The counters in Rochester worth queuing for: bread, pastry, and the morning ritual.
Bakery counters in Rochester worth queuing for: levain breads, laminated pastry, regional bakes and the morning ritual.
Flour City Bread Company at the Rochester Public Market bakes organic sourdough loaves, baguettes, and pastries, named Best Bakery in Best of Rochester 2025.
Tip: Arrives early on Saturdays; popular loaves sell out by 10:00. The pain levain and baguette are weekly staples for many Rochester families.
Stever's Candies on Park Ave in Rochester has made handmade chocolates and confections since 1946, including seasonal sponge candy from October through April.
Tip: Sponge candy only available October through April; humidity prevents year-round production. The molded chocolates and cordial cherries are holiday staples.
Andy's Candies on Hudson Ave in Rochester has handcrafted chocolates and confections since 1917, a four-generation family operation and Rochester landmark.
Tip: All chocolates handcrafted at the Hudson Avenue location. Seasonal gift boxes and truffles are popular. The factory production is visible from the counter.
Pittsford Farms Dairy on Park Ave in Rochester serves house-made ice cream and pastries, the Park Avenue outpost of a beloved Monroe County dairy institution.
Tip: The main Pittsford location at 44 N Main St is worth the 15-minute drive for the full bakery and dairy experience. Park Avenue location for convenient city-side ice cream.
Voula's Greek Sweets on Merchants Rd in Rochester bakes Greek pastries and serves a Greek-influenced brunch, with house-made baklava and spanakopita.
Tip: Weekend hours end at 14:30. The Greek pastry case is best early in the morning before popular items sell out.
Abbott's Frozen Custard on Lake Ave has served Rochester since 1926 and opened its 100th season in 2026, the city's most-enduring dessert tradition.
Tip: Seasonal hours, typically open spring through fall. The Turtle (a chocolate-dipped frozen custard bar with Spanish peanuts and fudge) is the classic novelty order. Lines move quickly even when long.