RCR: 13 Years of Spotlighting Rochester’s Finest Cocktail Experiences
Culture, Drink Andy Gold Culture, Drink Andy Gold

RCR: 13 Years of Spotlighting Rochester’s Finest Cocktail Experiences

There is no doubt that as a mid-sized metro, Rochester’s rise as a craft cocktail-rich playground has been greatly shaped by the RCR’s presence, leadership, and community-driven efforts to unite novice and expert mixologists. It is the collaborative efforts that raise the bar for all and inspire new generations of bartenders to aspire towards greatness in the art of craft cocktails.

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Rochester Is Becoming an Exceptional Coffee First City
Culture, Drink Andy Gold Culture, Drink Andy Gold

Rochester Is Becoming an Exceptional Coffee First City

What makes Rochester an exceptional coffee first city is the fact that you can walk into most coffee shops, and find a well-balanced single origin espresso, a shop that uses natural ingredients to produce seasonal syrups for specialty drinks, and importantly baristas that understand the appropriate measurements required for the specific coffee drink you’re searching for and who enthusiastically put care, love, and attention to locking in on each drink they make.

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Flow & the Spotted Octopus: A Brewery Tale
Drink, Culture Andy Gold Drink, Culture Andy Gold

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.

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A Great Escape Awaits at Rochester’s Coolest Tiki Bar
Cuisine, Drink, Culture Andy Gold Cuisine, Drink, Culture Andy Gold

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.

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Here is the Late Night Food Scene in Rochester, New York!
Cuisine, Drink Andy Gold Cuisine, Drink Andy Gold

Here is the Late Night Food Scene in Rochester, New York!

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 good late-night food scene, you just need to know where to go!

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