The Garbage Plate: Rochester's Most Iconic Dish Explained

If Rochester has a signature dish, it's the garbage plate — a gloriously messy, impossibly satisfying pile of food that has been fueling Rochesterians since the 1918. Love it or question it, you haven't truly experienced Rochester until you've had one.

What Is a Garbage Plate?

A garbage plate starts with a base of two sides — typically home fries and macaroni salad (though you can choose baked beans or French fries). On top goes your choice of meat — cheeseburgers, hot dogs, Italian sausage, or a combination. The whole thing is then topped with Rochester's signature spicy meat sauce (a unique, slightly sweet, slightly spicy ground meat sauce), raw onions, and mustard. Ketchup and hot sauce are optional but encouraged.

The History

The garbage plate was invented at Nick Tahou Hots on West Main Street, where it's been served since 1918. Legend has it that college students would come in late at night and ask for "a plate with all the garbage on it" — and the name stuck. Nick Tahou's trademarked the name "Garbage Plate," which is why other restaurants call theirs "trash plates," "dumpster plates," or other creative variations.

Where to Get the Best Garbage Plates

Nick Tahou Hots — Nick Tahou's is the original and still a must-visit for the authentic experience. The atmosphere is no-frills, the portions are massive, and the history is palpable.

Dogtown Hots — Dogtown in the Monroe Avenue area serves what many consider the best modern version of the plate, with quality ingredients and creative variations.

Little Venice Pizza — Little Venice in the South Wedge makes an excellent plate alongside their legendary pizza — the perfect one-two punch of Rochester comfort food.

How to Eat a Garbage Plate

There's no elegant way to eat a garbage plate, and that's the point. Use a fork. Mix everything together. Don't wear a white shirt. And don't judge it by how it looks — judge it by how it tastes. It's one of the most satisfying meals you'll ever have.