Best of Rochester

The fastest way to burst a social bubble, a year-round walk ‘n’ talk spot, the ultimate winter escape and more — here’s what was on our radar in 2025.

A Bills book adults will like, the fair-trade store featuring 38 countries, a Digicam renaissance and more — here’s what was on our radar in 2025.

The Finger Lakes wine region, a bar stool fit for yapping, the tastiest zero-proof drink in town and more — here’s what was on our radar in 2025.

A $2 sweet treat, an introvert’s dream meal out, the restaurant that should be packed nightly and more — here’s what was on our radar in 2025.

The results of CITY’s annual “Best of Rochester” readers’ poll are in! This year resulted in more than 18,000 nominations and 180,000 final votes for in 136 categories — everything from your favorite burger and day spa to first date spot and idea for the future. As always, we assembled a team of CITY writers […]

And the winners are… Best Movie Theater: The Little Theatre Vintage Drive-in Theatre | Roc Cinema | Dryden Theater | The Strand Best Film Festival: Rochester International Film Fest ImageOUT | Witness Palestine Film Festival | Anomaly Best Podcast: The InnerLoop The Crime Dawg Podcast | Your Authentic Life | Getting Real with BOSSY Best […]

And the winners are… Best New Bar (Opened in 2025): Easy Sailor Tiki Vanni’s Jazz Lounge | Carmella’s Wine Bar | Parlays Inn Best Brewer: Ellyn Gooch, Strangebird Micah Krichinsky, Strangebird | Jon Mervine, Fifth Frame | Chris Uhlein, Fifth Frame Best Distillery (ROC or FLX): Iron Smoke Distillery Black Button Distilling | Hollerhorn Distilling […]

And the winners are… Best Local Landmark: Mount Hope Cemetery Highland Park | High Falls | Susan B. Anthony House Best Place to Make New Friends: LUX Lounge Wegmans | Flight Wine Bar | Unwine’d Best Place to Dance: ROAR LUX Lounge | Vertex Best Playground: Lilac Adventure Zone (Highland Park) Rothfuss Park (Penfield) | […]

And the winners are… Best Pet Adoption Services: Lollypop Farm Verona Street | Operation Freedom Ride | Pet Pride Best Boutique: Parkleigh Shop Peppermint | Second Look Boutique | Mescolata Best Charity/Nonprofit: Lollypop Farm Foodlink | SewGreen Rochester | Breast Cancer Coalition of Greater Rochester Best Wine/Liquor Store: Marketview Liquor BayTowne Wine & Spirits | […]

And the winners are… Best Indian Restaurant: Thali of India Tandoor of India | Hyderabad Biryani House | Royal of India Best Mediterranean Restaurant: Aladdin’s Natural Eatery Cedar | Voula’s | Sinbad’s Best French Fries: Strangebird The Playhouse // Swillburger | Good Luck | Roux Best Chicken French: Mr. Dominic’s Agatina’s | Proietti’s | Phillips […]