GREATER NIAGARA REGION
Western New York contains 17 counties within its bounds, and covers about 11,764 square miles, slightly larger than Armenia, and just a bit smaller than Belgium. The chefs here are as diverse as the region itself; come hungry!
Bon appetit!
Yelp’s Price Range Key:
$ Inexpensive
$$ Moderate
$$$ Pricey
$$$$ Ultra High-End
1047 Main Street, Buffalo
Buffalo Wings. Accidents happen...and sometimes lead to great things. Anchor Bar (opened in 1939) owners Frank and Teressa Bellissimo made a mistake, and it became not just their unmistakable signature dish but a national bar food staple. Legend has it (as with any good story, there are several variations on this tale), chicken wings were born when a shipment of wings, instead of thighs, were delivered to the Anchor Bar. To avoid wasting food, Teressa created the chicken wing appetizer, deep fried without breading. On top of that (no pun intended), in the 70’s the Anchor Bar created the eponymous Buffalo sauce in which to toss the chicken wings -- a mixture of hot sauce, butter, vinegar, worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, pepper, and salt. While the Anchor Bar offers many other delicious dishes, there is nothing quite like eating Buffalo Chicken Wings at the place where they all began. $$
Photo: Anchor Bar
491 Amherst Street, Buffalo
Foodies all over Buffalo adore the Dapper Goose, and snagging a seat is normally a challenge at this farm-to-table seasonally minded resto renowned for its perfectly balanced cocktails. A recent meal there was a bonanza of heirloom veg: think fingerling potato salad with black garlic aioli, tomato and corn salad rioting with basil … paired with burgers topped with onion jam and cheddar cheese. We washed it down with Workers Punch: a blend of rosé, butterfly tea, lemon, ambrosia and cap corse. Cheers! $$
Photo: The Dapper Goose
Goat Island Road, Niagara Falls
Even if the food wasn’t good, this place would be worth a visit, as it is the only US restaurant with panoramic views of the Niagara Falls. But it is a retro American classic, stuck in a delicious time warp. Come for the Niagara Fish & Chips and burgers. Stay for the beef on weck: a Western New York specialty believed to have originated in neighboring Buffalo that consists of rare-cooked, thin cut roast beef inside a kummelweck roll, distinctively sprinkled with salt and caraway seeds and served with its top bun typically dipped au jus and spread with horseradish. Finish it off with daunting wedges of chocolate cake slathered in buttercream frosting. $$
28 Old Falls Street, Niagara
The Niagara Falls Culinary Institute opens its doors to hungry adventurers eager to partake in cutting-edge fine dining prepared by young and ambitious culinary students. Savor is an oasis of calm and quiet with a spectacular (though limited) menu, including options for vegans and the gluten-free, prepared by an inspired team of students from the Culinary school. It is currently closed, but will be reopening soon, so stay tuned! $$