Six Spots for Sizzling Summer Nights in the Finger Lakes
After a long day of hiking, boating and museum-exploring through the Finger Lakes, it’s time to wind down. And what better way than with gorgeous views, cold drinks and live music? Here is a roundup of some of the best places to experience nightlife in the Finger Lakes – from rooftop bars to outdoor patios.
Two Goats Brewing
5027 NY-414, Burdett, NY 14818
This craft brewery is located in a restored 700-square foot 1800s barn overlooking Seneca Lake. With the doors open wide most of the summer, guests spill out into the deck and outdoor seating areas for live, original music four nights a week during the summer. Built into a steep hillside, the views are expansive and the sunsets often magical, making visitors feel like they are in a tree house.
Photo courtesy of Two Goats Brewing
Linden Street
Downtown Geneva, NY
For a variety of nightlife options, head down to Linden Street. This downtown section of Geneva, NY is craft beverage central with equally impressive eateries flaunting their unique personalities. Dine outside at some of the hottest restaurants around such as F.L.X. Fry Bird brought to you by the owners of the popular F.L.X. Table, and serving quick, artisanal chicken dishes. Or sip away at one of their wine and cocktail lounges, like the copper metal topped bar at The Linden Social Club.
Photo from Finger Lakes Visitors Connection
Genesee Brew House
25 Cataract St, Rochester, NY 14605
Iconic to Rochester for both their brew and view, Genesee Brew House is the place to be on a summer night. Over 100 years ago, the Brew House building was part of the original Genesee Brewery campus. Now it’s a beer destination dedicated to telling the story of one of the oldest continually operating breweries in America through interactive exhibits, pilot brewery and restaurant. After dinner, grab a fan-favorite Genny Light and head to their rooftop patio for a colorful sunset over High Falls, the 96-foot waterfall in the middle of downtown Rochester.
Photo by John Kucko
Wagner Valley Brewing Co.
9322 NY-414, Lodi, NY 14860
Home to a brewery and a winery, Wagner comes alive with Pub Nights on the Brew Deck. The weekly live, outdoor music series runs Friday nights from Memorial Day to Labor Day and features some of the region’s most popular bands. Visitors can choose from over a dozen craft beers on draft and enjoy a friendly game of cornhole on the expansive lawn. For those looking to cap off a warm weekend, Live on Summer Sundays showcase music every other weekend through September. With homemade root beer for the little ones, this is a great stop for family-friendly fun.
Photo courtesy of Seneca Lake Wine Trail
Market Street
Downtown Corning, NY
Lovingly noted as “the heartbeat” of Corning, Market Street has been known for its trendy shops, galleries and elegant restaurants. Lately it’s also been drawing in a crowd for local craft beer after a day of hiking, waterfalling and wine tasting. Liquid Shoes Brewing is a small batch brewery serving up brews like Sampson BlackBerry Wheat made with 100 pounds of blackberries, or their NEIPA Thumbsy Uppies. The brewery is open until 10:00 during the week and 11:00 on Fridays and Saturdays, making it a great stop for a hoppy nightcap. Nearby, Market Street Brewing has a variety of beers on draught in addition to cocktails and local wine.
Photo by Market Street Brewing
The York
247 West Fayette Street, Syracuse NY 13202
The York restaurant and lounge brings a taste of New York City dining and nightlife to downtown Syracuse. The creative menu features tastes inspired by cultures across the world. During the summer months, sit outside and enjoy their world-class raw bar with a perfectly crafted cocktail to match. On the weekends you can expect a DJ playing down tempo lounge music that evolves as the night progresses.
Photo by The York
Whether you’re in the mood for a casual night under the stars of a brewery or dinner and drinks on a chic patio, the Finger Lakes has got you covered. Cheers!
