Buffalo’s Restaurants

The Best Restaurants in Western NY

While Buffalo’s culinary reputation rests largely on the spread of our wings around the world and the now common use of “Buffalo-style” to indicate a spicy experience ahead, the city is in fact a melting pot of diverse dishes, cuisines, and dining experiences. Old school restaurateurs who have been perfecting their menus for decades are being joined by a new generation of chefs (many of them former Buffalonians returning to their resurgent hometown) who are opening innovative restaurants that are re-defining dining in the city.

A variety of flavors

Alongside these re-pats are immigrants and refugees who are bringing a taste of places like Myanmar, Ethiopia, Cambodia and Iraq to the streets of Buffalo. If that’s not enough variety, the city has dozens of food trucks rolling around that serve everything from poutine to pierogi. Sure, come for the wings, but stay to sample one of the most dynamic food cities in the United States.

Souped Up

Roaming Buffalo
Buffalo, NY 14203

(716) 458-5707

trip advisor rating

South City Tavern

1345 South Park Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14220

(716) 844-8485

trip advisor rating

South Transit BBQ & Grill

6703 South Transit Road
Lockport, NY 14094

(716) 210-3533

trip advisor rating

South Wales Brewing Company

6846 Olean Road
South Wales, NY 14139

(716) 517-0293

trip advisor rating

Southern Belle Diner

3575 Walden Avenue
Lancaster, NY 14086

(716) 393-3033

trip advisor rating

Southern Junction

365 Connecticut
Buffalo, NY 14213

(716) 804-4443

trip advisor rating

Southern Junction Smokehouse

27 Chandler Street
Buffalo, NY 14207

trip advisor rating

Southern Tier Brewing Company

7 Scott Street
Buffalo, NY 14202

(716) 436-7999

trip advisor rating

Spice Bite

3269 Bailey Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14215

(716) 247-8576

trip advisor rating

Spices of India

438 Evans Street
Buffalo, NY 14221

(716) 663-4800

trip advisor rating

Sports 365 Bar and Grill

4600 Genesee Street
Cheektowaga, NY 14225

(716) 634-6594

trip advisor rating

Sports City Pizza Pub

1407 Niagara Street
Buffalo, NY 14213

(716) 871-8088

trip advisor rating
1 73 74 75 93

Jessica Railey is a partner and sommelier at Waxlight Bar a Vin, 27 Chandler St. in Buffalo.

  1. The Dapper Goose

    Dapper is all about the chill vibe, the welcoming atmosphere, the smiley, warm service, and the wine! Keith, Tim and Peggy do an excellent job of always having some of the most interesting wines by the glass available, while also having some classic options, which is what I really appreciate.

    491 Amherst St., Buffalo
    thedappergoose.com

  2. The Little Club

    They have an ever-rotating by-the-glass list that’s fun and quirky. So much of the owners’ and staff’s personalities shine through here and it’s fun to see someone else not sticking to “the rules.” And they always have great featured wines — they’re excited about fermented grape juice, dare I say a little nerdy about it, and I love it!

    1197 Hertel Ave., Buffalo
    thelittleclub.bar

  3. Toutant

    Toutant has a very special place in my heart, and I go back for the fried chicken AND the most perfect Vieux Carre crafted by bar manager and my good friend, Jill Hutnyan. When I want a cocktail, I want a classic, and Jill just puts her magic touch on this rye and cognac based New Orleans drink like no other.

    437 Ellicott St., Buffalo
    Toutantbuffalo.com

  4. Mes Que

    I usually go to Mes Que for a crisp, gigantic European beer, and a wee bit of bourbon, rather than for soccer. Prices are wildly reasonable and it’s always a relaxed but buzzing environment.

    1420 Hertel Ave., Buffalo
    mesque.com

  5. Casey’s Black Rock

    Casey’s just re-opened, but it is and has been a Black Rock gem, and this time, it’s so much better. It’s clean, has great food, fun games, good decor, awesome staff, and there’s always sports on. It’s the best stop after a long night at Waxlight or on a Monday when we’re off to order a Utica Club or a Miller High Life with some solid bar food.

    484 Amherst St., Buffalo
    caseysblackrock.com