Dining, Nightlife, and Shopping

CASUAL OR FORMAL-DINING'S DIVINE

Kids welcome, too!

Come in from the cold!  Rochester is filled with charming cafés, informal bistros, and neighborhood pubs. Fine dining establishments serve multi-course meals in historic settings or creative new cuisine in hip, bright, even wild, cosmopolitan rooms. Rochester's culinary scene includes wide-ranging, diverse ethnic flavors and many traditions in American fare.

In this "kid friendly" town, families are welcome in almost any dining establishment.  From locally owned restaurants on the Avenues and beyond, to food courts at local museums and shopping malls, to unique family restaurants, kids are sure to find their favorite munchies.

Don't miss the opportunity to sample some of Rochester's unique specialties. Abbott's Frozen Custard, a popular summer treat, is also relished in the winter months. And look for beer and ale from the Genesee Brewing Company, brewed right here, in the heart of the city.

Many Rochester restaurants also feature wines produced by Finger Lakes vineyards, award-winning vintages that are among the best in the world. While there are many wine trails located along the Finger Lakes south of the city, the award-winning Casa Larga Vineyards offers tastings daily and is located just 15 minutes from downtown Rochester.

A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC, DANCE, FILM, DARTS...

East End, St. Paul Quarter and Monroe Avenue

When fun after-dark beckons, Rochester residents and visitors have a host of entertainment options, including three distinct neighborhoods to enjoy.

East End: Along East Avenue, from Gibbs Street (home to the Eastman Theatre and the Eastman School of Music) to Alexander Street, is the district Rochesterians call the "East End." On weekend nights you'll experience hundreds filling the sidewalks to patronize a multitude of after-dark destinations that offer a variety of entertainment options, from a mechanical bull to the latest in independent cinema. In the East End you'll find a bumpin' dance floor, a country-western style hoe-down, two-story bars, live music, upscale settings, and a few places to sit, relax and enjoy Rochester's own "Genesee" brew.

St. Paul Quarter: Head downtown to St. Paul Street and listen to live music, dance to the DJ's mix, enjoy tapas, learn to salsa dance, or shoot darts at a sports bar. Many choose to start their festivities with a late dinner at a variety of St. Paul's restaurants, so they are just in time to catch the nightlife crowd around 11 p.m.

Monroe Avenue: For a more laid-back evening, just south of downtown is the Monroe Avenue strip, offering an eclectic mix of bars, restaurants and unique shops.

THERE'S NO TOPPING OUR SHOPPING

Rochester area offers outlets, upscale malls, and charming boutiques

This region is a shopper's paradise! Suburban malls include the upscale shops at Eastview Mall in Victor, Marketplace Mall in Henrietta, Pittsford Plaza, and the immense Mall at Greece Ridge in Greece. For those who can't resist a bargain, you've come to the right place! There is a thriving collection of discount stores and outlet centers too, including approximately 100 stores at Waterloo Premium Outlets, a 40-minute drive east of Rochester. 

Find boutiques and specialty shops in scenic locales along the Erie Canal and in charming historic settings, including the Main Streets of the small towns and villages throughout the area. Or head to "The Avenues" in the heart of the city - Park, Monroe and University - for each street's distinctive combination of shops, cafés, service businesses, restaurants, pocket parks, and artwork.

Fascinating gift shops in local museums and attractions offer one-of-a-kind treasures and souvenirs. If antiques are your passion, be sure to pick up the guide to more than 65 antique shops within 50 miles of Rochester, available from VisitRochester.

Rochester's Public Market, which celebrates a history of more than 100 years, provides bargains every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Outdoor vendors offer their fresh foods, ethnic delicacies and specialty items.