An absolutely delicious burger with amazing hot sauce. Recent visited Rochester for 10 days and found myself there twice! Absolutely fantastic. read more

Stopped in tonight for some dinner and I have to say this place just continues to get worse I wish I could give them less than one star. We stayed there for about 10 minutes the place complete chaos servers or people working their employees of some kind or another just wandering back and forth pseudo aimlessly there's absolutely no processes involved at all. No one greeted us no one said they'd be with us in a few moments no one took our order. We literally stood there no one's saying a word to us for 10 minutes and then we turned around and left. If you are still unable to run a restaurant that you can't even greet your guests and just leave them standing there I can only imagine the rest of the processes that are involved in this place. We tried to give them another shot after multiple bad experiences and it just keeps getting worse. read more

Every since management has changed. I notice something upscale in this restaurant. This time, it was beer and wine sales. That's new, and it's cool. The tables are cozy and intimate, perfect for a casual date night. They brought one table out a bottle of wine, in a pretty container on Ice. I was a little jealous, but happy with my root beer. The root beer was nice and bubbly, comes in a to go container, which they offered to top off for me, on my way out. I thought it was very thoughtful. Burgers are delicious, made to order, came out nice and hot, as did the fries. Kitchen and restaurant are nice and clean, new chairs. Lighting was perfect! Slightly dimmed to let the sunlight do its job. They have an area outside that looks like it will be fun in warmer temps. They have a couple of gas fire pits, and tables and chairs. The staff is always very friendly, polite, with lots of smiles and attentive to their customers needs. Which is rare to find in this area, and is very appreciated. Look forward to going back and see if I notice any other new changes. Seems like the new owner has some good ideas. read more

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I'm in my late 50s, and I've been going to Don's Original (Don and Bob's) since my childhood. I now live more than 600 miles away. We were in the area for a funeral, so we had to make a stop. They never disappoint. First, we were a group of 17. The restaurant really isn't big enough for a large group like us. The owner saw us and made it work! Her and her staff were great and accommodating. Pretty much it was ground rounds (hamburgs) all around. Bill Gray's may say they have the best burger around, but they are wrong. The best is 50 yards away at Don's Original. Even out of season (read "not summer") you should make a stop. read more

Don's Original - Shirts for sale. - American Near Me - Rochester, New York

Ordered a hamburger with various toppings. Got home and opened the box, only a bottom bun, no hot sauce, onions, ketchup or mustard as ordered. Also had cheese which I did not order. French fries, were @ $7 and only had 10. Never going back. read more

First time here with a friend and these guys KILLED it! They all worked together like a well oiled machine to bring out some of the best comfort food I've had in a while. We each had cheeseburgers, drinks and onion rings and everything was on point. Service was great and we sat outside on a gorgeous summer night. read more

Don's Original - American Near Me - Rochester, New York

First time for me. The food was wonderful, cooked perfectly, fries were hot and crispy (we asked for well done), milkshakes divine. Our server was very friendly, professional, and efficient. I believe her name was Dorothy. We sat at the counter which was clean and neat. We are definitely adding this location to our lunch rotation. read more

Dons original has a great location near the lake. The place is small inside, but has plenty of outdoor seating. Service was fast and efficient. Food was made to order, so it was fresh and warm. Our little guy loved the onion rings. The one thing I thought was weird is that they offer milk, but not in individual cartons. They would pour it out of their gallon into a cup. read more

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I love the food, especially the smashed cheeseburger, the staff is friendly and knowledgeable. The location is great! The atmosphere is welcoming ! I just can't say enough about it. Ya'll get over here and order you some delicious eats!! read more

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Food was great don't get me wrong service was horrific there took 45 mins for 2 burgers and fries the younger crew was ignorant when I asked for condiments o was told no we don't have any for outside but yet other people were out there with them as well as we were told we don't have any buzzers for tables but yet people behind us were getting them that came in after just a cluster in that place read more

Still a complete clusterfuck. It takes 30 minutes at least to get your food, and they'll leave it sitting on the counter while they serve people who got there after you. Food is amazing, but the service is terrible and the behavior of the customers is rude and childish read more

Ordered 2 burgers and 2 onion rings. No beverages. $43 and change! Are you kidding me! And that didn't include the tip. I don't know how they stay in business, the food is not worth it. read more

Came to Dons for the first time this summer , we usually get there at least 3/4 times. But...the service was terrible. There were 9 people behind the counter and 2 people taking orders, and they were In no rush ..the 9people not taking orders were just standing around. . It took him 5 minutes for him to even place our order after he took it. The order got messed up and they put onions on a burger. We were asked if he could just scrape the onions off. The hot sauce was so ground up that it was like baby food and not even hot. And the burgers needed seasoning because they didn't really taste like anything. Needless to say, we aren't going back anytime soon. read more

