Owned by our fantastic and talented friends, Peter and Jess, this dignified and funkified spot will provide you with all you need to start your day: coffee, lattes, sandwiches and if you’re really ready to start your day, try one of their coffee cocktails!
This classic diner in the heart of the Park Ave neighborhood has become a staple for us. With an extensive breakfast and lunch menu, Jine’s covers all of your classic eats and has something for even the pickiest eaters. Pair your meal with a glass of prosecco and a Rohrbach Space Kitty for a Kim and Ryan Sunday experience.
Just a 6-minute walk from our home and right across the street from Iron Tug Brewing is another classic Rochester diner with a menu for anyone. They also have a beautiful display of rotating deserts at the front counter as well as a nice selection of beer to go!
Try a Rochester garbage plate. Become one with Rochester.
Can you visit Rochester and not have a Genny? The correct answer is “no.” There’s no better place to enjoy an ice-cold Genesee Beer than from the source itself. The Brew House is a perfect spot to grab a bite, try all of Genesee’s offerings (including some exclusive to the Brew House) and take in the Rochester skyline from their rooftop overlooking the Genesee River.
Recently winner of the #2 Brewpub in the US by USA Today, winner of Best Craft Brewery, Best Brewer, and Best French Fries in City Magazine’s Best of Rochester 2024, and winner of bronze medals at both the 2024 Great American Beer Festival and 2024 World Beer Cup, we are so happy to have this brewery be part of our city. A regular stop for us, our friends, and fellow travelers, Strangebird offers a brew for whatever you’re into and an absolutely delicious food menu to pair with it.
When the sun emerges through the Rochester clouds and the slightest feeling of warmth hits your face, our friends like to say it’s “Swiftwater degrees outside.” While the interior is just as nice, there’s nothing quite like enjoying a pint amongst vines of hops and fresh herbs within their little patio garden.
Rochester’s very own urban winery! Living Roots is a winery in both the Finger Lakes region and the Adelaide Hills of South Australia. It was founded by husband and wife team Sebastian (an Adelaide, South Australia native) and Colleen (a Rochester native). The wines are wonderful and every variety is worth trying – fortunately they offer flights!
The first grain to glass distillery in Rochester, which essentially means Black Button focuses solely on sourcing locally-grown grains and following a meticulous approach (seed varietals, farming techniques, aging, bottling) to highlight the regional blend. This lends into what distiller Jason Barrett coined “Rochester Style Bourbon.” However, it certainly doesn’t stop at bourbon. There’s plenty of gin, vodka, and liqueurs to sample and cocktails to enjoy them all in. You can find Black Button just around the corner from Radio Social on University Avenue!
The Museum of Play is an incredibly fun and massive museum that's well worth dedicating a good portion of your day. With exhibits ranging from the rich history of toys and games from around the world to the World Video Game Hall of Fame—and even a butterfly garden—there’s something for everyone to enjoy. No matter how much time you spend, you’ll leave feeling like there’s still more to discover, already looking forward to your next visit.
This place is just awesome. With so many fun exhibits like the Electricity Theater where you are able to witness lightening being created before your eyes, Sound Bites which explores the world of sound and music, and of course, the Planetarium where you can even catch a few laser light shows (ex. Pink Floyd, Billie Eillish, etc.) We love coming here for their After Hours parties where they serve up some adult beverages while the museum is still open which makes it even more of a blast.
George Eastman was founder of one of Rochester’s claims to fame, Kodak! Also known as the George Eastman House, as it was his Rochester Estate. It is the oldest museum dedicated to photography and one of the world’s oldest film archives! Explore the historic mansion and gardens, enjoy the rotating exhibitions on photography and cinema featuring artists from all walks of life, catch a film at the beautiful Dryden Theatre, and enjoy music recitals almost every Sunday at 3pm.
Take a step into Rochester’s wonderland of music. Within the 13,000 square feet you’ll find walls and walls lined with vinyl records from your favorite artists both old and new, CDs, cassette tapes, laserdiscs, speakers, stereo systems – you name it. Oh, and did we forget to mention there’s an attached Backroom Lounge that serves up a massive selection of beer and wine and hosts live music throughout the week. Oh, and did we also forget to mention that you’re able to take your libations into the store to explore the musical selections? Yeah, you’ll be amazed how quickly your vinyl collection builds after a few cold ones.
Feeling up for some arcade gaming? We got you. Set in an old church building, this two-story arcade is complete with vintage games, great cocktails and the attached Swillburger which acts as a modern take on the classic American burger joint. This would be a great warm-up/post-party spot for the gaming we’ll be doing at Radio Social!
Take a visit to the very place where the engagement went down! Stand in the spot where Ryan took a knee! Great photo opp! Beyond that, grab your pumpkins, sip on some fresh cider, and fire off the beloved corn cannon!
We have had so many fun times at this zoo. It’s a wonderfully cared for space with plenty of exhibits for everyone. They do an incredible job as a national leader in education and conservation action. They offer animal encounters, tours, and are currently working on a massive expansion that will include even more experiences. (So you'll have to come back, of course).
A staple in the Rochester community, this beautiful 150-acre park is host to so many fun activities including the superb Lilac Festival during the spring when the abundance of lilacs are in full bloom. Make no mistake though, Highland Park is gorgeous all times of the year whether it be the summer greenery, the fall foliage and yes, even in the snowy winter.
Located within Highland Park, this modern reconstruction of a 1911 building is a serene and colorful glass greenhouse displaying a diverse collection of exotic, desert, and economic plants. Find some turtles chilling by indoor ponds while tiny button quail and tortoises walk beside you as you take in the warm vibes.