Rochester Nightlife • A Complete Guide

Welcome to Rochester’s #1 nightlife guide.

On this page, you’ll discover the vibrant and varied nightlife scene in Rochester. You’ll find the perfect venue for you and your preferred night out. Whether you want to go all-out clubbing or if you’d like a more laid back dinner and drinks with a view, we’ve got your covered.

Enjoy!

Rochester is a pretty lively city throughout the year. This city is every tourist paradise, from the plethora of options on the culinary scene to visiting some of the best nightlife zones. You’re sure to find something extraordinary to love in Rochester. Let us now look at the complete Rochester nightlife guide to prepare yourself for a fantastic holiday marathon.

A Little Bit about the City

The city of Rochester is globally known for being The Flower City. Being the third-largest city in New York after Buffalo and NYC, this extraordinary city is located north of Lake Ontario alongside the Genesee River. 

Here in the city, you may find some of the best museums in the world that are dedicated to extraordinary artistic ventures such as music, art, entertainment, theatre, films, etc. Moreover, the city is always occupied with events throughout the calendar, inviting millions of tourists to the city every year. 

The easiest way to reach Rochester is by flight. Greater Rochester international airport is the official airport of the city. If you are traveling by car, your GPS should locate Lake Ontario first to the New York State Thruway. Amtrak is another option for people traveling by train. The routes operate from the station at 320 Central Avenue. 

When you visit Rochester, make sure to visit Charlotte, Cornhill, East Avenue historic district, and Park Avenue to get to know about the spectacular style of Rochester.

Nightlife in Rochester

The night scene in Rochester, New York, is filled with activities that would make your evening wonderful. The city has evening ideas and like any other city in America. If you are on a budget, you can always explore the city on foot and immerse your evening in the beautiful cityscape of Rochester. 

Also tagged as the perfect New York City for a date, there are many data ideas that one could try here. For example, by taking a walk in the park, hiking some gorgeous trails – one could only think of making beautiful memories and happy moments. 

To those interested in the party life scene, Rochester has got you covered here as well. Let us now check some of the best movies, bars, and best places to eat at night.

Best late-night bars in Rochester

Rochester has some of the most unique and animated late-night bars in the state of New York. Identical to the city reflects the artistic side of entertainment everywhere you might give you an experience you could have never imagined. 

Let us have a look at our favorite late-night bars in Rochester.

Lux Lounge

Lux is a kickass bar in the beautiful city of Rochester that comes with an outdoor fire, cool artistic decor, and some of the world’s best cocktails. In addition, the bar has a huge backyard with live music to make your evening fantastic.

Hours: Monday – Thursday 4 PM – 2 AM | Friday 3 PM – 2 AM | Saturday 5 PM – 2 AM | Sunday 7 PM – 2 AM

Address: 666 South Ave, Rochester, NY 14620, United States

Phone: +1 585-232-9030

Website: https://lux666.com/

Salinger’s

If you’re looking to enjoy drinks with a couple of friends or alone, then this is the finest dive bar to be in. This beautiful bar keeps you going for all the enjoyment that you need. The entire staff here is friendly, ensuring that you leave this bar having nothing but a truly positive experience.

Hours: Monday – Thursday 4 PM – 2 AM | Friday 3 PM – 2 AM | Saturday 5 PM – 2 AM | Sunday 7 PM – 2 AM

Address: 107 East Ave, Rochester, NY 14604, United States

Phone: +1 585-546-6880

Website: http://www.salingersroc.com/

The Daily Refresher

Holding some of the finest selections on whiskey and a gastronomically blessed menu, the daily refresher is indeed a refreshing place to be in Rochester. The cocktails are as unique as the service offered, and the decor plus the ambiance serves you well.

