Explore the Neighborhood
Once the heart of Buffalo’s Polish population, the crossroads of Broadway and Fillmore Avenue – while still bearing more than a few traces of Polski traditions – is now a diverse neighborhood of African-American, Vietnamese and Bangladeshi residents. This heterogeneous mix is reflected inside the confines of the Broadway Market where pierogi is served alongside soul food as well as on the street where the Tu Hieu Buddhist Cultural Center has joined the company of Corpus Christi and St. Stanislaus Catholic churches. Standing tall above the entire neighborhood is the Central Terminal, a massive Art Deco building that served as Buffalo’s train station until 1979. Today, a non-profit restoration corporation is charged with bringing new life to this historic symbol of Buffalo’s past.
At a Glance
A walk through one of Buffalo’s many neighborhoods can be stimulating, entertaining and a chance to see how the locals live. For most travelers, shopping is near the top of the list of things to do while away from home, and everyone is always looking for the next spot to relax and re-energize after getting in some serious steps. With that in mind, here are some suggestions about where to sip, shop and savor while in the BUF.
Sip
Adam Mickiewicz Library
Part Polish beer bar and part manuscript library, the Mickiewicz Library stocks more than 60 types of beer in its coolers and is a popular spot on Dyngus Day.
Arty’s
In the shadow of the Central Terminal, Arty’s has been an East Buffalo institution for 80+ years, where polka is always on the jukebox and polish beer is in hand.
Dick’s Eastside Inn
Right around the corner from the Broadway Market, Dick’s is a favorite of marketgoers, serving inexpensive drinks and Buffalo comfort food like bloody marys and fried bologna.
Shop
Broadway Market
Best known for its Easter traditions, the market is open year-round and features classic Buffalo vendors selling meats, sweets and baked goods, but also is home to new vendors serving cuisine from around the world.
Custom Hatter
This longtime hat shop has supplied headwear to some of the biggest productions in Hollywood history. Leave Custom Hatter with style and a good story of Buffalo’s place on the silver screen.
Plush Boutique
With styles for dressing up or going out, Plush Boutique is high fashion at an affordable price.
Savor
Bay Leaf
Always in the conversation for best Halal food in Buffalo, Bay Leaf is a fusion of Indian, Bengali and American dishes.
Alibaba Kebab
Fast, delicious and award-winning, Alibaba provides huge portions of tasty Indian and Mediterranean food like kebabs and tandoori.
Al Mandy Halal
Perfectly spiced and always flavorful, Al Mandy is best known for dishes like lamb over rice, shawarma and other Yemeni and Arabic dishes.