Repurposed for Fun
The area known as Larkinville – a collection of businesses, new apartment buildings and public spaces centered along Seneca Street southeast of downtown Buffalo– is one of the city’s most impressive transformations. Formerly empty warehouses and vacant parcels are now home to weekly concerts, food truck rodeos, beer gardens, breweries and distilleries. There’s even a historic diner that’s been refurbished and relocated here. Surburban stand-outs like Paula’s Donuts and Eckl’s have moved into the neighborhood, while Jamaican-born Chef Darian Bryan has opened The Plating Society, which offers cooking classes, ticketed dinners (a favorite of the Buffalo Bills), pop-up events and brunches. This is urban regeneration at its finest.
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
Flying Bison
Pioneers of Buffalo craft brewing, Flying Bison Brewing Company is known for staple beers like Rusty Chain, and sport one of the largest taprooms in the region.
Belt Line Brewery
A newer entry in Buffalo’s craft beer scene, Belt Line is already making a name for itself. The earnest, hardworking spirit of Buffalo lives on at this brewery– one cold, hand-crafted beer at a time.
Magic Bear
Try the newest fresh beer, traditional staple, or enjoy their curated selection of wine, cider, mead, and seltzers.
Shop
Winkler & Samuels
Along the walls of this former industrial space, this wine shop carries more than 600 wines divided by country, with maps indicating the region, and even offers classes for the wine newbies or seasoned veterans.
DiTondo
While DiTondo is known for its fine Italian cuisine, feel free to walk in and purchase genuine Italian goods and products like pasta, sauces and more.
Savor
Hydraulic Hearth
Hydraulic Hearth is a happy hour, dinner, and brunch destination. Their menu is focused on brick oven pizzas and shareable starters, complimented by beers brewed in house by Community Beer Works.
Swan Street Diner
This circa-1937 Sterling Co. diner was restored and relocated to Larkin Square in 2017 and features traditional American breakfast food along with some cutting-edge culinary offerings.
Eckl’s
With roots as a blue-collar restaurant known for its beef on weck, Eckl’s has evolved into a top tier steakhouse, featuring four generations of Eckl family dedication.
