Guidebook
Food Scene
Buffalo has a burgeoning food scene with innovative restaurants and cocktail bars popping up among the classics.
Tipico is located just a block away from my place and was featured in Food & Wine Magazine as one of the best coffee shops in New York State. The have great coffee, cappuccinos, and espresso as well as bakery items. Try the house made coconut milk!
58 residents recomanen
Tipico Coffee
Tipico is located just a block away from my place and was featured in Food & Wine Magazine as one of the best coffee shops in New York State. The have great coffee, cappuccinos, and espresso as well as bakery items. Try the house made coconut milk!
Bellini's chef Mike does classic Italian dishes right. One of my favorites is the roast duck with risotto. Always perfectly cooked! Bellini's is on the same street (3 blocks away) as the apartment and has a lovely, intimate environment. Tell Sue (she’s maître d', owner, and wife to the chef) that I sent you in and make sure to order a slice of cake. The coconut is my favorite and the carrot is a close second - call ahead and have them reserve a slice because they almost always sell out!
Bellini's Bistro
350 Pennsylvania StreetBellini's chef Mike does classic Italian dishes right. One of my favorites is the roast duck with risotto. Always perfectly cooked! Bellini's is on the same street (3 blocks away) as the apartment and has a lovely, intimate environment. Tell Sue (she’s maître d', owner, and wife to the chef) that I sent you in and make sure to order a slice of cake. The coconut is my favorite and the carrot is a close second - call ahead and have them reserve a slice because they almost always sell out!
Hands down the best breads and bagels in town. Everything is good so be prepared to be tantalized! They offer bagels and breads as well as breakfast sandwiches and lunch sandwiches. The Britney - lox, red onion, cucumber, scallion + dill cream cheese - on an everything bagel is my absolute favorite!
37 residents recomanen
BreadHive Bakery & Cafe
402 Connecticut StHands down the best breads and bagels in town. Everything is good so be prepared to be tantalized! They offer bagels and breads as well as breakfast sandwiches and lunch sandwiches. The Britney - lox, red onion, cucumber, scallion + dill cream cheese - on an everything bagel is my absolute favorite!
One of my favorite cafes in town because of its ambiance and excellent beans. They also have outstanding bakery items, charcuterie, and a fabulous wine list during the evening hours.
53 residents recomanen
Remedy House
429 Rhode Island StOne of my favorite cafes in town because of its ambiance and excellent beans. They also have outstanding bakery items, charcuterie, and a fabulous wine list during the evening hours.
Billy Club is a smaller restaurant and only a 7 minute walk to Allen street. They serve both an excellent dinner and cocktail menus. Tell the owners Jake or Dan that I sent you, they always have great service. The flat 12" mushrooms are absolutely amazing and for brunch they serve one of the best omelettes in town.
37 residents recomanen
Billy Club
228 Allen StBilly Club is a smaller restaurant and only a 7 minute walk to Allen street. They serve both an excellent dinner and cocktail menus. Tell the owners Jake or Dan that I sent you, they always have great service. The flat 12" mushrooms are absolutely amazing and for brunch they serve one of the best omelettes in town.
Mother’s has one of the best patios in town and always has good specials and fresh raw oysters. It’s a true American/French/Italian fusion menu that can suit anyone's tastes. Great cocktails and they always have an amazing featured wine deal!
51 residents recomanen
Mothers Restaurant
33 Virginia PlMother’s has one of the best patios in town and always has good specials and fresh raw oysters. It’s a true American/French/Italian fusion menu that can suit anyone's tastes. Great cocktails and they always have an amazing featured wine deal!
Las Puertas is a high end Mexican place whose chef was just nominated for a James Beard award. He takes Mexican to a new place with an innovative contemporary approach. He makes the best guacamole I've ever had...and I make a mean guac.
14 residents recomanen
Las Puertas Buffalo
385 Rhode Island StLas Puertas is a high end Mexican place whose chef was just nominated for a James Beard award. He takes Mexican to a new place with an innovative contemporary approach. He makes the best guacamole I've ever had...and I make a mean guac.
