Dogtown

Hot dog restaurant · Rochester

Dogtown

Hot dog restaurant · Rochester

2

691 Monroe Ave, Rochester, NY 14607

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Highlights

Tiny shack known for German-style franks named after dog breeds, with burgers & veggie options.  

Featured in Conde Nast Traveler
Featured in Food & Wine

691 Monroe Ave, Rochester, NY 14607 Get directions

dogtownhots.com
@dogtownhots

$10–20 · Menu

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691 Monroe Ave, Rochester, NY 14607 Get directions

+1 585 271 6620
dogtownhots.com
@dogtownhots

$10–20 · Menu

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Last updated

Jul 11, 2025

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@foodandwine

"Dogtown specializes in traditional garbage plates featuring hot dogs on macaroni salad and crispy potatoes, all smothered in meat sauce." - Anna Staropoli

Total Solar Eclipse 2024: Where to Eat in Upstate New York
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"Meanwhile, across Central New York, from Rochester to Syracuse, you can sample a white hot at joints like Dogtown in Rochester and Heid’s of Liverpool."

Wherever You Go, Eat at the Hot Dog Stand
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Benny Smith

Google
Truly sublime vegan BLT and Veggie Chicago. These folks KNOW how to make vegan sandwiches, literally it’s better than the meat. And it’s dog friendly!

KLynn Reynolds

Google
Best dogs and garbage plates in Rochester is 100% accurate. What an experience! Super fair prices and their selection is vast. Love the clever menu names and the decor with photos of dogs on the walls. Service was friendly and prompt and while small there was quite a bit of seating inside and out. The food itself was incredible, topped to the brim with toppings and sauces. Very messy. So grab your napkins and dive in!

Pamela Ho

Google
Great service! Loved the garbage plate. Great place to try your first as a stepping stone. I have tried others who maybe a little pricey and didn't taste nearly as good. Not a gamble going here. And the prices are great

Jason Chang

Google
Local hotdog burger joint. Fast friendly and hits the spot! Old school classic and must try when in the area.

Kree

Google
Today was my first time in. As a heads up, there aren’t any menu prices on the website, and it’s hard to know if the menu pics here are up-to-date. I got the single cheeseburger for $7.50 The cashier asked me if I wanted to add any toppings. I asked which ones were free, and she said none of them were. (Super stingy!) However, none of the menus whether online, in-person, or here list extra charges for burger toppings. I asked how much lettuce and tomato cost and was told $1.50 for both, so I went for it. Only ketchup and mustard were free, and I asked for both. My subtotal was $9 for my to-go order. The burger came on French bread, which was a first to me. The bread was honestly the best part— It was wide and soft with a crunchy crust. However, the burger was flavorless and well-done despite not asking for that. Not even a dash of salt or pepper as far as I could tell! The cheese was barely melted, and the sandwich was missing ketchup. Lastly, the tomato and lettuce were cold. Needless to say, I won’t be back.

Judith Suzuki

Google
Iconic Rochester eatery - garbage plate is great but the hot dogs are something special

Catherine DuBreck

Google
The golden retriever is a must. Love that the dogs are Zweigles and never a long wait after ordering. Big veg menu as well for vegetarian and vegan friends. Parking lot can be questionable at times but definitely recommend a visit to Dogtown whether you are in the area or not - it is worth a trip.

Daniel Sawler

Google
Really good food! I appreciate the number of options and customizability. I like my plates a specific way and they do a really good job with them. My wife really really liked the hotdog she got (Fido Castro). There's an okay amount of seating outside and a little more inside. The dogs on the wall are all cute and it's nice to see all their names and silly selves! Highly recommend checking it out, especially if you like garbage plates!

Andrew D.

Yelp
An inviting interior drenched with local community is the cherry on top to the fantastic hot dogs at this Rochester staple. At such an affordable price, it's hard to believe the quality meals you can pick up here. The dogs combined with a deliciously toasted roll, topped with classic or excited toppings are perfect. I can't wait to come back to try the garbage plates! Btw, they have a surprisingly good selection of vegan options. Don't overlook if you are!

Maureen M.

Yelp
Grad weekend for U of R I figured it would be so busy and it was. We timed it just right ordered at the counter found a seat. Shortly after the plates arrived one cheeseburger one hotdog. The home fries were crispy, Mac salad awesome meat sauce was banging! The whole plate insanely delicious! I've been to a few other places but this tiny place was the best I've ever had! The restaurant itself was small and if you blink you may miss it but plenty of seating inside and out! Going back again for sure!

Davon G.

Yelp
I recently had the pleasure of dining at Dogtown in Rochester, New York, and it was truly a delightful experience. The menu boasts a wide array of options, from various hotdogs to sandwiches, but what drew me in was the quintessential Rochester staple - the junkyard(garbage) plate. This dish did not disappoint, featuring a hotdog and a hamburger patty served over a bed of delicious sides like fries and macaroni salad, topped with a unique sauce that elevated the flavors to a whole new level. The availability of a parking lot, as well as nearby street parking, made it convenient to visit. The staff was friendly, and the food arrived promptly. Overall, a solid dining experience at Dogtown!

Justin M.

Yelp
Visited Rochester to take in the Strong & was told I Should grab this iconic local dish. Very interesting, gave it a dash of Frank's to up the heat. Dogtown only downside is the chairs were a bit high for the table so I was slouching to eat.

Tiffany F.

Yelp
We had to try a plate and it was so good! It's their version of a garbage plate, Honestly, everything on their menu looked and sounded good. The staff was friendly!

Jennifer W.

Yelp
So. Damn. Good. My husband and I got veggie dogs - German Shepherd and the Mountain Dog. The rolls were incredibly fresh, toppings were delicious and PLENTIFUL. The macaroni salad was perfect, just the right amount of mayo with the welcome addition of celery salt. We will definitely be back!

Marissa M.

Yelp
Dog town is such a solid Rochester garbage plate joint. I can always count on getting a good hot dog here. The bread they use for their hot dogs is oh so good. Onion rings were great. I don't have any pics of the millions of plates I've gotten from here over the years but they are my fav plate. Their vegetarian hot dog is also the most similar to a regular hot dog I've ever gotten. Service is always fast and friendly. Small place, love the ambiance with pics of doggos everywhere, this place is bomb.

Alan P.

Yelp
Great place to try a 'Garbage Plate'. It was my first ever trip to Rochester this week, and my colleagues told me I had to try a Garbage Plate while I was here. Dogtown is where they took my for lunch when I arrived. I ordered the split plate, which is half hamburger and half hot dog. It was great. Very friendly staff, and a cool location in downtown. I highly recommend trying, especially if it's your first time to town.

Dale A.

Yelp
This place is fantastic. My kids told me about this place on several occasions and finally today I stopped by at lunch to try it. They have a great menu selection. It reminds me of Chicago Style dogs on steroids. I mean that respectfully because Chicago dogs are all about the toppings. At Dogtown it's all about the creativity of dogs as represented in the menu. I decided to go all in and try something out there. I went with the Bernese Mountain Dog. I got it to go and when I got home I was simply beyond impressed. I will definitely be going back here to try more things.

Joel H.

Yelp
This was the first time here and definitely not the last time. This place is definitely fun. Fun to go to, fun inside, a fun staff and fun food. My friend told me about this hotdog shack. All hotdogs all the time. After a short five minute drive we arrived. Easy parking for us. Unless it's packed, I guess.) It was all yum and fun after that. They have so many different kinds of dogs here I can't even begin to go through them all. Each hotdog has a unique name... The name of a dog. It was so easy. Look at the board, pick your favorite then order. It only took a few minutes to get all our food. This staff works fast. Everyone was incredibly helpful and happy. It apparent that everyone enjoys being part of this unique experience. KUDOs to the team at DogTown for creating a fun and unique experience.

William G.

Yelp
Food was great. Service was fast. Reminds me of an old school hot dog stand! No complaints from me and definitely will go again when I'm in the area!

Kim G.

Yelp
One of the greatest little restaurants in the city! No frills, no fuss, great menu prepared well with great value! Walk up and order from the counter a variety of inventive hot dogs, plates, sandwiches. Fries skin on thin cut and onion rings are the bomb. Family style seating or outside patio in the summer If you haven't been here yet run don't walk to Dogtown!

Andre L.

Yelp
I lived in Rochester for 6 years and I can't believe I missed this place while I was there. Stopped here during a recent visit and was blown away. They're allegedly one of the "Top 10 Hot Dog Joints In America," though I have not fact-checked that and I don't plan to. True or not, the food is incredible. I'm particularly impressed by their commitment to having great vegetarian and vegan options. You don't really see that at many hot dog joints. Don't worry, meat lovers: they have everything you could possibly want. But they also have everything non-meat lovers could possibly want from a place like this. And it's ALL delicious, meat and non-meat alike. It's small. Seating and parking can be difficult if it's busy. If it's nice outside, the outdoor seating has a relaxing vibe. In my experience, the staff was as friendly and accommodating as their diverse menu. There are so many great places to get food in Rochester (probably the #1 thing I miss about living there). I'm glad I discovered this one I missed before and I've already recommended to others outside of this review where I recommend it to YOU.

Stephanie U.

Yelp
I visited Dogtown with my boyfriend during our trip to Rochester. I got the Hawaiian Poi with an all-beef dog, while my boyfriend got the Dog Plate. Everything was delicious. My hot dog was sweet and savory and perfect. I was also particularly taken by the onion rings, which were gloriously fried. Staff were very nice, and as a Californian, the prices just about made me weep with joy. Haha.

Jim C.

Yelp
I was in Rochester to watch a couple of baseball games, after the game we had about a dozen and a half beers each. Feeling a bit fragile the next morning this sounded ideal. It did not disappoint, just the cure you need, I had the Dog Plate, buddy had the Split Plate. Far too much food but very satisfying to the hung over. Naturally we had a beer and a nap afterwards. Would recommend!

Ron M.

Yelp
After ordering, paying and waiting patiently for our food we were asked to leave due to my service dog. "we don't allow dogs service or not" I briefed the woman on the specific tasks my dog has been trained for and provides per the ADA. Our meals were put in bags and we were aggressively ordered to leave. Several customers witnessed this, the gentleman behind us canceled his order and told the woman she was making a mistake. I will continue this conversation in the morning with the ADA. *Fran Basile, check your security cameras the way your employee handled the situation was unacceptable.

Shaina G.

Yelp
Dogtown had THE BEST home fries in Rochester! It's so random lol. But my husband and I went and tried two diff vegan hot dogs. The actual frank itself was dry and not anything to write home about. But the toppings were nice. I'd go again for more home fries though! Always going for the home fries

Charles J.

Yelp
Best garbage plates in Rochester! Amazing in every way. Small comfortable spot and atmosphere. Great value

Jenny T.

Yelp
My friends and I came here for a quick lunch for some garbage plates. The parking here is limited, so be prepared. It is a small place with limited seating too. We all ordered at the counter, and somehow found a place to sit for the six of us. Food: I ordered the vegetarian garbage plate with fries, mac salad, and vegan Italian sausage. I appreciate that most of the sides are vegan and they have a vegan chili to put on top. The sausage was over cooked though, which is why I dropped a star. Service: Service was quick and friendly! If you're eating there, they walk around and call your name with your plate to bring to you. TL;DR - definitely the place for garbage plates if you have a vegetarian or vegan with you!

James C.

