Highland Park Diner
About us
Constructed in the late 1940s in the classic boxcar style and carefully restored, Highland Park Diner is a cherished part of local heritage and is included in the Rochester Landmark Society’s list of architectural gems. Rooted in tradition and managed with care, this establishment strives to provide hearty portions, genuine friendliness, and an environment where everyone feels at ease.
The menu showcases dependability and freshness, artfully combining timeless diner staples with creative contemporary touches. Our diner emphasizes freshness and features homemade mashed potatoes, hamburgers, soups, salads, sandwiches, wraps and a truly delicious apple pie. Step inside to find counter seating, inviting booths, and the comforting murmur of patrons enjoying their meals. The attentive, friendly staff create a pleasant setting that encourages guests to relax, stay a while, and make the diner a staple in their daily lives.
Included in the Rochester Landmark Society's list of architectural gems, the Highland Park Diner was built by the Orleans Company on site in 1948 and is the only diner made by that firm still in existence - only three or four were manufactured before the company went bankrupt.
The building functioned as a diner from 1948-1974, was vacant for two years, then became an Off Track Betting parlor run by New York State. In 1986, Robert Malley bought the building, renovated it and opened it as a diner once again.
In December of 2003, Van Zissis purchased the diner and is continuing to provide patrons of the Highland Park Diner the freshest and finest food, great atmosphere and friendly service, all in keeping with the tradition at this unique diner.
Today, Highland Park Diner patrons range from college students to mature couples, all of which enjoy the diner's traditional foods as well as its 'new fashioned' dishes.
Emphasizing freshness, the menu features homemade mashed potatoes, hamburgers, soups, salads, sandwiches, wraps and a truly delicious apple pie (selected as the best in the United States by Conde Nast Traveler). The diner seats fifty-five, nineteen at the counter and thirty-six at the booths.