After reading our guide to the best waterfront restaurants in Buffalo, NY, you’ll learn:
- What the go-to restaurants for enjoying a beautiful summer in Buffalo are
- Why Buffalo’s riverfront is among the best up and coming properties in the country
- Who can help you find beautiful waterfront properties in Buffalo
Buffalo’s time has come again. With a burgeoning culinary scene, beautiful riverfront views, and affordable living, it’s no wonder that people are flocking to this city that’s all too often relegated to a position of being the “other” New York city.
Whether you’re new to the area or a longtime resident, there’s still a lot of benefits to Buffalo that can amaze and surprise you. Perhaps at the top of the list is the number of delicious restaurants overlooking the multiple bodies of water surrounding the city. From Lake Erie and the Erie Canal to the Buffalo and Niagara rivers, you can enjoy mouthwatering foods at a reasonable price and outrageous views. Make sure to check out some of our favorites below!
The Best Waterfront Restaurants in Buffalo, NY
There’s nothing quite like a refreshing beer, fresh seafood, and watching the sun disappear beyond the horizon. That view gets even better with the shimmery reflection of the water helps keep the sky alight even night starts to sneak in.
We’ve tried to populate our list with both classic spots and hip joints. With so many excellent restaurants in Buffalo, NY, the only difficulty we had with our list is deciding which ones not to include. So, if you don’t see your favorite here, it’s likely that it was our last one cut. Still, what better opportunity to try a new place and find a fresh favorite.
BriteSmith Brewing
If you’re looking for the perfect pint to end your day or start your weekend, look no further than BriteSmith BrewPub & Beer Garden. Situated in a blacksmith shop originally constructed in the 1800s, you’ll find the environment to be appropriately blue collar. Their craft beer selection is rated as some of the best in the state, and you’ll find their pizza offerings to be the perfect pairing.
Buffalo RiverWorks
Another example of Buffalo repurposing the past to both honor the city’s history and create something new at the same time, Buffalo RiverWorks lives in a once abandoned grain silo and contains a brewery, restaurant, and entertainment all in one modern complex. Spend the day rock climbing, kayaking, or paddleboarding, then rest and relax with a cold brew, a juicy burger, and a concert. The unique environment is, well, one of a kind!
Cabana Sam’s
If you prefer an outdoor, beachy vibe to your restaurant, then you should find yourself at home at Cabana Sam’s. It sits on five acres of beach and looks out at our favorite Great Lake: Lake Erie. The restaurant is ideal for all ages, and you’ll find a wide selection of fresh seafood and huge sandwiches on its menu. Try to head there on a night with live music to maximize your fun.
Charlie’s Boat Yard
Most restaurants prefer that you arrive via car. While Charlie’s Boat Yard is more than welcoming to commuters who prefer the road, their docks make it a great spot to arrive by boat or kayak, too. No matter how you arrive, you’ll have a beautiful waterfront view, live music on many nights, and some of the freshest seafood in the area.
Casey’s Cabana
Casey’s Cabana gives you great, affordable food with an even better backstory. The restaurant is a historic Grand Island landmark that sat unappreciated until local high school students bought and restored the restaurant. The menu consists of boardwalk favorites like burgers, sandwiches, sausages, and, of course, multiple varieties of ice cream.
Dockside Bar & Grill
Located on the Erie Canal, the historic building that houses Dockside Bar & Grill was constructed in 1890 and used to store food for the mules that once muscled barges through the canal. Luckily, the menu has improved quite a bit since then. The casual atmosphere, wondrous views, and tasty menu selection make it a favorite of locals.
Hoak’s
Hoak’s has a long history in the area and has been family-owned for over 70 years. It offers a gorgeous patio that gives you the ideal view of the nightly sunset. Of course, their food is quite good, too! Famous for their Friday fish fries and stead end burger, it’s easy to imagine yourself becoming a regular. Another recommendation: make sure to order their fresh claims whenever they are offered. You’ll likely never have fresher clams.
Lumberjack Patio Grill
With a large patio that puts you right above the shores of the Niagara River, the view at Lumberjack Patio Grill ranks among the best of all the restaurants listed here. Considering the competition, that’s really saying something. The food and beer selection is top-notch, too, and if you’re lucky enough to snag a seat on the fourth of July, you’ll experience the fireworks show of a lifetime.
Mississippi Mudds
If you don’t want to sound like a tourist, make sure to refer to this place as it’s called locally: “Mudds.” The restaurant is known for its rooftop dining, grilled chicken sandwiches, and a concoction they call Louisiana Sweet Potato Fries. When you order the latter, you’ll receive a heaping helping of perfectly crisp sweet potato fries served alongside honey and butter. If you’ve never tried fries this way, prepare to be amazed. If you prefer a sweet topping to your sweet potato fries, try the sweet fries. You get the same perfectly crisp fries, but they’re topped with cinnamon, sugar, and vanilla icing.
Public House on the Lake
The Public House offers a long shoreline patio, making it easy to snag a seat even when the place is busy. They have well-stocked bars both inside the restaurant and on the patio, along with a menu that’s packed to the gills with local favorites. Whether it’s a soft-shell crab sandwich, lobster mac and cheese, or their selection of fresh oysters, clams, and mussels, you’ll find something on the menu that speaks to your taste buds.
Red Coach Inn
If you’re staying overnight near Buffalo or Niagara Falls, you should try to book a room at the Red Coach Inn. It comes with a complimentary made-to-order breakfast that includes Creme Brule French toast and a crab omelet. You don’t have to stay overnight, though, to take advantage of their award-winning restaurant. With a warm atmosphere and some of the best food in the area, you may find yourself never wanting to leave.
Enjoy Your Personal Waterfront View with Ellicott Development
When it comes to finding your next apartment, townhome, or condo, it’s important to start looking early. Luckily, Ellicott Development has numerous residential properties available for rent in Buffalo, with many just a short walk from the waterfront and its collection of delicious eateries.
New spaces are going fast, though, so make sure to reach out to us ASAP to reserve your place. To see what we have available, check our website or reach out by calling 716-854-0060.
Image Source: Melander / Shutterstock
