Bar Food in Buffalo NY

Thanksgiving is my favorite time of year. It’s all about visiting with family and friends while eating amazing food. The western New York area is replete with amazing eateries. It was really a shame we only had one week to pack it all in. Chrysa and I hit many of the highlights.

Monday

Duff’s – Chicken Wings (Buffalo Wings to out of towners)

The western NY area has a ton of pizza and wing places and almost all of them are great. Everyone swears by their neighborhood joint, but for the best wings in town, you have to go to Duffs. Sure, The Anchor Bar invented the wing as we know it, but Duffs perfected them. Chrysa and I stopped into the original location and got wings, fries, and beer. The wings are meaty and crisp, even though they are smothered in sauce. Tame the heat in your mouth with some blue cheese (ranch is NOT an option) and you are in business. We had to burn these babies off by doing some Zumba!

Tuesday

Grovers – Cattleman Burger with fries and onion rings and Cheeseburger Soup

From what I understand President Grover Cleveland’s hunting lodge stood on the spot where Grovers is now. I think I got that info from Drive Ins, Diners and Dives so I’m not sure how accurate that is. I am accurate on how awesome their burgers are. We ordered the Cattleman Burger and it was fantastic. It was big and juicy with great BBQ sauce and bacon. I had been to Grovers before so I knew how big the burgers are. Chrysa and I decided to split the gargantuan sandwich. We had a financial appointment after our meal and neither of us wanted to fall asleep in the meeting. Chrysa also got a cup of the Cheeseburger Soup. It was a cold day so the hearty soup really did a great job of warming her up. I tasted it and it is like a liquid burger. I admit that sounds gross, but trust me, it’s good.

Wednesday

Louie’s – Slimers (Translation – hot dog with greek style chili sauce, mustard and white onions. AKA Shit Canoe)

I have a tradition with my uncle Mark. When I get into town we meet at the Louie’s on Harlem in West Seneca and get slimers. Many times in the past I have gotten off a plane and have called Mark to meet out for dogs. This time Mark called me. Chrysa and I got into the Jeep and drove out to meet him. Buffalo was still recovering from Snowvember so you could still see the dirty snow piles on the road. We got to Louie’s and I got my usual. Three dogs with the works, fries, and an extra sauce. I dove in and was in heaven. I will admit that a slimer is not the most appetizing thing to look at, but they taste so good. Chrysa is more reserved in her tastes but even she managed to eat two. Open invitation – Uncle Mark will use any excuse to go out for dogs. Give him a call if you are in town!

Friday

Santora’s – Pizza (Lunch)

NYC pizza is thin crust. Chicago pizza is deep dish. Buffalo pizza is somewhere in between. Geographically this makes sense. The favor makes sense too. My friend Margaux and I split a cheese and pepperoni and it was just what the doctor ordered. The crust and sauce were full of flavor, and the pizza had the right amount of cheese. The best part was the pepperoni. It was curl and char so the pepperoni formed nice little grease cups. Again, not so appetizing to talk about, great to eat.

Fairways Restaurant – Fish Fry (Dinner)

Friday in Buffalo is all about the fish fry. Everyplace has it on the menu and it always hits the spot. I ended up ordering the breaded fish fry and Chrysa got the beer battered. When you order one of these things be prepared to EAT. The fish will be hanging off the plate and you will doubt your ability to finish the meal. The fish was moist and flaky, and the tuna macaroni salad that came with the meal was fantastic. Not a morsel was left on my plate.

Local Buffalo food is heavy and rich. If you want bar food you just can’t beat the WNY area. Chrysa and I did Zumba on Monday and ran the other days. I don’t think we did too much damage prior to moving to Oneonta. I can’t wait to find out what local delicacies await us.

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