12 Best Places To Eat Breakfast In Rochester, NY

breakfast in rochester ny
Maui
Maui 
Updated
| 6 min read

You’ll never run out of reasons to visit Rochester City located in New York state. Featuring plenty of incredible Airbnb vacation rentals and lofts for rent, you’ll have the best accommodations with plenty of things to do. Visit Genesee River’s High Falls, Lake Ontario, Strong National Museum of Play, and Rochester Museum & Science Center. This city has over 140 festivals and events all year round that you can choose from. There are also hundreds of family-friendly attractions and lots of wineries and breweries. Considered a prime destination, Rochester was named among the top nine U.S. cities to visit this year. Furthermore, it is a musical stop as it hosts several renowned music events, like CGI Rochester International Jazz Festival, a weekly summer concert series called Party in the Park, and Summer Soul Festival. You can visit Rochester for its craft cocktails and coffee too. And do check out these best places to eat breakfast in Rochester, NY, as well!

1. Long Pond Family Restaurant

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Craving hearty meals for breakfast? Come to Long Pond Family Restaurant! This eatery in Rochester serves homemade soup, specialty salad, and so many more American favorites. Their breakfast specials include The Tegas Early Bird Special, which is two eggs of any style served over fries or hashbrowns with coffee and a side of meat hot sauce; Long Pond Country Platter comes with toast, biscuits, gravy, and coffee. Some of their other bestsellers are omelets, corned beef hash, and egg sandwiches.

Long Pond Family Restaurant

Address: 496 Long Pond Rd #1, Rochester, NY 14612, United States

Website: Long Pond Family Restaurant

Opening hours: Sat - Tue: 7am - 2pm; Wed - Fri: 7am - 8pm

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2. Golden Fox

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Posted by The Golden Fox Restaurant on Wednesday, May 27, 2020

Another breakfast spot that you should check out in Rochester is Golden Fox on Culver Road. The place is open as early as 7am, so you can certainly get yourself a tasty meal before heading out for a tour.

Their breakfast menu includes Italian sausage and eggs on home fries and toast, eggs and grits with beef sausage and a biscuit, a protein plate, fried steak, and so much more. For those who like something sweet for breakfast, pancakes and Belgian waffles are bestsellers here as well!

Golden Fox

Address: 1115 Culver Rd, Rochester, NY 14609, United States

Website: Golden Fox

Opening hours: 7am - 2pm (daily)

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3. Jines Restaurant

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Considered as one of the best in Rochester, Jines is an upscale restaurant located on the cultural and historic Park Avenue. This diner serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner at anytime of the day. The place is known for its high-quality food and service. It has selections of American, Greek, and vegetarian-friendly dishes. Among the must-try favorites include grilled fillet and grilled cheese. Some bestselling entrees are the grilled stockyard steak and scallop and crabmeat primavera over pasta. The eggs and omelets from the breakfast menu are also popular among customers. This spot has a selection of handcrafted microbrewed beers too. Easily, this venue can be your favorite go-to hangout when dining in Rochester.

Jines Restaurant

Address: 658 Park Ave, Rochester, NY 14607

Website: Jines Restaurant

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 7am - 10pm; Sun: 7am - 8pm

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4. James Brown's Place

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Here at James Brown's Place, we think it's stupid to restrict tacos to Tuesdays! Open today, and every day, 7-2

Posted by James Brown's Place on Wednesday, November 18, 2020

A hole-in-the-wall town favorite, James Brown’s Place serves dinner fare, barbeque on Friday nights, and the popular burritos and quesadillas. This joint boasts tasty food that people know well. The place opened in March 1998 on Culver Road near Merchants. Must-try specialties include the breakfast gyro and frittata. The food is outstanding and very reasonably priced. When you eat here, you’ll get to meet the locals and make new acquaintances. Just a reminder, when dining at James Brown’s, be patient because you are getting not fast food but a home-cooked meal. The restaurant offers different specials on weekends as well.

James Brown's Place

Address: 1356 Culver Rd, Rochester, NY 14609-5338

Website: James Brown’s Place

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 6am - 2pm; Fri: 6am - 2pm, 5pm - 9pm; Sat - Sun: 7am - 2pm

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5. Jim's on Main

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

A small kitchen fire at Jim's Too will keep us closed for the second Saturday in a row, but once again, the crew at Jim's One is ready for ya!

