15 Best Coffee Shops in Rochester NY

By:

Dana Dupree

Last Updated:

Rochester NY is a bustling city on the southern shore of Lake Ontario, that combines historic charm with modern innovation. The city’s unique character and diverse landscapes provide an engaging setting for a blossoming coffee scene that appeals to casual coffee drinkers and seasoned aficionados alike.

Rochester’s treasures are plentiful. Its rich history is captured in the grandeur of the George Eastman Museum, the world’s oldest photography museum and the former estate of Kodak’s founder. Art enthusiasts are drawn to the Memorial Art Gallery, while families delight in the Strong National Museum of Play.

Rochester’s natural beauty shines at the High Falls and the Genesee Riverway Trail, and there’s always excitement in the air with the city’s many festivals, including the world-famous Rochester International Jazz Festival.

Rochester’s downtown vibrancy, with a mix of vintage and contemporary architecture, sets the stage for an array of delightful coffee shops that reflect the city’s energy, innovation, and community spirit.

15 Best Coffee Shops in Rochester NY

Rochester’s coffee scene embraces everything from industrial-chic venues serving meticulously crafted brews, to homey, family-owned coffee shops that fill the air with the comforting aroma of freshly baked pastries and classic roasts.

We are here to guide you through some of Rochester’s best coffee shops, providing a glimpse into their ambiances, their standout brews, and the integral roles they play in the vibrant fabric of this city.

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Ugly Duck Coffee

Ugly Duck Coffee, located in the heart of Rochester, NY, is an inviting and cozy coffee shop that not only offers a delicious variety of coffee and espresso drinks but also showcases local art, adding an extra layer of charm to the atmosphere.

You’ll love sitting down and enjoying your favorite caffeinated beverage while admiring the beauty of the art that adorns their walls. The staff here are known for their expertise and can create delightful espresso drinks that’ll leave you craving more.

If you’re looking for a snack to go with your coffee, Ugly Duck Coffee offers a selection of fresh pastries, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. To make your experience even more enjoyable, the coffee shop offers free wifi, so you can work or catch up with friends online in a comfortable and serene environment.

Java’s Cafe

Java’s Cafe, a cherished destination for coffee enthusiasts in Rochester, NY, has been serving its loyal customers since 1992. Remarkably, there are two Java’s Cafes in town – one located on Gibbs St and the other nestled within Rochester Public Market. The latter, however, operates exclusively on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.

At Java’s Cafe, the delightful fragrance of locally roasted coffee greets you, creating a memorable experience. The unique ambiance, adorned with captivating artwork, enhances your morning or afternoon pick-me-up. Alongside its diverse range of ethically sourced coffee, Java’s also offers organic tea and invigorating smoothies.

But Java’s is more than just exceptional coffee. They have delectable baked goods, pastries, and breakfast options to perfectly complement your beverage. Whether you choose an outdoor table or a game of pool inside, the vibrant energy of this bustling cafe immerses you. A visit to Java’s Cafe revitalizes and connects you to the local community of Rochester.

Fuego Coffee Roasters

Fuego Coffee Roasters is a delightful local coffee shop based in Rochester, NY. As a micro-roaster, they’re passionate about connecting Rochester coffee lovers with the global coffee community.

Head over to Fuego for a warm and inviting atmosphere, where you can enjoy their fresh-roasted coffee, espresso, and a selection of delicious pastries. The friendly and knowledgeable staff ensures you’ll feel right at home while sipping on your favorite beverage.

As a coffee roaster, Fuego Coffee emphasizes the quality and flavor of its beans, which are sourced from farmers around the world. They are dedicated to providing a memorable experience by offering unique drinks like the Uncle Marble and their signature vanilla latte. Paired with some freshly baked treats or a light lunch, Fuego Coffee Roasters is the perfect spot for your next coffee break.

Glen Edith Coffee Roasters

Glen Edith Coffee Roasters is a beloved coffee shop located in Rochester, NY, known for its flavorful and expertly roasted coffee. As you step into their cozy space, you’ll immediately notice the warm atmosphere and welcoming staff.

With a keen focus on serving excellent pour-over coffee, you can trust that their knowledgeable baristas will prepare a delicious cup just for you. In addition to their coffee offerings, they also serve a selection of mouth-watering pastries and treats to delight your taste buds.

As a local coffee roaster, Glen Edith is dedicated to supporting the Rochester community through their passion for quality coffee and espresso. They take pride in sourcing, roasting, and brewing their beans with care, ensuring you receive a truly memorable coffee experience.

