Food Finds
This past week I really enjoyed the diversity of restaurants around the city. On Sunday we found ourselves having a late lunch at Empire Grill on Hertel (bottom photo). This time around I ordered a round of sliders (didn't know they served them there) and relaxed in the spaciously clean and cool environment. As we ate the sliders we commented on how the 'wow factor' was still very much alive at this upscale super-diner. It's a far stretch from another one of my favorites in the University District - Amy's Place . Everyone has their favorite diners around the city... that is one type of restaurant that we can pick and choose with ease.
Earlier this evening we decided to stop by Lagniappes (top photo) in Allentown. I still manage to run into people who have no idea that this Creole restaurant even exists. It's open late and the atmosphere and the food rule. We also stopped in to grab a bite to eat at The Nortel (on Hertel) the other night and found that they serve food on these really cool trays that fit right on the lip of the bar... how cool is that? For lunch, the Falafel Bar (on Elmwood) has been a solid choice, and I've really been digging Emily's (in Black Rock) too (great tuna melts).
With all of these new restaurant choices in town, along with all of the great places that have been with us for a long time, we want to know if you have any trade secrets for us. Where is the hidden little gem of an eatery that has eluded us? Is there a corner bar that serves food that we should know about? Is there a hidden restaurant in the middle of a residential neighborhood that we may not be aware of? Where are the hidden finds? And what are they serving?
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Comment Options
sbrof
I went to the Nortel last Friday for a fish fry.. what a fun time that was! :) My whole company as well as myself felt right as home as soon as we walked in the doors. Reminds my how much I miss the old East Side places I used to go to as a kid. Ohh for one more trip to the Wurtburger Hof. :(
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al-alo
sbrof,
hey i was there too with the gang. slaw was very good. my fish fry came w/ hush some puppies. 4 meals, soups, and aviator red for 50 bucks. cant beat that.
as for one of the best restaurants in the city, newell, you were right across the street - North End. been under new management for 10 months-ish (i think). best value for quality food - sorry viking, haven't made to ur place yet.
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icecreamsub
Barry's Place on Amherst street promote the $4.99 Polish lunch.....still haven't tried it yet but will someday...
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dpbflo
North End Trattoria? Awesome place but someone told me it just closed very recently a week or two ago?
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dpbflo
ps No Newell I cant think of one damn place you have not already conquered! wait a minute,,, you want a kick ass steak sandwich... in a cool laid back atmosphere check out MT Pockets on hertel also now home to steves clam bar!
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BetterThanDetroit
[deleted: obscenity]
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Martin
hmmm, slow news week, restaurants you've already, reviewed, Dulski building comparism....yawn. Give us something to bicker about! Has Basher put the Statler on sale yet, heard that rummer that he's gettin ready to try and flip it.
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Novisiblemeansofsupport
When do you work?
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ChristaSeychew
North End Trattoria is closed- just thought I'd clear that up.
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al-alo
WHAT!!!! I have a gift certificate for 50 bucks! WTF!
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al-alo
WHAT!!!! I have a gift certificate for 50 bucks! WTF!
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RisingDamp666
Get me 20,000 lbs of TNT, Martin, and I'll "flip" the Statler for him!
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mbhxam
i hear sterling place on hertel has the best burgersw in town...never actually been there...oh and be sure to bring cash, i hear they don't take plastic!
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joshfromsb
Charlie O'Brien's on Elk Street in South Buffalo is pretty good for burgers and wings and other bar food.
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joshfromsb
Charlie O'Brien's on Elk Street in South Buffalo is pretty good for burgers and wings and other bar food.
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joshfromsb
so nice i had to say it twice
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Sexy_Beast
Is the Somali Star on Grant still open?
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WilliamZabkaAllStars
Once North End came under new ownership/management several months ago, the quality of food and service declined precipitously.
Similarly, despite serving decent food and having fantastic atmosphere, the service at Empire Grill leaves MUCH to be desired. Too many times I've had to wait far too long for a waitress to take and bring back drink orders, for the kitchen to prepare our food, etc.
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NorPark
Yep, Sterling Place does have quite the dank burger, and a fine selection of brew on tap and by the bottle.
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viking
I think we need to take a poll on how many Greek restaurants there is in the Greater Buffalo area and how many are related to each other. Although I'm a frequent patron of them all ( because of their generally good service and product) I believe there is a movement to capture the restaurant scene from the Italian's. Also lets not forget the Chinese, they are also expanding their reach too. So far the French haven't made consistent inroads into the customer base but the Mexican place's are sneaking in also. I think the old fashion American Steak & Lobster places are being besieged by these imports. While diversity is good too much immigration may challenge our traditions and take over, think of the damage that would do to our Cattle and Lobster industries.
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ChristaSeychew
Sexy_Beast,
To the best of my knowledge, Somali Star will re-open in the spring. The outdoor dining isn't so hot this time of year! ;) I'll let you know if I hear anything different.
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marketrate
Dantes taste of soul on Bailey is outstanding.
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ChristaSeychew
Viking,
You may find this story very interesting- http://tiny.cc/GreekDiners. It's a Tiny URL link to a NY Times story about the evolution of Greek Diners in our state. I find it pretty fascinating, it's a conversation I've found myself having on a number of occasions in the last ten years or so (the article is from the 90s). I think you'll like it too.
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viking
Christa, thank you, good article, I had a similar conversation with Alex from Kosta's. The truth be known, some of our best traits of food service operation were learned from the Greeks in Chicago. Actually each ethnic group has contributed to our family's knowledge base..
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Frankenberry
I was at the Nortel on Friday. I enjoyed talking with you Queenseye. Thank you for all the great restaurant articles.
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