The best bars & nightlife in Rochester

5 bars & nightlife we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.

Browse another shelf: all of Rochester’s best · Restaurants · Beauty · Shopping · Pets · Home & Garden

Pinned in Rochester today

This spot is open today.

Two pinned places a day in Rochester — $10 here, $25 adds the newsletter. List your business →

Paid placements are always marked.

Nightlife · 5 places · showing the latest additions first

Whether you're lacing up for adult soccer, flag football, kickball or wiffleball, or dialing in your swing on Trackman-powered indoor golf,…

6 Willand Dr (Somersworth)

Whether you're lacing up for adult soccer, flag football, kickball or wiffleball, or dialing in your swing on Trackman-powered indoor golf, New England Sports Hub keeps the action close to home. Cap it off at Birdies Restaurant & Pub and call it a very solid Tuesday night.

Website ↗

Revolution Taproom & Grill nails the Rochester sweet spot, with over 40 rotating beers, eclectic American plates, and pizza dough made…

61 N Main St

Revolution Taproom & Grill nails the Rochester sweet spot, with over 40 rotating beers, eclectic American plates, and pizza dough made fresh with local Stoneface IPA. Summer live entertainment, plus pool and darts, make it an easy go-to when you want low-key fun without overthinking dinner.

From the Rochester newsletter, September 7, 2026

Website ↗

Homey, family-owned spot for American comfort classics, plus cocktails & occasional live music.

58 New Rochester Rd (Dover)

Homey, family-owned spot for American comfort classics, plus cocktails & occasional live music.

Website ↗

Whether you want a Smoked Old Fashioned, Dark Espresso Martini, or a solid mocktail, The Dark Horse Tavern in Somersworth leans into low…

80 Market St (Somersworth)

Whether you want a Smoked Old Fashioned, Dark Espresso Martini, or a solid mocktail, The Dark Horse Tavern in Somersworth leans into low light, good energy without the noise, and legit comfort food like wings, flatbreads, and Braised Short Ribs. Outdoor patio’s open, too.

Website ↗
Run a Rochester business? Two pinned spots a day — $10 here, $25 adds the newsletter. Advertise →

Whether you play or just press buttons, The Pavilion at The Oaks turns golf into a hangout with heated bays, Toptracer games and stats, TVs…

100 Hide-Away Pl (Somersworth)

Whether you play or just press buttons, The Pavilion at The Oaks turns golf into a hangout with heated bays, Toptracer games and stats, TVs in every suite, a 9,000 sq ft putting green you can actually use, lighted targets after dark, and a bar and food truck to keep things lively.

From the Dover newsletter, September 8, 2026

Website ↗

Listed here?

You’ve earned the mark — get the BaseLocal’s Best badge for your site →. Want in? List your business →