Indian$brightonMon-Sun 11:30-14:30 and 16:30-20:30
Thali of India on South Winton Rd serves a lunch buffet daily for $13-$15 per person, covering 8 or more Indian dishes from dals to biryani.
Tip: Lunch buffet runs daily until 14:00. One of the best-value meals in the Rochester metro. The full buffet includes samosas, soup, rice, and fresh-baked naan.
Hot Dogs and Plates$downtownTue-Fri 11:00-19:00, Sat 11:00-19:00
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.
Tip: A two-item plate runs $8-$10 depending on protein. White hots, cheeseburgers, or eggs over the top. Cash preferred. Closed Mondays.
Hot Dogs$monroe-avenueMon-Sat 11:00-22:45
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.
Tip: Most dogs are under $6. Handcut fries are an additional $3-4. Closed Sundays. The German-style frank with mustard and sauerkraut is the fastest order.
Asian Noodles$monroe-avenueMon-Tue 11:30-21:30, Thu 11:30-21:30, Fri-Sat 11:30-22:30, Sun 11:30-21:30
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.
Tip: Lunch is the budget-friendliest time; bowls run $10-$12. The ramen and hand-pulled noodle options are the best value. Counter seating available for solo diners.
Diner and Hots$monroe-avenueMon-Thu 10:30-04:00, Fri-Sat 00:00-24:00, Sun 10:30-04:00
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.
Tip: Under $10 for most items at any hour. Open 24 hours Friday and Saturday; closes at 04:00 weekday nights. Cash preferred. The late-night plate is the same price as the daytime order.
Halal American$monroe-avenueMon-Fri 11:00-02:00, Sat 11:00-02:00
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.
Tip: Most items $8-$12. Late night open until 02:00. Counter service, no wait time. The chicken cheesesteak is the fastest and most filling order.