When you’re looking for a spot to enjoy a drink with friends, check out these local bars and pubs in Rochester. Each offers a unique atmosphere, along with an extensive menu of drinks and tasty food options. You can have fun with your friends or choose a spot that delivers a cozy, intimate feeling for a date night.
Dooley’s Pub
Dooley’s Pub is the place to go if you want a fun, vibrant atmosphere. This location features large screen TVs throughout the seating areas where you can watch the latest sporting events and games. It’s located in the heart of downtown Rochester and is open daily from 11 a.m – 2 a.m. During happy hour, which takes place Sunday through Thursday from 9 p.m. until close, you can get half-price menu items, $4 select shots, $5 glasses of house wine, and special prices on beer.
The menus vary, depending on when you go, although you can always find something tasty to sample. Dooley’s naan tacos are among the top menu options. These tasty tacos are served on warm, fresh-baked flatbread and topped with your choice of flavorful toppings, such as pulled BBQ pork, house-made slaw, picked peppers, fish, pico de gallo, vegetables, and chipotle crema. You can also order from the “pick two” lunch menu, which allows you to choose two menu favorites for a lower price. If you’re dining in for dinner, try the pork’n mac ‘n’ cheese, which features pasta, beer ale cheese sauce, bacon bits, and BBQ pulled pork.
Bitter & Pour
Located on Historic Third Street in the Merchant Exchange building is Bitter & Pour, a cozy bar where you can sample the finest elixirs and spirits. Four locals founded the location with a goal of creating a stylish place where hip Rochester residents could mingle and sip cocktails crafted by bartenders who truly obsess over the details.
The Chubby Ginger is one of the local favorites, prepared with Lake House spiced rum, house-made ginger syrup, fresh lime and soda, topped with candied ginger. Along with an extensive selection of cocktails, the menu includes wine, craft beer, and small plates, including a charcuterie board, marinated nuts, and a cheese board.
Thirsty Belgian
Thirsty Belgian has been part of the downtown Rochester scene since it opened in 2014. The bar features nine taps, along with 70 bottled and canned beers and ciders available to enjoy. You can always enjoy Stella Artois, Kwak, Stella Cidre, Maredsous Brune, and St. Bernardus Abt 12 on tap, while the other four taps feature a rotating selection. In addition to the beer options, this spot has specialty house cocktails, liquor, and wine options to sample.
The atmosphere in this cozy pub is inspired by the owner’s frequent childhood trips to Belgium. You can experience live entertainment as you enjoy a variety of drink and food options. The food menu fuses Belgian pub food with American favorites. Be sure to try the Thirsty Belgian Toasties, which are toasted sandwiches prepared with thinly sliced meat, fruit, and cheese.
No matter where you are in Rochester, you can always find a fun bar or pub that offers a refreshing libation in an appealing atmosphere. Stop in at one of these spots and enjoy an evening out with friends or family.
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