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The Ultimate Classic Buffalo Must-Eat Food Guide


Rubes

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A couple of years ago when I was on my way back to Buffalo for a game, I posted a thread ("The Great Buffalo Weekend Food Tour 2014") to find out where some of the must-eat places are around town for things like breakfast, fish fry, and so on. That, and the thread which is currently (as of July 2016) over on TSW ("Restaurant Guide to Buffalo Visitors"), has inspired me to try to compile an ultimate must-eat guide to dining in Buffalo for visitors.

 

I've compiled information from the original 2014 thread, the current 2016 thread, and info from the web site referenced in the 2016 thread, and I plan to update the information here as new ideas (or criticisms) arise. So please keep coming up with suggestions or edits! Here are the ground rules:

 

- This really should be a list of "classic places everyone who is visiting Buffalo must try while in town" (as opposed to just "really good restaurants in Buffalo").

- Think: if you had only one or two chances to get the best [insert food here] in Buffalo, this is where you need to go

(Since some of these were originally mentioned without that caveat in mind, some listed here should maybe be removed for not being "the best". Let me know which ones.)

- I want to focus on the foods we most associate with Buffalo. I included a "General Dining" section for places that don't fit one of the main categories.

(For instance, I didn't include a category for Brew Pubs even though there are probably some great ones in Buffalo. I don't consider it a traditional Buffalo destination type.)

- Some places might fit more than one category; if that's the case, and it's not listed in a key group, let me know!

- I'm including some places in Niagara Falls, since many people visiting Buffalo may also be visiting the Falls and need good food suggestions.

- If there's another major category you think should be included, suggest it.

- I haven't eaten at most of these places, so I'm counting on you all. However, I reserve the right to disagree and not include something.

- I also reserve the right to change the rules or anything else as I go.

I did not do a good job keeping track of specific commentaries that probably should have been included, so a few entries will have comments, while most do not. I'll try to insert brief comments or critiques as they appear here, if they are informative.

 

I don't think a thread like this could be pinned for all eternity, so I don't know the best way to maintain the visibility of this information, so if anyone has any ideas, let me know.

 

This will remain a work in progress!

 

With that said, here we go:

 