I grew up on D&B's Brighton location; went to the Seabreeze location occassionally. Yesterday I pedaled in for an early lunch. The Swiss Mushroom burger was delicious. The prices aren't unreasonable for the portion you recieve. New ownership. The joint appears refreshed. I'll by by later to check out their frozen custard (D&B's was famous for it). read more

Im 73yrs old. Been coming here for 60 yrs. Today was very disappointing. Food is similar, but onion rings are pre-made and frozen. Not hand breaded. Service terrible. They take your order, write on pad. Then go to POS computer and input order. Takes alot of time. I would think they input order on a mobile tablet The days of yelling out "1 ground 1" are gone. Ambiance is gone. Sad...the ol days are gone. Oh. And the famous chocolate almond changed - the almonds aren't in the ice cream They just sprinkle them on top I was a Vic & Irv's guy anyway read more

Been coming here for almost 50 years and virtually nothing has changed besides the price. read more

Don's Original - American Near Me - Rochester, New York

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First time visiting here and I really enjoyed myself. Today was really nice out. I decided to come here since I was out sitting and watching the ducks, jet skis, boats, next door at the lake. I had a root beer float, my son had a banana shake, and my husband had a vanilla custard with a cherry on top. Many people were out enjoying a delicious treat. The inside is open for ordering as well as the outside at the window. The inside was mainly for guests that were ordering hot food. I didn't post the inside menu because I only had viewed the frozen menu. My family and I will definitely be back, especially since it's hot now. :-) read more

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We were out hiking, geocaching and exploring the beautiful Irondequoit Bay Marine Park and the nearby Durrand Eastman park on a hot Saturday afternoon when we walked by Don's Original. We had seen quite a few people walking around with ice cream and decided we had to stop, boy were we glad we did! Don's original has an indoor counter from which to order a variety of burgers, hot dogs, french fries and the like. They also have an outdoor window from which to order all of their ice cream options. there is outdoor picnic tables with umbrellas for seating. As we visited during the pandemic it is also important to note that they were only letting a few people inside at a time to order food, others had to wait outside. All staff members wore masks, and there was paint on the ground to help remind people to spread out while waiting in line. Now onto the best part, the ice cream! We were very happy to discover that they make their own custard! They offered 10 homemade flavors when we visited including the traditional custard flavors in addition to a variety of others, some with mix-ins like almonds, or peanut butter chips. Although custard, it is so thick that it is scooped like hard ice cream. I ordered the orange creamsicle. It was so creamy and delicious. I felt like I was eating a creamsicle! My husband got the banana which was also creamy and so good. Tasted like real banana, not fake banana flavor. The prices weren't completely unexpected for location or unreasonable in my opinion. I noticed some people mention the prices were high, and they were a bit high, however I found them similar to most ice cream places you visit these days, and if I'm going to pay for ice cream out I definitely prefer to do so for delicious homemade custard! As we had already eaten a picnic lunch we did not order any food, but the menu looked good and reasonably enough priced that I'd be interested to try it when back in the area, and I will definitely be back soon for more of their creamy, delicious homemade ice cream! read more

Don's Original - Double Banana Custard - American Near Me - Rochester, New York

Came in with large group of around 30 people. Staff was kind and on top of the rush. Food was amazing as well, highly recommend. read more

Don's Original - Good eats with the boys - American Near Me - Rochester, New York

Food was terrible ,server left the food on the counter while she cut lemons Had to ask for our order.When I asked for the manager .Two women came out in black gowns they did not want to hear anything , Told us to have a good day. Last time there and will inform many . Very bad experience . read more

Pretty good custard. They have specialty flavors in addition to vanilla and chocolate but they're more expensive. I got cookies & cream and chocolate peanut butter. If I was to come again I would get chocolate or vanilla and add a topping. There wasn't a lot of candy mixed into the specialty flavors. I think you would get more candy and its actually cheaper if you just add a topping read more

Don's Original - a sign for don's frozen custard - American Near Me - Rochester, New York

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NO AIR CONDITIONER. Come on Don's.... get with the times. I get that you're going for the old school vibe with the counter seating... but please grant your patrons some AC! Overall.... quick, decent place for a greasy burger. Conveniently located across the street from Marge's bar and close to the beach and Sea Breeze. You have your choice of 2 kinds of buns. One is your typical grocery store soft bun and the other is Rochester's version of a "hard roll". Your burger is served on the tiniest plate ever.... so don't let anything fall off and onto the counter. eek! I didn't try the onion rings but the person at the counter next to me did and they were over fried and too oily. Beware. read more