If you want to bring a bit of their expertise home, you can also purchase their freshly roasted coffee beans perfect for crafting your own cups of bliss.

Union Place Coffee Roasters

Union Place Coffee Roasters is a boutique coffee roasting house located in Rochester, NY. They are dedicated to sourcing green coffee beans from socially responsible importers and obsess over every detail involved in crafting the perfect cup of coffee.

Roasting in small batches allows for an attention to quality and taste that you can’t find everywhere. Their friendly staff and peaceful atmosphere make it a cozy spot to enjoy a good cup of espresso, tea, or French coffee.

As a local business, Union Place Coffee Roasters takes pride in its community involvement and commitment to serving home coffee brewers with fresh, small-batch beans they roast in-house. With an emphasis on crafting harmonious blends for a great-tasting beverage, Union Place Coffee Roasters sets itself apart as one of the best coffee shops in Rochester, NY.

Sips Coffee & Cafe

If you’re looking for a cozy coffee shop in Rochester, NY, look no further than Sips Coffee & Cafe. This welcoming spot, located at 149 Pattonwood Drive, is all about coffee and community.

With a focus on making their customers smile, Sips Coffee & Cafe provides a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere. This is the perfect place to unwind with a cup of coffee or tea, catch up on work, or simply soak in the local art displayed on the walls.

Not only do they serve a variety of coffee beverages, but they also offer a selection of tasty food options to satisfy your cravings. They champion all that is local, sharing their passion for coffee & community with their customers. Sips Coffee & Cafe is open Monday through Saturday from 7 am to 3 pm, and on Sundays from 8 am to 3 pm.

Canaltown Coffee Roasters

If you’re looking for a cozy, local coffee roaster in Rochester, NY, Canaltown Coffee Roasters is the perfect spot for you. This charming cafe is not only known for its freshly roasted coffee but also for its welcoming atmosphere.

As you step inside, the aroma of freshly brewed espresso and roasted beans will instantly make you feel at home. From espresso drinks to an array of drip coffee options, Canaltown Coffee Roasters truly has something to offer for every coffee lover.

The staff at Canaltown Coffee Roasters are passionate about providing the best coffee experience for their customers. With years of experience in the coffee industry, they are committed to delivering excellent customer service and exceptional coffee.

The laid-back ambiance and the presence of a friendly staff truly make this cafe stand out in Rochester. You’ll definitely want to make this your new go-to spot for your daily coffee fix.

Best Rochester cofffee shops
The Freddie-Sue Bridge of Rochester, New York

Coffee Connection

Coffee Connection, a community-focused coffee shop, has two locations in Rochester, NY. You can find one on South Avenue and another on Miracle Mile Drive. Their mission is to provide sustainable and fair-trade coffee while making a positive impact on the local community.

They go above and beyond by offering employment opportunities for women in recovery from addiction, creating a supportive and inclusive environment.

At Coffee Connection, you’ll experience a warm and inviting atmosphere, making it the perfect place to enjoy their high-quality coffee, tea, and delicious baked goods. What sets them apart is their dedication to environmental and social responsibility, making it a destination that combines great coffee with a meaningful cause.

Whether you visit their South Avenue or Miracle Mile Drive location, you’ll be supporting a coffee shop that truly makes a difference in the community.

Founders Cafe

Founders Cafe is a trendy coffeehouse located in The Academy Building in downtown Rochester. Known for its delightful coffee, tea, breakfast, brunch options, and scrumptious desserts, it’s an excellent choice for a morning pick-me-up or afternoon break.

Their award-winning micro roast coffees are perfectly complemented by a range of freshly baked goods, handmade soups, salads, sandwiches, wraps, and paninis. Made with only the freshest ingredients and artisan-baked bread, you’ll savor every bite.

Not only do they provide an exceptional coffee experience, but the atmosphere is inviting and friendly, making it a perfect spot to relax or meet up with friends. As you enjoy your visit, you’ll feel well cared for by the attentive and knowledgeable staff. Venture out to Founders Cafe for an unforgettable coffee shop experience in the heart of Rochester, NY.

The Chai Guy on Park Ave

If you’re looking to try some delicious chai and specialty drinks, The Chai Guy on Park Ave in Rochester, NY is the place to be! This local spot offers both hot and iced beverages, as well as a variety of baked goods, cookies, and snacks.

With its cozy atmosphere and friendly staff, it’s the perfect place to catch up with a friend or take a break from your busy day.

