Classic Buffalo
Food Trail

2312 Sheridan Dr, Tonawanda, NY

Since 1927, this family-run spot has served its signature charcoal-broiled Sahlen’s hot dogs. The counter-service experience is part of the fun—customize your dog as you go, and don’t skip the spicy relish or a side of the homemade onion rings.

2319 Sheridan Dr, Tonawanda, NY 14150

Established in 1996, Paula’s Donuts is a family-owned bakery known for its hand-cut, made-from-scratch donuts. Paula’s offers over 30 varieties, including the popular peanut stick, along with pastries, muffins, bagels and breakfast sandwiches.

1436 Niagara Fls Blvd, Tonawanda Town, NY 14150

John’s Pizza & Subs is the self-proclaimed originator of the chicken finger sub that is copied the world over. Choose from several varieties, including a sweet chili chicken finger sub, a chicken finger pizza sub and much more.

4174 Bailey Ave, Amherst, NY 14226

Since 1946, Bocce Club Pizza has been serving up its signature pizza made with fresh dough, house-made sauce, and 100% whole milk mozzarella. You’ll crave the perfectly balanced crust—crispy on the outside, soft on the inside – served at this takeout pizzeria.

3651 Sheridan Dr, Amherst, NY 14226

Duff’s Famous Wings has been an Amherst staple since 1946 and serving some of Buffalo’s most beloved wings since 1969. Duff’s wings have earned a cult following with their bold heat and no-nonsense approach to flavor—even former U.S. President Obama couldn’t resist their signature fiery sauce.

669 Wehrle Dr, Buffalo, NY 14225

For over 50 years, McPartlan’s has been serving up perfectly crispy and flaky haddock fillets. While you can choose between a half or whole fillet, McPartlan’s also offers scallops, shrimp, and clams – and a seasonal Tom and Jerry.

1065 Wehrle Dr, Williamsville, NY 14221

Charlie Roesch is a Western New York icon known for his signature white apron, bump cap and his Beef on Weck. The freshly carved sandwich, served on a perfectly crisp weck roll with tender, medium-cut roast beef, has earned national recognition.

5507 Main St, Williamsville, NY 14221

Enjoy a classic Tom & Jerry alongside their famous wings or beef on weck at Glen Park Tavern. When the season starts, they go through seven double batches of batter —proving this nostalgic cocktail is a local favorite.

4475 Transit Rd Suite #103, Buffalo, NY 14221

Chrusciki Bakery, a Buffalo favorite for decades, blends old-world European recipes with modern flavors. Their delicate, flaky pastry hearts are topped with sweet frosting. Alongside these local treats, you’ll find chrusciki, placek, cannoli, and almond rings.

8301 Main St, Buffalo, NY 14221

Alethea’s Sponge Candy is made in small batches year-round for the perfect crisp, airy bite coated in rich chocolate. Each piece is branded with an “A” as a mark of quality—except in the warmer months when it is double-dipped.

73 Hamburg St, Buffalo, NY 14204

Tucked among grain elevators and train tracks, Gene McCarthy’s has been a mainstay of the city’s Old First Ward for more than six decades. Stop by for the Friday fish fry and get 14 ounces of beer-battered haddock served with coleslaw, macaroni salad, and fresh-cut fries.

291 Seneca St, Buffalo, NY 14204

For over a century, Chef’s Restaurant has stood at the corner of Seneca and Chicago Streets. No dish is more legendary than Chef’s Spaghetti Parmesan, born here in 1962 after an experiment with butter and melted cheese.

194 Allen St, Buffalo, NY 14201

This Buffalo late-night staple known for staying open until 5 a.m. is famous for its chicken finger subs and its signature steak sandwich. Try the Jim’s Bleu, a chicken finger sub loaded with creamy bleu cheese, or the Stinger, with Angus steak.

1047 Main St, Buffalo, NY 14209

In 1964, Teressa Bellissimo changed American food history by frying up wings, tossing them in hot sauce, and serving them as a late-night snack in Anchor Bar. While they offer several varieties, the medium wings remain the closest to Teressa’s original recipe.

229 Lexington Ave, Buffalo, NY 14222

Since the 1940s, this former stagecoach stop has served a beloved holiday tradition with its warm, boozy Tom & Jerry. Cozy up by an outdoor fire pit for the ultimate seasonal experience—and when you’re done, take home the commemorative mug.

371 W Ferry St, Buffalo, NY 14213

Established by “Papa” Joe Todaro in 1957, La Nova has been credited with popularizing the meal combo of pizza and wings and has been a Buffalo favorite ever since. In addition to 21 toppings and nearly as many specialty pies, their game-changer is the crust. Choose from sesame seeds, onion, garlic, Cajun spice, or Parmigiano-Reggiano.

2526 Delaware Ave, Buffalo, NY 14216

A hidden gem among Buffalo’s underground wing joints, Kelly’s Korner is also known for a roast beef sandwich that’s sliced wafer-thin and stacked sky-high—piled so generously, it’s like a six-inch-tall mountain of flavor.

1900 Hertel Ave, Buffalo, NY 14214

Partnering with local businesses, Lake Effect Ice Cream crafts unique flavors like Revolution Coffee infused with Buffalo’s Public Espresso and Paula’s Glazed Donut made with real fry cake chunks. Try a Flight of Five, or go all in with a Flight of Nine.

3208 Main St, Buffalo, NY 14214

The glowing pink neon sign on Main Street has guided visitors to Parkside Candies for nearly a century. The version of sponge candy served at this old fashioned candy shop and ice cream parlor is slightly shorter in height, creating a richer chocolate-to-sponge ratio.

2193 Union Rd, West Seneca, NY 14224

Picasso’s Pizza is one of the OG of Buffalo-style pizza. They’ve been serving these rectangular pies with a light, crispy crust, sweet tomato sauce, locally made mozzarella, and perfectly charred, hand-cut pepperoni cups for over 40 years.

789 Center Rd, West Seneca, NY 14224

Schwabl’s, a fixture in Buffalo since 1837, keeps it simple with tender, hand-carved beef dripping with juices served on a fresh, perfectly crunchy kimmelweck roll with horseradish. Don’t forget to ask for sides of German potato salad and pickled beets –or for one of the region’s best Tom and Jerrys in the wintertime.

465 Center Rd, West Seneca, NY 14224

Pastry hearts have been a beloved staple since the early days of this six decade old bakery. Meticulously rolled, hand-cut and folded to perfection, these pastry hearts are made fresh every morning and available in full-size and “party-size” minis.

3411 South Park Ave, Blasdell, NY 14219

Named after the wives of its original owners, Fran-Ceil has been a beloved Southtown tradition since the 1950s. Still using its original frozen custard and sherbet recipe, this classic stand offers traditional flavors and unique varieties like pistachio.

3261 Orchard Park Rd, Orchard Park, NY 14127

The footlong charcoal broiled Sahlen’s and hand-cut curly and sweet potato fries are a must-try, paired with a legendary milkshake at this Orchard Park roadside stand. Diners have been coming to this small stand topped with a vintage neon sign for more than 70 years.

3227 Southwestern Blvd, Orchard Park, NY 14127

Watson’s Chocolates, a Buffalo tradition since 1946, handcrafts small batches of sponge candy in milk, dark, and orange chocolate using Fair Trade-certified cocoa. Their time-tested recipe has made them one of Buffalo’s go-to spots for this iconic treat.

185 Main St, East Aurora, NY 14052

This classic pub keeps it simple, focusing on what Buffalo does best: jumbo, extra-crispy wings hand-brushed in their signature sauce. Each order is meticulously coated for the perfect balance of flavor and heat, best paired with a cold beer.

641 Oakwood Ave, East Aurora, NY 14052

Don’t let the name fool ya. Crispy, beer-battered fish served with homemade sides like homemade macaroni salad, coleslaw and fries has been served in this 1882 hotel-turned-restaurant for decades.