The East End is driving a renaissance in 24/7 city living with its own stamp of jazzy/bluesy sophistication. The cultural heart of Rochester, it is centered on East Avenue and stretches through side streets north to Main Street. New condos, townhouses and restaurants, some carved out of car dealerships that once filled the area, have brought renewed energy to this downtown neighborhood. Anchoring the East End is the Eastman School of Music on Gibbs Street, whose students and faculty perform at Eastman Theatre, Kilbourn Hall and area cafes such as Java’s and Spot Coffee. The Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra plays in Eastman Theatre, which has just completed a dramatic renovation. Blackfriars Theatre, the Little Theatre and Rochester Contemporary lend additional flavors of visual and theatrical art.

Standout local musicians and touring marquee acts headline local clubs, including Milestones Restaurant & Music Room. The bar scene ranges from the upscale lounge at Max of Eastman Place to casual watering holes such as Richmond’s and Salinger’s. The East End is just a short walk to East & Alexander, another hot night spot.

Restaurants

Restaurants in the East End rank among favorites for cuisine that is out of the ordinary. Max of Eastman Place is known for seasonal dishes that spotlight locally produced foods. Cozy Restaurant 2 Vine, with its open kitchen and sprawling bar, draws big crowds every weekend. Tournedo’s Restaurant is a steakhouse in the Inn on Broadway. Alexandria, serving Greek cuisine, is a favorite stop for theater- and concert-goers. Golden Port Dim Sum, House of Sushi and Lin’s Garden Chinese Restaurant offer affordable Asian cuisine. Office workers pile into Rosey’s Italian Café for lunch during the week. For a diner-style breakfast or lunch, go to Mitch’s Restaurant, Flour City Diner or Center Stage Café. You’ll find pub food at Richmond’s and Matthew’s East End Grill. For lighter fare, try Orange Glory Café, Little Theatre Cafe (with live jazz on weekends), Stromboli Express, Java’s and Little Bakery. Java’s, Spot Coffee and Backstage Coffee House (located inside the Eastman School) are popular with students and professionals.

Main thoroughfares: East, Main, Gibbs and Chestnut streets
Parking: MetroCenter Garage (enter at Swan, Scio and Main), East (free after 5) and side streets

Bars

Alexandria: Full bar in a Greek restaurant. 120 East Ave.; 232-6180
Eastman Lounge: Casual bar, salsa lessons. 109 East Ave.; 232-6000
Havana Moe’s Beer & Wine Lounge: Casual bar, cigar lounge. 125 East Ave.; 325-1030
Joey’s: Neighborhood tavern. 561 E. Main St.; 325-9223
Little Theatre Café: Café serving wine and beer. 240 East Ave.; 258-0413
Matthew’s East End Grill: Casual, outdoor seating. 200 East Ave.; 454-4280
Max of Eastman Place: Upscale bar, live music. 387 E. Main St.; 697-0491
Milestones Restaurant and Music Room: Live entertainment, casual bar. 170 East Ave.; 325-6490
Restaurant 2 Vine: French bistro and bar; 24 Winthrop St.; 454-6020
Richmond’s: Bar, live music, late-night menu. 21 Richmond St.; 454-4612
Salinger’s Bar: Bar, pool table, darts. 107 East Ave.; 546-6880
Tara Lounge: Casual, piano and gay bar. 153 Liberty Pole Way; 232-4719

Live music: Java’s; Little Theatre Café; Max of Eastman Place; Milestones; Montage Grille and Music; Richmond’s; Spot Coffee