers!
2 Year Celebration!!
Saturday is going to be a day full of fun! Join us for free cotton candy all day (because who doesn't need child-like joy these days?), a drink naming contest along w/ a drink special for the day, and some raffle prizes for anyone who makes a purchase on Saturday.
It's a big THANK YOU for your support, encouragement, sharing of stories, and friendships we've formed with you all. 🫶
Speed Friending - Saturday, June 20
Ever wish making friends as an adult was easier? Speed Friending is exactly what it sounds like — a structured, playful event where you rotate through short one-on-one conversations to meet a room full of potential new pals. Hosted by Little Button Craft, this ticketed event costs $20 and runs from 4 to 6 PM. It's the perfect low-pressure way to expand your social circle.
Bingo - Wednesday, June 24
June's Bingo Night is free to play and packed with prizes to win! The June feature brand is Lucky Frog, so expect some themed NA beverage fun alongside your bingo cards. Come for the community, stay for the prizes.
Pride Themed Bouquet Bar -Friday, June 26
We're firming up details for this, so keep an eye out for an email about this next week.
Guests will select their blooms from a Pride-inspired flower bar, learn some floristry tips and techniques, and create a bouquet to take home.
The ticket will include the following:
•Flowers to create a 10–12 stem bouquet�
•Floral wrap�
•A mini lesson on arranging and bouquet-making�
•A pair of floral shears for guests to take home
We can't wait to host this - stay tuned for more details!
Chocolate Mindfulness - Saturday, June 27
From 3 to 4 PM, join the Chocolate Mindfulness & Mocktails experience. Enjoy the rich flavors of chocolate while practicing mindfulness and sipping delicious mocktails crafted to complement your tasting journey. Come hang with Melissa Mueller-Douglas, founder of Chocolate Mindfulness, to refocus your mind and taste buds.
Sip & Stitch Beginner - Sunday, June 28
Embroider a name or simple design on a sweater or tote bag while enjoying NA cocktails at AltBar.
Join us for a relaxed Sunday Stitch & Sip with a fresh twist. This time, we’re gathering at AltBar, Rochester’s premier NA cocktail bar known for its thoughtfully crafted non-alcoholic drinks. It’s a chance to enjoy a “night out” (or in this case, a midday outing) without the focus on alcohol.
This class is designed to be welcoming to anyone who wants a creative, low-key experience, including those who are pregnant, nursing, not drinking, or simply in the mood for something different. Come solo or with a friend and spend a couple of hours making something special with your hands.
We’ll be working on baby/toddler sweaters and tote bags, and you’ll learn how to embroider a floral initial outline. You’ll choose your item, size, and color ahead of time so everything is ready for you when you arrive.
Your ticket includes:
• One craft non-alcoholic cocktail
• A sweater or tote bag in your selected size and color
• All embroidery materials and instruction
Click here for an update from AltBar!
