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FOOD
Fish fry
Wiechec’s
1748 Clinton Street, 823-2828
“This Kaisertown favorite has been serving up perfectly cooked filets, fries, and slaw for forty years—and they still get raves.”
Hot dog
Ted’s
Several area locations
“We like this category. There is really no other choice than the perfectly grilled Sahlen’s served up by Ted’s, so picking them leaves us more time to argue over other categories.”
Burger
Grover’s
9160 Transit Road, East Amherst, 636-1803
Readers and the panel agree: Their frisbee-sized burgers are well worth the cholesterol.
“The menu describes the Grover’s hamburger as a twelve-ounce angus beef burger, but we think it has to be even bigger, likely pushing into the fourteen to sixteen ounce range.”
UNburger
Pizza Plant
5110 Main Street, 626-5566; 8020 Transit Road, 632-0800
Readers did not specify whether they liked the turkey burger here, or whether the fabulous pods were a refreshing alternative to meat-in-a-bun, but we don’t care. We endorse their choice and recommend the great microbrew selection here as well.
Wings
Gabriel’s Gate
145 Allen Street, Buffalo, 886-0602
“Fat, crispy, and meaty, the wings at the Gate are reliably excellent, while the place itself always has a friendly, comfortable ambiance. It’s also one of the few late-night options for a full meal downtown. And we do mean late.”
Beef on weck
Charlie the Butcher
Several area locations
“The waitrons wear hard hats, the roast beef is juicy and succulent, and the rolls are Kummelwick.”
“It’s as much a tourist destination as it is a restaurant.”
Pizza, traditional (inexpensive/take-out)
La Nova
371 W. Ferry Street, Buffalo, 881-3303, www.lanova.com
While the panel are all thin-crust-NY-style devotees who swear by La Hacienda, the poll overwhelmingly chose La Nova’s traditional Buffalo-style pizza.
Pizza, gourmet (fine dining)
Trattoria Aroma
311 Bryant Street, Buffalo, 881-7592 / 5229 Main Street, Williamsville, 631-2687
There are several places that serve exquisite small appetizer-size pies, including Siena and La Tee Dah, but Aroma wins by a nose.
Steak
Buffalo Chophouse
282 Franklin Street, Buffalo, 842-6900
Here, the panel and poll were once again split, with the Chophouse as the poll’s favorite.
Pulled pork
Suzy Q’s
2829 River Road, 873-5981
“Have a heaping portion of smoky pulled pork from Suzy Q’s at noon. Fight off a nap the rest of the day.”
Ribs
One-eyed Jack’s
5983 S. Transit Road, Lockport, 438-5414, www.oneeyedjacksbbq.com
“Meat that melts in your mouth and is so good it doesn’t even need sauce. You’ll forget you’re in Lockport.”
Subs
Louie’s Deli
8226 Main, Williamsville, 632-4906
“The crusty rolls and fine Italian cold cuts here can’t be matched.”
Take-out salad
Wegmans
Several area locations, www.wegmans.com
“Who else has five varieties of potato salad?”
Entrée salad
Poppyseed
3670 McKinley Parkway, Blasdell, 824-0075.
“Skip the mall chains—and bring an appetite.”
Most Unusual Soup
Danny’s
3715 Genesee, Cheektowaga, 634-1780
“Spicy Buffalo chicken wing soup was born here, and there always several others to try, too.”
French fries
Papa Jake’s Saloon
1672 Elmwood Avenue, 874-3878
For both the readers and the panel, no other french fry seems to exist.
Ice cream
Nick Charlap’s
7264 Boston State Road, Hamburg, 312-0592
“Worth the gas it takes to get there.”
Frozen custard
Anderson’s
Several area locations, www.andersonscustard.com
Though Hibbard’s in Lewiston is getting plenty of buzz, Anderson’s still holds the crown for both our readers and the panel.
Bagels
Bagel Jay
Several area locations
“Like Ted’s, these guys make it easy for us.”
