High Falls

Overview

Named after the 96-foot falls that it is best known for, the High Falls neighborhood sits just north of downtown, outside the Inner Loop.

Home to Eastman Kodak Co., two of Rochester’s largest sports venues and lots of history, High Falls is a notable part of the city. Although many of the nightlife attractions have recently moved out, the area still has some dining and entertainment options worth exploring.

Eat & Drink

Once a hopping nighttime hot spot, High Falls is now a much more mellow destination. Most of the neighborhood’s bars and nightclubs are in flux, but don’t fret, the area still has a few appetizing dining options.

Jimmy Mac’s Bar and Grill
This bustling eatery serves up your typical American food and even claims to have the best burgers (but these days, who doesn’t?) For something you won’t find on many other menus, try the Fried Bologna Sandwich — we hear it is quite tasty! Jimmy Mac’s, which also has a location in Brockport, offers a laid-back atmosphere, generous portions and a full bar — including their very own Jimmy Mac’s Awesome Amber brew. Enjoy your food inside, or check out the outdoor deck, which overlooks the famous falls.
104 Platt St.
232-5230

The Triphammer Grill
This is upscale dining High Falls style. Open for lunch and dinner, the menu offers mouthwatering dishes like Pulled Pork Quesadillas, Tuna Napolean and Mile High Meatloaf. It isn’t exactly priced for the college student on a budget, but everyone needs to splurge once in a while, right?
60 Browns Race
262-2700

Health Garden
Unlike some restaurants that may dabble in many different types of food, the Health Garden has firmly planted itself in two very separate dining territories (quite literally!). For the health-conscious college student, the State Street side of the restaurant offers purely vegetarian choices. If meat (with a more American and West Indian flair) is more your thing, cross over to the Factory Street side of the building. Spicy dishes like Sesame Mango Chicken and Curry Shrimp await. The two sides are connected though, so don’t worry too much about having to choose one or the other!
350 State St.
262-2880

Spin Caffé
Just one of three locations in Rochester, Spin Caffe offers steaming coffee, delicious paninis and the perfect setting for relaxing. Located in the historic Button Factory Building, Spin is a popular destination for young professionals in the area. And with free WiFi and all the caffeine you could wish for, why shouldn’t it be?
229 Mill St.
866-774-6223

DiPisa Old World Submarines
This little sub shop, tucked away on State Street near the Kodak building, is a popular lunch destination for local professionals. The shop’s décor is reminiscent of a small Italian villa, and they pride themselves on using only the freshest stuff (even their bread is baked fresh daily). If you can’t get down to the High Falls location, don’t worry, you can get your old world subs just a few blocks away on Court Street or out in Penfield.
362 State St.
454-3850

Shop & Spend

High Falls isn’t exactly a shopaholic’s dream destination, but if you’re on a budget like most of us, that’s probably a good thing!

The Creator’s Hands
This artsy little gem showcases work from more than 250 American artists. Jewelry, pottery, spiritual gifts and much more fill the store. Perhaps most popular is the store’s selection of Rochester merchandise, which isn’t your typical, touristy stuff! Photographs, old postcards, unique ornaments — if you’re in need of a uniquely Rochester Christmas present for anyone, keep this place in mind!
81 Browns Race
235-8550

Do & See

Even though a lot of the bars and nightclubs are leaving the area, High Falls is still chock full of things to do. And the best part? Most of this stuff is free! Just what we like to hear!

Pont de Rennes Pedestrian Path
You can’t come all the way to High Falls and not see the very thing that the neighborhood is named after. For the best view of the 96-foot falls, take a stroll out on the Pont De Rennes Pedestrian Path (or simply the High Falls Bridge if your French isn’t that great). Named in honor of Rochester’s first sister city, Rennes, France, the bridge stretches above the Genesee River, beginning at Jimmy Mac’s and ending at the Upper Falls Terrace Park. During the summer months, the bridge is also great for watching the nightly laser lights show cast against the backdrop of the falls.

Center at High Falls
The Center at High Falls serves as the neighborhood’s visitors center and offers many interactive exhibits depicting key parts of Rochester’s history — take a guided checkered cab tour of Rochester without even leaving the building. For another fun detour, check out the High Falls Fine Art Gallery, which is housed on the second floor of the center. The gallery is devoted strictly to local artists with displays and exhibits changing frequently.
60 Browns Race
325-2030

The Kodak Tower and the falcons
Yes, it’s true, Eastman Kodak Co. (you know, the world-famous camera company) was founded right here. Built in 1916, the Kodak Tower is an integral part of the Rochester skyline. While most of the company has moved out of High Falls (to Kodak Park along Lake Avenue, almost to Greece), the downtown tower remains the company’s corporate headquarters.

