Kiwi Cottage recommends:
Food Scene
Local restaurants, most of which we have visited several times. The standard of culinary offerings in Rochester's best restaurants continues to escalate and fine dining options are increasing rapidly! Delicious options for food delivery too!
They use locally sourced food - except for the oysters! - cook it with creativity and passion, serve it with elegant friendliness, and keep an even level of high quality. Happy hour specials, Monday prix fixe, fish specials on Fridays and Sunday brunch too. Free parking across the street in a large lot. This restaurant is a family favorite. 10-12 minutes from Kiwi Cottage, in the same attractively restored restaurant/small business compound as The Gate House and several other restaurants. We haven't eaten our way through all of them yet!
Kudos to Lento management for their superb pick-up service during NY-PAUSE in Rochester. We've enjoyed wonderful meals!
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Lento
274 N Goodman StThey use locally sourced food - except for the oysters! - cook it with creativity and passion, serve it with elegant friendliness, and keep an even level of high quality. Happy hour specials, Monday prix fixe, fish specials on Fridays and Sunday brunch too. Free parking across the street in a large lot. This restaurant is a family favorite. 10-12 minutes from Kiwi Cottage, in the same attractively restored restaurant/small business compound as The Gate House and several other restaurants. We haven't eaten our way through all of them yet!
Kudos to Lento management for their superb pick-up service during NY-PAUSE in Rochester. We've enjoyed wonderful meals!
Tucked away in the South Wedge area of Rochester - but only a few minutes from Kiwi Cottage - Rooney's offers elegant dining and excellent food. This is always a good pairing! The prices are a little higher than elsewhere but you will have the satisfaction of knowing that you received good value.
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Rooney's Restaurant
90 Henrietta StTucked away in the South Wedge area of Rochester - but only a few minutes from Kiwi Cottage - Rooney's offers elegant dining and excellent food. This is always a good pairing! The prices are a little higher than elsewhere but you will have the satisfaction of knowing that you received good value.
This place must be doing something right. They have been around for ever and they get great reviews. We've had several finger-licking family dinners here over the last 20 years or so, and would still go back. Parking can be a bit restricted but not a big problem. If you love barbecue, go.
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Dinosaur Bar-B-Que
99 Court StThis place must be doing something right. They have been around for ever and they get great reviews. We've had several finger-licking family dinners here over the last 20 years or so, and would still go back. Parking can be a bit restricted but not a big problem. If you love barbecue, go.
Breakfast or lunch have good food offerings. If you are checking out Rochester as a place to study or work, this should give you a valid Park Avenue restaurant experience to augment your other impressions of the city. Lots of favorable comments on the food. Parking on the street; you may need to search for a spot at busy times.
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Jines Restaurant
658 Park AveBreakfast or lunch have good food offerings. If you are checking out Rochester as a place to study or work, this should give you a valid Park Avenue restaurant experience to augment your other impressions of the city. Lots of favorable comments on the food. Parking on the street; you may need to search for a spot at busy times.
Interesting multi-level space plus outside garden. Note the fabulous white glass chandeliers over the bar! Friendly staff, and my waitress was super-helpful and charming. The huge hamburger was good too, served on brioche. Many seafood choices in this South Carolina low country oriented restaurant - we will check out some of those next time. Good wine selection.
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The Revelry
1290 University AveInteresting multi-level space plus outside garden. Note the fabulous white glass chandeliers over the bar! Friendly staff, and my waitress was super-helpful and charming. The huge hamburger was good too, served on brioche. Many seafood choices in this South Carolina low country oriented restaurant - we will check out some of those next time. Good wine selection.
Restaurant, yes, but perhaps better known for a huge selection of beer. Plan to spend some time here, if you love beer! Food accompaniment takes second place but the Shepherd's Pie is memorable. Deck out back and lots of different spaces to choose inside. Parking is behind the restaurant - space can be limited on the street in front.
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Tap and Mallet
381 Gregory StRestaurant, yes, but perhaps better known for a huge selection of beer. Plan to spend some time here, if you love beer! Food accompaniment takes second place but the Shepherd's Pie is memorable. Deck out back and lots of different spaces to choose inside. Parking is behind the restaurant - space can be limited on the street in front.
Good for a quick lunch of sandwiches or salads, or picking up some bread or pastries - quality is reliable in this chain restaurant but do not expect fine dining.
On Howard Avenue, just across from the Walmart on Chili Avenue. Next door to the post office too. Many other locations.