Hours: Wednesday-Thursday 4 pm-11 pm | Friday-Saturday 4 pm-2 am | Sunday 2 pm-10 pm

Address: 293 Alexander St, Rochester, NY 14607, United States

Phone: +1 585-360-4627

Website: https://www.thedailyrefresher.com/

Abilene Bar and Lounge

This place needs no introduction. It’s one of the first choices of local folks in Rochester during weekends, thanks to its fantastic collection of the beer list. When you visit this bar, make sure that you try their Labatt Blue Pilsner.

Hours: Sunday-Tuesday: Closed | Wednesday-Friday open at 4:00 pm and Saturday open at 6:00 pm

Address: 153 Liberty Pole Way, Rochester, NY 14604, United States

Phone: +1 585-232-3230

Website: http://www.abilenebarandlounge.com/

Best breweries in Rochester

Rochester is filled with many extraordinary breweries that can put any brewery on the East Coast on shame. Here are our top favorites breweries to visit in Rochester.

Three Heads Brewing

This one-of-a-kind brewery involves endless options on beers, live music, games, and the existence of an amazing night scene in Rochester. This movie is an imagination of excellent beers and extraordinary service.

Best from the bar – Too Kind Double India Pale Ale | Creamsicle Tangerine Orange Sour

Hours: Monday to Thursday 2:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Friday and Saturday 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Sunday 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Address: 186 Atlantic Ave, Rochester, NY 14607, United States

Phone: +1 585-244-1224

Website: https://threeheadsbrewing.com/

Swiftwater Brewing Company

Although the beers available within the premises are high-end delicious, the Swiftwater Brewing Company is known for their notoriously delightful bar bites in their garage-like space. Local folks here travel to this great sport to have some amazing ambiance. They also have good selections on the vegan menu.

Best from the bar – Swiftwater ESB | Spotty Translations | Seed & Stone Cidery – Monk Juice

Hours: Monday Closed | Tuesday Closed | Wednesday and Thursday 4 pm – 10 pm | Friday – Sunday 12 pm – 11 pm

Address: 378 Mt Hope Ave, Rochester, NY 14620, United States

Phone: +1 585-530-3471

Website: https://swiftwaterbrewing.com/

Roc Brewing Co., LLC

This is a decade-old brewery that serves the neighborhood of Rochester. This small family-owned brewery has some of the best stuff, excellent food, and extraordinarily delightful cocktails and beer. Every evening this place becomes an excellent atmosphere for the local folks to enjoy their time.

Best from the bar – Sassypants Saison Farmhouse Ale | Ryechester Imperial Rye Pilsner 

Hours: Monday: Closed | Tuesday – Wednesday 4 PM – 10 PM | Thursday – Saturday 11:30 AM – 12 AM | Sunday 11:30 AM – 10 PM

Address: 56 S Union St, Rochester, NY 14607, United States

Phone: +1 585-794-9798

Website: http://rocbrewingco.com/

Rohrbach Brewing Co. Railroad Street Beer Hall

One of the oldest breweries in town, This is the first craft brewery in Rochester perfected over time. Every experience within the promises depends on what kind of fun you wish to have. The atmosphere within the brewery is lively. The food served here is better than most local bars and grills, making your entire experience what you visit.

Best from the bar – Rohrbach Scotch Ale | Rohrbach Space Kitty Double IPA

Hours: Monday: 11 am–9 pm | Tuesday–Thursday: 11am–11pm | Friday: 11:00am–12am | Saturday: 11:30am-12am | Sunday: 12pm-9pm

Address: 97 Railroad St, Rochester, NY 14609, United States

Phone: +1 585-546-8020

Website: https://www.rohrbachs.com/

Other Fun Things to do in Rochester at Night 

If you’re that kind of tourist you do not wish to engage in any extrovert activities, Rochester has wonderful things planned for you. 

The city would be the discovery of your fun side. However, once you begin exploring the city on foot, you will encounter the true majestic culture of this fun-filled New York neighborhood. 

If traveling for street photography is your thing, then Rochester has some of the best corners for photography. The street’s architecture is designed to have paved the way too many photographers achieving numerous awards. Interestingly Rochester is the home of the world’s oldest photography museum called the George Eastman Museum.

