Drink

Java's Cafe

Another downtown coffee shop, more popular with the art house crowd, as well as those headed to (or from) the Eastman Theater. They also sell a variety of large homemade cookies in a variety of styles. At lunch time, an adjacent cafe-style restaurant serves for soup and sandwiches. Local art adorns the walls and local bands of questionable quality occasionally perform. Other locations at RIT and the Public Market as well as the YMCA in Pittsford.

Address: 16 Gibbs St
Getting there: next door to Eastman Theater/Kilbourn Hall
Hours: Daily 7AM-midnight
Website: javascafe.com (opens in a new tab)

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Listing from Wikivoyage: Rochester (New York), CC BY-SA 4.0.

Updated 28 Sept 2026. Something wrong? Tell us.

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Do
Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra
One of George Eastman's greatest legacies, the Rochester Philharmonic is an outstanding orchestra, especially for a city the size of Rochester. The RPO's main performance space is the Eastman Theatre (see above), but they get around town to other venues, especially in the summer. Pops conductor Jeff Tyzik, once Doc Severinsen's arranger for the Tonight Show Band, has taught the RPO to swing like few other professional orchestras can, but their classical chops are equally noteworthy.
Box office: Mon-Fri 10AM-5PM$20-75 for most formal concerts, less (or even free) for casual concerts
Eat
Max of Eastman Place
Considered one of the top restaurants in Rochester, with an elegant atmosphere and a (French-inspired) menu to match. Popular as part of a night out at the Eastman Theatre.
Lunch: Tue-Fri 11:30AM-2:30PM; Dinner: Tue-Sat 5PM-10PMLunch $20-40, dinner $20-50
Do
Eastman Theatre
The Eastman Theatre dates back to George Eastman's time and contains three halls within its space.
See
Rochester Contemporary Art Center
RoCo
This non-profit arts center supports local artists, in part by exhibiting their work to the public. But it's not just local artists you'll find in the gallery; they regularly host works from around the world. It's also a gathering place for the local arts community, so dropping by isn't just about viewing the art; it's also about connecting with the artists.
Wed-Sun noon-5PM (9PM on Fri)$2 ($5 for 6x6 exhibition)