A Rochester institution for good reason, and a place you allllllways end up leaving with a few stories to take home with you. I hadn't been back since 2016ish and forgot some of the magical elements of the Bug Jar. Living room on the ceiling, the flying bug, great staff, electric environment, and super welcoming to everyone, to name a few. My (large, strong) vodka soda was $7 and I sipped while leaning against the wall in the "venue side" of the space. The room itself is truly so small and a 'lil awkward in terms of where to stand, etc. I wasn't there on a particularly crowded evening but I imagine, as other reviewers have said, it doesn't hurt to arrive early if it is a band you truly care about. This venue does so much to support local musicians and the whole scene in Rochester. Getting out and supporting the local scene is more critical now than it has been, and I am sad I had done such a terrible job practicing what I preach post-pandemic. Get ye to a Bug Jar show if it has been a minute and enjoy a great night with great stories! read more

Bug Jar - a band performing on stage in a bar - Bars Near Me - Rochester, New York

I've been to this awesome dive bar a couple of times for specific bands. Whenever I go I always think to myself why don't I go here more? Then I remember. I'm old. And less ok with what looks like dust and general debris strewn about. And what do you expect? Half the place is on the ceiling. But, if I were younger and less tired, I would spend more time at the Bug Jar read more

Bug Jar - Bars Near Me - Rochester, New York

Lordy I love the Bug Jar. After all these years, it's still a great place to catch a show, hang out at the bar area and chat up some chums. Ask any music fan about a favorite live show and chances are he'll tell you about someone they've seen there... and you'll feel like a chump for not having gone out to see it. While it's not the best venue capacity wise (it can be cramped), the sound man (usually Nick!) does a great job making the band sound right for the room. Yes, the clientele can skew hipster... and for us older tots we feel even older for that. As long as you don't creep on the younger tykes, however, you can kick back and enjoy the energy. Thank you, Bobby T! read more

See all

Got told to come here by some locals. Music acts were awesome, the crowd was friendly, and the drinks were cheap. Being from out of town, I was a little wary as it looks like they have a dedicated following, but I was accepted with open arms (and shots). Will be my #1 stop next time in town. read more

Loud, crowded, dirty, not as cheap as it looks, crammed with every Rochester musician (ranging from the 50+ year old rocker who just won't give up, to rising acts like Matt & Kim and tweens shaking their bottoms during the Thursday Night Shakedown)...the Bug Jar is ESSENTIAL ROCHESTER...Meaning that if you're in Rochester, going to school in Rochester, or just visiting your second-cousins that live in Pittsford...you must visit the Bug Jar. And no, don't go there for the drinks. They are average priced, average poured and will take you more than the average-length of time to get them because the bar area is ALWAYS crowded. That being said, pre-game it. Brace yourself, if an even moderately popular act is coming to play here...this place will be BAWLS TO THE WALL packed...and everyone will be rocking with a can of Pabst in their hand...so don't get all bent out of shape when something gets spilled on you. Dress lightly. Even in the dead of winter, you're going to be pouring sweat in this place if you hit the dance floor. Oh, and use the bathroom before you go...I mean,t he bathrooms in this place could be really clean, but it's so freakin' dark in there, there could be gold on the floor and you'd never know. They've also got pool, local art, a few video games, great local DJs and more hipsters than the alphabet has letters. So, if you want to run into everyone that you went to high school with (given you went to HS in Rochester or a surrounding suburb), while also haggling to get a bartenders attention, and then run into a moderately known (not yet famous) indie band, and then get your winter coat stolen because you put it down behind the bar while you were dancing...only to have it found by your best friend who reminded you to stick your ID in your bra so you don't lose it....then GO TO THE BUG JAR. Oh and please, cut a girl a break. Do not try to have a conversation with me inside of this place. It is WAY TOO LOUD. That's why everyone runs outside between the good songs...to chit chat and shoot the breeze. read more

Dive bar with nothin to prove. The cops were around but not givin a shit. Buncha GD Crispin Glovers walkin around... Considering the high chick-to-dick ratio favoring the former. Good bands. Cheapass fuggin beers and rad-as-fuck staff. My go-to bar. Fuck sports! -B2theJ I want to talk about the bathrooms. Perfect club bathrooms. Kinda dirty, full of graffiti and stickers. You can tell a lot about place by its bathroom. Perfect! Just perfect. Staff was great. Vibe was on point. - Josh. read more