Hands down the best sushi in town, maybe even within 100 miles. Kuni is the chef and owner and watching him prepare fish is like watching an artist at work! The wasabi shumai has a kick but is so tasty.
64 residents recomanen
Kuni's
226 Lexington AveHands down the best sushi in town, maybe even within 100 miles. Kuni is the chef and owner and watching him prepare fish is like watching an artist at work! The wasabi shumai has a kick but is so tasty.
Pho Lantern Restaurant
837 Niagara StGood Vietnamese and Thai food - great for takeout!
Located in Delaware Park with views over Hoyt Lake this is a great place to enjoy a meal or drink after exploring the park itself or Albright-Knox Art Gallery next door!
25 residents recomanen
The Terrace at Delaware Park
199 Lincoln PkwyLocated in Delaware Park with views over Hoyt Lake this is a great place to enjoy a meal or drink after exploring the park itself or Albright-Knox Art Gallery next door!
Serving my favorite pizza in town this small Italian restaurant and bakery is a must if you want to carb load. Can't beat the OG margherita pizza!
17 residents recomanen
Romeo & Juliet's Bakery & Cafe
1292 Hertel AveServing my favorite pizza in town this small Italian restaurant and bakery is a must if you want to carb load. Can't beat the OG margherita pizza!
This vegan donut shop serves up some of the best of those delicious, iconic, O shaped confections! Check the hours as they do fluctuate, and the donuts sell out fast!
7 residents recomanen
Fry Baby Donut Co.
336 S Elmwood AveThis vegan donut shop serves up some of the best of those delicious, iconic, O shaped confections! Check the hours as they do fluctuate, and the donuts sell out fast!
Located across three iconic Buffalo Rowhouses this restaurant, bar, and café serves great dishes, cocktails, and some delicious coffee.
9 residents recomanen
Rowhouse Bakery and Restaurant
Located across three iconic Buffalo Rowhouses this restaurant, bar, and café serves great dishes, cocktails, and some delicious coffee.
Amazing farm to table style menu with eclectic small plates and craft cocktails.
39 residents recomanen
The Black Sheep Restaurant & Bar
367 Connecticut StAmazing farm to table style menu with eclectic small plates and craft cocktails.
Buffalo is known in part for the creation of the chicken wing. While they were invented at the Anchor bar, everyone has their opinion on where to find the best wings. Some say the classic Anchor Bar has the best, some may say Duff's. In my opinion it's Gabe's gate.
75 residents recomanen
Gabriel's Gate
145 Allen StBuffalo is known in part for the creation of the chicken wing. While they were invented at the Anchor bar, everyone has their opinion on where to find the best wings. Some say the classic Anchor Bar has the best, some may say Duff's. In my opinion it's Gabe's gate.
Dobutsu
500 Seneca StElevated Asian fusion with craft cocktails, fresh shellfish and seafood.
The Dapper Goose
491 Amherst StCocktails and food are both on point
Casa Azul
191 Genesee StTHE BEST TACOS - don't be fearful try a meat you haven't had before.
Casual atmosphere with excellent food and drinks. Great for brunch as well.
34 residents recomanen
Roost
1502 Niagara StCasual atmosphere with excellent food and drinks. Great for brunch as well.
Squeeze serves cold pressed juices and some of the best smoothies in town.
12 residents recomanen
Squeeze Juicery
770 Elmwood AveSqueeze serves cold pressed juices and some of the best smoothies in town.
An Elmwood village classic, Spot coffee serves delicious drinks, food, and bakery treats. If they still have Paula's Donuts - get one!
69 residents recomanen
SPoT Coffee
765 Elmwood AveAn Elmwood village classic, Spot coffee serves delicious drinks, food, and bakery treats. If they still have Paula's Donuts - get one!
Globe Market
762 Elmwood AveGreat for grab and go or sit down lunch
SATO
739 Elmwood AveExcellent ramen and a great happy hour!
Acropolis OPA
Greek classics right on Elmwood
Trattoria Aroma has a wonderful patio and serves some delicious Italian fare. They have a great happy hour pizza special too!
34 residents recomanen
Trattoria Aroma
307 Bryant StTrattoria Aroma has a wonderful patio and serves some delicious Italian fare. They have a great happy hour pizza special too!
