Buffalo-Niagara Falls Area Guidebook
Food Scene
This is one of our favorite restaurants in Niagara Falls. It has a great view of the Rapids that can be seen in the evening since they are lit up. They have excellent food and it has been absolutely delicious every time we've gone. Be sure to ask the servers about some of the history of the hotel/restaurant as there have been some ghost encounters!
17 residents recomanen
Red Coach Inn
2 Buffalo AveThis is one of our favorite restaurants in Niagara Falls. It has a great view of the Rapids that can be seen in the evening since they are lit up. They have excellent food and it has been absolutely delicious every time we've gone. Be sure to ask the servers about some of the history of the hotel/restaurant as there have been some ghost encounters!
This place gets pretty busy; but it's always good from my experience
34 residents recomanen
Hard Rock Cafe
333 Prospect StThis place gets pretty busy; but it's always good from my experience
This is a cute little restaurant and bar. It's a quick walk from the house; if you do end up driving you'll have to pay to park at a meter and it's usually $3 for an hour to park there. The Beef on Weck is a popular WNY sandwich however I haven't tried it there.
Third Street Retreat Eatery & Pub
250 Rainbow BoulevardThis is a cute little restaurant and bar. It's a quick walk from the house; if you do end up driving you'll have to pay to park at a meter and it's usually $3 for an hour to park there. The Beef on Weck is a popular WNY sandwich however I haven't tried it there.
Anchor Bar is where 'Buffalo Wings' were invented! The original location is in Buffalo and this Niagara Falls location opened in the last couple years. Definitely worth a visit!
7 residents recomanen
Anchor Bar Niagara Falls
114 Buffalo AveAnchor Bar is where 'Buffalo Wings' were invented! The original location is in Buffalo and this Niagara Falls location opened in the last couple years. Definitely worth a visit!
Wilson is my hometown and this place is great on a summer afternoon or evening. They have live bands often throughout the summer and an awesome outdoor patio. There is also a marina here and you can stroll along the dock and probably catch some pretty amazing sunsets along Lake Ontario. The menu is a bit pricey but the food is decent.
27 residents recomanen
Sunset Bar and Grill
3 Oconnell IslandWilson is my hometown and this place is great on a summer afternoon or evening. They have live bands often throughout the summer and an awesome outdoor patio. There is also a marina here and you can stroll along the dock and probably catch some pretty amazing sunsets along Lake Ontario. The menu is a bit pricey but the food is decent.
Our go-to for pizza & subs! They deliver also. Check their hours before going or ordering because the weekends they are open after a certain time in the afternoon.
13 residents recomanen
Donatello's
466 3rd StOur go-to for pizza & subs! They deliver also. Check their hours before going or ordering because the weekends they are open after a certain time in the afternoon.
Another good Italian Restaurant in 'Little Italy' on Pine Ave.
21 residents recomanen
The Como Restaurant and Lounge
2220 Pine AveAnother good Italian Restaurant in 'Little Italy' on Pine Ave.
This has been my favorite Italian Restaurant in Niagara Falls for over a decade. I love the veal parm!
19 residents recomanen
Fortuna’s Restaurant & Banquets
827 19th StThis has been my favorite Italian Restaurant in Niagara Falls for over a decade. I love the veal parm!
This place is fun for adults and kids alike. It's a chain and the prices are a bit ($15 for a burger, kids meal was maybe $8-10) However I did have one of the best burgers ever in my life here so I guess it was worth it!
16 residents recomanen
Rainforest Cafe Niagara Falls USA
300 3rd StThis place is fun for adults and kids alike. It's a chain and the prices are a bit ($15 for a burger, kids meal was maybe $8-10) However I did have one of the best burgers ever in my life here so I guess it was worth it!
Great, healthy food options! Great coffee, live music sometimes. Open for breakfast and lunch - check open times before going! They have a parking lot right next to it also which is ideal.
19 residents recomanen
Power City Eatery
444 3rd StGreat, healthy food options! Great coffee, live music sometimes. Open for breakfast and lunch - check open times before going! They have a parking lot right next to it also which is ideal.
This is a cute little restaurant. You stand in line cafeteria-style to order and wait for your number to be called and you seat yourself in their picnic-style tables. They have the basics - chicken sandwiches, hot dogs, hamburgers, etc. It's also located right on the river and is always great. There's a little ice cream shop next door also and it's a nice little walk around this area.
