Buffalo, New York, isn’t just famous for its snowy winters and dedicated sports fans; it’s also a paradise for food lovers. While Buffalo wings are the city’s most iconic dish, the local culinary scene offers so much more. From historic diners to innovative eateries, Buffalo’s food landscape is diverse and delicious. Let’s explore some of the best spots to satisfy your cravings.
Key Takeaways
- Anchor Bar is the birthplace of the original Buffalo wing and a must-visit for any wing lover.
- Duff’s Famous Wings is a local favorite, known for its spicy and flavorful wings.
- Bar-Bill Tavern offers a variety of unique wing flavors and a cozy, pub-like atmosphere.
- Gabriel’s Gate is another top spot for wings, celebrated for its savory and well-seasoned options.
- Swan Street Diner serves hearty breakfasts and lunch dishes in a beautifully restored 1930s diner car.
Anchor Bar
The Anchor Bar is where the legendary Buffalo wing was born. In 1964, co-owner Teressa Bellissimo created this iconic dish by frying chicken wings, tossing them in a cayenne pepper-based sauce, and serving them with celery and blue cheese. This simple creation changed American culinary history.
Located at 1047 Main St., Buffalo, the Anchor Bar is a must-visit for any wing enthusiast. The restaurant offers nearly a dozen different sauces and rubs, from bourbon barbecue to extreme heat and spicy garlic parmesan. For the closest taste to Teressa’s original recipe, order the medium flavor tossed in the housemade sauce. Don’t forget to ask for a side of blue cheese for dunking; most locals consider ranch dressing with wings sacrilege.
The Anchor Bar serves around 5,000 people and 2,000lbs of wings a day, making it a bustling hub for wing lovers.
The Anchor Bar also ships their famous wings nationwide, so you can enjoy a taste of Buffalo no matter where you are. Whether you’re a heat fanatic or prefer a milder flavor, there’s a wing for everyone at the Anchor Bar.
Duff’s Famous Wings
Duff’s Famous Wings has been a staple in Buffalo since 1969. Originally a neighborhood bar, Duff’s quickly became known for its incredible chicken wings. Duff’s has the best chicken wings in Buffalo. The original location is in Amherst, conveniently situated between two universities, making it a popular spot for students and families alike. The atmosphere is casual, with simple black tables and walls adorned with old photos of Buffalo.
Duff’s is famous for its heat levels. The menu and servers’ T-shirts warn, "Medium IS HOT, Medium Hot IS VERY HOT, and Hot is VERY, VERY HOT." For those who love extreme heat, there are even options like suicidal or death sauce. While they do offer sandwiches and burgers, most people come for the wings. Even President Obama chose Duff’s when he visited Buffalo in 2010.
If you’re looking for a pure wing destination, Duff’s is the place to be. The service is efficient and friendly, and the wings are always served hot, crispy, and fresh.
Duff’s has expanded to several locations around Buffalo, including Orchard Park and Niagara Falls, and even has an outpost in Toronto and Southlake, Texas. Despite the expansion, the original location remains a beloved spot for wing enthusiasts.
Bar-Bill Tavern
Nestled in the charming suburb of East Aurora, Bar-Bill Tavern is a must-visit for wing enthusiasts. This neighborhood tavern is famous for its wide variety of wing flavors, including Honey Dijon, Zesty Honey Pepper, Teriyaki, Cajun, and Spicy Asian. The Cajun wings, a dry rub with no sauce, can be combined with other flavors for an added dimension. Plates can be split, so you can try more flavors in one visit.
Bar-Bill Tavern is often crowded, and you might have to wait, but the experience is worth it. The tavern features heavy, worn wood tables and chairs, giving it a cozy pub feel. The wings are made to order, ensuring they are served hot, crispy, and fresh. The medium wings are very good, but some say they could use more sauce.
Bar-Bill Tavern is cash-only, so come prepared. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, this spot offers a unique atmosphere where you might find yourself sitting next to the CEO of Fisher-Price or the guy who just blacktopped your driveway, all enjoying wings and beer together.
Gabriel’s Gate
Nestled in the heart of Buffalo’s historic Allentown district, Gabriel’s Gate is a must-visit for wing enthusiasts. This charming pub, housed in a 19th-century building, offers a cozy atmosphere with its wooden interiors and vintage decor.
One of the highlights at Gabriel’s Gate is their crispy and flavorful wings. Cooked to perfection, these wings strike the right balance between crunch and juiciness. Whether you prefer mild, medium, or hot, there’s a spice level for everyone. Don’t forget to pair your wings with their house-made blue cheese dressing for an authentic Buffalo experience.
Aside from wings, Gabriel’s Gate also serves a variety of other delicious dishes. From hearty burgers to fresh salads, there’s something to satisfy every palate. Their extensive menu ensures that even non-wing lovers will find something to enjoy.