There's New York thin crust, Chicago deep dish, but Buffalo style pizza is arguably the best of both worlds. La Nova is a staple on the local pizza scene, no matter which toppings you choose. I recommend ordering the crust extra crispy.
43 residents recomanen
La Nova Pizzeria
5151 Main StThere's New York thin crust, Chicago deep dish, but Buffalo style pizza is arguably the best of both worlds. La Nova is a staple on the local pizza scene, no matter which toppings you choose. I recommend ordering the crust extra crispy.
Gino's NY Pizzeria Elmwood
1009 Elmwood AveAnother great Buffalo style pizzeria
Set within several adjacent historic rowhouses, this place is perfect for a meal, or quick bite at the walk up cafe.
9 residents recomanen
Rowhouse Bakery and Restaurant
Set within several adjacent historic rowhouses, this place is perfect for a meal, or quick bite at the walk up cafe.
Modern southern comfort food. Great bar as well, and they usually feature some sort of special upscale adult "slushie."
33 residents recomanen
Toutant
437 Ellicott StModern southern comfort food. Great bar as well, and they usually feature some sort of special upscale adult "slushie."
This restaurant has been at the forefront of Buffalo's resurgence since its opening and continues to be a favorite for those looking for unpretentious, approachable, upscale dining. Excellent wine selection at the bar!
69 residents recomanen
The Left Bank
511 Rhode Island StThis restaurant has been at the forefront of Buffalo's resurgence since its opening and continues to be a favorite for those looking for unpretentious, approachable, upscale dining. Excellent wine selection at the bar!
Drinks & Nightlife
The ultimate dive of all dive bars, always has a great playlist, a friendly crowd, and an amazing steak sandwich (served until close at 4 am)
18 residents recomanen
Old Pink
223 Allen StThe ultimate dive of all dive bars, always has a great playlist, a friendly crowd, and an amazing steak sandwich (served until close at 4 am)
Casual, local, dive bar scene with great music from both Buffalo and out of town bands. Try to catch my favorite Buffalo band - Deadwolf!
11 residents recomanen
Buffalo's Mohawk Place
47 E Mohawk StCasual, local, dive bar scene with great music from both Buffalo and out of town bands. Try to catch my favorite Buffalo band - Deadwolf!
Much more than a bar, this is a perfect example of industrial reuse, RiverWorks is located in the footprint and ruins of old grain silos, a reminder of Buffalo’s illustrious industrial heritage. This brewery, restaurant, sports, leisure, adventure and entertainment complex has become a one-of-a-kind destination along Buffalo’s waterfront featuring fun throughout summer and winter including ziplining, rock climbing, roller derby, ice skating, curling and more!
93 residents recomanen
Buffalo RiverWorks
359 Ganson StMuch more than a bar, this is a perfect example of industrial reuse, RiverWorks is located in the footprint and ruins of old grain silos, a reminder of Buffalo’s illustrious industrial heritage. This brewery, restaurant, sports, leisure, adventure and entertainment complex has become a one-of-a-kind destination along Buffalo’s waterfront featuring fun throughout summer and winter including ziplining, rock climbing, roller derby, ice skating, curling and more!
Great brewery and beer garden located on Buffalo's up and coming West Side.
64 residents recomanen
Resurgence Brewing Company
55 Chicago StreetGreat brewery and beer garden located on Buffalo's up and coming West Side.
Milkie's always has interesting events such as dance parties, soul & funk nights, and various musical acts.
6 residents recomanen
Milkie's
522 Elmwood AveMilkie's always has interesting events such as dance parties, soul & funk nights, and various musical acts.
Buffalo's most recognizable gay club is always a fun spot to go dancing and take in a drag performance.
Club Marcella
106 Pearl StBuffalo's most recognizable gay club is always a fun spot to go dancing and take in a drag performance.
Nietzsche's
248 Allen StQuirky dive bar with live music every night!
Great spot to grab a bite to eat or dance the night away
30 residents recomanen
Allen St Hardware Cafe
245 Allen StGreat spot to grab a bite to eat or dance the night away
Excellent cocktail bar in the Westin hotel. Upscale and relaxing atmosphere.