Cookies
Dessert Deli
716 Maple Road, 689-2115, www.dessertdelibakery.com
“Best sugar cookies anywhere, as well as a host of other traditional and innovative desserts.”
Chocolate/candy
Choco-logo
141 Broadway Street, 855-3500, www.chocologo.com
“Despite its somewhat misleading name, this place is about fine chocolate.”
“We love the varieties with sea salt.”
Pastry
Butterwood
5409 Main Street, 204-0939, www.cakeart.com
“From superb plated desserts to amazing cakes for a special occasion, Butterwood’s is the go-to.”
Bread
Wegmans
Several area locations, www.wegmans.com
The panel also loves the crusty goodness of Le Metro’s traditional baguettes, but for variety, quality, and availability, once again, let’s hear it for Wegmans.
Butcher shop
Spar’s
405 Amherst Street, Buffalo, 876-6607
“Along with all the traditional cuts that any good butcher should have, Spar’s also features a large variety of interesting and delicious homemade sausages.”
Classes
Culinary Arts Center at Auburn-Watson
3295 Walden Avenue, Depew, 818-1140, www.auburnwatson.com
“Not only will you receive expert instruction by local chefs, you’ll be cooking on some of the finest, most beautiful equipment to be found anywhere in WNY.”
Restaurant Interior/Décor
Duo
297 Franklin Street, 858-4370
“Still the talk of the town.”
Bathroom
Salvatore’s
6461 Transit Road, Depew, 683-7990, www.salvatores.net
“This often overlooked but crucial element of the dining experience is done to sumptuous perfection at Salvatore’s. We love Salvatore’s for many reasons, and their attention to detail is evident even here.”
Patio
Rue Franklin
341 Franklin Street, 852-4416, www.ruefranklin.com
“Its elegance remains unsurpassed.”
Buffet
Seneca Niagara Casino
310 4th Street, Niagara Falls, 299-1100
“If your goal is mountains of fresh seafood for a reasonable price, this is the place.”
Antipasto
Trattoria Aroma
5229 Main Street, Williamsville, 631-2687 / 311 Bryant Street, Buffalo, 881-7592
This is a very tough category, with Fortuna’s coming in a close second, but the Aroma offerings are a bit more refined.
Downtown lunch
Fables Café
1 Lafayette Square, 858-7127, www.fablescafe.com
“We think their soup duo lunch special should be advertised by one of those guys on TV screaming ‘Our prices are INSANE!’ Not only that, the food is fresh and delicious.”
Deli/sandwich
Joe’s NY Deli
1322 Hertel Avenue, 875-5637
“An underdog in this category, Joe’s delivers freshness, quality, and value.”
Weird dessert
Butterwood
5409 Main Street, 204-0939, www.cakeart.com
“They’re not that weird, but they’re among the very few in this area trying to be innovative in a field overloaded with gooey excess.”
Homemade ravioli
Left Bank
511 Rhode Island Street, 882-3509, www.leftbankrestaurant.com
“Since this restaurant opened, their oversized single rav has been one of their signature dishes and it’s still popular.”
Dumplings
Gin Gin
3244 Sheridan Drive, 836-2600
“We love these cute little purses of deliciousness.”
Happy hour
Soho
64 West Chippewa Street, 856-7646
“This Chippewa joint seems to bring in a more diverse crowd than most of its neighbors.”
Sag Paneer
Tandoori’s
7740 Transit Road, 632-1112, www.tandooris.com
“Once the area’s only Indian choice, Tandoori still offers great quality in an upscale ambiance.”
Pho
Red Pepper
3910 Maple Road, 831-3878
“Don’t wear a white shirt if your pho has chili oil in it.
You’ll need to bring out the bleach.”
Most Innovative entrees
Oliver’s
2095 Delaware Avenue, 877-9662, www.oliverscuisine.com
“This is still one of the restaurants to check out if you want to take the temperature of the dining world. Chefs here have always kept up with what’s going on nationally and internationally.”
