Nick Tahou Hots — Restaurant in City of Rochester

Garbage plate was not good, I went in for lunch on like a Wed so I wasn’t expecting prime food or service but still, having had many garbage plates I think I can safely rank the one I was served at the absolute bottom. It was really poor. The burgers were clearly old I could see them lined up sitting off to the side off the grill. Mine tasted like it had been cooked at least 2 hours ago. I would have preferred to wait the 2-4 mins it takes to cook a paper thin burger patty rather than eat an old one… The French fries were terrible almost not worth eating. Wavy fries from the box, the type they make in some factory by grinding up potatoes and then “gluing” them into the shape of a fry. Is it really so hard to use a French fry cutter and just fry actual potatoes? If you wash the potatoes you don’t even have to skin them… Bread crust could have chipped a tooth, but that’s standard I pretty much always throw away the bread they give you with plates. Mac salad was passable, not bad, actually a little better than most I’ve had. It was probably the only strong point of the whole plate. The meat sauce was too skimpy and there was not nearly enough ketchup or mustard so the plate was dry. Overall as a garbage plate I give it 2.5/5 at best. Considering its Nick Tahous (the “original” garbage plate) 2/5 seems more fair. Service was just OK. The guys behind the counter seemed angry and unfriendly. They weren’t busy so it’s tough to find an excuse for their attitude. But of course the poor guys are making what $10/hr? This is the new normal in the food service industry. The price was $10 for the plate if memory serves, not really under or overpriced, portions seemed a little smaller than I’m used to, I was able to comfortably eat the whole thing in two sittings about an hour apart. So….I don’t think I’ll be back, Tom Wahl’s and Henrietta hots have much better plates and they cook the burgers...

Nick Tahou Hots, a Rochester institution known for their Garbage Plates, has an exterior that may give you second thoughts, but don't let that deter you from experiencing the delicious food within. I recently tried their cheeseburger plate and was thoroughly impressed. The generous serving of juicy burger patty, topped with melted cheese and accompanied by a mound of perfectly cooked home fries and macaroni salad, was a satisfying and flavorful meal.

Once inside, the ambiance shifts from the initial impression of a condemned building to a cozy dining room and bustling kitchen. The staff was friendly and accommodating, enhancing the overall dining experience. The service was prompt despite the busy lunch hour, and my order was served hot and fresh.

Overall, Nick Tahou Hots exceeded my expectations with their tasty cheeseburger plate and efficient service. While the exterior may need a bit of sprucing up, the food and atmosphere inside more than make up for it. I would recommend giving Nick Tahou Hots a try for a true taste of Rochester comfort food...

It's been over 30 years since I've been here. That last time that I went to Nick's, it was about 230 am with a line out the door onto Main St. You used to get your plate and buy a bottle of ketchup for 50 cents to go with your plate as it was the perfect way to end a night of clubbing.

It hasn't lost a step. I tried 2 other places that specialize in 'plates' and knew I had to go to the original. I was NOT disappointed. Staff was great and not just to me. I ate .ine in the spot and watched them interact with other patrons. They were very patient with first timers that had never had plates before and even showed what their food would look like before ordering.

The place was clean and there was plenty of parking. Spacious seating and they had your meal ready in a reasonable amount of time. I think the portions may be a bit smaller than I remember, but if that's my only complaint, the quality if the food made up for it. Highly recommend and was a great reminder if home.

Don't come to Rochester and...