9 residents recomanen
Patina 250
250 Delaware AveExcellent cocktail bar in the Westin hotel. Upscale and relaxing atmosphere.
Angelica Tea Room
517 Washington StQuirky and cute cocktail bar
Both the rooftop bar and revolving lobby bar are great for cocktails and conversation
16 residents recomanen
Curtiss Hotel
210 Franklin StBoth the rooftop bar and revolving lobby bar are great for cocktails and conversation
Shopping
Made to measure menswear with an elegant, contemporary approach on classic silhouettes. High shirts, jackets, sweaters, ties and more available off the rack. I must say I am biased to recommend BUREAU because I work there!
BUREAU
712 Elmwood AveMade to measure menswear with an elegant, contemporary approach on classic silhouettes. High shirts, jackets, sweaters, ties and more available off the rack. I must say I am biased to recommend BUREAU because I work there!
A fantastic second hand clothing store for unique, rare, and vintage pieces!
6 residents recomanen
Second Chic
810 Elmwood AveA fantastic second hand clothing store for unique, rare, and vintage pieces!
MIMO has a wide collection of vintage and Mid Century Modern furniture and decor. Tell owners Joe or Jess that Dom told you to stop in!
*Guests who book with me receive a 10% off one item discount code. Message for details.*
MIMO DECOR
15 Hertel AveMIMO has a wide collection of vintage and Mid Century Modern furniture and decor. Tell owners Joe or Jess that Dom told you to stop in!
*Guests who book with me receive a 10% off one item discount code. Message for details.*
The West Side Bazaar consists of several food, food retail, and retail vendors which sell quality authentic products from all around the world. The West Side Bazaar has enabled many immigrant, refugee, and low-income individuals to pursue their dreams of small business ownership, providing them with a space to incubate their small business all while bringing the best of many different cultures to a one-stop-shop right here in Buffalo!
29 residents recomanen
West Side Bazaar
1432 Grant StThe West Side Bazaar consists of several food, food retail, and retail vendors which sell quality authentic products from all around the world. The West Side Bazaar has enabled many immigrant, refugee, and low-income individuals to pursue their dreams of small business ownership, providing them with a space to incubate their small business all while bringing the best of many different cultures to a one-stop-shop right here in Buffalo!
This quirky book store has a selection of rare and interesting books on various topics with a socio political message.
Burning Books
420 Connecticut St This quirky book store has a selection of rare and interesting books on various topics with a socio political message.
This small, local book store has books on various topics as well as literature and information on local cultural events.
8 residents recomanen
Talking Leaves Books
951 Elmwood Ave This small, local book store has books on various topics as well as literature and information on local cultural events.
Gutter Pop Comics
1421 Hertel AveSmall, local comic book and graphic novel shop.
Scoop Shop
648 Auburn AveThis little second hand shop has a selection unique, rare, and vintage pieces.
Essentials
Small, convenient, and everything is local and/or organic. Can't go wrong!
89 residents recomanen
Lexington Cooperative Market
807 Elmwood AveSmall, convenient, and everything is local and/or organic. Can't go wrong!
Consistently rated as the best supermarket in the country Wegmans is a large store that has a wide variety of fresh produce, meats, bakery, bulk goods, and household essentials. Their prepared food section is delicious as well as the sub shop. Be prepared to spend some time there having your taste buds tantalized!
99 residents recomanen
Wegmans
601 Amherst StConsistently rated as the best supermarket in the country Wegmans is a large store that has a wide variety of fresh produce, meats, bakery, bulk goods, and household essentials. Their prepared food section is delicious as well as the sub shop. Be prepared to spend some time there having your taste buds tantalized!
All the essentials at an affordable price. Excellent bakery and bulk dried foods selection.
53 residents recomanen
Tops Friendly Markets
425 Niagara StAll the essentials at an affordable price. Excellent bakery and bulk dried foods selection.
Sightseeing
An architectural marvel that must be seen in person. The terra cotta tile detail work on the exterior is astounding!
13 residents recomanen
Guaranty Building
140 Pearl StAn architectural marvel that must be seen in person. The terra cotta tile detail work on the exterior is astounding!
