The Underrated Vibes
Flow & the Spotted Octopus: A Brewery Tale
Spotted Octopus Brewing Co. was founded in Buffalo, New York, and opened its second location in Rochester in March 2025. This opening brought joy to those who had long awaited the new brewery. The closure of Roc Brewing left a void in the East End community. For many, it was the end of an era that few were ready for. If you’ve had the pleasure of tasting the Spotted Octopus’ craft brews, then you are aware of the quality and creativity that goes into each fresh new batch.
A Great Escape Awaits at Rochester’s Coolest Tiki Bar
From elevated rum-based cocktails to a curated selection of dishes with Caribbean, Chinese, African, and Pacific Island-inspired flavors, Easy Sailor is shifting the way Rochesterians and visitors alike experience a night out in the city. A visit to this sensational tiki bar will undoubtedly involve some sparks and flames, a dash of lively energy, and be full of flavor and exciting memories. For those who take the voyage, a great escape awaits.
Relax at this Posh New Coffee Shop and Cocktail Lounge in Syracuse
Pausa is a small escape when traveling through Syracuse. In a way, it is a portal to a relaxing time, alluring and full of elegance. This is truly a lounge where locals are spending time out with friends, and savoring the moment. If you find yourself in need of an espresso or just want a cool lounge to hang out at with a nice craft cocktail, Pause Coffee is the place to be.
The Salt City Market is a Promise of a Better Tomorrow
Deep in the heart of downtown Syracuse, where South Salina meets West Onondaga, is a great food hall that combines the diverse and rich delicacies of Syracuse’s numerous cultural identities under one bazaar-style marketplace. The Salt City Market is a transformative community space that provides sustenance in the form of food and beverages, affordable housing, a coffee shop and bar, a cooperative grocery store, and the promise of a better tomorrow.
Bad Bunny Brunch Kicks off Hispanic Heritage Month in Midtown Roc
‘Bad Bunny Brunch’ is the first of a series of community-driven brunch events occurring at Farmhouse Table at South Clinton and E. Broad Street throughout Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from September 15 to October 15, 2025.
Fool’s Gold Saloon in Downtown Rochester Pays Tribute to the Old Wild West
Formerly occupied by Masons on Alexander, a new western-themed bar Fool’s Gold Saloon, has reimagined the space with a makeover from a classic dive bar to a watering hole that pays tribute to the old Wild West.
Mercury Coffee Co. in the South Wedge is Flying High
Building their foundation as a pop-up coffee cart, Mercury Coffee Co. spent many months slinging espresso drinks around the city of Rochester, collaborating on events with local businesses, and improving their recipes and latte art throughout the process. For fans, it has been a journey to behold watching this small coffee cart design and build out a sensational space in the South Wedge just off of Gregory Street and South Avenue.
Misuta Chow’s Defeats the Evil Dr. Ennui
Misuta Chow’s is a Japanese-style bar and restaurant that describes itself as a funky gastropub offering rice bowls, ramen, various Japanese street foods, and arcade games. That seems like the optimal description. What truly separates Misuta Chow’s as a bar is its ambiance and inclusive vibes.
Soccer Fans Unite for a Pint at this Salt City Biergarten
Wolff’s Biergarten is a local Central New York (CNY) bar and restaurant rooted in Albany, dating back to 2009, with locations in Syracuse and Schenectady. While the Syracuse location does not feature a food menu, the bar shares an ethos of serving delicious craft beers by the litre, hosting karaoke and trivia nights, college nights, industry nights, Bingo, and an awesome happy hour. Importantly, Wolff’s Biergarten and many of its patrons all share one commonality: a love of soccer.
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