Wednesday, February 27, 2013

How we do Buffalo

Today I was going through our old wedding website. There is a page for out of town guests that included places eat and things to do. I read some of me descriptions and think they are pretty spot on. I'm copying the page over here. 
Does everyone agree with my opinions of these places? I only included on of our "things to do" since it's the only one that has to do with food.  
I want to know what you think too, so please comment! It will make me feel like someone actually reads this! If you have a special place to eat or drink too, please leave it in the comments. We are always looking for new places to go!



Things to do:


Wegmans: yes, we put a grocery store on our list of things to do in Buffalo. But seriously, folks, this is a grocery store on steriods. They have everything you need and tons of things you don't. You can enjoy dinner here- anything from sushi and chinese to pizzas, subs, salad bar, soup, burritos, and $6 meals. Trust us, your visit to Buffalo is not complete until you have gone to Wegmans. They're open 24 hours, so there is sure to be time to fit a visit into your stay. Visit www.wegmans.com for locations throughout Buffalo and the suburbs. 

Places to Eat:

Duff's: you can go to Anchor Bar, but we promise, Duff's has the best wings in Buffalo. With three locations around Buffalo, you can experience the food that made Buffalo famous. Tastebuds beware- prepare yourself if you order hot wings, as "hot" is a loose term. Visit www.duffswings.com/ for more info. 
Frank's Sunny Italy: Anna and Ryan's favorite Italian place in Buffalo, they are famous for their sweet marinara sauce. Portions are huge- the spaghetti plate can feed about three people easily. They also have a take out service. Address: 2491 Delaware Ave. 
Pano's: a personal favorite of Anna and Ryan's. They are a Greek restaurant, but all the food on the menu is great-you really can't go wrong here. Recently remodeled, Pano's is a Canisius staple and a local favorite. Visit panosonelmwood.com for more info. 
Pearl Street Grill and Brewery: a favorite hangout for before and after Buffalo sporting events, Pearl Street has four floors, with a bar on every floor, tons of beers on tap, and good food. They have a lovely balcony with a great view of the city. Visit www.pearlstreetgrill.com/home for more info. 
Anderson's: Ever heard of beef on weck? Here is your chance to give it a try. Trust us, it's delicious. And after, wash down that sandwich with some Perry's ice cream. Ryan loves the Pistachio ice cream, while Anna like the cajun fries with her roast beef, and cotton candy ice cream. Visit www.andersonscustard.com/ for locations and more info. 
Brodo: A tiny restaurant with a boatload of style and awesome food. Their salads are out of this world, and everything on their menu sounds so good, Anna and Ryan can't pick a favorite. From appetizers to soups and sandwiches, to entrees, the food here is reasonably priced for how good it tastes. Visit www.brodo.net/index.php for more info. 
Betty's: This gem is in a unique location in a quirky old building. They are famous for their brunch, but its also a good place for dinner. It's also a popular hangout for the multitudes of hipsters that call Buffalo home. Check out the location-behind the restaurant is a tiny neighborhood full of tiny little cottages that are so unique. Visit www.bettysbuffalo.com/ for more info. 
Brennan's: A suburbs hangout that has a huge bar but also has great food. We love their fries, but our friends like the potato skins and also think they have pretty good wings. Sandwiches are always a safe choice here and they all are great. Visit www.brennansbowerybar.com/ for more info. 
Chef's: Probably the most famous Italian restaurant in Buffalo, Chef's is located in the middle of nowhere in a crappy area of Buffalo, but it's worth it for the food. Sports stars  can frequently be spotted having a meal here. So, if sweet sauce isn't your thing, head over to Chef's. Visit www.ilovechefs.com/ for more info. 
The Frog Hair: If you enjoy golf and hanging out with the cougars of Williamsville, then this is your place. There are multiple simulators where you can swing a golf club and have 40-somethings check you out- every guy's dream. They have amazing warm pretzel rolls and a wide selection of food. Visit www.thefroghair.com/ for more info. 
Grovers: As seen on the Food Network's Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, Grovers has the best burgers in Buffalo. Although it's a fair drive (about 30 minutes) outside downtown Buffalo, if you like Burgers, you absolutely have to make the trip. Ask to try the cheeseburger soup if you're feeling adventurous. Address: 9160 Transit Rd, East Amherst. 
Olivers: This is a pricey, high class restaurant in Buffalo. So, if you're looking for a good, classy meal, this is your place. Plus, it's right across the street from the vet's office Anna used to work at. Visit oliverscuisine.com/08/index.html for more info. 
Fast Food: This is a loose term for the next few places that aren't sit down, but are still Buffalo traditions. 
Mississippi Mudds and Old Man River: Located on the banks of the Niagara River, enjoy a hot dog, chicago dog, or other variation of a wiener. Old Man River has food and milkshakes, and Mississippi Mudd has ice cream. Once you get your food, you can enjoy the river walk and see Grand Island and watch the boats go by. Visit www.mississippimuddswny.com/ and www.oldmanriverwny.com/ for more info. 
Mighty Taco: Like Taco Bell, only better. Be sure to order a loganberry to drink. Visit www.mightytaco.com/main.php for locations are more information. 
Jim's Steak Out: Are you really drunk and are just looking for some good drunk food, even if it is after our wedding? That's ok. Jim's Steak Out is your place to go. Subs of all kinds are sure to please, but if you don't see anything that catches your eye, try the chicken finer sub. Their motto is "if you're up, we're probably open," so they definitely cater to the intoxicated crowd. Visit jimssteakout.com/ for locations. 
ETS: Short for Elmwood Taco and Subs, this place is just across the street from Heenans, and a favorite place for Anna to get drunk food on her walk home from the bar. They have great waffle fries here. Located in a newly remodeled building, ETS is a place to go for a quick, cheap bite. Visit www.etsbuffalo.com/ for more info. 
Breakfast Food:
Spot Coffee: A small local coffee shop that specializes in unique coffee and breakfast drinks. They have pastries for breakfast, and is a popular place to study and hang out with friends. Visit www.spotcoffee.com/ for locations and more info. 
Tim Hortons: Seriously the best coffee you'll drink in Buffalo. They have great doughnuts and bagels too, and also serve iced coffee, called an icecap. Pick up a party pack of timbits (similar to munchinks) to bring on the plane home with you. Don't let the long drive-thru line fool you, the staff there moves so fast that you won't wait long at all. Visit www.timhortons.com/ for locations and more info. 
The Pancake House: The mother of all breakfasts. This place is famous for fresh squeezed orange juice (for some $$$) and some specialty dishes, including an apple pancake, and a dutch baby, which is a large German pancake with butter, powdered sugar, strawberries, lemon juice, and strawberry jelly. It is to die for- a must try dish before you leave. If you can't make it early, don't worry, they serve breakfast all day long. Visit www.originalpancakehouse.com/ for more info. 

