Nothing Could Be Finer Than The Highland Park Diner In The Morning!

There is nothing like uncovering a local road food gem.  Jackie's new residence in Rochester has opened up the possibility of endless discoveries on the roads to Western New York.  I had read about a diner in the Rochester area that was marked as a must go, but a previous attempt to enter the neon box car was thwarted by a nine o'clock closing time. (How can a diner close at 9:00?).  On my most recent trip to see Jackie, we decided to make effort to visit the diner from Sunday morning breakfast. 

A little removed from downtown Rochester the Highland Park Diner (960 Clinton Avenue South, Rochester NY, 14620)  is not located in what can be described as a bustling neighborhood.  As we pulled up, it became apparent that its' small parking lot was a no go.  After parking a block away, we approached the diner and were advised there would be a 20 minute wait for seating.  Definitely a good sign.  A peak inside the vintage box car diner revealed some counter seating, and just a few booths and tables....all packed in.   By the time our 20 minutes expired, the wait behind us climbed to 45 minutes and people were waiting.   This place could hardly be described as a hidden gem as all of Rochester seemed to be lined up for breakfast.

As soon as we were seated in our booth in became apparent why.  Besides having an extensive menu of classic diner food, loaded with breakfast combinations,  there was a specials menu not to be believed.  The various marriages of staple like omelets, pancakes, and french toast to seasonal fruits and vegetables was stunning.  Debbie and Jackie settled for the peanut butter stuffed french toast topped with raspberries and whipped cream, and I for the pumpkin bread french toast with pumpkin butter.  The girls seemed to enjoy their choice as their was little left on either of their plates (just enough to take back to the dorm for Jackie's roommate Kate).  My own choice......such a dish is just not fair to the palette.  The warm pumpkin butter on the dense pumpkin bread still gives me the shivers. 

If you ever happen to drive seven hours out of the way for breakfast, guess what, it will be worth it.  The Highland Park Diner is a must.

The Danbury Mint Issued A Highland Park Diner Collectible.