The best bars & nightlife in Finger Lakes

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

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Nightlife · 12 places · showing the latest additions first

VINIFERA

Nightlife

VINIFERA nails the cocktail and wine bar vibe locals crave, with precise pours, rare spirits, and exclusive vintages across Geneva and…

44 Linden St (Geneva) · ✓ checked Jul 31

VINIFERA nails the cocktail and wine bar vibe locals crave, with precise pours, rare spirits, and exclusive vintages across Geneva and Ithaca. Pop in this week for signature creations or timeless classics, curated with intention and just enough edge to make Tuesday feel like Friday.

From the Finger Lakes newsletter, August 4, 2026

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Patrick's

Nightlife

Patrick's is the family-friendly go-to for classic comfort eats like pizza that actually hits the spot, plus a full bar pouring beer, wine,…

303 College Ave (Elmira)

Patrick's is the family-friendly go-to for classic comfort eats like pizza that actually hits the spot, plus a full bar pouring beer, wine, and cocktails. Easy place for a low-key hang when you want tasty without the fuss.

From the Chemung County newsletter, August 5, 2026

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Bar Argos

Nightlife

Drinks space in a cozy bar at the Argos Inn featuring signature mixed drinks.

408 E State St (Ithaca)

Drinks space in a cozy bar at the Argos Inn featuring signature mixed drinks.

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Cider bar offering tasting flights and small bites, plus live music, lawn seating, and scenic views.

550 Sandbank Rd (Ithaca)

Cider bar offering tasting flights and small bites, plus live music, lawn seating, and scenic views.

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Casual tavern and grill featuring burgers, sandwiches, beer and cocktails, along with live entertainment.

1141 Broadway St Ste 8 (Elmira)

Casual tavern and grill featuring burgers, sandwiches, beer and cocktails, along with live entertainment.

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The Westy

Nightlife

Brick-lined hangout offering craft beer, cocktails & pool, plus a rustic patio with picnic tables.

516 W State St #100 (Ithaca)

Brick-lined hangout offering craft beer, cocktails & pool, plus a rustic patio with picnic tables.

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Signature burgers & sandwiches complement this laid-back, stone-&-wood spot's rotating craft beers.

301 E State St Apt 1 (Ithaca)

Signature burgers & sandwiches complement this laid-back, stone-&-wood spot's rotating craft beers.

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Craft beer, wine and cider taproom with a relaxed vibe serving pizza, quesadillas, burgers and steaks.

200 E Church St (Elmira)

Craft beer, wine and cider taproom with a relaxed vibe serving pizza, quesadillas, burgers and steaks.

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Relaxed cocktail bar featuring rotating beers, Pac-Man, and seasonal drinks.

114 W State St (Ithaca)

Relaxed cocktail bar featuring rotating beers, Pac-Man, and seasonal drinks.

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Legends

Nightlife

Casual hangout for tap beers with burgers, wings & other bar fare, with televised sports & a patio.

229 Oakwood Ave (Elmira Heights)

Casual hangout for tap beers with burgers, wings & other bar fare, with televised sports & a patio.

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Tasting room featuring local hard ciders, charcuterie & cheese, plus seasonal live music.

4017 Hickok Rd (Interlaken)

Tasting room featuring local hard ciders, charcuterie & cheese, plus seasonal live music.

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Kahunas Bar

Nightlife

Casual bar offering beer, wings and tacos and playing karaoke plus pool.

416 Luce St (Elmira)

Casual bar offering beer, wings and tacos and playing karaoke plus pool.

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