It was back in September when WCP updated us on the progress of this Swan Street building. Since that time Buffalonian4Life delivered us a hardhat tour of the Lofts @ 136, which signaled the coming of 88 student-oriented living units to hit the market. Upon completion, those students are going to be looking for places to grab some food and shop. One of those places will be Conti’s Pizza and Pasta – a sit-down eatery that opened its doors in the aforementioned Swan Street building earlier in the week.
The pizzeria has plenty of seating and a long bar that is currently only serving up non-alcohol refreshments. That means that it’s a great place for families with children… also the perfect spot to grab a bite to eat before or after a Sabres game. The menu is fairly extensive, offering just about everything under the sun, including huge tacos, calzones, hot and cold submarine sandwiches, burgers, chicken wings, pasta dinners, soups and salads. Inside, Conti’s shows off its original tin ceilings, new ceiling fans, interior awnings and a couple of flat screens. The tablecloths are still on order, but should be in soon enough – they will certainly help to add warmth to what looks to be a big open space. There are more tables and chairs on the way as well.
Even though work is still be done to finish off the final details, Conti’s is well on its way to becoming a stopping point for downtown workers and ECC students. Apparently their second day open they were slammed with customers who have been eagerly awaiting the ‘Open’ sign to light up in the window. As for the pizza? Conti’s manager told me that owner Matt Conti serves up a style that is a mix between NY style pizza and Buffalo style. The process involves taking a thicker crust and crisping the bottom enough that it stays crisp. Even though the name suggests that pizza and pasta is the way to go, I was told that the pulled pork sandwich served with three different sauces is their claim to fame.
Hours:
10am-10pm Mon-Thurs
10am -11pm Fri-Sat
Closed Sundays
Eat in, take out, delivery.
Conti’s Pizza and Pasta
162 Swan Street
Buffalo NY 14203
Corner of Michigan and Swan
716-847-2782