Tapas 177

Tapas 177 is a family-owned tapas restaurant and bar located at 177 St Paul Street in downtown Rochester, NY. Open since November 1996, the restaurant occupies an 1880s building that has been styled with a blend of rustic European warmth and modern urban design. The interior features dim lighting, semi-communal seating, and rotating displays of local artwork, creating an intimate atmosphere along one of downtown Rochester's most active dining corridors.

The kitchen at Tapas 177 prepares all dishes from scratch, drawing on a fusion approach that spans familiar comfort food and more adventurous global flavors. The menu leans heavily on shareable small plates — including dumplings, empanadas, and salads — alongside a selection of larger entrées with an emphasis on wild game and seafood. Separate vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-friendly menus are available, making the restaurant accessible to guests with a range of dietary needs.

The bar program is equally broad, offering 35 wines by the glass, homemade sangria, and a dedicated martini menu. The kitchen stays open until 11:00 PM (final seating at 10:25 PM), while the bar serves until 2:00 AM Monday through Thursday and 1:30 AM on Friday and Saturday.

Tapas 177 has held its place on St Paul Street for nearly three decades, one of the longer-running independent restaurants in downtown Rochester. The Thursday-night free salsa lessons have become a neighborhood fixture, drawing a regular crowd to the dance floor. Live music on Friday and Saturday evenings adds to the atmosphere. The restaurant also operates Event 180, a private events space across the street used for weddings, corporate functions, and celebrations.

Situated on St Paul Street between Main Street and the Inner Loop in downtown Rochester's St. Paul Quarter, Tapas 177 is within walking distance of several other restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues that line this corridor. The neighborhood sits close to the Eastman Theatre and the Little Theatre, making the restaurant a convenient stop before or after a show. Street parking and nearby municipal lots serve the area. Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends.