This Rochester Meal Is a Glorious Mess—And Locals Wouldn’t Have It Any Other Way

If you've ever visited Rochester, New York, you've probably heard someone passionately discuss the “garbage plate.” This strange-sounding dish might raise some eyebrows, but it’s infinitely more delicious than its name suggests. Garbage plates are messy and chaotic, but they’re also beloved by locals, which is why you’ll find them in restaurants across the city. Some people even refer to them as Rochester’s signature dish.

So, what exactly is a garbage plate? The traditional plate typically starts with a base, often a combination of macaroni salad or baked beans, and home fries or French fries. This base is topped with your choice of meat, such as cheeseburgers, hamburgers, red hot dogs, white hot dogs (another Rochester specialty), Italian sausage, fried fish, or chicken. After that come the toppings: mustard, ketchup, onions, and a meat-based “hot sauce” that’s slightly spicy and reminiscent of chili. Most garbage plates are served with bread and butter on the side.

According to local legend, the garbage plate was invented at Nick Tahou Hots, which opened in downtown Rochester in 1918. The story goes that hungry college students would ask for “all the garbage” on one plate—meaning a mash-up combination of meats, sides, and toppings—and the name stuck. Nick Tahou eventually trademarked the term “Garbage Plate.” You can visit the original location on West Main Street, where they’re still serving up this greasy and glorious Rochester classic.

My in-laws live in Rochester, so I’ve eaten my fair share of garbage plates over the years. I’ve ordered them at greasy take-out joints, fancy restaurants, and everything in between. Three places rank at the top of my list for local favorites: Dogtown, Old Stone Tavern, and Henrietta's Hots.

Dogtown

Located on Monroe Avenue, Dogtown is a small shack that specializes in gourmet hot dogs—but they also have the best garbage plate in the city, dubbed the “junkyard plate.” Order your plate with hot dogs, hamburgers, or cheeseburgers, then choose two sides: home fries, macaroni salad, French fries, baked beans, or coleslaw. If you get “everything” on the plate, it’ll come with mustard, onions, and their version of meat sauce. (In case you’re wondering, my go-to order is a dog plate with macaroni salad, home fries, and everything on it.) 

The Old Stone Tavern

The Old Stone Tavern, located on South Avenue, serves a more elevated garbage plate, but it satisfies all the same. The plates come with perfectly-cooked tater tots or crispy home fries, homemade macaroni salad, hot sauce, mustard, and onion. The meat choices are also more refined, including a steak burger, Smashburger, Beyond Burger, white or red hot dogs, grilled chicken, chicken bites, and cauliflower bites. It’s worth noting that this sit-down restaurant has plenty of yummy menu items, so even if you’re not in the mood for a garbage plate, it’s still worth a visit.  

Henrietta Hots

Looking for a no-nonsense place for a late-night snack? Try Henrietta Hots, which is open until midnight and offers the classic fast-casual experience. In addition to the usual offerings, they also have some unique options, such as the pulled pork plate, grilled cheese plate, and Godfather plate (served with four meats). No matter what you order, Henreitta Hots will satisfy your cravings with its large portions and bold meat sauce. 

Honorable Mentions 

You’ll find garbage plates all across Rochester, New York. Some other restaurants serving top-notch plates include The Gate House, Wimpy’s Burger Basket, Steve T. Hots & Potatoes, Charlie Riedel's Restaurant, Fairport Hots, Spencerport Hots, and more. 

If you ever find yourself on a New York road trip, consider trying an iconic garbage plate in Rochester.