Welcome to Chances
Nestled in a historic landmark on Main Street, Chances is a vibrant American bar that offers a delightful fusion of flavors and a warm, inviting atmosphere. Known for its exceptional Friday Fish Fry, juicy ribs, and hearty entrees, the restaurant attracts both locals and visitors alike. Starters like homemade onion rings and Wisconsin cheese curds set the stage for a memorable meal, while fresh salads and comforting pastas satisfy every palate. The attentive service adds to the experience, making each visit feel special. At Chances, culinary delights and a welcoming ambiance promise patrons a dining experience worth celebrating.
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205 W Main St, Rochester, WI 53167 Hotline: (262) 534-2772
Welcome to Chances, a charming bar and American dining destination located at 205 W Main St in Rochester, Wisconsin. Known for its vibrant atmosphere and mouthwatering menu, Chances offers an experience that balances classic supper club vibes with contemporary culinary delights. With a menu full of options—from tantalizing starters to hearty entrees—there's something to satisfy every craving.
- Starters: Kick off your meal with their famous Wisconsin Cheese Curds or indulge in Maryland Crab Cakes served with a rich remoulade sauce. If you’re in the mood for something crispy, the Reuben Rolls and Homemade Haystack Onion Rings are crowd favorites.
- Fresh Salads: For those looking for a lighter fare, the Pecan Encrusted Chicken Salad is beautifully complemented by a raspberry vinaigrette, while the Grilled Salmon Salad delivers a burst of flavor with Asian sesame dressing.
- Entrees: The signature BBQ Ribs are a must-try—meat so tender it falls off the bone, paired with a delectable sauce that keeps diners coming back. If comfort food is what you seek, the Honey Battered Fried Chicken or creamy Chicken Farfalle are sure to please.
Patrons rave about the welcoming service at Chances. Reviews consistently highlight the attentiveness and friendliness of the staff, which can elevate your dining experience. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion, as Gary G. did for his birthday, or just stopping by for a casual meal, expect a warm and inviting atmosphere.
The ambience is reminiscent of classic supper clubs, offering a great backdrop for enjoying delectable food alongside expertly crafted cocktails. Debra G. even calls their old fashioneds the best in Wisconsin! However, it’s worth noting that peak times can lead to crowded conditions, so it’s advisable to make reservations, especially on popular nights like Fridays.
Despite the predominantly positive reviews, some guests have noted minor hiccups in service and wait times, which could be attributed to busy hours. Nonetheless, the staff’s dedication to providing a pleasant dining experience remains evident, as highlighted by well-rounded feedback from visitors.
Overall, Chances is a restaurant where good food meets friendly service in a cozy setting. Whether you’re dining solo or with a large group, the team at Chances is ready to tantalize your taste buds and make your visit memorable. Next time you're in the area, come and take a chance on this delightful gem in Rochester!
Celebrated my birthday with my sister and brother-in-law with a fish fry. Made reservations, and we were glad we did. Very crowded on a Friday night! Since my last review, this place has kicked it up a notch. Service was fast, and the staff was very friendly and attentive. Definitely one of the top five fish fries in southeastern Wisconsin.
Bar service AWESOME. Restaurant food delicious! Pork tenderloin ohhh yah yummy !!!!! Beef tenderloin tips noodles and sauce good I should say a little peppery. But the sand point Pinot Noir perfect wine to supplement the meal with. Service quick efficient. Delicious food, awesome experience, price point perfect. Ohhh yaaaaaaaa great place the ambience is that of a supper club restaurant, great food, great service. What more could you ask for. Ohhh if you are wondering yes the cheese and cracker supper club appetizers are still delivered to the table before you even order your food and drinks. Bon appétit.
Nice local place with great warm crowd. Fish was very good along with salad and mixed drinks. The prime rib was marginal so plan to go with ribs on next visit or steak special. Would like a wine list as the small glass of wine was silly. Service was good as she clearly was a veteran chances employee. Look forward to next visit.
Best ribs i have tasted in Wisconsin. Meat falls off the bone. Great sauce! Also have great steaks and an excellent fish fry on fridays. Historic landmark building and great staff. They are also open for lunch. Highly recommend Chances for a great meal! Only about 2 miles from downtown Waterford, Wisconsin in case you don't know where Rochester is.
Great place ,especially the Friday Fish Fry.. Best old fashions ,in Wisconsin. Make reservations on a Friday or Saturday. Love this place. Going there tonight. Can't wait.
Food was great, service was also excellent and they accommodated our group in short notice.
Food was good and waitress was great! She also told us the history of the building which is very interesting.
We dined at Chances on a Saturday night in March 2024. . Lots of local townspeople having a good time in bar area. I am all for that type of atmosphere. However, if your face is not familiar, the bartenders tend to ignore you. There were two mature guys on duty behind the bar and if you did not specifically call out or gesture for a cocktail, they simply stood there. Grumpy as all get out. Two delightful elderly females (not familiar faces) tried to get a bartender's attention to ask about the gambling games in the room, but were very disrespectfully ignored. We'll write this off as both fellas having a bad night. Dining room was about half full. Got seated at a very small table for two against the wall...maybe a former window table, but no window anymore. Very cramped with all the extra stuff already on the table. Didn't want to be a pain in the ***, so we didn't request a nicer table. Good news...ribs and shrimp combo and prime rib special were delicious. Spinach salad and onion strings also very tasty. Extremely busy waitress took care of us skillfully, attentively, and with the most pleasant demeanor. So our occasional date night had a happy ending following a not so great start.
The waitress was amazing- fast, attentive and very friendly. The food was good, not the best. I picked Reuben Rolls for an appetizer. They were pretty one-note. All I could taste was cheese. Not sauerkraut, not even the corned beef. The thousand island dressing helps to add a little tang, but these were a little disappointing. For dinner I ordered the baked cod. The flavor was really good but the fish was juuuust on the edge of overcooked. Lemon and drawn butter helped, but without those additions it would have been too dry. I liked the supper club feel of the place. I really miss that. But I would have preferred a small relish tray versus cheese and crackers. Those were a great pre-dinner snack, but it's easy to quickly fill up on the crackers. I'd like to say I'll be back to try out more menu options, but the fact that they charge a 3% credit card fee is a real turn-off.