Located in the heart of Rochester, the Park Avenue Neighborhood has an indescribable energy. With delicious local restaurants lining the street, adorable shops to pop into while you stroll, and an electric atmosphere that you have to experience firsthand, Park Ave is a beloved aspect of Rochester for good reason.
Ready to explore Park Ave like a local? Here is your insider’s guide.
You’re going to need some fuel to start your day. If you want that cozy diner feel, we recommend grabbing a table at Jines for their all-day breakfast or one of their many delicious lunch and dinner options.
Other good spots include Frog Pond, Blue Wolf Bistro, Mad Hatter, and Magnolias.
For coffee, you can’t go wrong with Pearson’s. Just off Park Avenue on Somerton Street, Pearson’s offers a rotating menu of specialty coffees as well as several delicious breakfast and lunch dishes to choose from.
Caffeine boosts can also be found at Café Sasso, Layali Coffee House, and Montgomery Court Coffee.
Park Avenue and its many boutiques and stores makes the neighborhood a retail anchor in the Greater Rochester region. Stroll the avenue and discover many different boutiques and shops to stop into while you’re exploring. One option is Figgy Studio and Shop where you can peruse their selection of clothing, jewelry, and trinkets, or even visit their jewelry making counter to create something of your own.
Mansawear offers one of the most unique shopping experiences in the Rochester area, offering custom-made garments designed by owner Nita Brown. The boutique also offers women's clothing, shoes, and jewelry, as well as a selection of accessories.
Looking for something yummy? Park Ave offers a wide range of dining options for every kind of visitor.
If you’re craving Italian cuisine, we recommend stopping by Vern’s to try out one (or more, we don’t judge) of their can’t miss pasta or pizza dishes. We promise you won’t be disappointed. For Asian-inspired eats, you have to check out Leonore’s, an open fire Pan-Asian kitchen with a focus on seasonal, intentional ingredients.
Walk just a few more steps and you’ll find yourself at Roux, Rochester’s favorite French restaurant. Roux is known for serving up delectable and upmarket French recipes as well as an absinthe bar waiting to quench your thirst. For anyone in the market for Mexican, Dorado is right next door to Roux and offers a wide range of delicious Mexican fare. Dorado also features Rochester's largest selection of agave spirits.
If you’re wanting some classic American comfort food, you cannot go wrong with The Hideaway. Located at the corner of Park and Goodman, this cozy spot offers brunch, lunch, dinner, and drinks.
New to the Park Ave neighborhood is Bevy, a modern Levantine-leaning rotisserie restaurant open Thursday-Sunday. Located right next to Pearson’s, this spot also features The Coop, a shared outdoor patio between the two spots featuring a firepit and an outdoor bar.
Additional yummy spots to discover include ROAM, Ardor Park, Sinbad’s, Red Fern, and many more.
If you ask us, the perfect way to end a day on Park Avenue is with a sweet treat from Stever’s Candies. Since 1946, this homemade chocolate shop has been satisfying Rochester’s cravings. From seasonal candies to classic chocolate bars, Stever’s has what you’re looking for.
Other dessert spots to check out include Pittsford Dairy Ice Cream Shop, Frost and Foundry, and Anzivino's Rochester.
Park Ave has no shortage of spots eager to offer you libations. A few spots to have on your radar include Easy Sailor, Half Pint Pub, Pourin Joy, Dead Red Pecker, The Classic Kitchen and Cocktails, Apogee Wine Bar, Dragonfly Tavern, Magpie Irish Pub, and many more.
We hope you enjoyed your day on Park Ave and that you will be back to visit us again soon! Be sure to share all your adventures with us using #VisitROC.
Author
Katie Dee
Katie Dee is the Communications Specialist at Visit Rochester.
