Why Do So Many People Love Rochester?

Maybe it's because everyone here knows some ultra-secret hip place that no one else knows about, like Video Barn (a film-lover's paradise: foreign, horror, anime, arthouse, etc.) or Brown Bag Books (contemporary and classic literature at deep discounts).

Or maybe it's the more well-known experiences we all share together: the culture, food, music, and film that make Rochester truly one-of-a-kind.

Top Culture

Artisan Works
A behind-the-scenes view of artists at work and an enormous collection of eclectic pieces.
(585) 482-7890
Geva Theatre
Rochester's leading professional theater showing everything from musicals to American and world classics to world premier works.
(585) 232-4382
The Baobab Cultural Center
An exotic, 6-foot-long mosaic on ArtWalk is the symbol of a fresh start for an African art gallery.
(585) 563-2145
Memorial Art Gallery
Part of the University of Rochester, this gallery is open to the public for both classes and tours.
(585) 473-7720
Monroe County Parks
Over 20 parks, each varied in its offerings—most are ideal for picnics, bird watching, hiking and sports like tennis, soccer, and disc golf.
(585) 256-4950
Mt. Hope Cemetery
America's first municipal Victorian cemetery offers tours on Sundays between May and October.
(585) 461-3494
Rochester Museum and Science Center
The science museum, nature center, and planetarium enable visitors to explore science, technology, and our region's cultural heritage.
(585) 271-4320
Rochester Public Market
A century-old tradition that offers fresh produce, flowers, fish, meats, baked goods, and ethnic delicacies. At night, the market opens for art exhibits and music performances.
(585) 428-6907
Strong Museum
Ranked by Child magazine as one of the Top Ten Children's Museums in the Country, Strong Museum encourages hands-on discovery.
(585) 263-2700
Susan B. Anthony House
Susan B. Anthony was a leader in the women's suffrage movement. In her home, now a National Historic Landmark, learn about the life and activities of this remarkable woman.
(585) 235-6124
Village Gate Square
A warehouse that has been converted into artist's studios and display space, restaurants, and one-of-a-kind shops.
(585) 442-9061
Writers & Books
Rochester's literary center.
(585) 473-2590

Top Food

The City of Rochester and its surrounding neighborhoods offer restaurants specializing in everything from pizza slices to dim sum. Residents and visitors alike never tire of the variety they find in local eateries. If you're in the mood for a few maki rolls, a rack of ribs, or a panini, you won't be disappointed.

Aladdin's
All-natural dishes from the Mediterranean
(585) 442-5000
Bamba Bistro
Contemporary cuisine
(585) 244-8680
Bazil's
Casual Italian dining
(585) 427-7420
Beale Street Café
Authentic Cajun, a wide variety of barbeque, and live music
(585) 271-4650
California Rollin'
Sushi bar with an American flair
(585) 271-8990
Dinosaur BBQ
A wide selection of barbeque, burgers, steaks, and live blues nightly
(585) 325-7090
Equal Grounds Coffee shop
A really relaxing and friendly community coffee shop in the Southwedge
(585) 242-7840
The Distillery
Burgers, chicken wings, microbrews, and plenty of televised sports
(585) 271-4105
Golden Port Dim Sum
Dim sum portions and dinner entrees prepared to order
(585) 256-1780
Fox's Gourmet Delicatessen
Serving up traditional Jewish dishes and sandwiches
(585) 427-8200
House of Sushi
Maki rolls, nigiri rolls, sashimi and vegetarian options
(585) 256-9884
India House
A variety of plates, ranging from lamb, chicken, seafood, and a vegetarian menu
(585) 271-0242
Java's Café
A cozy coffee and dessert lounge featuring live music and art
(585) 232-4820
Jines
American and Greek Specialties in the cultural district of Park Avenue
(585) 461-1280
K.C. Tea & Noodles
Light Asian menu and bubble tea
(585) 271-1061
The King & I
Authentic Thai cuisine
(585) 427-8090
Max of Eastman Place
Contemporary, high-end dining in the City's East End
(585) 697-0491
Park & Oxford Cafe and Delicatessen
A vast menu offering dozens of wraps, pitas, and subs
(585) 242-8990
Pellegrino's
A huge selection of hot and cold subs, and custard
(585) 442-6463
Pomodoro's
Trendy Italian dining in a renovated sawmill factory
(585) 271-5000
Salena's
Authentic Mexican fare
(585) 256-5980
Spot Coffee
Cofee, sandwiches, and dessert in a renovated Chevy showroom
(585) 613-4600
Sticky Lips
All things barbeque: pulled pork, brisket, ribs, corn bread, etc.
(585) 288-1910
Tastings
Eclectic menu is always changing, offering a wide variety of inventive dishes
(585) 381-1881
2 Vine
Contemporary dining in the city's East End
(585) 454-6020

Top Music

Rochester's music scene is highlighted by countless hardcore, hip-hop, metal, and jazz acts. With venues (from basements to arenas) all over the city bringing in area and national artists, there's never a shortage of live shows. The following is a portion of the shows that have just happened or are coming soon:

From Wikipedia: Break of Reality (BoR) is a cello rock band based in Rochester, New York, consisting of three cellists and drums.

  • The Acacia Strain
  • Animosity
  • Bayside
  • Bedlight for Blue Eyes
  • Bless the Fall
  • Bo Bice
  • Breaking Benjamin
  • The Click Five
  • Dick Dale
  • Dark Star Orchestra
  • Deadstar Assembly
  • The Decemberists
  • Dj Scribble
  • The Dwarves
  • Emmure
  • The End
  • Fear Before the March of Flames
  • Interpol
  • Mike Doughty
  • Modest Mouse
  • No Idols
  • OAR
  • Poison the Well
  • Rochester International Jazz Festival
  • Scary Kids Scaring Kids
  • They Might Be Giants
  • Three Days Grace
  • Umphrey's McGee

Top Film

Filmmakers from every part of the globe come here for visiting director series and film festivals. With the High Falls Film Festival showcasing the work of established and emerging female filmmakers, and the ImageOut Festival bringing films from gay and lesbian directors, the birthplace of film loves film. Here are a few hot spots for film lovers...

Little Theatre
For over 75 years, The Little has been Rochester's premier theater for independent and foreign films.
(585) 258-0444
The Cinema Theater
The only double-feature in town. And it's super cheap.
(585) 271-1785
George Eastman House
George Eastman's historic mansion, the International Museum of Photography and Film, and the Dryden Theatre are open for tours and screenings.
(585) 271-3361