We've compiled a list of wonderful places we have in the Greater Rochester Area that you might like to visit while you are attending Designing Libraries XII. 

 

Sunday lunch options

  • On Sunday, only attendees who are participating in BOTH pre-conferences will have a boxed lunch in Welles-Brown.
  • Attendees who are only participating in ONE pre-conference are invited to explore other options. We have several options for dining on campus, and we've provided some off-campus options below.
  • On-campus dining options and Sunday hours:
    • Douglass Dining Center:
      • 8 am - 11 am (breakfast)
      • 11 am – 3:30 pm (brunch)
      • 5 pm – 8 pm (dinner)
    • The Pit (11 am – 11 pm)
    • Rocky’s Sub Shop (11 am – 11 pm)
    • Starbucks (9 am – midnight)
    • For up-to-date on-campus dining information (such as menus) and locations, visit https://dining.rochester.edu/menu-hours/

 

Coffee Shops

Layali Coffee House

  • Vibe: Cozy, beautifully designed Arabic coffee house with welcoming seating and cultural accents
  • Dietary: Pistachio and saffron lattes; likely vegan‑friendly refreshments (confirm with staff)
  • Price: $$ ($5–7 specialty lattes)
  • Distance: ~4 miles (~15 min drive to Jefferson Rd near E Henrietta Rd)
  • Parking: Street parking around plaza

Winter Swan Coffee

  • Vibe: Light-filled, plant-forward café located inside a floral shop—serene and inviting
  • Dietary: Vegan pastries; plant-based milks; rotating small bites
  • Price: $–$$ (coffee $3–5; pastries $3–6)
  • Distance: ~2 miles (~8–10 min drive; bus accessible)
  • Parking: Large lot + street spots

Java's Cafe (Gibbs St.)

  • Vibe: Eclectic, artsy downtown hub with live music & community tables—great work/wind-down venue
  • Dietary: Dairy alternatives available; light sandwiches, soups, smoothies
  • Price: $–$$ (coffee $2–4; specialty drinks $4–6; food $5–8)
  • Distance: ~1.8 miles (~7 min drive; ~30 min walk)
  • Parking: Street & nearby public lots

Ugly Duck Coffee

  • Vibe: Clean, minimalist café specializing in high-quality beans—perfect for focused work
  • Dietary: Vegan pastries & gluten-free options
  • Price: $$ (coffee $3–5; pastries $3–6)
  • Distance: ~1.5 miles (~6 min drive; ~25 min walk)
  • Parking: Street spots + lot behind building

Fuego Coffee Roasters

  • Vibe: Spacious third-wave coffeehouse with community events and artisan-focused service
  • Dietary: Vegan pastries; gluten‑free baked goods
  • Price: $$ (espresso/cold brew $4–6; light bites $5–8)
  • Distance: ~2.5 miles (~10 min drive; ~35 min walk)
  • Parking: Street parking  

The Chai Guy

  • Vibe: Known for authentic chai and friendly service
  • Dietary: Fresh-spice chai; light snack selections
  • Price: $ (chai lattes $4–6; snacks $3–5)
  • Distance: ~2.5–3 miles (~9–10 min drive)
  • Parking: Street parking on Park Ave

 

Restaurants

REDD

  • Cuisine: Known for California wine country-inspired fare and an expansive wine list
  • Dietary: Vegetarian friendly with some vegan options; ask for gluten-free options
  • Price: $$$$$ (entrees ~$26-55)
  • Distance from campus: ~3 miles (~12 min drive)
  • Parking: Parking lot and street parking

Red Fern

  • Cuisine: 100 % vegan, many items also gluten‑free
  • Dietary: Vegan ✓, Gluten‑free ✓
  • Price: $$ (entrees ~$12–18)
  • Distance from campus: ~2 miles (~10 min drive)
  • Parking: Street parking

Nosh

  • Cuisine: Asian/Southwest fusion with creative cocktails
  • Dietary: Dedicated vegetarian menu ; some vegan and gluten-free options
  • Price: $$$$ (entrees ~$18-50)
  • Distance: ~6 miles (~15 min drive)
  • Parking: Parking lot and street parking

The Owl House

  • Cuisine: Contemporary American, small plates & entrees
  • Dietary: Can modify most dishes to be gluten‑free or vegan; dairy-free too
  • Price: $$$ (entrees ~$18–28)
  • Distance: ~3 miles (~12 min drive)
  • Parking: Free off‑street lot (after 5 pm weekdays, all day weekends) + street parking 

Edibles Restaurant

  • Cuisine: American comfort food
  • Dietary: Gluten‑free/vegan/vegetarian options available
  • Price: $$ (entrees ~$10–16)
  • Distance: ~1.5 miles (~8 min drive)
  • Parking: Street parking

Roux

  • Cuisine: French cuisine with a modern twist, as well as absinthe, wines, and craft cocktails
  • Dietary: Vegetarian options available
  • Price: $$$$ (entrees ~$23-40)
  • Distance: ~3 miles (~12 min drive)
  • Parking: Street parking

DogTown

  • Cuisine: Local specialty – Garbage Plate
  • Dietary: Gluten‑free/vegan/vegetarian options available
  • Price: $ (plates ~$7–10)
  • Distance: ~4 miles (~10 min drive)
  • Parking: Small lot in front of the restaurant + street parking

