As committed diner fans, we don’t require much from them other than OK food and lack of filth. Pretty low standards, admittedly, but for a burger or bacon-and-egg breakfast it’s usually enough. Which is not to say we don’t appreciate a diner that’s either gorgeous or has exemplary eats. And the Highland Park Diner, in the South Wedge section of Rochester, scores on both points.
The Highland Park is a 1940’s-era Orleans, and if that diner manufacturer fails to ring a bell, that’s because the Orleans diner company, which was located about 30 miles west of Rochester in the county of Orleans, reportedly only produced anywhere from 2-4 diners before they went under. The Highland Park is believed to be the only operating Orleans diner in the world. And if that’s not enough, it’s been in the same spot since day one. The original diner went under in the 70’s, when it became an OTB parlor, but in the 80’s it was restored to its original glory. This teal and cream art deco-styled diner with rounded-corner windows is a real looker!
The food is good enough to appeal to those who find no appeal in diners, but rest assured this is no fancy-pants restaurant dressed in diner-chic. The Highland serves regular diner food, at regular diner prices, but does so with uncommon execution. OJ is fresh-squeezed. Corned beef hash is homemade, and is some of the best hash we’ve had in a long time. The banana hazelnut French toast is a local legend, though we have not yet had a chance to sample it.
On our next trip to Rochester we hope to visit the diner for lunch. They claim to serve a great hot fudge sundae, and you can even get a Highland Park version of a “plate”, that heaping amalgam of modest ingredients made famous at Nick Tahou’s, where it is named “garbage plate”, and is now served at just about every down- and mid-scale restaurant in Rochester.
Sunday | 7am - 8pm |
Monday | 7am - 3pm |
Tuesday | 7am - 3pm |
Wednesday | 7am - 9pm |
Thursday | 7am - 9pm |
Friday | 7am - 9pm |
Saturday | 7am - 9pm |
Other Nearby Restaurants
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LDR Char Pit
Rochester, New YorkRochester, New York. Thin-cut steak is cooked 30 seconds on each side. The result: a seasoned, lean, utterly delicious steak sandwich that belies its low cost.
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Nick Tahou Hots
Rochester, New YorkNick Tahou is a Rochester, New York legend for its “garbage plate” — the best sort of kitchen-sink meal that will challenge the most voracious appetite.
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Dinosaur Bar-B-Que
Rochester, New YorkDinosaur BBQ began in Syracuse and has multiplied. The food that made it a hit seems every bit as good in the offshoots, including this one in Rochester.
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Don’s Original
Rochester, New YorkDon’s Original at Sea Breeze Amusement Park is the place to taste Western New York’s favorite hot dogs: red hots (aka Texas hots), white hots and chili dogs.
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Swan Market
Rochester, New YorkThe Swan Market is a German meat market/grocery located in a residential Rochester neighborhood offering bargain lunch four days a week.
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Food at Fishers Station
Victor, New York“Meltaway pancakes” are thin and tender; also consider Food at Fisher Station’s breakfast sandwich on a fluffy homemade roll. A memorable Roadfood restaurant!