Posted by Jim's on Main on Saturday, December 20, 2014

This is the real deal in Rochester. Before you head out to the popular festivals or check out the best places to visit in the city, fill yourself up with good food at Jim’s on Main. It is a family-style American diner and cafe that is open daily for breakfast and lunch. It serves breakfast all day and offers daily specials. Here you can see a cross-section of Rochester while sharing meals, reading the newspaper at the counter, and enjoying great food and friendly service.

A few of the favorites include the Late Riser, Papou’s Greek Omelet, Calista Frittata, and “Mo” Burger. This breakfast place in Rochester, NY, also serves steaks, pork chops, meat loafs, and the famous London broil. What’s even more enticing is that you’ll have free refills on all soft drinks and iced tea. Orders arrive quickly too. For convenient parking, head to Blackfriars Theatre parking lot.

Jim's on Main

Address: 785 E Main St, Rochester, NY 14605

Website: Jim’s on Main

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 5am - 3pm; Sat: 5am - 2pm; Sun: 6am - 2pm

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6. Patti's Pantry & Country Store

Editor’s note: Establishment is permanently closed

Patti’s Pantry will give you that at-home feeling instantly with its home-style menu and cozy ambiance. The place has many options, including gluten-free specialties, so for sure something will definitely catch your fancy. Patti’s offers daily specials for both breakfast and lunch, along with homemade soup. You can also order baked goods like cookies, brownies, and dessert bars. Must-try fare includes the chicken pot pie, steak and eggs, pumpkin French toast, skillet breakfast, and pancakes. Patti’s is a cute little spot for a quality breakfast. The food is delicious and affordable, and the staff is very attentive and friendly.

Patti's Pantry & Country Store

Address: 2485 Dewey Ave, Rochester, NY 14616-4730

Website: Patti’s Pantry & Country Store

Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 8am - 2pm (closed on Mon)

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7. Shmeg's Restaurant

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Shmeg’s Restaurant is a family-run diner with cozy decor and a cool selection of breakfast meals. This breakfast diner in Rochester, NY, has the best comfort food, like breakfast mac ‘n’ cheese, black and blue burger with bacon, chicken and waffles, and many more. If you are craving for a savory but filling breakfast, go order the open-faced hot turkey sandwich—available with or without eggs. For sweet treats, you can choose from different coffee cakes every Friday, like pumpkin chocolate chip, Butterfinger cake, peanut butter chocolate cake, peach cake, and more.

Make sure you are hungry enough when you eat here because the portions are huge. Shmeg’s makes its own bread and sausages, so your breakfast sandwiches are made on the spot.

Shmeg's Restaurant

Address: 3027 Buffalo Rd #2416, Rochester, NY 14624

Website: Shmeg’s Restaurant

Opening hours: Tue - Thu & Sat: 6am - 2pm; Fri: 6am - 2pm, 4pm - 8pm (closed on Sun - Mon)

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8. The Original Steve's Diner

breakfast in rochester ny | the original steve's diner
Source: instagram

The Original Steve’s Diner serves breakfast and brunch, Mediterranean food, and Greek specialties. It’s a local hangout that serves amazingly huge and delicious pancakes. Among the popular dishes include the traditional eggs benedict, two eggs with sausages, McDaddy sandwich, Chunky Monkey pancakes, and the gyro. All omelets are made with three eggs and served with home fries or hashbrowns, toast, and jelly. If you want your pancake fix, order the blueberry or the cinnamon pecan pancakes. Note that the place can get jampacked on a Sunday morning, but the waiting is definitely worth it.

The Original Steve's Diner

Address: Speedys Plaza, 1694 Penfield Rd, Rochester, NY 14625

Website: The Original Steve’s Diner

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 6am - 2:30pm; Sun: 7am - 2pm

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9. Highland Park Diner

breakfast in rochester ny | highland park diner
Source: instagram

Highland Park Diner serves vegetarian-friendly dishes, vegan food, and gluten-free options. If you want a spot that has a retro vibe, head to this diner on a weekend. Highland Park is described as a charming vintage restaurant with upscale food. The service is fast and friendly, and the service crew can handle multiple orders in a jiffy. You can order tasty soups, sandwiches, and comfort breakfast fare. This place is one of a few in Rochester that serve classic milkshakes. Make sure to try the usual eggs benedict, omelets, and biscuits. Note that the waiting queue is long during breakfast weekends, and parking could be a challenge.

