Warning: do not read on an empty stomach. One thing is for sure – Buffalo has some real good food and you’re missing out if you don’t try it. Aside from the classic pizza and wings (which of course will still be on this list), our city offers a ton of culinary masterpieces that beg to be eaten at least once. Put on your bibs and read on as we highlight Buffalo’s 9 best dishes!
- Duffs – Chicken Wings and Fries
Esimpraim – Flickr Let’s start with the obvious. The battle in Buffalo over who has the best chicken wings will forever wage on, but the popular pick is Duffs. The thing that makes Duff’s wings so great is their size and the great flavor. You actually feel like you’re getting enough cluck for your buck. Pair the wings with their fries and you have a classic Buffalo meal. Extra points if you dip both in blue cheese – NEVER ranch.
- Alton’s – Open Chicken Souvlaki
Yelp / Edgar M. Alton’s has two restaurant locations, one on Transit and the other on Union. While the diner offers a wide range of homestyle foods from meatloaf to chicken tenders, they specialize in Greek. The absolute best dish on their menu is the open chicken souvlaki, which comes with Greek marinated chicken, a huge salad covered in green peppers, onions, feta cheese, a dill dipping sauce, and a piece of pita bread. The thing that makes this dish is the dill dipping sauce. It’s light and gives the meal a refreshing feel. That and feta makes everything better!
- Bar Bill – Beef on Weck
Nick Gray - Flickr Although another local establishment is well known for this Buffalo-based sandwich, Bar Bill’s beef on weck takes the win for a dish you must try. While the atmosphere of the location plays a big part in the success of this sandwich, the fact that the bread is delicious and not soggy, and the beef is delicious calls for victory. When it comes to the bread, the obvious kimmelweck is used, but the option of kaiser is also available. You know… for the out-of-towners.
- Big Ditch Brewery – Breuben
Øystein Alsaker - Flickr When we say this sandwich is out of this world, we mean it. The meat is tender and juicy, the homemade thousand island dressing packs great flavor, and the rye bread is crisp and adds the perfect crunch. Wash it down with one of Big Ditch’s award-winning craft brews. You won’t regret trying this instant classic!
- Jim’s Steak Out – Chicken Finger Sub
Jim’s SteakOut Website House rules: you can’t live in or visit Buffalo without trying a chicken finger sub. Jim’s Steakout has several locations throughout the Buffalo area. The combination of chicken fingers soaked in buffalo sauce, provolone, blue cheese, lettuce, tomato, and onion, blanketed in a white (or wheat for you healthy fans) roll is heaven…especially after a night out at the Buffalo bars.
- 716 Food and Sport – Beer Can Chicken
716 Food and Sport – Facebook Come down to Harbor Center for one of Buffalo’s best shareable chicken dinners! The Beer Can Chicken at “716” is large enough for two – maybe even three – people to share. A whole rotisserie chicken is stacked on top of a full can of Labatt’s, roasted with a BBQ dry rub, and served with mac ‘n cheese and cornbread. The chicken is moist and flavorful and pairs well with one of the restaurant’s speciality cocktails. Just make sure you get there in time because this meal is limited daily!
- Paula’s Donuts – All of them
Dave Crosby - Flickr One of the most classic of Buffalo desserts. Nothing is better than a fresh baked donut, especially when they come from Paula’s. Paula’s Donuts are known around Buffalo as the go-to for donuts and pastries alike. Whether you want a plain frycake or a Texas donut that can feed 6-8 people, Paula’s never disappoints. Make sure your Easter is complete with one of Paula’s paczkis!
- Antoinette’s - Sponge Candy
Nicole Resseguie-Snyder - Flickr Like many other Buffalo dishes, there are many places you can get sponge candy in Western New York. Antoinette’s takes our top pick for a Buffalo dish you must try because the quality of the chocolate is beyond incredible (milk or dark) and the actual “sponge” inside of their sponge candy is golden, smooth, and crunchy. Warning: sponge candy is addicting. You can’t eat just one piece. You must indulge!
