Summer offers some great outdoor dining experiences in Rochester. Here are a few great spots to go to enjoy a bite to eat or a cool beverage outside. All these can be found right in, or very near to, Rochester's downtown area! This list includes something for everyone - from adults-only to families with kids, and from casual to fine dining. It certainly isn't an exhaustive list, as there are other great outdoor spots around town, but it's a good place to start for "open air" dining.

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    Chester's

    Chester's Kitchen and Bar is located downtown, on the first floor of University Square, at 111 S. Broadway. Chester's is an area favorite, with a hearty and diverse appetizer, appetizer salad and salad selection, Certified Hereford 28 day aged beef, pastas, fish selections and even burgers. Their outdoor seating section looks out on Rochester's Peace Plaza.

    Hours of Operation: lunch Monday through Saturday - 11:00 am to 4:00 pm; dinner Sunday through Thursday - 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm and Friday and Saturday - 4:00 pm to 11:00 pm; brunch Sunday - 10:00 am to 2:00 pm

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    Dooley's Pub

    Dooley's can be found downtown, at 255 1st Ave. SW, and offers an expansive slider selection, traditional pub favorites such as fish and chips, and some very non-traditional pub selections - like their Reuben spring roll or turducken burger. Their large outdoor patio area features both regular tables and hightops, as well as heaters for those cooler evenings.

    Hours of Operation: Monday through Sunday - 11:00 am to 2:00 am

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    Roscoe's Rootbeer & Ribs

    Just a few blocks east of Broadway on 4th St. SE, Roscoe's has been serving up "secret recipe" BBQ since 1981. With a menu of traditional BBQ items including ribs, chicken, pulled pork and beef brisket, as well as hamburgers, sandwiches and chili cheese dogs (a personal favorite), Roscoe's offers a nice seating area and is right across from Mayo Park for those who want to venture from their walk-up restaurant.

    Hours of Operation: Tuesday through Sunday - 11:00 am to 9:00 pm

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    The Loop

    Located in the heart of downtown Rochester, at 318 1st Ave SW, The Loop Bar + Restaurant has a menu filled with delicious offerings, including appetizers such as their smoked chicken nachos and crispy fried calamari, thin crust pizzas and a wide selection of entrees. Their outdoor seating area features whimsical orange umbrellas, lighting and windows that open to connect the patio more intimately with the indoor eating area.

    Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday - 10:30 am to 2:00 am; Saturday & Sunday - 10:00 am to 2:00 am

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    The Tap House

    If you're looking for an afternoon snack or an evening nightcap, The Tap House, downtown at 10 Historic 3rd St SW, is a great place to start, or finish, an outing. As its name would imply, beer is the focus here, with 50 on tap and an often-changing beer menu. Appetizers and flat bread pizza can be had there for additional sustenance. Their rooftop patio is a terrific spot for sipping on a flight of beer and gazing up at the stars.

    Hours of Operation: Sunday through Wednesday - 2:00 pm to midnight; Thursday through Saturday - 2:00 pm to 2:00 am

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    Twig's Tavern & Grille

    Located on the south edge of downtown, at 401 6th Street, SW, Twig's offers an interesting selection of tapas-inspired small plates (the shrimp nachos and Babcock pork lettuce wraps are great) and "hot rock" grilling of your choice of meats or seafood on a 650 degree rock that is delivered to your table. Their fenced-in outdoor seating area offers a private environment with cozy seating, and water and fire features.

    Hours of Operation: Monday through Saturday - 11:00 am to 10:00 pm; Sunday - 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm

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