Every new year, our Board of Directors and community volunteers vote for the Top 12 restaurants and retail shops in Rochester. When you’re done checking out the art exhibits, consider supporting our local economy. Most restaurants and shops are located within the general vicinity of the James W. Foley Memorial Community Center and the Rochester Public Library.
For additional restaurants, retail shops, personal services, and other things to do in Rochester, visit the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce at 18 South Main Street or www.rochesternh.org. The Chamber is an active, non-profit business membership organization comprised of businesses and professionals who are dedicated to fostering a favorable economic climate in which to live, work, and visit.
Restaurants
Back Hill Beer Co.
73 Pickering Road, Rochester, NH 03839
Hip and Social Atmosphere, Small Craft Brewery, Snacks, Art Displays
Dora Taqueria & Cantina (formerly My Cielo Taqueria)
667 Columbus Avenue, Rochester, NH 03867
Authentic Mexican Cuisine, Specialty Drinks, Quick, Fun Atmosphere
Lone Oak Ice Cream (Seasonal)
175 Milton Road, Rochester, NH 03868
Homemade Ice Cream, Dozens of Unique Flavors, Fast Food, Lobster Rolls
MrSippy BBQ
184 South Main Street, Rochester, NH 03867
Southern-style BBQ, Scratch-made Sides, Catering, Outdoor Dining
Potter’s House Bakery & Café
10 Chestnut Hill Road, Rochester, NH 03867
Casual Atmosphere, Baked Goods, Treats, Coffee, Sandwiches
Revolution Taproom & Grill
61 North Main Street, Rochester, NH 03867
High-end Gastropub, Lunch, Dinner, 30+ Local Beer on Draft, Specialty Drinks, Brick Oven Pizza, Award-winning 5-star Diamond Chef
Yo’s Thai Street Food
12 Union Street, Rochester, NH 03867
Authentic Thai Cuisine, Casual atmosphere, Quick, Diverse Menu Options
Shopping
Collec-tiques
56 North Main Street, Rochester, NH 03867
Nostalgia, Toys, Vintage Video Games and Consoles, Unique Gifts, Candy and Treats
Jetpack Comics & Games
37 North Main Street, Rochester, NH 03867
Comics, Toys, Cards, Games, Books
Skele-tone Records
50 North Main Street, Rochester, NH 03867
Vinyl, Cassettes, CD’s, Stereo Equipment, New Releases
Smitten Yarn Co.
86 Wakefield Street, Rochester, NH 03867
Yarn, Unique Gifts, Classes, Books and Patterns
Studley’s Flower Gardens
82 Wakefield Street, Rochester, NH 03867
Flowers, Houseplants, Garden Center, Landscaping, Unique Gifts
Honorable Mention
Narrowing down our Top 12 favorites is challenging, and there are many other fantastic options to consider. Our honorable mentions include 110 Grill, Evviva Trattoria Italian Restaurant, Granite Steak & Grille/Smokey’s Tavern, La Corona Mexican Restaurant, Mitchell Hill BBQ Grill & Brew, Papaya Thai Restaurant, Pepper’s Landing, Rochester Opera House, Wild Willy’s Burgers, and Windjammers Seafood Restaurant.
