Looking for the best whiskey bar in town? Head to Half Barrel, where you can taste more than 400 different whiskeys from around the world. Take your pick of whiskeys from the menu, or opt for one of 30 unique whiskey flights and let their expert bartenders take the wheel. And while you're there, check out the small bites menu for calamari, bourbon wings, pork belly sliders and other elevated American cuisine.

Take your taste buds on a flavorful global journey with the delicious, pan-Asian menu at Mango Thai. The extensive menu ranges from Vietnamese pho to Korean BBQ spareribs, Chinese Dim Sum and a variety of Thai curries. The Panang curry is particularly popular, along with the Pad Kee Mow and spicy basil fried rice with vegetables. The intimate, modern decor makes for a great group outing or date night.

One word: burgers. Twelve different burgers, to be exact. The most popular patty is the Works Burger, a whopping 3/4-pound burger that's smothered in cheese, layered with hardwood smoked bacon, crisp lettuce, fresh sliced tomato, red onion and Newt’s famous Bleu Cheese sauce on a special Kaiser bun. If you're looking for delicious and unique burgers, Newt's is your spot.

Everyone’s Irish at the Olde Brick House, an authentic Irish pub in downtown Rochester. Stop by after work for a relaxing "Irish Recess" (happy hour) of poutine and discount drinks, or visit any time for delicious Scotch eggs, bangers and mash, shepherd’s pie and all your other favorites from the old country.

With a name that's a nod to the Adam Sandler movie "Billy Madison", Bleu Duck Kitchen focuses on playful dishes like Buffalo frog legs, al pastor meatloaf, and shrimp and grits served with mascarpone polenta, tempura nori, fermented black beans and Brussels sprouts. The drinks are just as dynamic; while "Technically" a Martini weaves prickly pear & orange blossom gin into a perfectly balanced pairing of dry vermouth, lemon bitters and soda, Proust's Madeleine emulates the iconic French cookie with brandy, ginger liquor, black tea syrup and lemon juice.

Next time you have an occasion worth celebrating, get dressed to the nines and head to Rochester's premier steakhouse, Pittsburgh Blue. Located in downtown's chic Hilton Hotel, the restaurant is known for its perfectly aged, Pittsburgh-style steaks. As the legend goes, Pittsburgh steelworkers would flash-cook their meat directly on the blast furnaces for a steak that's charred on the outside but still pink in the middle.

The large-portion Italian meals at Victoria's are sure to leave you full and satisfied. A personal favorite is their scratch-made Fettuccine Alfredo, which uses fresh parmesan cheese straight from the Eau Galle Cheese Factory just over the border in Wisconsin. Decadent desserts and an extensive wine list round out the menu, making this the perfect spot for a first date, anniversary or other milestone celebration.