Not quite downtown, but just moments away, the Niagara Café and BBQ offers authentic Latino delights for those who venture to Buffalo’s west side.
Proprietor Raul Hernandez, a past recipient of the Thomas Foster Memorial Business Award, prepares the assorted menu and daily specials luring many to Niagara Street.
Nestled amongst obvious signs of redevelopment, this kitchen is responsible for more than ten years of great, moderately priced food and tireless community service. This feat becomes more impressive, when one considers the difficulties in business retention for low-income communities.
It was in the spirit of community that this restaurant first began. “I want to be an example to young men on the street that hard work pays off,” said Hernandez. And what an example he is! His daughter Lillian Hernandez, celebrates her third anniversary as owner of Latin Romance; a neighboring lingerie boutique.
Niagara Café is about more than just food; it defines cultural pride and community recognition. Hernandez looks forward to the day when Latinos are recognized for being more than just minorities. He is a self-defined hard working businessman with respect for all humanity, a sentiment confirmed by his faithful customers.
Unfortunately, compliments can soon become insults as new customers reveal the imagined risks incurred by coming to the neighborhood. “It’s time to fix the problem,” said Hernandez. He believes current redevelopment efforts will aid this process and expressed satisfaction thus far with Mayor Byron Brown and his administration. “This is his favorite restaurant, and he eats here regularly”, said Hernandez quoting Oswaldo Mestre, City of Buffalo Complaint Director, from a Buffalo Spree article posted within.
The café’s selection of quaint booths remains in steady rotation with neighborhood locals and working professionals seeking new taste sensations.
Enjoy the rotisserie chicken (pictured above) or roasted pork, Niagara Café has something for everyone’s palate. Most selections are served with a side of rice (both yellow and white), beans or pigeon peas, and fried plantain.
In fact, the food selection is more than just flavorful, it is also good for you. Just ask Independent Health, who recently qualified Niagara Cafe's Stewed Chicken and Rice as a 2007 Taste of Buffalo Healthy Option. For those who can’t wait for this weekend, you may find the recipe online at www.healthyoptions.com.
Niagara Café and BBQ is a palpable sign the entrepreneurial spirit still exists on the lower west side.
Niagara Cafe
549 Niagara St, 14201
716.885.2233, call for hours