Brian Nagele
Rochester, New York, is the third-most populous city in the state. It was one of the country’s first boomtowns because of its proximity to the abundant Genesee River Valley.
The region expanded rapidly with the opening of flour mills and then as a manufacturing center. Indeed, Rochester is still known as the “Flour City” today.
With the high number of residents in Rochester and more people visiting the area regularly, restaurants have expanded service hours, including morning dining.
If you are looking for the best breakfast in Rochester, look no further.
Original Steve’s Diner
1694 Penfield Rd, Rochester, NY 14625
Phone: 585-248-9996
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The Original Steve’s Diner offers a comprehensive breakfast menu with 36 types of pancakes! The restaurant is open daily for breakfast and lunch from 7:00 am to 2:00 pm.
The kitchen prides itself on being flexible and creative, so if you want something that isn’t on the menu, the chef will create it especially for you.
The pancake list is outstanding! Some of the most creative pancake flavors include Butterfinger, mint chocolate chip, pumpkin, and peach, but the list is nearly endless.
I also enjoyed the eggs benedict – try the Buffalo Chicken Benny with grilled chicken on an English muffin with buffalo blue cheese hollandaise sauce.
Jines Restaurant
658 Park Ave, Rochester, NY 14607
Phone: 585-461-1280
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Jines Restaurant opened in 1961 when George Gines converted an ice cream store into a restaurant. For more than forty years and over three generations, Jines has served the Park Avenue community in Rochester. In addition to quality comfort foods, Jines serves a vast selection of wine and craft beer.
The breakfast menu has many great offerings – try the blueberry muffin or the bagel with cream cheese and lox. I enjoyed the wild mushroom and blue cheese omelet. The Belgian waffle with pecans is excellent, and so is the creme brulee oatmeal.
Jim’s on Main
785 E Main St, Rochester, NY 14605
Phone: 585-442-4172
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Jim’s on Main is open from Tuesday to Sunday for breakfast and lunch. The restaurant is a family-owned joint, and the welcoming feel of home greets guests and visitors alike. Interestingly, Esquire magazine ranks Jim’s among the Top 27 places “Where Men Eat.”
I enjoyed Nana’s Italian Omelet with sausage, onions, and cheese, but the menu offers at least a dozen omelet options.
The diner has many signature items, including the Eggs Florentine, two poached eggs on an English muffin with spinach and hollandaise sauce, and the Texas Hash Grilled with corned beef, BBQ sauce, two eggs, and Texas toast. Last but not least, the buttermilk pancakes are great!
Highland Park Diner
960 S Clinton Ave, Rochester, NY 14620
Phone: 585-461-5040
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With neon 1950s-style signage, customers can’t miss the Highland Park Diner. In the Swillburg neighborhood, the diner has been serving hot breakfast plates since 1948. It is open daily and prides itself in “new-fashioned” dishes. The nineteen-seat countertop dining area is a great place to grab a delicious meal.
For breakfast, try the Raspberry or Banana Foster French Toast with a side of bacon. The Monte Cristo is a classic sandwich done well by this diner. I also enjoyed the New Orleans skillet served with andouille sausage and home fries. The Nantucket benedict with crab cakes is decadent and delicious.
The Frog Pond
652 Park Ave, Rochester, NY 14607
Phone: 585-271-1970
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The Frog Pond is open for breakfast and lunch every day of the week. The Frog Pond opened its doors as a restaurant in 1975; previously, it had been a barbershop! The frog-themed wallpaper doesn’t allow guests to forget where they are eating. The Frog Pond has been praised for having the best brunch and the best burger in town!
The Hangover omelet with banana peppers, onions, bacon, and cheddar is perfect for college students. At the same time, the Eggs Michelle with mushrooms and swiss is great for those with a more refined palette.
I ordered the Cream Cheese Stuffed Cinnamon Swirl French Toast with a side of ham and enjoyed the sweet and salty breakfast pairing.
