photo by andrey starostin – fotolia
Jason: More than just the place where Middle Eastern princes get specialized surgeries and physicals, the home of Mayo Clinic is quickly growing. New restaurants, new breweries, and a newly hip vibe. The prognosis here is good.
Tonic: Freshly squeezed vegetable and fruit juices served alongside borscht and Ukranian pyrohi? Find them across the street from Mayo’s Saint Marys Campus. Tonic’s owner uses family recipes for those potato-stuffed pyrohi dumplings (they’re great) and her own recipe for cheddar-and-goat-cheese mac. 1217 Second St. SW
La Vetta: Part open-air rooftop, part covered penthouse, La Vetta is on the seventh floor above Terza Ristorante downtown. You can get the full menu from Terza (ask for the downstairs wine list), and during the daily happy hour, the excellent pizzas are half-price ($5-$7). 30 Third St. SE
Joy: Summer is for driving on Rochester’s backroads. Plan a stop inside the city to grab a bite at an up-and-coming restaurant or settle into a proper backwoods bar for a basket of something crispy.
Bleu Duck Kitchen: This easy-elegant restaurant’s food is inspired by cuisines from around the world. The menu changes with the seasons, so order something that matches the weather and pair it with a tasty cocktail. 14 Fourth St. SW
Kathy’s Pub: This is where you’ll find the locals drinking on two levels and a sweet rooftop patio in the summer. Jockey for space at the pool table or grab a seat at the bar with a stack of pull tabs. It’s a classic small-town bar in a bigger town setting. 307 S. Broadway
