Monroe & Park

As a native Rochesterian, I take pride in spending time in my city. Even though I grew up in the area, Rochester is one of those places that seems to have endless discovery opportunities.

One pocket of the city that captivates locals and tourists alike are the Park & Monroe Avenue neighborhoods. I recently spent a Saturday exploring “Park/Monroe,” and it certainly was a day well spent.

Park Your Car, Stay A While

Park Avenue is artsy, hip, and memorable. Home to adorable boutiques and tasty restaurants – from coffee shops to late-night bites, Sunday brunch to date night fare, there’s something for everyone here in Rochester's highly walkable neighborhood.

To start my Saturday on Park, I went to Pearson’s Market and Café, a relatively new spot that quickly captivates. In addition to a large beverage menu, Pearson’s serves breakfast and lunch daily. General Manager Lisa Brayda says, “We value creating an environment that exudes warmth and the genuine care of hospitality.”

After enjoying a cappuccino, I was ready for something sweet. If you’re on Park with a sweet tooth, going to Caramel Bakery and Bar is always a good decision. With a pastry case that changes every two weeks, including vegan and gluten-free options, Caramel is a great choice.

Next, I stopped in to Figgy Studio & Shop – my absolute favorite place to grab a gift for a friend (or myself). Owners Ellie Rothfuss and Crystal Stanley started their business in 2017 by crafting smallbatch, high quality, affordable jewelry for everyone right in their own dining rooms. Ellie and Crystal say, “Since then, we have discovered a love and passion for working with natural gemstones, a variety of metals, and polymer clay." Figgy now features their jewelry as well as handcrafted items from over 70 local artists. One final shout out for Park Avenue is Pourin’ Joy, a neighborhood cocktail bar that Joe Joy and Adam Kirkpatrick opened in May 2022. Adam says, “Our goal is to create a fun and uplifting atmosphere for everyone in our community to come and enJOY together.” With stellar hospitality and amazing staff, this gem on Park will be a hit this summer – and year-round.

Monroe Avenue is quite long and spans from the village of Pittsford, through Brighton, into the heart of Rochester.

First, I stopped in Archivist Books, a Black and queer-owned independent bookstore by Dartmouth Street that opened in March this year. Owner Taylor Thomas says, “Archivist Books is a place where queer people can see themselves reflected on every book on the shelf.” The small yet mighty store is a fantastic addition to our community.

Next, I made a visit to Archimage, a store that, in my mind, represents the spirit of Monroe Avenue. First opened in 1983, I think of a visit to this place as an adventure in a bottle. Original owner, Yong Bom Kim-Fredell describes Archimage as “Mary Poppin’s carpet bag –it is endless,” with eclectic items of all kinds. I always cheer up in Archimage – with the dozens of toys, beautiful jewelry, practical kitchen utensils, and funky socks, it’s hard not to smile by the time you walk out the door.

I made sure to go to Stem Rochester, because I am their biggest fan. On special occasions, I treat myself to a new houseplant from Stem’s bewitching collection. In honor of the day’s journey through the neighborhood, I chose a beautiful jade plant that now resides happily in my kitchen. I cannot recommend Stem enough – you’ll grow to love their selection quickly.

If you're looking for a treat, try CRUMPETS on Monroe Ave. - with its bright blue exterior, you can't miss it! This beautiful café offers the community homemade crumpets, made fresh daily, along with an extensive tea selection and scrumptious homemade seasonal jams and marmalades. Stop in for a breakfast crumpet egg and cheese "sandwich," or indulge in a weekly special that can be savory (crumpets and gravy, anyone?) or sweet, like clotted cream with fresh lemon curd and jam.

My adventures for the day didn’t end here! I traveled up the road a bit to Pane Vino in Pittsford. Pane Vino is a favorite of mine for pasta, pizza, and sandwiches. The classy yet casual ambiance is the perfect spot for nearly every occasion. I also love their greens & beans, a staple of garlicky deliciousness that is a must at the restaurant! I recommend Pane Vino to anyone looking for a good nosh.

Park + Monroe = A Delightful Pairing

My Saturday was one for the books. What a delight it is to explore new places, spend time in familiar favorites, and appreciate a great day in my hometown. I have a soft spot for the Park/Monroe Avenue neighborhood. It has its own personality, and I rate it 10/10.