Best I ever had.

Awesome intimate venue with amazing sound

Has that dive bar vibe.

I play out here. The staff is great, and the vibe is chill.

Great sober drink options and great service. Always enjoy shows here.

Always a good place for local music. Decent acoustics, not a bad seat in the house, and cheap drinks. Win, win, win

I used to haunt the Bug Jar in the 90s, and I'm happy to say it hasn't changed an iota since then. Great bands, great crowd, and ambience for days.

It has been years and years since I have been to the Bug Jar - perhaps last was when Wesly Willis played there. It is small and cozy, with the funniest decorations ever! Used to go more when I worked at Borders, and lived like 2 blocks away. Miss those times. Tonight was a fond reminder. MC Lars, MC Frontalot, Mega Ran, Shafer the Warlord, with Worm Quartet opening, and 1/2 of Garden Fresh making a guest appearance. Great night!

Bug Jar is the place to be in Rochester for great local and National bands! Doug, Oz and Dickie are great dudes as well and the staff are top notch!

Great place to hear a pint of beer and drink live, loud rock roll...plus a giant bug flying around above the bar and a rotating art exhibit....the Bug Jar is a Rochester institution. I recently saw Dracula Jones there!

Super fun bar. Extremely unique vibe. One of a kind.

Really great show when I attended friday. Bar staff was efficient and effective. It was clean and the sound guy did a great job

UnBelievably iconic memorable experience.Thank you,BUG JAR!!!---& fox forty five For putting on a killer show

Lively bartenders, great events - ALL the time. Without Tim Avery, I don't know if the music scene in Rochester would be as great as it is. If they started serving food, I'd probably never go home.

This place has been here forever and provides the area with a continuous stream of excellent musical acts in their small Club room. The bar itself is nothing really great to behold but it certainly has an interesting decor and the bands they get are sometimes excellent.

Love that they have relaxed on the no unders policy makes things way easier and more fun

Captures the essence of a party in a bug jar. Great local bands and awesome staff. A variety of drinks and fun. What most would call a great night out 👍

My favorite venue ever, both to play and to visit. It has a kind of magic that's untouchable. Never change, bug jar.

We went for a show not bad at all

My favorite spot in the city for traditional Rochester street culture. Great place to listen to music or a comedy show while having inexpensive drinks. Would only recommend this spot to cool people.

We are fortunate to have a club with such a dedication to LIVE music. So many local and national artists, so much you really won't hear anywhere else in rochester. Friendly, fast bartenders. Smoking on the sidewalk at busy intersection sucks. Smoking laws suck. It's an effing BAR, people, repeal the b.s. law

One of the best venue's in the city. The staff are amazing. I have seen so many amazing shows there i am vaccinated and will continue too support local music.

Cool Atmosphere, Good local bands like High Falls playing. Great time

Great people who treat the bands perfectly - always a pleasure to play there!!

Every show at The Bug Jar is always fun and relaxed, I have not seen any major issues at shows and I've been going there for shows for a long time (for metal shows! Horns up!). Security guys are cool, bartenders are amusing. Dunno why this doesn't have five stars. Stigma over the incident that happened years ago is pretty biased and lame.

The best damn live music venue Rochester has to offer. Its dark, gritty, uncompromising, and everything else you would want or expect in a music club. Period. Drop the mic.

Great venue with awesome live music and drinks aren’t too pricey. If you get there early, parking on Monroe is a breeze. But bands usually start late.

Great alternative bar... been going here since it opened 30+ years ago. Live music & inexpensive drinks.

One of my favorite Venues in Roc. Small, but the staff is always great and the Metal is even better. 🤘♥️

Really cool venue. Lots to look at while listening to fantastic music

I had a great experience here. The concert was very loud in a good way, and felt very small and big at the same time. Makes you feel like you're at some underground show or in an dumb indie flick. I would suggest dancing, it's fun

fantastic place. can be crowded and loud and dark, if thats not your jam than this isn't the place for you. this is a fantastically artistic space with an amazing atmosphere. staff is extremely friendly and the live music is always very talented.

Nice intimate venue, the decor is fantastic!

Don't know if they have food. Went there to watch a band. Great venue for music, friendly bartender and a great crowd.

This venue is on the smaller side, but the bar area is large. It's big enough to play pool or sit at a table with friends if you want to skip a band. The fan above the bar is a beautiful work of art. Sound is good. Bathrooms were clean. Couldn't ask for more. Lol.

My love for the Bug Jar goes beyond words. Beyond explanation. I love you Bug Jar. Thank you for making Rochester a better place by existing.

First time after growing up in Rochester and now living overseas, what a fab venue . The music by Saphron w JC on lead guitar closing after two other bands and only 10$ door can’t be beat, gorgeous patrons and cool bar staff. Go there, enjoy the music, drinks and nice peeps.

We went to see our friend's band play at the Bug Jar and I was pleased by the cool atmosphere, spacious layout and overall atmosphere. The acoustics were great and I didn't leave there with ringing in my ears. Definitely a fun place that I'd like to check out again.

Nice cozy venue with a fun bar and great atmosphere.

Bug Jar is a fun and unique bar on Monroe Ave in Rochester, NY. The venue often holds live music on a small, but eccentric stage area. The whole building is decorated in a very one of kind/distinctive way!

Barb is a wonderful bar tender. Can make any drink you ask for, always smiling, and just a sweetheart. Bar has an interesting decor, plenty to look at! Lots of creative artists have apparently been through there you will notice... Both with their hands or with their voices. Stage in back of bar, another room, for live music ora comedy.

Always have a good time at the bar. The bartenders are always friendly and welcoming and the venue is small enough to have a lot of fun in.

I've been here twice so far. I love the atmosphere! A few tables to sit at, there is mainly bar seating. There's also a pool table. And a separate room for hosting events! Great drink prices as well!

Great spot for local shows and drinks. I wanted to give 4 stars because I've had some uncomfortable experiences here during the colder months, but it's not the business's fault. Specifically, since it's small it's hard to be comfortable with a coat on as there aren't many places to hang your items up, and it gets extremely hot. There are hooks on the wall by the stage, but in a crowded room it's almost impossible to keep an eye out for your belongings and enjoy the music at the same time. I've lost scarves, t-shirts I bought from the merch table, and many gloves here. Heads up, leave your belongings in the car if you can!

Wow this place made my experience such a good one. The staff here was super nice to me. That's saying a lot. I find tha staff at venues to not be too nice but definitely not the case here. Definitely a great atmosphere and cool little venue to hang out and see s live show.

The Bug Jar is a Rochester must visit for great shows /art and cool bartenders. The bug jar is one of the places in rochester where you can definitely find metal-punk-rock - hip hop shows, drum and bass and so much more. Be sure to check put upcoming shows or artist displaying work at the jar, as It never disappoints and usually showcases great and unique works from local artists.

Regularly supporting local artists. On tap is a mix of typical drafts and a few nice crafts. Great price on bottled PBRs. The bartenders are pretty good at mixed drinks and have a wide variety of spirits behind the bar to make you almost anything you want

Been going here for almost a decade. It's a super chill spot with great music that comes through. Bartenders are really nice. Definitely a hip spot to be and a great place to stop by in the area.

Fun intimate club with cool art and a old apartment literally hanging from the ceiling!

Brendan Lynch

What a place. Has all the personality and 'vibe' it's known for and more. With a fun bar and little stage for probably the craziest shows you'll ever see!!!

I Am Jackpot

I delivered food here. People were nice. They were on there own vibe. I assume this is a great spot for that particular genre of music crowd.

Douglas Boyle

Great local dive, and even better when there's a band. I discovered the place because a band I love was playing there. I live 5 hrs away and always worth the trip when a band I like comes by.

Kristin Behr

Been going here for over two decades. A quasi-hole-in-the-wall-punk-rock establishment that's been going since at least 1998 when I first went back in my college days. A revolving art collection on the walls, large fiberglass flies spinning around on the fans over the bar. It's one of those places you gotta go to at least once in Rochester just to say you went. Best is when you see a metal show there and bump into some local legends that are known worldwide.

Joe Peluso

Bug Jar is quickly becoming my favorite place to both perform and go see live music. Bobby, Todd, Harley and everyone else there have all been amazing to me and my bandmates, and they routinely punch above their weight with the bands they are able to get in there. I LOVE the Bug Jar, and can't wait to get back there!

irule obv

Bugjar is a staple of my childhood and I refuse to rate less than 5 stars. It's been a minute since I've been back but my first time coming after awhile I was taken aback by the bar service. I order one thing and one thing only while I'm out and tip generously too. I had to have my drink remade 3 times and even by the third noticed there was an issue. The bartenders do a fine job when it comes to making the drink however somebody should keep an eye out because there is no way the liquor isn't being watered down at this time. Upon the 3rd drink remade it was clear I had made whoever was behind the bar upset as he proceeded to attempt to embarass me infront of multiple other guests by telling me I need to communicate and order my drink better beyond asking for a double whiskey club soda. He poured me an entire glass of whiskey with a splash of soda to make a point and it still tasted like water. This is not the punk dive bar I remember growing up or even the bar I remember from a couple years ago. Maybe it was personal, maybe it was just a long night but do better. If the liquor sucks be a decent human and tell me to stick to canned.

Jens Fiederer

It's a bar, no food or service, just drinks you get from the bartender and art and the local music, which is the real reason you go there!

Tim Crist

Rochester's legendary catch-all for freak bands. My favorite place in the city to see a show, and I've performed on that stage more than any other. Acts from Modest Mouse to Wesley Willis to the Mr. T Experience to Lizzo have performed here. Great sound, great people, and an entire living room and kitchen mounted on the ceiling just for the sheer unadulterated hell of it.

Robyn

Bartenders are great, awesome low key place; very cool and very punk. They have a huge hot tea selection for those who can't drink. Everyone was super chill and nice. Loved the Bug Jar! We will be going back often. Door charge so bring cash. 😉

Triple T778

Wonderful welcoming atmosphere, great staff, and plenty of room for seating and just overall creative atmosphere with many pieces of art. I'm definitely going back whenever I get a chance.

+2

YourEvilTwin

What a great, intimate room to enjoy music in upstate! The back of the room is better than most any seat in larger venues. Plus, the furniture-on-the-ceiling decor provides a fun pre-show atmosphere.

+7

punk rock Michelle

I’ve always had an epic time at the Bug Jar when I’ve attended a show there. The atmosphere is wonderful and the crowd is generally very nice and overall pretty chill. The staff is always helpful and the bar itself is forever a legend. I’ll continue to return for more shows as long as they keep them coming! Thanks Bug Jar. I appreciate what you do.

J Kinzig

First time to Bug Jar. Love the intimate setting. Mingled with members of 3 bands. All three bands were fantastic: Pengo, My Education, Acid Mothers Temple. Sound system was good. Great bar staff. Would definitely return to this venue.

Kenneth Clark

First show here I saw Willie Watson in 2021. With local opening act Jackson Cavalier - great musicians!!! Great little venue with a lot of character. Ain't the prettiest but an intimate place to experience music. Great staff and booking - bartender was very kind.

It's called the bug jar. It's a dirty rock bar. As long as you don't expect anything too nice, it's a great place to see a show and hang.

Funky dive bar with live music most nights. Furniture glued to the ceiling in the show room. Rotating art shows. Very cool.

It's cramped, loud and eclectic, if that's not you thing then you should probably find another bar/venue. The shows are always great and the beer is pretty cheap. Go Topes!

This is the trippiest place I have ever been to. If I lived closer I would hang out with friends here all the time. It's a great place to see live music, but due to the small stage area the sound quality isn't the best. This isn't the worst thing in the world, and frankly the only "issue" I had. I hope to return soon!

Went with a few friends tonight. They had no cover for comedy, had a good selection of craft beer, and they had a pool table. Keep doing what you're doing! We will be back.

Great little spot. The night I went had some great acts and the size of the venue was nice and cozy. A friend I went with was telling me how he saw Arcade Fire perform here many years ago. Pretty awesome!

I went for emo night and it was fantastic, walking in the door was easy....too easy. But the drinks were good the service was great and the bathrooms were clean, they also have a super cool art piece on the ceiling of the showroom. Drinks are cheap and music is decent so I'll go again at some point because the experience was nice and so were the people.

I've been going to the jar for years and have played there with several bands. It's one of the better music venues in the city and one of the most interesting. The crowd is mostly local musicians and generally pretty friendly. Not expensive to drink and cool atmosphere.

Drove over from Buffalo for a concert. Bartenders were attentive, easy vibe. Tiny venue. Standing room only. It was hotter than Hades in there. Even the band mentioned it. It bothered me enough to say something here, but don't let it stop you from heading over.

Robert Lawton

A cool, alternative bar that isn't sports or filled with TVs. Good local (and sometimes more) music from bands and DJs. Unique and still going strong. If you've never been you should find a show and come experience the Bug Jar.

+3

Great little music venue, the bar has all you'll need. The sound here is real great for such a small space.

Ambiance was neat. Sound equipment was not made for any types of EDM. Also bartender and bouncer spent all their time making out with women and not doing their jobs

Glad to have Ambush visit this location being that in the late 70's , early 80's it used to be a lesbian bar. They made alot of money that night. Especially when they ripped me off for over charging me at the end of the night.

Well this place has it all; the good, the bad and the ugly. You can see some otherworldly shows here you won't see many other places and the interior design is unique to say the least. The shows can be really really good. On the other hand there is already a cover charge, like ALWAYS. As in there are three people in a bar and a dj and they want cash to come in..... People gotta eat so I get it, but I also like to leave fair reviews and that if with mentioning since it's not the standard and people read to know what to expect. Expect to get billed and find out after if you got what you paid for. Also worth mentioning the crowd can feel very very cliquey and unapproachable compared to other venues such as lux or buta pub but the bartenders are great. And though this is a mixed review do not think I don't think it's worth visiting, truthfully I hate the place and still find myself there often enough to know they are doing something unique and fulfilling enough to want to come back again and again

I feel like these 5 star reviews are coming from people that haven't checked out other venues. The place definitely has potential but the bartenders cannot make a decent drink and they keep filling everyone's cup with ice. As far as the sound system setup goes : the gear is decent, the EQ guy doesn't know what he's doing. You can hear the stage monitors are blown out, probably from maxing out the volume unnecessarily. Stage space is tiny, no room for a 4-5 person band to move around. Bathroom is filthy. 3 stars because the place has potential.

Had a great time drinking a few local beers while listening to live music. The sound quality wasn't the best due to such a small stage and audience area off the bar. Would come back.

zack scribner

Went for a live music night, excellent setting, good crowd energy. Got prickly service from one of the bartenders. Service may vary for anyone not obviously queer/punk-coded.

Show was great! Bartenders have a serious attitude problem and are very rude to customers.

Blatantly ignored and recieved attitude from the bartender after waiting almost a half hour for drinks while serving others first who clearly couldn't be bothered to be there working. Good music venue otherwise

Alias M

I came here on Halloween and although the atmosphere was awesome, the bartender working, tall masc presenting dude with salt and pepper slicked back hair, was OBLITERATED. I'm talking eyes glazed over, stumbling, spilling drinks as he was pouring, forgetting people's orders, and outright embarrassing to watch as a former bartender. Probs wont be back for a casual hang out but could see myself there for a show or something.

Zelda

Got cut off from NA drinks last saturday even with tipping on them and my group and i were treated pretty poorly from Harley after. Felt uncomfortable sitting at the bar after that so i ended up leaving the show early that night. The old weekend crew never had a problem with it and were generally always a treat, idk if he's just like that or if he was having a bad night but either way kinda bummed to see it happen.

Bartender literally just cussed out and screamed from on top of the bar at a middle age woman that was frustrated and calmly explaining it. Go here if you want to watch hipster kids treat people with disrespect

Tried to get in and got turned away with my ID just because I’m from out of state. Bouncer threw my cash on the ground after I asked for it back after he said my Maine ID wasn’t real ( fun fact! It’s government issued and I’ve been 21 since July and haven’t had any issue until I came here!)

Imagine a high school rock band that never made it out of their mom's basement and the drummer only knows one pattern that he plays over and over again out of sync with the guitarist who only knows 4 chords and merely copies the bass player who would be half decent if he ever built the courage to quit the band and start his own. Now imagine that same band making their big breakthrough at a local bar who couldn't book anyone else, playing every night of the summer with the volume up loud enough to make patrons wonder if there's a problem with the speakers or if that's just the vocalist's attempt to be interesting. Or don't imagine it and go to the Bugjar.

The sound was the worst I have ever heard at a concert. The sound operator seemed to believe louder was better; he didn't care about the quality of the music. It was a bad experience.

Emily Akyuz

The guy tending the bar last night on 10/31 was definitely drunk and said some sexist things to me and my partner. He was wearing a cowboy costume and was young and I think blonde. Me and my partner were trying to get drinks (mind you we had just gotten there and had no idea if we were in a relationship or not) and he got upset at my partner since I wanted to pay for my drink. He literally shamed him saying “are you really letting ur girl pay for her drink” among other things like “get a guy who can pay for your drinks”. Then he kept trying to give me back my card… it kinda ruined the night. It was really uncomfortable and I was worried about him pouring my drink. I didn’t go back to the bar and we almost left because we knew we couldn’t get another drink out of fear he might do something worse. Please please do not hire men like this… I’m going to call when u guys open to talk about this. Im genuinely concerned about him bartending another night. It was my first time going to the bug jar too and I was really looking forward to it since it’s got such a cool atmosphere.

Alexa Montoya

On 10/31 the man bartending was absolutely wasted behind the bar! He was incoherent and couldn't even remember a drink order. EXTREMELY disappointed and if this was my place he would be fired immediately! I've never experienced a bartender being that obliterated behind the bar. Never going back to this place again. I was in disbelief on the behavior of this man, absolutely unacceptable. I'm sure he cost the bar a lot of money by not taking drink orders. 0/10