University of Rochester
- Nightlife

Tapas 177 Lounge

With a somewhat rustic stone interior, Tapas presents itself as a “distinctly different lounge experience.” It is, in fact, a tapas bar, and they have a full menu with 18 varieties of martinis, as well. Some events at the lounge include free tango and salsa lessons, wine tasting nights, and tapas happy hour.

Tonic

A modern-style nightclub/bar/restaurant wedged in downtown Rochester. It caters to a more sophisticated crowd with more upscale events. For example, their Champagne and Ice event is DJed with high priced champagne and a VIP invite-only list. Their dinner menu is also not cheap. Brainfroot, an electronica-techno organization with multiple DJ groups, performs monthly.

Whiskey

One of the bar/clubs along Alexander Street, Whiskey boasts two floors with a bar on each. The music is generally hip hop. If you’re going to be along Alexander Street and just want to be in the bar scene, you’re better off going to Alexander Street Pub. If you feel like getting your groove on and need some variety in your outing schedule, head to Whiskey.

The Club at Water Street

Known mainly for concerts, they also have a large bar area. There’s a separate Club at Water Street described as “an intimate venue” and the main Music Hall with the bar and concerts. Some bigger name groups perform at Water Street, and the tickets are affordable, so even if you don’t go for the club scene, you can catch a cool band live.

Club Rain

High-end nightclub, with a 20s crowd. The inside décor says “just add neon,” with a wall of falling water and other effects. The music selection is techno, for the most part. A punching bag hangs in the men’s restroom, too, in case patrons need to take out some negative energy from a lady’s rejection. IDs are checked and enforced, so it isn’t the best place to try and get in if you’re under 21.

Muther’s

The favorite gay bar/club in Rochester. There’s no cover charge, and they’re open noon to 2 a.m. Many UR students like to go here, no matter their orientation. Girls like to go and not be harassed by club prowlers while they’re dancing. Now that Tilt, the other popular gay club in Rochester, closed down for good, many have switched permanently to Muther’s.

The Old Toad

A student favorite, the Old Toad is a good place to sit and people-watch out the large windows to Alexander Street, or enjoy the cozy setting inside. The pub was founded in the hopes of bringing British students and staff a genuine British pub. It continues to be popular, with Trivia Night and their specialty hard cider. They also have a menu with English foods for affordable American prices and a large variety of beers on tap, including their Real Ale served at a traditional lukewarm temperature.

Lux Lounge

This darkly voodoo-style bar is a welcome change from smooth wood and glass of other bars in Rochester. The lounge has a diabolical leaning, decorated in dark reds and black. Though not located in the main bar drag, the Lux is its own haven of cheap drinks and interesting atmosphere.

Salinger’s

A small but noisy bar, Salinger’s is popular as an after-work/happy hour bar for hardworking 20- and 30-somethings. By the time five or six rolls around, the place is fully packed, standing room only, and fairly raucous. It shares a door with a small, quiet restaurant, Haleigh’s, next door, and the crowd can disrupt diners in the restaurant, especially later on in the evenings. It’s centrally located on East Ave. downtown, and within walking distance to restaurants, movies and other places, so people can easily include Salinger’s in their bar hopping travels or have it be an after event stop-off.

Paradise Alley

This is the place to go if you want cheap drinks. Located not too far from campus, you can’t go wrong. For $5 you can have many a drink, and due to this, Paradise Alley has become quite the place to be. It might not be the classiest bar, but serves the purpose for the thirsty and economical college attendee. You’re likely to see people you know if you go here.

The Bug Jar

The Bug Jar is a smaller establishment geared toward music lovers. They host a large amount of lesser-known bands and can reel in a crowd between their devoted fans and regular patrons. The décor is funky, if a little spare, but if you’re in the mood for some live music of the alternative variety, the Bug Jar is a good place to head, with concerts three days a week, DJs, and an open mic night. Upstairs is the music area and they have a downstairs living room area. It’s been a favorite Rochester student standby for a while.

The Blue Room

In the prime real estate area for restaurants and clubs, the Blue Room is in the middle of it all on A Street. They have a happening happy hour and late night scene, and you can play pool or enjoy their outdoor deck in season. They have karaoke nights as well.

Johnny’s Irish Pub

With more of a casual pub feel, Johnny’s is your average pub with darts, pool, and somewhat older regulars. They have live music, usually blues and rock. There’s also free parking and no cover.

The Elmwood Inn

This is a UR hangout, due to its proximity to campus. They have a large variety of beers on tap, as well as a decent dinner menu. You’ll also find a typical low-key pub atmosphere with neon beer signs, games, TVs, and photos of regular drinkers. It’s not very large, and attached to the side of a house pretty much, but students still choose the Elmwood over fancier bars downtown.

You can always go to a bar party as an under, which is still quite fun. Other options include movies, Frats, and hanging at coffee places downtown.