Panera Bread
1501 Howard Rd
Good for a quick lunch of sandwiches or salads, or picking up some bread or pastries - quality is reliable in this chain restaurant but do not expect fine dining.
On Howard Avenue, just across from the Walmart on Chili Avenue. Next door to the post office too. Many other locations.
Website says "creative burgers" - they are both creative and delicious! Wood fired oven for pizza. We're trying those next. Friendly and efficient service, reasonable prices, off-street parking for this Neighborhood of the Arts restaurant that displays the very attractive results of a gifted interior designer! All combine to make this a popular neighborhood spot. Don't miss it.
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The Gate House
274 N Goodman StWebsite says "creative burgers" - they are both creative and delicious! Wood fired oven for pizza. We're trying those next. Friendly and efficient service, reasonable prices, off-street parking for this Neighborhood of the Arts restaurant that displays the very attractive results of a gifted interior designer! All combine to make this a popular neighborhood spot. Don't miss it.
Shema Sushi - Online Order and Pickup Only
277 Alexander StEssential sushi! Highly rated by the cognoscenti.
Latin cuisine - the flavor and presentation of the food matches the creative, imaginative decor of the restaurant. Go there!
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Ox And Stone
282 Alexander StLatin cuisine - the flavor and presentation of the food matches the creative, imaginative decor of the restaurant. Go there!
Very good American cuisine at very reasonable prices. Also very popular!
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Edibles restaurant
704 University AveVery good American cuisine at very reasonable prices. Also very popular!
A secret spot fast being discovered by those who love great food. This Italian restaurant is tucked into Rochester's popular Public Market which means lots of parking is available if you go there for dinner. (Market has good parking for lunch visits too.) Just drive in through the lovely old iron gates of the market and turn left. My waitress was one of the most helpful ever - I dithered over a red wine choice and she brought me several small samples, even arranging them so I could remember easily. I chose the house red which was delicious. The pork chop was also full of flavor. Next time I'm going for the roasted eggplant vegetarian dish. Neighboring diners were eager to recommend their favorites too!. That is a very good sign!
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Fiorella
5 Rochester Public MarketA secret spot fast being discovered by those who love great food. This Italian restaurant is tucked into Rochester's popular Public Market which means lots of parking is available if you go there for dinner. (Market has good parking for lunch visits too.) Just drive in through the lovely old iron gates of the market and turn left. My waitress was one of the most helpful ever - I dithered over a red wine choice and she brought me several small samples, even arranging them so I could remember easily. I chose the house red which was delicious. The pork chop was also full of flavor. Next time I'm going for the roasted eggplant vegetarian dish. Neighboring diners were eager to recommend their favorites too!. That is a very good sign!
Only 8 short, hungry minutes from Kiwi Cottage to this very popular restaurant where you need to book ahead on weekends or get there really early and be prepared to sit at the bar. Wherever you are seated, this excellent food will not disappoint you! My recent thickly cut, perfectly seasoned and cooked pork chop certainly deserves a return trip. The friendly barman even recreated a favorite cocktail to humor a nostalgic memory! Very good service, off-street parking.
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AVVINO
2541 Monroe AveOnly 8 short, hungry minutes from Kiwi Cottage to this very popular restaurant where you need to book ahead on weekends or get there really early and be prepared to sit at the bar. Wherever you are seated, this excellent food will not disappoint you! My recent thickly cut, perfectly seasoned and cooked pork chop certainly deserves a return trip. The friendly barman even recreated a favorite cocktail to humor a nostalgic memory! Very good service, off-street parking.
Excellent butchery but also serves breakfast and lunch with a wide range of sandwiches. We buy their ham off the bone which has a flavor found in no supermarkets, likewise their dry-aged steak will guarantee the success of any special meal. Too many other items to mention. The staff are friendly, knowledgeable and helpful.
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McCann's Local Meats
739 S Clinton AveExcellent butchery but also serves breakfast and lunch with a wide range of sandwiches. We buy their ham off the bone which has a flavor found in no supermarkets, likewise their dry-aged steak will guarantee the success of any special meal. Too many other items to mention. The staff are friendly, knowledgeable and helpful.
You are just ten anticipatory minutes away from creative food with a subtle Korean influence; Nosh has offerings like the Peachy Pig thin crust pizza that will have you eating it out of the box as you drive back to the house after picking it up. Their Ahi Noshos pretty much defies description - picture a mess of food on the plate which, after you recover from initial recoil and start grabbing pieces of it, turns into a very tasty selection indeed. There is much more. Eating in can be noisy at peak times but there is outside dining too, as well as pick-up. You will like it here!