Enchilada
La Tolteca
7530 Transit Road, 565-0105, www.lastoltecas.com
“This charming little Mexican bistro makes you forget that Transit Road is rushing by, and their entrees have authentic flavors.”
Pad Thai
Saigon Bangkok
512 Niagara Falls Blvd, 837-2115, www.saigonbangkok.net
“There is none of the mushiness and gloppy sauce we have noticed in other contenders. Each ingredient is perfectly cooked and the flavors blend just as they should.”
“A textbook pad thai from a local pioneer of Vietnamese/Thai cuisine.”
Lasagna
Sinatra’s
938 Kenmore Avenue, 877-9419
“Their lasagna is actually a luscious bracciole/lasagna combo. It makes our mouths water just thinking about it.”
Souvlaki
Kosta’s
1561 Hertel Avenue, 838-5225
“There are subtle but crucial elements to a great souvlaki, including using superior cuts of meat and the right marinade for the correct period of time. Kosta’s hits the mark.”
Potato pancakes
Ulrich’s
674 Ellicott Street, 855-8409
“Sadly, there are very few other places to go for these, but at least Ulrich’s combines historic ambiance and fun with their traditional German offerings.”
Sushi
Sea Bar
5235 Main Street, 204-5283 / 475 Ellicott Street, 332-2928
“He did it in Williamsville and now he’s setting the standard on Ellicott Street. Chef Mike A. makes sushi even cooler than it was already.”
Vegan dish
Falafel Bar
1009 Elmwood Avenue, 884-0444/3689 Sheridan Drive, 831-3982
“The chickpea-based preparations here are healthy, nutritious, and great for vegans, sure. But they’re also some of the best casual food in Buffalo.”
Plating/presentation
Fiamma
1735 Hertel Avenue, 834-2662
“There’s food, there’s dining, and then there’s art—
and that’s what Fiamma does.“
Service
Tempo
581 Delaware Avenue, 885-1594, www.tempobuffalo.com
“We feel so well taken care of here, it’s almost embarrassing.”
Farmers’ Market
Clinton/Bailey
1443 Clinton Street, 822-2466
“It’s not as pretty as Bidwell, but you can come here year-round, support local farmers, and pay the same prices the restaurants pay.”
Dive bar
The Old Pink
223 Allen Street, 884-4338
“We can’t even print the reason we decided this had to be the choice for diviest dive bar.”
Bartender
Val Meli
Nietzsche’s and Staples, Allen Street
“She’s got a following among the pubcrawling faithful of Allentown, who
revere her for her quick wit and her no-nonsense attitude. For fabulous white-tablecloth bartending we must tip our hats to Benny Lamont and Lenny Brucato, both in residence for over twenty-five combined years at Sinatra’s.”
Best draft beer selection
Buffalo Brew Pub
6861 Main Street, 632-0552, www.buffalobrewpub.com
“A lineup of brews that can’t be beat, especially some killer imports. A perfect after-work atmosphere, too.”
Best of... wineries/winelist
Area winery (including Ontario): I apologize in advance for repeating myself, but Creekside Estate Winery in Jordan Station, Ontario is the greatest winery within—I don’t know?—three thousand miles. Featured in the July Spree’s return to the Niagara Escarpment, Creekside provided just as much excitement as it had a few years ago, when their wines just reeked of uncompromising quality and creative distinction. I’m getting tired of reminding you that winemakers Craig McDonald and Rob Power are the most creative, innovative, and ingenuous winemaking team in Canada. Don’t believe me? Check out their succulent 2004 Reserve Meritage, or the 2005 Broken Press Shiraz, the best red wine I’ve ever tasted from North America outside of California. Don’t tell these guys how good they are or they’ll be snapped up by the powers that run Chateau Latour.
