Hertel Avenue Hip and Happening

Go with the flow

Few Buffalo neighborhoods capture the city’s exciting rebirth quite like Hertel Avenue. An influx of new bars, restaurants and shops complement the neighborhood’s established eateries and long-tenured businesses. The North Park Theatre, a nearly century-old moviehouse, newly restored and its neon glittering once again, serves as the street’s focal point, surrounded by a supporting cast of hip newcomers like Mes Que, Spot Coffee and Lloyd Taco. Hertel is also one of Buffalo’s most diverse business districts, with recently-arrived Middle Eastern chefs selling shawarma and halal alongside old school Italian delicatessens, restaurants and pizza parlors. This mix of old and new is making Hertel the neighborhood of choice for a 20- and 30-something crowd of locals and visitors.

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

Lloyd Taco Factory

Buffalo’s original food truck earned their rep slinging creative tacos, but don’t underestimate their crafty cocktails, like the Snozzberry Mule and Nautical Disaster, to pair with your Dirty South Taco.

The Little Club

This newcomer to Hertel prides itself on introducing patrons to wines from lesser-known regions and strips the pretension out of wine drinking with their “come as you are” mentality.

Més Que

Glance into Més Que at any hour and you’re likely to find jersey-clad soccer fans cheering on teams from around the world. In other words, a sports bar with international style.

Shop

Cone Five Gallery

Offers some of the most elegant, handmade giftware and jewelry around.

Revolver Records

LPs are back and bigger than ever at this record shop that features rock, jazz, hip hop and soul albums, as well as turntables, speakers and music-related gifts.

Monocle

This boutique department store offers visitors a full-scale luxury lifestyle shopping experience.

Savor

Lake Effect Ice Cream

One of the most amazing ice cream experiences in town. You don’t have to settle on just one flavor when you can indulge in the “Flight of Five.”

Je Ne Sais Quoi

Soul food classics like fried catfish, mac and cheese and collard greens. Don’t miss owner Gwen Ingram’s house made peach cobbler.

Ristorante Lombardo

An incredible wine list, contemporary and delicious regional Italian food, swanky cocktails and impeccable service are the hallmarks of this classic Buffalo dining spot.