Bug Jar is edgy, grimy and weird... IN THE BEST WAY. I went about a month ago for this event I found out about through Facebook, and was super intrigued. I had walked past Bug Jar a few times, but never gone in. There are dolls hanging in the window, giant fly's flying around the bar, furniture hanging upside down from the ceiling in the concert venue part of the bar, and the coolest artwork and stickers stuck to every wall and pole. The lighting is dark, and it feels like the kind of place you see in 80's movies where the outcasts hung out. It was cool. The event I went to Bug Jar was for a DJ who was playing a bunch of "emo" and pop-punk songs from the 2000's. Now here's the part where I explain the 3-stars. This event very quickly turned into a rave, with people everywhere. The entirety of the bar was body-to-body and drinks were being spilled, it was hot and they had to be over capacity. Luckily, I got there early enough to avoid the line outside. There were TWO bartenders. Two. For all these people and eventually a third was called in, but it took way too long for me to get my one drink. I ordered a whiskey sour and had to pay $11 dollars for one that wasn't even that good. I would love to go back when there are less people, and maybe order something cheaper. It is a cool venue, I just don't think they were prepared for the crowd that night. Make sure to prepare yourselves! read more

I've been coming here since I've been of legal drinking of age. Between the libations and live music(punk, metal,etc.), you have not experienced the Rochester music scene unless you've been here. read more

Bug Jar - Outside - Bars Near Me - Rochester, New York

So i went here for emo night and the bands were pretty good for a dive bar, the bar service was great even when the place was packed and the drinks were cheap and well made, security was actually kind of passive.... Which is good for patrons but bad for them, bathroom was surprisingly clean and everyone seemed to have a good night. Would go again. read more

Bug Jar - Just smokimg on the front end - Bars Near Me - Rochester, New York

It is imperative to get here early if you're coming to see a show. The space for the shows is super tiny. A lot of patrons were spilling out of the room to the bar area and could not see the performances and could only hear it. Couple everyone packed in like sardines with the people thrashing to the music in their own worlds and you have the perfect recipe for a concussion. Thankfully, I enjoyed the night unscathed. The decor here is really cool with a living room setting on the ceiling of the showroom and references to bar's namesake in the bar area. We purchased our ticket ahead of time and showed them at the door. I found it odd that the bouncer still made us pay cover charge to come in and see the show we paid for. read more

Bust out your pleather leggings and winged eyeliner for a night at the Bug Jar. If you are a guy, just roll out of bed. If you are going for a show, or free event with tickets on EventBrite, get there sooner than later. There is a parking lot across the street, and street parking, but parking can suck. Bring cash. There are typically 2-3 bartenders for the crowded space, and using your card or closing out a tab can be a bitch. They also put the cards behind the bar on the right hand side that people could easily grab. You can order mixed drinks in plastic cups insmall or large sizes. Beer is a better deal, and I'll order two at once to avoid waiting in the future. Anyway, cash is king. Events are advertised on Facebook pretty regularly, with DJ's and smaller indie or pink shows. I have come here to see KOPPS and Joywave, and it was a good time. They had an event with DJs recently; lots of people were dancing and having a great time. The sound quality was good too. read more

If you want to be unnerved by giant swinging bugs and no one under forty, this is the place for you. It reeks of cigarette smoke and everyone looks like they have had tangential encounters with elicit substances within the past 24 hours. After sitting down for a number of minutes, I was not served, and perhaps that was for the best. The only reason for the second star is I was not robbed while I was there, so not a net loss. read more

Ahhhh the smell of sweaty leather jackets and dirty hipsters spritzed with pachouli oil. Breathtaking....literally and figuratively. I do enjoy my fair share of weirdos, being one myself. I missed this place. I shall frequent and enjoy my little free time here. read more

Bug Jar - I got some 7ft tall dude to take my pics. - Bars Near Me - Rochester, New York

What a great event space and music venue! Perfect for small, intimate shows. The bar area is separate from the stage so bar patrons do not disrupt the performance too much. The bar area has lots of comfortable seating options including large booths for bigger groups. Small but good beer selection with great prices. A Genessee beer is only a couple dollars. read more

