Sharing a blocky, nondescript building at the Genesee Regional Market with Lori’s Natural Foods, Sodam serves up traditional Korean fare, starting with that yummy assortment of little appetite whetters called banchan. Then the problem is trying to choose from among all the favorites, like the crispy rice-flour pancake known as jeon, savory-sweet beef bulgogi, and an array of filling soup and noodle options, vegetarian and otherwise.
Granted, Ristorante Lucano doesn’t exactly jump out at you, its facade similar to the other tenants in its strip-mall location. But inside the Formosa family is serving up beautifully prepared Southern Italian food that’s among the best and most authentic in Rochester. Lucano’s slightly upscale offerings go beyond basic red sauce to include seafood, lamb, and chicken preparations, as well as occasional specials like braised rabbit, cioppino and osso buco. Make sure to check out Lucano’s specialty shop next door, selling imported Italian foods as well as Lucano’s own housemade sauces and sausages.
Running solely on wood, the pizza oven at the heart of the open kitchen in the cozy Fiamma hails from Italy and turns out what many consider to be the area’s best and most authentic pies. Fiamma’s charming decor is as unpretentious as its menu, which offers over a dozen traditional and specialty pizzas, along with tempting salads and starters, hearty pasta dishes, seafood, and several entrées featuring chicken, steak, and that Italian classic, baccala.
Despite the LGBTQ-friendly vibe, Equal=Grounds is no more a gay coffeehouse than it is a straight one. This comfy, funky space is a great option for anyone looking to chat with friends, monkey around on the internet, play a board game, or enjoy a latte with a good book. Equal=Grounds offers light fare, baked goods, hot and cold coffee drinks, smoothies, and ice cream during the warm-weather months.
242-7840
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Café, Pub Fare, Breakfast, Café, Full bar, Live music, Irish, Bakery, Pub, Restaurant, Sunday brunch, Wheelchair accessible, Trivia night, Outdoor seating
It’s a pub! It’s a bakery! It’s a café! Barry’s Old School Irish covers all its bases from morning till night, starting with offerings like a full Irish breakfast, then Shepherd’s Pie and hand-patted burgers, plus weekly dinner specials like corned beef and cabbage every Thursday. Irish-inspired bakery items like Guinness cake are on hand, as is a full bar at which you’ll find what Danny and Jessica Barry claim to be the largest selection of Irish whiskeys in the area.
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Bakery, General Fare, Bakery, Beer/wine, Breads, Breakfast, Restaurant, Sunday brunch, Takeout, Vegetarian, Wheelchair accessible
Globes and maps decorate Atlas Eats, a cheerful brunch-n-lunch eatery whose dishes draw inspiration from all over the planet. Opposite the open kitchen is the bakeshop, which offers up breads, cakes, biscuits, hand pies, and cookies. Friday and Saturday evenings are the Edible Atlas dinner series, where chef Gerry Brinkman creates a prix-fixe menu devoted to a specific cuisine.
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Japanese, Craft cocktails, Full bar, Japanese, Late night, Restaurant, Sunday brunch, Sushi, Takeout, Vegetarian, Wheelchair accessible, Wings
Of course Banzai Sushi & Cocktail Bar, by Piranha chef/owner Nic Grammatico, showcases sushi in the form of sashimi, nigiri, and torched tataki, along with a selection of creative maki. This cute eatery also offers soups and salads with Asian flavors, as well as a dim sum menu and daily specials, serving into the wee hours on weekend nights. Craft cocktails, beer, wine, and sake are available, and Banzai does Sunday brunch.
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Café, General Fare, Venues, Breakfast, Café, Catering, Live music, Outdoor seating, Sunday brunch, Takeout, Wheelchair accessible
Named in honor of the year --- and located on the site --- that Susan B. Anthony was arrested for casting her then-illegal vote, in 1872.
730-7687
http://www.1872cafe.com