“Shuffle off to Buffalo” is easily the best advice that has ever been written into a musical. Truth be told, it’s probably truer today than it was when Al Dubin first penned it for 42nd Street back in 1933. A wee 40 square miles, Buffalo, New York, bulges with a vibrant arts scene and a freakishly abundant collection of restaurants featuring both local favorites, such as wings, fish fries, and beef on weck, and imports -- head straight to Kentucky Greg’s Hickory Pit for some really good barbecue. Also, and this is meant with love, the city has one of the most fanatical bunches of sports fans around. But don’t take our word for it; just listen to the locals.
Robby Takac
Bass player for the Goo Goo Dolls and founding member of the Music is Art foundation
You never know whom you’re going to see at the
Town Ballroom [1] (like the Goo Goo Dolls, who have played more than a few special shows there). “It’s an old theater that’s been converted to a rock club,” Takac says. For late-night dining, Takac gives a thumbs-up to the Greek restaurant
Mythos [2], which has been in his restaurant rotation for 25 years.
Ryan Miller
Goaltender, Buffalo Sabres
Miller grew up in
Michigan, so lakes are his thing. He recommends picking up chow at
Globe Market [3] and then heading to the lakes of
Delaware Park [4]. At night, locavores will rejoice over
Trattoria Aroma [5], which focuses on locally grown ingredients and serves some house-made cheeses.
Janet Snyder
Morning-show host, KISS 98.5
For boutique shopping, Snyder says
Elmwood Avenue [6] is the go-to street. “The 800 block of Elmwood is my favorite,” she says. And if new treads are tops on your must-buy list, check out
ShoeFly [7]. Snyder says Buffalo is “the craziest party town,” so take a power nap before heading to bar- and nightclub-laden
Chippewa Street [8].
Edward M. Bednarczyk
Chair, Department of Pharmacy Practice, University of Buffalo
According to Bednarczyk, if you’re looking for outstanding value (and want to partake of a beloved Buffalo tradition), go to a Friday-night fish fry. Bednarczyk’s favorite is at
Dug’s Dive [9]. For lunch the next day, try the beef on weck, a roast-beef sandwich made with a hard roll topped with kosher salt and caraway seeds, from
Charlie the Butcher’s Express [10].
Jason Sallese
Musician with local band La Cacahouette
Listen to local musicians (and to some touring bands) at
Soundlab [11]. “They usually try to bring in stuff that’s off the beaten path,” Sallese says. Continue your discovery of Buffalo’s local rock talent at
Mohawk Place [12]. Then, grab a drink at
.
Essex Street Pub [13] “It’s a small place with a really good jukebox. It’s been there forever,” he says.