Iconic Restaurants Every Tourist Should Visit In Western New York

Western New York serves up a delicious slice of culinary history that goes far beyond its famous Buffalo wings. This region boasts a rich tapestry of flavors shaped by generations of immigrant families, industrial heritage, and innovative local chefs. From lakeside eateries to historic downtown institutions, these restaurants tell the story of Western New York through their signature dishes and warm hospitality.

1. Anchor Bar – The Birthplace of Buffalo Wings

Back in 1964, Teressa Bellissimo created culinary history when she coated deep-fried chicken wings in hot sauce for her son and his friends. Little did she know her late-night creation would become Buffalo’s most famous food export.

Today, the original Anchor Bar on Main Street remains a pilgrimage site for food enthusiasts from around the world. The walls decorated with license plates and memorabilia tell stories of decades gone by while the kitchen continues to serve their legendary wings.

First-timers should order the medium wings with blue cheese dip – the classic combination that started it all. The restaurant also offers excellent beef on weck sandwiches, another regional specialty that showcases Buffalo’s distinctive food heritage.

2. Duff’s Famous Wings – The Spice Champion

While Anchor Bar may have invented Buffalo wings, many locals swear Duff’s perfected them. This no-frills establishment has been serving up fiery goodness since 1969, earning a reputation for wings that pack serious heat.

What makes Duff’s special is their warning system: “medium is hot, medium hot is very hot, hot is very very hot.” They’re not kidding! Former President Obama made headlines when he stopped by during his presidency, cementing Duff’s place in Buffalo wing lore.

Beyond the signature wings, their curly fries provide the perfect cooling counterpoint. With multiple locations throughout Western New York, the original Sheridan Drive spot maintains its charm with sports memorabilia and the constant buzz of happy customers enjoying their perfectly crispy, sauce-slathered wings.

3. Charlie the Butcher’s – Beef on Weck Royalty

Kimmelweck rolls – crusty, topped with coarse salt and caraway seeds – cradle thin-sliced, perfectly pink roast beef at this Buffalo institution. Charlie Roesch, the third-generation owner, often greets customers in his white coat and signature bow tie while carving meat at lightning speed.

The beef on weck sandwich represents Buffalo’s German heritage and industrial past – a hearty meal that satisfied hungry workers. The simple preparation lets quality ingredients shine: just horseradish, au jus, and that magnificent roll.

The original location maintains its butcher shop roots with a no-nonsense counter service approach. Don’t miss their potato salad or homemade pickles that complement the sandwiches perfectly. For authentic Western New York cuisine without pretense, Charlie’s delivers a taste of local history with every bite.

4. Ted’s Hot Dogs – Charcoal-Grilled Perfection

The sizzle of hot dogs on an open charcoal grill has been Ted’s signature sound since 1927. Greek immigrant Theodore Liaros started with a horse-drawn hot dog cart near the Peace Bridge, eventually growing into a beloved regional chain.

What sets Ted’s apart? Their distinctive charcoal cooking method creates a slightly crispy exterior with perfect snap. The menu remains delightfully simple – hot dogs, burgers, onion rings, and milkshakes – focusing on quality rather than complexity.

The original location features counter service where you can watch your meal being prepared over glowing coals. Their special hot sauce and fresh-cut onion rings have earned cult status among locals. For visitors wanting an authentic taste of Buffalo’s everyday food culture, Ted’s delivers nostalgic flavors that have remained unchanged for generations.

5. Chef’s Restaurant – Italian Comfort Food Legend

The giant fork and spaghetti sign outside this corner restaurant has welcomed diners since 1923. This family-owned Italian eatery stands as one of Buffalo’s longest continuously operating restaurants, serving generations of families who return for their legendary pasta dishes.

Chef’s signature spaghetti parmigiana – pasta topped with a rich red sauce and melted cheese – created such demand that they now sell their sauce in local grocery stores. The dining room maintains its old-school charm with red checkered tablecloths and walls covered with photos of visiting celebrities.

Located near Buffalo’s theater district, Chef’s often hosts pre-show diners and sports fans heading to nearby venues. Their massive portions ensure nobody leaves hungry. First-timers should try the famous spaghetti parm, but the homemade cannoli provides the perfect sweet ending to this authentic Buffalo Italian experience.

6. Schwabl’s – Time-Honored Tradition Since 1837

Step into Schwabl’s and you’re stepping back in time. Operating since 1837, this West Seneca institution preserves dining traditions that have nearly vanished elsewhere. The carved wooden bar, vintage fixtures, and bow-tied servers create an atmosphere from another era.

Their hand-carved roast beef is sliced to order by white-coated carvers who have perfected this art through years of practice. The beef on weck sandwich here represents the pinnacle of this regional specialty – tender meat on a perfectly salted roll, served with just enough horseradish to clear your sinuses.

German-inspired sides like German potato salad and red cabbage honor the restaurant’s heritage. Featured on Anthony Bourdain’s show, Schwabl’s remains refreshingly unchanged by modern trends. For visitors seeking authentic Western New York dining history, few places capture the region’s culinary traditions with such reverence and care.

7. DiTondo’s – Italian-American Heritage Renewed

For over a century, DiTondo’s has served as a cornerstone of Buffalo’s Italian-American community. Recently renovated but maintaining its historic charm, this family restaurant bridges old and new Buffalo with remarkable grace.

Originally a favorite lunch spot for factory workers, DiTondo’s menu highlights Western New York’s Italian immigrant influence. Their homemade pasta fagioli soup remains unchanged from the original recipe, while seasonal specials showcase local ingredients with traditional techniques.

The restaurant’s revival symbolizes Buffalo’s own renaissance – honoring tradition while embracing the future. Current owners maintain family recipes while adding contemporary touches. Don’t miss their meatballs, made from a closely guarded multi-generation recipe, or their Thursday special of spaghetti parm that draws locals from across the region for a taste of authentic Buffalo-Italian cuisine.

8. The Roycroft Inn – Arts & Crafts Movement Dining

Nestled in East Aurora, this National Historic Landmark offers dining surrounded by stunning Arts and Crafts movement architecture. Founded in 1905 as part of Elbert Hubbard’s utopian Roycroft Campus, the inn served as the social center for the influential artistic community.

The meticulously restored dining rooms feature hand-crafted furniture, art glass windows, and original light fixtures that transport diners to another era. The menu emphasizes locally-sourced ingredients, honoring both the Roycroft philosophy of craftsmanship and Western New York’s agricultural bounty.

Seasonal specials highlight regional produce while maintaining sophisticated preparation. Beyond the exceptional food, visitors experience living history in this architectural gem. For those interested in the region’s artistic heritage, the Roycroft provides a unique opportunity to dine amid the beauty of one of America’s most significant artistic movements while enjoying contemporary cuisine with historic roots.

9. Mulberry Italian Ristorante – Legendary Sicilian Flavors

Family recipes brought from Sicily nearly a century ago form the foundation of this Lackawanna gem. Located in a modest building that belies the culinary treasures within, Mulberry has served as a gathering place for celebrations and everyday meals for generations.

The homemade pasta, particularly the gnocchi, achieves that perfect balance between tender and firm that only comes from decades of practice. Their signature red sauce simmers for hours, developing deep flavors that showcase the Sicilian culinary heritage that influenced Western New York’s food scene.

Photos of family members and local celebrities line the walls, creating a museum-like tribute to the community. The portions remain generous in the Italian-American tradition. For visitors seeking authentic family-style Italian dining without pretense, Mulberry offers a taste of the immigrant experience that helped shape Western New York’s distinctive culinary identity.