Yelp
As the 800 reviewer, I feel like I should get a free drink. So this is my second time coming here. Staff very friendly. I'm not from Rochester so I'm getting a handle on the food up here. The junkyard (garbage plate) was really good but a ton of food. Small inside but I feel like the best places are smaller but big one the taste side.

Amelia S.

Yelp
I love dogtown! Every time I have been there (I've been there a lot), my food is delicious, hot, tasty, and exactly what I needed to satisfy my cravings. It's reasonably priced. Very cute interior (also has a lovely outdoor seating area during the summer). Oh and I almost forgot the best part! - they have great vegetarian and vegan options (at least 1/3 of the menus is devoted to vegan and vegetarian options!) I love their veggie dogs! My favorite items on the menu are the veggie dog plate with everything and the jindo hot dog (has delicious kimchi and sriracha aioli- you can request to get it without bacon).

Nathaniel L.

Yelp
Can't stop by Rochester without eating a garbage plate. The food is hard to mess up, so it's more about everything else. The bread on the side was fresh, the homefries were crispy, and the staff were friendly. The bun on the dog was perfect, and the flavor combos on their entire menu made me want to try them all. The fries were ok. But, overall, I'd love to come back.

Megg N.

Yelp
Dogtown in Rochester is like my culinary sanctuary--a place I can't get enough of. Their menu is a veggie lover's dream, but let me tell you about their Greek veggie dog--it's my ultimate comfort food. Seriously, I've made it my mission to try every veggie dog they offer. And their burgers? Let's just say they've stolen a piece of my heart too. The cozy interior, decked out with adorable dog and puppy pictures, adds that extra touch of warmth to the whole experience. Whenever I step foot inside Dogtown, I feel like I'm amongst friends, enjoying good food and good vibes--it's a slice of heaven right here in Rochester.

Frankie N.

Yelp
I love Dogtown! I always make sure to come back here whenever I'm visiting. This is by far my favorite place for plates and I love that they have so many vegetarian options. My go to is the vegetarian half plate with a veggie burger, home fries, mac salad and everything on it. This time I ventured out a little and got a split plate and tried the vegetarian hotdog. I've only ever had maybe one hot dog in my life and it was when I was a kid, but from what I remember, their hotdogs were pretty convincing. Parking is kind of tricky if you're going during a busy time since the place shares parking with other businesses. This place is veryyyy busy during lunch and dinner, so expect a small wait if you go then. There are a lot of seat for how small the place is, but I honestly prefer to get mine to go since it can get cramped in there. The servers are very nice and the vibes are chill. They have some cool merch too that I would love to rep one day! This is a staple of a true Rochestarian!

Annie S.

Yelp
Garbage plates are all the rage in Rochester. I think this is my favorite place to order them. Im gluten free and there are plenty of options. I like that there are several types of sausages and not just hot dogs. And they have sweet potatoes instead of just french fries. The walls are also covered in peoples dog pics which is loevly to look at

Andie Marie D.

Yelp
I was skeptical of this place given growing up with Nick tahoes but I saw this place on 90 day fiance and wanted to decide for myself. A+ and cool dive vibe for a classic garbage plate. Glad I made this a stop during my visit!

Robert G.

Yelp
I stopped here for the first time for lunch a week ago and the food hit the spot! It was also really convenient that they have their own parking area!

Christina O.

Yelp
Small and difficult to get a seat, they have 3 long tables that sit 8 people, and a bar that seats 4 ppl. They do have a couple outdoor tables as well.. Has pictures of dogs everywhere Staff is all kind. The veggie dog is the best one I have ever had, we come at least once a week to get it! They also have many other veggie options, and a daily vegan special. *My only complaint is they have no grilled cheese or cheese quesadilla for kids.

Jake J.

