heyo! here’s a locals guide to rochester, michigan – a suburb of detroit that is fairly unknown. filled with little kids and old people, rochester is not a typical tourist destination, but is great for a day trip!
Where to eat
Brunch:
With an extensive brunch menu, this restaurant is one of the only reasons people actually come visit. With everything from pancakes loaded with cereal to protein breakfast plates and decadent salads, you can expect a wait out the door.
In my humble, biased opinion ( i used to work there), Jagged is the best brunch in rochester. just be aware, portion sizes are MASSIVE.
an amazing option for dinner as well, boasting some amazing dishes such as the smoked salmon benedict and an ambiance that cannot be beat. (pro tip: come when the patio is open!!)
brunch options are pretty basic, but they are prepared to perfection. also, the restaurant feels like an old living room… so cute!
Lunch/Dinner
a rochester classic for the best coney dog you will ever taste.
my go to for a healthy bite. its slightly pricey, but the grain bowls, salads, and extensive vegan options are worth every penny.
some upscale dining with some of the most beautifully plated dishes that taste just as good as they look.
okay, okay. this isn’t necessarily a reason to visit rochester, but it is a place i need to shoutout because the staff is beyond friendly and the food is super cheap.
new york style pizza with the most AMAZING toppings ever. it is worth every calorie.
the rochester treasure for some wine and dine type stuff.
fresh seafood and heavenly cocktails, need i say more?
the best traditional sushi ever! the atmosphere isn’t the best (sumo sushi has a better atmosphere, but the sushi isn’t as good) but it is great take out.
After Hours/Bars
super friendly atmosphere and a great place for some great food along with brews. ps: they have fried oreos.
yes, i work there, so i am slightly biased, but the atmosphere is great and there is always something going on. plus theres a patio bar…
great place for a mixed age crowd. you can get beer and live music almost every weekend.
the place that you uber to on a drunken saturday night for a 3am milkshake and burger.
Coffee
a coffee shop from the heavens. every townie knows DOCR is a gem, so good luck finding a seat, especially when there is live music. plus, their cheesecake is to die for.
the only place to get bubble tea in rochester. they also serve up some pretty great coffee and traditional asian snacks.
What to do
okay, so if you ask any local what there is to do in rochester they will say eat… but there are a few cool things that you can do while you’re here.
Shop
stuffed with restaurants (i told you….) there are also a couple of cute shops in this area as well. visit francesca’s and evereve while your here or get your nails done for cheap at creative nail too.
a great place for some weird shopping. im pretty sure there are like two clothing stores in total (check out scarborough square boutique), but there are some cool artisan markets, cake and cannoli shops, skate shops, and even a cookie dough store (food… again).
if you’re visiting rochester in the winter, downtown is somewhere you must go! there is the big bright lights show that you need to see to believe.
Explore Nature
with the paint creek trail running all through rochester, you will never be at a loss for a great spot for a walk. the paths really come to life in the spring, and there are parks scattered every where you look.
i would recommend tubing down the river when the water is not too high. if you wander along any path for not long, you will see easy entry ways to get to the water. its a great way to cool off in the summer heat.
Visit Oakland University
having a college campus around town is pretty nice because it makes for a great place to take some pictures or just wander around. also, there’s a chick-fil-a in the union. you’re welcome.
Go See A Movie
i realize we aren’t the only ones with an emagine theater, but if you’re from out of town and have never experienced the luxury, you must. with recliner seats and couches more comfortable than what you have at home, emagine takes moviegoing to the next level.
Check Facebook
rochester frequently has some pretty cool events, so make sure you check for events in the area when coming to visit!
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so whether you are planning on visiting rochester, or live here and run out of ideas of what to do, i hope this helped!
