Rochester's Zweigle's brand has made its distinctive uncured, undyed 'white hot' sausage since 1880, and it's the anchor of the Garbage Plate — a mountain of home fries, macaroni salad, baked beans and a loose, spiced meat hot sauce, invented at Nick Tahou Hots in 1918 and still a genuine late-night Rochester institution.
Best Spot
Nick Tahou Hots
Best Area
Downtown Rochester (West Main Street)
Price Range
$4–$6
Must Try
White Hot Garbage Plate
Also on globaaal.com: 🥪 Sandwich Guide · 🥐 Pastry Guide · 🍩 Donut Guide
🌭 What Makes Rochester's Hot Dog Different?
Grilled white hot sausages atop home fries and macaroni salad, doused in a loose spiced meat hot sauce and mustard — Rochester's signature late-night plate.
🌭 Anatomy of Rochester's Hot Dog
🌭 Frank
A 'white hot' — an uncured pork-and-veal sausage with no smoke or dye, distinct from a standard red hot
🔥 Cooking method
Grilled on a flattop until the casing snaps
🍽️ The plate
Often served atop a diner 'garbage plate' — home fries, mac salad, baked beans and meat hot sauce piled together
🌶️ Meat hot sauce
A loose, spiced ground-beef sauce ladled over the whole plate, distinct from Cincinnati or Carolina chili
🍗 Lighter option
Ask for a chicken or turkey frank if you want a red-hot-style alternative to the white hot
🌭 Must-Try in Rochester: White Hot & Garbage Plate — Grilled white hot sausages atop home fries and macaroni salad, doused in a loose spiced meat hot sauce and mustard — Rochester's signature late-night plate.
📍 Where to Get It in Rochester
Nick Tahou Hots — The originator of the Garbage Plate, serving the dish since 1918 and still operating today.
- 🌭 Nick Tahou Hots (West Main Street, since 1918)
💷 What You'll Pay
| Format | What to Expect | Typical Price |
|---|---|---|
| Street Cart / Stand | A single dog, eaten standing up | $4–$6 |
| Diner Plate (with sides) | A sit-down plate with fries or chips | $9–$14 |
| Ballpark Hot Dog | Stadium concession pricing, notoriously marked up | $19–$30 |
| Family Pack (Serves 4-6) | Takeout franks and buns to grill at home, starting price | $70+ |
💡 Rochester Hot Dog Tips
- A 'white hot' is a genuinely different sausage from a standard red hot dog — uncured, undyed, made with pork and veal.
- The Garbage Plate name is trademarked by Nick Tahou Hots — other restaurants sell similar dishes under different names.
- It's a legendary late-night, post-bar food in Rochester — don't expect a light meal.
❓ FAQ
What is the best white hot & garbage plate in Rochester?
Nick Tahou Hots is widely regarded as one of Rochester's best spots for white hot & garbage plate. The originator of the Garbage Plate, serving the dish since 1918 and still operating today.
How much does a good hot dog cost in Rochester?
Expect roughly $4–$6 at a street cart or stand, rising to $70+ for a family pack.
What makes white hot & garbage plate unique to Rochester?
Grilled white hot sausages atop home fries and macaroni salad, doused in a loose spiced meat hot sauce and mustard — Rochester's signature late-night plate. It's a style shaped by Rochester's own food history rather than a generic hot dog you'd find anywhere.
Where's the best area in Rochester to find one?
Downtown Rochester (West Main Street) is generally considered the strongest area in Rochester for white hot & garbage plate and hot dog stands generally.