George's What's What in Rochester, NY
George's What's What in Rochester, NY
All opinions are personal. Your mileage may vary. Exact model may
vary from those shown. See your local dealer for complete contest
details. Offer void where prohibited by law.
Cool Clubs
Rochester is full of cheesy sports bars and yuppie meat markets.
Here's a few places if you're not into that scene. Note that the
downtown (Liberty Pole) clubs change name and decor far more often
than I can track.
- The Bugjar, Monroe and Union.
Hip decor (don't miss the living room on the ceiling of the dance
floor). Music can be loud but fun, leaning towards techno/rave and
lots of dancing. Good choice of beers. No cover before 11, then just a
few bucks. 9/19/00: Under new management, but still goin' strong.
Still plenty of local music. Website
- Milestones, 70 East Ave. (325-6490, 325-5880)
Bands, from jazz to blues to local rock. Serves meals and snacks.
Formerly Jazzberries, another Rochester landmark. 6/1/97: Evicted from
the old Jazzberries place by the State government or something, they've
moved a block up East Ave. to a site that was formerly a diner.
- Richmond's, 21 Richmond Ave. (454-4612)
Bands, esp. blues. Summer roof deck. Wings and food also. Can be
crowded for a popular band.
- Water Street Music Hall, 204 Water St. (546-8508).
Formerly the Horizontal Boogie Bar.
Bands, big place, much beer. Floor has been known to cave in at ska
shows (apparently all fixed now...).
Bars, pubs, etc.
Here's a few places to go for beer and something to eat, especially
chicken wings, which are a local specialty (after being ``invented''
at Frank and Teresa's Anchor Bar in Buffalo).
- The Distillery, 1142 Mt. Hope Ave. (271-4105)
Definitely my favourite sports bar in Rochester: four dishes, countless
screens, and they seat you based on what game you want to watch. Wings
are pretty good. Can be very crowded, esp. Fridays and when a big
event is on. Can often get hockey on one of the dishes. Recently
(early '97) added a microbrewery on the premises, but results are not
impressive (9/98).
- Elmwood Inn, 1256 Mt. Hope Ave. (271-5195)
Similar to The Distillery (and just down the street), but less dishes,
less TV's, and the wings aren't as good.
- Empire Brewing, 300 State St. (454-2337)
Opened late 1996. Great space, across from Frontier Field,
parking sometimes a problem. I had heard good reviews of the food, but
negatives on the beer. However, I found three different beers (pale,
stout, and nicely Germanic weissbier) very good. The food was also
tasty and in good-sized portions, although not really cheap. Still
good 11/98 and 9/00.
- Jeremiah's Tavern, 1104 Monroe Ave. (461-1313)
Best wings in Rochester (except Friday when there's an excellent fish
fry instead). Good burgers and other pub food also. Nice neighbourhood
place: softball teams to grandmothers. Several TV's, often hockey.
Expanded 4/96. Still good 1/99. Wings still the best 9/00.
Website
- MacGregor's, 381 Gregory St. (271-3592)
The original Gregory St. location has a terrific selection of good
beers on tap at good prices. Food is your basic pub grub, nothing
special (the ultimate nachos are good nosh, however). Major expansion
in late 1998, including a patio, a second dining room, and a rack of
new taps and handpumps. Henrietta location closed 1/99; don't know
about other suburban locations.
- The Old Toad, 277 Alexander St. (232-2626)
English pub (staffed by English students of the owner's London-based
restaurant school). Tasty Guiness on tap and other good beers
including a local Amber and Woodpecker draft cider. English-style
meals and snacks. Serious darts players. Crowded and smoky (11/98).
- Rochester Brewpub, 800 Jefferson Rd. (272-1550)
In a hotel on the way to suburbia, but worth the trip. Brewery on the
premises, several brews available plus lots of imports, all the
peanuts you can eat and you throw the shells on the floor. Other food
also. Jefferson Rd. is Route 252; the pub is between East and West
Henrietta (15A and 15, resp.), sort of near Marketplace Mall.
6/6/97: Went back after a long time away, and what a waste. Only one
homebrew available, and it was so flat that I would have been
embarrassed to serve it as my own botched homebrew (which I'll
usually serve to anyone). Bad ``classic rock'' with
annoying DJ, so loud that people were huddled at the other end of the
bar. Peanuts no longer free either. Don't bother. 9/00: I think is now
closed and/or reopened under new management. No word yet on quality.
- Rohrbach Brewing Co., 315 Gregory St. (244-5680)
Brewery on premises, several regular brews plus seasonal specialties.
