You have to try this near Buffalo Bills training camp

Buffalo Bills fans in Western New York are preparing to head to training camp, which begins Wednesday, July 24 and ends August 8 at St. John Fisher University, just outside of Rochester, New York.

If you manage to get a ticket to one of their 10 open-to-the-public workouts, you’ll want to make sure you plan extra time in the Rochester area for one of them. very important thing…

After all, seeing your favorite team in action before the season starts is the perfect excuse to treat yourself to an iconic Rochester meal that you might not get to enjoy very often.

LEARN MORE: Buffalo Bills Training Camp FAQ

You absolutely must try Rochester’s famous “Garbage Plate”

We’re sure you’ve probably heard of the popular “plate,” and there are a few of them on Buffalo-area restaurant menus. However, we understand that it’s not exactly the first thing you’d order, given the plethora of mouthwatering delights on offer here at 716 (wings, pizza, beef on weck, you know what we mean).

So, just in case you forgot or didn’t know, let’s break down what constitutes the infamous “trash plate.”

What is a garbage plate?

To be an authentic Rochester “garbage plate” you have to must consist of these four basic ingredients.

Your typical plate consists of a hamburger or a hot dog. If you go to a restaurant in Rochester, you will be asked if you want a “white hot dog” (unsalted and unsmoked pork, beef and veal) or a “red hot” (beef and pork with red coloring). Neither of these are bad; both are delicious, and it all depends on your preference.

Yes, you can find places that will replace the standards with things like grilled chicken or tofu, but a hamburger and hot dog are the classic “trash food” options.

Homemade fries are the standard starch on a plate. French fries are also a common dish, but I personally consider them to be a bit “boujee”.

Honestly, a “side” to a plate is never really a side. The goal is to be able to mix all the ingredients together to make a delicious and amazing combination – but the typical side is a macaroni salad with traditional mayonnaise and/or baked beans. Getting both is never frowned upon, and often encouraged,

Spicy meat sauce, chopped onion, ketchup, and mustard are all acceptable toppings – again, all are amazing, and no one will judge you if you choose to slather your plate with all of them.

The Original “Garbage Plate”

Warning: You’ll likely see the words “garbage plate” or simply “plate” when this delicacy is mentioned on menus in Western New York. That’s because the official “garbage plate” (yes, it’s trademarked) is only served at Nick Tahou’s Hots in downtown Rochester, New York. Not only are they the inventors and trademark holders of this famous dish, they’re hands down the best.

Here’s Where to Find a Garbage Plate Near Bills Training Camp

That being said, there are some great places near Buffalo Bills training camp that come pretty close.

If you’re making the trip to St. John Fisher for Bills training camp, here are five nearby spots that make for a solid plate of “trash,” “garbage,” or whatever you want to call it.