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Nosh
47 Russell StYou are just ten anticipatory minutes away from creative food with a subtle Korean influence; Nosh has offerings like the Peachy Pig thin crust pizza that will have you eating it out of the box as you drive back to the house after picking it up. Their Ahi Noshos pretty much defies description - picture a mess of food on the plate which, after you recover from initial recoil and start grabbing pieces of it, turns into a very tasty selection indeed. There is much more. Eating in can be noisy at peak times but there is outside dining too, as well as pick-up. You will like it here!
Pizza go-to for locals and voted "immensely satisfying" by recent Kiwi Cottage guest who knows her pizza! Brooklyn and Sicilian styles, order by slice or whole pizza. Crisp crusts and fresh basil too.
1100 Jefferson Rd, Unit 3. Tel: 585-424-5637
Also 1918 Monroe Avenue. They deliver.
Joe's Brooklyn Pizza
1100 Jefferson RoadPizza go-to for locals and voted "immensely satisfying" by recent Kiwi Cottage guest who knows her pizza! Brooklyn and Sicilian styles, order by slice or whole pizza. Crisp crusts and fresh basil too.
1100 Jefferson Rd, Unit 3. Tel: 585-424-5637
Also 1918 Monroe Avenue. They deliver.
Located right inside Rochester's wonderful Public Market, Cure has a French flavor with a touch of Vietnam, is open on Sundays when many other restaurants are closed, and although the menu items are not extensive you are sure to find something that you will enjoy.
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Cure
50 Rochester Public MarketLocated right inside Rochester's wonderful Public Market, Cure has a French flavor with a touch of Vietnam, is open on Sundays when many other restaurants are closed, and although the menu items are not extensive you are sure to find something that you will enjoy.
Guests recommend this down-town restaurant as a great place for breakfast or lunch. And if you are in town for a special celebration, The Mad Hatter can do a custom order cake for you! They offer high tea as well. Check their website for details. Hours are Sun-Wed., 8am-2.30pm.
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The Mad Hatter Restaurant & Bakery
176 S Goodman StGuests recommend this down-town restaurant as a great place for breakfast or lunch. And if you are in town for a special celebration, The Mad Hatter can do a custom order cake for you! They offer high tea as well. Check their website for details. Hours are Sun-Wed., 8am-2.30pm.
Parks and Recreation
There are many parks and recreation areas in Rochester, including several that border Lake Ontario. Just a stroll down the road from Kiwi Cottage, you will find part of the walking/biking trail that stretches for miles in both directions. Wildlife are commonly seen here, though you need to go early to see deer.
Stunning collection of lilac bushes, showcased every May in the Lilac Festival, in 2018 from May 11-20. Too much to describe in this high spot of the year: https://www.rochesterevents.com/lilac-festival/
Also check website for Highland Park Conservancy for information on flowers/sights you can expect to find during every month of the year.
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Highland Park
Stunning collection of lilac bushes, showcased every May in the Lilac Festival, in 2018 from May 11-20. Too much to describe in this high spot of the year: https://www.rochesterevents.com/lilac-festival/
Also check website for Highland Park Conservancy for information on flowers/sights you can expect to find during every month of the year.
Only half an hour from Rochester, this 1,000 acre park encompasses a length of the Genesee River that plunges through a gorge, over 500' deep in places, with no less than three waterfalls. There are hiking trails, picnic areas and playgrounds, swimming and boating areas. Well worth a visit.
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Letchworth State Park
1 Letchworth State ParkOnly half an hour from Rochester, this 1,000 acre park encompasses a length of the Genesee River that plunges through a gorge, over 500' deep in places, with no less than three waterfalls. There are hiking trails, picnic areas and playgrounds, swimming and boating areas. Well worth a visit.
Well rated park along the shore of Lake Ontario. Boardwalk and pier walking to enjoy the sunset, or watch the shipping during the day. Swimming beach, food available. The carousel is a major attraction.
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Ontario Beach Park
50 Beach AveWell rated park along the shore of Lake Ontario. Boardwalk and pier walking to enjoy the sunset, or watch the shipping during the day. Swimming beach, food available. The carousel is a major attraction.
The Rochester Curling Club attracts visitors to Rochester from many different parts of the US. We know - they have stayed at our property! The club is just a few minutes away. Come and check out this addictive sport! Growing in popularity, with a boost from US success in the recent Beijing Winter Olympics.