Other places are mere venues. I go to other places when the event being hosted justifies me putting forth the effort to walk through the door. The Bug Jar is a different order of being. The musicians, instead of briefly breathing some life into the place - as is the case for many other bars and clubs, seem more like talented long-term denizens who have bubbled out from the woodwork to have some fun. They get up on stage, start doing their thing, and the music and the band's energy and the crowd and the atmosphere sucks me out of the Rochester grind and into the Bug Jar dimension. I don't even have to know who's playing to be happy about going to the Bug Jar. Partly that's because they seem to consistently book talented people, and partly it's because it's such a cool place. Some people might call it small, I call it perfectly intimate. Others might accuse it of being a bit grimy, but I say it's evidence of healthy living. This is no meat market and I don't get any kind of a pretentious vibe - I come as I am, and I come for the music - and that seems to be what most everyone else is doing too. Also, major kudos to management, who never overstuff the place - they stop admitting people long before the place gets too packed. The interior is great - two rooms, a comfy one with a pool table and places to sit that's devoted to bar duty and another with a stage at one end and a space in front for the audience. Walls and ceilings of both rooms are filled with patterns, mosaics, art, swirls, bumper stickers.... none of it related to any other part, but everything somehow tied together by the ginormous bugs hanging from the rotating fan blades above the bar. There is so much going on visually it took me a couple of visits before I realized an entire kitchen and living room's worth of 1960's furniture is tacked to the ceiling over the audience's heads. Change nothing, guys - read more

luff to Bug Jar for hosting AWESOME shows. The interior is decent, the show area is a pinch small, but the quality of the music that plays at BJ more than makes up for any aesthetic flaws. The cover is usually reasonable and the drinks are moderately priced. I have yet to run into someone that makes me wanna kick them in their skinny-jeaned shins. Everyone is friendly and open to nerding it up about bicycles, music or random other stuff. read more

The Bug Jar is a really cool spot to see a show. Small but great sounding room. The separate bar / lounge area is a great space to escape from the show if you don't care for the band or just want a little break. The drinks were surprisingly cheap and the bartender was pretty proactive. The area is a bit quiet in the evening, but that's no biggie. Parking was a breeze on the street. If I lived anywhere near Rochester, this would definitely be the spot I'd be hanging out in. read more

I honestly don't know why people love going here so much. I was 21 the first (and last) time I went with a friend, though I'm rather short and I guess I don't exactly look my age, but my ID just so happens to be legit. I got a wristband at the door and met up with another friend. I ordered a drink at the bar and my friends and I were soon surrounded by bouncers who swooped in to ask for my ID. I handed it to the man next to me who took a good five minutes or so to stare at it and me, for good measure, I guess, all while my friend tried to wrap her head around WHY they were asking for my ID AGAIN after checking it at the door and getting a wristband. "It happens sometimes," was the reply from one of the men. After the one was done staring at my ID, he nodded at the other man and reassured him it was legit. This man then insisted to verify this apparently stunning discovery for himself and took my ID to look. He looked at it, then me, handed back my ID and didn't give so much as an apology before walking off. It was ridiculously hot and definitely too crowded. Getting stuck to strangers because of excessive sweat and asshole bouncers is not my idea of a good night. read more

The Bug Jar is a fun place and as a lot of people aptly say....it's an experience. My first visit was to see Blue Cheer in 2007 with my now husband. He invited me up to see the band and his words were "just wait till you see the Bug Jar." It isn't a place we frequent anymore since my husband left the band Orodruin which is a band that plays there often. We usually attend the semi-annual DoomFest to check out the regular doom metal scene. Its a fun place to watch bands and have a couple drinks which are more expensive than one would think. But you can always go to the little shop across the street and buy some Jungle Juice to get you going. It is for sure dirty, but charming, unique and for sure a good place for people watching. So enjoy. read more

The Bug Jar (or "Chuggy Bear") is hands-down the dirtiest bar in Rochester. I wipe my feet on the mat before I step outside! I can't describe in any sensible way why the Bug Jar is a great place to go, but I'm there two or three nights a week to see excellent musical acts, choke down some Canadian Club and pretend to dance using only the upper half of my body. The cultural phenomenon known as Thursday Night Shakedown is one of those screwball events that, like a 12th grade science class, constantly attracts eighteen-year-old kids trying to learn about reproduction, plus those of us who never graduated from it. read more

I have been coming to Buf Jar for years. Rochester does not have a huge live music scene which is sad because there are a lot of great bands making a lot of cool music. I was last in here on Sunday, the fast that Bug Jar always has a cover is not a big deal to me, I prefer it when it's $3, when it gets to $5 and $10... Not such a huge fan. Drinks are ok price wise but also more expensive than most bars in the area. One cool thing they do on Sunday's is they have 2 kinds of soup and in the chillier months of Rochester, a $3 bow of soup hits the spot. I tried both kinds this week and liked them both. DO NOT go to Bug Jar if you want to have a conversation. There is no where in the bar you can clearly hear another person if the music is playing. That's not to say you can't yell or sit closer, it's just not a good place for it. They have info online so take a look at their shows and go enjoy some live music! read more

