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.

Sportsmen’s Tavern

326 Amherst Street
Buffalo, NY 14207

(716) 874-7734

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Spot Coffee – Buffalo

227 Delaware Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14202

(716) 332-2299

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Spot Coffee – Elmwood

765 Elmwood Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14222

(716) 332-4564

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Spot Coffee – Hertel

1406 Hertel Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14216

(716) 551-6275

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Spot Coffee – Williamsville

5330 Main Street
Williamsville, NY 14221

(716) 565-0200

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Squeeze Juicery – Elmwood Village

770 Elmwood
Buffalo, NY 14222

(716) 882-2541

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Squeeze Juicery – Williamsville

5419 Main Street
Williamsville, NY 14221

(716) 565-1000

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Starbucks – Downtown

235 Delaware Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14202

(716) 853-2356

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Starbucks – Elmwood Village

933 Elmwood Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14222

(716) 882-5440

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Starbucks – Residence Inn Downtown

620 Delaware Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14202

(716) 245-7888

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Starbucks-Hyatt Regency

2 Fountain Plaza
Buffalo, NY 14202

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Statler Cafe at the Martin House

125 Jewett Parkway
Buffalo, NY 14214

(716) 856-3858

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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