Must-Eat-At Restaurants in Buffalo, New York

Lake effect snow and the Buffalo Bills are what people think of when they hear "Buffalo, New York". Most do not realize that Buffalo is home to some of the finest foods in the country. Whether you are in Buffalo on business or your mother recently told you that you have relatives there "you should visit", eventually you will tire of the unvarying taste of fast food. Here are some popular places and holes-in-the-wall that will definitely satisfy your palate.

1. Avenue Pizza and Subs, 504 Elmwood Avenue, near Downtown Buffalo. Every other pizza place in the country has all the basic ingredients: dough, sauce, cheese, and pepperoni. None, however, come even second in taste to Avenue's. New York State is home to some of the best pizza in the world, and Avenue captures that spirit. Some of the best and most exclusive ingredients are used for their pies, but the quality does not stop there. They also offer more than fifty different types of submarine sandwiches, a wide variety of pizzas, side orders, and salads (including a unique antipasto salad). Avenue�has a small dine in section, but their delivery drivers are pretty fast.

2. Ambrosia, 476 Elmwood Avenue, near Downtown Buffalo. Ambrosia is a small restaurant with huge energy. The waiters are all extremely friendly, and the food is delectable. Offered is a wide variety of Greek dishes to include a full-flavored chicken souvlaki and fresh baked pita bread that is good enough to eat alone. Ambrosia is conveniently located in the Elmwood district, an area known for its vibrant night life.

3. The Anchor Bar, 1047 Main St, Buffalo. Ever heard of Buffalo Wings? No, the name does not mean that these particular chicken wings are larger than normal wings, nor are these the wings of buffalos, contrary to the surprisingly popular beliefs. The Anchor Bar is the original home to Buffalo wings. Started as a cooking accident, these chicken pieces set the standard for knockoffs you will find in other places. Their homemade blue cheese is like no other. You have four different flavors of their famous sauce to sort through. Also on the collector's item menu are pasta dishes. Anchor Bar is not just a title. You can order food either in the restaurant areas which have been newly renovated and extended to a covered outside area, or enjoy a Friday night with your buddies, a beer, and a game on the TV's at the bar. Enjoy the great social atmosphere to accompany the history in this historic building.

4. Swiss Chalet, 1551 Niagara Falls Boulevard, in Amherst. Now, here is where we cheat a bit. Swiss Chalet is not unique to Buffalo; however, it is not a huge chain where a majority of the country has had the chance to dine here, or have even heard of the place. This Swiss Chalet located in one of Buffalo's northern suburbs offers tender ribs based in their outstanding barbeque sauce and rotisserie cooked chicken that nearly melts in your mouth. Try the Caesar salad; it is divine.

5. Lee's Barbeque, 1269 Fillmore Avenue, Buffalo. Started by an entrepreneur in the 1970's, Lee's barbeque is well known for being the best in soul cooked barbeque. The spread is limited, but delicious enough to have survived thirty years. You won't find much barbeque like this north of Virginia. Pork shoulder sandwich with a side of coleslaw is a common favorite. It may be a bit difficult to locate, however, so I suggest you do a Mapquest search before you head out.