Little Known Places to Eat in My Hometown
Buffalo, New York’s history with culinary can be found dated back to the early 1800s, so what better way to celebrate 7/16 Day then recognizing all the great places to dine in Buffalo.
The city offers tons of unique dishes and beverages such as chicken wings, pizza, Loganberry, sponge candy, beef on weck, and much more.
One thing’s for sure if you travel to Buffalo, you won’t miss a meal!
Anchor Bar
“Famed birthplace of the Buffalo chicken wing, also offering Italian fare, draft beers & live jazz.”
Dress code: Casual
Specialty: Wings
Duffs
“Original location of a regional chain dispensing spicy, saucy wings & brews in a no-frills setting.”
Dress code: Casual
Specialty: Wings
Lloyd’s
“Buffalo's first food truck! Mexican-inspired tacos and burritos from 4 food trucks and 2 restaurants.”
Features: Sidewalk patio (Hertel Avenue location)
Patina 250
“Restaurant for gourmet global cuisine, served in a contemporary urban setup.”
Dress code: Smart/Business casual
Features: Picturesque environment
Falley Allen
“Falley Allen serves contemporary American dishes and drinks. The name? A tribute to Lewis Falley Allen, the man both Allentown and Allen Street are named after.”
Dress code: Casual/Smart casual
Features: Patio
Coco
“Cozy brick-walled bar & bistro featuring a menu of brunch & global entrees, plus a garden patio…”…and new outdoor ‘Crepe Chalet’.
Dress code: Smart casual
Features: Garden patio, Sidewalk patio
Gabriel’s Gate
“American fare served in a cozy tavern space.”
Dress code: Casual
La Nova
“Photos & memorabilia line the walls of this longtime parlor turning out specialty pizzas & wings.”
Dress code: Casual
Tony’s Ranch House
Family-owned diner
Dress code: Casual
Specialty: Breakfast, chili dogs
Flaming Fish
“The Flaming Fish is a popular food truck [and now brick and mortar restaurant] that's family-owned and proudly originated right here in The Queen City.”
Lake Effect Diner
“All-American comfort food from local farms doled out in a chrome-&-neon diner car dating to 1952.”
Dress code: Casual
JT’s Restaurant
“Cosmopolitan fixture with a classy vibe & outdoor seating offering refined Italian cuisine.”
Dress code: Casual/Smart casual
Charlie the Bucher
“Renowned beef sandwiches & other carved meats.”
Dress code: Casual
Specialties: Beef on weck
Toutant
“Contemporary Southern eats & cocktails are offered at this cozy spot with industrial-chic decor.”
Dress code: Casual
Griffon Gastropub
Four unique locations across Western New York featuring an award-winning menu.
Dress code: Casual
Taste of Siam
“Traditional Thai cuisine & cocktails presented in roomy, relaxed surrounds with a warm atmosphere.”
Dress code: Casual/Smart casual
Features: 2-story dining room
Betty’s
“Globally inspired comfort food & weekend brunch delivered in quirky digs decorated with local art.”
Dress code: Casual
Specialty: Sunday Brunch
Features: Patio
Mothers Restaurant
“Dim lighting fosters a romantic feel at this cool bistro with an ever-changing, hand-scrawled menu.”
Dress code: Casual
Big Mood
Buffalo’s first vegan restaurant featured in The New York Times
Dress code: Casual
Specialty: Vegan
Features: Picturesque environment, Sidewalk patio
The Place
“American classics served in a charming, historical setting with a long oak bar & porch seating.”
Dress code: Casual/Smart casual
Specialty: Sunday Brunch
Features: Porch seating
Sunshine Vegan Eats
Black-owned and “community-based establishment focused on making plant-based food accessible for all.”
Dress code: Casual
Specialty: Vegan/vegetarian
The 31 Club
“Reincarnation of a 1940s hot spot serves New American fare in a swanky scene with bar & live music.”
Dress code: Smart casual
Specialty: Sunday Brunch
Features: Patio
Shango New Orleans Bistro & Wine Bar
“Laid-back bistro delivering Cajun-Creole specialties, 150+ wines & diverse beers in dark environs.”
Dress code: Smart casual
Phat Catz Restaurant & Bar
“One of the nicest soul food restaurants in Buffalo.”
Dress code: Casual
Jim’s Steak Out
“Jim is a real guy from the West Side of Buffalo.”
Dress code: Casual
Specialty: Hoagies
Buffalo Soul
Family-owned restaurant serving soul food and wings.
Dress code: Casual
Kostas Family Restaurant
“Greek & American dishes plus breakfast menu in a low-key space with murals & white-columned facade.”
Dress code: Casual
Specialty: Sunday Brunch
Features: Patio
Eggsperience Vasilis Restaurant
Greek & American dining with several locations across Western New York
Dress code: Casual
Specialty: Sunday Brunch
Towne Restaurant
“Comfy eatery serving classic American breakfasts as well as Greek & European sandwiches & classics.”
Dress code: Casual
Je Ne Sais Quoi
“A menu featuring an array of classic American Southern combo plates in a modern, homey setting.”
Dress code: Casual
Niagara Cafe
“Humble counter-serve joint with booth seating offering a menu of Puerto Rican favorites.”
Dress code: Casual
Don Tequila
“This colorful eatery offers familiar Mexican fare such as fajitas & burritos, along with a bar area.”
Dress code: Casual
Specialty: Drinks
Shy’s Steak House
“The best steak hoagies in the city!”
Curry’s Restaurant & Pub
Family-operated restaurant with comfortable, cozy vibes
Dress code: Casual
Specialty: Fish Fry
Manna @ Northland
Run by Emerson Culinary school teacher, “the restaurant offers soul food, vegetarian options, and what they refer to as a ‘global menu.’”
Dress code: Casual
Amy’s Place
“Low-key, cash-only diner plating classic & vegan Lebanese & American comfort food.”
Dress code: Casual
Specialty: Breakfast, Vegetarian options
Moura’s NY Deli
Providing “high quality, affordable lunches to hardworking Buffalonians” in the center of downtown.
Taqueria Ranchos Dos
“Basic taqueria-grill with seafood, chicken & sandwiches paired with beer & flavored margaritas.”
Dress code: Casual
Casa Azul
“Trendy setting for tacos & other Mexican favorites with margarita flavors & buckets of beer.”
Dress code: Smart casual
Features: Balcony
black and blue
“Upscale surf 'n' turf meals complement the 3,000 wines served at this chic steakhouse.”
Dress code: Cocktail
Tappo Restaurant
“This Italian spot in a restored industrial space offers diverse wines, rooftop dining.”
Dress code: Smart casual
Features: Rooftop dining
Vice Restaurant
Trendy dining experience with comfortable atmosphere for socializing
Dress code: Casual/Smart casual
Specialty: Sunday Brunch
Misuta Chow’s
“Misuta Chow's transports you across the globe to the bustling yokocho alleys of Tokyo City serving authentic Japanese street food available for take out.”
Dress code: Casual
Features: Bar & arcade
Forty Thieves
“Your neighborhood pub featuring 22 draft beers, multiple craft cans, wide variety of whiskey, elevated pub fare, and friendly service.”
Dress code: Casual
Features: Sidewalk patio
Patrick’s Rooftop
“Picturesque rooftop bar nestled in the heart of the city. With hand crafted cocktails, live entertainment and delicious food”
Dress code: Smart casual
Features: Rooftop