The 32 story Buffalo City Hall is situated at the center point of Buffalo's radial grid pattern layout and perfectly exemplifies the Art Deco style of architecture. The observation deck provides amazing 360 degree views of the city and the Erie Basin Marina (which if you notice is designed in the shape of a Buffalo!)
60 residents recomanen
City Hall Buffalo City
65 Niagara SquareThe 32 story Buffalo City Hall is situated at the center point of Buffalo's radial grid pattern layout and perfectly exemplifies the Art Deco style of architecture. The observation deck provides amazing 360 degree views of the city and the Erie Basin Marina (which if you notice is designed in the shape of a Buffalo!)
Another architectural marvel of Buffalo which was inspired by the influence of electricity in the area. Buffalo was one of the first cities in the country with electric street lights, realized through Nikola Tesla's use of nearby Niagara Falls to build the world's first hydroelectric power station.
6 residents recomanen
The Electric Tower
535 Washington StAnother architectural marvel of Buffalo which was inspired by the influence of electricity in the area. Buffalo was one of the first cities in the country with electric street lights, realized through Nikola Tesla's use of nearby Niagara Falls to build the world's first hydroelectric power station.
Buffalo Outer Harbor
225 Fuhrmann BoulevardParks & Nature
Delaware Park
The crown jewel of Frederick Law Olmsted's Buffalo Parks System
Jardí Botànic
2565 Niagara PkwyBeautiful park along the shores of Lake Erie with 5 miles of trails to explore. Amazing views of sunset over the lake!
58 residents recomanen
Tifft Nature Preserve
1200 Fuhrmann BoulevardBeautiful park along the shores of Lake Erie with 5 miles of trails to explore. Amazing views of sunset over the lake!
The 3rd oldest zoo in The United States with a vast array of wild and exotic animals and plants.
149 residents recomanen
Buffalo Zoo
300 Parkside AveThe 3rd oldest zoo in The United States with a vast array of wild and exotic animals and plants.
Niagara Falls is truly a Wonder of the World and absolutely must be experienced in person to understand the sense of awe and wonder. Only a 30 minute drive away, be sure to bring your passport if you'd like to visit the Canadian side.
151 residents recomanen
Parc Estatal de les Cataractes del Niàgara
332 Prospect StNiagara Falls is truly a Wonder of the World and absolutely must be experienced in person to understand the sense of awe and wonder. Only a 30 minute drive away, be sure to bring your passport if you'd like to visit the Canadian side.
2.5 hour drive to the Finger Lakes Region this park has extensive trails centered around streams, rapids, gorges, and waterfalls.
437 residents recomanen
Parc Estatal de Watkins Glen
1009 N Franklin St2.5 hour drive to the Finger Lakes Region this park has extensive trails centered around streams, rapids, gorges, and waterfalls.
Arts & Culture
Home of The Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra as well as many other music, art, and cultural events.
39 residents recomanen
Sala de música Kleinhans
3 Symphony CirHome of The Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra as well as many other music, art, and cultural events.
This National Historic Landmark has undergone an extensive renovation and showcases to visitors the pinnacle of Frank Lloyd Wright's prairie style architecture. The expansive property ranks with the Guggenheim Museum in Manhattan and Fallingwater in PA as one of his most important works.
154 residents recomanen
Complex de la Casa Martin de Frank Lloyd Wright
125 Jewett PkwyThis National Historic Landmark has undergone an extensive renovation and showcases to visitors the pinnacle of Frank Lloyd Wright's prairie style architecture. The expansive property ranks with the Guggenheim Museum in Manhattan and Fallingwater in PA as one of his most important works.
Only two Presidents of The United States were inaugurated outside of Washington, D.C. Lyndon B. Johnson was sworn in aboard Air Force one after the assassination of JFK and Theodore Roosevelt was sworn in here in Buffalo, NY after William McKinley was killed during the Pan American Exposition of 1901.
32 residents recomanen
Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site
641 Delaware AveOnly two Presidents of The United States were inaugurated outside of Washington, D.C. Lyndon B. Johnson was sworn in aboard Air Force one after the assassination of JFK and Theodore Roosevelt was sworn in here in Buffalo, NY after William McKinley was killed during the Pan American Exposition of 1901.
