Alexander Street is one of the city’s longest-running nightspots. In the past couple of years, its energy has spread around the corner to East Avenue, making East & Alexander a prime destination for partygoers. A relatively sedate business district by day, the area comes alive at night, drawing professionals from across the age spectrum. Slow-moving cars are as likely to be Volvo station wagons as chickmobiles. Live and DJ music resonates from practically every restaurant and watering hole, and all the clubs are within easy walking distance of one another.

Restaurants

Some of the city’s trendiest and most attractive restaurants are right here at East & Alexander. They serve Mexican, continental and fusion cuisine in beautifully restored and renovated spaces. Mex has converted a 19th century house into a colorful Latin American bistro. The Bamba Bistro is enjoying renewed vitality. With new owners, Rochester’s grandame has a new name, a revitalized menu and an interior makeover. Situated in a factory loft, Soho East draws well-dressed crowds for drinks and late-night dancing. Cosmo 344 is a new restaurant in the same building. Downstairs at Daisy Duke, country fans ride the mechanical bull. Veneto Wood Fired Pizza and Pasta is in demand for its homey Italian dishes. The wait staff at the Old Toad sport real British accents and the menu to match. Rubino’s, a citywide favorite for imported Italian foods, prepares sandwiches and soups during the day. For late-night hots and hamburgers, there’s Roc City Hots.

Main thoroughfares: East and Alexander streets
Parking: Free on Alexander, East (after 5) and side streets. Pay lot behind Old Toad on Alexander links to East and Union.

Bars

Alexander Street Pub: Bar, grill and dance club. 291 Alexander St.; 262-3820
The Bamba Bistro: Upscale lounge and patio. 282 Alexander St.; 244-8680
Bar Fly: Bar connected to Karma 355. 359 East Ave.; 232-5630
Blue Room: Martinis, casual, outdoor deck. 293 Alexander St.; 232-2230
Five 50 Pub & Grill at Strathallan Hotel: 550 East Ave.; 461-5010
Coyote Joe’s: East Avenue and Alexander Street; 232-7170
Daisy Dukes: Country music, mechanical bull. 336 East Ave.; 325-4441
Karma 355: Contemporary bar, DJ. 355 East Ave.; 454-7010
Mex Restaurant, Bar & Patio: Full bar and restaurant with Mexican flair. 295 Alexander St.; 262-3060
Monty’s Korner: Imported drafts and soccer on the telly. 355 East Ave.; 263-7650
Muther’s: DJ dancing, drag shows. 40 S. Union St.; 325-6216
The Old Toad: Authentic British pub. 277 Alexander St.; 232-2626
Pig-N-Whistle: 7 Lawrence St. 546-6150
Riffs: Wine and piano bar. 330 East Ave.; 325-2010
Soho East: Light and airy modern bar, DJ. 336 East Ave.; 325-7720
Whiskey Bar & Lounge: DJ dancing, pool table. 315 Alexander St.; 232-7550

Live music: The Old Toad; Monty’s Korner; Whiskey Bar & Lounge