Live music is my thing, and that's what keeps me coming to the Bug Jar time after time. The space is small so the shows are intimate, loud, and in your face. I've seen big acts like Polar Bear Club and Now Now, to more local acts such as Pentimento, Innerriot and My Plastic Sun. The furniture on the ceiling and the rotating bugs above the bar give a cool vibe, but the excellent music lineups make Bug Jar a Rochester gem. If you just want to drink, and aren't into the shows (I'll never understand :p), you still have to pay cover, and you'll wait forever for the bartender. But you'll always find interesting people in the Bug Jar, and their Thursday Night Shakedown is an alternative to the live music. Bug Jar is hipster paradise and just a great place to come support local/up and coming artists that are on tour, and to find a new favorite band. read more

It's an experience going to the Bug Jar. But one must frequent this place every once in a while. The times I've been to the Bug Jar it's usually to see the Isotopes (who are fantastic!). I've encountered some strange individuals on those outings, but it's all part of the dive bar, band viewing experience, right? Nonetheless, Bug Jar is a Rochester staple. Every time I'm there for a show I can't help but find myself staring at the furniture on the ceiling and the unique (and I mean that) decor throughout the bar; great people watching too. There's usually a cover, but nothing I don't mind paying. (Support our local musicians!) I recommend sticking with canned or bottled beer, a PBR perhaps, you'll fit right in. BTW ear plugs are recommended to save your ear drums - it's a small space where the bands play = LOUD read more

Rochester has never been a big alternative lifestyle city, but The Bug Jar is probably as close as it gets. Cool music, typically a fun and mixed crowd, but on weekends expect some post fraternity types to intermingle. Cool place to dance, good beers, good times. read more

I used to come here a lot when I was at RIT, but I feel like this bar has gone downhill in the two years since I graduated. Maybe I got old, or alienated all my friends, but I believe the crowd here has changed. I went here the other night for my friend's DJ set and I just didn't enjoy myself like I used to. Sure, Herman is still there, the beers are still cheap, and they can attract good acts, but some of the people who show up can really kill it for me. Two years ago this was one of my favorite venues, but the Bug Jar has been displaced by Lux as my favorite Rochester bar. Yeah, I know, Lux doesn't host shows, but they also seem to host less jerks and coked out girls. read more

The staff tending bar could be a little friendlier some nights. But you go for the music or for the atmosphere. Make sure you check out the ceiling in the show room! read more

This place is legendary. I've played here five times now and am still scheduling more shows. Great selection of draft beers and full bar for cocktail lovers. Fair pricing for drinks, maybe $1 more than some other bars in the area. The cover ranges and always goes to a good cause. The scenery is splendid as you can read about in the other reviews. My main comment if for musicians who are thinking about playing here. The sound equipment is awesome, the lights are energetic, and there is a super convenient stage door that goes right out to Monroe Ave, which makes loading and unloading a breeze compared to most places. The White Stripes played the Bug Jar. The Black Keys played the Bug Jar. Anyone who plays here can feel it's aura and I love this place with all my heart. read more

This place is pretty cool. I went on a Thursday night, when my friends in town said they have an indie dance party. Count me in, I said. Coming from Austin, TX, this place felt like home. There was some death metal band finishing up their set right when I got there. They had a selection of local brews on draught. There were guys with long shaggy hair. The decor felt like a movie set of Austin Powers, but with some furniture stuck to the ceiling. My only complaint is that they charged a cover after 11pm when they scheduled "no cover after 11" on their website's calendar. I understand that maybe their schedule slipped, but who cares? I didn't come to see the live band anyways, nor did my friends. So, they waited outside in the cold snow 10 minutes so they wouldn't have to pay the money. Kind of silly if you ask me. The crowd was cool & somewhat diverse, and they really got into the music. I'd rather dance to what they play here to the ClearChannel Top10 at other places any day. I'd miss this place if we didn't have 10 similar places in Austin. For those living in Rochester, cherish this gem and frequent it often. read more

Came from Kabob to repaint the toilet. I poop with my legs sticking straight out and there was ample room. +1. Tip: if you're getting a blow job in the stall put your back against the door because there's no lock. There's lots of graffiti to read as well but I lost my glasses so I couldn't make anything out. Bartender didn't care that I only came in to drop a load. 5 stars. read more

