Highland Park Diner
| Address: | 960 S Clinton Ave, Rochester, NY 14620, USA |
| Phone: | +1 585-461-5040 |
| Rating: | 4.3 |
| Working: | 7AM–9PM 7AM–9PM 7AM–9PM 7AM–9PM 7AM–10PM 7AM–9PM 7AM–8PM |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 7
PA
Paul Cicotta
Your stop to Rochester is not complete without stepping a foot into the Highland Park Diner. This Diner is the BEST looking diner that resembles the typical diner in the 1950s era, very much like eating at the Peach Pit on 90210. The Highland Park Diner was even voted BEST DINER in Rochester for many years now, and the extensive breakfast selection is the biggest in the region. Now, this is the type of diner where youre going to have to measure what their strengths are, as many items can be a complete miss. Have no fear though, since I have been on many dates at this diner to know what would be the best choices. They do miserably fail at the basic breakfast items such as eggs, bacon, and sausage; this is NOT why you go there though. You want to stick to the FAMOUS French toast choices, benedicts, and MILKSHAKES!! Prices for this diner are about average compared locally, but the portion sizes are HUGE. MILKSHAKES: hands down some of the BEST milkshakes here in Rochester, with a variety to choose from. You can just take your date to a quick milkshake here, and if you dont like him/her by the end, you can at least say you enjoyed something creamy!! The milkshakes are blended to perfection with no huge chunks floating around your mug. I would highly recommend the cookie dough, or birthday cupcake flavors. Lobster Eggs Benedict: This was AMAZING, as I NEVER had a benedict that was loaded with HUGE fresh chunks of REAL lobster meat. I was shocked, and expected to see the kind out of a can, but these are real pulled lobster legs!!! The lobster worked well in the benedict with the meat and bacon combined together. The meats which included the lobster, where sautéed perfectly in the pan. An added bonus was the freshly grilled asparagus stalks placed at the bottom of the benedict, which is genius in order to keep the English muffin moist!! Apple Pie Stuffed French Toast- Apple Pie La mode heaven, as the apples where cooked perfectly inside HUGE pieces of French Toast. The apple mix inside the French toast had toasted walnuts which elevated the texture inside. Google! Tip- This diner even uses Challah bread, so get the French toast options that have this bread. Then they drizzle this delicious sweet cheese frosting on top, along with cinnamon, and whipped cream- YUMMIES! Country Skillet- I have NEVER seen a skillet this HUGE before, as I really thought this was something I could not handle, I know for the first time. The skillet arrives at your table SIZZLING with fresh tomatoes, peppers, onions, ham, sausage, and bacon. This was a delicious combination that combined all the meats you wanted together on one plate. A couple down points is the home-fries are a little too chunky, huge, and dry tasting so make sure to douse this with syrup. The jack-cheese was another problem since they never seem to be fully melted over the top of your skillet, and should be before being delivered to your table. The eggs where an extra bonus, and I would recommend getting it Over-Easy in order to allow the yolk to run throughout the skillet. Toast will complete your meal if youre even still hungry at this point. Chicken and Biscuits- another FAMOUS diner entrée here since 1988, as AGAIN I would never expect this place to nail this item. They use HUGE chunks of fresh white chicken pieces, along with freshly cut carrots placed throughout. The gravy here is something everyone must try at least once, as the gravy is white gravy that is blended perfectly with the chicken stalk. I love the fresh taste of basil/pepper throughout the gravy. The biscuits where perfectly moist, and buttered before being placed within the entrée mixture. DESSERT: Desserts are some the best here and you have to try the Coconut Cream Pie. The center of the pie had rich coconut custard that was thick in texture. It was blended well with the milk, cream, and eggs along with shredded coconut pieces. It goes so well with a milkshake here, if you wanted your date to stick around for a little bit longer.
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Thomas Amanda
I have been to Highland Diner several times and always had good service and great food however, tonight was much different. As soon as we walked through the door we felt like we were an inconvenience to our waitress. She was snappy, and clearly did not want us there. I never even ordered food since I felt so rushed by her. Only 2 times in my life have I stiffed a waitress/waiter and she was one of them. I usually can let things slide but she was beyond rude. My children ordered food and said it was delicious which does not surprise me. I am a business owner and I understand that you cannot judge a business by one bad employee but if you go to highland diner and a heavier set young women with black glasses is your waitress... RUN!
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Marjorie Baldwin
First I will say that the Irish omelette was excellent. The home made hash was very good. The menu was amazing both in design and selections. Trouble was the accompanying home fries were not just bland, they were inedible. So was my daughters chicken breakfast sandwich. The two offending items had an underlying flavor that no amount of salt and pepper could save. My tea cup had weeks+ of more built up staining that could have been removed with decent cleaning and that also grossed me out. I wouldnt go back based on the negatives overpowering the positive.
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Kelly C
We are new to NY. We found this place shortly after moving here about 7 months ago. Weve been there several times since but not in the last 2-3 months. We went Friday night. I thought right away they may have new owners. I asked the waitress. She couldnt say, she hadnt been there long. After the good came, I thought for sure it had to have changed hands. At first, the good was so good. Friday night was awful. The service was bad as well. I cant say for sure if it did changed hands, but it wasnt at all like our previous experiences there. We wont be back.
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Mark Crowley
Best breakfast spot in the city. Amazing breakfast specials, a staggering array of milk shakes (they have everything from cappuccino to bacon flavored shakes), decent coffee. It puts Jines and the Frog Pond to shame and its cheaper with way less of a wait for a seat. Check it out. Just dont do it Saturday or Sunday between 11 and 1. Thats my time and and I dont want you taking up my favoourite booth.
MA
Maddy Jason
Been trying to give this place the benefit-of-the-doubt. Menu has nice variety, but I have been disappointed both times Ive been here. Recently went here with my friend who is a vegan, she couldnt find any substitutes for meals, and I immediately smelled old urine, perhaps from the nearby restroom, when we sat at our table (lost my appetite). May still try it again.
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Stephanie Lynn Barkley
Amazing food and great service, a solid diner. I come here often and highly recommend their NY Style Cheesecake French Toast if you are looking for something sweet. They also have a huge selection of Benedicts and they all are great. On the weekends there is usually a wait for a seat, but its well worth it as the food flies out so fast.