The Sam Patch Porter was quite enjoyable, and packs a nice kick. Don't
miss the beer battered onion rings. Yummy beer and rings 10/98. Still
yummy 9/00.
- Monty's Crown, Monroe Ave. south of Field
Formerly ``The Rose and Crown,'' about which we said:
British pub, lots of good beer at reasonable prices, large portions of
good food also at reasonable prices. I find it gets pretty smoky even
in the ``non-smoking'' section. (11/8/96)
brown writes: Fine beer, surprisingly memorable kitchen,
prices low, British staff, mostly American decor, excellent
jukebox/soundtrack, ``****''. They have about 10 beers on tap,
including 2 guest beers. Furniture is bigger than Old Toad's, more
american style than british (thank God). AND the rug isn't
traditionally obnoxious either. Very spirited selection of jazz and
various ethnic musics on soundtrack, never boring, also not intrusive.
There's a no-smoking half of the DR, a smoking half and a bar outside.
It's a lot less crowded, MUCH less smokey, and much better food than
Old Toad, and the chairs don't put your tushie to sleep. Definitely
worth checking out.
9/00: Reopened as ``Monty's Crown'' a while back. Beer and atmosphere
unchanged (a Good Thing); haven't checked out the kitchen yet. Live
music on weekends.
- Monty's Korner, 355 East Ave. at Alexander (263-7650)
Good watering hole conveniently located near restaurants and Little
Theatre. No food service. Outdoor seating on East Ave. in summer.
Restaurants
- Alladin's, 646 Monroe Ave. (442-5000)
Billed as a ``natural eatery.'' Lots of veggie stuff. Roof deck in
summer good for drinks. Also locations at 141 State St. (downtown) and
8 Schoen Place in Pittsford (right on the canal).
- Bacco's Ristorante, 263 Park Ave. (442-5090)
brown sez (12/20/96):
Northern Italian Cuisine, entrees from about 9 - 15 dollars. It's a la
carte, with antipasti and desserts (we couldn't!), -- antipasti are
about 7$ a pop. Good place for a not-cheap but good-value dinner with
comfortable, not-overpowering ambiance.
- The Bangkok, 155 State St. (325-3517)
Thai food. A department favourite. Can be crowded and a bit pricy.
- Basha, 798 S. Clinton Ave (256-1370)
poulos says: Famous place and a great variety of
meditteranean food. Some Greek dishes too.
- Brandani's Pizza, 2595 W. Henrietta (272-7180)
Excellent handmade pizza, not that crap you get from the places on TV.
Family-owned and operated in a little shop in the middle of a mall
parking lot. There are a few tables but take-out is the way to go.
Still good 9/00 despite some expansion and the addition of chicken
wings to the offerings. Closed Monday nights, perhaps Sunday also.
- Country Sweet, many locations throughout Rochester
light says (7/11/97): A fine provider of Rochester Wings (as
opposed to Buffalo wings). Rochester wings are deep fried wings
covered with Boss sauce, a very tasty combination of sweet and sour
sauce and dried chile pepper bits. One serving option that is
particularly tasty is when the chicken is served on a bed of Wonder
bread which soaks up the sauce so that none is wasted. It's not the
type of thing you want to eat every night, more of a once a month
thing.
- Dac Hoa, 230 Monroe Ave. (232-6038)
Thai, Vietnamese and Chinese food, served by very focussed ladies who
make sure you get it all right. Right across from the BugJar--what
more could you want? Still good 9/00.
- Gerry's at The Rochester Club, 120 East Ave. (423-1948)
My favourite place for a special night out. Not cheap. Good food and
wine professionally and attentively served.
- House of Poon, 2185 Monroe Ave (271-7371)
poulos says: The best Chinese food in town (as verified by
real Chinese too). Every single dish is a masterpiece.
- India House, 998 S. Clinton Ave. (461-0880)
Indian food, of course. Veggie and non-veggie.
- The King and I, 1475 E. Henrietta Rd (427-8090)
poulos says: Very good spicy Thai food (in case you are not
downtown near Bangkok).
- Mamasan, 309 University Ave. (262-4580)
Thai and Vietnamese food in a pleasant pomo setting.
- Mex, 295 Alexander St. (262-3060)
New (summer 2000) place serving ``nouveau Mexican''. Good food and
attentive service, but not cheap. Owner is former owner of the BugJar.
- Nick Tahou's, 320 W. Main St. (436-0184)
Home of the Garbage Plate; need I say more? Interesting clientele
during the wee hours. 9/00: No longer open all night. Is nothing sacred???
