Discover the Best Foods to Savor in Buffalo, New York

A Culinary Journey Through Buffalo's Iconic and Hidden Gems

Key Takeaways

Iconic Dishes: Buffalo is renowned for its signature foods like Buffalo Wings and Beef on Weck.
Diverse Culinary Scene: The city offers a blend of traditional favorites and emerging international cuisines.
Sweet and Savory Treats: From Sponge Candy to Frozen Custard, Buffalo's sweet offerings are a must-try.

Iconic Buffalo Specialties

1. Buffalo Wings

Buffalo Wings are synonymous with the city itself. Originating in the 1960s at the Anchor Bar, these crispy, deep-fried chicken wings are tossed in a tangy and spicy sauce made from a blend of hot sauce and melted butter. They are traditionally served with celery sticks and a side of creamy blue cheese dressing, providing a perfect balance to the heat.

Top Places to Enjoy Buffalo Wings:

Anchor Bar – The birthplace of Buffalo Wings, offering an authentic and historic experience.
Duff's Famous Wings – Known for their rich and intense flavors, a favorite among locals.
Gabriel's Gate – Renowned for their exceptional wing quality and unique sauce variations.

2. Beef on Weck

This traditional Buffalo sandwich features thinly sliced roast beef served on a kummelweck roll—a Kaiser roll topped with caraway seeds and coarse salt. The sandwich is typically accompanied by horseradish and au jus, allowing diners to dip and savor each bite fully.

Recommended Spots for Beef on Weck:

Schwabl's – A local institution celebrated for its perfectly crafted Beef on Weck.
Charlie the Butcher's Kitchen – Offers a traditional take with a long-standing reputation.
Bar-Bill Tavern – Equally famous for excellent sandwiches and crowd-pleasing wings.

3. Buffalo-Style Pizza

Buffalo-Style Pizza is a unique culinary creation that marries the thin crust characteristic of New York pizza with the hearty, deep-dish essence of Chicago-style pies. This results in a thick, airy crust topped with a sweet marinara sauce and generous amounts of mozzarella cheese, often accompanied by a variety of toppings.

Must-Visit Pizzerias:

Bocce Club Pizza – Famous for its legendary crust and robust flavors.
La Nova Pizzeria – Popular for loaded toppings and signature wing sides.
Chef's Restaurant – Offers a distinctive Buffalo-style pizza that's highly acclaimed by locals.

4. Sponge Candy

Sponge Candy is a beloved Buffalo confection, featuring a light and crunchy toffee-like center enveloped in a smooth chocolate coating. This delightful treat is both airy and addictive, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

Best Places to Indulge:

Watson’s Chocolates – Known for their authentic and fresh sponge candy offerings.
Parkside Candy – Offers a blend of classic sponge candy and an old-school soda fountain experience.
Fowler's Chocolates – A top pick for high-quality sponge candy.

5. Pastry Hearts

Pastry Hearts are local pastry delicacies crafted from flaky, buttery dough shaped into hearts and generously covered with icing. These treats are a favorite at local bakeries and make for a perfect sweet indulgence.

Where to Find Pastry Hearts:

Chrusciki Bakery – Exceptional quality and a strong local following for their pastry hearts.
Eileen’s Centerview Bakery – Crafts these pastry gems to perfection, delighting customers with every purchase.

6. Spaghetti Parmesan

Spaghetti Parmesan, often referred to as Spaghetti Parm, is a unique Buffalo dish where spaghetti is generously topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. It's akin to baked ziti but distinctly features spaghetti noodles, creating a comforting and hearty meal.

Top Restaurants for Spaghetti Parm:

Chef's Restaurant – Renowned for their delectable Spaghetti Parm.
Italian Prime at Salvatore's – Offers a high-end Italian dining experience with exceptional Spaghetti Parm.

7. Frozen Custard

Buffalo’s Frozen Custard is celebrated for its creamy and rich texture, offering a denser and more velvety experience compared to regular ice cream. It's a perfect treat to enjoy year-round.

Popular Spots for Frozen Custard:

Anderson's Frozen Custard – A beloved spot for their smooth and flavorful custard.
Watson’s Chocolates – In addition to chocolates, they offer exquisite frozen custard.

8. Stuffed Burgers

Buffalo is home to inventive stuffed burgers, where the patty is filled with cheese or other flavorful ingredients before being cooked to perfection. These burgers offer a delightful surprise with every bite, combining juiciness with rich fillings.

Top Places for Stuffed Burgers:

Stooges in Lockport – Known for their mouthwatering stuffed burgers that keep patrons coming back for more.
Vault@237 – An upscale dining destination offering gourmet stuffed burgers with sophisticated flavors.

9. Charcoal Broiled Hot Dogs

Charcoal Broiled Hot Dogs are a staple in Buffalo, renowned for their smoky flavor imparted by grilling over charcoal. These hot dogs are often adorned with an array of toppings, including mustard, onions, relish, and more, catering to diverse taste preferences.

Top Spots for Hot Dogs:

Ted's Hot Dogs – A local favorite known for their perfectly grilled hot dogs and extensive topping options.
Public Espresso + Coffee – Offers gourmet hot dogs with unique and creative toppings.

10. Bloody Marys

Buffalo boasts a strong tradition of crafting exceptional Bloody Marys, featuring a spicy kick and a variety of garnishes that enhance the drinking experience. Whether you're enjoying brunch or a late-night drink, a Bloody Mary from Buffalo is a must-try.