The Ultimate Classic Buffalo Must-Eat Food Guide
The lists below in each category should not be interpreted in any specific order.
Wings
- Elmo's (2349 Millersport Hwy, Getzville) - http://www.elmosonline.com/
- Duff's (3651 Sheridan Drive, Amherst and other locations) - http://www.duffswings.com/
- Gabriel's Gate (145 Allen St. Buffalo) - http://gabrielsgate.page.tl/ (crappy web site)
- Anchor Bar (1047 Main St, Buffalo and other locations) - https://www.anchorbar.com/
- Dannys South (4300 Abbott Road, Orchard Park) - http://www.dannysrestaurant.com/
- Bar Bill Tavern (Cash Only — 185 Main St. East Aurora) - http://barbill.com/
- The Nine-Eleven Tavern (Cash Only — 11 Bloomfield Avenue, Buffalo) - no official web site
- Caputi's Pub (2351 Sheridan Drive, Tonawanda) - http://www.caputispub.com/
- Dwyer's Irish Pub (65 Webster St., North Tonawanda) - http://dwyerspub.com/
Pizza
- Blasdell Pizza (3904 South Park Avenue, Blasdell and other locations) - http://www.blasdellpizza.com/
- Abbott Pizza (1177 Abbott Rd, South Buffalo) - http://www.abbottrdpizza.com/
- Bocce Club pizza (4174 North Bailey Avenue, Amherst and 1614 Hopkins Road, East Amherst) - http://www.bocceclubpizza.com/
- Leonardi's Pizzeria (614 Grover Cleveland Highway, Amherst) - http://www.leonardispizzeriainc.biz/
- Casa di Pizza (11 E. Mohawk St., Buffalo) - http://www.casadipizza.com/
- La Hacienda of New York Restaurant (3019 Pine Ave, Niagara Falls) - http://www.lahaciendaofny.com/
"Any pizza list that doesn't have LaHacienda in the Falls at number 1 is woefully incomplete."
Beef on Weck
- Blackthorn (2134 Seneca Street, Buffalo) - http://www.blackthornrestaurant.com/
- Connor's in West Seneca (3465 Seneca St, West Seneca) - http://connorsofwestseneca.com/
- Schwabl's (789 Center Rd, West Seneca) - http://www.schwabls.com/
however, lots of backlash against them due to their response to an accident a couple years ago.
- Swiston's Beef and Keg (101 Youngs St., Tonawanda) - http://swistonsbeefandkeg-com.webs.com/
- Charlie the Butcher (295 Main St, Buffalo; 1065 Wehrle Drive, Williamsville; and other locations) - http://www.charliethebutcher.com/
- Steve's Pig and Ox Roast (951 Ridge Rd, Lackawanna) - no official website; facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Steves-Pig-Ox-Roast-108161312558325/
Fish Fry
- Hoaks (4100 Lakeshore Rd, Hamburg) - no official web site; facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/HoaksLakeshore/
- Papa Jake's Saloon (1672 Elmwood Ave, Buffalo) - CLOSED
- Crow's Nest in Getzville (315 Campbell Blvd, Getzville) - no official web site
- The Beach House on Grand Island (5584 E River Rd, Grand Island) - http://www.grandislandbeachhouse.com/
- Gabriel's Gate (145 Allen St. Buffalo) - http://gabrielsgate.page.tl/ (crappy web site)
- Peter K's (2709 Harlem Rd, Cheektowaga) - http://www.peterks.com/
- Wiechec's Lounge (1748 Clinton St, Buffalo) - no official web site; facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Wiechecs-Lounge-118508038163532/
Italian
- Chef’s Restaurant (291 Seneca St., Buffalo) - https://www.ilovechefs.com/
not for everyone; sauce is sweeter than many prefer
- Mulberry's (64 Jackson Ave, Lackawanna) - https://www.mulberryitalianristorante.com/
- Romeo & Juliet's (1292 Hertel Ave., Buffalo and other locations) - http://www.rjcaffe.com/
- Carmine's (4715 Transit Rd, Williamsville) - http://www.carminestogo.com/Carmines_Italiano.html- CLOSED; as of Feb 2016, still no plans to reopen
- Ristorante Lombardo (1198 Hertel Ave, Buffalo) - http://ristorantelombardo.com/- upscale Italian
- Trattoria Aroma (307 Bryant St, Buffalo) - http://aromabryant.com/- upscale Italian
- Sinatra's Restaurant (938 Kenmore Ave, Buffalo) - http://sinatraswny.com/
- Lebro's (330 Campbell Blvd, Getzville) - http://www.lebrosrestaurant.com/index.php
- Linguine's (5380 Genesee St, Bowmansville) - http://www.mylinguines.com/
"the closest thing to eating at your Italian grandmother's house"
- Tappo (338 Ellicott St., Buffalo) - http://www.tappoitalian.com/
Hot Dogs
- Ted's (multiple locations) - https://www.tedshotdogs.com/
- Sullivan's Hot Dogs (501 Cayuga Dr Niagara Falls) - http://www.sullivanshotdogs.com/
- Zorba's Texas Hots (5 Lee St, Depew) - no official web site, facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Zorbas-Texas-Hots-443651155695066/
"A must, every time I'm in town."
Subs
- John & Mary's (several locations) - http://www.myjohnandmarys.com/
- Viola's Submarine House (1717 Elmwood Ave, Niagara Falls) - no official web site
Misc Dining
- Conlon's (382 Abbott Rd, Buffalo) - http://www.conlonsbarandgrill.com/-
"A hole in the wall where everything is home made from scratch"
- Pano's on Elmwood (1081 Elmwood Ave, Buffalo) - http://www.panosonelmwood.com/
"Excellent Greek food"
- Martin Cooks (346 Connecticut St, Buffalo) - http://www.martincooks.com/ - CLOSED
- Sun Cuisines (1989 Niagara St, Buffalo) - http://www.suncuisines.com/
Burmese food
- Polish Villa 2 (1085 Harlem Rd., Cheektowaga) - http://www.polishvilla.org/
"Great polish/eastern european food for those of us who appreciate that kind of thing."
- DiCamillo's Bakery (5329 Main Street, Williamsville and other locations) - http://www.dicamillobakerybuffaloniagara.com/
"The best Italian Bread in the US. Freezes great, makes the best toast, grilled cheese, BLT imaginable. Get the large sliced for best freezer performance."
Breakfast
- Original Pancake House (5479 Main Street, Williamsville; 2075 Niagara Falls Blvd, Amherst; 3019 Union Road, Orchard Park) - http://www.ophwny.com/
- Betty's (370 Virginia St, Buffalo) - http://www.bettysbuffalo.com/
"Hands down best in town"
- Break n Eggs creperie (5235 Main Street, Williamsville) - http://www.breakneggs-creperie.com/
"Absolutely amazing!!!"
- Sophia’s Restaurant (749 Military Rd., Buffalo) - no official web site
- Lake Effect Diner (3165 Main St., Buffalo) - http://www.curtinrestaurants.com/lake-effect.html
Ice Cream/Dessert/Donuts
- Paula’s Donuts (2319 Sheridan Dr, Tonawanda and multiple locations) - http://paulasdonuts.com/
- Antoinette's Sweets Inc (5981 Transit Rd, Depew) - website appears broken
"for their sundaes"
- Lake Effect Ice Cream (79 Canal St, Lockport) - http://www.lakeeffecticecream.com/#main
"a must if visitors are up anywhere near Lockport"
- King Condrell’s Candy & Ice Cream (2805 Delaware Ave, Kenmore) - http://www.condrells.com/
Edited by Rubes
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Update: I created a shared map in Google Maps that now has every entry mapped out and sorted by food category. The different categories are on different layers in the map, so you can toggle the different layers on and off so you can just look at the kinds of food you're interested in. For businesses with multiple locations, I did my best to get them all on there, but I may have missed some. I also left out a few that were outside the general area of the map.

