12 Lip Smacking Favorite Foods of Buffalo, New York

This article is the first installment in a series exploring the favorite foods of cities around the Great Lakes Region. Each city has its unique culinary traditions shaped by history, geography, and cultural influences. We begin with Buffalo, New York, a city renowned for its bold flavors and signature dishes. From iconic Buffalo wings to beloved sponge candy, Buffalo’s food scene reflects its deep-rooted traditions and passion for great meals. As we continue this series, we’ll uncover the must-try dishes that define other Great Lakes cities, celebrating the region’s rich and diverse food culture.

In this guide, we highlight the Favorite Foods of Buffalo, showcasing the best local flavors that define the city’s culinary identity.

Map Of All Places Mentioned in this Article

What Great Foods Are Found in Buffalo

Buffalo, New York, is one of the top food cities in the Great Lakes Region, offering a melting pot of flavors influenced by generations of different cultures. From the classic Buffalo wings to sweet treats like sponge candy, the city’s food scene reflects its deep love for people and community. Whether you’re strolling down Main Street, visiting Niagara Falls, or exploring downtown Buffalo, there are plenty of places to grab a great meal. This guide highlights ten must-try dishes in the City of Good Neighbors, ensuring you get a taste of local favorites that define Buffalo’s food culture.

1. Buffalo Wings

Buffalo wings are perhaps the most famous food in Western New York. These deep-fried chicken wings, coated in a tangy, buttery hot sauce, were first created at the legendary Anchor Bar. The combination of heat, crispy skin, and cooling blue cheese dressing makes for a signature dish that has since become a nationwide favorite.

Duff’s Famous Wings is a must-visit for those looking for another top-tier wing spot. The eatery’s slogan, “Medium is hot, hot is very hot, and very hot is very, very hot,” speaks to its commitment to bold flavors. Buffalo’s food trucks also serve their unique takes on this classic dish, ensuring that no matter where you are in the city, you’re never far from a plate of mouthwatering wings.

2. Beef on Weck Sandwich

A true Buffalo classic, the Beef on Weck sandwich features thinly sliced roast beef piled onto a kummelweck roll, a unique bread roll topped with coarse salt and caraway seeds. This sandwich is often served with a side of au jus for dipping and a smear of Weber’s horseradish mustard to add a sharp kick.

Locals argue over where to find the best Beef on Weck, but standout locations include Charlie the Butcher and Schwabl’s. This sandwich has been a staple favorite foods of Buffalo for generations and is a must-try for anyone visiting the Queen City.

3. Sponge Candy

?A beloved sweet treat in Buffalo, sponge candy is a crunchy, airy confection coated in milk or dark chocolate. This regional specialty has been a local favorite for generations, with candy shops like Parkside Candy and Watson’s Chocolates producing some of the best versions.

The unique texture comes from caramelized sugar, forming a light and crisp center, which shatters delightfully with each bite. Orange chocolate variations and peanut butter-infused versions add a modern twist to this Buffalo classic.

4. Buffalo-Style Pizza

?Buffalo-style pizza is a unique take on traditional pies, distinct from New York City’s thin crust and Chicago’s deep dish. It’s more like a Detroit-style pizza. Known for its medium-thick crust, sweet tomato sauce, generous cheese topping, and slightly charred edges, this style of pizza has gained a devoted following.

One of the best places to experience Buffalo-style pizza is Bocce Club Pizza, which has been serving up this local staple for decades. Other popular spots include Imperial Pizza and Franco’s, offering variations highlighting the region’s deep love for bold flavors. This pizza style sits among the top favorite foods of Buffalo.

5. Sahlen’s Hot Dogs (Red Hots)

?A Western New York staple, Sahlen’s hot dogs, also known as red hots, are a must-try for any visitor. Known for their signature snap and smoky flavor, these hot dogs are grilled to perfection and often served with Weber’s mustard, adding a bold and tangy kick.

Ted’s Hot Dogs is one of the most popular places to enjoy these local favorites, where customers can watch their hot dogs charred over an open flame. The combination of the crispy casing and juicy interior makes these a standout snack or meal, especially during the summer months.

