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explore
GREATER
ROCHESTER
Entertainment • Dining • Attractions • Arts
Sports & Recreation • Shopping and more
Maps Inside
Rochester Business Journal SupplementEDITOR’S NOTE
Hope is in the air once again, as the During the past year Rochester found
COVID-19 vaccination rate increases, ways to survive and thrive, meeting The Strong Museum
protocols are loosening and people are virtually in live feed concerts that we all
getting out and about once again. could enjoy even if we couldn’t gather.
Whether you are a local resident just Numerous restaurants offered takeout
looking to get some fresh air or a visitor
instead of seating diners. It was a rough
spreading your wings for the first time
year for many, but we are all ready to
in months, you will find plenty of fun
put that in our rearview mirror and come
activities in these pages. Because we
were just coming out of the pandemic back stronger than ever.
as this was compiled, please consider it Please call ahead, or check event and
just a partial listing of what’s available. local news websites, including RBJ.net
More may be added to the calendar as and VisitRochester.com, to stay abreast
restrictions loosen further. of cancellations or postponements.
CONTENTS
4 UPFRONT 36 DRINK 63 PARKS & GARDENS 74 MAPS
13 ENTERTAINMENT & 42 FOOD 66 EASY DAY TRIPS 78 FOR MORE
THE ARTS 52 SPORTS & INFORMATION
25 SHOPPING RECREATION 70 EDUCATION
78 INDEX TO
30 SPECIAL EVENTS 57 MUSEUMS 73 ACCOMMODATIONS ADVERTISERS
FEATURES
4 LOOK FOWARD 52 GET OUT AND PLAY
Some things we're looking forward to as Rochester reopens its Ten ways you can enjoy what the great outdoors in the Rochester
doors. area has to offer.
13 REVEL IN THE ARTS 57 EMBRACE THE PAST
Roochester's vibrant arts annd entertainement cultuire found The Genesee Country Village & Museum is an educational escape
ways to power through the pandemic. from the hustle and bustle of modern life.
25 ENJOY A CONGENIAL SPACE 63 STOP AND SMELL THE FLOWERS
The Park Avenue nneighborhood is Rochester’s best-known urban The Rochester area is blessed with a wealth of parks and gardens
neighborhood for shopping, dining and pampering. to enjoy.
36 DRINK IN A WOMAN'S TOUCH 66 EXPLORE BYWAYS & WATERWAYS
Women are making their mark in the local craft beer, wine and bar There are numerous other fascinating spots within a few hours
scene. drive of Rochester.
42 SAVOR THE NEWEST HOT SPOT
The Mercantile on Main is one of the largest food halls in New
York state.
About This Guide
The Rochester Business Journal and Visit Rochester, the region’s premier
tourism organization, are partners in Explore Greater Rochester, RBJ’s Group Publisher: Account Manager: Jean Moorhouse
annual publication and the official Visit Rochester visitors guide. Suzanne E. Fischer-Huettner Audience Development Manager:
In the listings, the symbol is used to identify Visit Rochester members. Associate Publisher & Editor: Tracy Bumba
All telephone area codes are 585 unless otherwise noted. Ben Jacobs Public Notice &
To obtain additional copies of Explore Greater Rochester, call (585) 232- Business Intelligence Analyst: Advertising Coordinator:
6920 or go to rbj.net. For advertising information, email advertising@rbj. Maria Kelly Alys Derby
net. Assistant Editor: Nicole Sheldon Graphic Designer: Wendy Martin
Note to Readers Special Products Editor: Dick Moss Special Projects Supervisor:
Compiling a comprehensive year-round directory of local businesses can Digital Editor: Brian Compere Laura Black
be a challenging task with the potential for error and outdated information. Reporters:
Visit Rochester and the Rochester Business Journal make every effort to list Kevin Oklobzija and Velvet Spicer Cover photo: Jim Montanus
businesses, locations and organizations accurately. Explore Greater Rochester
Should an error appear in these listings, please accept our apologies and © 2021 by Rochester transmitted in any form or retrieval system, without
contact us at: Business Journal. All by any means, electronic permission in writing from
rights reserved. No or mechanical, including the publisher. ISSN 0896-
Visit Rochester: (800) 677-7282 • RBJ: (585) 363-7269 part of this publication photocopy, recording or 3274. Printed in the United
We appreciate your support. may be reproduced or any information storage or States of America.
For more information: visitrochester.com 2021 Explore Greater Rochester 3UP FRONT
whaT we’re looking forwarD To as
rochesTer reoPens
BY VISIT ROCHESTER STAFF Fall foliage in Lower Falls Park.
A
fter the myriad challenges of 2020, eat local! Our guide to eating
we’re excited for a new year and establishments starts on Page 42
all that 2021 has to offer. There is
MERCANTILE ON MAIN FOOD HALL:
so much to look forward to when
Perhaps the most ambitious new
you visit Rochester, NY, in 2021. From great
opening in 2021 is the newly-opened
golf, to fishing, hiking, visiting museums
Mercantile on Main at Sibley Square,
and going out to eat, see what our team is
located inside the historic Sibley Building.
looking forward to this year.
The Mercantile is Rochester’s first
NEW RESTAURANTS: Rochester food hall, and one of the largest food
businesses are resilient. They have grit. halls in the state outside of New York
Maybe it’s our city’s industrial roots City. Learn more about the Mercantile
shining through. We have seen this on Main in our story on Page 42
resilience first-hand in the number of
NEW BREWERY OPENINGS: With
new restaurants that have opened up
more than two dozen breweries in
in the middle of a global pandemic.
Monroe County alone, Rochester
Newly opened restaurants to check
has quickly risen among the ranks
out in Rochester include Pizza Wizard
of best cities for beer-lovers in the
ROC, which features Detroit-style
country. In 2021, beer-lovers can
square pizza, Open Face inside the new
enjoy classic Rochester breweries like
visitor’s center at the George Eastman
Genesee Brewery and Rohrbach’s, while
and Bodega, a convenience store
exploring new offerings from Strangebird,
and café combination in Rochester’s
Heroes and Faircraft Brauhaus. More on State Park, the “Grand Canyon of the
trendy Park Avenue neighborhood (the
breweries and watering holes, Page 36 East,” Rochesterians rediscovered
breakfast sandwiches are incredible).
The Rochester Public Market will NEW MUSEUM EXHIBITS: Rochester the community’s fantastic local parks
be home to Velvet Belly, a seafood is the cultural capital of Upstate New system in 2020, and in 2021 we look
restaurant from Rochester restaurateur York, and our museums continue to forward to reintroducing visitors to
Josh Miles, along with partners curate new and exciting exhibits. Rochester’s beautiful parks. With a
Jeremy Nucelli and Chelsea Felton. See more in our museums list, Page 57 well-maintained local parks system,
It also goes without saying that many including several designed by Frederick
FANTASTIC FISHING: Another activity Law Olmstead, the Rochester area is
Rochester restaurants have recently
made even more popular by the need well-suited for outdoor exploration
re-opened, after facing temporary
for fresh air, space and social distancing, and adventure. Parks list, Page 63
closures and continued restrictions
Rochester offers an abundance of
due to COVID-19. In 2021 it continues RETURN OF LIVE MUSIC, FESTIVALS
options for fishing. From Lake Ontario to
to be critical to support our local AND EVENTS: Rochester is the festival
the Genesee River, to Sandy Creek and
Rochester restaurants. Whether you city – in a typical year the city hosts more
Irondequoit Bay, Monroe
dine in, or take out, than 140 festivals each year. However,
County has some of
the finest fishing in the the pandemic brought these large
nation. Salmon, lake gatherings to a halt. In 2021, concert
George Eastman Museum trout, brown trout, and event organizers have come up
rainbow trout, walleye, with creative ways to produce festivals
pike, largemouth and and events in a way that is safe for our
small mouth bass, perch community. Looking ahead, more live
and panfish are some music performances are being scheduled;
of the many varieties festivals like the Rochester Fringe
anglers will find in Festival are moving ahead with plans;
our waters. More and theatre groups like the Rochester
outdoor and sports Broadway Theatre League and Geva
activities, Page 52 Theatre Center, have announced shows
set to resume this summer and fall.
