An EMS'ers Guide to Rochester Eats & Drinks
Coming to the Vital Signs Conference? Check This Out.
Hey everyone. The New York State Emergency Medical Services Vital Signs Conference for 2024 is coming up soon. It’ll be held from October 16th through 20th at the Rochester Convention Center, which means its time to start planning where you’re gonna eat, drink and be merry in Rochester!

After a 24 year stint as a NYS Certified EMT or Paramedic, I know that EMS folks like to cut loose a little bit and enjoy the after-hours activities when attending a conference. As someone who is now discovering all the cool places Rochester has to offer, I wanted to send some of that information your way.
Now, I will say this: Rochester has all the chains, and if that’s your thing, great! Located on or near Jefferson Road in Henrietta, or on West Ridge Road in Greece, they are not too hard to get to. In fact, for being a decent-sized city, Rochester is pretty easy to get around, with no real traffic problems unless there is a crash or construction. Sure, you can get caught up in some of the morning or afternoon rush on the 90’s, or specifically around the University or Rochester Medical Center, but by and large, it’s not bad. There is a saying that goes: no place in Rochester is more than 20 minutes from any other place in Rochester and I find that to be pretty accurate.
Lots of great places to talk about so let’s get into it!
Breakfast
If you get the opportunity to head out for a morning meal, give the Highland Park Diner some serious consideration. It’s a Rochester landmark, having been around for decades. It’s a little on the small side, and it can be busy, but it’s worth the wait. Big portions of really good food, good coffee, quick service and cool art deco vibe. It’s located at the intersection of South Goodman & South Clinton. Another good option out on West Henrietta Road is Jay’s Diner, another stainless steel, art deco joint that is a little bit bigger. Original Steve’s Diner is another great breakfast option with a few locations around Monroe County.
Sammies
There is a long association with sandwiches in the Rochester food scene, and by sandwiches I mean subs. DiBella’s is probably the best-known with a bunch of locations around Rochester. The rolls are baked fresh daily and they offer a variety of different hot and cold varieties. If you find yourself at a Wegmans and want DiBella’s adjacent you could grab a sub there. Wegman’s used the DiBella’s sandwich as inspiration for theirs. Amiel’s is another great sandwich option on West Henrietta Road. In fact, I’d have to say this is my personal favorite sandwich joint in the Rochester area. Again with fresh baked rolls, but a little softer than the DiBella’s version. A turkey with provolone, lettuce, tomato and mayo is my go-to here, and I think its magnificent. Amiel’s will also offer to butter and toast your roll. Pair that with their roast beef for something really enjoyable.
Beer
OK, now it’s time to get into the good stuff. If you’re a fan of beer, Rochester has a bunch of great breweries and other joints where you can get a frosty mug. If you’re also a fan of a crazy amount of choices, Beerhead Bar & Eatery is a place you’re going to dig! With dozens of beers on tap, and dozens more available by the can or bottle, it’s almost impossible to not find something to try. They also have really good pizza, and you can get a Bavarian pretzel the size of a hubcap, so what’s not to like? Located in Collegetown at the intersection of East Henrietta Road, West Henrietta Road, Crittenden Boulevard, and Mt. Hope Avenue, its right around the corner from the University of Rochester Medical Center, meaning you can watch the ambulances and helicopters come and go while you enjoy.
If a local brewery is more your speed, try Swiftwater Brewing on Mt. Hope Avenue. Serving a number of beers brewed using as many local ingredients as possible and well as a simple menu of hearty food, Swiftwater is one of my go-to spots. I can’t speak to the food, but the beer is excellent and the atmosphere is relaxed, a perfect combination.
Asian
Located on Monroe Avenue, Han Noodle Bar serves up a variety of hot noodle-based dishes and other Chinese food. The scallion pancakes are outstanding, as is the cumin beef. In fact, anything I’ve had from here has been outstanding and quick. They do have in-restaurant seating as well as take-out and delivery options.
If you’re feeling Sushi, I can’t recommend Umai Revolving Sushi highly enough. A relative newcomer to the Rochester food scene, Umai is nonetheless busy all the time for dinner, but they are open for lunch as well. They don’t do reservations, but the food is worth a wait, especially if you’ve never had the revolving sushi experience. Check them out!
Dinner
One of my favorite places to go for a nice dinner is The Cub Room. Located on South Clinton Ave in the South Wedge neighborhood, The Cub Room offers up American food with some Italian influences and great cocktails in a very cool, below street-level space that has an industrial feel. Pretty casual as far as dress goes, and plenty of space if you have a bigger party. Try the Devils on Horseback appetizer. You won’t be sad that you did!
If you’re looking for a place closer to downtown, then Native Eatery & Bar might suit your needs. Located in the 3 City Center building on South Clinton Ave, Native is an upscale casual place offering American food such as steaks, burgers, salads and chicken, the food is great, and the bar puts out really good cocktails as well.
Cocktails
OK, here we go, it’s the one you’ve been waiting for - cocktails! For any of you who have read some of my other recent newsletters, you’ll know where this is going. The Revelry, on University Ave, is a must visit joint if you’re a cocktail enthusiast. It’s easily my favorite cocktail bar in Rochester, offering a really cool vibe, funky decor and bartenders who can make seriously good cocktails. In addition to being a great bar, The Revelry is also a restaurant. While I haven’t eaten there, I can say that if the food is as good as the drinks they mix then it’ll be pretty damn good. Try it! You won’t regret it!
Another place that makes some mean cocktails is Nosh, On Russell Street. This is another restaurant where I haven’t eaten, but I will say that on a recent trip here I was served what was probably the best Manhattan I’ve ever had.
Finally, I want to mention another place that is rapidly becoming a personal favorite - a joint called Roux. It’s a small French Bistro type place in the super cool and vibrant Park Avenue neighborhood. Ask for the Sazerac. It’s spectacular, and the food is really great too.
I could keep going, and I really can’t stress enough that these are just a few of the places that I have been and really like. Rochester has so many more great restaurants and bars that this newsletter could go on, and on, and on. Visit Rochester has a pretty extensive of list of eateries and drinking establishments as well, so check that site out too of you’re looking for something that you didn’t find here.
You might be wondering where I’ll be for the duration of the conference? Well, I’ll be working, which means Saturday the 19th and Sunday the 20th I’ll be manning the Kessler Trauma Center booth in the Vital Signs Conference vendor area, so stop by and say hello! Learn a little bit about what we do, check out the Trauma Truck, and maybe pick up a little swag. We’d love to see you!
You can also hit me up and let me know where you’ll be hanging for the evening, maybe our paths will cross! See you soon, and I hope you enjoy your time in Rochester!