The city of Rochester, NY is known for many different things. The most obvious is Eastman Kodak, because of its paramount influence on the film industry; but Rochester is also renowned for its high quality health care, higher education, and its support of the arts. However, when it comes to cuisine, the Rochester Garbage Plate is its claim to fame.

The Garbage Plate Rochester NY natives speak of with such fervency consists of several different options. Patrons who order garbage plates can select a combination of two of the following choices: white hots, red hots, hamburgers, chicken, fish, egg, or grilled cheese. They can also select two sides consisting of macaroni salad, French fries, home fries, or baked beans. Of course, this is all topped off with the infamous hot sauce, and the option of onions or mustard.

The thing about the Garbage Plate Rochester NY citizens probably love the most is the portion size. It is no exaggeration to say that the portion size of an authentic Garbage Plate leaves literally no room on the side of the plate to set the Italian toast that comes with it. In fact, Health.com ranked the Garbage Plate as the most fattening food in New York State! But who orders a Garbage Plate for their health? People who love it, obviously, value it for the taste and satisfaction they derive from it.

The Garbage Plate is so popular in Rochester that it seems every local diner offers its own version or twist on the Plate. Unfortunately for them, the name Garbage Plate became so popular that Nick Tahoes owns a trademark that prohibits other restaurants from using the name.