Don's Original - American Near Me - Rochester, New York

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We were driving by and saw the frozen custard sign so we decided to stop in! The sundaes were good but didn't taste particularly like custard. The place got really full after we got there so seems like a popular spot for a Sunday afternoon!! read more

Don's Original - American Near Me - Rochester, New York

Lifetime fav dine~in destination. Food is always tremendously delicious, and staff are superb. Polite, thorough, precise, and ensuring absolute customer satisfaction. Food is piping hot smells delicious can't help but have my mouth watering. Taste is top notch at a wallet friendly price. The mushrooms are crispy golden brown morsels of heaven~topped with creamy blue cheese dressings with bits and chunks cheese. Best food ever. And for dessert we got the worlds best homemade custard. Grabbed an order of Pumpkin, Peppermint, Cookies & Cream, Chocolate Almond, and Vanilla. Couldn't have asked for a more enjoyable meal, in my favorite company, and in visual delight of the lake. read more

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Best tasting burgers are cooked to order. Onion rings are hand breaded. What more can you want? Under COVID restrictions, 5 customers can go in to marked locations at the counter where you promptly order and pick up from the servers. Sour pickle slices are offered as a side condiment. Hard rolls are an option for an up charge, but normal rolls are fresh. The staff was friendly and appreciative. read more

I don't really know what you can say about Don's Original that already hasn't been said. I've been going to this location (and their old Brightion "Don and Bob's) for more years than I care to admit. Burgers and "white hots" are our favorites here. Add some of their special hot sauce and onion rings and you have the perfect better than fast food meal. Many people think white hots are like or similar to brats. This is not the case. I've only seen white hots in Rochester and usually bring home a dozen or two as I cannot get them anywhere else. This usually lasts me until my next trip to Rochester. At the time of our visit, there was plenty of outdoor seating along with limited indoor seats. Service as usual was quick. We all know the majors that have national exposure. Don's Original is a local treasure that I hope never loses their quality of appeal. read more

Man, this place is jumping! Not a seat to be had soon after I arrived. My order was quickly taken by one of three servers. It took a few minutes to do my cheeseburg with grilled onions, side of pickles and hot sauce, but nothing unreasonable. The burger, big and juicy, with melty cheese and perfectly grilled onions hit the spot. I was amazed that there was only two tables occupied outside. Considering summer is winding down, it's a beautiful day, and people love eating outside (especially near the bay), I didn't understand why. Maybe because there was a stiff breeze, which didn't stop me from enjoying lunch on the patio. The picnic tables, old and weathered, with holes for umbrellas and umbrella holders (which I've never seen in them), add to the charm of this old establishment (seriously, replacing them and adding umbrellas would earn you another star, more customers and increased popularity). Another local joint, good food, loved by locals, near the bay, boat launch, pier and lighthouse, with outdoor seating. Yep. Works for me. read more

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Great food, great service, conveniently down the road from where me and my family live. Been coming here for years and always enjoyed the food and service. Not to mention the thick shakes that you get to go!! read more

Owned by Don Henley, Don Corleone and Don Quixote. There's a famous old movie about this place: "Don The Waterfront." What to get: Chocolate Almond Custard Also: Garbage Plates, White Hots, Burgers, etc. How to improve: Don't be so tow-happy and paranoid about your parking lot, and lower some f the custard prices. If this were a Chinese restaurant, it would be "Won Ton's Original." I never thought I'd actually enjoy something called "Chocolate Almond Custard." It just doesn't sound like something I'd like. Well I gave it a try from Don's and my goodness! The hype is right. It's absolutely delicious! Creamy, chocolatey, not too sweet, not too nutty (unlike me). I love it! If it were Joseph Gordon Levitt with a porn addiction, it'd be "Don Jon's Original." I should really just Levitt alone. I love that during the Pokemon peak of popularity when hundreds of people were hanging out here and not buying anything, while they were really stingy with their parking lot (I came for custard and was grilled - almost literally - on why I was using their lot, and they took down my plate to potentially tow me if I didn't get food), they were very liberal with their bathroom. All the people from the harbour would wander over and use it around the back, nobody complained. I thought this was a nice touch even though they were way too paranoid about their parking lot. If the owners were named Tommy and Gina and the manager was Mr. Jovi, then this would be "Jon Bon's Original." One of the other Don's has already closed down and I hope and pray this one never does. It's the ultimate location of Don's, right by the water at Seabreeze. It's situated in a beautiful spot and is the perfect place for desserts, Rochester style meat sauce burgers, Garbage Plates, White Hots, and sexy frozen custard anytime of the year. If it was a seller of candies, it would be "Bon Bon's Original." As I said, the other location of Don's (on Monroe near the highway, a little bit into the burbs) closed down, which is a small tragedy in Rochesteronianish Culinary Folklore. Oh... there's one more in Pennfield that I haven't been to. Will have to check that out. The one that closed down is now named "Gone's Original." If it were the diner on Happy Days, it'd be "Fonz' Original." If it were owned by the mafia, it'd be "Ponzi Schemes' Original." If it were a surf shop, it'd be "Ron Jon's Original." If it were my p***s, it would be "Very Very Long's Original." I could go on all day. With the jokes, I mean, not with my p***s. Well, that too. read more

