WHERE WRITERS HANG OUT IN ROCHESTER:

Where do writers hang out in Rochester? Unfortunately there isn't a single spot, as there is with Harry's in Paris, or the hungry i in San Francisco. That doesn't mean there aren't spots where writers tend to congregate. For example --

Barnes & Noble in Pittsford

The top spot to find writers hanging out is -- yet again -- very probably Barnes & Noble Pittsford. Open till 11PM every evening but Sunday, a terrific cafe, tens of thousands of books, comfortable chairs, readings or talks or signings or writing group get-togethers on many a night. It's hard to beat.

Daily Perks

Daily Perks at 389 Gregory Street often hosts Pure Kona Open Mic Poetry Readings on Thursdays starting at 8:00-10:00PM

Their phone number is 585-271-2340, and you can visit their web site at www.dailyperkscoffeehouse.com/.

Gitsi's

Gitsi's? Oh yeah. Any diner open all night with a good cup of coffee attracts writers, and Gitsi's Texas Hots on 600 Monroe has that. It also catches poets spilling out of Daily Perks and Writers & Books, and is a particularly favorite spot for Hazmat poets wishing to bath in the radiance of Norm Davis.

The Little Theatre Cafe

The 70-seat cafe is located on Winthrop Street adjacent to Little Theatre movie rooms 2-5, right at our parking lot. People waiting to see the latest Woody Allen film or angsty French thriller go here to discuss Bergman and eat impossibly good hot dogs. The arty talk is often drowned out, mercifully, by live jazz.

The Little Theatre Cafe is open seven 7 days a week, Sundays through Thursdays to 10 PM, Fridays and Saturdays to Midnight.

Check out their web site (and what's playing on screen next door) at www.little-theatre.com/cafe.php.

Java's

Java's Cafe attracts mostly music lovers leaving the Eastman Theatre and Kilbourn Hall next door, but also a few wandering intellectuals as they stroll away from films at the Little Theatre. Java's is at 16 Gibbs St, has dynamite cookies, and may be packed. Phone: 585-232-4820

Spin

Spin Cafe, at 2 State St tends to catch most of the aforesaid wandering intellectuals as they stroll away from films at the Little. Good food, nice semi-balcony, inexplicable curtains. Phone: 585-454-6340.

Starry Nites Cafe

A super place to spot writers in their natural habitat is Starry Nites, at 696 University Avenue, on weekday evenings. Right outside Writers & Books on the corner, this wonderful place often hosts moaning novelists fresh from a class critique, as well as Writers & Books teachers and students both having a late-night symposium over java. Herbal teas, fresh fruit, and sandwiches with French surnames abound too.

Their number is 585-271-2630.