GEEK & POP CULTURE PLACES WHERE THE LOCALS GO

Cultural Influence

Rochester NY is known for many things like lilacs, festivals, and Kodak. Over the last decade, a long list of pop and geek culture inspired cafes, restaurants, and experiences have emerged, adding “pop culture” to its regional and national influence. 

Community Influence

It’s no doubt that Rochester is evolving into a city where folks want to work, stay and play. We put together a list of some local businesses in our area that “serve the nerd”. Some might say all these businesses listed are competitors. We say we’re all pitching in to try and make Rochester NY a safe city for all to enjoy. We hope you take time to check everyone out and let us know your favorite place to geek out.

THE NERDY NINE

POP ROC CEREAL BAR & COMIC SHOP

Location: 45 Euclid Street, Rochester NY 14604

Established: 2017

Website: poprochester.com

Google Reviews: 4.7/5 Stars

Best known for: Comics, collectibles, caffeine, and creativity in the kitchen.

Hours: Currently open on Wednesdays 10am to 2pm

STRONG MUSEUM OF PLAY

Location: 1 Manhattan Square Dr, Rochester, NY 14607

Established: 1968

Website: museumofplay.org

Google Reviews: 4.8/5 Stars

Best known for: Nationally recognized as being an interactive children’s museum and history museum. They are also the only collection-based museum devoted to the study of play.

Hours: Open 7 days a week, 10am to 5pm with the exception of Friday where they are open until 8pm.

NOX COCKTAIL LOUNGE

Location: 302 Goodman St N #403 Rochester, NY 14607 (inside The Village Gate)

Established: 2014

Website: noxcocktail.com

Google Reviews: 4.5/5 Stars

Best known for: Their laid back nerd lounge vibe serving handcrafted cocktails and comfort food.

Hours: Sunday 11am-2pm Brunch, Wednesday-Thursday  5pm-10pm, Friday-Saturday 5pm-12pm

THE PLAYHOUSE/SWILLBURGER

Location: 4820 S Clinton Ave, Rochester, NY 14620

Established: 2015

Website: theplayhouseroc.com

Google Reviews: 4.5/5 Stars

Best known for: Their vintage arcade games and keeping the menu simple while staying committed to sustainable food practices.

Hours: Open Thursday thru Sunday. Visit the website for bar and game hours

RADIO SOCIAL

Location: 320 Carlson Rd, Rochester, NY 14610

Established: 2014

Website: radio-social.com

Google Reviews: 4.4/5 Stars

Best known for: Their vintage vibe and fun entertainment like bowling and serving pizza and Middle Eastern food. 

Hours: Wednesday & Thursday 4:30pm – 10pm , Friday 4:30pm – 12am , Saturday 3pm– 12am, Sunday 11am – 2pm

SKYLARK LOUNGE

Location: 40 South Union St. Rochester, NY 14607

Established: 2011

Website:.theskylarklounge.com

Google Reviews: 4.5/5 Stars

Best known for: Their meatballs.

Hours: Tuesday - Thursday: 4pm-12am, Friday & Saturday: 4pm-2am

PLAYERZ ZONE

Location: 49 W Commercial St Suite 1320, East Rochester, NY 14445

Established: 2020

Website:.playerzzone.com

Google Reviews: 4.6/5 Stars

Best known for: Being a sports bar dedicated to gaming like PS4 and Xbox

Hours: Thursday & Friday 4pm - 2am, Saturday 11am - 2am, and Sunday 11am - 12am

LUX LOUNGE

Location: 666 South Avenue, Rochester NY 14620

Established: 2002

Website: lux666.com

Google Reviews: So cool, we can’t find em on Google. Yelp Reviews: 4/5 Stars

Best known for: An eclectic environment that welcomes everyone.

Hours: 7 days a week, 4pm to 2am

NERDVANA

Location: Expected to open in Rochester, NY in 2022! Their exact location has yet to be disclosed, however, we are to believe it will be somewhere in the Neighborhood of Play. Their current location is 5757 Main Street #112 & #111, Frisco, TX 75034.

Established: 2016

Website: nerdvanafrisco.com

Google Reviews: 4.5/5 Stars

Best known for: Serving made to order food while guests entertain themselves with video and board games.

Hours: Not available in Rochester, NY as of February 2022

ADD TO THE LIST

Leave a comment with your favorite place to geek out and why!