Geneseo’s Best College Stops
Every year, over 4,000 college students call Geneseo home. Whether your reminiscing old times or scouting out new spots, these student favorites are what connect the SUNY campus to our community.
Just up the hill from the SUNY Geneseo, Geneseo Main Street is where tradition meets new beginnings.
Follow along as we unpack some “classic” Geneseo college stops that have fared decades, and more recent local businesses that have caught the attention of college students, visitors, and residents alike.
The Classics
Food
What’s the first stop of many alumni when passing through town? Aunt Cookies Sub Shop. Known for its warm toasted sub rolls, Aunt Cookies has been serving up classic assortments of subs since 1971.
Aunt Cookies Sub Shop
Mamma Mia’s and Pizza Paul’s have been supplying midnight bites for students since the early 1990’s, and yup, they’re still here! Stop by for a slice to relive and retell old tales of late Geneseo nights.
Nightlife
The Idle Hour & Kelly’s Saloon- both beloved dive bars for residents and students alike. Alumni from 2009 on may remember weekly“Trivia Tuesdays” at The Idle hour.
Shopping
Special Tees has been providing quality custom apparel in Geneseo since the 1990’s. Offerings include a great selection of merch for students and families.
Opened by a Geneseo alum in the 1990’s, Touch of Grayce sells a variety of toys, books, clothing, and Geneseo branded items. Whatever you are looking for, you can likely find it here!
Opened by an alumni in 1972, Buzzo Music is the oldest continually owned business on Main Street. Full of an eclectic collection of guitars, records and other musical instruments and accessories for sale.
With over 50+ years in Geneseo, Sundance Books is another Geneseo staple and a book readers paradise.
New & Worth the Visit!
Food
Cosmic Charlie Cafe
Located at the old campus bookstore, Cosmic Charlie Cafe offers offers espresso drinks, house made syrups and fresh local food.
The newly updated Crickets: (Coffee, Kitchen, Cocktails) now includes an all day brunch menu and drinks at their newly crafted bar.
Sweet Art’s Bakery is known for their cafe drinks and bakery items, and did we mention the best cinnamon rolls in town?
Nightlife
Bar-Eat-O serves fresh burritos, tacos, craft beer, & cocktails with weekly meal and happy hour specials, a student favorite for sure.
Drum Roll Stage & Sushi Pub
Located in the former “Statesman” building, the newly opened Drumroll Stage & Sushi Pub, unites both foodies and music lovers with their fantastic live music scene.
Run by two Geneseo alumni, Dublin Corner’s Taproom has a cozy atmosphere with local brews that both students and residents can’t resist.
Shopping
FLX Revival shares vintage clothing both locally sourced and from all around the world, with one of a kind vintage finds.
Started by two Geneseo alumni, The Gallery in the Valley includes art, photography, and goods, all from local makers. An excellent stop for students or families searching for mementos unique to the Genesee Valley area.
The options are endless at The Geneseo Store when looking for campus gear. Full of branded clothing, flags, and other memorabilia.
Visit Not Dot Shop & Florence’s Perpetual Estate Sale while in town, for a treasure hunt at these favorite stores offering antiques to jewelry to furniture.
Honey Girl Gourmet is a Geneseo alumni run gift shop selling specialty food items, and local handmade gifts.
Time to Explore
These stores are just a small taste of the businesses Main Street holds. Whether revisiting classic favorites or exploring fresh additions, both the Geneseo community and campus spirit is woven into every corner.
Each visit not only supports these local businesses but also serves as a reminder of the close-knit community, the comforting familiarity, and the small-town charm that so many students, families, and residents for ages have held dear. A reminder that while buildings and businesses may change, Geneseo stays timeless at its core.
All photos by Third Eye Catcher Photography