The Little Café

7 Pitkin St, Rochester, NY 14607, United States
+1 585-258-0400
$$$ Mediterranean restaurant , Cafe
(41 Reviews)
Price Range $10–20

The Little Café sits just off the beaten path behind Rochester’s Little Theater, blending a Mediterranean-inspired menu with a casual café vibe. It’s a spot that feels less like a formal restaurant and more like a relaxed community hangout where music and art naturally mingle with food and drink.

Locals often drift in for coffee or chai, drawn by quick service and a drinks menu that veers a bit playful—from classics like cortados and Americanos to more creative offerings such as the iced chai with a hint of sweetness reminiscent of s’mores. Alongside the drinks, light bites like quiche, avocado toast, and soft pretzels provide steady, uncomplicated options. The Tuscan chicken panini with pesto also gets nods, especially paired with a side like chipotle sauce, making an easy choice for a casual lunch.

The café’s atmosphere is a key part of its draw. Evenings regularly carry a live music schedule featuring genres from classical guitar sessions hosted by local groups to eclectic sets that complement the neighboring theater’s artsy crowd. Visitors can expect an invitingly informal space where the music doesn’t overpower conversation, and the assortment of events—from film festivals to community performances—keeps the energy diverse and locally connected.

This is a place where staying later and lingering over a cup is natural, whether you’re unwinding after a show or just dropping in on a quiet afternoon. The Little Café fits smoothly into its Rochester neighborhood as a casual nexus for good coffee, approachable Mediterranean flavors, and an artistic, community-oriented atmosphere.

Highlights
Has fast service
Serves great coffee
Has live music
Has live performances
Popular for
Good for solo dining
Good for working on laptop
What they serve
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves coffee
Quick bite
Serves wine
Best for
Serves dessert
Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet

Openings Hours

Checking

Monday

5:00 AM - 9:30 PM

Tuesday

Closed

Wednesday

5:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Thursday

5:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Friday

5:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Saturday

5:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Sunday

5:00 AM - 9:00 PM

41 Reviews
Nan M

31 Dec 2025

The live music was such a fun surprise & late hours and casualness of it all was great, but the food was subpar. Overall, it’s a cute place and try out the theatre and cafe part again.

Azmeer Sharipol

18 Dec 2025

Great little place behind the main theater. There’s music at the cafe almost every night. My favorite is the Classical Guitar night on the first Sunday of the month hosted by RCG. It’s a local organization that just aim to bring music into our lives. The Little Theater also hosts movies and documentaries for ImageOut Queer Film Fest and the Witness Palestine Film Festival. Thank you the Little for being such a beacon of community!

Sage Fag

05 Dec 2025

First time ever having iced chai but it was so good, kinda tasted like a s’more, Shirley temple was also really good :). I have yet to try any food but I’d imagine it’d taste just as good as their drinks. Their service is quick, especially for little things like drinks. The atmosphere is nice and the live music is pretty good.

Sarah Bogdan

29 Nov 2025

The Tuscan chicken panini with pesto was so good. I got chipotle sauce on the side and it went very well together. The music and art vibe is cool

Sarah Eide

04 Nov 2025

Always love coming the cafe to eat and listen to music. Food is good, music is eclectic and fun, and it has a great vibe.

TaM D

31 Oct 2025

I had almond flavor Italian soda and limoncello. One of the best places to spend a good time and listen to local jazz.

Brian

15 Oct 2025

A great comfortable cafe to listen to some of the best live music this area has to offer. Also, there's always interesting art hung for viewing and sometimes for sale. The cafe has the usual cafe drinks, bites to eat, and several beer and wine choices. The Little Cafe website posts a description of the band and the time they'll start. The place can get a bit busier when films at the theatre end, but the cafe manages to always feel comfortable.

Brother Howard

17 Sep 2025

Awesome pre-theatre experience with live music, beer, wine, food, and fun! Paek early out front.

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