Don's Original - As the great poet Britney Spears once said, don's let me be the last to know - American Near Me - Rochester, New York

Nice Covid protocols but prices seemed a little high. Onion rings were good the burger I would only say it was so so for quality of the meat

Yes, this is the OG Don's Original. Fire up the wayback machine and get a sense of what a classic hamburg stand is like... Yes, I said HAMBURG. You've got to say it like an old timer. Why has Don's Original stood the test of time? Because this is where quality PREDOMINATES. While some chains have expanded their menu to include other dishes, Don's sticks to the basics. Ground rounds, hots, fries, onion Rings... no Caesar salad here! It's a little rough visiting these lakeside joints during the winter months, but it is worth a trip up to the Seabreeze area. Seating can be tight on the inside but during the warmer months you can sit at one of the picnic tables outside. Don's is also known for their great frozen custard. A true Rochester hangout... read more

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We have been big fans of Don's for decades (the one at the Lake). This is my favorite of all of the similar hamburger joints in Seabreeze and elsewhere. Their cheeseburger with everything on it is great since it is so juicy (though there are a few occasions when they overcook it - you cannot designate a doneness which is too bad). The hot sauce is nice with a bit of cinnamon (I think). Their custard is also excellent. This is a great stop in summer when we sometimes take it across the street to eat on the beach at Marge's (with a beer) but we make a point of swinging by in winter especially after cross-country skiing at Durand Eastman (burn off the calories skiing and then add them back on...). A Rochester institution! read more

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The chocolate almond custard is a must!!!! Not so sure about the other food as I only had custard and will return for custard again.

This was my first meal after arriving in the Rochester area and I loved the whole experience. My friend once sent me a jar of their hot meat sauce as a Christmas gift. Holy hell, this stuff is genius. Why don't more people put meat in their hot sauce?? It's not overly vinegary, not searingly spicy either- it's got a really nice, warming, meaty flavor and it goes great on so many things. I especially like it on pasta salad. The burger is exactly what you want from a roadside joint. Just the right amount of grease, nicely seasoned, melted American cheese (they have other options too), BLT. Affordable, fast, tasty, friendly. And they have Dr. Pepper! The place is really popular in the warmer months, but was quieter when I came in the fall. It's got an old school feel, counter service, with super friendly (and seriously beautiful) waitresses. Seriously Ciarra, what are you even DOING here, there's a modeling career waiting for you in NYC, jesus. read more

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Experience is just as important as food quality. We ordered a burger, fries, and a red hot. The hot and fries came out first. Then while still waiting for the burger, the people behind us ordered, paid and received their three cheeseburgers, while we were still waiting for our final item (the burger). After receiving the fries and hot red, waiting for the burger since the patrons after us ordered, paid and received their three cheeseburgers before getting our final item, the fries and red hot were lukewarm. A brief apology for the wait was given and then we were sent on our way. I thought the burger was good and fries fine (would have been better if I was able to have them hot when they first came out). read more

Craving a burger, fries, and a milkshake hurry over! You will find a nice lunch! Always a spot to share with my familyTake a ride to enjoy!!

This place is perfect. Old school and unique, and that's the only way to be. The food is crazy good and not like anything you're used to. Yummy. read more

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I have not been here in about 30 years and have wonderfully fond memories of coming here as a kid with my grandfather and uncle. Years ago it was Don & Bob's, but now it is just Don's. Nevertheless the place is almost exactly as I remember it. Located on the shore of Lake Ontario, this unassuming restaurant serves fantastic food. Since I was a child I have always ordered the original ground round with cheese on a hard roll (slightly denser and chewier than a soft roll) and an order of handmade onion rings. I always order pickles on the side for no other reason than that is what my family always did. The service is friendly and super quick. The burger is fresh and juicy; the onion rings are crisp and with just the right touch of grease. I ate all of it in minutes...and then sat there happy and content reminiscing about my childhood. It was a perfect meal and evening!! read more

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Took me until 30 to finally experience this classic. I appreciate the vintage feel and throwback to old diners. But I was hoping more from all the hype I had heard. Onion rings were good. Side of meat sauce was yummy because it wasn't too sweet. Burgers and sandwiches were simple. For this style of quick bites I would prefer Charlie's. read more

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The best. It started as Don&Bobs and still makes the best burgers. Miss the jar of pickles.