Rochester Institute of Technology - Nightlife

The Bug is a local bar that has been around for quite some time. It’s a great place to go and relax with friends and have a drink in a very casual atmosphere. Live music is one of their best features. You can check out the infamous local band Disco Lobos here.

This dual club/music hall is located just off RIT’s campus. The music at Pulse/Steel is mainly hip hop in the dance club, but the music hall plays host to live bands both locally and nationally known. The place can be packed and normally has a long line waiting at the door, so plan ahead, or come early, if you want to get in.

Tiki Bob’s used to be the home of Centers at High Falls, and while they still keep the basic setup with four dance clubs and one bar, some things have changed. There are parties held here most weekends, and if you know the name of the person whose party it is, you can score free drinks for the duration of the party, even if you don’t really know them.

Water Street is Rochester’s premier spot for live music. Several nights a week, you can check out different bands who are sure to bring down the house!

Located in the High Falls area of downtown, the Martini Bar is considered by many as a priceless gem in the Rochester area. This fairly new and very trendy bar offers just what it claims: pianos and martinis. There are other drinks on the menu, but why not try one of their specialties?

MacGregor’s is the bar of choice for most RIT students. It’s the only bar within walking distance of campus, and it offers pool tables and a wide selection of beer on tap.

Milestones is your best bet if you want good music and quality drinks for cheap prices. You can get in most nights for $10–$15, and hear the best live music that Rochester has to offer. This isn’t a bar where you drink to simply get drunk. Students mostly come for the music—the alcohol is just a perk.

The Roost is where you want to head if you are in the mood for a good old country bar. The Roost features line-dancing, and you can even get a lesson or two before you start. However, once you have a couple of drinks here, it doesn’t matter what you look like when you’re two-stepping (or three-stumbling for that matter).

This little out of the way bar/restaurant is a nice cozy place that is perfect for a first date. The drinks are reasonably priced, and the atmosphere is very welcoming. You can even reserve a room to ensure you and your special someone can have some quality time alone.

Going to Canada for the evening is an option if you have a car, and preferably, a designated driver. Rochester is within driving distance of Niagara Falls and the Canadian border. One perk of Canada is that the drinking age is only 19, so being underage isn’t as much of a concern.

House parties are always an option if you are underage and want to drink. There are parties in the RIT apartments and in off-campus houses as well. Colony Manor is your best bet if you are looking for open parties, as many parties are invite only. It isn’t difficult to get invited to parties at RIT if you talk to people. There are usually parties going on every weekend if you ask around enough.

Many of the local clubs have 18-and-over nights—check with the clubs (or the local Insider newspaper) to find out which days they are.

Spot is a great place to go if you aren’t into the bar and club scene. They are open quite late, and serve a variety of great coffees and baked goods. There is no age requirement or ID requirement to get in.