31 residents recomanen
The Silo
115 N Water StThis is a cute little restaurant. You stand in line cafeteria-style to order and wait for your number to be called and you seat yourself in their picnic-style tables. They have the basics - chicken sandwiches, hot dogs, hamburgers, etc. It's also located right on the river and is always great. There's a little ice cream shop next door also and it's a nice little walk around this area.
This place has the best chicken wings aka 'Buffalo Wings' - they are not the original but most people prefer Duff's to the original 'Anchor Bar'
78 residents recomanen
Duff's Famous Wings
3651 Sheridan DrThis place has the best chicken wings aka 'Buffalo Wings' - they are not the original but most people prefer Duff's to the original 'Anchor Bar'
This cute and eclectic restaurant has great sandwiches, coffee, breakfast, and live music sometimes!
Clarence Center Coffee Co. & Cafe
9475 Clarence Center RdThis cute and eclectic restaurant has great sandwiches, coffee, breakfast, and live music sometimes!
Buzzy’s Pizzeria
7617 Niagara Falls BlvdOne of our favorite pizza places!
Gadawski's
1445 Falls StThis is a great lunch spot! Their hours are limited so please check before just stopping by.
19 residents recomanen
Power City Eatery
444 3rd StThis is a great lunch spot! Their hours are limited so please check before just stopping by.
Starbucks
300 3rd StJust wanted to make sure everyone knew how close they are to get their Starbucks fix.
The Griffon Gastropub
2470 Military RdGreat Mexican Restaurant on Niagara Falls Blvd, close to stores, Outlet Mall, etc.
15 residents recomanen
La Galera Mexican Restaurant
8215 Niagara Falls BlvdGreat Mexican Restaurant on Niagara Falls Blvd, close to stores, Outlet Mall, etc.
Enjoy a hot dog, hamburger, ice cream or a beer on the River. This is a ‘take out’ style restaurant. You order, pick up your food, and find a picnic table and enjoy the views.
31 residents recomanen
The Silo
115 N Water StEnjoy a hot dog, hamburger, ice cream or a beer on the River. This is a ‘take out’ style restaurant. You order, pick up your food, and find a picnic table and enjoy the views.
This is where 'Buffalo Wings' originated - it's super cute here and they have more than just wings.
100 residents recomanen
Anchor Bar
1047 Main StThis is where 'Buffalo Wings' originated - it's super cute here and they have more than just wings.
This is one of Lewiston’s newest restaurants and one of my favorites. Great food and atmosphere
gather. by Gallo
453 Center StreetThis is one of Lewiston’s newest restaurants and one of my favorites. Great food and atmosphere
Orange Cat Coffee Co
703 Center StThe cutest little coffee shop in the Village of Lewiston
Definitely check out Mariner’s for a bite to eat if you’re out in Olcott
8 residents recomanen
Mariner's Landing
1540 Franklin StDefinitely check out Mariner’s for a bite to eat if you’re out in Olcott
Stop in for a coffee, scone or order treats or a cake for that special event you may be in town for!
15 residents recomanen
The Village Bake Shoppe
417 Center StStop in for a coffee, scone or order treats or a cake for that special event you may be in town for!
Artisan pizzas at their finest at Gallo Coal Fire Kitchen!
11 residents recomanen
Gallo Coal Fire Kitchen
402 Center StArtisan pizzas at their finest at Gallo Coal Fire Kitchen!
Mothers Restaurant
33 Virginia PlOne of my favorite restaurant’s in Buffalo
Buffalo and the entire region have some amazing food, this is a local favorite! Reservations are a must.
69 residents recomanen
The Left Bank
511 Rhode Island StBuffalo and the entire region have some amazing food, this is a local favorite! Reservations are a must.
Great steak and seafood restaurant located in North Tonawanda, between Niagara Falls and Buffalo.
23 residents recomanen
Remington Tavern and Seafood Exchange
184 Sweeney StGreat steak and seafood restaurant located in North Tonawanda, between Niagara Falls and Buffalo.
Parks & Nature
Pack a picnic and take a stroll over to the park. There are some concessions at the park but you'll be paying the 'tourist' prices so better to bring your own beverages (water especially on those hot days) and sandwiches etc since the lines for the concessions are pretty long and it takes awhile to get your food. Plus there is not tons of seating near the concessions usually!
