Tango Cafe at the Jonathan Child House

Tango Cafe, originally located at 389 Gregory Street since September 2008, moved into the historic mansion in July, 2014. The mansion was built in 1837-38 for Rochester’s first mayor, Jonathan Child, and his wife Sophia Eliza Rochester, daughter of Rochester's founder, Nathanial Rochester.

Kerri Vaughn, who became owner of Tango Cafe Dance Studio in 2008, had a vision. Her dream was to be more than just a dance studio. Relocating the business to the Jonathan Child House allowed the opportunity for her to realize her dream.

In an interview with the Rochester Business Journal, Kerri shared, “I’m a very strong believer in making things come into fruition by imagining them,” she said. “I’ve had this vision for a long time and these are the fruits of all my visions and my labors."

Tango Cafe Dance Studio Corp, voted "Rochester's Best Dance Studio" in 2013, is still a dance studio, however, equipped with a commercial kitchen and two ballrooms, Tango Cafe @ the Jonathan Child House is one of Rochester's newest event and entertainment venues. Depending on when you visit you may find musicians performing in the first floor concert hall; a live Tango band and dancers enjoying sultry and sexy Argentine Tango music; a bridal couple in the midst of their "first dance" as husband and wife; or a professional business hosting a networking event. On Fridays the mansion is transformed into the hottest salsa dance club in Rochester. Patrons can relax in our "Cantina" where there is a full bar, coffee, tea & espresso. There is an outdoor patio where guests can enjoy appetizers, paninis, or tapas prepared in the commercial kitchen and served during events.

When asked about Tango Cafe's first year at the Jonathan Child House, Paula DeFranco-Cantatore, Special Events Coordinator responded, "There is always something exciting and unique happening at Tango Cafe @ the Jonathan Child House. One of my favorite moments took place during a formal masquerade party. One of the guests was Rochester's current mayor, Lovely Warren. Entertaining and photographing Mayor Warren in the home of Rochester's first mayor, Jonathan Child added an element of excitement and distinction to the event."