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Hot Dogs and PlatesDowntown
Nick Tahou Hots on W. Main St in Rochester serves the original trademarked Garbage Plate for under $10, one of the best cheap meals in Upstate New York.
TipA two-item plate runs $8-$10 depending on protein. White hots, cheeseburgers, or eggs over the top. Cash preferred. Closed Mondays.
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Hot DogsMonroe Avenue
Dogtown on Monroe Ave in Rochester serves 18 gourmet hot dog varieties for under $6 each on locally-baked rolls, with handcut fries for a filling budget meal.
TipMost dogs are under $6. Handcut fries are an additional $3-4. Closed Sundays. The German-style frank with mustard and sauerkraut is the fastest order.
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Asian NoodlesMonroe Avenue
Han Noodle Bar on Monroe Ave in Rochester serves Chinese broth noodles and stir-fry dishes for $10-$14, one of Monroe Avenue's best quick lunches.
TipLunch is the budget-friendliest time; bowls run $10-$12. The ramen and hand-pulled noodle options are the best value. Counter seating available for solo diners.
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Diner and HotsMonroe Avenue
Mark's Texas Hots on Monroe Ave in Rochester is a 24-hour diner on weekends, serving hot dogs, plates, and classic diner breakfasts for under $10 at any hour.
TipUnder $10 for most items at any hour. Open 24 hours Friday and Saturday; closes at 04:00 weekday nights. Cash preferred. The late-night plate is the same price as the daytime order.
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Halal AmericanMonroe Avenue
Halal Spot on Monroe Ave in Rochester serves halal cheesesteaks, gyros, and burgers for $8-$12 at counter speed, one of Monroe Avenue's top late-night stops.
TipMost items $8-$12. Late night open until 02:00. Counter service, no wait time. The chicken cheesesteak is the fastest and most filling order.
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MediterraneanMonroe Avenue
Aladdin's Natural Eatery on Monroe Ave in Rochester has served Mediterranean food since 1979, with falafel wraps and hummus plates for $9-$13 per item.
TipThe falafel wrap is $9-$10, one of the best budget options on the Avenue. Lunch specials run until 15:00 on weekdays.
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EthiopianMonroe Avenue
Natural Oasis on Monroe Ave serves Ethiopian combination platters with 5 or more items on injera for under $15, one of Monroe Avenue's best-value group meals.
TipThe combo platter at $13-$15 is more than enough for one person and works well for sharing. Wednesday through Friday lunch specials include a drink.
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Artisan Bread and CafePublic Market
Flour City Bread at Rochester Public Market sells organic sourdough and pastries for $3-$6 per item, the best-value morning stop for artisan bread.
TipA loaf runs $6-$9, pastries $3-$4 each. Saturday market stall sells out of popular loaves before 10:00. The cafe inside the market building is open for sit-down coffee and pastry.
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Frozen CustardPark Avenue
Abbott's Frozen Custard at Lake Ave serves Rochester's original frozen custard for $4-$6, open late April through October with a dozen metro locations.
TipThe Lake Ave location on Lake Ontario is the original; others are throughout the metro. Concrete mix-ins follow the custard base. Closes late October for the season.
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IndianBrighton
Thali of India on South Winton Rd serves a lunch buffet daily for $13-$15 per person, covering 8 or more Indian dishes from dals to biryani.
TipLunch buffet runs daily until 14:00. One of the best-value meals in the Rochester metro. The full buffet includes samosas, soup, rice, and fresh-baked naan.