If you’ve spent any time in Western New York—or talked to someone who has—there’s a good chance you’ve heard about a wild local delicacy called the Garbage Plate. It’s the kind of meal that looks like it was created on a dare, but one bite in and you realize: this chaotic heap is pure genius.
Here’s the five plates we’re eating right now.
What Exactly Is a Garbage Plate?
A traditional Garbage Plate starts with a base of home fries and macaroni salad, then gets layered with your choice of two meats—commonly cheeseburgers or hot dogs. It’s then topped with Nick Tahou’s signature meat hot sauce, a ladle of yellow mustard, chopped onions, and a couple slices of white bread on the side to sop it all up.
Yes, it’s messy. Yes, it’s a calorie bomb. But it’s also uniquely delicious.
A Bite of History
The Garbage Plate was born at Nick Tahou Hots in Rochester, New York. The story goes back to the late 1910s, but the dish as we know it became a menu staple in the 1980s. A group of college students came in and asked for “a plate with all the garbage on it,” and the name stuck.
Since then, it’s become a rite of passage for college students, locals, and food lovers alike. Nick Tahou’s even trademarked the name, so other restaurants have to get creative—calling their versions “Trash Plates,” “Rubbish Plates,” or simply “Plates.”
Where to Try a Plate Around Rochester
If you’re looking to dive into this legendary dish, Rochester has no shortage of spots putting their spin on the classic. Here are 5 places you’ve got to try:
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Nick Tahou Hots (320 W Main St)
The original. Still iconic. It’s a must for the first-timers. -
Dogtown (691 Monroe Ave)
A more gourmet twist on the Plate, with tons of meat options including veggie and vegan choices. -
Jimmy Z’s (53 W Main St, Brockport)
Late-night favorite with generous portions and the option to customize every layer. -
Empire Hots (Empire Blvd)
Known for their killer hot sauce and perfectly seasoned home fries. -
Chick Magnet (Penfield)
A newer take that swaps ground beef for spicy shredded chicken in the hot sauce—and it slaps.
Why It Works
The Garbage Plate isn’t about presentation. It’s about comfort. The flavors and textures—creamy, spicy, crispy, tangy—all come together into something deeply satisfying. After a night out or during a snowy upstate winter, there’s nothing better.
Final Thoughts
Some food trends come and go. The Garbage Plate has stood the test of time not because it’s pretty, but because it works. It’s Rochester’s culinary fingerprint—loud, proud, and unapologetically bold.
Whether you’re a native, a transplant, or just passing through, the Garbage Plate is something you’ve got to experience at least once. Just don’t forget the side of bread.
