
Highland Park Diner
Step back in time at Highland Park Diner, a 1940s rail car eatery serving classic American fare and legendary milkshakes.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Highland Park Diner

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step back in time at Highland Park Diner, a 1940s rail car eatery serving classic American fare and legendary milkshakes.
Visit Early
Arrive early, especially on weekends, to avoid long wait times as it gets very busy.
Try Seasonal Specials
Ask about seasonal specials for unique dishes that are a must-try when available.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
American Diner
Price
Mid-range
Phone
(585) 461-5040
Address
960 S Clinton Ave, Rochester, NY 14620, USA
Website
highlandparkdinerny.com/Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Vintage Rail Car Ambiance
Dine in a charming 1940s-era boxcar diner, a registered architectural gem with a unique retro vibe.

Hand-Dipped Milkshakes
Indulge in thick, creamy hand-dipped milkshakes with a variety of classic and specialty flavors.

Nutella Stuffed French Toast
A decadent breakfast treat featuring warm French toast stuffed with Nutella, topped with fruits.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Visit Early
Arrive early, especially on weekends, to avoid long wait times as it gets very busy.
Try Seasonal Specials
Ask about seasonal specials for unique dishes that are a must-try when available.
Brunch Options
Consider their extensive brunch menu, including popular items like eggs Benedict and skillets.
Sweet Tooth Delight
Save room for homemade desserts, especially the hand-dipped milkshakes.
Tips
from all over the internet
Visit Early
Arrive early, especially on weekends, to avoid long wait times as it gets very busy.
Try Seasonal Specials
Ask about seasonal specials for unique dishes that are a must-try when available.
Brunch Options
Consider their extensive brunch menu, including popular items like eggs Benedict and skillets.
Sweet Tooth Delight
Save room for homemade desserts, especially the hand-dipped milkshakes.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Highland Park Diner offers a classic diner experience with many appreciating the vintage ambiance and a wide variety of breakfast and lunch options. While some rave about the milkshakes, French toast, and specific sandwiches, others have noted inconsistencies in food quality, such as dry pancakes or unseasoned dishes. Service is generally described as friendly, though some recent reviews indicate a decline in overall quality.
"Went for brunch today to this very classical diner. The servers are very friendly and approachable. Summer, our server, was great.
The food was excellent. I world recommend the shakes and the western sandwich, but everything that we ordered was flavorful regardless.
The atmosphere was friendly and vibrant. I will return here for a meal when I visit Rochester next."
Neehar Arya
"I had high hopes, but in the end, i was drastically disappointed. We went in as a group of 5 and only 1 of us had an enticing meal. The chocolate chip pancakes: dry and bland batter. The side for those pancakes were turkey sausages for $5.99… more like two mini pinky toe sausages… so not worth it, they were tasteless. The chicken and waffles: small, cheap chicken (they were chicken tenders) and one dry, bland waffle… for $16… what a joke. The highland skillet: the seasoning didn’t exist… salt and pepper doesn’t come to mind at this diner i guess, and the gravy was flavored so peculiar. The steak and egg sandwich: also unseasoned, but once it was drowned in ketchup it was edible. the breakfast burger: the only meal worth the price and was moderately seasoned. Overall the food was just underwhelming, but let’s get to the drinks… the milk was in a smaller cup and was priced at $3.99 and i didn’t even get a refill. the iced coffee, which was in a larger cup, was priced at $3… and the milk was barely cold. I was crying inside. I left still hungry and sad… I expected more. See pictures as proof."
Jason Hyde
"All around excellent diner! So many choices and the food was delicious! The owner very gracious and our server was so nice too!!"
Elizabeth Gagne
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
To avoid long waits, it's best to visit early in the morning or on weekdays. Weekends can be very busy.
The diner does not explicitly mention taking reservations. It's advisable to arrive early or be prepared for a wait.
Signature dishes include the Nutella Stuffed French Toast, hand-dipped milkshakes, and various breakfast skillets.
Yes, the diner is known for its all-day breakfast options, including wraps and pancakes.
The restaurant has a unique, retro ambiance as it's housed in a beautifully restored 1940s-era rail car.
The diner often features seasonal specials, which are highly recommended by visitors.
The diner is typically open for breakfast and lunch, often closing in the mid-afternoon.
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These 15 Rochester Restaurants Will Blow The Taste Buds Out Of Your Mouth
Highland Park Diner 960 Clinton Avenue South, Rochester, NY 14619 (585) 461-5040 Yelp: 3.5 stars, 56 reviews The feel of Highland Park Diner might be old-fashioned, with its rail car frame and traditional menu selections, but that’s not a reflection on the food. All-day breakfasts are always a favorite of the diner crowds, and Highland is no exception. You won't be disappointed with any of their breakfast wraps or pancakes, but the reason reason to eat at Highland is for their hand dipped milkshakes.
