Equal Grounds

Category:	Coffee Shop
Address:	750 South Ave, Rochester, NY 14620, USA
Phone:	+1 585-256-2362
Site:	equalgrounds.com
Rating:	4.6
Working:	7AM–12AM 7AM–12AM 7AM–12AM 7AM–12AM 7AM–12AM 10AM–12AM 10AM–12AM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 9

Paul Cicotta

Equal Grounds Coffee Shop has been a landmark coffee shop in the South Wedge area for decades. This coffee shop offers a safe environment for anybody who just wants to grab a quick cup of coffee, and relax. I enjoy their outside patio area, especially if the weather is nice out. Inside, there are many couches, chairs, and luv seats which make mingling with each other easier. The music playing here is also top notch, and is best to listen to by the electronic fireplace. Equal Grounds also has many events, such as Open Mic Comedy Night. A special surprise is when they have pieces of the AIDS Memorial Quilt on display; this is from the original that was in Washington DC during the AIDS epidemic. Half of the time when you sit in Equal Grounds most of the gay guys seem to be trapped in their phone on Grindr. In most other major cities, gay men are not afraid to be approachable while Rochester still remains a social media app. driven first environment. The cliental has changed drastically over the decades, as now you find more straight families hanging out than gay guys trying to find each other. I love all the board games they have which make for a fun time when bringing your friends out. Times have changed, and no longer is there a need to have specific gay coffee shops, since everyone is integrated now. Equal Grounds now has a new owner who is Harry Bronson, our famous political representative from the Park Ave. area. Now onto the not-so-good part, such as a $5.00 minimum for coffee purchases on your card. First of all, its a COFEEE SHOP, and most coffee is below 5 bucks so thats ridiculous. It against the law in NYS to charge people a fee for under 5.00 purchases because you DO NOT want to pay the 50 cent transaction fee. The coffee is not that great here; in fact I think its below average. I usually get the Chai Smoothie, and for 5 bucks I used to get a HUGE tall mug. Not only are prices OUTRAGEOUS, but the sizes have gone down, and I like them BIG. You cant markup coffee because you tailor to a specific clientele, since this is now 2017, and every coffee shop is gay in some way. The Chai is not that great, it is made up of powder for the most part. The ice-cream shop and sandwiches are a nice bonus such as their Wasabi Roast Beef Wrap. Honestly if this wasnt a spot to meet and bring gay men, I would have hated here, and beggars cant be choosers. Overall: A Landmark Coffee Shop, $5.00 Dollar Minimum on Card, Great Environment to Hang with Friends, So-So Coffee, and Sandwiches/Wraps.....I Will Be Back.

Sara Fitzgerald

Although the man at the register seemed to be in a stiff, unwelcoming mood I do have to say the Chai Latte was excellent. Perhaps he was having an off morning, but I have to say after that short, curt kind of welcome to the point where I actually felt uncomfortable, I feel a little uneasy going back again. This is meant to be constructive criticism, a place with amazing chai should have amazing front end staff to boot! Im a little shocked from the front end treatment... Looking at these past reviews I have hardly seen a complaint. Perhaps he was either new or had an off morning. Otherwise excellent atmosphere... Im an avid supporter for local businesses and Im a huge fan of coffee shops and was excited to try somewhere new! Not sure if Ill be back, as Javas has been my go to, and the staff always made me feel at home. I do wish the best going forward for this business though!

Christian Nelson

This is one of my favorite placed in rochester. They have a great community, have a wonderful atmosphere, great products with home made creme fresh and baked goods and friendly employee, several of whom i have grown to know. they are suportive of the community by offering promotion, participating in the first friday events, lending a home to local organizations meetings. is a great place to hang and talk, get work done, eat, and even play board games from their game selection. apples to apples has become a tradition among my friends. if you have not checked out this place, please do so, they are warm and welcoming and i highly recommend it.

Jillian Latorre

Great place to study, have a coffee break and a safe space for the LGBT community. Note, I do not attend school for a number of reasons, so I got my opinion on studying based on other people and the environment. However if you are autistic like me, I do not recommend the clubs that come here, like Genesee Valley Gender Variants, the population generally doesnt understand autism but obviously understand if you are transgender or non-binary. If you have very mild autism like aspergers, then you will generally fit in. Overall, great atmosphere and a quiet place to study.

Rebecca Holley

Really convenient location (limited parking in back and some along the side street), plenty of seating and of course power outlets for laptops. The barista when I was there was incredibly kind - completely replaced my drink free of charge when I spilled it all over a table & the floor! I was so embarrassed but she was very sweet and helpful. There is a $5 minimum for cards so have cash if youre just getting a drink. The main entrance has a step but there is a ramp entrance just down the storefront a bit. The wifi password changes every day so be sure to ask for it!

Mark Schindlbeck

I always feel welcome at Equal Grounds, no matter how long Ive been away. Almost as if i was visiting family. Theres plenty of seating inside and out with ample outlets inside. They host events for small groups, so you can make new friends easily if you find youd also like to play a game, try a shot at the open mic, learn Spanish, or simply kvetch with friends. I sometimes like to spend the day at the café working, spotting random friends, and people-watching within easy reach of drinks, lunch, and snacks.

Sharon Jeter

A truly welcoming, comfortable and great coffee place. Wide selection of hot & cold coffee and tea drinks along with bakery and breakfast/lunch offerings. Located in two turn of the century storefronts, it is roomy and comfortable. A pulse is the local art displayed on the walls along with Equal Grounds and LGBTQ merchandise. Equal Grounds has been a staple in the South Wedge neighborhood for many years which is a testament to its wonderful coffee, food and service as well as the great atmosphere.

Laine Auslander

My first experience at Equal Grounds sealed it for me - I was going to be a regular. Excellent selection of teas, great food (although the menu is somewhat limited, the Wasabi Roast Beef is unique and delicious), and good coffee. Friendly staff and atmosphere, including lots of good board games, reading material, and free wi-fi access. Much decor changes frequently as the owners showcase a different local artist every month!

barbara cotie

Very nice atmosphere here gay friendly but its a real mix of people that come to equal grounds. Free Wi-Fi. The coffee is good the service is very nice. But the place needs to be cleaned more the floors are very dusty and obviously need to be swept and mopped more often. The place is very dusty inside and I think that mopping the floor will help that immensely.