Rochester, New York, is known for its unique culinary creation: the "garbage plate." This late-night staple has captured the hearts (and stomachs) of students, night owls, and locals alike. Dogtown Hots, a popular hot dog joint recently ranked among the nation's top 10, offers a prime example of this Rochester delicacy.

Dogtown's president, Fran Basile, shared the history and appeal of these piled-high plates. While the restaurant boasts an extensive hot dog menu, the garbage plate remains a customer favorite. The dish begins with a base of macaroni salad and potatoes (choose from tater tots, home fries, or classic potato nuggets). A meat sauce blankets this foundation, followed by a cheeseburger patty or hot dog. Mustard and onions are the traditional finishing touches, but customization is encouraged.

From 'Hots and Potatoes' to 'Garbage Plates'

Basile explained that the garbage plate's origins trace back to Nick Tahou Hots, a Rochester establishment open since 1918 and known as the "home of the garbage plate." Initially called "hots and potatoes," the early version consisted of macaroni salad, potatoes, a hot dog, and meat sauce. The name "garbage plate" arose from late-night bar patrons requesting "that plate with all the garbage on it."

Other restaurants adopted and adapted the dish, adding cheeseburgers and other variations, often under different names. At Dogtown, the demand for garbage plates remains consistently high, even though the restaurant's later closing time now caters less to the bar crowd.

The combination of ingredients may seem unusual to some, but Basile encourages everyone to try this "Rochester thing." From vegan options to veggie burgers and dogs, there's a garbage plate for almost every taste.