Places to Drink: 

Loughrans: An Amherst bar with a great atmosphere and good food to boot. We recommend the fish fry if you plan to eat here. The front of the bar has huge windows that open out to the street and the entire bar has that lived in feel. It's been around forever and is pretty low key (except for St. Patricks Day). Tell the bartenders you went to Clemson and you'll probably get a discount- the owner's son went to Clemson as well. Address: 4543 Main St. 
Snyder Bar and Grill: a favorite suburban bar of Ryan's and a popular hangout for all our friends. Don't be intimidated by the front door that is essentially a large piece of plywood. SBG has a great atmosphere, a dart board, and shuffleboard. The service is excellent and bartenders are very friendly. Address: 2067 Kensington Ave
Heenans: A Canisius tradition like no other. Anna spent many a Saturday night here. Your shoes will stick to the floors, but drinks are cheap (cash only) and you can get the full experience of being a Canisius student if you head over on a Saturday night. Address: 946 Elmwood Ave. 
The Thirsty Buffalo: lots of selection including many local beers from Buffalo and Canada, with plenty of TV's. Try some Labatt Blue or Molson Canadian-both favorite Buffalo beers. Happy hour here is from noon to 7pm (really!) so stop in for $2 pints and well drinks. Address: 555 Elmwood Ave
Geckos: Located in the Hertel Ave area, Geckos is a sports dive bar. There are tons of other bars within walking distance from here, as well as the Italian neighborhood of Buffalo with tons of small restaurants (may we recommend Kostas for breakfast or a late night bite). Address: 1464 Hertel Ave. 
Frizzys: It's awesomeness stems from the fact that this bar has a photobooth. That's right folks, leave your mark in Buffalo by forever posting your drunk pictures on their wall, and take some home with you for photo documented evidence of things you may not remember doing. The back area of the bar has pool tables as well. Address: 140 Allen St. 
Cecelia's: The best martinis in Buffalo. Order the appletini. Trust us. Go on a Monday during happy hour for half priced Martinis. Address: 716 Elmwood Ave. 
Colter Bay: Ryan describes this place as hipster with a Western park theme. They have lots of ale on tap, and be sure to try a Southern tier beer to get a taste of Buffalo beer. Address: 561 Delaware Ave. 
Brick Bar: Located in the popular Allentown district, and similar to Backstreets for all you Clemson folk. Address: 229 Allen St. 
Founding Fathers: Tucked away from the main streets, Fathers is a nifty, old fashioned bar full of presidential decor and free snacks. They have a trivia night on the first Tuesday of the month as well if you plan on staying longer. Address: 75 Edward St. 
So what do you think! Leave your comments. PLEASE!!!!

2 comments:

  1. I'd love to see individual detailed reviews of some of these. LOVE Betty's for breakfast/lunch. Froghair used to be one of my favorites, but 2.0 is a huge disappointment.

    Try Mezza and Shango in the city, in Williamsville go to Pizza plant for a varied menu and a wide range of beers, Jojo's for wine and apps.

    I'd also like to see your recipes from previous posts.

    Fun blog all around. Looking forward to seeing more.

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  2. Pearl Street and Grovers are at the top of our list as well. I love Toro and Le Metro (turkey & sage cheddar sandwich is to die for!). For breakfast I've heard that Emilys on Sheridan is great, although we have not tried it yet (its on our to do list)!

    Keep on posting. I love reading about your food adventures!

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