6. Perry’s Ice Cream

Buffalo’s food scene wouldn’t be complete without Perry’s Ice Cream, a beloved brand that has been serving the region for over a century. Known for its rich and creamy texture, Perry’s offers a variety of flavors that highlight the best of Western New York.

Popular flavors include peanut butter swirl, black raspberry, and the regionally inspired loganberry. Whether you grab a scoop from a local ice cream stand or enjoy it at a fine dining restaurant, Perry’s Ice Cream is a sweet way to cool off in the summer.

7. Polish Cuisine at Polish Villa

?Buffalo has a strong Polish heritage within its favorite foods of Buffalo, and its cuisine reflects these cultural roots. The Polish Villa, a well-loved restaurant, serves authentic dishes like pierogi, kielbasa, and golabki (stuffed cabbage rolls). The menu is a tribute to generations of Polish immigrants who have enriched Buffalo’s food culture.

Whether you prefer your pierogi filled with potato and cheese or sauerkraut and mushrooms, Polish Villa ensures a comforting and traditional dining experience. Their kielbasa is perfectly seasoned, and their homemade golabki is a must-try for those seeking a hearty, flavorful meal.

8. Breakfast Sandwiches at The Original Pancake House

?Buffalo’s breakfast scene is just as rich as its dinner options, and The Original Pancake House is one of the best places to start your day. Known for its hearty breakfast sandwiches, this spot serves classics made with fresh eggs, crisp bacon, and melted cheese on fluffy biscuits or toasted bagels.

Many locals swear by the breakfast sandwiches paired with a side of home fries or French toast. Whether you’re fueling up for a day exploring downtown Buffalo or heading to Niagara Falls, this breakfast staple provides the perfect start to any morning.

9. Local Chips and Snacks

?Buffalo offers a variety of local snacks, with unique potato chips and other savory treats throughout the city. Some local favorites include house-made kettle chips served at bars and sandwich shops, often paired with Weber’s mustard or French onion dip.

Buffalo’s food trucks and corner stores also stock a variety of unique flavors, from sweet potato puffs to spicy barbecue chips, ensuring that snack lovers have plenty of choices when looking for a quick bite.

Bonus points if you find New York Chips on your travels. Based in Gainesville, New York, just east of Buffalo, has made a name by producing high-quality kettle-cooked potato chips. Made from locally grown potatoes, these chips are known for their satisfying crunch and natural flavor. Unlike mass-produced brands, New York Chips prides itself on using simple ingredients and minimal processing, delivering a superior snacking experience.

These chips are among the favorite foods of Buffalo in delis, grocery stores, and restaurants, where they are often served as a side with sandwiches or burgers. Whether enjoyed plain, lightly salted, or flavored with unique seasonings, New York Chips are a regional favorite that embodies the rich agricultural tradition of Western New York.

10. Unique Drinks and Cocktails

Mezcal Sour

?Buffalo’s thriving bar scene is filled with craft cocktails, and the Mezcal Sour stands out as a local favorite. This smoky, citrus-infused cocktail, often found in trendy bars across Elmwood Village and downtown Buffalo, highlights the city’s evolving mixology culture.

Many of Buffalo’s best wine-focused restaurants and craft cocktail bars serve variations of this drink, often featuring fresh ingredients and bold flavors. Paired with live music and a vibrant nightlife scene, it’s a perfect way to cap off a day of indulging in Buffalo’s iconic foods.

Loganberry Drink

The Loganberry drink is a popular and uniquely Western New York beverage, particularly beloved in Buffalo. It originated from the loganberry, a hybrid fruit that is a cross between a raspberry and a blackberry. The drink itself is a non-carbonated, deep purple, sweet fruit beverage that has been a regional favorite for decades.

Origins of the Loganberry Drink

The drink traces its roots back to Crystal Beach, a now-closed amusement park in Ontario, Canada, just across the border from Buffalo. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the park introduced a loganberry-flavored drink that quickly became a staple for visitors from Buffalo. When the park closed in 1989, the demand for the drink remained high, and local bottlers and restaurants continued to produce it.