Highland Park Diner

Address: 960 S Clinton Ave, Rochester, NY 14620

Website: Highland Park Diner

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 7am - 10pm; Fri - Sat: 7am - 11pm; Sun: 7am - 9pm

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10. Founders Cafe

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

The Carnivore Panini - the hungry meat eater's delight!

Posted by Founders Café on Monday, August 31, 2015

This elegant and trendy cafe serves coffee, tea, baked goods, and sandwiches. You can also order soups, salads, wraps, and paninis. Founders Cafe uses only the freshest ingredients and artisan baked bread. It has both vegetarian and vegan options as well as some gluten-free choices for customers. The food and coffee are made from organic and fair-trade coffees and teas, and the bread is from the local Baker Street Bakery. The ambiance in this location is hip and friendly.

If you want to take a quick break from office work, or you’re an out-of-town visitor who wants comforting local food, or you’re simply looking for some of the best breakfast in Rochester, NY, Founders Cafe is the place to be. The venue offers catering and food-delivery services too.

Founders Cafe

Address: 13 S Fitzhugh St, Rochester, NY 14614

Website: Founders Cafe

Opening hours: Mon - Thu & Sat: 7am - 9pm; Fri: 7am - 10pm; Sun: 7am - 8pm

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11. Cafe 35

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Start your day with something egg-celent.

Posted by Cafe 35 & Kings Billiards Bar on Tuesday, March 13, 2018

First-timers at nicely designed Cafe 35 are often in awe at the authenticity of the Turkish cuisine served here. It is described as a great hidden gem of a restaurant. Peruse the breakfast menu, which has an assorted selection of meat delis, fruits, cheese, olives, and tea. You can also order great Belgian waffles with lots of toppings. Try the Turkish dish called manti, which is handmade ravioli pasta filled with meat and served with herb and yogurt sauce. The breakfast fare is always served with Turkish coffee. The prices of the food are reasonable too. Furthermore, the place has boardgames for the kids to play with.

Cafe 35

Address: 400 Jefferson Rd, Rochester, NY 14623-2430

Website: Cafe 35

Opening hours: Tue - Thu: 9am - 10pm; Fri - Sat: 9am - 12am; Sun: 9am - 7pm (closed on Mon)

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12. East Ridge Family Restaurant

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Posted by Eastridge family restaurant on Saturday, March 28, 2020

East Ridge Family Restaurant has been around Rochester since 1984. It has a nice atmosphere and decor for a diner, along with lots of food choices. It’s even regarded as one of a few restaurants that actually serve well-done crispy home fries as soon as you order it. The place serves breakfast, lunch, or dinner in large portions. Order the Sloppy Plate for a more filling meal. You can also get the French toast with perfectly done bacon and served with hot tea. If you are craving breakfast food anytime of the day and even late at night, head out to East Ridge. You can have a classy dinner on a Friday night here too. The desserts are commendable as well. The spot maintains great service and has promo offerings, like Senior Appreciation Days for old-timers 65 years and older, when they’re given 10% off any menu item excluding drinks and desserts.

East Ridge Family Restaurant

Address: 1925 East Ridge Rd, Rochester, NY 14622

Website: East Ridge Family Restaurant

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

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Have your fill in Rochester

Downtown Rochester, NY HDR by patrickashley
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Patrick Ashley used under CC BY 2.0

Whether it’s all-day breakfast, comfort food, or fine dining that you are craving for in Rochester, be sure to check out these hand-picked restaurants and diners. Don’t forget the top Indian restaurants as well! Invite your friends or family along to share tasty meals and exchange lighthearted stories over a hearty breakfast. You could also treat your partner to an amazing meal before you start your day of exploring the best places to visit and romantic things to do in Rochester.

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Frequently asked questions about places for breakfast in Rochester, NY


  • Which places for breakfast in Rochester are good for families?

    Coming to Rochester with the entire family? Before you explore the many attractions in the city, fill yourselves up with a delicious breakfast at Long Pond Family Restaurant, Jim’s on Main, Shmeg’s Restaurant, or East Ridge Family Restaurant.

  • Which places for breakfast in Rochester have dessert?

    Sometimes, breakfast just isn’t complete without dessert. Here are the places for breakfast in Rochester that have dessert: Patti’s Pantry & Country Store, East Ridge Family Restaurant, The Original Steve’s Diner, and Highland Park Diner.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Maui Hermitanio is a Manila-based content writer. She is most interested in writing about international cuisines, popular food stops, and destinations with beaches and outdoor sceneries. She has...Read more

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