
To Anyone Who Thinks Rochester Doesn’t Have a Late-Night Food Scene, Read This!
For years, people have complained about Rochester, New York’s lack of a late-night food scene. While this may have been true in previous years, I am here to share that there are numerous fantastic restaurants and to-go spots that cater to the night owls around the city, serving up dishes until the early morning. Rochester, New York has a great late-night food scene, you just need to know where to go!

Your Next Chopped Cheese Should Be the ‘ROC’ Chopped Cheese at Starlight on South Ave
While the Chopped Cheese was born in NYC, it’s made its way upstate to delis across cities like Rochester, Syracuse, and Buffalo. The effects of this pilgrimage have paved the way for a new contender, one that pays homage to the classic sub but adds a new flair and uniqueness, and embraces the culture and heritage of Rochester, New York. It’s called the ROC Chopped Cheese, and it’s being chopped up at Starlight, a market & deli on South Avenue in the South Wedge.

Good Vibes and Eats at the Jamaican Spot on Genesee St in the 19th Ward
Tropical Blendz Café & Juice Bar is an authentic space with a small outdoor patio that serves up delightful Caribbean plates. From Beef Patties to their delicious Jerk Chicken plate, you will experience an array of flavors and fragrances that only a good Jamaican dish can provide!

Raise a Glass to Happy Hour at Farmhouse Table Midtown
Farmhouse Table Midtown’s happy hour game is magnificent. It runs from Wednesday to Friday, 5 pm to 8 pm. They feature a robust cocktail menu and serve dishes that bring the farm-to-table quality. If you’re a fan of bourbon, try the Boulevardier, think Negroni, but with bourbon rather than the traditional gin. However, the real star of the show is the Cubano Sliders on the happy hour menu. They are made with roasted and tender pork belly, Dijon mustard, dill pickles, and ham, all packed between fluffy-buttery and slightly crisp buns made in Roc.

El Sazón Restaurant Brings Good Spanish Eats to the Little Italy Historic District On Lyell Ave
Community is still very centric on Lyell Ave. Like most communities, food is the element that brings us together. It shapes our perspectives and shared heritage, and is passed on through the richness of ingredients across generations. In a big way, El Sazón Restaurant does all of these things. The space is ordinary, with tables, chairs, white walls, and a few trash cans that pile up quickly with empty plates and recycled bottles of Goya or cans of Tropi-Cola. However, like the old saying goes, “It’s what’s on the inside that counts.” In this case, the inside is the heart of the food prepared and served at this subtle eatery.

Never a Bad Time at Bar Bad Ending
In many ways, Bar Bad Ending pays tribute to thirsty night owls and uplifts the fringes of the local music scene. It’s underrated but glorified, it is edgy but warm and welcoming because at its core, it is a community space where members gather over a few drinks, a few laughs, great food, and live to jam the night away.