Best Bars for Bloody Marys:

The Grange Outpost – Known for their creative and flavorful Bloody Mary concoctions.
Gene McCarthy's Old First Ward Brewing Co. – Offers one of the area's best Bloody Marys in a vibrant bar setting.

Diverse and Emerging Culinary Scene

1. Notable Restaurants

Buffalo's dining landscape features a mix of longstanding favorites and innovative newcomers that cater to a variety of tastes and preferences.

Top Restaurants to Explore:

Vault@237 – A new upscale dining destination downtown, offering a sophisticated menu and an elegant ambiance.
Toutant – Renowned for their exceptional fried chicken and sophisticated Southern cuisine.
Dapper Goose – Offers upscale comfort food paired with craft cocktails in a stylish setting.
Italian Prime at Salvatore's – Specializes in high-end Italian dining with a diverse menu.
West Side Bazaar – A food hall featuring a variety of international cuisines, including Burmese, Ethiopian, and dim sum.

2. Emerging Food Trends

The Buffalo food scene is continually evolving, embracing diverse international cuisines and farm-to-table concepts that highlight locally sourced ingredients.

Noteworthy Trends:

Farm-to-Table Restaurants: Emphasizing locally sourced ingredients, these establishments offer fresh and seasonal menus that celebrate Buffalo's agricultural offerings.
International Cuisine Hubs: The West Side neighborhood has become a hotspot for diverse international foods, including authentic ethnic dishes that reflect Buffalo's multicultural heritage.
Artisan and Fusion Foods: Emerging eateries are experimenting with fusion cuisines and artisan techniques, creating unique and innovative dishes that attract food enthusiasts.

Sweet and Savory Treats

1. Doughnuts

Buffalo’s doughnut scene has seen significant growth, with gourmet offerings that rival those of larger cities. These doughnuts come in a variety of creative flavors and are crafted with high-quality ingredients.

Must-Try Doughnut Shops:

Public Espresso + Coffee – Known for their fresh and innovative doughnut creations.
Paula’s Donuts – Offers a delightful selection of classic and contemporary doughnuts.

2. Peanut Sticks and Pastry Hearts

These local pastries are a testament to Buffalo’s sweet offerings. Peanut Sticks feature a sweet dough topped with peanuts and a sugary glaze, while Pastry Hearts are flaky, buttery treats shaped into hearts with a generous icing layer.

Best Places to Enjoy:

Paula’s Donuts – A go-to spot for both Peanut Sticks and Pastry Hearts.
Eileen’s Centerview Bakery – Known for their exceptional quality and variety of pastries.

3. Frozen Custard

Buffalo’s Frozen Custard is celebrated for its creamy and rich texture, offering a denser and more velvety experience compared to regular ice cream. It's a perfect treat to enjoy year-round.

Popular Spots for Frozen Custard:

Anderson's Frozen Custard – A beloved spot for their smooth and flavorful custard.
Watson’s Chocolates – In addition to chocolates, they offer exquisite frozen custard.

Unique and Regional Delights

1. Pierogi

Reflecting Buffalo's significant Polish heritage, pierogi are dumplings filled with ingredients like potato, cheese, or meat, and served with butter and onions. They are a comforting and flavorful addition to Buffalo's diverse food scene.

Top Places for Pierogi:

Babcia’s Pierogi – Known for their authentic and hearty pierogi varieties.
The Broadway Market – A hub for ethnic foods, including some of the best pierogi in Buffalo.

2. Loganberry Drink

Loganberry is a non-carbonated, sweet berry beverage unique to Western New York. Its vibrant flavor pairs perfectly with Buffalo’s rich comfort foods, offering a refreshing complement to hearty meals.

Where to Find Loganberry:

Most local diners, pizzerias, and food joints serve Loganberry. It’s a staple beverage that enhances the dining experience throughout the city.

3. Friday Fish Fry

A local tradition, the Friday Fish Fry is a hearty meal typically available throughout the week. It usually includes battered or fried fish, accompanied by sides like coleslaw, potatoes, and rye bread.

Top Spots for Fish Fry:

Schwabl’s Restaurant – Famous not only for Beef on Weck but also for their incredible fish fry.
Gene McCarthy's Old First Ward Brewing Co. – Offers one of the area’s best fish fries in a vibrant bar and restaurant setting.

Emerging Culinary Experiences

1. Farm-to-Table Restaurants

The farm-to-table movement in Buffalo emphasizes the use of locally sourced, fresh ingredients, supporting local farmers and promoting sustainable dining practices. These restaurants offer menus that change with the seasons, ensuring the freshest and most flavorful dishes.

Notable Farm-to-Table Eateries:

Vault@237 – Integrates local ingredients into their upscale menu offerings.
Dapper Goose – Features a menu that highlights seasonal produce and local specialties.

2. International Cuisine Hubs

Buffalo's West Side neighborhood has blossomed into a hub for diverse international cuisines. From Burmese to Ethiopian and dim sum, the culinary diversity reflects the city's multicultural fabric.

Must-Try International Eateries:

West Side Bazaar
Mon Ami Café – A popular French-inspired all-day café offering a range of international dishes.

Recap and Conclusion

Buffalo, New York, offers a rich and diverse culinary landscape that caters to all tastes. From the world-famous Buffalo Wings and Beef on Weck to the burgeoning farm-to-table and international dining scenes, there's something for everyone in this vibrant city. The sweet treats like Sponge Candy and Frozen Custard add a delightful finish to any meal, while innovative restaurants continue to push the boundaries of traditional cuisine. Whether you're a long-time resident or a visitor, exploring Buffalo's culinary offerings is a journey you won't soon forget.