Stretching from the Inner Loop to Culver Road, Monroe Avenue has a funky, eclectic style with deep roots in hippie culture. The avenue serves as “Main Street” for the neighborhood. Urban energy is evident around the clock. Shops are open late on weekends, offering unusual clothing, shoes, poster art, jewelry, antiques and used books. College students frequent the area’s sports bars and dance clubs—and then stop at its late-night eateries to refuel. Night spots along Monroe Avenue include Bug Jar, Monty’s Krown, J.D. Oxford’s, Jeremiah’s Tavern and Woody’s.

Restaurants

Monroe Avenue is one of the single best locations in Rochester for sheer diversity of menu choices at reasonable prices. Among the cuisines: Indian (India Cafe, Raj Mahal), Mediterranean (Olive Tree, Aladdin’s Natural Eatery and Oasis Mediterranean Bistro), Vietnamese (Dac Hoa, Le Lemon Grass), fusion (Lola Bistro), Chinese and Japanese (Ming’s II, Plum House Japanese Restaurant, Hunan Wok) and vegetarian (New Health Cafe). Avenue mainstay Jeremiah’s Tavern, which offers a full menu, is best known for its Buffalo wings and Friday-night fish fry. Basta Pasta serves up American Italian. Mark’s Hots and Gitsis Texas Hots are great places for inexpensive diner food and fascinating people-watching, especially late at night. For pizza and subs, there’s Corky’s Craving Parlor, Acme Bar & Pizza, Domino’s, Gina’s Sub Shop, Mark’s Pizzeria, Pizza Hut and Sal’s New York Pizzeria. Country Sweet offers popular chicken and ribs. Bagels, doughnuts, sandwiches and soups are made fresh at Bruegger’s Bagel Bakery and Dunkin’ Donuts. For coffee and snacks, try Starbucks. If in the midst of all this home cooking you still want only fast food, Monroe Avenue has Arby’s and McDonald’s.

Main thoroughfare: Monroe Avenue
Parking: Free on Monroe and side streets.
(Choose your spot carefully; tow trucks take their job seriously.)

Bars

Acme Bar & Pizza: Neighborhood bar serving pizza. 495 Monroe Ave.; 271-2263
The Avenue Pub: Gay bar. 522 Monroe Ave.; 244-4960
Bug Jar: Live alternative music and DJ. 219 Monroe Ave.; 454-2966
Damian’s: Beer pong and drink specials. 81 Marshall St.; 232-1320
Enright’s Thirst Parlor: Neighborhood tavern. 582 Monroe Ave.; 271-0170
J.J. Flynn’s: Casual bar. 470 Monroe Ave.; 244-7077
J.D. Oxford’s Pub: Darts, full bar. 636 Monroe Ave.; 256-0580
Jeremiah’s Tavern: Casual dining, bar. 1104 Monroe Ave.; 461-1313
Monty’s Krown: British pub, live music. 875 Monroe Ave.; 263-7650
O’Callaghan’s: Contemporary Irish pub, deck. 470 Monroe Ave.; 271-7190
Spike’s: Neighborhood bar. 655 Monroe Ave.; 242-4880
The Sports Page Restaurant and Bar: Sports bar and restaurant. 499 Monroe Ave.; 271-8460
Woody’s: Sports bar. 236 Monroe Ave.; 546-6900

Live music: Bug Jar; Lola Bistro; Monty’s Krown