Taking a Bite out of Main Street in Fairport

Known as the “Crown Jewel of the Erie Canal,” the village of Fairport has no shortage when it comes to the local food scene. Perhaps no one knows this better than Christine Montroy, the face behind Fairport Food and Drink, an Instagram account dedicated to supporting local small business and “eating, drinking, shopping, and enjoying all things Fairport, New York!”

A fourth-grade teacher in Fairport Schools, the blog initially began as a way for Christine and her husband, Jim— affectionally dubbed “Hubs”—to keep track of different dishes they enjoyed that grew into a partnership with the Fairport Perinton Merchants Association. Now every so often, Christine goes to a Fairport restaurant, introduces herself, and posts pictures of specialty dishes, favorite cocktails, or a satisfying cheese pull, all with the intention of drumming up interest in local establishments.

“I got into it because it was fun to do and I could give back and help the community,” she says. She highlights the growing expanse of businesses, as multiple owners branch out, collaborate, and adapt, saying, “Restaurant owners tend to help one another out, so there’s a real sense of interconnectivity.” (One such establishment is Clementine, a café and breakfast hotspot by day that transforms into LULU Taqueria + Mezcal by night, with entirely different offerings!)

More than a stop on the Erie Canal, Fairport has become a destination, and Christine is set on exploring every nook and cranny of its food scene! Keep an eye out for her specially designed Fairport Food and Drink stickers on display at local eateries.

Enjoy the Outdoors

Check out Fairport’s parks and trails. Perinton Park's new skate park brings fun, and the Thomas Creek Wetlands Walk offers the perfect spot to observe nature.

Train enthusiasts will love the viewing platform and authentic 1978 Conrail caboose. Stop by Junction361 to get coffee and a snack to enjoy during your train watch.

Spend time on the Erie Canal, walk the path, rent a kayak, or cruise on the Colonial Belle.

Stay A While

Woodcliff Hotel and Spa offers standard rooms as well as luxury suites with a restaurant and wine bar on the premises. Staying in the village within walking distance to various shops is also an option with a slew of Airbnbs, from apartments to whole-house shortterm rentals.

Canal Days is Always Exciting!

Summer kicks off with Canal Days in Fairport with the three-day event taking place the first weekend in June. Friday and Saturday feature Canal Nights, which continue the party after dark with live music throughout the village. Check out wares from local artisans, indulge in dishes from food trucks, and sate your curiosity by experiencing businesses you may not have otherwise. And no day is complete without a journey down the Erie Canal on the Colonial Belle

Christine’s first stop each year is to pick up the current Canal Days poster and have it signed by the artist to hang in her classroom for the kids.

Christine's Go-To Eats:

“It’s hard to narrow it down to one spot!” If they’re craving Italian, the newly-renovated Bocaccini’s is definitely on the Montroys’ list. “Their homemade ricotta with focaccia points is the perfect start to any meal.” As the weather warms, they also offer outdoor seating and bar service.

“For mouthwatering Mexican, it’s LULU Taqueria + Mezcal. Their chef, Lluvia Diaz Sanchez, created a Pork Belly Torta sandwich that is truly exceptional.” On the canal by the historic lift bridge, LULU has prime real estate, and you can’t go wrong with one of their mezcal cocktails.

Thank you to The Cannery

The past three years or so have seen a renaissance in Fairport, becoming a hot spot for food and entertainment in the region. This can, in part, be contributed to The Cannery, a once dilapidated, abandoned can factory now renovated as a destination for those seeking craft beer with several microbreweries, as well as being the home of Iron Smoke Distillery, a nationally recognized whiskey and bourbon brand made in Fairport. The Cannery is also home to Compané, an upscale Italian trattoria, as well as Triphammer Bierwerks, Tin Cup Social, Faircraft Brauhaus, Preservation Beer Company, FairPour Coffee Roasters, the Fairport Pickleball Club, Sew Creative, and a multitude of other spaces.

Spend the Day

Pick up a grab-and-go charcuterie board from totallyboards (available on Saturdays), a few snacks from Red Bird Market, and a new book from Another Chapter Bookstore before grabbing a spot beside the canal to people and boat watch.

Explore Town

Walk a self-guided tour using Portals to Our Past, where interpretive signage starts at West Church Street in front of the Potter property and continues north on Main Street. The thirteen signs feature photos and descriptions that allow you to step back in time to the historic origins of the village. “The final sign at Parce Avenue puts you at the Fairport Village Inn, where you can enjoy their FVI Famous Chicken Wings, Kenny Style.”

Let the Good Times Rock 'n Roll

Catch live music at one of several venues, including: Iron Smoke Distillery, Faircraft Brauhaus, Preservation Beer Company, Mulconry’s, and B-Side.

Coming Soon!

Seeing the trend of Fairport’s growth, several new restaurants are opening in the village, including Bonnie & Clyde, which is coming to the former Fairport National Bank building. Built in 1924, it is a designated Fairport landmark.

Owners, Jodi and Greg Johnson from The Cub Room in Rochester, plan to keep the art deco vibe and some of the original bank features intact, including a private dining room in the old vault.