EXPLORING RECONNECTING IN A PLACE WE LOVE:
ROCHESTER PARKS Most importantly, in the year ahead as it
TRAILS: From
AND TRAILS is safe to do so, we are looking forward
urban hiking to to reconnecting with family and friends
exploring Letchworth in a place that we love – Rochester, NY!
4 Explore Greater Rochester 2021 Get year-round updates: rbj.net/exploreUP FRONT
insTagraM-worThy sPoTs
Here are a few of our favorite views:
@ ta m i yat e a h i e
Susan B. Anthony Square Park: On Madison
Street, about a half-mile west of the Four
Corners downtown.
Corn Hill Landing: From the Four Corners
head south on Exchange Boulevard until
you pass under I-490. It’ll be on your left.
Pier at Charlotte: Head north on State Street
(becomes Lake Avenue) until you hit the
big lake. The pier will be right in front of
you signaling the opening to the Port of
Rochester.
High Falls @GeneseeBrewHouse: On St. Paul
Street across the river from the High Falls
District.
Centennial Sculpture Garden
@MAGRochester: At University Avenue
and North Goodman Street.
The Conservatory @EastmanMuseum: Go
to the Liberty Pole and hang a right south
on East Avenue. The George Eastman
Museum is on the left about nine blocks
after you pass Alexander Street.
Sesame Street @MuseumofPlayROC: Head
south on Chestnut Street, and The Strong
National Museum of Play is on your left just
after the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park.
Electricity Theater @ROCRMSC: Go to the
Liberty Pole and hang a right south on
East Avenue. RMSC is on your right about
five blocks after you pass Alexander Street.
Erie Canal: It runs east-west across Monroe
County and offers numerous photo ops,
especially at the locks in Pittsford.
I’d Rather Be in Rochester mural: Just
outside the Parkleigh shop in Rochester’s
Park Ave Neighborhood.
Find it in Fairport! CANAL DAYS
June 5-6
Village charm, historic architecture, sensitive redevelopment
MUSIC FEST
and a phenomenal waterfront. Fairport offers the front- August 27-28
porch friendly experience you’ve been looking for. OKTOBERFEST
September
For Boaters: Modern docking facilities—including 23–25
electric, water services, showers and restrooms—
along canal-side parks in the center of the
business district.
For Everyone: Great shopping and dining,
craft breweries, whiskey distillery, winery,
scenic parks and trails, plus famous
seasonal festivals and events.
FINDITINFAIRPORT.COM • FAIRPORT, NY • 585-377-6010
@aNarichi
For more information: visitrochester.com 2021 Explore Greater Rochester 5UP FRONT
WaLKInG In The city has been known as both. The area
hisTory’s fooTsTePs
got its manufacturing start harnessing the
power of its falls to mill grain. The advent
of the Erie Canal helped cement the city’s
W
role in the grain industry, leading to the
hether you call it the Flour newspapers. Several sites around the city “Flour City” moniker. But then the Ellwanger
City or the Flower City, are connected to Douglass and can be & Barry gardening company became a
Rochester built its reputation found in a self-guided walking tour at www. financial juggernaut in the mid-1800s, at
on innovation, both in social douglasstour.com/tour/. one point having 500 acres in cultivation.
activism and in manufacturing. The bedrock of Rochester’s prosperity That and the city’s growing park system,
Learn more about Susan B. Anthony and also lies in its history of invention and encouraged by Ellwanger & Barry, helped
her fight for women’s right to vote at the ingenuity. With creative businessmen like the nickname morph into the Flower City,
museum in her former home just west of George Eastman (Eastman Kodak), John which is still celebrated each spring with the
downtown. (Find out more at SusanB.org.) Jacob Bausch and Henry Lomb (Bausch Lilac Festival at Highland Park.
She is buried at Mount Hope Cemetery, as & Lomb), Hiram Sibley (Western Union) All these innovators, large and small,
is fellow activist Frederick Douglass, the and Joseph Wilson (Xerox), it’s no wonder helped shape the Rochester that you
former slave who used Rochester as a base that today this city is home to scores of see today, and you can still walk in their
for advocating the abolition of slavery, innovative companies. footsteps to help history come alive
helping escaped slaves and publishing two And that Flour/Flower City business? throughout the city.
Let’s Have Tea sculpture
d i c k m o S S
6 Explore Greater Rochester 2021 Get year-round updates: rbj.net/exploreUP FRONT
Tour Eastman’s legacy
E
astman Kodak founder George
Eastman’s civic legacy endures
almost 90 years after his death. Not
only in the form of his company,
Eastman Kodak, but his philanthropy to
the Greater Rochester area. Here are some
Eastman-related sites worth visiting.
• Kodak Tower: Eastman Kodak’s
worldwide headquarters of the company,
located in downtown Rochester.
• Durand-Eastman Park: On Lake Ontario’s
shores, the park comprises almost a
thousand acres. Depending on the time of
year, you can ski, fish or take a long walk
on the park trails.
• George Eastman Museum: Upon his
death in 1932, Eastman’s home on East
Avenue was turned into a museum
celebrating his life and the photographic
process he created.
• Dryden Theatre: On the museum
grounds, this theater has daily showings
of new and classic prints from all eras of
film history.
We call it Lollypop Love.
university located on the west side of the
city upon his death. His personal files are
• Kodak Center: On West Ridge Road, this
in storage at the campus library.
performing arts theater features a visitor
center celebrating the company’s history,
• Genesee Country Village & Museum:
photography exhibits, concerts and the
occasional film screening. If you’re interested in a short western
trip beyond Rochester’s borders to the
• Eastman School of Music: Founded by town of Mumford, you can visit George
Eastman in 1921, it is celebrating its 100th Eastman’s boyhood home. The house was
anniversary this year. moved from the Eastman home on East
Avenue to the museum grounds in 1979.
• University of Rochester: Eastman
bequeathed his entire estate to the — J i m B a r g
Pet Adoptions • Humane Education
Low-Cost Spay/Neuter
Equine & Farm Yard • Volunteering
Pet Lost and Found
Humane Law Enforcement
Shelter for Homeless Animals
Lollypop Farm
99 Victor Road, Fairport, NY 14450
(585) 223-1330 • www.lollypop.org
For more information: visitrochester.com 2021 Explore Greater Rochester 7UP FRONT
Create your own golf ‘tour’
G
olf Magazine ranked Rochester as
the #10 Best Golf City in the U.S.— Deerfield CC
and #1 for Golf Affordability! Photo by R i ch Mack e y, Vi s it Roch e ste r
Create a golf trip package that
is hassle-free with top courses, advance tee
times, and nearby accommodations with the
newly launched Rochester Golf Trail, created
in partnership with the New York Golf Trail.