Area wine tour: Cool Whites, Hot Night. Artful Weekend. Harvest Fest. Hallowine. Columbus wines. No, actually I made that last one up, but the rest are part of the fun on the budding Niagara Wine Trail in Niagara County. Look, the wineries themselves are in the hit-or-miss stage, the same as all relatively new business ventures, but the winemakers are all passionate, and their enthusiasm is infectious. Sure, you might find better juice in Ontario or the Finger Lakes, but who wants to drive 150 miles or deal with the Lewiston-Queenston? Twice the fun, half the distance. Salut! Check out their events calendar at www.niagarawinetrail.org.
Restaurant wine list: After years of jonesing for the list at Mark Supples’ Mother’s Restaurant, I find myself now pining for the list at Trattoria Aroma. A fabulous selection of well-priced reds and whites by the bottle and the glass, the wines practically sing with the well-matched cuisine. I know some might want to disqualify T.A. because of its Italian-only orientation, but that’s no knock for me. Oh, and runner up: Mother’s Restaurant.
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Traditional martini
Buffalo Chophouse
282 Franklin Street, 842-6900
“A martini seems the perfect thing to order at this classiest of restaurant bars.”
Specialty martinis
Sample
242 Allen Street, 883-1675, www.sample-restaurant.com
“No premixed sickly sweet concoctions here. The staff at Sample make their own essences and syrups and experiment with new cocktails all the time.”
“The lavender honey martini is a classic in the making.”
Margarita
La Tolteca
7530 Transit Road, 565-0105, www.lastoltecas.com
“They offer a wide range of tequilas; you can build your drink to your own liking here.”
Gay Bar
Roxy’s
884 Main Street, Buffalo, 885-3464, www.roxygirlsrock.com
“With really fun events and live entertainment, Roxy’s is friendly and welcoming to all.”
Bar food
The Bar Bill Tavern
853 Main Street, East Aurora, 652-7959, www.barbill.com
“This place was also in the running for best wings and best beef on weck; clearly as many people are coming here to eat as to drink.”
Cup of coffee
Caffe Aroma on Elmwood
957 Elmwood Avenue, 884-4470
“For fine espresso and cappuccino, this is still the place. Regardless.”
Restaurant for winter warm-up
Mother’s
33 Virginia Place, 882-2989
“Soup still comes with your meal here. That and such specialties as great mashed potatoes, meatloaf always on the menu, and other comforting stand-bys make Mother’s the ultimate in coziness.”
New restaurant (Opened in 2007)
Lagniappes
244 Allen Street, 883-3663
“This tiny storefront is really best for take-out, but the tastes are authentic and amazing.”
Place to eat at midnight
Gabriel’s Gate
145 Allen Street, 886-0602
“Still a totally reliable standby that has the type of food you’re probably craving at this hour. “
Place to throw a party
Pearl Street Brewery
76 Pearl Street, 856-2337, www.pearlstreetgrill.com
“A party? Try about seven. This place is huge, multi-leveled, offers a wonderful waterfront location, and is simply one of the liveliest gathering places in WNY.”
Place that uses locally produced food
O’Connell’s American Bistro
981 Kenmore Avenue, 877-8788
“Under the guidance of Chef de Cuisine Devin Jones, O’Connell’s is striving for a difficult goal: using local ingredients when the growing season is only a few months long.”
Small bites
Sample
242 Allen Street, 883-1675
“Sample has redefined the category of small food. This is literally ‘going out for a bite.’”
Girls’ night out
The Chocolate Bar
114 Chippewa Street, Buffalo, 332-0484, www.buffalochocolatebar.com
“Another great place for experimental drinking and a fun hangout.
Boys’ night out
A Sabres game
“A night of the fiercest sport this side of Australian rules football, a few beers, and some great snacks, especially at the club level.”
Restaurant with a view
The Hatch
Foot of Erie Street at the Erie Basin Marina, 842-4142
“Superb views of both the lake and the Buffalo skyline here.”
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