Interactive exhibits showcasing animals, astronomy, the science of technology, and additional science topics. My favorite exhibit are the mummies and artifacts from Ancient Egypt!
96 residents recomanen
Buffalo Museum of Science
1020 Humboldt PkwyInteractive exhibits showcasing animals, astronomy, the science of technology, and additional science topics. My favorite exhibit are the mummies and artifacts from Ancient Egypt!
Buffalo's most recognizable and historic theater is a showcase for touring Broadway plays and musicals as well as other special events. Shea's boasts one of the few theater organs in the US that is still in operation in the theater for which it was designed.
99 residents recomanen
Shea's Buffalo Theatre
650 Main StBuffalo's most recognizable and historic theater is a showcase for touring Broadway plays and musicals as well as other special events. Shea's boasts one of the few theater organs in the US that is still in operation in the theater for which it was designed.
Every Tuesday - Sunday at 7:30 pm Delaware park is transported back in time to the Shakespearean age with free public performances of The Bard's classics. Be sure to bring a blanket or lawn chair as there is no formal seating available. The audience is encouraged to bring their own picnics ( I'd definitely have a bottle of Rosé on hand!).
14 residents recomanen
Shakespeare in Delaware Park
199 Lincoln PkwyEvery Tuesday - Sunday at 7:30 pm Delaware park is transported back in time to the Shakespearean age with free public performances of The Bard's classics. Be sure to bring a blanket or lawn chair as there is no formal seating available. The audience is encouraged to bring their own picnics ( I'd definitely have a bottle of Rosé on hand!).
The Chautauqua Institution is a National Historic Landmark and lives up to its name as a cultural mecca of the area. Only a 1.5 hour drive away on the shores of Lake Chautauqua this fantastic day trip destination is home to concerts, speaking engagements, popular entertainment, theater, symphony, ballet, opera, visual arts exhibitions, and other cultural and educational events throughout the summer.
Chautauqua Institution
The Chautauqua Institution is a National Historic Landmark and lives up to its name as a cultural mecca of the area. Only a 1.5 hour drive away on the shores of Lake Chautauqua this fantastic day trip destination is home to concerts, speaking engagements, popular entertainment, theater, symphony, ballet, opera, visual arts exhibitions, and other cultural and educational events throughout the summer.
Located across Elmwood Ave. from the Albright-Knox Art Gallery the center features a museum, library, and activity space for the arts. It maintains the world's largest collection of American painter Charles E. Burchfield's work, as well as many other distinguished artists of Buffalo, Niagara and Western New York. It sponsors much of the area's contemporary creative community and encourages studies in the arts through its affiliation with Buffalo State College.
93 residents recomanen
Burchfield Penney Art Center
1300 Elmwood AveLocated across Elmwood Ave. from the Albright-Knox Art Gallery the center features a museum, library, and activity space for the arts. It maintains the world's largest collection of American painter Charles E. Burchfield's work, as well as many other distinguished artists of Buffalo, Niagara and Western New York. It sponsors much of the area's contemporary creative community and encourages studies in the arts through its affiliation with Buffalo State College.
An impressive and massive collection of modern and contemporary art makes this a must see for any art enthusiast. Jackson Pollack, Marcel Duchamp, Mark Rothko, Pablo Picasso, Georges Braque, Jean Metzinger, Albert Gleizes, Henri Matisse, André Derain, Joan Miró, Piet Mondrian, Andy Warhol, and Alexander Rodchenko are a few of the artists whose works you can experience. Great café on the premises as well!
245 residents recomanen
Galeria d'Art Albright-Knox
1285 Elmwood AveAn impressive and massive collection of modern and contemporary art makes this a must see for any art enthusiast. Jackson Pollack, Marcel Duchamp, Mark Rothko, Pablo Picasso, Georges Braque, Jean Metzinger, Albert Gleizes, Henri Matisse, André Derain, Joan Miró, Piet Mondrian, Andy Warhol, and Alexander Rodchenko are a few of the artists whose works you can experience. Great café on the premises as well!