Yelp
As a self-proclaimed Garbage Plate expert, I can assuredly say that Dogtown carries one of the best plates in the city. Dogtown has consistently delivered quality, whether it's dine in or take out. The food always comes out very quickly, and the service has been great consistently. The meat sauce and the mac salad are perfect. The walls are covered in pictures of dogs, and the menu is loaded with options. Parking can be a little tricky, so just be sure to take an extra second when coming in or out. I've seen cars whip in and out of that lot, so just be careful. Consistency is key to the Garbage Plate experience. While there are many great restaurants on Monroe Avenue, Dogtown stands out as one of the best.

Amy M.

Yelp
Not much has to be said about the outstanding food at dog town! It's simply delicious. The service is speedy and it is worth the trip! Love that there are so many options of toppings and out Rochester white and red hots!

Kristen H.

Yelp
One of Rochester's best! During Covid they did a great little remodel of the interior. Great new community style tables with bright red chairs. New menus on the wall. Most of the old favorites are still available. The dog photos have been corralled into a nice stripe around the room protected by plexiglass. Small-ish parking lot but on street parking also available Vegetarian vegan and meat lover options available

Stefan S.

Yelp
Went for a hotdog because it was recommended by a local friend. Both my wife and I ordered the German Shepherd which was a white sausage with sauerkraut. While waiting to board our flight across the country a couple of hours later we both got sick. Since we didn't have anything else to eat, our consensus is that the sauerkraut was the culprit. It did taste a bit funky but who can really tell, so we ate it. Now we know that it was definitely spoiled. Our trip home was obviously horrendous. Beware of spoiled sauerkraut and who knows what else.

Jessica M.

Yelp
Food is amazing. Wait time is atrocious. We came here looking for food and waited 2 hours for 4 garbage garbage plates. What a joke

Robert A.

Yelp
Garbage Plate Greatest garbage plate They are really full an and tasty the service is excellent and the ambiance is replete with excitement.

Eric M.

Yelp
First time in Rochester so I had to try a plate. This place was recommended. I will tell you that this would be an ideal drunk/hangover food. The home fries, dog and burger were good. The macaroni salad was not sweet which was perfect. I'm just not sure I could have the meal often. The staff were great and informative.

Epic M.

Yelp
I get that a garbage plate isn't supposed to make your stomach feel good, but damn, here I am on the toilet at 4 in the morning shitting my fucking brains out. I ate the plate at 1 in the afternoon btw.

Kathryn L.

Yelp
The German Shepherd is my go to but really the whole menu is great. Plus, really great service by people who are happy. It's been such a nice addition to the neighborhood since opening a few years ago.

Roger B.

Yelp
A family favorite of mine. I took my 5 grandkids there Saturday and they had a ball. Seating 7 of us was tough but it all worked out. Friendly staff and who doesn't like a hot dog.

Colleen E.

Yelp
My kids love it for the pictures and hotdogs, I love it for the vegetarian and vegan options! It's a win win! A Saturday spot for us

Kelly S.

Yelp
Finally got the opportunity to stop in and try their version of a Rochester staple food item... here it's called a Junkyard Dog plate. I went with a cheeseburger plate, 2 cheeseburgers with everything on it and for my two sides I chose home fries x2 (extra crispy). Took about ten minutes, they had a few people waiting for orders. Place is bigger than I expected, tables inside and a few outside. Lots of puppies and did photos on the wall... cute. Service was good, I took my order to go. Food was tasty, really liked their dog town hot sauce.

Wolfy H.

Yelp
We came here on a Wednesday afternoon after a trip to Niagara Falls... we had 2 kids, 3 adults and a teenager. The menu has a fantastic kids section... lots of different hot dogs... great tasting fresh ingredients, awesome bread, fries and onion rings were perfect. Nice and clean inside, lots of outdoor seating and parking. They also have an extensive vegan menu... highly recommend eating here!

Rafael C.

Yelp
Stopped by for a garbage plate, and was surprised how good it was. I normally stop here for their amazing hotdogs but decided to get a plate instead. Jeezz, It was so good!

Tiana S.