If not for anything, the city sky offers you some of the most clearer views of the stars, but one could sit in a park and admire the true beauty of Rochester.  

And last but not least, you could always indulge in some of the cheapest street food options available. From tacos to falafel, from chicken tikka masala sandwiches to dim-sums, the city has a beautiful food scene for everyone, ensuring that the evening is filled with nothing but the wind of a fantastic New York holiday.

Best Late-night Food to have in Rochester

Rochester has an amazing savory twist to its culture. The city boasts itself in fried with its high quality and authentically blessed food scene. When you visit Rochester, you can get options for your food style. 

Let us now check out the best late-night food to have in this beautiful city.

1) Portobello Cream Cheese Wontons from Tapas 177

Address: 177 St Paul St, Rochester, NY 14604, United States

Phone: +1 585-262-2090

Website: https://tapas177.com/?utm_source=NEXT&utm_medium=Google_website

2) Pan-seared Hudson Valley Steelhead Trout from Good Luck Home

Address: 50 Anderson Ave, Rochester, NY 14607, United States

Phone: +1 585-340-6161

Website: http://www.restaurantgoodluck.com/

3) Hudson Valley Duck Breast from The Cubroom Rochester

Address: 739 S Clinton Ave, Rochester, NY 14620, United States

Phone: +1 585-504-2790

Website: https://www.thecubroomroc.com/

4) Seared King Salmon from Cure

Address: 50 Rochester Public Market, Rochester, NY 14609, United States

Phone:  +1 585-563-7941

Website: https://www.curebar.net/

5) Prosciutto Wrapped Mozzarella from ROAM Cafe

Address: 260 Park Ave, Rochester, NY 14607, United States

Phone: +1 585-360-4165

Website: https://www.roamcafe.com/

6) Friday Fish Fry from Carroll’s Restaurant

Address: 1768 E Main St, Rochester, NY 14609, United States

Phone:  +1 585-288-9631

Website: http://carrolls.edan.io/

7) BBQ Bologna Sandwich from Marshall Street Bar and Grill

Address: 81 Marshall St, Rochester, NY 14607, United States

Phone: +1 585-325-2191

Website: https://www.marshallstreetbarandgrill.com/

Frequently Asked Question

How safe is Rochester? 

Rochester is one of the friendliest and safest metropolitan areas comparing to the other nation-states. However, it is highly recommended to avoid Genesee-Jefferson, Charles House, South Marketview Heights, and Edgerton neighborhoods.

When is the best time to visit Rochester, NY?

The best time to visit Rochester, New York, is somewhere between late spring and early fall. During this time, tourists visit this wonderful city as an escape from scratching heat and humid summer.

How bad is winter in Rochester, NY?

Rochester experiences frequent snowfall and rain during the winters making it one of the most extreme cities to visit. The area is generally gold, extremely snowy. Unfortunately, the weather has remained cloudy for a long time.

Is Rochester a good place to visit? 

Rochester is the third-largest city in New York, making it one of the most valued and visited neighborhoods in the state. Rochester has history, heritage, culture, nightlife scene, art, entertainment, and much more that makes this community curious please to visit. 

Any tourists visiting here feel safe and comfortable thanks to the amazing culture and the awesome New York vibe.

When does the nightlife start in Rochester, New York?

Like any other city in the United States, the actual party starts when the sun calls it a day. Many bars, restaurants, art center comes alive for their visitors after 7:00 pm and closes as close to 2:00 am.

Conclusion

Before we complete this blog, we need to say that Rochester is also famous for its live music culture. You would be surprised to know that many tourists visit this place only to experience the amazing gala that the city offers every night. 

Nightlife activities here in this beautiful city are varied in diverse, and there is so much more to witness in the city than you could have imagined. There is always something for everybody here in Rochester, New York. Hopefully, this complete guide has helped you choose the best amongst the top night activities to do in this city.

Click the button to discover venues and things to do at night in: Rochester

Keep exploring!