Where to Find Loganberry in Buffalo

Today, Aunt Rosie’s Loganberry is the most well-known brand, found at local grocery stores, restaurants, and even Ted’s Hot Dogs, where it is frequently served alongside Buffalo’s famous Sahlen’s hot dogs. Another popular brand is PJ’s Crystal Beach Loganberry, which pays homage to its amusement park origins.

How It’s Served

• Cold and Refreshing – Typically served ice-cold from a soda fountain or in bottles and cans.
• Non-Carbonated – Unlike many popular fruit drinks, loganberry is flat and has a smooth, syrupy consistency.
• Versatile Mixer – It’s often used as a base for cocktails, with mezcal, bourbon, or rum as popular pairings.

Why Buffalo Loves Loganberry

Buffalo has a strong connection to regional foods, and Loganberry is no exception. It’s a nostalgic drink that reminds locals of summers at Crystal Beach and remains a staple in Western New York. The drink’s distinctive, sweet berry flavor makes it a must-try for visitors.

11. Charcoal Broiled Hot Dogs in Buffalo, NY

Charcoal broiled hot dogs are a Buffalo classic, known for their signature charred, smoky flavor and crispy casing. Unlike traditional boiled or grilled hot dogs, these are cooked over an open charcoal flame, giving them a distinct texture and taste that locals love.

Why Charcoal Broiling?

• Unique Flavor: Cooking over real charcoal gives the hot dogs a smoky, slightly crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy.
• Signature Snap: Buffalo’s favorite hot dogs, Sahlen’s Hot Dogs, have a natural casing that “snaps” when bitten into, enhancing the eating experience.
• Customization: Many places allow customers to customize their hot dogs with toppings like Weber’s mustard, onions, pickles, or chili.

Where to Find the Best Charcoal Broiled Hot Dogs in Buffalo

Several Buffalo institutions have perfected the charcoal-broiled hot dog over the years. Some of the most well-known include:

1. Ted’s Hot Dogs

• The gold standard for Buffalo’s charcoal-broiled hot dogs.
• Established in 1927, Ted’s has been serving Sahlen’s Hot Dogs grilled over real hardwood charcoal for generations.
• Customers can watch their hot dog being charred to perfection before choosing from a variety of toppings.
• Must-Try Order: A footlong charcoal broiled hot dog with Weber’s mustard and diced onions, paired with loganberry drink and hand-cut fries.

2. Louie’s Texas Red Hots

• A Buffalo institution famous for its Texas-style “red hots” served with a spicy meat sauce.
• While not as smoky as Ted’s, they still grill their hot dogs over an open flame, keeping that signature crisp texture.
• Must-Try Order: A Texas Red Hot with everything—meat sauce, mustard, and onions.

3. Old Man River

• Located near Tonawanda and the Niagara River, this seasonal stand offers charcoal broiled Sahlen’s Hot Dogs with a beautiful outdoor setting.
• Must-Try Order: A classic char-grilled dog with sweet relish and sauerkraut, paired with their famous sweet potato fries.

Buffalo’s Love for Charcoal Broiled Hot Dogs

Buffalo’s food scene is known for its love of bold flavors and nostalgia, and charcoal broiled hot dogs are a local staple enjoyed by generations. Whether you’re at Ted’s, Louie’s, or a backyard BBQ, a charred Sahlen’s hot dog is an essential part of experiencing Buffalo’s food culture.

A Final Taste

?Buffalo’s food scene is diverse, delicious, and deeply rooted in the city’s culture. Whether you’re a visitor or a longtime resident, these ten dishes highlight what Buffalo has to offer.

With Google Maps and hand-picked editors from the Food Network frequently highlighting the city’s culinary gems, it’s clear that Buffalo is one of the best cities for food lovers. Let us know your own opinions—what’s your favorite Buffalo food? Share your top answers in the comments!

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