The corner of Amherst Street and Elmwood once again has added life in the form of a hamburger, hotdog and ice cream shack that will soon be cranking out full diner fare. It’s called The Kitchen Table, and owner Kim DeWald, along with a family member or two, is planning on running a diner-style restaurant with long hours and homemade food. “We make the burgers at the restaurant,” she told me. “We serve hand cut fries too. The neighborhood is quickly discovering that we’re here to stay and our doors are usually open. We cleaned up the side yard and made a patio so that customers can eat outside. We also added an outdoor ice cream stand, so that customers can really enjoy the beautiful summer weather.”
As I said, the added life at the corner certainly helps to warm an intersection that could use some urban loving care. Once the umbrellas go up on the patio, and customers fill in the chairs, the colorful activity will easily be noticed at the busy intersection. The interior of The Kitchen Table is also warm and welcoming. It’s a mix between a greasy spoon and a country kitchen. There are tables and booths, and it’s bright and clean.
Although the menu is limited at the moment, it won’t be long before the eatery is funning on all cylinders. There’s something to be said for a business that intends to test the market in order to get a feel for what it is the neighborhood is looking for. Start with some basics, get the operation running smoothly, open for lunch and dinner, and then kick it into full gear when the time is right.
I’m excited to have another breakfast joint nearby – it’s my favorite meal of the day, but I will have to wait a month to test it out. In the meantime, a cold milkshake on the patio is calling my name.
The Kitchen Table – open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner (11am-9pm) – breakfast coming soon
1595 Elmwood Avenue
Buffalo NY 14207
716-877-3777