Rochester Curling Club
71 Deep Rock RdThe Rochester Curling Club attracts visitors to Rochester from many different parts of the US. We know - they have stayed at our property! The club is just a few minutes away. Come and check out this addictive sport! Growing in popularity, with a boost from US success in the recent Beijing Winter Olympics.
Culture and History
There is much on offer in Rochester. Don't fail to check listings for student concerts at Eastman School of Music - mostly free, and always excellent. This school takes only the best in the country, and overseas. And the architecture! Not just in the Eastman buildings but in many other locations. Drive down Oxford St, slowly, and enjoy the beautiful homes. Likewise, East Avenue, and many more. In the summer there is the outdoor Jazz Festival - top class performances.
World's oldest museum of photography, started by George Eastman (Kodak) in 1947. But, for fans of Indian cinema, do not miss their recent acquisition of a huge treasure trove of contemporary Indian cinema. Check their special events: https://www.eastman.org
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George Eastman House
900 East AveWorld's oldest museum of photography, started by George Eastman (Kodak) in 1947. But, for fans of Indian cinema, do not miss their recent acquisition of a huge treasure trove of contemporary Indian cinema. Check their special events: https://www.eastman.org
Beautiful campus with too many notable features to list here. Drive 3 minutes from Kiwi Cottage, park and walk across pedestrian bridge over Genesee River to stroll around the River Campus. Over 150 acres so pick what you want to see before starting. https://www.rochester.edu/aboutus/campus.html
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University of Rochester
Beautiful campus with too many notable features to list here. Drive 3 minutes from Kiwi Cottage, park and walk across pedestrian bridge over Genesee River to stroll around the River Campus. Over 150 acres so pick what you want to see before starting. https://www.rochester.edu/aboutus/campus.html
Part of the University of Rochester but in a separate campus that occupies several gorgeous Art Deco buildings - worth a trip just to see them. Check online to see what free concerts may be available during your visit. The students are gifted and skilled. The school is a vital part of Rochester's cultural heart; you will not be disappointed.
https://www.esm.rochester.edu
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Eastman School of Music
26 Gibbs StPart of the University of Rochester but in a separate campus that occupies several gorgeous Art Deco buildings - worth a trip just to see them. Check online to see what free concerts may be available during your visit. The students are gifted and skilled. The school is a vital part of Rochester's cultural heart; you will not be disappointed.
https://www.esm.rochester.edu
If you have children, go. Even toddlers will find something to enjoy but it is perfect for those over about 3 years. And even teens can enjoy the Butterfly House.
The museum is currently being expanded which should only increase its already high national rating.
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The Strong Museum
1 Manhattan Square DrIf you have children, go. Even toddlers will find something to enjoy but it is perfect for those over about 3 years. And even teens can enjoy the Butterfly House.
The museum is currently being expanded which should only increase its already high national rating.
Hard to compete with Strong, but this museum also has much to offer, of interest to adults and children. We recommend a visit.
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Rochester Museum & Science Center
657 East AveHard to compete with Strong, but this museum also has much to offer, of interest to adults and children. We recommend a visit.
Not exactly in Rochester but just over an hour away in the town of Auburn is the former home of Harriet Tubman. History is sensitively presented here. Worth a visit to help gain an understanding of this aspect of US history.
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Harriet Tubman Home
180 South StNot exactly in Rochester but just over an hour away in the town of Auburn is the former home of Harriet Tubman. History is sensitively presented here. Worth a visit to help gain an understanding of this aspect of US history.
If you want to know more about the culture and spirit of a city, always visit their art galleries! The Memorial Art Gallery of Rochester will certainly be a rewarding place to visit.
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Memorial Art Gallery
500 University AveIf you want to know more about the culture and spirit of a city, always visit their art galleries! The Memorial Art Gallery of Rochester will certainly be a rewarding place to visit.
Nearby food & other essentials
Places where you can buy groceries or ready-made food, plus a wide range of other items you need, or may have forgotten to bring.
Good selection of fresh fruit and vegetables as well as all the usual grocery items. This store is the closest to Kiwi Cottage, about 7 minutes away. Closes late, usually 10pm.
2150 Chili Avenue, Rochester NY 14624
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Walmart Supercenter
6265 Brockport Spencerport RdGood selection of fresh fruit and vegetables as well as all the usual grocery items. This store is the closest to Kiwi Cottage, about 7 minutes away. Closes late, usually 10pm.