I heart the Bug Jar. I'll always stop in whenever in Rochester, even if now I'm the token older guy. With a living room on the ceiling, and the best bands and DJs playing in Rochester, the place just oozes with cool. When I visited last it was packed with pretty people, who were all incredibly friendly. It was just as awesome as I remembered. This was my college hangout, and even as a guy over 30 that you shouldn't trust, I still love it with all my heart. read more

As far as I understand they still book punk shows, I think I saw a flyer for Kyklooppein Sukupuuto with Rochester's very own Bludwulf, or at least done with art by James. I saw some excellent shows here from around 2001 to 2003 and ceremoniously pierced my nose in the bathroom one drunk night with a safety pin. I don't recall anything about the actual quality of the bar/drinking/food or anything like that, I went solely for the music and drank down the street. read more

Awesome Place and staff!!!! They manage to book the best bands around. read more

Bug Jar - Order directly from the Bugjar to the Bugjar! The Avenue Eatery located 3 doors down. 585.232.8863 - Bars Near Me - Rochester, New York

Thursday Night... That is the only day of the week I have ever gone because thats the only night all the hipster college kids barely over 18 have invited me. Considering the hipsters, moderate drink prices, and decent music (sometimes) The Bug Jar isn't a bad place to drink and dance. Don't try to dance with anyone you don't know however, this place is frequented by kids who keep to their groups while dancing in circles facing themselves. It is like a tiny cluster of solar systems all keeping to themselves. The dance floor features multiple home furnishings bolted to the ceiling that make you feel like you are in an upside down room. This is kind of cool and if you drink enough it feels like it is right side up again! (ba da tsh) Bug Jar is absolutely a place for 18-20 year old hipster kids who want to stand around gossiping about each other. The people who are over 21 have either discovered better adult bars and clubs and stopped going... or are just trying to pretend they never grew up while they hang out with their underage friends. The bar is well stocked and there is an almost hypnotic effect to sitting there watching the big plaster bugs fly in circles above you. The bartenders are always busy but move quickly. I have never been disappointed by the service. Get a hardcore band tank top, fill up those arms and necks with tattoos, and get ready to sway back and forth in the same spot all night... because that is the real way to enjoy yourself at the Bug Jar. (and when you go outside for a smoke have a few extra bucks on hand for the homeless guys) read more

Bug Jar is a divey, quirky, little place where you can see some great bands. You have to watch the calendar and do a little research about who is coming through sometimes... you might have missed seeing the White Stripes or Silversun Pickups in this tiny venue. They host theme nights, too, I have only been to a few of those though. Drinks are pretty cheap. Not letting this affect my rating, but just a note to any ladies going to this place: bring a friend and stick to him or her like glue. I have had a few strange/border-line-scary run ins with some men at the bar when I have been alone while waiting for someone else. read more

When I was in my 30s I loved this place but now it is just filled with hipsters in a crowned space. Not my thing anymore. Beer choices are OK. I also don't care for the room being split in half so you cannot see the band from the bar. read more

Ian and Brittany killed my shit. Hooked it up at every turn. I was never waiting too long for a drink. They remembered what I ordered from my first drink to my last. I hope that I will come back to Rochester soon and The Bug Jug! read more

The bouncers are not friendly at all and neither are the bartenders. Even though I'm 22 he asked for my hand and I told him the other man just checked my id. He said "I asked for your hand and not your id" and gave me a different symbol. I was just confused and he could have nicely explained but instead he snapped back. Last time I'm coming here. read more

Neat venue in Rochester! If you look up the ceiling, furniture is hanging there upside down haha!

Miss the 90s when they had more important (IMO) touring bands playing there. Still a good place to check out bands. Love the Bug Jar Brown beer. read more

I almost left Bug Jar off my list - how could I have forgotten a place I spent so many a drunk night dancing my heart away. Bug Jar - you introduced me to Filthy Funk. You played M.I.A. before anyone knew who she even was. I can usually find a table to hang out with my friends at, and you are a great pickup scene, I have to admit. And there is never any judgement, no. Such an eclectic scene of RIT kids and hipsters. I sometimes feel a little too normal to be hanging out, but my emo friends help me to fit in a little better. Oh yea, and you have two giant bugs flying in a circle above the bar. Kudos - they are freaky little devils and definitely set ambiance for the place, that and the band stickers covering almost every square inch of the bar. It was love at first sight. Or maybe second sight, because drinking and remembering do not tend to go hand in hand for me.... read more