Dining
Rochester is home to some exquisite cuisine and also some very unusual fare. One local tradition are ‘white hots.’ A Rochester White Hot is a type of dog made of pork, off-white in color with a smooth texture and spicy taste. Split and griddled, the dog is served on a toasted bun topped with a special Rochester recipe hot sauce. They are now shipped nation-wide for transplanted Rochester natives who cannot stand to have a barbeque without them.
A Garbage Plate should not be refused while in Rochester. Made popular by the restaurant, Nick Tahou’s, it is an interesting, but delicious combination of deep fried hotdogs, hamburgers, potatoes and macaroni salad. All of it is spiked with hot sauce to give it the right kick. To extinguish the spicy heat, have a super-caffeinated and locally made Jolt Cola or Genny Beer, produced by the High Falls Brewing Company or any of the wines from the Finger Lakes Wine trails. Top it off with dessert from Abbott’s Custard available at Ontario Beach Park.
For those not quite ready for the ‘Garbage’ route, there are many other dining options in Rochester. Over 100 area restaurants can offer anything from white-glove service to economical and family-friendly. A perfect stop with numerous options is on or near Main Street, from the Cultural District to the Four Corners area. Here the variety includes everything from Italian to Japanese, to French to American. If out for a night of theater, many restaurants in the theater district cater to the theater crowd and offer dining hours accordingly.
For a fantastic water view any time of day, try the Port of Rochester. Even the fussiest eater can find something to their liking whether it’s a quick bite or a lengthy and relaxing meal. Choose from Italian to Cajun, barbeque or one of Rochester’s famous white hots. Endless varieties of chicken wings abound or just stop in for a cocktail with a view. For a truly unforgettable experience, try one of the Rochester restaurants located on one of the local historical properties. Or, the Convention Center for its convenience or downtown for its nightlife. In any of its many restaurants, Rochester can offer the truly unique dining experience.