For those looking to explore beyond wings, Gabriel’s Gate offers a selection of local craft beers and classic cocktails. It’s the perfect spot to unwind with friends and enjoy some of Buffalo’s best comfort food.
Gabriel’s Gate is not just a restaurant; it’s a piece of Buffalo’s culinary history. With its welcoming ambiance and mouth-watering wings, it’s a place where memories are made.
Swan Street Diner
Step into the Swan Street Diner and you’ll feel like you’ve traveled back in time. This beautifully restored, mahogany-lined 1930s diner car offers hearty breakfasts and lunch dishes from 7am until 3pm daily. The menu has something for everyone, including healthier options, but the real stars are the classic diner favorites.
Must-Try Dishes
- Meatloaf Melt: A delicious twist on a classic comfort food.
- Mini Doughnuts: Perfectly sweet and impossible to resist.
Tips for Visiting
- You can’t reserve a table, but service is efficient and it’s absolutely worth the wait.
- Expect to spend around $30 per person, including a drink.
Visiting Swan Street Diner is like stepping into a piece of history while enjoying some of the best food Buffalo has to offer. It’s no wonder it’s one of the [best lunch spots](db25) in the area.
Ted’s Hot Dogs
No visit to Buffalo is complete without stopping by Ted’s Hot Dogs, located at 2312 Sheridan Drive, Tonawanda. This nearly century-old hot dog stand has been a local favorite since 1927. Ted’s is famous for its charcoal broiled, footlong Sahlen’s hot dogs, a Buffalo staple since 1869.
Upon entering Ted’s, you’ll place your order with an employee working the grill directly behind the front counter. As you wait to cash out, you can watch your hot dog being grilled to perfection over a bed of hardwood charcoal. The charcoal broiling causes the skin of the dogs to darken and snap open, and many expert Ted’s fans request their Sahlen’s “extra charred” to give them even more flavor.
Before paying, request either French fries or onion rings (go for the rings, hand-breaded on site and arriving in a clump of fried goodness, or if you can’t decide, get “the split” for some of each) and the hot dog toppings of your choice. For the true Ted’s experience, ask for “the works,” which includes a pickle spear and a homemade hot chili sauce, a secret family recipe since Ted’s founding and available for sale by the bottle. And wash it all down with a loganberry, another Buffalo specialty that’s a sugary sweet drink with hints of blackberries and raspberries that originated decades ago at a local amusement park.
Ted’s traces its roots back more than a century when founder Theodore Liaros first started driving a horse-drawn lunch wagon around Buffalo shortly after he emigrated here from Greece in 1912. He opened his first hot dog stand underneath the Peace Bridge in Buffalo in 1927, followed by the Sheridan Drive restaurant, now the company’s oldest location, in 1948. The menu has since expanded to include a wide variety of items, from the footling hot dog (a hot dog as long as it sounds rarely found outside of Western New York) to a sea dog (a piece of fried cod placed in a foot-long hot dog roll and covered in tartar sauce – a nod to Buffalo’s affinity for fried fish). But don’t go overboard at Ted’s; you still have to leave room for the other two stops of the Holy Trinity.
Ted’s Hot Dogs’ hot relish – a mainstay at the restaurant since the beginning – is now available for sale by the bottle.
Marble + Rye
Marble + Rye is a gem in Buffalo’s food scene, offering a unique dining experience that goes beyond the city’s famous chicken wings. This spot is perfect for a pre-theater dinner or a downtown date night. The menu is curated with seasonal selections, featuring a next-level burger and vegetables that steal the show.
For a more casual experience, you can sit at the rustic wood bar and enjoy a variety of small plates. Some must-try items include pickled onion rings, crispy chickpeas, and a house-made twist on Buffalo’s classic “chips and dip.” These pair perfectly with Marble + Rye’s stellar craft cocktails.
Whether you’re a local or just visiting, Marble + Rye offers a dining experience that showcases the best of Buffalo’s diverse culinary scene.
Lloyd Taco Factory
Lloyd Taco Factory began as a single food truck, parking near the downtown business district during the work week for lunch hour. Today, Lloyd boasts a fleet of food trucks, two brick-and-mortar restaurants, and a catering business, all serving a modern twist on classic Mexican fare.
Elevated Street Tacos
It’s hard to pass up this tasty pairing of a crispy fish taco with Tricked Out Nachos at Lloyd Taco Factory. Build your own taco or burrito from a list of standard proteins, or try a chicken-and-waffle, Big Mac, or Pad Thai-inspired twist. Top it all off with its zesty, smoky Rocket Sauce—trust us, it’ll be love at first bite. Don’t worry, they sell bottles to bring home with you.