Yelp
Garbage plates lived up to their name. Not being from Rochester and wanting to try their infamous plate. This place did a great job at representing just that!

Domenic J. L.

Yelp
Dogtown has been mentioned several times in the WNY Vegans FaceBook group. I've had it bookmarked and was finally able to visit. Wow I'm glad I did! For a classic dog joint to be so vegan friendly is phenomenal, but this is Rochester, after all -- one of the most vegan-friendly cities around. I had to get the Plate, of course, to get the authentic Rochester experience. I chose two (of the three) vegan protein options, a dog and a burger. (I might just go back on my way home for the Italian sausage.) These were placed over home fries and baked beans, and topped with chili, mustard and onions. French bread was served on the side. I carried the chocolate brownie back to my hotel room for a perfect bedtime snack. I got there at just the right time. There was a steady steady stream of customers, but only two ahead of me, and a wave shortly after me. The staff kept up admirably, one taking phone orders, one at the register, both serving orders to folks waiting inside for takeout, dining inside, or out on the patio. Specials are posted on their social media. Sorry I missed the vegan meatball sandwich they served last week. But given how good this plate was, I'd consider driving from Buffalo just to try it.

J K.

Yelp
When you pull in to their tiny parking lot and see the shack in front of you, you may be a little off put, I know I was the first time I stopped here on a recommendation. Don't let the size of the building, or it's exterior deter you. Dogtown has become a must-stop location for me any time I'm driving out of town. I will plan trips to syracuse accounting for time to stop here. The food is consistently amazing, and it's one of the only places I force myself to get at least one new-to-me item when I eat. Todays order is the Fido Castro and the Jindo. The Fido Castro: It wasn't bad, I'll start with, but it lacks the pizzazz or oomph of some of their other offerings. The slaw was stacked so high most of it ended up on the plate and table rather than in my mouth. The Jindo: Kimchi and bacon on a hotdog, sounds completely bizarre, but if you like kimchi, it is definitely the prominent flavor. It meshes way better than you may expect. Only weird thing here is that the kimchi was served cold, which made for an odd mouthfeel. Would be better served warm. Still going to get it again regardless. Top pick so far is the Greek Stray, makes no sense but full recommendation. Honestly, my only complaint is that they aren't closer to home, but at the same time, maybe that's what's best for my wallet.

Adham H.

Yelp
If you're in town on Monroe Ave near the Are Center, you probably want to try Dogtown for a nice delicious hotdog! The service is pretty fast and the staff is friendly!

Tiffanie G.

Yelp
Dogtown def lives up to the hype! They have an outdoor patio and indoor seating. The walls inside are cutely decorated with pics of our favorite local furry friends. The food is reasonably priced and always fresh!!! I got the golden retriever- soooo good. The dog was in a toasted bun with bacon (yes- I said BACON) and cheese!!! Doesn't get better than that! My BF had the chicken sammy! It was seasoned to perfection! Bottom line- you need to come here and order yourself a dog or plate!

Lydia M.

Yelp
A huge selection of toppings for hot dogs, all named after a different kind of dog. They also have veggie hot dogs which aren't bad. The sweet potato fries are topped with sugar and are really good. Nice casual place to grab a bite to eat.

Will S.

Yelp
I was skeptical when I was told we were going to a restaurant that made basically just hot dogs. These were the best I've had. I had a German shepherd and, I think, a Chicago dog. Everything about them was great. Balance of toppings to dog, the size of the hot dog, and the buns were probably the best I've had, too! I'll definitely hit this place up the next time I'm in Rochester

Brian B.

Yelp
Ok, now that I've been in Virginia for a while, I miss me some real natural casing tied zweigles pop-open hots served up "garbage plate" style with meat hot-sauce. And dogtown nailed it! Wife had two of their specialty hots (the Fido Castro and the Boston Terrier) both of which didn't have any leftover. Thanks dogtown for a great meal!