Must-see restaurants in Western New York

  • Revelry

    Western New York

    Ignore the strip-mall adjacent location: Revelry has some of the best southern food you're likely to find in New York state. It specializes in the cuisine…

  • Black Sheep

    Buffalo

    Black Sheep likes to describe its style of western New York farm-to-table cuisine as 'global nomad,' which means you might find exciting, unique takes on…

  • Cole's

    Buffalo

    Since 1934 this atmospheric restaurant and bar has been dishing up local favorites such as beef on weck (roast beef on a caraway-seed roll) – try it with…

  • Betty's

    Buffalo

    On a quiet Allentown corner, bohemian Betty's does flavorful, fresh interpretations of American comfort food such as meatloaf. Brunch is deservedly…

  • Las Puertas

    Buffalo

    Las Puertas ('The Doors') serves up modern Mexican plates in a colorful, minimalist restaurant. The selection of mains is limited, but there are plenty of…

  • Five Points Bakery & Toast Cafe

    Buffalo

    Local artisan breads are served with toppings from typical (peanut butter and apple) to tastebud-tripping (sauerkraut and raclette) at this light-strewn…

  • Larkin Square

    Buffalo

    Dozens of food trucks from Buffalo and across western New York gather at the former soap factory turned common space for a fun and highly popular evening…

  • Gene McCarthy's

    Buffalo

    One of the best places to try Buffalo's famous chicken wings, this dive-y spot in the First Ward has been slinging specialties like Beef on Weck to hungry…

  • Mad Hatter

    Western New York

    Despite the name and giant teacup outside, this bistro keeps the cutesy decor to a minimum (although kids will still get a kick out of it). The menu is…

  • Lento

    Western New York

    Lento has a sterling reputation as one of Rochester's best restaurants for good reason: its farm-to-table dishes are exceptionally yummy and come in…

  • Parkside Candy

    Buffalo

    You won't regret making a pilgrimage to this historic sweet shop, with original retro decor as beautiful as the confections it purveys. There's also a…

  • Griffin Gastropub

    Western New York

    While it doesn't seem like much on paper (or judging from the building's grim location), this lively pub has a menu full of adventurous dishes with enough…

  • EXPO Market

    Buffalo

    Modeled after Chelsea Market in NYC, this modern food hall attached to the classy Market Arcade in the Theater District is super popular with locals. Take…

  • Third Street Retreat Eatery & Pub

    Western New York

    The walls are decorated with old LP covers at this popular local spot serving all-day breakfasts and other comforting pub-grub dishes. There's a good…

  • Bread Hive

    Buffalo

    Bread Hive is both a funky cafe with delicious sandwiches named after female pop stars and a worker-owned baker cooperative. All of the bread is made on…

  • Owl House

    Western New York

    Almost every ingredient at Owl House, down to the salad dressing, has both a vegan and non-vegan option, making the already solid menu of nu-pub food even…

  • Zaika

    Western New York

    A cut above the Indian joints immediately adjacent to the falls. There are à la carte items available when it's not too crowded, but the buffet is fresh…

  • Roux

    Western New York

    Roux has a lovely menu of French classics and a charming bistro atmosphere that makes it a great choice for a leisurely lunch or an evening of wine and…

  • Anchor Bar

    Buffalo

    The story goes that Buffalo wings (deep-fried chicken wings in a spicy sauce) were invented here in 1964, although the restaurant has since changed…

  • Cantina Loco

    Buffalo

    Hip and always packed, this Allentown restaurant with a backyard patio serves up tacos, burritos and quesadillas. Some come with a twist such as the…

  • Founder's Cafe

    Western New York

    Founder's Cafe is a popular grab-and-go spot for sandwiches, salads, and wraps. Fresh ingredients and solid coffee make it better than your typical…

  • Ulrich's 1868 Tavern

    Buffalo

    Buffalo's oldest bar has been partially modernized and now draws a slightly younger clientele. Traditional German schnitzel is on the menu alongside…

  • Buzzy's

    Western New York

    Find excellent NYC-style pizza and other bar food at this long-established place a 5-mile drive east of the falls.