1872 Cafe
Cafe in the Susan B. Anthony neighborhood themed around Women's Rights and the Suffrage movement, serving house-made soups, New York style pizza, and fresh daily selections with vegan and gluten-free options. Dog-friendly with outdoor seating.
Overview
1872 Cafe is a breakfast and brunch cafe at 431 West Main Street in Rochester, NY, situated in the Susan B. Anthony neighborhood. The cafe takes its name from the year Susan B. Anthony cast her ballot in a federal election at a polling place near this very site — an act that led to her arrest and trial. A bronzed replica of the historic ballot box sits in the cafe's garden, tying the space directly to Rochester's suffrage history. The interior features large glass windows, and the cafe is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
What They Offer
1872 Cafe serves a breakfast-and-brunch-focused menu with both classic and creative options:
- Belgian waffles and egg soufflés
- Breakfast pizza, including steak breakfast pizza
- Sandwiches with vegan options such as the "Good Day Rosa" (seasoned tofu, spinach, red onion, tomato, and hummus)
- House-made soups and fresh salads
- New York style pizza
- Gluten-free selections
The cafe also offers hot chocolate, coffee, and daily rotating specials. Curbside pickup and online ordering are available.
Known For
1872 Cafe is distinguished by its suffrage-movement theme, making it one of the few cafes in the region where the dining space itself connects to a specific moment in American civil rights history. The cafe sits along the Susan B. Anthony Trail, which links several historic sites in the neighborhood. Beyond its historical identity, the cafe has built a following around its breakfast pizza and its commitment to offering vegan and gluten-free items alongside standard brunch fare. The outdoor seating area is dog-friendly.
Location & Neighborhood
1872 Cafe sits on West Main Street in Rochester's Susan B. Anthony neighborhood, steps from the Susan B. Anthony Museum & House and the 1872 Monument marking where Anthony and 14 other women registered to vote. The cafe has a dedicated parking lot with roughly 12 to 15 spaces adjacent to the building. The neighborhood is a walkable historic district that draws visitors following the Susan B. Anthony Trail through Troup Street Park and surrounding landmarks. The cafe is about a mile west of downtown Rochester.
Sources used in compiling this entry
1872-cafe.com·atlasobscura.com·restaurantji.com·visitrochester.com
Last updated May 15, 2026