15 Best Breakfast & Brunch Spots in Rochester, NY
The upscale and retro Highland Park Diner is a perfect spot to enjoy some traditional American breakfast and brunch items with your favorite milkshakes and homemade desserts. The bustling ambiance is well balanced with its period-designed interiors to give it a vintage vibe. The brunch items include standard morning fare along with sandwiches, wraps, hamburgers, and a variety of egg preparations.
Rochester's 20 Best Delivery and Takeout Places
This classic diner will take you back in time with its vintage feel in a trailer setting. While most people come for brunch because of their outrageous number of brunch options, especially their eggs Benedict and skillets, they have a huge selection of great sandwiches and burgers as well. #SpoonTip: Depending on the day you come, they may also have seasonal specials that are must-haves.
Hotspots & BEST Things to do in Rochester, NY (Weekend Getaway Guide)
We are huge fans of old-school diners, and Upstate New York is full of them. Before leaving from your weekend in Rochester don’t miss having a meal at Highland Park Diner set in a 1940s-era Orleans Company box car!. Not to mention the diner is on the Rochester Landmark Society’s list of architectural gems too, as it’s the only box car made by that company still in existence.
What’s your favorite brunch spot? : Rochester
Highland Diner, Strathallen, Honeoye Falls Distillery, Blue Wolf Bistro, Voulas, Nosh, James browns place, Mad hatters, Trata, Roam cafe, Durfs, Label 7, Revelry, Ale house, Jines, Jim’s on main, Gatehouse, Schmegs (Gates), Butapub, The Owl House, Aladdin’s natural eatery, ORBS, Brown Hound Downtown, Cure, Roux, Patti’s pantry, Village bakery & cafe, Genesee Brew House.
How to spend the perfect weekend in Rochester
Rochester has a lot of diners to choose from, my favorite being the Highland Park Diner, a 1950s-era train car diner that is listed as an architectural gem by the Rochester Landmark Society. I always get the Nutella stuffed french toast that comes with sliced bananas and strawberries on top, but you have to really have a sweet tooth to not get overwhelmed.
11 Best Restaurants in Rochester NY: Brunch, Pizza, & Local Favorites
Set in a beautifully restored 1948 Orleans diner car, this local favorite serves generous portions of American classics. Must-try dishes include their crispy home fries with onions, fluffy chocolate chip pancakes, and the renowned homemade corned beef hash. Their Belgian waffles with fresh strawberries and whipped cream draw weekend crowds.
Rochester NY's Irresistible Brunch Spots: A Culinary Adventure for Weekend Warriors
Highland Park Diner in Rochester, NY offers a great classic diner experience with delicious breakfast food, plenty of options, and a cozy atmosphere. The Gyro Skillet and the two egg combo were both excellent, and the coffee was hot and tasty. The wait times can be long, but it's worth it for the old-time feel and the delicious food.
Where to Eat in Rochester, NY
You can’t miss the retro-styled trailer is considered one of Rochester’s Landmark Society architectural gems. Serving fluffy pancakes (order the banana Nutella, you’ll thank me later) and bottomless coffee, this local favorite should be on your places to eat in Rochester, NY list.
Best Brunch in Rochester, NY (2025) — 25 Top Places!
960 Clinton Avenue SRochester, NY 14620(585) 461-5040 Visit Website See Menu Open in Google Maps. Highland Park Diner is a bustling, retro-style boxcar eatery serving various morning meal standards, hamburgers, sandwiches, wraps, homemade desserts, and delicious shakes.
Rochester Foodie
Highland Park Diner is the quintessential 1940's boxcar diner experience. Breakfast and lunch served all day, large portions, giant milkshakes, and a classic diner-era atmosphere. It's a Rochester icon, so make sure to give it a try while you're here.
Brunch & Breakfast Spots | City of Rochester Public Market & More
he Highland Park Diner is recognized by the Rochester Landmark Society as a building of significant architectural interest, being one of a few retro diners still in operation. Serving breakfast-goers since 1948, the diner offers all the classics.
Highest-rated Brunch Restaurants in Rochester, According to Tripadvisor
- Rating: 4.0 / 5 (221 reviews)- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.0/5), Atmosphere (4.0/5)- Type of cuisine: American, Diner- Price: $- Address: 960 Clinton Ave S, Rochester, NY 14620-2023- Read more on Tripadvisor
10 Best Breakfast Restaurants in Rochester
960 S Clinton Ave, Rochester, NY 14620585-461-5040 Visit Website. With neon 1950s-style signage, customers can’t miss the Highland Park Diner. In the Swillburg neighborhood, the diner has been serving hot breakfast plates since 1948.
Highest-rated breakfast restaurants in Rochester, according to Tripadvisor
– Rating: 4.0 / 5 (219 reviews)– Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.0/5), Atmosphere (4.0/5)– Category: American, Diner– Price: $– Address: 960 Clinton Ave S, Rochester, NY 14620-2023– Read more on Tripadvisor
Best Cooking Class: Rochester Brainery | Best of Rochester
Housed inside the iconic 1948 dining-car at the corner of South Goodman Street and South Clinton Avenue, the Highland transports diners back in time.
Highland Park Diner - Rochester Wiki
Highland Park Diner is a famous diner on the corner of Clinton and Goodman in Swillburg, across Clinton from The Cinema.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit