Let’s be honest: social media can be pure chaos. We’ve all opened Instagram looking for a quick dinner idea, only to realize 45 minutes later that we’ve been doomscrolling dog videos and still have zero food plans. When you just want a straight-to-the-point list of the newest, hottest spots to hit this fall, we’ve got your back. For the full rundown of where to eat and drink around town, check out our Eat & Drink hub.
Below are the most essential spots we think our readers should check out. If we missed one, feel free to sound off in the comments!
1. Old City Pizza
Pearl Street Grill & Brewery: You probably know it like the back of your hand. But did you know the brewery is hiding a subterranean pizza parlor? Old City Pizza open earlier this year in the former Brawler’s Deli space and it’s been slinging top tier Neapolitan-style pies like Quattro Formaggi (18)andthespicyDiavola(22). In addition to Pearl Street brews, you can also get some coffee drinks, including shakes and smoothies. While it’s a great spot for a night out or Bisons game day, it’s also a good option for downtown workers.
Keep Reading: Neapolitan Pizza Is Hiding Underground at One of Buffalo’s Most Iconic Breweries
2. Reserve Steakhouse by Darian Bryan
Hot on the heels of winning Next Level Chef with Gordon Ramsay, Darian Bryan recently opened the doors on a luxury steakhouse in Larkinville that’s poised to welcome some serious VIPs. Reserve Steakhouse by Darian Bryan serves up contemporary steakhouse fare in a big city setting that’s perfect for a special occasion. Given Darian’s connection to the Bills and various celebrities, it’s also a good place for people spotting. Just don’t expect comforting Jamaican staples like Rasta Pasta or jerk chicken.
“I just want to show people that I’m not just a Jamaican chef. I can cook any cuisine and make it great,” he told us. “The goal was to show that I’m a master of my craft.”
Keep Reading: From Drake to Gordon Ramsay: Darian Bryan’s Steakhouse is Sprinkled with Stardust
3. Ziki | Greek on Main
After serving the community for decades, Acropolis OPA on Main Street in Williamsville was recently bought by new owners, rebranded, and relaunched as Ziki | Greek on Main. While that isn’t especially noteworthy, the way it all went down was pretty unique. Before buying the place, new co-owner Suneetha Pendyala spent several weeks working undercover in the Acropolis kitchen. The camaraderie and teamwork she felt during those shifts inspired her to take the plunge and by the restaurant from the Tsouflidis family, who were selling the restaurant. The new spot updates the classic Greek restaurant formula with more authentic Mediterranean flavors, a craft cocktail program, and a killer patio.
Keep Reading: The ‘Undercover Boss’ Story Behind Williamsville’s Newest Greek Spot
4. Tangos 716
This year’s World Cup brought a significant amount of attention to Argentina, and the recent opening of Tangos 716 gave us a chance to sample the unique cuisine coming from South American country. While baked Argentinian empanadas ($4 for one, $20 for a half dozen) are the star of the show, owner Gabriela Ozan also serves up occasional specials that highlight the large Italian population living in her native country. Right now, Tangos is just a little take out spot on the West side that’s open on Friday and Saturdays, but expect that to change as word gets out.
Keep Reading: Finally, Real Argentinian Food Has Landed on Buffalo’s West Side
5. Lilyhouse
In the ongoing game of attracting big time sporting events to Western New York, the recently renovated Buffalo Marriott Niagara on Millersport Highway is a new piece on the board. Lilyhouse is a new restaurant that’s part of the hotel’s recent multimillion dollar renovation. While the restaurant does serve Buffalo staples like chicken wings and beef on weck, it also caters to expectations of modern travelers with dishes like street-style tacos and crispy flatbreads. The hotel is also making a play as a destination for locals with an excellent craft cocktail program and massive bar area where you can host happy hour or informal gathering.
Keep Reading: Lilyhouse Is the New Restaurant and Bar Inside Amherst’s Renovated Buffalo Marriott
6. Hokkaido Ramen House and Sushi
It seems like there’s always something new popping up along McKinley Parkway in Hamburg, so you be forgiven for not noticing a new Asian serving up hard to find dishes. Hokkaido Ramen House and Sushi is setting itself apart with deep-fried sushi rolls. On our recent visit, the Dynamite Roll ($13) took clean sushi notes and galvanized them into something far richer, and a bit crunchier. Hokkaido also serves up tantanmen, ramen’s richer, spicier cousin. If you want to try either of these dishes, you have to go to Hamburg, or a big city like Toronto.
Keep Reading: Why Hamburg’s Newest Ramen House Is Worth Fighting Traffic For
7. Room 4one6
Main Street in Williamsville is great for its vibrant social energy, but what if you want something moodier and more intimate? Enter Room 4one6, a new Speakeasy from the owner of Share Kitchen & Bar Room. The Speakeasy serves very approachable classic and modern cocktails. Add in dark colors and cozy décor, and you’ve got a Northtowns escape that’s perfect year-round.
8. Indigo Chapel
From The Old Pink to Club Marcella, Buffalo nightlife is built on quirky energy, and Indigo Chapel is the newest evening spot dedicated to alternative party vibes. The walls and ceiling of the former church on Lafayette Avenue Is decked out in psychedelic murals. On our recent visit, it was the perfect setting for a DJ spinning classic house music. On top of that, all of the cocktails are inspired by tarot cards, and there is a range of bar-friendly bites.
Keep Reading: Indigo Chapel Turned A Buffalo Church Into A Tarot-Themed Cocktail Bar
9. Aloha Energy
Located in the former Squeeze space at 770 Elmwood Ave., Aloha Energy is bringing superfood smoothie bowls, lemonades, energy teas, and more. Even though the name conjures tropical images in your head, most of the smoothies are made with fresh fruit from local farms. The cozy space has plenty of natural light and perfect views for I’m with people watching.
10. Coffee Holiday
While we love Wheatfield, we have to admit there is a lack of options when it comes to local cafes. That changed recently with the opening of the appropriately named Coffee Holiday. In addition to offering essentials like espresso drinks and bagels, the new cafe offers all kinds of things you normally have to go to national chains to find, like dirty sodas, cold foam lattes, and iced drinks served in mason jars. There’s even sourdough pastries and an ice cream scoop shop. It’s the perfect stop for a mini vacay!
11. Wayland Brewing Company – Lancaster
Address & Business Info (Wayland)
Brothers Brad and Corey Rowell had been pursing separate paths in hospitality: Brad with The Grange Group and Wayland Brewing, and Corey with Buffalo Bros Burgers. The new location of Wayland Brewing in Lancaster brings the brothers together, combining Corey’s smash burgers with Brad’s brews. The result is nothing short of a smashing success, in fast-casual a space that’s perfect for a quick bite or casual meal.
12. Ever Berry
Downtown Buffalo recently got one more healthy option with the opening of Ever Berry, a smoothie shop inside the Brisbane Building on Main Street. In addition to low-guilt and protein-infused treats, Every Berry sends a portion of its profits to rebuilding the Amazon rainforest, where the shop sources its acai.
Keep Reading: Buffalo Finally Has a Legit Healthy Spot Downtown, and the Timing Couldn’t Be Better for Students
That’s our list of the 12 restaurants defining Buffalo’s fall dining scene. New spots keep popping up every month, so check back on our site before your next night out.
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Craving more? Browse all our latest food and drink coverage on the Eat & Drink hub, or catch up on our most recent restaurant openings and reviews.
Already hit one of these spots? Let us know your favorite in the comments!
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