At The Chai Guy, you’re sure to find something to satisfy your taste buds with their selection of chai-tastic drinks. You can even purchase some of their merchandise online if you fall in love with their offerings. Don’t forget to check out their Facebook page for updates and information about upcoming events!

POP ROC

If you’re looking for a unique and vibrant coffee shop in Rochester, NY, POP ROC is the place for you! Offering more than just great coffee, POP ROC prides itself in sharing joy through food, service, and one-of-a-kind experiences.

As you step into this colorful space, you’ll be delighted by the mixture of pop culture, comic books, and exciting collectibles waiting to be explored.

In addition to serving delicious coffee and scrumptious snacks, POP ROC is also a hub for local art and entertainment. The welcoming atmosphere encourages patrons to engage with their community, spark creativity, and enjoy a safe space where everyone is welcome. While savoring your favorite brew, immerse yourself in the world of comics and connect with fellow coffee lovers and enthusiasts.

Gloria Jean’s Coffees

A local gem in Rochester, NY, Gloria Jean’s Coffees has been serving its loyal customers for over 28 years. You’ll find this cozy coffee shop at the Mall at Greece Ridge, perfect for refueling while shopping nearby.

Known for their expertly crafted hot and cold drinks, Gloria Jean’s Coffees boasts award-winning coffee and espresso beans. With a focus on high-quality ingredients and a great selection of vegan options, you’ll definitely enjoy the specialty drinks on offer!

The atmosphere at Gloria Jean’s Coffees is friendly and inviting, making it an ideal spot to catch up with friends or enjoy a quiet break with your favorite book. The cafe also offers a diverse range of smoothies, juices, and bakery items to please your palate. The knowledgeable staff are always happy to help you find the perfect drink to satisfy your caffeine craving – or indulge in a sweet treat!

Flat Iron Cafe

Flat Iron Cafe is a cozy coffee shop located in Rochester, NY, offering you a warm atmosphere to enjoy some freshly-brewed coffee and mouth-watering pastries.

As a local gem, this charming cafe is perfect for both your caffeine fixes and brunch cravings. You can look forward to indulging in their menu items crafted with love, using locally-sourced ingredients whenever possible.

When you step into Flat Iron Cafe, you’ll be met with friendly staff who are ready to assist you with your order and make your experience a delightful one. Whether you’re grabbing a cup of joe to go or settling in for a brunch date, this is a must-visit spot in Rochester for all coffee and brunch enthusiasts.

Boulder Coffee Co Cafe and Lounge

Boulder Coffee Co is a fabulous cafe and lounge located in Rochester, NY. As a hip and relaxed spot in the South Wedge neighborhood, you can enjoy their delicious direct-flame roasted coffee and espresso while soaking in the ambiance.

This Rochester coffee shop doubles as a music venue, where you can experience live performances and events from both local artists and those passing through town.

Not only does Boulder Coffee Co offer an exceptional coffee selection, but they also serve up a variety of tasty options for your taste buds. Indulge in a turmeric latte, cold brew, iced coffee, soy latte, hot chocolate, or get a boost with an espresso shot. Complement your drink with a choice of sandwiches, making for an ideal spot to grab a bite in a laid-back setting.

RoCoCo Coffee Co

RoCoCo Coffee Co is a feel-good coffee shop nestled in the heart of downtown Rochester, NY, at the Mercantile. This warm and welcoming cafe is known for its inspiring selection of ethically sourced coffee, espresso, and delectable local pastries. Its inviting atmosphere creates the perfect setting for you to relax and enjoy a delicious and unforgettable artisanal coffee experience.

Their coffee is crafted with care to satisfy both the seasoned coffee connoisseur and first-time visitor. Whether you prefer smooth and rich, fruity and light, or anything in between, RoCoCo Coffee Co truly has something for everyone.

Beyond that, their commitment to sourcing their coffee and pastries locally means that you’re not only supporting the local economy but also enjoying some of the freshest and highest-quality products available.

Wherever you are in Rochester NY there will always be plenty of coffee shops nearby, so it won’t be hard to find one. Our list of the best coffee shops in Rochester will help you make the right choice.

Hopefully, you will get the opportunity to check out at least one or two of the Rochester coffee shops we recommend.

Remember, the next time you get your phone out to search for the best coffee near me in Rochester just come back to this page instead and try out another of our recommendations.

Check out the best coffee shops in New York State in the other places in the state we cover.

Don’t forget to check out our selection of coffee shops in Buffalo, and West Village too.

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