Book a custom package through the golf
trail—you decide the courses you’d like to
play, the amenities you need, a hotel and
we’ll take care of the rest.
Courses you can play include:
• Blue Heron Hills
• Deerfield Golf & Country Club
• The Links at Greystone
• Locust Hill Country Club
• Ravenwood Golf Club
• Wild Wood Country Club
Visit visitrochester.com/golftrail to plan
your next golf getaway to Rochester!
If you wish to venture farther afield, the
Finger Lakes Region is one of seven areas
across the state where the New York Golf
Trail can create a package.
Tours also are offered in the Niagara area,
Saratoga Springs, Lake Placid, Chautauqua,
Cooperstown and Central New York.
For more information visit nygolftrail.com.
Get your ZOO-OLOGY on!
O
pen 362 days a year, the
Seneca Park Zoo is one of
Rochester’s most popular
outdoor attractions. Visitors will
be greeted from many areas around the
world, with animals like African elephants
and lions, a southern white rhino,
California sea lions, Canada lynx, polar
bears and more.
The zoo, at 2222 St. Paul St., has been
undergoing a massive transformation since
2017. Since renovations began, the zoo has
unveiled the Cold Asia and Animals of the
Savanna exhibits, among other features.
The zoo participates in many
conservation efforts both locally and
internationally, including reintroducing
lake sturgeon to the Genesee River and
supporting reforestation in Madagascar.
Every visit supports the efforts of the
zoo, a leader in species survival and
conservation action.
—N i c o l e S h e l d o n
8 Explore Greater Rochester 2021 Get year-round updates: rbj.net/exploreUP FRONT
Take a walk on
The kiDs’ siDe
I
n May, Rochester city officials, the Healthi Kids
Coalition and members of the community cut a
ribbon to welcome the newest addition to the city’s
Play Walk sidewalk trail.
“The Ripple” is an interactive attraction featuring
constantly changing colors and pixelated illustrations,
leading children and youth into Martin Luther King Jr.
Park.
The new extension of the Play Walk is destined
to become a landmark for the sidewalk trail along
Chestnut and Court Streets between the Strong
National Museum of Play and the Central Library.
Inspired by the flowing motion of the Genesee River,
The Ripple is composed of a series of panels based on
the unique shape of a lilac flower. People can rotate
the panels to reveal different pixelated illustrations,
and the panels constantly change and adapt to
whoever is using it. Two sides of the units are a
dichroic film that reflects and refracts light — changing
colors based on the way light hits them — while the
colors of the other two sides remain constant.
The Ripple is the result of a partnership between the
City, Common Ground Health’s Healthi Kids initiative
and The Urban Conga, which designed the extension
based on input from city residents and teens at the
Teen Center at Central Library about what attractions
they wanted at Play Walk.
Play Walk, a downtown trail that lets children play
along the way, features permanently installed large-
format games and activities, such as a distortion
mirror, foosball and a four-in-a-row game and musical
instruments. For more information on Play Walk,
visit: https://www.healthikids.org/playwalk.
calenDar worThy!
S
ome exciting upcoming events to host the PGA Championship in May of completion of the Erie Canal, which
put on your advance calendars. 2023. Other important championships opened the way to the West and helped
May 2023: Pittsford’s famed Oak hosted by the course included the 2008 create Rochester and many other Western
Hill Country Club will once again and 2019 Senior PGA; the 1980, 2003 and and Central New York communities.
2013 PGA Championships; the 1956, 1968 2027: 75th anniversary of the
and 1989 U.S. Opens; as well as the 31st completion of the Mount Morris Dam,
Ryder Cup in 1995.
which helped prevent spring flooding that
April 8, 2024: A total
used to plague downtown Rochester and
solar eclipse will occur
that should be visible other locales along the Genesee River.
across North America, The dam is the largest concrete dam east
including the of the Mississippi River. You can get a
Rochester region. The good look at it from the west-side Visitors
center path of the eclipse is due to pass Lodge at Letchworth State Park.
right over Rochester. April 24, 2034: The 200th anniversary
2025: The 200th anniversary of the of Rochester’s incorporation as a city.
For more information: visitrochester.com 2021 Explore Greater Rochester 9UP FRONT
go on a HUNT for STREET
ART anD MURALS
PHOTOS AND TEXT BY QUAJAY DONNELL
W
hen it comes to street art and Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Park at
murals, Rochester has the Manhattan Square
goods! Within city limits, there’s In 2019, the park on Chestnut and Court
dozens of places to explore Street received a colorful upgrade with
and hundreds of pieces of public art to two new murals. The first is at street-level,
admire. You can enjoy it by car, bike or even dedicated to Martin Luther King Jr., and also
a casual stroll. The true beauty in public art includes two of Rochester’s best known
is the accessibility. It’s outdoors and open to former citizens — Susan B. Anthony and
everyone. Rochester is fortunate to have a Frederick Douglass. That work was done by
robust street art scene, with some incredibly Shawn Dunwoody. The second, down in the
talented artists creating here year-round, and amphitheater, is entitled “This is Triumphant
many others who have visited and whose Music” and features three talented local
creations make up the fabric of our city. musicians (Moses Rockwell, Danielle Ponder
These six locations are just to get you and Mikaela Davis) — installed by three
started on the journey to take in the incredible Rochester based artists: Brittany
breathtaking public art this city has to offer. Williams, Sarah C. Rutherford and Justin
You’ll likely discover many other pieces Suarez for WALL\THERAPY with help from
while on the hunt for those listed here. the ROC Paint Division. In the summer
Have fun exploring and remember: Public of 2020 the space around this mural was
art matters. painted all black by Dunwoody and a team
of volunteers, serving as a giant chalkboard
I Am Speaking: John Lewis Mural, 55 State
to capture messages of protest, solidarity
Street
and inspiration. It’s one of the largest public
At 55 State Street, less than a block from
art installations in Rochester.
City Hall and near the site where Frederick
Douglass gave one of his most famous
speeches, “What to the Slave Is the Fourth
of July,” you’ll find a 3,000-square-foot
photorealistic mural of the late Rep. John
Lewis. The mural is based on the 1963
photograph by Civil Rights Movement
chronicler Danny Lyon, and was hand-
painted by Darius Dennis, Daniel Harrington,
Jared Diaz and Ephraim Gebre.
999 South Avenue
Fredrick Douglass called Rochester home
for more than 25 years, and the site of his
family’s second home in the then rural part
of the city is now home to the Anna Murray-
Douglass School, Frederick Douglass Library
and Frederick Douglass R-Center. You’ll
find quotes and images of Douglass all
around the structure, including this Shawn
Dunwoody piece in the shared school and
library courtyard on South Avenue.
Stories of Strength, Times Square Building
The interactive mural at 45 Exchange Blvd.
is in honor of domestic violence survivors,
and was installed by Sarah Rutherford, who
met with survivors as the inspiration behind
this powerful piece. It was completed in
partnership with Willow Domestic Violence
Center and Truth Collective.
10 Explore Greater Rochester 2021 Get year-round updates: rbj.net/exploreUP FRONT
Atlantic and Greenleaf
One of the most concentrated stretches
of public art and WALL\THERAPY curated
murals in Rochester is along Atlantic
Avenue between Russell and Mayberry.
There you’ll find wall art by Pixel Pancho
(Italy), Vexta (NYC), Eder Muniz (Brazil),
Andreas Englund (Sweden), Li-Hill
(Brooklyn), Peeta (Italy), Faust (NYC),
Bones (Rochester) and more.