James Brown’s Place
1356 Culver Rd, Rochester, NY 14609
Phone: 585-288-4250
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James Brown’s Place opened in 1998 and it was the legendary musician himself who did it! Indeed, when James Brown retired in 2020, he sold his restaurant and specialty menu items to Amanda Joyce, a Rochester resident. She, along with her six children, operates the hip breakfast spot.
The Breakfast Funky Plate includes home fries, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, ham, and onions. The Box Car Willie Sandwich is delicious and stuffed with ham, bacon, fried egg, and cheese on a bagel. I tried the breakfast Spicy Tacos with chorizo, eggs, tomato, and cheese and enjoyed every bite!
Blue Ridge Grill
3400 W Ridge Rd, Rochester, NY 14626
Phone: 585-225-9440
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Blue Ridge Grill is casual and aims to serve classic American food with a contemporary twist. The restaurant is open daily and serves breakfast, late breakfast, and weekend brunch. The grill is excellent for group dining and is also very family-friendly.
The Philly Steak Omelet is fantastic with thin-sliced steak, bell peppers, grilled onions, mushrooms, and cheddar jack cheese.
Also, try the Country Fried Steak & Biscuits with house-made country gravy, eggs, and biscuits and the Irish Benn with eggs corned beef hash, hollandaise, and an English muffin. My favorite bite was the chocolate chip pancakes with a side of turkey bacon!
Char Broil Family Restaurant
2450 Monroe Ave, Rochester, NY 14618
Phone: 585-473-4960
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The Char Broil Family Restaurant has been open and serving great breakfast foods since the 1940s. The Tette family has been passing down the exact popular recipes for generations. Near the Willowbend community, the restaurant is open Tuesday through Sunday for breakfast and lunch.
The Super Green Omelet is a signature dish with spinach, broccoli, avocado, and provolone cheese. The Bruin Breakfast has a bit of it all with three eggs, four pieces of bacon or sausage, home fries, and a bagel.
I loved the Chicken & Waffles, a Belgian waffle topped with chicken tenders and honey-cinnamon butter. Also, try the pecan waffle!
The Mad Hatter Restaurant & Bakery
176 S Goodman St, Rochester, NY 14607
Phone: 585-545-4985
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The Mad Hatter Restaurant & Bakery is open from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm between Wednesday and Sunday. The restaurant prides itself on serving creative breakfast dishes and house-made baked goods. The restaurant offers gluten-free and vegan selections. The bakery runs near the Central City community.
The Spicy Breakfast Burrito produces a perfect bite with a jalapeño-cheddar wrap, scrambled eggs, diced bacon, black beans, and spicy hollandaise. My favorite dish was the Brie & Pear sandwich on grilled sourdough. From the bakery, try the pumpkin muffin and the coconut cream pie!
The Original Charbroil House & Catering
1395 Island Cottage Rd, Rochester, NY 14612
Phone: 585-663-3860
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The Original Charbroil House & Catering has been operating for three generations of owners! Known for keen and friendly service, the restaurant has become a staple of the community. Near the water by O’Neil Point, the restaurant is a fun location to grab a yummy breakfast.
The Mushroom and Provolone omelet is a crowd favorite. I ordered the Goomba breakfast platter with rye toast, a house-made sausage patty, eggs, and home fries; I would also recommend the Hash & Eggs as well as the blueberry pancakes. Add a mimosa for an adventurous breakfast addition!
Golden Fox Restaurant
1115 Culver Rd, Rochester, NY 14609
Phone: 585-288-6687
The Golden Fox Restaurant serves classic dinner grub in a no-frills setting. The restaurant runs by the Beechwood neighborhood and has a local following. Open at 7:00 am daily, Golden Fox Restaurant is the go-to place for a filling breakfast.
The Apple Cobbler French Toast is decadent and delightful. Specials are regularly posted on a chalkboard as you enter the restaurant; for instance, the L.A.
French Toast with a cinnamon swirl on the menu when I visited. The Dublin Bowl is popular with visitors; it includes scrambled eggs over home fries with cheddar cheese, corned beef hash, grilled peppers, and a toasted English muffin.