What’s really worth seeing, however, are the falcons. Yup, we said falcons.

Years ago, two peregrine falcons once flocked to the tower and have since made it their home (sounds a little like a fairy tale, right?). Kodak has installed large nest boxes (right up near the large “KODAK” lettering) for the birds to call home. Many Rochester residents have grown to love the winged residents, camping out on the Pont de Rennes to catch a glimpse (or a picture) of the famous falcons. Even non-Rochester residents have fallen in love, thanks mainly to Kodak’s birdcam, which can be found online.

Frontier Field
Opened in 1996, Frontier Field has quickly become a main attraction in the High Falls area. “This stadium is really the centerpiece of the revitalization of High Falls,” says Chuck Hinkel, director of media relations for the Red Wings, our minor league baseball team.

In its brief history, Frontier Field has hosted three of Rochester’s minor league sports franchises — the Red Wings, the Rhinos (soccer) and the Rattlers (lacrosse). Today, the Red Wings remain the sole inhabitants of the stadium, although concerts, festivals, haunted houses and a host of other events can be found at Frontier Field year round.
1 Morrie Silver Way
454-9464

PAETEC Park
Just a few blocks down the street from Frontier Field is the newest member of Rochester’s sports facility family — PAETEC Park, which opened in 2006. Upon its long-awaited opening, the Rhinos and the Rattlers finally found a home to call their own.

Like Frontier Field, PAETEC isn’t just a sports venue. Numerous events are held there throughout the year.
460 Oak St.
454-5425

Live & Rent

High Falls has become pretty well known as an entertainment district (despite its recent lack of nighttime hotspots). But, it hasn’t necessarily been thought of as a prime residential area — at least not until now.

Buckingham Commons, which opened only in recent years, offers a great apartment option for any baseball fan, especially a Red Wings fans. Featuring one-bedroom loft-style apartments, Buckingham Commons has a rooftop deck overlooking Frontier Field (perfect for catching the Wings games, or the fireworks afterward if you don’t give a hoot about baseball!).

The High Falls district is also hoping that the planned Mills at High Falls project will help revitalize the area. Construction on the $17 million project is scheduled to begin later this year and should create 80 housing units near the Kodak Tower. Supporters of the project are hoping it will help reinvigorate the area, much like Corn Hill Landing did for the Corn Hill neighborhood recently.

History

Just in case it hasn’t sunk in yet, High Falls is most famous for its 96-foot high falls (which doesn’t really compare to those other falls about an hour west of here, but we like to brag about them anyway). Aside from just the falls, however, this neighborhood is a very rich Rochester gem.

Throughout history, the falls have attracted a wealth of industry and tourists alike, not to mention a daredevil or two. Sam Patch was a famous daredevil who was best known for jumping off falls — his nickname was the “Yankee Leaper.” In the early 1800s, he conquered the 70-foot Passaic Falls in New Jersey and became the first person to survive the 120-foot jump off Niagara Falls. He even mastered our 96-foot falls, until his second try that is. On Nov. 13, 1829 (a Friday, by the way), Sam Patch made an unsuccessful second attempt at leaping the falls — rumor has it that onlookers are unsure whether he actually jumped or simply fell. Either way, his body was not found until the following spring.

Despite the tragic death, Sam Patch lives on in Rochester — the Sam Patch Packet Boat cruises along the Erie Canal during the summer months, departing from Schoen Place in Pittsford.

Another feather in the cap of High Falls is the High Falls Brewing Company. Not familiar with it? Perhaps the Genesee Brewing Company rings a bell. No, not quite? How about Genny? Yup, that’s right, Genny beer originated right here in High Falls! Genny Light, Genny Bock, Genny Cream Ale — you name it, they’ve made it!

The brewery’s roots can be traced back to the 1800s when its first facility opened up on the banks of the Genesee (you can still see the Genesee factory sign off in the distance, at the end of the Pont de Rennes bridge). At the tail end of the Prohibition Era, the Genesee Brewing Company really began to take off. Despite only being sold in half the country, Genesee became one of the nation’s leading breweries.

In 2000, the company was sold and now goes by the High Falls Brewing Company name. In addition to the infamous Genesee line, the company also brews JW Dundees Ales and Lagers, Seagram’s Coolers, Michael Shea’s Irish Amber, and more. But we’ll always be a little impartial toward our hometown Genny!