Rochester, NY
For Coffee in Rochester, the local food press points to Joe Bean Roasters, Fuego Coffee Roasters, and Ugly Duck Coffee. Picks from CITY Magazine, updated July 2026.
Editor’s picks
Press picks, until locals rank their own Top 5s. Sourced from the local food press. As seen in CITY Magazine. Updated July 2026.
Joe Bean Roasters · Neighborhood of the Arts
Rochester's third-wave pioneer, per CITY Magazine's coffee coverage, roasting award-winning single origins and one of the city's clearest bean-buying stops. Order a pour-over of a single origin.
Fuego Coffee Roasters · Center City
A passionate micro-roaster in a minimalist, cozy Center City space.
Ugly Duck Coffee · South Wedge
Espresso from rotating guest roasters in a converted old bakery, and winner of Best Coffee Shop in CITY Magazine's 2025 Best of Rochester poll.
Mercury Coffee Co. · South Wedge
Mercury Coffee Co. on South Avenue placed as a Best Coffee Shop finalist in CITY Magazine's 2025 readers' poll, in the year Ugly Duck won the category. It is a South Wedge cafe and roaster pouring espresso and drip through the day. Order an espresso drink, or a pour-over of the house roast.
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