38 residents recomanen
Goat Island
Pack a picnic and take a stroll over to the park. There are some concessions at the park but you'll be paying the 'tourist' prices so better to bring your own beverages (water especially on those hot days) and sandwiches etc since the lines for the concessions are pretty long and it takes awhile to get your food. Plus there is not tons of seating near the concessions usually!
Enjoy a walk along the paved trails along the river or take a hike in the Niagara Gorge to get THISCLOSE to the whirlpool!
54 residents recomanen
Parc estatal de Whirlpool
Niagara Scenic ParkwayEnjoy a walk along the paved trails along the river or take a hike in the Niagara Gorge to get THISCLOSE to the whirlpool!
This hike is amazing along the lower river and rapids.
23 residents recomanen
Trailhead Niagara Gorge Hiking Trail
This hike is amazing along the lower river and rapids.
This is a cute little beach on Grand Island - you may have to pay for park entry and the water may be freezing but the little ones never seem to care! There are also swing sets in the park.
12 residents recomanen
Beaver Island Beach
This is a cute little beach on Grand Island - you may have to pay for park entry and the water may be freezing but the little ones never seem to care! There are also swing sets in the park.
Grand Island is located between Niagara Falls and Buffalo. Kids love the beach here (even though the water is quite chilly). There are also playgrounds, swing sets, picnic tables, pavilions, a golf course, etc
24 residents recomanen
Beaver Island State Park
2136 Oakfield RdGrand Island is located between Niagara Falls and Buffalo. Kids love the beach here (even though the water is quite chilly). There are also playgrounds, swing sets, picnic tables, pavilions, a golf course, etc
A serene and easy walking path and a great place to enjoy winter activities such as sledding, snow shoeing and cross country skiing.
Bond Lake Park
2571 Lower Mountain RdA serene and easy walking path and a great place to enjoy winter activities such as sledding, snow shoeing and cross country skiing.
Located on Lake Ontario, there are often great views of Toronto, Canada, and some amazing sunsets to be seen here!
Wilson Pier
1-65 Ontario StLocated on Lake Ontario, there are often great views of Toronto, Canada, and some amazing sunsets to be seen here!
Drinks & Nightlife
The casino is ALWAYS open. They usually have live music daily/nightly. Drinks are free when gambling. There are also several fine dining options and a huge buffet. Families can bring the kids in to the restaurants but they cannot be on the gaming floor and would have to be escorted if they are going to a restaurant that can only be accessed from the gaming floor. Just keep in mind that smoking is allowed at the casino and in their restaurants. There is a 'smoke-free' section but you are still going to smell like smoke as soon as you walk in.
88 residents recomanen
Seneca Niagara Casino
310 4th StThe casino is ALWAYS open. They usually have live music daily/nightly. Drinks are free when gambling. There are also several fine dining options and a huge buffet. Families can bring the kids in to the restaurants but they cannot be on the gaming floor and would have to be escorted if they are going to a restaurant that can only be accessed from the gaming floor. Just keep in mind that smoking is allowed at the casino and in their restaurants. There is a 'smoke-free' section but you are still going to smell like smoke as soon as you walk in.
Indoor/outdoor seating - very cute and cozy; one of my favorite spots to eat and drink in Niagara Falls. They have a small dinner/appetizer menu and everything I've tried has been awesome. And I love the cheesecake martini!
40 residents recomanen
Wine on Third
501 3rd StIndoor/outdoor seating - very cute and cozy; one of my favorite spots to eat and drink in Niagara Falls. They have a small dinner/appetizer menu and everything I've tried has been awesome. And I love the cheesecake martini!
This place has some great BBQ and it's a fun hang out at night also. They have an outdoor patio and rooftop patio as well!
25 residents recomanen
Brickyard Pub & BBQ
432 Center StThis place has some great BBQ and it's a fun hang out at night also. They have an outdoor patio and rooftop patio as well!
The best hand-breaded chicken fingers and fresh cut French fries; this is a good place for drinks and bar food in a historic, stone building.
6 residents recomanen
Ontario House
358 Main StreetThe best hand-breaded chicken fingers and fresh cut French fries; this is a good place for drinks and bar food in a historic, stone building.
