The Underrated Vibes
Clownboy Coffee Rocks — No Joke!
Clownboy Coffee is a third-wave queer-owned coffee shop that focuses on using vegan-friendly alternative milks for drinks and some delectable roasts for espresso. This includes alt-milk from Minor Figures and Califia Farms, and roasts by Sightseer Coffee, a women-grown and owned coffee roaster from Austin, Texas, and Blind Tiger Coffee originating out of Old Town, Maine.
Anthology is F**KING Back, Baby!
Anthology closed its doors in the summer of 2022, and left a void in the hearts of music lovers in the East End neighborhood. For years, we waited for the day that the lights would turn on, and the cadence of music would echo out to the world from behind the glass doors of the forsaken building. Today the tides are turning and Anthology is once again bringing the joy of live music to Rochester.
Que Chévere is Bringing Authentic and Traditional Puerto Rican Dishes to Culver and Atlantic
Que Chévere, a casual Puerto Rican restaurant, is bringing flavorful and authentic dishes to the up-and-coming neighborhood. The restaurant is next to local gems like Roar Nightclub, Taqueria Monterrey, a casual Mexican restaurant, and Heroes Brewing Company.
Celebrate the Full Moon at The Spirit Room
The Spirit Room on State St. is Rochester’s most eclectic bar and entertainment venue. The space is famous for its macabre performances, poetry readings, karaoke, and open mic nights, and blues and folk performances that occur every week.
Book Eater: An Ode to the Book Lovers of Our Generation
Opening their doors in June of 2023, Bookeater, a cafe and bookstore located at 836 S. Clinton Ave, has been satisfying the community’s craving for literature with a mixture of good reads and cozy vibes.
A Walk Through the MAG’s ‘Centennial Sculpture Garden’
Since its opening in 2023, the Centennial Sculpture Garden has brought a renewed sense of enjoyment for an evening stroll and expanded the democratization of arts in the NOTA neighborhood in Rochester, NY.
Buffalo’s “Whitetails” Band Brings a Rhythmic and Ethereal Presence to the Skylark Lounge
Rambling from Buffalo, New York, for a performance in Rochester, New York, Whitetails brings a wavy, melodic, yet energizing sound to the intimate stage at the Skylark Lounge on Union Street.
The Old Toad, Still Bringing The Authentic English Pub Experience to the East End
The Old Toad features a robust menu, the fish and chips with a side of mushy peas are a must-try, but so is the creamy, savory, and perfectly tender Chicken Korma, which also comes in a vegan option. The Toad is the gold standard of a relaxed, older traditional-style British pub at the location in the East End of Downtown Rochester, New York. A spot it has called home to for many years.
I Bet You Didn’t Know the Best Way to Explore Roc City is on a Veo
For those visiting from out of town, or locals traveling to Downtown Rochester who are tired of dealing with parking or prefer alternative options for exploring a city, there is one mode of transportation that shines bright above traveling by car. I’m talking about the Veo Micromobility, a fully electric scooter.
To try Veo use promo code: 5IXGNBN in the Veo app. You’ll receive $5 for free for your first ride.
Asian Kitchen, Swillburg’s Refreshing Northern Chinese Cafe
From the street side on Clinton, Asian Kitchen may appear as a clandestine storefront, unassuming, and easy to miss. However, a side entrance that allows for easy access from the parking lot, and is somewhat reminiscent of similarly clandestine Chinese restaurants in Chinatown, L.A. A more adventurous eater who enjoys authentic and affordable Chinese cuisine will leave this artsy cafe-style restaurant thrilled and satiated.
Seeking Sanctuary at HGS and Roc City Ramen in High Falls
Ardor Park: The Sensational Artisanal Pizzeria on Park
Ardor Park Artisanal Pizza has been a hit since day one of opening. There is no denying the quality and care that this small artisanal pizzeria places into ingredients, dough, sauce, and carefully chopped and diced ingredients for their delectable Neapolitan-style pies.