- The Olive Tree, 165 Monroe Ave (454-3510)
poulos says: The closest to Greek food you can get in the
town (believe me, I'm Greek). Amazing Greek wines (try the Boutari
ones) and tasty desserts. Kind of expensive too.
- Pizzeria Uno, Hylan Dr., near Marketplace Mall, Wegmans,
Borders, etc. (272-8010?)
Chicago-style pizza in Rochester. What will they think of next? Still,
despite being a national chain and in the mall, the pizza's different
and pretty good.
- Pomodoro Grill, 1290 University Ave. (271-5000)
Good italian food, decent wine list (incl. by the glass), some beer selection.
Reasonably priced but not cheap. Classy but not pretentious (more than
you can say for some of the patrons). Great outdoor patio in summer.
- Raj Mahal, 324 Monroe Ave. (546-2315)
Indian food. Very tasty.
Coffee, etc.
Toto, I don't think we're in Seattle anymore...
- Big Apple Cafe, 682 Park Ave. (271-1039)
poulos says: Park Ave is the place for coffee and
brunch. A definite must for summer weekend noonish outings to see and
be seen.
- Brighton Donuts, 1760 Monroe Ave (Twelve Corners) (271-6940)
Looks like Dunkin' but the donuts are better. Open 24 hours a day, 7
days a week.
Flash! No longer looks like Dunkin'! Now looks like some kind
of PoMo donut castle. Hopefully won't affect the donuts...
- Charlie's Frog Pond, 652 Park Ave. (271-1970)
poulos says: see Big Apple Cafe.
- Coliseum Cafe, Park and Goodman
Italian cafe with outside tables, gelati, coffees, etc. Also good
pizzas and meals.
- Java Joe's, 16 Gibbs St. (232-JAVA)
Open 'til midnight. Poetry contests and music some evenings. A hip
hangout downtown.
- Starbuck's, Mt. Hope \& Elmwood
Starbuck's, Twelve Corners
Starbuck's, Pittsford Village
Civilization reaches Rochester, June 1997. Brainwashed Starbuckers
somewhat snooty on first test, especially since they seem to be still
learning how to use the machines...
- Sunken Room Coffeehouse, 715 Monroe Ave. (256-0138)
In the Genesee Co-op building. Live folk music often.
- Tivoli, 688 Park Ave. (461-4502)
Coffee, ice cream, sweets, places to sit and read, etc. Recommended
for a quick cup or just hanging out. Also has a ``Tivoli Pasta'' next
door (which I haven't tried). Still great, and now my local coffee
place (9/00).
Diners
For those early morning munchies, whether you slept in between or not.
Most are open all night. All serve breakfast all day.
- Highland Park Diner, 960 S. Clinton Ave (461-5040)
Great place. Terrific value. Often crowded.
poulos says: Classic. The first non-smoking restaurant (more
like a dinette actually) in Rochester.
- Jay's, 2612 W. Henrietta (424-3710)
- Jines, 658 Park Ave (461-1280)
poulos says: Decent food and cute waitresses. Serious
congestion for Sunday brunches.
- Mark's Texas Hots, 487 Monroe Ave. (473-1563)
derdb sez: A monroe hang-out (i know, i lived a block
away) with usually digestable food, some good deals, and
young-but-qute waitresses.
- Mt. Hope Family Diner, 1511 Mt. Hope Ave. (256-1939)
- Perkins, 911 Jefferson Rd (424-4480)
Not really a diner in my book, more a ``family restaurant'', but
poulos says: My favorite diner. Great food and some fabulous
desserts. Try the cup-cakes salads, the ice-creams (and the waitresses
- if available).
- Princess, Twelve Corners (Monroe and Elmwood) (442-1790)
Gasp! This Rochester landmark was demolished in 1999 to make way for
yet another Rite Aid.
- Tip Top (Mt. Hope), 1595 Mt. Hope Ave. (442-1319)
Tip Top (Lake Ave.), 90 Lake Ave (254-4890)
Airport location closed and reopened under a different name
(untested). Mt. Hope location is the best diner in town, IMO. Bring a
sweater--the A/C seems to be permanently on max. Still great ($2
breakfast special until 11) 9/00.
Cinema and other Visual Art
For the ``Imaging Capital of the World,'' Rochester sure doesn't have
many good movie theatres. But what there are are excellent. And
there's other art also, at least for now...
- The Little Theatre, 240 East Ave. (232-4699)
Independent and alternative (read ``arthouse'') films on five screens.
