Bachelor Forum
Bars · Rochester, NY
About
Think of a leather bar and you might picture something intimidating. Bachelor Forum is the opposite: a low-key dive where everyone, regardless of age, feels welcome. It's Rochester's oldest gay-owned bar, open since 1973 with the same 2pm-2am schedule daily.
The crowd leans older and local, and it's profoundly unpretentious. Regulars shoot pool or darts, and karaoke nights can get loud. Bartenders are friendly, drinks are cheap and strong. If you want a genuine slice of Rochester gay bar history, this is it.
Features
- ✓Rochester's oldest gay-owned bar, open since 1973
- ✓Cheap strong drinks and darts/pool
- ✓Diverse crowd, all ages welcome, no attitude
Good for
Practical
Best nights: Sat, Sun
What people say
Rated from 27 reviews. 60 community ratings. View this venue on Yelp
From the community
This bar really captures the local gay bar scene — friendly but sometimes slow bartenders, cheap and strong drinks, and a mixed crowd spanning all ages. I was visiting for a conference and ended up coming here each night. It gets loud when karaoke is on, but otherwise it's a very relaxed and welcoming spot.
A visitor · Over a year ago
“Great place, Always”
I've been stopping by the Forum since the 1980s! There's always a wonderful mix of people and a friendly atmosphere.
A guest · Over a year ago
“low key, but still the busiest place in rochester to hang out”
It's a decent spot, though it can be quiet. It's liveliest on sunny weekends when people sit out front or across the street on the patio in front of Starry Nights cafe.
A recent visitor · Over a year ago
“forum”
I've always enjoyed the Forum. It's mostly a guys' bar, but everyone is authentic, not some fake version of what's trendy. It's also much less cliquey than other bars, and everyone is welcome regardless of age. The typical customer is middle-aged or older, but they make you feel accepted no matter how old you are, as long as you're at least 21.
A local visitor · Over a year ago
“Favorite”
My absolute favorite place to be.
A visitor · Over a year ago
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the dress code? +
There's no strict dress code. Casual attire is the norm.