The Gate House

  • Cuisine: American gastropub – gourmet burgers, wood-fired pizza, salads
  • Dietary: Vegetarian friendly; vegan & gluten‑free options
  • Price: $$–$$$ (burgers $14–18, pizzas ~$16+)
  • Distance: ~3 miles (~12 min drive to Village Gate Sq.)
  • Parking: Street + Village Gate Square lot

E Suki

  • Cuisine: Self-service Japanese cafe (sushi, ramen, stir‑fries)
  • Dietary: Vegetarian sushi/rice bowls; request gluten‑free soy
  • Price: $$ (entrees $10–16)
  • Distance: <1mi from campus
  • Parking: Street + small lot

Neno's Gourmet Mexican Street Food

  • Cuisine: Modern Mexican (tacos, burrito bowls, fajitas)
  • Dietary: Vegetarian & seafood tacos; can accommodate GF tortillas
  • Price: $$–$$$ (tacos $4–6, entrees $15–20)
  • Distance: ~2.5 miles (~10 min drive to Monroe Ave)
  • Parking: Street parking  

Crisp Rochester

  • Cuisine: Modern American comfort (burgers, bowls)
  • Dietary: Gluten‑free, vegan‑friendly items
  • Price: $$ (bowls/burgers ~$10–15)
  • Distance: ~0.8 miles (~5 min drive)
  • Parking: Street + small lot

Mad Hatter Restaurant & Bakery

  • Cuisine: Brunch, bakery, casual American
  • Dietary: Dedicated gluten‑free menu; vegan‑friendly options
  • Price: $$ (brunch plates ~$10–15)
  • Distance: ~2.5 miles (~12 min drive)
  • Parking Street + small lot

Pizza Wizard

  • Cuisine: Detroit‑style pizza
  • Dietary: Vegan wings, gluten‑free crust (clearly labeled)
  • Price: $$ ($20–30 per pizza)
  • Distance: ~1 mile (~5 min drive)
  • Parking: Street in South Wedge

Fiorella

  • Cuisine: Casual Italian – artisanal pizzas, handmade pastas
  • Dietary: Vegetarian friendly; vegan options; some GF pasta or pizza may be available (confirm with staff)
  • Price: $$ (≈ $12–22 entrees)
  • Distance: ~4 miles (~15 min drive to Public Market)
  • Parking: Public Market lot

Chortke Grill

  • Cuisine: Upscale Persian-inflected American
  • Dietary: Meat- and seafood‑centric; vegetarian sides available—check for GF
  • Price: $$–$$$ (entrees $18–30+)
  • Distance: ~3 miles (~12 min drive to Village Gate)
  • Parking: Strip‑plaza lot

 

Places to Visit

Memorial Art Gallery (MAG)

  • What it is: University of Rochester’s museum featuring over 13,000 artworks across 5,000 years—from Egyptian antiquities to modern masters like Monet and Kusama.
  • Highlights: Diverse art collection, bi-annual Rochester-Finger Lakes Exhibition, Sculpture Garden.  
  • Why go: Ideal for conference attendees looking for contemplative art experiences in a beautiful, easily accessible setting. 

The Strong National Museum of Play

  • What it is: The world’s largest museum dedicated to the history and experience of play. Explore immersive exhibits featuring toys, video games, pinball, and more—including the National Toy Hall of Fame and a year-round butterfly garden.
  • Highlights: Indoor Game Park, Skyline Climb ropes course, Reading Adventureland, Sesame Street set, enormous console controllers, tropical Butterfly Garden.
  • Why go: Engaging for all ages—hands-on fun, a museum for grown-ups who love games, and a nostalgic trip for adults. 

George Eastman Museum

  • What it is: The world’s oldest photography museum, housed in George Eastman’s historic mansion, with manicured gardens.
  • Highlights: Photography and film history exhibits, daily film screenings, elegant gardens, and mansion tours.
  • Why go: A cultural and visual feast for art lovers, photography students, and film enthusiasts alike. 

Highland Park

  • What it is: A historic arboretum designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, home to over 1,200 lilac shrubs, it's the site of North America’s largest Lilac Festival every May.
  • Highlights: Lilac glades, magnolias, rhododendrons, rock garden, historic Warner Castle & amphitheater hosting Shakespeare & concerts.
  • Why go: Perfect for a picnic or relaxing stroll in a serene, picturesque setting during any season of the year. 

Susan B. Anthony House and Museum

  • What it is: The preserved home and national historic landmark of suffragist Susan B. Anthony and where she was arrested in 1872.
  • Highlights: Guided tours, insightful exhibits on the fight for women’s suffrage, engaging storytelling.
  • Why go: A significant historical experience celebrating activism and equality—ideal for education and inspiration. 

Genesee Brew House 

  • What it is: A brewpub and mini-museum located on the original Genesee Brewery campus (dating to 1878), featuring interactive exhibits, a pilot brewery, pub food, a gift shop, and a rooftop deck overlooking High Falls.
  • Highlights: Indoor pub space plus rooftop deck with panoramic river and waterfall views.
  • Why go: Relax with a beer and casual bites while taking in one of Rochester’s best waterfall views. Bonus: there's a free, large parking lot onsite.