Public Market District
The bustling Rochester Public Market
is full of murals to enjoy. There you’ll find
some work from domestic and international
muralists, alongside early projects from
Rochester based artists Sarah Rutherford
and Justin Suarez. There’s also work from
several other local artists — Thievin Stephen,
John Perry, Tom Stahl, Dellarious, Shawn
Dunwoody, FUA Krew, and Athesia Benjamin.
For more information: visitrochester.com 2021 Explore Greater Rochester 11UP FRONT
FIND LOADS OF CANAL TREASURES
T
he Erie Canal stretches of New York College at
for several hundred ERIE CANAL Brockport, has a pedestrian
Photo By JohN kucko
miles, and Monroe friendly downtown of small
County boasts more shops and restaurants. The
canal towns to explore than village also has a Canalfront
any other along its stretch. Welcome center to great
Among the highlights are:
boaters, and which will have
FOR HISTORY BUFFS: an accessible kayak dock
There are several excellent being installed in the spring
historical museums that of 2021
expose the history of the canal, In Fairport, the Erie Canal
including the Spencerport Boat Company rents kayaks,
Depot and Canal Museum. bicycles, stand-up paddle
To have a great culinary boards and canoes. It also
experience in a historical offers adaptive services for
environment, visit Pittsford’s Erie Canal tour boat cruises from mid-May
people with disabilities.
Richardson’s Tavern, the oldest original through October since 1989. Boarding is in
Erie Canal Inn. The tavern, which dates Fairport. The 2- to 3-hour tours of the Erie FOR NATURE LOVERS:
from 1818, sits on the banks of the canal Canal cover 14 to 16 miles and include a There is a short parallel path to the
and is a casual American grill also serving narrated tour and a lock passage at Canal Fairport canal path called the Thomas
some Austrian options and vegetarian and Park in Pittsford. Creek Wetlands walk that includes a
gluten-free friendly fare. The Sam Patch, which docks in Pittsford, butterfly garden, a sundial and a seasonal
There are several historical gems listed is a replica of an 1800s packet boat run by viewing platform.
on the National Register of Historic Places, the Corn Hill Waterfront and Navigation Some of the other beautiful parks along
including the Adams-Ryan House in Foundation, and educates the public
Adams Basin, a rare surviving example of the canal include the Henpeck Park and
about the history, science, culture and Greece Canal Park in Greece, the Genesee
an inn that operated along the towpath of
environmental impact of the canal. It also Valley Park in Rochester, and Meridian
the Erie Canal.
offers special themed tours like birding tours. Centre Park in Brighton.
FOR WATER LOVERS: Like many other canal towns, the village
The Colonial Belle has been providing of Brockport, home to the State University —a m a r i S e l l i o t t -e N g l e
They say iT’s your birThDay!
M
onroe County, New York, was named
for President James Monroe and was
created from portions of Ontario and
Genesee Counties on February 23,
1821. So the county is marking its 200th year.
When it was formed the county had
28,000 settlers in growing towns and
villages that provided agricultural prod-
ucts and market support for the bur-
geoning mill town known as Rochester.
Today, Monroe County comprises 19
towns, 10 villages and the city of Roches-
ter, the third largest city in the state, with
a combined population of approximately
750,000 residents and a land area of
663.21 square miles.
Read more about the county’s history
at www.monroecounty.gov.
12 Explore Greater Rochester 2021 Get year-round updates: rbj.net/exploreENTERTAINMENT & THE ARTS
GEVA Theatre Center
entertainment
roN heerkeNS Jr.
&
Arts community powers through
the
BY DONNA JACKEL
arts
A
s businesses and schools anniversary celebration performing Garth Fagan Dance and the Rochester
shuttered due to COVID-19, and with the RPO at the Eastman Theater. Institute of Technology to create an
everyone sheltered in place, When the pandemic intensified, the artist in residence program at the uni-
performing arts organizations nonprofit responded quickly. Dance versity, which would include a minor
had to be more inventive than ever to instructors developed virtual classes in dance.
stay afloat. The Rochester Philharmonic for students at the Rochester Acad- GEVA THEATRE CENTER
Orchestra, Geva Theatre Center and emy Charter schools; other classes
Garth Fagan Dance resorted to belt Geva Theatre Center, founded in
were available on YouTube.
tightening, streaming performances, 1972, is Rochester’s flagship profes-
“Existing students took advantage,
reaching out to devoted donors, and sional theater, operating two stag-
and former ones, so we expanded our
in some cases, furloughing performers. es and entertaining up to 160,000
student base,” says Ferguson.
But they all powered through and are patrons annually, including 20,000
Thanks to a loan from the Paycheck
making plans for the year—and years— students.
Protection Program (PPP), Garth Due to COVID, Geva canceled two
to come. Fagan was able to pay its dancers shows in March but managed to film
GARTH FAGAN DANCE through June 2020, at which time them before the casts disbanded. The
The Jamaican-born choreographer they were furloughed. The dance plays were streamed for ticketholders.
Garth Fagan has made Rochester company received a second PPP loan But several other productions had to
the home of Garth Fagan Dance for in 2021, which, along with fundraising, be scrapped, including one that was
more than 50 years. His many honors enabled the company to continue already in rehearsal. Half of Geva’s
include a 1998 Tony Award for best until live performances resume. In staff was furloughed and 25 full-timers
choreography for The Lion King and February, Garth Fagan was among placed on reduced pay, says Christo-
a 2001 Samuel H. Scripps American the performing arts groups that gave pher Mannelli, executive director.
Dance Festival Award for lifetime state-funded pop-up performances Despite the shutdown, Geva man-
achievement. Fagan’s work “fuses around New York state. aged to entertain the community. Last
modern dance, Afro-Caribbean move- During the furlough, some of Garth fall, the theater produced its first radio
ment, and the speed and precision of Fagan’s dancers left the company. play: Recognition Radio: An Audio
ballet with the risk-taking experimen- The arts organization company is Play Festival Celebrating Black Voices.
tation of post modernism.” currently holding auditions to hire As the pandemic wore on, Geva’s
“Fagan has been a rule breaker in four dancers. The dance company plans changed multiple times. Hopes
the world of modern dance,” says has several verbal commitments from to present limited in-person shows
William J. Ferguson, acting executive venues outside Rochester that will go in January and February could not
director. forward once health restrictions are be realized. But Geva partnered with
Last year began on a high note for completely lifted. another theater company to produce
Garth Fagan, which kicked off its 50th Talks are also underway between a play, Where Do We Sit on the Bus?
For more information: visitrochester.com 2021 Explore Greater Rochester 13ENTERTAINMENT & THE ARTS
Originally scheduled for the live stage, engagement activities, and con-
it was released digitally. certs in schools and community.
Geva is currently in rehearsals for The RPO played its last pre-
The Real James Bond was Dominican. COVID concert before a live
“We built a video theater and the audience on March 8, 2020,
play will be streamed at regular the- becoming one of the first local
aters,” said Mannelli. And in August, arts organizations to temporarily
Geva is building an outdoor stage and close. Within weeks, however,
will produce Ring of Fire, a musical RPO musicians were playing
about Johnny Cash. concerts from their living rooms, Garth Fagan Dance
The hope is the theater will reopen which were streamed into sub-
in the fall. The increased vaccination scribers’ homes. Streaming was
rate and better guidance from the new to the RPO. 30 RPO musicians are playing music
New York state Department of Health “The pandemic forced us to embrace for the public or involved in educa-
indicate life will begin returning to nor- some things we hadn’t done before,” tional programs, says Long. To play
malcy, says Mannelli. Theatergoers may says Curt S. Long, president and CEO outdoors as long as possible, the RPO
still be required to wear masks and of the nonprofit. “The week we had has lengthened its summer season
show proof of vaccination, however. shut down, we had been planning to from four weeks to 14 weeks.