Tasty coffee, pastries, and food at the cafe, with live jazz weekends.
Patio outside in summer. Deserves your support.
- The Cinema, 957 S. Clinton at Goodman (271-1785)
Second-run and some independent first-run stuff. Always a double
feature for the same low price. You can leave after the first or
arrive before the second. Also deserves your support.
- Dryden and Curtis Theatres, 900 East Ave. (271-4090)
Both at George Eastman House, home of the International Museum of
Photography. The Dryden is a beautiful old theatre, now used for
all screenings (nothing at the Curtis in recent memory).
Everything from Moholy-Nagy to Quo Vadis to Fellini and beyond.
Discounts for members.
- Bevier Gallery, Rochester Institute of Technology (475-2646)
On campus in the School of Art and Design.
- Hartnett Gallery, University of Rochester (275-5911)
On campus in Wilson Commons.
- Memorial Art Gallery, 500 University Ave. (473-0350)
Part of the University of Rochester (but not on River Campus).
Permanent collection of big-name art, touring shows, local artists,
etc.
- Mercer Gallery, 1000 E. Henrietta (292-2021)
On the campus of Monroe Community College.
- Rochester Museum and Science Center, 657 East Ave.
(271-4320)
Interesting and different, especially for kids. Many special events.
- Strong Museum, 1 Manhattan Sq. (Woodbury and Chestnut)
(454-7639)
The regular socio-anthropological kind of museum stuff.
- Visual Studies Workshop, 31 Prince St. (corner University)
(442-8676)
In addition to its gallery, VSW is also a media arts access center
and an arts resource center.
Cool Radio Stations
As usual, the airwaves are jammed with Rush Limbaugh, the Eagles, and
other forward-looking and -thinking stations. But the scene is not
a complete loss.
- WRUR (88.5 FM)
Campus radio from the University of Rochester. Back on the air after a
few years of technical problems. Classical music courtesy of the
Eastman School on weekends. Good blues Fridays from 6:00pm, and good
jazz (esp. Black Classical Music) on Sunday evenings.
- WITR (89.7 FM)
Campus radio from the Rochester Institute of Technology. Home of
Rochester Sessions every Tuesday night featuring local bands live.
- WBER (90.5 FM)
Not campus radio, but you'd never it know it from listening! Great
music including the nostalgia trip entitled New Wave Wednesdays.
Jennifer V., R.I.P.
- WXXI (91.5 FM)
Public radio in Rochester. Classical music 24 hours a day.
- WXXI (1370 AM)
Public radio, AM version. All the standards: Morning Edition, All
Things Considered, and the Saturday line-up including the
locally-produced Sound Bytes. Excellent blues all night, every night.
Sports and Rec
The Rochester Democrat and Chronicle has a decent
local
teams page with more information.
- Rochester Americans, War Memorial, 100 Exchange Blvd. (454-5335)
American Hockey League, Buffalo Sabres affiliate, Calder Cup champs
1995-96. Excellent value for a night of pro hockey, esp. compared to
outrageous NHL prices. ``Old-time hockey.''
Schedule Info from
Sport Schedules As You Like 'Em.
- Rochester Nighthawks, War Memorial, 100 Exchange Blvd. (454-5335)
Major Indoor Lacrosse League.
Schedule Info from
Sport Schedules As You Like 'Em.
- Rochester Red Wings, Frontier Field, 333 N. Plymouth (544-4790)
AAA baseball, Baltimore Orioles affiliate. Brand-new (in 1996) stadium.
- Rochester Raging Rhinos, Frontier Field, 333 N. Plymouth (454-KICK)
A-League soccer.
Schedule Info from
Sport Schedules As You Like 'Em.
For More Information
- City Newspaper
Rochester's locally-owned and operated alternative news weekly. News
coverage you won't get from the Gannett chain and the most complete
listings of shows, clubs, art, theatre, you name it. Published
Thursdays. Free.
- Democrat and Chronicle / Times-Union
Is it one paper? Is it two papers? A Gannett paper (or two). Not free.
Online edition.
- Freetime
Listings for Rochester and area. Many, many, many ads for bars, most
falling into the categories noted disparagingly above. Published every
two weeks. Free.
Online edition.
Notice
This documented started, I think, when we were putting together
lists of places to go and things to see for people coming to Rochester
for our wedding (1994). There are no guarantees that what you see here
is accurate, up-to-date, or to your liking. Please don't send me
complaints or suggestions--just start your own page!
George Ferguson, 10 Jul 2002