Five Points Bakery
Five Points Bakery is a beloved spot in Buffalo, known for its delicious baked goods and cozy atmosphere. Regulars rave about the quality and taste of their offerings. The bakery is owned by Kevin Gardner, who proudly states, "I’m fifth generation here, so Frank’s hot sauce is in my blood." This local pride is evident in every bite.
What to Try
- Freshly baked bread
- Toast with various toppings
- Locally sourced ingredients
Why Visit?
Five Points Bakery is not just a place to grab a quick bite; it’s a community hub. The bakery uses locally sourced ingredients, ensuring that everything is fresh and supports local farmers. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, making it a perfect spot to relax and enjoy a meal.
If you’re in Buffalo, a visit to Five Points Bakery is a must. The combination of quality, taste, and community spirit makes it a standout.
Price Range
- $-$$ (Affordable to moderate pricing)
Location and Contact
- Address: 44 Brayton Street, Buffalo, N.Y.
- Phone: 716-884-8888
- Website: fivepointsbakery.com
Whether you’re a local or just visiting, Five Points Bakery is a must-visit on your Buffalo food tour. From their fresh bread to their inviting atmosphere, it’s a place that captures the essence of the community.
Schwabl’s
Step into Schwabl’s, a restaurant almost as old as Buffalo itself, to savor one of the best versions of the city’s signature sandwich, the beef on weck. Schwabl’s has been serving this iconic sandwich since 1837, just five years after Buffalo became a city.
The beef on weck features hand-carved roast beef dipped in au jus and served on a salted hard roll called a kummelweck, topped with caraway seeds. This sandwich has its roots in Buffalo’s German immigrant community, one of the first ethnic groups to settle in the area.
Schwabl’s moved to its current West Seneca location in the early 1940s and has retained much of its original charm. The waitstaff still wear traditional uniforms, and the converted oil lamps hanging from the ceiling add to the nostalgic atmosphere.
Owner Gene Staychock is often found behind the original wooden bar, carving beef on weck sandwiches to order. The beef is cooked slowly overnight and quickly dipped in au jus before being placed on kummelweck rolls made locally at D&L Bakery in Depew. For the juiciest, tastiest sandwich, order your beef on the rarer side and top it with a dollop of extra-hot horseradish found at every table.
Don’t miss the standout sides like the German potato salad, made with hand-peeled potatoes, bacon, onion, celery, and vinegar, or the housemade pickled beets. In the colder months, warm up with a Tom & Jerry, a hot, boozy Buffalo specialty served from Columbus Day to St. Patrick’s Day, featuring brandy and rum mixed into an egg white batter and topped with cinnamon and nutmeg.
Schwabl’s is a living piece of Buffalo’s culinary history, preserving traditions that date back over a century. The experience is as authentic as it gets, making it a must-visit for anyone exploring Buffalo’s food scene.
Conclusion
Buffalo’s food scene is a delightful mix of tradition and innovation. While the city is famous for its iconic Buffalo wings, there’s so much more to explore. From cozy neighborhood taverns to trendy bistros, every corner of Buffalo offers a unique culinary experience. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, the flavors of Buffalo will leave a lasting impression. So, next time you’re in town, don’t just stop at the wings—dive into the diverse and delicious food culture that makes Buffalo truly special.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Buffalo wings different from other chicken wings?
Buffalo wings are deep-fried and then coated in a special sauce made from hot sauce, butter, and other seasonings. They are usually served with celery sticks and blue cheese dressing.
Where did Buffalo wings originate?
Buffalo wings were invented in 1964 at the Anchor Bar in Buffalo, New York. Teressa Bellissimo, the co-owner, created them as a late-night snack for her son and his friends.
Why is the Anchor Bar famous?
The Anchor Bar is famous because it is the birthplace of Buffalo wings. It has become a must-visit spot for anyone coming to Buffalo.
What are some popular places to get wings in Buffalo?
Some popular places to get wings in Buffalo include the Anchor Bar, Duff’s Famous Wings, Bar-Bill Tavern, and Gabriel’s Gate.
Is there more to Buffalo’s food scene than just wings?
Yes, Buffalo has a diverse food scene that includes hot dogs from Ted’s Hot Dogs, tacos from Lloyd Taco Factory, and delicious baked goods from Five Points Bakery.
What is beef on weck?
Beef on weck is a sandwich made with roast beef on a kummelweck roll, which is topped with caraway seeds and coarse salt. It’s a local favorite in Buffalo.
Are there any food festivals in Buffalo?
Yes, Buffalo hosts the National Buffalo Wing Festival every year, where visitors can try a variety of wings from different vendors and participate in fun activities.
What other types of food can I find in Buffalo?
In addition to wings, you can find a variety of foods in Buffalo, including hot dogs, tacos, baked goods, and international cuisines like Italian and Korean.
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