ROAR

ROAR is a gay-owned LGBTQ+ bar and nightclub located at 621 Culver Rd in Rochester, NY. Opened in November 2019 by David Chappius — known in drag as DeeDee DuBois — and Michael Ruger, who performs as DJ Mighty Mic, the venue was created to provide a gathering space for the LGBTQ+ community and allies. Its arrival filled a gap in the city's nightlife scene following the closures of several other LGBTQ+ venues, including Tilt Nightclub, Muther's, and Club GQ. The bar operates as an 18+ establishment, and it remained open throughout the pandemic with its original staff largely intact.

ROAR runs a full kitchen serving homemade bar food alongside a craft cocktail and draft beer menu. Weekday happy hours feature discounted drinks from 5–7 PM. The weekly entertainment schedule includes:

• Wednesday: Trivia night hosted by drag queen Samantha Vega
• Thursday: Karaoke hosted by drag queen Chaka
• Friday: Live music followed by drag shows and dancing
• Friday & Saturday nights: Nightclub programming with local and touring DJs across two floors, plus a floor-to-ceiling dance pole
• Select Sundays: Drag brunch
• Monthly: Bingo night

Additional programming rotates through painting classes, dinner shows, comedy nights, and community benefit events. The venue is open Wednesday through Saturday, with select Sunday events.

ROAR has built its identity around integrating drag performance into every aspect of the venue's programming, setting it apart from a conventional nightclub format. The bar has earned six "Best of Rochester" awards from CITY Magazine, and both co-owners have received individual honors as well. As an 18+ space, it serves as an accessible venue for younger members of the LGBTQ+ community, with an average patron age in the mid-30s and a strong base of regulars.

ROAR sits on Culver Road near the intersection with Atlantic Avenue in Rochester's North Winton Village area. The entrance on Culver Road is wheelchair accessible, and a dedicated ride-share drop-off point is available at 543 Atlantic Ave for those arriving by car service. The surrounding stretch of Culver Road includes a mix of neighborhood businesses and residential blocks, and the venue is a short drive from the commercial activity along East Main Street and the Inner Loop area.