Upscale restaurants are great, but nothing beats a homestyle meal from an old-fashioned, family-owned restaurant every once in a while. While many places are finished with 1950s-inspired details, this restored railroad passenger car turned vintage diner takes it to a whole new level. When you have a hankering for all-American classic food, chug on in to Lake Effect Diner!
You’ll find Lake Effect Diner at 3165 Main Street in Buffalo.
Vanessa M. - Yelp If you’re looking for a great place to eat, you won’t have to search too hard to find Lake Effect Diner. Just look for the neon signs and shiny aluminum exterior!
This diner car has a rich history.
Steve W. - Yelp This 1950’s diner car is one of the last of its kind in America. The railroad passenger car was saved from demolition and moved to Buffalo from Wayne, Pennsylvania in 2001, when the Curtin family took over and completely restored it into the diner it is today.
Pull up a seat at the 50s-style bar.
Joey B. - Yelp Take a seat and take it all in. Vintage tables, stools, and an old-fashioned “soda jerk” station are all focal points in the diner car’s interior.
Be prepared for a bit of a crowd.
Vanessa M. - Yelp Lake Effect Diner is a popular spot, so you might want to plan ahead for your table. Luckily, there are plenty of touches to the train car’s interior and exterior decor to keep you distracted - and the food will be well worth any wait!
The diner has three menus, each available any time of day.
Charlene R. - Yelp The diner prides itself on its fresh, local ingredients and entrees prepared from scratch. Some of the highlights from the menu include homemade breads, jams, and jellies and house-smoked and cured meats, as well as locally sourced eggs.
Tracy K. - Yelp The diner is small in size, but their menu certainly makes up for any shortage in space. Whether you’re in the mood for a simple BLT, a fresh wrap or hot sandwich, or a specialty salad, the lunch menu has plenty to choose from!
Richard J. - Yelp If you’re feeling really hungry, choose from the dinner menu for classic comfort food dishes like pork chops and roast beef, or try out their famous fish fry: pan-seared or fried with four different flavor choices!
No matter what you order, everything is appetizing!
Crystal K. - Yelp If you want something on the smaller side or need a starter to share, Lake Effect’s appetizer menu has all of the crowd favorites with everything from hummus dip to chicken wings!
Save room for an old-fashioned milkshake.
Arianna F. - Yelp Whatever you order for your entree, be sure to save room for dessert. Lake Effect serves up over 25 flavors of old-fashioned shakes, as well as several ice cream sundaes and pies!
Experience the diner morning, noon, or night.
Crystal K. - Yelp Head to Lake Effect Diner for a good, hearty meal all day, every day from 7AM until 10PM.
What’s your go-to diner order? (A classic grilled cheese and fries for me, please!) Share your favorite food items and classic Buffalo diner choices in the comments!
Vanessa M. - Yelp
If you’re looking for a great place to eat, you won’t have to search too hard to find Lake Effect Diner. Just look for the neon signs and shiny aluminum exterior!
Steve W. - Yelp
This 1950’s diner car is one of the last of its kind in America. The railroad passenger car was saved from demolition and moved to Buffalo from Wayne, Pennsylvania in 2001, when the Curtin family took over and completely restored it into the diner it is today.
Joey B. - Yelp
Take a seat and take it all in. Vintage tables, stools, and an old-fashioned “soda jerk” station are all focal points in the diner car’s interior.
Lake Effect Diner is a popular spot, so you might want to plan ahead for your table. Luckily, there are plenty of touches to the train car’s interior and exterior decor to keep you distracted - and the food will be well worth any wait!
Charlene R. - Yelp
The diner prides itself on its fresh, local ingredients and entrees prepared from scratch. Some of the highlights from the menu include homemade breads, jams, and jellies and house-smoked and cured meats, as well as locally sourced eggs.
Tracy K. - Yelp
The diner is small in size, but their menu certainly makes up for any shortage in space. Whether you’re in the mood for a simple BLT, a fresh wrap or hot sandwich, or a specialty salad, the lunch menu has plenty to choose from!
Richard J. - Yelp
If you’re feeling really hungry, choose from the dinner menu for classic comfort food dishes like pork chops and roast beef, or try out their famous fish fry: pan-seared or fried with four different flavor choices!
Crystal K. - Yelp
If you want something on the smaller side or need a starter to share, Lake Effect’s appetizer menu has all of the crowd favorites with everything from hummus dip to chicken wings!
Arianna F. - Yelp
Whatever you order for your entree, be sure to save room for dessert. Lake Effect serves up over 25 flavors of old-fashioned shakes, as well as several ice cream sundaes and pies!
Head to Lake Effect Diner for a good, hearty meal all day, every day from 7AM until 10PM.
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