Buffalo is known around the world for beef on weck and wings, but Buffalonians have so much more to say about local cuisine.
Where do Buffalonians like to eat? Not Anchor Bar. Buffalo is forever tied to the resturaunt for those spicy hot wings, but Buffalo offers more than the sauce. The Spectrum compiled five Queen City staples Buffalonians love.
Bar Bill — 185 Main St., East Aurora
People from out of town always think of Anchor Bar and Duffs when they want Buffalo wings but many Buffalonians think Bar Bill takes the key. The Bar Bill is East Aurora’s flagship restaurant. It is also known for beef on weck, making it a top pick for stereotypical Buffalo food.
Mike Gruttolori, a sophomore business major, is a native of the area and says Bar Bill is one of his favorite restaurants. His typical order is a basket of medium wings, which he said far exceeds those at Anchor Bar and Duffs.
“I’ve been going there since I was a little kid,” Gruttolori said. “It’s also cool seeing Bills players [eating there] every once in a while.”
Bar Bill is open daily from 11-2 a.m.
Amy’s Place — 3234 Main St., Buffalo
Amy’s Place is a quaint hole in the wall that has been here for decades. Its eclectic menu features both Lebanese and American dishes. Unique items like the vegan wings make it a popular spot for those with dietary restrictions.
Emma Valvo, a grad student in the School of Social Work, said Amy’s Place has recently become her favorite restaurant in Buffalo. Valvo started going there more when she became a vegan a year ago.
“Amy’s is the place that me and my family or me and my friends go,” Valvo said. “We can all be happy there and we can all find something that we really like to eat there no matter our diets.”
Valvo said the resturaunt can make any item on the menu vegan or non-vegan. Her favorite dishes include the hummus or falafel wrap and the vegan gyro. Amy’s Place is open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.
Kostas — 1561 Hertel Ave., Buffalo
Kostas is the name Buffalonians think of when it comes to Greek American cuisine. The restaurant has been a staple on Hertel Ave. since 1977. The menu is very large featuring lots of choices for breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert. It’s a no-frills environment but one many Buffalo families can call home.
Jamil Kassem-Lopez, a freshman musical theater major, grew up in North Buffalo and said Kostas is his favorite because of the welcoming, family-owned atmosphere.
“It’s a decent price especially for students. The food is genuine and good quality,” Kassem-Lopez said. “I don’t think I’ve ever left disappointed.”
Kassem-Lopez said that his favorite things to order are the chicken Caesar salad and the gyro wrap.
Kostas is open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily and is open until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.
Imperial Pizza — 1035 Abbott Rd., Buffalo
Another family-owned restaurant, Imperial Pizza, is one of the most notable pizzarias among locals. Their menu has all the classics but it also has a variety of unique specialty pizzas including the “stinger,” “reuben” and “breakfast” pizza.
James Brennan, a junior computer science major who grew up in South Buffalo, said Imperial Pizza has always been his favorite restaurant.
“It’s just been in the family since I was a kid and it’s like that for most kids our age, especially in South Buffalo,” Brennan said. “You can just mention the name and people recognize it as great pizza.”
While Brennan said “everything is good” on the menu, his favorite things to order are a slice of cheese and pepperoni or barbeque pizza rolls.
Imperial Pizza is open from 10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. everyday.
West Side Bazaar — 25 Grant St., Buffalo
The West Side Bazaar is an incubator for immigrants to open their own restaurants and shops. It gives people the opportunity to have some independence when they first come here and showcase their native country’s culture.
The West Side Bazaar has the most variety under one roof in Buffalo. Options include Burmese, Pakistani, Ethiopian, Chinese, Malaysian, Mexican, Puerto Rican and more.
Sadie Sunshine, a UB alum, is originally from the West Side of Buffalo. She said the West Side Bazaar has become her favorite spot because she appreciates how it supports immigrants in starting their own businesses.
“I love that it’s so diverse and different from everywhere else and the food is so delicious,” Sunshine said.
Sunshine said her go-to order is the Abyssinia combo from the Ethiopian stand.
The bazaar is open from Tuesday to Friday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturdays.
Isabella Nurt is the assistant features editor and can be reached at: isabella.nurt@ubspectrum.com and on Twitter @Nurt_Spectrum.
Isabella Nurt is a junior film production major. She is keen to get off campus and cover underground topics in the greater Buffalo area.