It may take two to three years to do concerts for thousands of school- RPO leaders are fairly optimistic
rebuild Geva’s budget, which was $8 children. With three days’ notice, we that the Eastman Theatre will open
million prior to the pandemic, says converted it to a streaming concert.” in September and have begun selling
Mannelli. To recoup some losses, Geva Like other performing arts orga- tickets for the fall. Streamed concerts
will extend the summer season into nizations, the RPO had already sold will continue to be a part of the RPO’s
the fall and launch its 49th season in thousands of season subscriptions. repertoire: Next season, the orchestra
January 2022, instead of September. “We gave them the choice if they has five streaming concerts scheduled.
Donors and subscribers were gen- wanted to apply for streamed music “Streaming has become a way to
erous during tenuous times. Many or hold on to the money until live con- keep in touch with people who have
subscribers have already renewed their certs returned,” says Long. moved away or are away for the win-
subscriptions, donated tickets, sub- The RPO has also honored refunds, ter,” says Long, noting that some local
scribed to the digital programming or but many subscribers chose instead patrons may still feel cautious about
have taken credits for the next season. to donate the value of their tickets to attending live concerts.
“People care about our organiza- the orchestra. While streaming concerts have
tion,” says Mannelli. “They just want to Still, the cancellation of live concerts become popular, they only generate a
come back to the theater.” required significant belt tightening, as “tiny fraction” of ticket sales from live
40 percent of the RPO budget is de- performances.
ROCHESTER PHILHARMONIC rived from ticket sales, says Long. The “We are pleased with the quality of
ORCHESTRA RPO was able to negotiate an agree- the product and the feedback from
George Eastman founded the Roch- ment with its musicians, reducing the audience but not really seeing a way
ester Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO) number of weeks they played, salaries to make money on it,” explains Long.
in 1922. The nonprofit, professional and benefits, to stay afloat. For the RPO, the shutdown has
orchestra typically presents about When the weather warmed up, caused “anxiety at times and a lot of
150 concerts and broadcasts a year, RPO musicians, in trios, quartets and uncertainty,” Long said, but has also
serving nearly 170,000 people through quintets, began performing outdoors. been a time of determination and
concerts, education and community This spring, in any given week, 12 to experimentation.
The 2021-2022 Philharmonics
season is the first under the baton
of Maestro Andreas Delfs as Mu-
sic. The season features two world
premieres, by Jessie Montgom-
ery and Roberto Sierra, and works by
living composers presented through-
out the season alongside eclectic and
beloved selections from the classical
repertoire.
Rochester has a long history of
vibrant arts, and while the pandemic
but a damper on some of its activities,
its members found multiple and varied
ways to survive and thrive.
doNNa Jackel iS a rocheSter-area
freelaNce writer.
14 Explore Greater Rochester 2021 Get year-round updates: rbj.net/exploreR P O 21 2 2 S e a s o n AT EASTMAN
THEATRE
nics series
KODAK HALL
Philharmo
AT 7:30 PM
THURSDAYS
PHOTO: Alex Cassetti
AT 8 PM
SATURDAYS
MAY 5 & 7
MAR 3 & 5 NUBE
THE BLUE DAucto
JAN 13 & 15 GINASTERA, r
Andreas Delfs, cond
Music Director OCT 21 & 23 ANDREAS GERSHWIN Juliana Athayde, violin
ANDREAS
e W. Gannett
(Concertmaster, The Carolin
PAREMSKI + CONDUCTS + FRANK & Clayla Ward Chair)
RACHMANIN OV BEETHOVEN ,
DELFS
Lina González-Granados
conductor r conductor
Andreas Delfs, Andreas Delfs, conducto Olga Kern, piano
o
Natasha Paremski, pian MAY 19 & 21
MAR 24 & 26 SYMPHONIC
JAN 27 & 29
EMPEROR CINEM, Aconductor
NOV 4 & 6 DANZMAYR CONCERTO Jeff Tyzik
PHOTO: smilliephoto
SEPT 23 & 25 NEW WORLD RETURNSr, conductor
David Danzmay
Andreas Delfs, conducto
r
Jorge Osorio, piano
ANDREAS SYMPHOg,NY
conductor
Jiji Kim, guitar
CONDUCTS Joseph Youn
William Hagen, violin JUNE 2 & 4
BRAHMS 1
PHOTO: Alex Cassetti
r
APR 14 & 16
TS MAHLER: THE
Andreas Delfs, conducto
Benjamin Beilman, violin
FEB 10 & 12 MASUR CONDUC RESURRECTION
NOV 18 & 20 DON QUIXOTEuctor uctor
Ken-David Masur, cond SYMPHONY
OCT 7 & 9 HANSEL & GRETEL Andreas Delfs, cond Awadagin Pratt, piano
Andreas Delfs, conducto
r
, conductor Claudio Bohorquez , cello Nicole Cabell, soprano o soprano
KÖNIG CONDUCTS Andreas Delfs
James Alexander, stage
director Aaron Mossburg, viola Chair)
(Principal, The William L.
Gamble Michelle DeYoung, mezz ety
Rochester Oratorio Soci
SAINT-SAËNS
uctor
Christoph König, cond
Alexandra Soumm, violin
Pops series Specials AT EASTMAN
THEATRE
PHOTO: smilliephoto.com
KODAK HALL
THEATRE
AT EASTMAN
KODAK HALL PM MAR 12 | 8 PM
TURDAYS | 8
FRIDAYS + SA OCT 30 | 8 PM
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
APR 22 & 23
PSYCHO LIVE
Principal
Pops
REVOLUTION: CHRISTOPHER
DEC 17 | 8 PM
WITH ORCHESTRA
COnductor
SEAMAN!
Jeff DEC 18 | 2 & 8
DEC 19 | 2 PM
PM
THE MUSIC OF
THE BEATLES Scott Terrell, conducto
r
Tyzik
Christopher Seaman,
GALA HOLIDAY A SYMPHONIC A Universal Picture conductor
POPS EXPERIENCE PM
Jeff Tyzik, conductor soprano Jeff Tyzik, conductor MAY 6 | 7:30
Kearstin Piper Brown, NOV 24 | 7 PM
All music under license from
Sony/
NOV 26 | 2 & 7
PM
RPO + EASTMAN
PRESENTS:
and
ATV Music Publishing LLC under PM
JAN 21 & 22 Harrisongs LTD. All photosBook NOV 27 | 2 & 7
license from The Beatlesis not | 2 PM
SEPT 17 & 18 JURASSIC PARK Photo Library. The show to Apple NOV 28
BEN FOLDS
THE NUTCRACKER
endorsed by or connected
LEGENDS: IN CONCERT uctor Corps or The Beatles.
WITH THE RPO
THE PAUL SIMON Enrico Lopez-Yañez, cond
ark and copyright
Rochester City Ballet r
Tara Simoncic, conducto
SONGBOOK
Jurassic Park is a tradem ed by Universal
of Universal Studios. Licens HARRY
POTTER
ed.
