In a quiet strip of Chili Avenue, Zoc’s Gourmet has evolved from a humble neighborhood storefront into a full-on burger obsession for Rochester locals.
Word started spreading as owner Zaaqi “Zoc” Johnson began stacking beef, shrimp, jalapeños, and onion rings into outrageous creations that looked like late-night cravings brought to life, and soon social feeds were flooded with pictures of towering burgers and saucy fries. 🍔
Over time, Zoc’s Gourmet climbed its way into local burger conversations, appearing on Rochester burger lists and pulling in curious food lovers from all over the city.
The more people posted about those drippy patties and loaded fry plates, the more the line at 975 Chili Ave grew, turning this once low-key joint into a go-to stop for anyone chasing bold, comfort-heavy flavors in western New York.
The Rochester Burger Haven Where Every Bite Tastes Like a Cheat Day
Rochester’s Zoc’s Gourmet is the kind of place that makes diet plans disappear the second you glance at the menu of gourmet burgers, shakes, and comfort food.
This is comfort food with serious personality, with burgers, subs, and loaded fries that feel engineered for maximum flavor and “I need a nap after this” satisfaction. 😋
Owner Zaaqi Johnson opened Zoc’s in 2016, using a community-backed Kiva loan to expand his kitchen and marketing, and he has been feeding the 19th Ward ever since.
Thanks to that hustle and a steady stream of praise, Zoc’s has earned a reputation as one of Rochester’s must-try burger stops for anyone who loves big, messy, flavor-loaded meals.
If you’re planning a Rochester food crawl, this Chili Avenue favorite pairs perfectly with exploring other burger restaurants in Rochester, NY and nearby neighborhood gems that locals rave about.
Food Highlights
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Turkey Burger: A juicy turkey patty paired with classic fixings, this burger provides a flavorful, slightly leaner option that still feels hearty and satisfying for guests who want something a bit lighter without missing out on the full burger experience.
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Florentine Burger: Typically topped with spinach, cheese, and savory seasonings, this burger offers a more herbaceous, “greens-meet-comfort” profile, giving diners a rich yet fresh-tasting experience that’s great for those who love a hint of Italian-inspired flair.
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Double Shrimp Po Boy Deluxe: This burger layers a beef patty with grilled shrimp, sliced tomato, cabbage, and remoulade on a bun, giving you a surf-and-turf experience that feels indulgent, saucy, and perfect for guests craving a bold, slightly messy, New-Orleans-inspired bite in a casual setting.
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Double Astro Burger: Packed with a beef patty, pickled jalapeños, Jalapeño-American cheese, beef bacon, and onion rings plus classic toppings, this creation delivers a spicy, crunchy, ultra-rich mouthful that thrill-seekers and heat lovers describe as a fully loaded, craveable burger adventure. 🌶️
- Iceburger: Built with crisp lettuce acting as the “bun” around the patty and toppings, this creation delivers the full juicy-burger feel in a lower-carb format, creating a fun, hands-on experience for guests who want to keep things a little lighter.
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Full Steak and Shrimp Sub: A hefty sub stuffed with rib eye steak, shrimp, peppers, onions, house sauce, lettuce, provolone, and mozzarella (served with fries), it eats like a full surf-and-turf dinner in sandwich form, offering a savory, cheesy, and extremely satisfying experience ideal for big appetites.
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Chicken and Shrimp Fries:
These fries come piled with chicken, shrimp, bell peppers, sautéed onions, mozzarella, cheddar jack cheese, and boss sauce, creating a creamy, savory, comfort-heavy experience that regulars love splitting alongside burgers when they’re in full treat-yourself mode.
Atmosphere
Inside Zoc’s Gourmet, the vibe is relaxed and unfussy, more about getting serious food than admiring décor, which fits perfectly with its status as a neighborhood comfort stop.
Guests drop in for breakfast-style plates, burgers, and subs, helped along by the friendly, down-to-earth staff highlighted in local features about Zoc’s and community shoutouts.
It feels like the kind of place where you talk directly with the owner about your favorite toppings while you wait for a fresh, made-to-order meal.
All together, the casual interior, welcoming service, and hefty portions create an atmosphere that’s ideal for quick eats, low-key dates, or takeout nights. 😊
Bottom Line
Visit Zoc’s Gourmet for outrageous surf-and-turf burgers, fully loaded fries, a welcoming neighborhood vibe, generous portions, and the kind of comfort-food experience that makes you plan your next cheat day before you’ve even left.
Address:
975 Chili Ave, Rochester, NY 14611
📞 +1 585-441-9490
🕔 Open Mon–Fri, Mon–Thu, 8 AM–11 AM; Fri, 4 PM–8 PM (Closed Sat–Sun)