The Story Behind the Iconic Garbage Plate: A Favorite Late-Night Dish of College Students

Garbage Plates: The story behind a favorite late-night dish of college students, plus how to make a version.

The Garbage Plate is a beloved culinary invention in Rochester, New York.

It originated in 1918 at the restaurant Nick Tahou Hots.

The traditional Garbage Plate consists of hot dogs or hamburgers, home fries, macaroni salad, meat hot sauce, mustard, ketchup, onions, and buttered bread slices.

While Nick Tahou Hots has a trademark on the name “Garbage Plate,” various restaurants in Rochester offer their own versions under different names.

Garbage Plates: The story behind a favorite late-night dish of college students, plus how to make a version

The Garbage Plate is an iconic dish in Rochester, New York, originally created in 1918 at Nick Tahou Hots. It is a combination of hot dogs or hamburgers, home fries, macaroni salad, meat hot sauce, mustard, ketchup, onions, and buttered bread slices. While Nick Tahou Hots holds the trademark for the name “Garbage Plate,” many other restaurants in Rochester offer their own versions with different names. It has become a favorite late-night feast for college students. Here’s how you can make your own version at home.

The Origins of the Garbage Plate

The Garbage Plate dates back to 1918 when Nick Tahou Hots, a restaurant in Rochester, New York, created this unique dish. It quickly became a favorite among locals and college students. The traditional Garbage Plate includes a medley of hot dogs or hamburgers, home fries, macaroni salad, meat hot sauce, mustard, ketchup, onions, and buttered bread slices. While the original Garbage Plate can only be found at Nick Tahou Hots, many other restaurants in Rochester offer their own versions with different names.

Variations and Playful Riffs

Apart from the traditional Garbage Plate, there are various versions and playful riffs available in Rochester. Some restaurants offer their own twists on the dish, such as the vegan Compost Plate at Red Fern and the Sushi Plate at Stingray Fusion. These variations cater to different dietary preferences and provide a unique spin on the original Garbage Plate. Rochester has become a hub for this iconic dish, with many eateries offering their own take on it.

On the whole, the Garbage Plate is a beloved culinary invention in Rochester, New York. Its origins date back to 1918, and it has remained a favorite among college students and locals. While the trademark for the name “Garbage Plate” belongs to Nick Tahou Hots, many other restaurants in Rochester offer their own versions. Whether you prefer the traditional recipe or a playful riff, the Garbage Plate continues to be a celebrated favorite on Rochester’s food landscape.

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