The best bars & nightlife in Rochester

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

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Nightlife · 10 places · showing the latest additions first

Ziggy's

Nightlife

If your Sundays revolve around the Bills and a basket of wings, Ziggy's brings Public Market neighborhood bar energy with burgers that hit…

127 Railroad St · ✓ checked Jul 29

“If your Sundays revolve around the Bills and a basket of wings, Ziggy's brings Public Market neighborhood bar energy with burgers that hit the spot, bar games to settle friendly grudges, and bartenders who actually remember your order, even when the table chants Let's Go Buffalo.”

From the Rochester newsletter, August 4, 2026

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Vine & Tap

Nightlife

Relaxed hangout serving NY wines and craft brews along with pizza and bar snacks.

4768 Lake Ave · ✓ checked Aug 7

“Relaxed hangout serving NY wines and craft brews along with pizza and bar snacks.”

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The Angry Goat Pub

Nightlife

American grill fare, craft beers & seasonal cocktails served in chill quarters with trivia & music.

938 S Clinton Ave

“American grill fare, craft beers & seasonal cocktails served in chill quarters with trivia & music.”

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Unwine’d

Nightlife

Casual wine bar offering tastings from 40 self-pour dispensers with charcuterie boards.

260 E Broad St Ste 130

“Casual wine bar offering tastings from 40 self-pour dispensers with charcuterie boards.”

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Carnegie Cellars Wine Bar & Kitchen

Nightlife

Classy eatery for steaks, burgers, and other American dishes alongside wines from a curated list.

247 N Goodman St

“Classy eatery for steaks, burgers, and other American dishes alongside wines from a curated list.”

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Genesee Brew House

Nightlife

Brewery, bar, restaurant and museum featuring High Falls views, plus a patio and gift shop.

25 Cataract St

“Brewery, bar, restaurant and museum featuring High Falls views, plus a patio and gift shop.”

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Flight Wine Bar

Nightlife

Chic nook with a patio, many wines & light fare, including cheese, charcuterie & chocolate.

262 Exchange Blvd

“Chic nook with a patio, many wines & light fare, including cheese, charcuterie & chocolate.”

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The Tap it Bar and Grill

Nightlife

Informal tavern for burgers and other casual fare along with sports on TV.

1761 Scottsville Rd · ✓ checked Aug 7

“Informal tavern for burgers and other casual fare along with sports on TV.”

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The Hideaway

Nightlife

Neighborhood fixture turns out vegetarian-friendly American comfort food, with live music & a patio.

197 Park Ave

“Neighborhood fixture turns out vegetarian-friendly American comfort food, with live music & a patio.”

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Apogee Wine Bar

Nightlife

Wine bar featuring selections on tap, as well as charcuterie boards and desserts.

151 Park Ave

“Wine bar featuring selections on tap, as well as charcuterie boards and desserts.”

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