Why Do So Many People Love Rochester?

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• Top Culture
• Top Food
• Top Music
• Top Film

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.) Greenwood Books (new and used works of fiction, art, poetry, philosophy, history, etc.), or Lakeshore Record Exchange, an independently owned record store specializing in alternative, jazz, pop, new wave, and new releases on CD and vinyl, vinyl toys, posters, and more.

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) 276-8900

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

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

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

The Owl House

Fresh, made-from-scratch New American food prepared with ingredients sourced from local providers.
(585) 360-2920

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

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:

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

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