- Buffalo Chophouse - Nine Layer Chocolate Cake
Buffalo Chophouse - Facebook They’re known for their steak, but everyone must try the nine layer chocolate cake from Buffalo Chophouse. This cake, as you would suspect, is huge! It comes out on a giant white plate and is surrounded with fresh berries (which makes it healthy, no?). We recommend sharing this mainly because the menu says, “Nine layer chocolate for two,” but you can try to eat it on your own. Consider it a Buffalo food challenge. Just make sure that you order a giant glass of milk on the side.
There you have it – the bucket list of Buffalo’s best dishes! What is your favorite Buffalo dish? Share it in the comments below!
Esimpraim – Flickr
Let’s start with the obvious. The battle in Buffalo over who has the best chicken wings will forever wage on, but the popular pick is Duffs. The thing that makes Duff’s wings so great is their size and the great flavor. You actually feel like you’re getting enough cluck for your buck. Pair the wings with their fries and you have a classic Buffalo meal. Extra points if you dip both in blue cheese – NEVER ranch.
Yelp / Edgar M.
Alton’s has two restaurant locations, one on Transit and the other on Union. While the diner offers a wide range of homestyle foods from meatloaf to chicken tenders, they specialize in Greek. The absolute best dish on their menu is the open chicken souvlaki, which comes with Greek marinated chicken, a huge salad covered in green peppers, onions, feta cheese, a dill dipping sauce, and a piece of pita bread. The thing that makes this dish is the dill dipping sauce. It’s light and gives the meal a refreshing feel. That and feta makes everything better!
Nick Gray - Flickr
Although another local establishment is well known for this Buffalo-based sandwich, Bar Bill’s beef on weck takes the win for a dish you must try. While the atmosphere of the location plays a big part in the success of this sandwich, the fact that the bread is delicious and not soggy, and the beef is delicious calls for victory. When it comes to the bread, the obvious kimmelweck is used, but the option of kaiser is also available. You know… for the out-of-towners.
Øystein Alsaker - Flickr
When we say this sandwich is out of this world, we mean it. The meat is tender and juicy, the homemade thousand island dressing packs great flavor, and the rye bread is crisp and adds the perfect crunch. Wash it down with one of Big Ditch’s award-winning craft brews. You won’t regret trying this instant classic!
Jim’s SteakOut Website
House rules: you can’t live in or visit Buffalo without trying a chicken finger sub. Jim’s Steakout has several locations throughout the Buffalo area. The combination of chicken fingers soaked in buffalo sauce, provolone, blue cheese, lettuce, tomato, and onion, blanketed in a white (or wheat for you healthy fans) roll is heaven…especially after a night out at the Buffalo bars.
716 Food and Sport – Facebook
Come down to Harbor Center for one of Buffalo’s best shareable chicken dinners! The Beer Can Chicken at “716” is large enough for two – maybe even three – people to share. A whole rotisserie chicken is stacked on top of a full can of Labatt’s, roasted with a BBQ dry rub, and served with mac ‘n cheese and cornbread. The chicken is moist and flavorful and pairs well with one of the restaurant’s speciality cocktails. Just make sure you get there in time because this meal is limited daily!
Dave Crosby - Flickr
One of the most classic of Buffalo desserts. Nothing is better than a fresh baked donut, especially when they come from Paula’s. Paula’s Donuts are known around Buffalo as the go-to for donuts and pastries alike. Whether you want a plain frycake or a Texas donut that can feed 6-8 people, Paula’s never disappoints. Make sure your Easter is complete with one of Paula’s paczkis!
Nicole Resseguie-Snyder - Flickr
Like many other Buffalo dishes, there are many places you can get sponge candy in Western New York. Antoinette’s takes our top pick for a Buffalo dish you must try because the quality of the chocolate is beyond incredible (milk or dark) and the actual “sponge” inside of their sponge candy is golden, smooth, and crunchy. Warning: sponge candy is addicting. You can’t eat just one piece. You must indulge!
Buffalo Chophouse - Facebook
They’re known for their steak, but everyone must try the nine layer chocolate cake from Buffalo Chophouse. This cake, as you would suspect, is huge! It comes out on a giant white plate and is surrounded with fresh berries (which makes it healthy, no?). We recommend sharing this mainly because the menu says, “Nine layer chocolate for two,” but you can try to eat it on your own. Consider it a Buffalo food challenge. Just make sure that you order a giant glass of milk on the side.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
