Restaurants in Niagra Falls area
Going to the Falls and Lake area for first time, where should we eat?
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9 Comments:
I live not too far from the Falls, and have been there a few times, but it is a huge tourist trap. It has been built up so much since a casino was put in, that it is a little crazy. there are all the big chains, but with double or triple the normal price for the same crap food (eg. bacon & eggs at Denny's is about $12)
There might be a couple of decent places around the casino, or in the casino complex.. you should look into that. it will probably be a little pricey, but it should be better food.
Good luck!!
jason at 4:40PM on 09/17/08
US or Canadian Side? What type of food?
stonechiper at 6:05PM on 09/17/08
Don't eat in Niagara Falls -- take the 20 minute (or less) drive into Buffalo to partake of the local specialities! I consider myself well qualified to advise, having gone to high school in Buffalo and recently returned for a class reunion.
One well known specialty is the famous Buffalo wing. My brother prefers the Anchor Bar, which allegedly invented them. More information here: http://www.anchorbar.com/
However, after an extensive tasting tour, I now pledge allegiance to Duff's. The Roadfood review located here: http://www.roadfood.com/Reviews/Overview.aspx?RefID=3253
gives an accurate review and I note that I prefer the Transit Road location if it still is open -- Duff's is where the Buffalonians go! (Also, the photo will make your mouth water.)
Another Buffalo specialty is "beef on weck", which is sliced roast beef on a "kimmelweck" roll that features caraway seeds and pretzel salt on top. Many people prefer the one that comes from Charlie the Butcher (many locations to serve you, see here: http://www.charliethebutcher.com/), but there is an equally large camp devoted to Schwabl's Restaurant which, as per this link: http://schwabls.com/, also offers goulash on Saturdays, but is located in West Seneca, which is not very convenient if you are visiting the Falls.
However, I grew up partial to Andersen's, which offers not only the beef on weck, but also fine custard. There are a number of custard specialities on the menu, so look here before you go: http://www.andersonscustard.com/
I prefer the off-the-menu s'more's sundae if they have it (hot fudge, graham crackers and marshmallow. Try the Amherst location - relatively easy to get to from the highway.
A little known speciality in metro Niagara Falls is Chinese food. There has been a large community in Fort Erie, Canada for many years. I have fond memories of crossing the border on Sundays to eat and then telling the customs officer that we had extra orders of spareribs, salt and pepper shrimp and spicy beef to declare!
Much to my surpise, one of my favorites, Ming Teh is still there. Excellent Schezuan, albeit somewhat Americanized. Location and reviews here: http://www.restaurantica.com/on/fort-erie/ming-teh-chinese-restaurant/23000989/. I also have happy memories of Happy Jack's, but the reviews here: http://www.restaurantica.com/on/fort-erie/happy-jacks-restaurant-tavern/23000986/ appear to be somewhat mixed.
Hope this helps! Have a good trip!
Mizbee at 6:23PM on 09/17/08
Someone asked this question last week. I live in the area and @ Mizbee's sugestions were good for the traditional foods of the area, The Seneca Niagara Casino (USA side) has a top notch steak house called The Western Door, also, KOI - Asian, and LaCascada- Italian all fine dining, and also some casual restaurants. Travel 10 minutes north to Lewiston and there are a lot of restaurants my favorite is Carmelo's right on Center St. and on the Lower Niagara River is Waterstreet Landing with live music in The Sidebar and a formal dining room with a separate menu., The dining room overlooks the river!- Enjoy my neighborhood!! P.S. if you want to go to Canada remember your passport or a drivers liscence AND birth certificate or you can't get back into the US.
joanpieroni2 at 10:09PM on 09/17/08
I live in the area too....I posted this link last week:
http://www.cse.buffalo.edu/restaurant.guide/
It's a very comprehensive guide to local dining.....and includes a listing of the top rated restaurants in the area.
What type of dining are you looking for....traditional Buffalo fare, like the ones listed by mizbee....or anything special?
mepolo at 12:53PM on 09/18/08
Also on the Canadian side: drive towards Niagara-on-the-Lake. This quaint town is the home of the Shaw Theatre Festival and has many nice restaurants. Better, stop at the winery you'll pass on the way. Have a wine tasting and stay for a very good meal.
tmdonahue at 1:17PM on 09/18/08
Lou's Market House
http://niagaravisitorsguide.com/2008/02/19/lous-petes-market-house/
good cheap eats in a fun unpretentious atmosphere, and an in house piano player with occasional barbershop quartet accompaniment.
stonechiper at 2:21PM on 09/18/08
@stonechiper - thanks for that tip....never been there, can't wait to check it out. On the site you linked to is the Como as well....I've heard nothing but good reviews of that restaurant too!
mepolo at 2:51PM on 09/18/08
Okay, as a native of Niagara Falls, I have to say you need to embrace what they have, not go somewhere else! These are my all time have-to-haves when I go home to visit. None of this is fancy, but definitely yummy.
Go to Michael's on Pine Ave- have the beans and greens soup, then gnocchi's. You won't be disappointed. The Como is good too, a bit fancier- absolutely go for the clams casino.
Order pizza (doesn't really matter where- but Honey's is my favorite) and try a chicken finger sub- even better then wings.
Go for a Steak and Cheese sub at Viola's on Military Road. (order with oil/vinegar AND mayo...)
Dicamillo's bakery- there are a few in town, but my favorite location is on Niagara Falls Boulevard near 76th. They have amazing focaccia pizza-served cold. Try the romano or the broccoli. Homemade italian donuts (peanut!), cookies and amazing italian bread. I have my family ship bread to me a couple times a year- it is that good!
Greek food at the Olympia on Niagara Falls Boulevard- a bit out of town, but worth it.
Lou's Market House was a great suggestion- I go there for breakfast every visit.
If you are up for ice cream try Dee-dee's, also on Niagara Falls Blvd. Serves Perry's ice cream - a local brand and homemade italian ice (lemon is best). Just remember these words-Chocolate cherry panda paws...
Finally- If you want to buy any italian foods go to Latina's market. There are several locations and you can get great food.
Hope for good weather and enjoy the fall colors!
elennert at 4:44PM on 09/19/08