Stout continues the neighborhood bar tradition 

The neighborhood watering hole has been immortalized in books, television, and film over and over again, from "Cheers" to "Trees Lounge." The pub serves as a sort of community center: a place for neighbors to meet and talk about everything from local politics to how Aunt Helen got through her bypass surgery.

The building at 2001 East Main Street has housed a few of these watering holes, including Stirlings and The Flipside. And now Stout has recently opened with the goal of keeping that neighborhood bar feel, while also becoming one of Rochester's destinations for craft beer.

"Every time I go into the bar, I hear, 'I live around the corner,'" says Jim Speedy, who co-owns Stout with John Diamantopoulos. The two aimed to open the pub in 2014 — evidence can be found on the awning to the building which boldly states "Est. 2014" — but it took two years to open the doors due to renovation delays and the common challenges that come with setting up a bar. "The awning is kind of a joke now," Speedy says. "We're going to leave it up."

Stout features 24 rotating draft lines with an emphasis on craft beer, carefully curated by manager Nick Galante. The circular bar is brand new and built to efficiently utilize the space.

The food menu is small, but unique, with items like the Naan Quesadilla ($7.99) which uses Chihuahua cheese (a soft, white cheese originating in Mexico), and choice of meat. Currently, Stout offers four different panini (ranging from $8.99 to $9.99), including the meatball panini with San Marzano tomatoes, fresh Mozzarella, and Asiago. The Stout pastrami panini uses pastrami, Gruyere, pickles, coleslaw, and remoulade. And vegetarians can get down with the Buffalo tofu Bibb lettuce wraps ($5.99).

Stout is located at 2001 East Main Street and is open Monday through Sunday, 11:30 a.m. to 2 a.m. (Food is served from 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.) The building has a large outdoor patio and parking next to the building. 622-9475. Search for Stout on Facebook.

Quick bites

If your dad likes Scotch, take him to Blossom Road Pub (198 North Winton Road) on Father's Day, Sunday, June 19, for a class and tasting. Participants will taste Scotch from each region of Scotland, from the highlands to the lowlands. Class starts at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased at the pub. Call 363-5831 or check out facebook.com/theblossomroadpub.

Peerless Events, the group behind ButaPub (315 Gregory Street) has opened the 3rd ROC Café at the Rochester Museum and Science Center (657 East Avenue). Though the café officially opened in March, it will hold its grand opening June 20 through June 24. The café menu includes soups, salads, wraps, and pasta dishes with vegetarian and gluten-free options. More information at rmsc.org/science-museum/café, or call 271-4320.

Three Heads Brewing (186 Atlantic Avenue) will hold the grand opening of its new brewery and tasting room Thursday, June 16, through Sunday, June 19. The three-day event features live music by The Moho Collective and Subsoil, and food by Millners Southern Smoke, Neno's, and Seoul Food BBQ Truck. There will be a $5 entry fee after 7 p.m. on all days; no charge to enter before. Find out more about Three Heads at threeheadsbrewing.com.

Openings

Core Life Eatery has opened another location in Greece at 2373 West Ridge Road.

Bay Vista Taqueria (1205 Bay Road) has opened in the old Gyromania space in Webster.

Southpoint Restaurant and Bar (1400 Empire Boulevard) has opened next to Bazil Restaurant.

Chow Hound is a food and restaurant news column. Do you have a tip? Send it to [email protected].