Rochester once was known as the Flour City for all the wheat grinding it did in mills along the river. Today, Browns Race, a national register historic district, marks the spot. The area sits above the Genesee River gorge right next to the thundering High Falls. Visitors can view the falls day or night from the Pont de Rennes bridge, a pedestrian walkway named after Rochester’s sister city in France. Other worthy stops: Center at High Falls Gallery and High Falls Museum, 60 Browns Race. During the day, ad agencies, tech companies and engineering firms fill the former industrial buildings. At night, brick-paved streets make it a favorite location for outdoor concerts and festivals. Area bars and restaurants cater to soccer and baseball fans who come to High Falls before or after games at nearby Frontier Field. (The stadium sits in the shadow of Eastman Kodak Co.’s headquarters on State Street.) Later on, club hoppers come in search of the area’s dance clubs.

Restaurants

From an upscale dinner to a muffin and coffee, High Falls offers a variety of dining options. All are housed in repurposed factory buildings—with all the brick, wood and natural light you’d expect. Jimmy Mac’s Bar & Grill is a neighborhood bar; you can dine on the patio overlooking the river gorge. Triphammer Grill serves eclectic cuisine in a cozy, upscale atmosphere—with seating indoors and outside overlooking the falls. McFadden’s Restaurant and Saloon is an Irish pub serving soups, salads, sandwiches and wraps. Well-known dueling pianists perform at Keys Martini & Piano Bar, which serves everything from chicken wings to lobster tails. Rubino’s Italian Submarines is open for lunch and early dinner. Spin Caffe serves coffee (roasted on-site) and light fare—with wireless Internet access. High Falls Deli and Café and Hip Cup Coffee are recent additions to the neighborhood.

Main thoroughfares: State, Commercial and Platt streets
Parking: Meters on State Street (free after 5), High Falls Garage

Bars

Jimmy Mac’s Bar & Grill: Casual bar. 104 Platt St.; 232-5230
Keys Martini & Piano Bar: Dueling pianos. 233 Mill St.; 232-KEYS
McFadden’s Restaurant and Saloon: Irish pub. 60 Browns Race; 325-1250
Saddle Ridge Entertainment Resort: Country music, line dancing. 61 Commercial St.
Tiki Bob’s Cantina: Nightclub, DJ music. 60 Browns Race; 325-2430
Triphammer Grill: Upscale eatery with bar area. 60 Brown’s Race; 262-2700

Live music: Keys Martini & Piano Bar; McFadden’s