2150 Chili Avenue, Rochester NY 14624
Wegmans is the closest supermarket; you will find everything you hope for in a supermarket right here! About ten minutes' easy drive away.
2301 Lyell Avenue, north on 390 to Lyell Ave. exit. Closes 12 am
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Wegmans
2301 Lyell AveWegmans is the closest supermarket; you will find everything you hope for in a supermarket right here! About ten minutes' easy drive away.
2301 Lyell Avenue, north on 390 to Lyell Ave. exit. Closes 12 am
Gas station with a good-sized convenience food store - fine for milk, eggs, bread, snacks, if you are too tired to drive another 10 minutes to the 24 hour Wegmans on Chili Avenue.
Fastrac
1064 Scottsville RdGas station with a good-sized convenience food store - fine for milk, eggs, bread, snacks, if you are too tired to drive another 10 minutes to the 24 hour Wegmans on Chili Avenue.
This is a must-visit - you will see who lives in Rochester and what they like to eat! Crowded on weekends by locals looking for the freshest food at the best prices. The market is gradually attracting restaurants and shops to its immediate neighborhood. Walk around a little and enjoy this aspect of Rochester's culture.
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Rochester Public Market
Rochester Public MarketThis is a must-visit - you will see who lives in Rochester and what they like to eat! Crowded on weekends by locals looking for the freshest food at the best prices. The market is gradually attracting restaurants and shops to its immediate neighborhood. Walk around a little and enjoy this aspect of Rochester's culture.
TJ's, as it is known by many of its customers, is a national fast-growing chain with an equally fast-growing clientele. Limited range of products but there are many creative, innovative food options that you will not find elsewhere, including a wide range of ethnic choices. Prices are very good. You will want to return. They also specialise in hiring friendly, helpful staff. It's about ten minutes away. There is a large Wegmans in the same mall, if you have favorite food choices there.
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Trader Joe's
3349 Monroe AveTJ's, as it is known by many of its customers, is a national fast-growing chain with an equally fast-growing clientele. Limited range of products but there are many creative, innovative food options that you will not find elsewhere, including a wide range of ethnic choices. Prices are very good. You will want to return. They also specialise in hiring friendly, helpful staff. It's about ten minutes away. There is a large Wegmans in the same mall, if you have favorite food choices there.
Craft Breweries
The website of one of the city's prestigious schools, RIT, claims that Rochester has recently been named one of the world's Top Ten Beer Destinations. That is a big claim and we have no idea how to substantiate it, but it is certainly true that there are almost 30 craft breweries in the city and surrounding county. Since the numbers keep increasing we can assume that they have acquired a large enough clientele to keep them in business and to encourage others to emulate them. Come along and try a few for yourself!
The following breweries are either family favorites or have been recommended by guests but you can find more on this website: https://daytrippingroc.com/breweries-in-monroe-county/
Located in a building where beer was being made more than 100 years ago, the Genesee Brew House is building an increasingly strong reputation as a place to go for good beer and good food.
You can book a tour and a tasting as well, then be seated in the restaurant area and enjoy stunning views over the High Falls area.
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Genesee Brew House
25 Cataract St Located in a building where beer was being made more than 100 years ago, the Genesee Brew House is building an increasingly strong reputation as a place to go for good beer and good food.
You can book a tour and a tasting as well, then be seated in the restaurant area and enjoy stunning views over the High Falls area.
The IPA expert in our family lists this brewery as one of his Rochester favorites. His experience is extensive but the RIT list also includes Swiftwater - that settles it! Tours, meals, and an attractive, atmospheric setting with more than a touch of the founder's passion for white water kayaking. Open Wed. through Sat.
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Swiftwater Brewing Company
378 Mt Hope AveThe IPA expert in our family lists this brewery as one of his Rochester favorites. His experience is extensive but the RIT list also includes Swiftwater - that settles it! Tours, meals, and an attractive, atmospheric setting with more than a touch of the founder's passion for white water kayaking. Open Wed. through Sat.
Another favorite of our family IPA expert, but heavily endorsed by many locals and tourists who have found their way to this downtown location. Beer tasting, sausages and hamburgers with all your favorite trimmings, open Wednesday through Monday.
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Roc Brewing Co.
56 S Union StAnother favorite of our family IPA expert, but heavily endorsed by many locals and tourists who have found their way to this downtown location. Beer tasting, sausages and hamburgers with all your favorite trimmings, open Wednesday through Monday.