Looking for a comfy, oversized chair to sip a latte while mapping out the day’s activities? Or maybe you’re in town meeting old friends and are looking for the perfect place to reconnect over scones and Americanos. No matter your reason for seeking out a local coffee shop, Rochester has a café that will fulfill your expectations (and drink order!).
Learn more about Rochester’s impressive third wave coffee scene here, or visit one of the coffee shops or roasters mentioned below.
Neutral Ground Coffeehouse
Located right by the canal in Schoen Place Pittsford, Neutral Ground includes a full coffee bar, locally-sourced ice cream, pastries, breakfast and lunch. Gather here with friends, family, colleagues, classmates, and neighbors in a warm and cozy coffeeshop like it's your own living room. Or, host your event or meeting in the elegant event room for all kinds of events including baby showers, rehearsal dinners, and more.
RoCoCo Coffee Co.
Serving ethically sourced coffee is of high importance at RoCoCo Coffee, as well as using homemade syrups and serving locally sourced baked goods and pastries.RoCoCo can be found inside the Mercantile on Main, the first food hall in Rochester, NY.
Java’s Café
Located on bustling Gibbs Street across from the Eastman School of Music, the flagship location of Java’s Café has offered “The Good Stuff” since 1992. Freshly roasted coffee, organic tea, fresh-squeezed lemonade, smoothies, sandwiches, and baked goodies can be enjoyed from an outside café table, or while shooting pool inside the shop.
SPoT Coffee
Located in the East End, SPoT Coffee is popular with locals and visitors alike. Be sure to pair your cup of joe with one of their homemade salads, gourmet pizzas, or paninis.
Fuego Coffee Roasters
Touting themselves as a low-key, minimalist coffee shop serving house roasts, tea, hot chocolate, and baked goods, Fuego Coffee Roasters serves fresh artisanal coffee from all over the globe. The atmosphere is hip, quaint, and quiet, perfect for sitting down and planning out your itinerary for the day.
Ugly Duck Coffee
Ugly Duck Coffee is an ideal place to swing by for a quick on-the-go brewed coffee, latte, or mocha. Other classic specialty drinks are offered, along with teas and kombucha.
Café Sasso
Come for the coffee and stay to admire the eclectic décor at Café Sasso. The latte art at Café Sasso is just as impressive as the many paintings that adorn the walls, and their hot and cold cocktails make it the perfect place to go for brunch or an after-dinner drink.
Equal Grounds Coffee House
With an outdoor space, comfortable seating inside, free Wi-Fi, and a pile of board games, you can easily spend time reconnecting with friends or catching up on work at Equal Grounds Coffee House. Known for providing organic, sustainable, fair-trade tea and coffee, their menu runs the gamut from hot brewed coffee to fresh iced smoothies.
Melo Coffee House & Kitchen
Located in the heart of the Neighborhood of the Arts district, Melo Coffee House & Kitchen offers high-quality eats and drinks within a welcoming environment. This “Australian Cafe” offers classics like avocado toast and flavored lattes.
New City Cafe & Roastery
If you find yourself in the Beechwood neighborhood, be sure to stop by New City Cafe for a warm cup of freshly roasted coffee. From their youth mentorship program to their fair-trade practices, New City is a wonderful place to be.
Bold & Gritty
Bold & Gritty is more than a coffee shop, it is a Black-owned coffee-focused lifestyle brand focused on creating a legacy in the community. Roasted locally, their coffee ships nationwide and can be found at local shops as well as seasonal pop-up events.