Sightseeing
Of course, the main attraction...it's breathtaking. It's illuminated nightly Dusk to 1 or 2AM.
NIAGARA FALLS FIREWORKS SCHEDULE
Enjoy a spectacular display of fireworks over Niagara Falls during the summer season featuring a new, expanded schedule with over 100 firework shows. All performances begin at 10 p.m. and are free. Fireworks performances are subject to change. Fireworks performances are weather permitting and may be canceled due to poor weather conditions like high winds or rain.
Weekends (Friday, Saturday, Sunday + holiday Mondays) Summer - Fall
12 residents recomanen
American Falls
Of course, the main attraction...it's breathtaking. It's illuminated nightly Dusk to 1 or 2AM.
NIAGARA FALLS FIREWORKS SCHEDULE
Enjoy a spectacular display of fireworks over Niagara Falls during the summer season featuring a new, expanded schedule with over 100 firework shows. All performances begin at 10 p.m. and are free. Fireworks performances are subject to change. Fireworks performances are weather permitting and may be canceled due to poor weather conditions like high winds or rain.
Weekends (Friday, Saturday, Sunday + holiday Mondays) Summer - Fall
This is a walk down by the Bridal Veil Falls. It's definitely worth doing!
72 residents recomanen
Cova dels vents
Goat Island RoadThis is a walk down by the Bridal Veil Falls. It's definitely worth doing!
Head on down to Historic Lewiston to enjoy the gorgeous waterfront of the Lower Niagara River @ Lewiston Landing. This is also where the Whirlpool Jet Boat departs and returns from!
6 residents recomanen
Freedom Crossing Monument
North Water StreetHead on down to Historic Lewiston to enjoy the gorgeous waterfront of the Lower Niagara River @ Lewiston Landing. This is also where the Whirlpool Jet Boat departs and returns from!
I am in awe of this Fort every time I see it! Check out their website for hours of operation and special events.
36 residents recomanen
Old Fort Niagara Visitor Center
I am in awe of this Fort every time I see it! Check out their website for hours of operation and special events.
Fort Niagara has a great view of Lake Ontario as well as the Lower River. Kids (and parents) love looking for washed up driftwood and treasures at the beach. They also have a boat launch, a pool, playgrounds, Picnic benches and pavilions, a sledding hill, etc.
49 residents recomanen
Parc Estatal Fort Niagara
1 Scott AveFort Niagara has a great view of Lake Ontario as well as the Lower River. Kids (and parents) love looking for washed up driftwood and treasures at the beach. They also have a boat launch, a pool, playgrounds, Picnic benches and pavilions, a sledding hill, etc.
Essentials
Wegmans is the best grocery store around here...this is where I shop. They have several pre-made meals that just need to be thrown in the oven or microwave and they have several gourmet items as well - cheeses, bakery, the best birthday cakes, cookies, etc. They also have a sub shop inside and a salad bar, etc. It's right across from the Outlet Mall.
32 residents recomanen
Wegmans
1577 Military RdWegmans is the best grocery store around here...this is where I shop. They have several pre-made meals that just need to be thrown in the oven or microwave and they have several gourmet items as well - cheeses, bakery, the best birthday cakes, cookies, etc. They also have a sub shop inside and a salad bar, etc. It's right across from the Outlet Mall.
This is the closest grocery store - a quick car ride away where you can stock the house with groceries and beer. Please note - our grocery stores/convenient stores do not sell liquor and wine so you'll have to get those at the Liquor store - there's one on 3rd St.
16 residents recomanen
Tops Friendly Market
1000 Portage RdThis is the closest grocery store - a quick car ride away where you can stock the house with groceries and beer. Please note - our grocery stores/convenient stores do not sell liquor and wine so you'll have to get those at the Liquor store - there's one on 3rd St.
Walmart Supercenter
1540 Military RdBasically you can get everything you need here.
Capitol Cleaners
1227 Main StThis place does laundry and dry cleaning and is pretty close also.
Third Street Liquor
455 3rd StLiquor store for liquor and wine
Entertainment & Activities
This is a must do when visiting the Falls! You are basically under the Falls! You are provided ponchos and sandals but you'll probably get wet still!
123 residents recomanen
Dona de la boira
1 Prospect StThis is a must do when visiting the Falls! You are basically under the Falls! You are provided ponchos and sandals but you'll probably get wet still!
