Using custom built Texas smokers, this restaurant in the heart of Allentown boasts the most succulent barbecued meats in the city. Run by restaurateur par excellence Bob Mollot, the sports bar features pork, beef and poultry slow-cooked over low heat to produce that tell-tale red ring around the meat. It is a laid-back kind of place with pool tables, dartboards, and three TVs showing your favorite games. A daily happy-hour gets folks in the mood and the weekend live entertainment keeps them that way.
This is one place you should not judge by its cover. Located in Buffalo's historic Allentown district, the restaurant looks like a dive. However, it has one of the best inexpensive wine lists in the city, not to mention excellent food and service. In the kitchen, the chefs feature dishes like a traditional 'surf 'n turf' and steamed mussels in a Scotch Bonnet Pepper broth. As a bonus, Mother's Restaurant the restaurant is open late, and there's an outdoor patio for warm summer evenings.
The decor is not exactly upscale and the dress code is very informal, but the food in this North Buffalo restaurant is outstanding. Basically, it's a pizzeria with pasta, wings, subs and other munchies that will force you to loosen your belt a notch or two. It is an affordable blue-jeans joint—no pretentiousness here—a great place to bring the kids. Nearby attractions include Delaware Park, the Buffalo Zoological Gardens and the Anderson Gallery.
The brainchild of Chris Dobson, Weinkeller is a blend between a gourmet restaurant and winery in Niagara Falls. Sporting a classic wine-cellar décor, this establishment is replete with wooden themes, barrels stacked against walls, and sleek tables, evoking a rather sophisticated ambiance. Choose from a variety of old-school favorites like pork chops, pastas and barbecued chicken and wash them down with a fine glass of wine. If picking the perfect wine seems hard, the sommelier can help you make a choice from one of the in-house wines or the imported ones.
Well-known chef Robert Beaulieu does his magic in the kitchen as his wife Ann greets guests at this downtown Lockport restaurant. The fabulous food has earned the restaurant an enviable reputation as among the best, if not the best in the city. Though Irish in name, the restaurant doesn't specialize in Irish offerings (except on Saint Patty's Day), but offers a wide range of contemporary cuisine, with particular emphasis on fresh vegetables and soups. Situated in a charming old building, the restaurant caters to families, romantic couples and business people.
Located on the Casino Niagara grounds, the Falls version of Hard Rock Cafe features a 20-meter (60-foot) guitar bar, tribute room to the Beatles, and a banquet room dedicated to the King himself. The memorabilia includes T-Rex's drum kit, George Harrison's guitar, and Clarence Clemons' saxophone. The food is traditional pub grub from lunch until the wee morning hours. Regular live music gigs and concerts are also hosted here. If you're a Beatles fan, check out the Hard Rock Café across the border.
Hibbard’s Custard is a popular place to go for ice cream in Lewiston. Just look for the line of people waiting under a blue and white awning across from Academy Park. Hibbard’s was established in 1939 by Harold F. Hibbard as a small ice cream stand. Harold had gotten the recipe for the custard ice cream from a neighbor of his down at his Florida vacation home. Today the stand is operated by his sons. The custard is made with a special process that blows less air into the custard, which results in a more intense flavor. Besides the soft custard ice cream, choose from sundaes, milkshakes, and floats. This popular shop only operates from May to September. -Christine A. Smyczynski
The brainchild of Chris Dobson, Weinkeller is a blend between a gourmet restaurant and winery in Niagara Falls. Sporting a classic wine-cellar décor, this establishment is replete with wooden themes, barrels stacked against walls, and sleek tables, evoking a rather sophisticated ambiance. Choose from a variety of old-school favorites like pork chops, pastas and barbecued chicken and wash them down with a fine glass of wine. If picking the perfect wine seems hard, the sommelier can help you make a choice from one of the in-house wines or the imported ones.
The Polish nook is a popular local eatery and is a break from the regular burgers and fast food with a menu that features Polish staples and an American flair. On offer are delicious appetizers, salads, steak and baked fish that can be paired with sides of Sauerkraut, Polish sausages, or Golambki. The Polish Sampler is a great way to experience a variety of flavors and the Pierogies are a must try. They also have a kids menu that's great for the little ones. This quaint little eatery is a great place to grab a quick reasonably priced meal and definitely deserves a visit.
Five Points Bakery and Toast Cafe is a cozy place located in Buffalo, New York. Inaugurated in 2013, the elegant indoor and outdoor setting enveloped with the aroma of their freshly baked breads make you feel relaxed at once. They aim at providing farm fresh products and some of the fastest selling items include Apple cider toast, Cheddar bread and Cinnamon rolls. You can enjoy their cakes and other delights as well with a cup of their famous coffee. Their staff is extremely welcoming.
First things first, this West Side restaurant doesn't overlook the Seine River—it is not even near water. Nonetheless, this American bistro is quickly becoming one of Buffalo's most popular restaurants thanks to brisk word-of-mouth advertising from happy customers. It is dimly lit, with a small candle atop an intimate table covered in a white tablecloth. Bold fabrics drape the windows, and the walls are cloaked in artwork. Some samples on the ever-changing menu may include delights such as Gorgonzola Fondue for two, pork loin alongside a Grand Marnier cranberry sauce or something simple like Ahi tuna tartar.
Cheryl and Terry Krentz operate this ice cream stand which is located near the bike trail along the Erie Canal and the Amherst Museum. They offer 40 flavors of ice cream, along with frozen yogurt, sherbet, shakes, floats, and sundaes. You can eat on the deck or at one of the tables or benches located on the lawn. Some of their more unique ice cream creations include a freshly baked apple pie sundae and a brownie monster sundae. They offer live music periodically during the summer. Join their bumper sticker club and you can get a free cone. -Christine A. Smyczynski