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.
Sweet Melody’s
Roaming Buffalo
Buffalo, NY 14203
(716) 481-7015
Sweet Pea Bakery
1 Buffalo Street
Hamburg, NY 14075
(716) 202-1192
Swings Specialty Wings
2280 Fillmore Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14214
(716) 247-9464
Swiston’s Beef & Keg
101 Young Street
Tonawanda, NY 14150
(716) 692-9723
Sylver’s Place
300 Pearl Street
Buffalo, NY 14202
(716) 544-6691
Symposium Wine Bar
Lancaster Village Center
Lancaster, NY 14086
SZND
1448 Hertel Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14216
(716) 322-0037
Taco, Community and Beer – Delaware Ave.
1275 Delaware Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14209
Tacos, Community and Beer
6449 Transit Road
East Amherst, NY 14051
(716) 458-0380
Taffy’s Hot Dog Stand
3261 Orchard Park Road
Orchard Park, NY 14127
(716) 675-0264
Taffy’s Shake Truck
Roaming Buffalo
Buffalo, NY 14203
(716) 289-2528
Taisho Bistro Japanese Izakaya Amherst
3332 Sheridan Drive
Amherst, NY 14226
(716) 835-8088
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The Dapper Goose
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
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The Little Club
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
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Toutant
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
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Mes Que
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
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Casey’s Black Rock
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