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Photo Credit: Jim Montanus

Beer

Trip Ideas & Itinerary 

Cheers to this news—Rochester has been named one of the top cities for beer in the country! In fact, Matador Networks called Rochester the “best city for beer in the northeast” and Smarter Asset ranked us on the list for best cities for beer drinkers in the U.S. With more than two dozen breweries in Monroe County alone, it is no surprise that visitors looking for cities with an amazing beer scene visit Rochester. 

Day 1

  • Enjoy lunch and one of the best views in Rochester at Genesee Brew House. Genesee is the oldest brewery in New York State and is a leader in the brewing community. Opt for the a classic Genesee Cream Ale or one of the craft options from the Genesee Pilot Brewery embedded within the Brew House. Take your brews to the Genesee patio and enjoy one of the best views in the city of High Falls, a 96-foot waterfall in the middle of downtown Rochester.

  • After Genesee, enjoy a tasting of either beer or coffee at Fifth Frame, a craft brewery/coffee roaster located in the St. Paul Quarter. Opt for one of the rotating juicy pale ales on tap or ask for a “boom boom.”

  • Continue your city-centric brewery tour at ROC Brewing, one of the first craft breweries located in Rochester. The brewery’s inviting atmosphere creates a sense of community in a neighborhood that is undergoing major revitalization. With a rotating tap list, there is always something new to taste. ROC Brewing has partnered with F.L.X. Wienery to offer guests an array of hot dogs, hamburgers, sausages, french fries and even boozy milk shakes. 

  • Your final stop today is Rochester’s original craft brewery, Rohrbach Brewing Company. Founded in 1991, Rohrbach’s has been an institution in the local craft beer scene for more than 25 years. Visit the brewery’s Railroad Street Beer Hall (located in the public market district) and enjoy a classic Highland Lager or Scotch Ale, or a seasonal recipe like Kacey’s Christmas Ale or the Red Wing Red Ale.

Day 2

  • After a hearty breakfast, start the second day of your brew tour with lunch and some flights at Sager Beer Works. One of Rochester’s newer craft breweries, this cozy tap room is tucked away on a side street in the Neighborhood of the Arts. BONUS: After you finish up at Sager stop by Living Roots Winery, which is the first urban winery in the Finger Lakes and just steps away from Sager Beer Works.

  • Next up is Swiftwater Brewing in Rochester’s South Wedge neighborhood. Swiftwater is a farm brewery meaning that the beer is made primarily from locally grown farm products.

  • There are several other breweries in the City of Rochester that are nearby, including Three Heads Brewing, Nine Maidens Brewing Company, Heroes Brewing and Iron Tug Brewing, which is located in the popular Park Avenue neighborhood. 

  • Fairport Brewing features two locations - one in Rochester's Neighborhood of the Arts and the other in the village of Fairport. Be sure to try a Fluffy IPA or a Timbucha (Kombucha brewed in house) during your visit. Also in the village of Fairport is the dining and drink destination of Parce Avenue, where you will find two additional breweries, a restaurant and Iron Smoke Distillery. 

  • Your tasting adventure will next take you into the Finger Lakes as you follow the ROC/FLX Craft Beverage Trail. With nearly 30 wineries, breweries, cideries, and distilleries on the map, and more popping up every day, the Rochester/Finger Lakes craft beverage culture is in full force.

  • Wrap up a weekend of exploring Rochester’s beer scene with a visit to Young Lion Brewing, a women owned and operated brewery, tap room & event space overlooking the north end of Canandaigua Lake.