Studios. All Rights Reserv
Jeff Tyzik, conductor SPONSORED IN PART BY
AND THE
GOBLE T OF DEC 12 | 7 PM
FEB 18 & 19
OCT 15 & 16 HAPPY BIRTHDAY
FIRE™ IN THE MUPPET
KINGS OF SOUL JOHN WILLIAMS!
CONCERT CHRISTMAS CAROL
IN CONCERT
WIZARDING WORLDters, and all related
names,
trademarks, charac& ™ Warner
Jeff Tyzik, conductor Jeff Tyzik, conductor
LIVE TO FILM uctor
and indicia are © nt Inc. Publishing
Darren Lorenzo, Bros. Entertainme
Rights © JKR. (s21)
Chester Gregory,
& Michael Lynche, voca
lists
Christopher Dragon, cond
MAR 18 & 19
NOV 12 & 13 ANN HAMPTON
BACK TO CALLAWAY
BROADWAY “DIVA TO DIVA” r
William Waldrop, Andreas Delfs, conductovocals
conductor Ann Hampton Callaway,
Selections from
ART AT $24! RPO.ORG | 585.454.2100
SINGLE TICKETS STENTERTAINMENT & THE ARTS
Entertainment Live music: Pelican’s Nest, Concerts by the
Shore (seasonal)
TO EAT
Restaurants in the East End are plentiful:
Districts
For more information: Port of Charlotte Mer- Bubble Fusion, East End Pizza & Deli, East
chant’s Association; (585) 865-6101 End Tavern, Everything Iz Good, Golden Port
Note: Please check with individual Dim Sum, Java’s, Little Theatre Cafe, Ludwig’s
establishments before making plans, as capacity Corn Hill Center Stage Cafe, Max of Eastman Place, Or-
rules and other COVID protocols may still affect Rochester’s oldest residential neighborhood ange Glory Cafe, Peppa Pot, REDD Rochester,
what is available and when. sits on the western bank of the Genesee River Stromboli’s Restaurant, Tournedos Restaurant,
not far from downtown. Wander through Twisted Tap and Unter Biergarten. Grab a cof-
Live music, dance and theater performances, fee and pastry at Java’s Café, Spot Coffee, Ugly
pubs, cafes and dance clubs — you’ll find Corn Hill’s neighborhood of beautifully
restored homes to see Rochester circa 1850. Duck Coffee, and Dunkin’ Donuts.
them all returning in the city this year. Great
restaurants abound too. See Drink & Food for The neighborhood association has restored
much of the character of the area with parks, TO DRINK
details on listed restaurants.
gazebos and walkways. What once was a small Abilene Bar and Lounge: Live music, craft
For additional live music venues, see “WHERE neighborhood festival has evolved into the beers. 153 Liberty Pole Way; (585) 232-3230
TO HEAR LIVE MUSIC” on page 20. annual Corn Hill Arts Festival, a major event Bad Axe Throwing: 123 Liberty Pole Way;
that will return in 2022. The restaurants in (844) 818-0999
Charlotte Corn Hill Landing have patios overlooking the East End Tavern: Food, drinks and entertain-
The city of Rochester meets Lake Ontario in Genesee, great for a relaxing meal or cocktail. ment. 37 Charlotte St.; (585) 262-3988
Charlotte, sandwiched between the suburbs Main thoroughfares: Exchange Boulevard and Flour City Station: Live music venue and bar.
of Greece and Irondequoit. Being seven miles Plymouth Avenue 170 East Ave.; (585) 413-5745
from the city center on the shores of one of the Parking: Exchange Boulevard, side streets and Havana Moe’s Beer & Wine Lounge: Casual
Great Lakes, it feels like a seaside village. The a free lot at Corn Hill Landing cigar bar. 125 East Ave.; (585) 325-1030
Port of Rochester, about a half-mile inland of Little Theatre Cafe: Wine, beer, light fare. 240
the lake, boasts a large state-of-the-art marina
with boat slips, docks and boater amenities.
TO EAT
So close to downtown, Corn Hill restaurants
East Ave.; (585) 258-0400
•
Max of Eastman Place: Upscale, live music. 25
Along Lake Ontario lies Ontario Beach
Park with its sandy beaches, a boardwalk
are popular lunch and dinner choices. Some
offer riverside deck dining: Kainos, Mac’s Philly
Gibbs St.; (585) 697-0491
•
Montage Music Hall: Live music. 55 Chestnut
and fishing pier. Children are drawn to the Steaks, Panzari’s Italian, ROC City Ramen St.; (585) 413-1642. Open only during shows.
playgrounds and historic carousel from 1905 (featuring Keep It Rollin’ Sushi), Silk District REDD Rochester: Elevated wine and cocktails.
and the park’s shady lawn is popular for Pub, Tony D’s. 24 Winthrop St.; (585) 483-7333
grilling and picnicking. Touring the Charlotte- Salinger’s: Dive bar with billiards, darts. 107
Genesee Lighthouse and museum is a fun way TO DRINK East Ave.; (585) 546-6880
to learn about Rochester’s nautical past. Take Flight Wine Bar: Casual upscale. 262 Exchange Temple Bar & Grille: Casual menu, DJ. 109 East
a drive along Beach Avenue to see some of Blvd.; (585) 360-4180 Ave.; (585) 232-6000
Rochester’s nicest waterfront homes. The Exchange: Sports bar. 251 Exchange Blvd.; Tournedos Lounge: Cozy lounge connected
Nothing beats the beach on a warm summer (585) 417-5623 to Tournedos Steakhouse. 26 Broadway; (585)
night. Walk out on the pier for an incredible
sunset view. Watch the boats return for the
Silk District Pub: Craft cocktails. 280 Exchange
Blvd., Rochester; (585) 730-4985
269-3888
•
Unter Biergarten: German-style beer garden.
night — and top it off with an out-of-this-world 120 East Ave., (585) 360-4010
frozen custard treat from a true Rochester For more information: Corn Hill Neighbor’s Vertex Nightclub: Goth nightclub. 169 N. Chest-
original, Abbott’s Frozen Custard. Association, cornhill.org nut St.; (585) 232-5498
Main thoroughfare: Lake Avenue
Parking: Pay stations on Lake Avenue and free
area lots
East End Live music: Abilene; Bernunzio Uptown Music;
Havana Moe’s; Little Theatre Cafe; Max of East-
Anchored by the Eastman School of Music,
whose students and faculty perform at venues man Place; Montage; Spot Coffee; Temple Bar
TO EAT & Grille
around the region, the East End is the essence
Bars and restaurants in Charlotte draw the and cultural heart of city living. New condos,
boat crowd for lunch, dinner and lively happy
hours on outdoor decks: Jetty at the Port,
town houses and restaurants bring classic East & Alexander
city energy to this downtown neighborhood. East & Alexander is a prime destination for
California Rollin’ 2, Bill Gray’s Tap Room, Hose The Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra plays late-night dinner and drinks. Practically every
22 Firehouse Grill, LDR Char Pit, Mr. Dominic’s, in Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre. Rochester restaurant, club and watering hole is thumping
Pelican’s Nest Restaurant, Schooner’s Riverside Contemporary Art Center is home base for with either live music or DJ, and they are all
Pub, Taste of the Bahamas and Windjammers. hundreds of local art enthusiasts; the art-deco within walking distance of one another.
