Gifts, Grub, & Drinks: Explore the Public Market District for the Holidays
Shining lights are hung, and winter festivals have begun in Downtown Rochester. Dare we say we’re just waiting for some more snow to complete the vibes? Luckily for us — snow or not — our Railroad St. location is in the heart of holiday spirit in the Public Market District. When planning to bring friends and family to grab a brew and bite, check out some other local businesses in the area and make a day out of it! Mister Rogers’ “It’s a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood” immediately comes to mind when thinking about all the cheer in the city.
So put on your favorite pair of gloves and tell visiting family and friends they’re in for a treat! There’s truly something for everyone at the Public Market, from produce, sugary desserts, and hot cacao to artwork, music, and crafts (and, to relieve any anxiety, there’s also ample parking). Every shop and restaurant in this area is only a stroll away — literally, everything is within walking distance.
Gifts
Jump right in by visiting during one of the City of Rochester’s Holidays at the Market events to browse hand-crafted and specialty items for sale. Visit Santa, take a horse-drawn carriage ride, shop locally sourced ingredients for cooking holiday meals and baking sweets for parties, pick out the perfect fresh-cut tree and a wreath to go with it, and do it all while sipping on a warm beverage. The events feature a variety of vendors ready to help you find suitable gifts for everyone in your life. Upcoming Holidays at the Market are on Sunday, December 10, 8am–2pm, and Thursday, December 14, 6–9pm. The Public Market is open every Tuesday and Thursday, 5am–1pm, and Saturday, 6am–3pm.
Warehouse127 & Elements: curated home goods shops where you’ll find a present for the person who just bought a new home and is looking for furnishings, wall hangings, decor, or seasonal candles (and buy a little something for yourself)
Dellarious: the bright yellow and blue buildings along the back edge of the market sits a local artist’s shop full of Rochester themed prints, apparel, postcards, and other goods
The Yards Collective: a few doors down from Dellarious, The Yards is an art studio/gallery with events, vintage clothing, and artworks for sale
Grub & Cocktails
From famous local quick bites to some of the finest restaurants you’ll find anywhere, there’s some incredible culinary experiences happening at the market. This is the place you bring those friends that moved away and say “Rochester doesn’t have good restaurants”. It’ll be hard to resist buying something from vendors, all while smelling lingering scents in the air from surrounding restaurants. Here’s a few to add to your list during the holidays:
Public Provisions: new to the market, a full-service cafe and restaurant in collaboration with Flour City Bread and the incredibly talented Chef Cassidy Broman, bringing a very special experience at the market
Java’s: a market coffee staple, grab one to go and wander through the vendors on Thursdays, Saturdays, and select holiday Sundays
Giordano European Cheese Shop: like stepping into a shop in Europe, you’ll find amazing cheeses and delicatessen meats for all your holiday gatherings
Juan & Maria’s Empanadas: Another long-time market staple, Juan & Maria’s family serves up the best empanadas in the city
And then there are the restaurants you’ll want to reserve a bit more time for to really soak up all their flavor…
Fiorella: next door to Giordano European Cheese Shop, open early afternoons and nights for traditional farm-to-table Italian fare
Velvet Belly: beautiful ambiance and a large wrap-around bar, this newer spot serves up seafood and other dishes inspired by coastal cuisine from around the world, and the cocktails are worth the nightcap
Cure: French cuisine and impeccable ambiance in a cozy, romantic ambiance
Bitter Honey: a couple of doors down from us, serving up family-style authentic Mexican fare and some of the best margaritas you’ll find, plus it’s another beautiful spot with murals from local artists
Rohrbach Railroad St. Beer Hall: And don’t forget us! Stop in the beer hall for locally sourced wood-fired pizzas and other fare to pair with our fresh-from-the-brewery brews, NYS wines, and select cocktails.
Katboocha: available on draft and in cans to-go, their kombucha is like unwrapping a present every time, plus this funky good-vibes spot offers light food and vegan options
There’s so much to discover in the Public Market District! From cocktails and fine dining to N/A and cultural imports, you could spend all day in the district and just scratch the surface. We hope to see you down here!