Aquarium of Niagara
This aquarium is very small but it's good for young kids.
Canalside is one of Buffalo's newest additions to the waterfront and one of my favorite places to go to in the summer. You can do several outdoorsy things like - drink on patios, rent canoes, kayaks, paddle boards, etc; play in a sandbox...there are also paddle boats, water bikes etc and in the winter it turns into ice skating on the canal. There are outdoor bands every Thursday in the summer. They also have water taxis, and a couple other boats you can take a ride on; it's definitely worth the 25 minute drive! https://www.canalsidebuffalo.com
23 residents recomanen
The Ice at Canalside
130 Main StCanalside is one of Buffalo's newest additions to the waterfront and one of my favorite places to go to in the summer. You can do several outdoorsy things like - drink on patios, rent canoes, kayaks, paddle boards, etc; play in a sandbox...there are also paddle boats, water bikes etc and in the winter it turns into ice skating on the canal. There are outdoor bands every Thursday in the summer. They also have water taxis, and a couple other boats you can take a ride on; it's definitely worth the 25 minute drive! https://www.canalsidebuffalo.com
Free weekly events:
Thursday Nights - Flicks on Old Falls Street
Friday Nights - Outdoor Concert Series
Saturday Afternoons: Free Family Programs
Check out their website to find out more: www.fallsstreet.com
There is also a bike rental place located here - This is new! I found this info on their website after I saw it a few weeks ago while walking around Old Falls Street:
Monday-Thursday: 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 10 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Wheelchairs, strollers and children's wagons are also available. Rentals are available on the Park Block, closest to the entrance of Niagara Falls State Park (intersection of Old Falls Street & Prospect Street). (716) 345-5446
Old Falls Street
Old Falls StreetFree weekly events:
Thursday Nights - Flicks on Old Falls Street
Friday Nights - Outdoor Concert Series
Saturday Afternoons: Free Family Programs
Check out their website to find out more: www.fallsstreet.com
There is also a bike rental place located here - This is new! I found this info on their website after I saw it a few weeks ago while walking around Old Falls Street:
Monday-Thursday: 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 10 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Wheelchairs, strollers and children's wagons are also available. Rentals are available on the Park Block, closest to the entrance of Niagara Falls State Park (intersection of Old Falls Street & Prospect Street). (716) 345-5446
This is a great, interactive museum for all ages! They have visiting exhibits throughout the year as well. Call ahead for reservations.
96 residents recomanen
Buffalo Museum of Science
1020 Humboldt PkwyThis is a great, interactive museum for all ages! They have visiting exhibits throughout the year as well. Call ahead for reservations.
Great for kids! Check hours of operation due to Covid.
32 residents recomanen
Olcott Beach Carousel Park
5979 E Main StGreat for kids! Check hours of operation due to Covid.
Theme park and water park, great for kids and adults alike.
101 residents recomanen
Six Flags Darien Lake
9993 Alleghany RdTheme park and water park, great for kids and adults alike.
Buffalo Zoo
300 Parkside AveExplore & More - El Museu Infantil Ralph C. Wilson, JR.
130 Main StCheck out this golf bar with indoor golf simulators. Perfect for private events or call ahead to book your time slot.
Buffalo Golf & Social
510 Washington StCheck out this golf bar with indoor golf simulators. Perfect for private events or call ahead to book your time slot.
Shopping
This is my go-to mall. They have new stores everytime I go it seems! The outlet prices are great and it's huge. It's located on Military Road where there are several other places to eat here - lots of chain restaurants but also a few local ones
138 residents recomanen
Fashion Outlets of Niagara Falls, USA
1900 Military RdThis is my go-to mall. They have new stores everytime I go it seems! The outlet prices are great and it's huge. It's located on Military Road where there are several other places to eat here - lots of chain restaurants but also a few local ones
These are the cutest little shops! Open on the weekends but double check before heading out.
9 residents recomanen
Lakeview Village Shoppes
5955 Ontario StThese are the cutest little shops! Open on the weekends but double check before heading out.
Antique to Chic
536 Center StCute little antique shop in the very walkable, Village of Lewiston
This is the area’s largest mall and has a movie theater, several restaurants and some great stores.
122 residents recomanen
Walden Galleria
1 Walden GalleriaThis is the area’s largest mall and has a movie theater, several restaurants and some great stores.