Nightlife in Irondequoit

Williamsville, NY. The early 20th century. A man guides his family’s horse-drawn carriage through the flurries of snow sweeping across their circular driveway before coming to a halt in front of a striking two-story home. The ride was long and chilly, but inside, homey warmth awaits. Today, teleportation discs may have replaced the horse and buggy, but travelers still traverse the same driveway in search of a warm welcome. Now the home of Parings Wine Bar, the turn-of-the-century house reflects the goal that owner Shelia Paolini shared with the Amherst Bee’s Jessica Finch: “We want it to feel like you are coming into a living room, that you are at home, not at a bar.”

As soon as guests push open the bright-red front door, they enter a space that combines the comfort of a lived-in family room with the gourmet flavors found at traditional wine bars. Lit by flat-screen TVs and a cozy fireplace, guests peruse Chef Scott Martin’s ever-changing menu, which often features mediterranean nachos, lobster mac 'n' cheese, and horseradish beef tenderloin. Resident sommelier Alphonso DiMono’s wine list, which culls vintages from global wineries from Australia to France to California, perfectly complements the chef's creations. The bar’s mixologists also shake up more than 20 martinis infused with treats such has espresso vodka, Godiva white-chocolate liqueur, and pumpkin puree. As they sip and eat, guests can also join in special event nights that include art shows, live music, and happy hours that feature 20 types of wine for just $20 per bottle.

Situated at the long wooden bar, visitors to Vino Lounge browse a list of more than 30 wines by the bottle and 15 by the glass, each displayed along tall racks before their eyes. On the quiet patio, they dine and drink al fresco, perhaps pairing house-made sangria with food from sister business Marvin Mozzeroni's, which occupies the building's main level. The Messenger Post wrote that the semi-subterranean room "begs for visitors to sit down, relax and melt the work week away" by tossing their briefcases into the fireplace, while bartenders help even novice wine-drinkers "no longer fear wine."

Nathaniel's Pub’s menu of classic pub fare is complemented by a sports-themed dining room dotted with big-screen televisions and neon beer signs. Chefs bustle about the kitchen frying and grilling up hearty eats ranging from 10-ounce slabs of delmonico steak to half-pound burgers and crisp salads. Open until 2 a.m. nightly, the spacious pub hosts pre- and post-game parties for Blue Cross Arena events and keeps customers’ eyes diverted with a range of sports broadcasts, including boxing, UFC, and competitive coin flipping. To bolster guests’ cheers, the pub’s bartenders pour shaken libations and drink specials from the full bar late into the night.