Don’t forget dessert at Abbott’s Frozen Little Theatre has been recently renovated and Main thoroughfares: East Avenue and
Custard. Enjoy a special event or gathering at is the oldest cinema art house in the country. Alexander Street
Arbor at the Port. Local and national acts headline music clubs Parking: Pay stations (free after 5:30 p.m.) on
TO DRINK and performance venues, especially during the Alexander and East; surface lots.
Rochester International Jazz Festival in June.
Bill Gray’s Tap Room: 1000 N. River St.; (585) For 10 days the East End is overflowing with TO EAT
235-3620 musicians and jazz fans from all over the world. East & Alexander restaurants occupy
Charlotte Tavern: 2 River St.; (585) 663-9649 East End bars range from the upscale lounge beautifully restored and renovated spaces
Hose 22 Firehouse Grill: 56 Stutson St.; (585) at Max of Eastman Place, a German beer hall in century-old buildings: American Cheese-
621-2200 at Unter Biergarten, to casual taverns such as burger, Cam’s New York Pizzeria, Char Steak &
Pelican’s Nest Restaurant: Riverfront deck. Salinger’s and Temple Bar. The East End is just Lounge, FLX Wienery @ Roc Brewing, Locals
566 River St.; (585) 663-5910 a short walk from the East & Alexander District. Only, Morgan’s Cereal Bar, Murphy’s Law, Old
Whiskey River Pub and Grill: 421 River St.; Main thoroughfares: East Avenue, Main, Gibbs Toad, Ox and Stone, Park Ave Paninoteca, Schi-
(585) 417-6231 and Chestnut streets ano’s Pizza, Shema Sushi, Sinful Sweets, Skylark
Windjammers: Beer and pub fare. 4695 Lake Parking: On-street pay stations, East End Lounge, Swan Dive, ThaiYada, Wall Street Bar &
Ave.; (585) 663-9691 Garage (enter from Swan, Scio or Main) Grill, Veneto Wood Fired Pizza and Pasta.
16 Explore Greater Rochester 2021 Get year-round updates: rbj.net/exploreENTERTAINMENT & THE ARTS
TO DRINK Turcott’s Taproom, TRATA, Village Bakery and The Scotch House Pub: Neighborhood pub.
Axes + Ales: A bar plus axe throwing. 349 East Voula’s Greek Sweets. 373 S. Goodman St.; (585) 256-2811
Ave.; (585) 270-8801 Strangebird Beer: Craft brewery. 62 Marshall
Brass Bar & Lounge: Prohibition-era drinks. 363 TO DRINK St.; (585) 505-8700
East Ave.; (585) 299-2111. 140 Alex Bar & Grill: Laid-back, LGBT-friendly TRATA: 145 Culver Road; (585) 270-5460
The Daily Refresher: Cocktails, light fare. 293 watering hole. 140 Alexander St.; (585) 256- Turcott’s Taproom: Beer pub. 630 Monroe
Alexander St.; (585) 360-4627 1000 Ave.; (585) 271-0339
Filger’s East End: Beer, billiards, bar food. 355 Acme Bar & Pizza: Neighborhood, pizza. 495 Viticulture Wine Bar: Well-curated wine bar.
East Ave.; (585) 434-2758 Monroe Ave.; (585) 271-2263 217 Alexander St.; (585) 576-6108
Hattie’s Restaurant: Rooftop bar and restau- The Avenue Pub: LGBTQ bar. 522 Monroe Ave.;
rant. The Strathallan, 550 East Ave.; (585) (585) 244-4960 Live music: Brickwood Grill, Bug Jar
461-5010 Brickwood Grill: Casual, sports. 250 Monroe
Locals Only: Coffee and cocktails. 311 Alexan- Ave.; (585) 730-8230 neighborhood oF the arts
der St.; (585) 537-7566 Bug Jar: Live alternative, DJ. 219 Monroe Ave.; Quickly growing and popular neighborhood for
Mason’s on Alexander: Neighborhood pub. 315 (585) 454-2966 nightlife. Converted factories house studios for
Alexander St.; (585) 355-4896 Charlie’s: Sports, restaurant. 499 Monroe Ave.; artists and dancers here. Postwar apartment
Murphy’s Law: Upscale, Irish. 370 East Ave.; (585) 271-8460 buildings, multifamily Victorians and cottages
(585) 232-7115 Enright’s Thirst Parlor: Neighborhood bar. 582 line the area’s side streets. In the middle of it all
The Old Toad: Authentic British pub. 277 Alex- Monroe Ave.; (585) 271-0170 are the Memorial Art Gallery and its Centennial
ander St.; (585) 232-2626 Eli’s B&W Bar: Friendly neighborhood bar. 439 Sculpture Park, featuring work by Wendell
One Nightclub and Ultra Lounge: Upscale Monroe Ave.; (585) 319-3542 Castle, Albert Paley, Jackie Ferrara and Tom
nightclub. 1 Ryan Alley; (585) 546-1010 J.D. Oxford’s Pub: Darts, full bar. 636 Monroe Otterness.
Ox and Stone: 282 Alexander St.; (585) 287- Ave.; (585) 256-0580 NOTA is home to ArtWalk, an interactive public
6933 Jeremiah’s Tavern: Casual dining, bar. 1104 art display. The award-winning streetscape
Riot Room: Smash therapy with signature
cocktails. 350 East Ave.; (585) 546-7468
Monroe Ave.; (585) 461-1313
•
Marshall Street Bar and Grill: Pool, darts,
features sculptures and art-infused sidewalks,
benches, light poles and bus shelters. Visual
Roc Brewing Co.: Microbrewery. 56 S. Union
St.; (585) 794-9798
• •
menu. 81 Marshall St.; (585) 325-2191
O’Callaghan’s Pub: Irish, deck. 470 Monroe
Studies Workshop, with its gallery and MFA
program, and Village Gate, a converted
Skylark Lounge: Meatballs, drafts. 40 S. Union Ave.; (585) 271-7190 factory housing restaurants, shops, offices and
St.; (585) 270-8106
Swan Dive: Pizza, cocktails, retro-inspired dé-
cor. 289 Alexander St.; (585) 413-3306
Vinyl: Top 40 and ’90s dance. 291 Alexander St.;
(585) 310-2214
Wall Street: Creative menu, bar. 330 East Ave.;
(585) 319-5696 The Eastman School of Music
Live music: Anthology, The Old Toad, East End BRINGS OVER 900 CONCERTS A YEAR TO
Rochester!
Tavern
Monroe avenue in the City
Stretching from the city’s center to Culver
Road, busy Monroe Avenue has an eclectic
style. The avenue serves as the neighborhood’s
Main Street, with shops selling clothing and
accessories, unique gifts, jewelry and antiques.
Enjoy See Learn
Free concerts by Great faculty and Music making and
Urban energy is evident around the clock.
students guest artists classes for all ages
College students frequent the area’s sports
bars and nightclubs — and then stop at its late- esm.rochester.edu/live eastmantheatre.org esm.rochester.edu/community
night eateries to refuel.
Main thoroughfare: Monroe Avenue
Parking: Free on Monroe and side streets. Take
note of alternate parking rules and towaway
zones.
TO EAT
Monroe Avenue is one of the best locations
in Rochester for the sheer diversity of menu
choices at reasonable prices: Acme Bar &
Pizza, Aladdin’s Natural Eatery, bb.q Chicken,
Blue Taro, Brickwood Grill, Bruegger’s Bagel
Bakery, Cedar Mediterranean, Charlie’s, Create
A Pizza, Crepe N’Go, The Crumpet Lady, Dac
Hoa, Dogtown, Han Noodle Bar, Jeremiah’s
Tavern, Mark’s Pizzeria on Monroe, Mark’s Texas
Hots, Marshall Street Bar & Grill, Master Falafel,
Natural Oasis Cafe, Neno’s Gourmet Mexican
Street Food, New Ming, O’Callaghan’s Pub,
Owl House, Plum House Japanese Restaurant,
Roc City Ramen, Rella, Rocco, SEA, Sol Burrito,
For more information: visitrochester.com 2021 Explore Greater Rochester 17ENTERTAINMENT & THE ARTS
Salena’s: Mexican restaurant with full bar.
Village Gate, 302 N. Goodman St.; (585) 256-
5980
•
Sawmill Restaurant: Bar & grill features diverse
wines. 1290 University Ave.; (585) 266-5000
Seed + Stone Cidery: Rochester’s first urban •
cidery. The Hungerford Building, 1115 E. Main St.;
(585) 340-7310
Three Heads Brewing: 186 Atlantic Ave.; (585)
244-1224
Live music: Memorial Art Gallery, Radio Social,
Three Heads Brewing; Watch live comedy at
Comedy @ The Carlson
Park Avenue
Stretching from East Avenue to Alexander
Street, Park Avenue is a tree-shaded, residential
neighborhood of Victorian homes.
Bistros and cafes make up the majority of
Park Avenue businesses. Al fresco dining turns
the sidewalks into patios during the summer.
Besides restaurants, there are boutiques,
salons, galleries and gift shops.
Take a stroll down side streets and head north a
block to see the mansions of East Avenue, one
The Undeniable Sound of Right Now of the country’s premier preservation districts.
Photo by R o n H e e r k e ns J r These were the grand homes of people who
built the city’s first businesses.
public art, are in NOTA, as is the Anderson Edibles: Intimate restaurant and bar. 704 Uni- Main thoroughfare: Park Avenue
Building, a converted factory housing some versity Ave.; (585) 271-4910 Parking: Free on-street on Park and
40 artists’ studios that is open to the public Gate House: Restaurant with bar featuring a alternating-sides parking on side streets
on Second Saturdays from October to June. Rochester-themed menu. Village Gate, 274 N.
TO EAT
Writers & Books, a literary center on University Goodman St.; (585) 473-2090
Avenue, keeps a calendar jammed with Glen Edith: Espresso bar and brewed coffee. Park Avenue is a wonderful place to work on
readings and classes. Image City Photography 44 Elton St. your laptop, meet a friend in a café or grab
Gallery has exhibited the work of hundreds Good Luck: Restaurant and bar with national a slice to go. The list of possibilities is long:
of photographers. Shop for unique gifts at a
Horse With Wings or Craft Company No 6, or
acclaim. 50 Anderson Ave.; (585) 340-6161
Heroes Brewing: Craft brewery. 543 Atlantic • Bacco’s, Blu Wolf Bistro, Bodega, Café Sas-
so, Calabresella’s on Park, Chester Cab Pizza,
see a show at MuCCC, a cultural center that Ave.; (585) 434-5472 Dorado, Dragonfly Tavern & Pizza Factory, Frog
stages community theater in a former church. Just Juice 4 Life: Fresh juice bar. 710 University Pond, Furoshiki, Glen Edith Coffee Roast-
Main thoroughfares: University Avenue and Ave.; (585) 434-2607 ers, The Hideaway, Jembetat Gallery & Cafe,
Goodman Street Lento: Farm-to-table meals. Craft cocktails, Jines, Mad Hatter Tea Room, Magpie Irish Pub,
Parking: In lots surrounding Village Gate wine. Village Gate, 274 N. Goodman St.; (585) Magnolia’s Cafe, Marty’s on Park, \ Park Avenue
Square and on University, Goodman and side 271-3470 Paninoteca, Park Avenue Pub, Red Fern, Roam
streets Living Roots Wine & Co.: The Finger Lakes Cafe, Roux, Schiano’s Pizzeria on Park, Sheng-
region’s first urban winery. 1255 University Ave.; jing Garden, Sinbad’s Mediterranean Cuisine,
TO EAT
This neighborhood is a popular stop for
(585) 383-1112
•
Matilda Coffee House: Coffee and Australian
Szechuan Opera and Vern’s. Enjoy sweet treats
from Baker Street Bakery, Caramel Bakery and
foodies—from locally sourced to grab-and- café. 696 University Ave.; (585) 445-8035 Bar, Stever’s Candy, Sinful Sweets, and Pittsford
go: Blades, Brown Hound Bistro, , Chortke Mullers Cider House: Cider. 1344 University Dairy on Park Ave.
Kabob, Edibles Restaurant, Fiamma Centro, Ave.; (585) 287-5875
Gate House, Good Luck, Just Juice 4 Life, Len- Nine Maidens Brewing Company: Craft brew- TO DRINK
to, Matilda Coffee House, Maru Sushi & Ramen ery. 1344 University Ave, Ste 140; (585)434- Apogee Wine Bar: Cozy, hip, casual. 151 Park
Bar, Nosh, Nox, Old Pueblo Grill, Polizzi’s, Radio 3030 Ave.; (585) 598-4941
Social, The Revelry, Salena’s Restaurant, and Nosh: Creative cocktails in industrial setting. 47 Blu Wolf Bistro: Trendy gastropub. 657 Park
Shui Asian Fusion. Grab dessert at Get Caked, Russell St.; (585) 445-8700 Ave.; (585) 270-4467
Goodness Cakes Bakery, or Scratch Bake Shop, Nox: Craft cocktails. Village Gate, 302 N. Good- Cafe Sasso: Cozy spot for coffee and cocktails.
and coffee at Glen Edith Coffee. man St.; (585) 471-8803 739 Park Ave.; (585) 697-0235
Polizzi’s: Tuesday night wine specials. Village Caramel Bakery and Bar: Desserts and drinks.
TO DRINK Gate, 274 N. Goodman St., No. 108; (585) 363- 647 Park Ave.; (585) 978-7898
Bachelor Forum: LGBTQ bar. 670 University 5100 Dorado: 200 tequilas. 690 Park Ave.; (585)
Ave.; (585) 271-6930 Radio Social: Craft cocktails, restaurant, 244-8560
bowling and social club. 20 Carlson Rd.; (585) Dragonfly Tavern: Warm fireplace, cold ale. 725
•
Brown Hound at MAG: Local wine and beer.
500 University Ave.; (585) 506-9725
•
Chocolate & Vines: Wine bar serving artisan
244-1484
The Revelry: Lowcountry cuisine and craft
Park Ave.; (585) 563-6333
Glen Edith Coffee: Coffeehouse and local beer.
cocktails. 1290 University Ave.; (585) 340- 23 Somerton St.; (585) 209-3633
•
cheeses and sweets. 757 University Ave.; (585)
340-6362 6454 Half-Pint Pub: Craft drafts. 363 Park Ave.; (585)
Comedy at the Carlson: Comedy club with full Sager Beer Works: Craft beer and artisan food. 271-6384
bar. 50 Carlson Rd.; (585) 426-6339
• 46 Sager Drive, Suite E; (585) 417-5404
• The Hideaway: Full bar, casual gourmet food.
197 Park Ave.; (585) 434-0511
18 Explore Greater Rochester 2021 Get year-round updates: rbj.net/exploreYou can also read
