Nick Tahou Hots is an american diner restaurant in Downtown, Rochester.
Nick Tahou Hots on W. Main St in Rochester has served the original Garbage Plate since 1918, the dish that defines the city's food identity.
Editorially verified June 24, 2026 by Lewis Vaughan, TableJourney editor. Source.
Signature dishes: Garbage Plate, White hot, Red hot
Must order: The Garbage Plate with white hots, home fries, mac salad, and meat sauce. Order it at the counter; no substitutions needed.
Tip: Cash is preferred. The restaurant is a no-frills diner; the dish is the destination. Closed Mondays.
Address: 320 W Main St, Rochester, NY 14608
Locals Only on Alexander St in Rochester serves daily breakfast and lunch with a full cocktail program, named for its commitment to Rochester identity.
Signature: Purple Rain brunch plate, Sweet Home Avocado, Full cocktail brunch
Order: The Purple Rain brunch plate, a Rochester-themed egg dish with local accompaniments.
Tip: Open daily 08:00-15:00. No reservations needed. Full cocktail and coffee program available all morning.
The Owl House on Marshall St in Rochester serves American food with a large vegetarian and vegan selection, named Best Gluten-Free in Best of Rochester 2025.
Signature: Seasonal vegetarian plates, Brunch dishes, Weekend specials
Order: The seasonal vegetarian entree and the weekend brunch menu.
Tip: Free parking at the end of Marshall Street. Reservations on Tock. Brunch Saturday and Sunday 10:30-14:30.
Jines Restaurant on Park Ave in Rochester has served a Greek-American menu since 1971, running breakfast and brunch daily with Mediterranean options midweek.
Signature: Greek breakfast, Diner classics, Apple cider mimosa
Order: The Greek diner breakfast with eggs and pastries, or the pumpkin pancakes when in season.
Tip: No reservations; lines form on weekend mornings. Early arrival avoids the wait. Strong coffee program.
Dogtown on Monroe Ave in Rochester serves 18 varieties of gourmet hot dog with German-style franks in locally-baked rolls, each named after a dog breed.
Signature: German-style franks, Gourmet hot dog variations, Handcut fries
Order: The Saint Bernard with sauerkraut and spicy mustard, or the German-style frank with mustard and onions.
Tip: Closed Sundays. Counter service; no reservations. The bread is made locally and cut daily.
Locals Only on Alexander St in Rochester serves daily breakfast and lunch with a full cocktail program, named for its commitment to Rochester identity.
Signature: Purple Rain brunch plate, Sweet Home Avocado, Full cocktail brunch
Order: The Purple Rain brunch plate, a Rochester-themed egg dish with local accompaniments.
Tip: Open daily 08:00-15:00. No reservations needed. Full cocktail and coffee program available all morning.
Voula's Greek Sweets on Merchants Rd in Rochester serves Greek-influenced brunch dishes and pastries, named Best Brunch in Best of Rochester 2025.
Signature: Sparta Frittata, Greek sweets, Brunch pastries
Order: The Sparta Frittata for brunch or the house-made Greek pastries with coffee.
Tip: Weekend hours end at 14:30. Closed Tuesdays. No reservations; arrive early on weekends.
Aladdin's Natural Eatery on Monroe Ave is one of Rochester's most-visited lunch spots, with a Mediterranean menu including vegetarian and vegan options.
Signature: Falafel wrap, Hummus with warm pita, Tabbouleh
Order: The falafel wrap and the hummus plate, both reliable daily staples.
Tip: Gets crowded at noon on weekdays. Takeout a popular option. No reservations needed.
