Amy's Place
Last month, when I asked readers to list five places they couldn’t live without, several folks mentioned Amy’s Place. A few of them specifically recommended the Margie Meal. So it was with great anticipation that I recently made my first visit to this very cool establishment. Why it took me so long to try this place, I’ll never know. Suffice to say that I’m already looking forward to my next meal there.
I liked the vibe right away when I noticed a sign on the wall that said “Be nice or leave.” Well said. Then I got fixated on the “art” displayed on the walls, which are some very interesting drawings (presumably by customers) on placemats. I wanted to give it a try, but being unable to draw even a stick figure, I passed.
Taking a cue from BRO readers, I ordered the Margie Meal, an enormous combination of char-broiled chicken, fajita fries, tomatoes, garlic spread and sauce, rolled in a pita. I dug in with a fork and knife but it didn’t seem right. So I gave it a go with my hands but I lost the battle. Now, I’m wondering, how do most people eat this creation? Whatever the case, it was very good.
There’s great energy in this place. I should have stuck around to listen to the Radiohead album that was playing. I’ll hang out longer the next time. I grabbed a menu so I’m ready to order when I pop in again. I know many BRO readers are familiar with Amy’s Place so I’ll just give a quick sampling of menu items. Along with extensive breakfast options, they have appetizers such as tabulee, eggplant dip, and spinach pie. There is an excellent selection of vegetarian dishes. The “pitaco” sounds good, check this out: spicy lentils, grilled onions, peppers and tomatoes, all in a pita topped with melted cheddar. There are some vegan dishes too. There is also plenty for meat-eaters--hamburgers, steak kabob sandwich, chicken souvlaki, and much more.
Well readers, I thank you for the recommendation. Just when you think you’ve eaten everywhere in Buffalo you realize there’s always one more spot you need to go.
Amy’s Place
3234 Main Street
832-6666
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Comment Options
sbrof
Ohh man the Margie meal is to die for.. in fact I think a little part of me would die if they ever closed.. :-( That is about as close as it gets to soul food for me.
you eat it with your hands but leave it in wrapper. Also a healthy helping of Hot Sauce from the Honey Bear's is a must!!
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The_other_mike
The story behind Amy's place is as good as the food!
It is my understanding that Amy Betros, the former owner of Amy's sold the restaurant to her employees to dedicate her time to the food pantry and shelter that she was running out of the adjacent building. This was the foundation for her establishment of the St. Luke's Mission of Mercy on Walden Ave.
I liked the story that STEEL wrote about St. Luke's Mission of Mercy, back in January. Link (I hope that worked)
I would love to see BRO put as much emphasis on the work that Amy Betros and Norm Paolini have done for the people of Buffalo as they do about the waterfront or old buildings. I know that it is not popular to discuss issues of religion, but the work that Amy and Norm have done is exceptional and really serves as an example of the power of one individual.
As far as Amy's place, someone may want to investigate the story of how it changed hands in the early 90s; it is a charming and heartwarming story.
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BuffaloSoldier
Definately one of the best kept secrets in Buffalo! Mom and pop to the bone. With great food and personalities and you barely break a few bucks to do it. This is one of those places that makes me happy and proud to be from and living in Buffalo. You just don't find these places in the sunbelt the way you do in Buffalo.
Wonderful story of how Amy gave her life to serving the poor and needy of this community. And it all started in the back of this restaurant too!
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benfranklin
What strikes me about this place is how consistently good it is. The only place in Buffalo that I eat at at least once a week.
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brokeleg
Amy's place is nothing compared to JJ's. If you want the best darn breakfast served up by the hardest workin folks in town, look no further.
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B_lo_Kingz
sbrof 0 ratings12345 Yesterday, 10:13 That is about as close as it gets to soul food for me.
Sbrof- this comment could be easily misunderstood and and hurtful.. This is why this city is lagging behind also. Race relations suck. There are Bro readers who are from other races. A remoinder. IWe see alot of comments from readers on this site that are suspect. Bro should take steps to filter insesitive racial comments like this.
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B_lo_Kingz
sbrof 0 ratings12345 Yesterday, 10:13 That is about as close as it gets to soul food for me.
Sbrof- this comment could be easily misunderstood and and hurtful.. This is why this city is lagging behind also. Race relations suck. There are Bro readers who are from other races. A remoinder. IWe see alot of comments from readers on this site that are suspect. Bro should take steps to filter insesitive racial comments like this.
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B_lo_Kingz
sbrof 0 ratings12345 Yesterday, 10:13 That is about as close as it gets to soul food for me.
Sbrof- this comment could be easily misunderstood and and hurtful.. This is why this city is lagging behind also. Race relations suck. There are Bro readers who are from other races. A remoinder. IWe see alot of comments from readers on this site that are suspect. Bro should take steps to filter insesitive racial comments like this.
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sbrof
What? I am not allowed to have food that makes me feel good? The stuff I eat when I have a bad day. Apparently I can't use the word soul without having it called racist. I also usually call people out for such veiled comments but I can't see the logic in this one. Everyone is different, and everyone has 'soul food.'
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PaulBuffalo
Sbrof, I don't know anyone who would find your comment offensive. Claiming that Amy's provides food for the soul is a compliment that cannot be afforded to just any eating establishment. Perhaps, B_lo_Kingz should visit Amy's to get a better understanding of what you were trying to say.
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carl
i use to LOVE this place....
but the last time i went there, i ended up getting VERY serious food poisioning.
i will never go there again.
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peripatetic
Carl, did you talk to the owners about it? I have eaten there many many times and never had a problem.
Amy's and JJ's are just two of the great eateries around the University Heights neighborhood.
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DerekNeuland
Amy's Place is by far my favorite place to eat in Buffalo (and not just because I used to live above it). The employees, the music, the food, and the atmosphere all add up to a perfect dining experience. They also have the best vegan options in the city.
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carl
peripatetic,
my doctor called the health department, as required....i left it at that.
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Steve
Awesome breakfast, one of the few places around town that I've kept going back to for the past 15 years.
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Divaliciousone1975
I do like the place the food is great, but I must admit I haven't been there in years. I must give it a whirl soon.
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