 

Enjoy. As always, feel free to let me know if you have any suggestions for changes.

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Nice work.

 

Maybe add Caputi's for wings and an Asian category featuring Sun for Burmese, King and I for Thai, and Arirang for Korean.

 

Just a thought.

 

Never been to Caputi's, do they have wings that you'd say are some of the best in town? Can't miss them wings?

 

As for Asian, that's a category that (to me at least) isn't something I think of when I think of Buffalo food. Like, if someone had a weekend in Buffalo and was looking for some of the best "Buffalo" spots to hit, I don't think I'd send them for Asian food. But if any of those are the kind of "holy **** this is the kind of food people definitely don't want to miss," then I can do that.

 

I'm sort of going for the "Buffalo Experience" set of places, if that makes sense.

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Never been to Caputi's, do they have wings that you'd say are some of the best in town? Can't miss them wings?

 

As for Asian, that's a category that (to me at least) isn't something I think of when I think of Buffalo food. Like, if someone had a weekend in Buffalo and was looking for some of the best "Buffalo" spots to hit, I don't think I'd send them for Asian food. But if any of those are the kind of "holy **** this is the kind of food people definitely don't want to miss," then I can do that.

 

I'm sort of going for the "Buffalo Experience" set of places, if that makes sense.

Gotcha.

 

The highest compliment I can give a wing joint is to say that it's an accurate representation of what real wings should taste like--Caputi's qualifies IMO.

 

As to Asian, for what you're after I'd say that only Sun qualifies.

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Gotcha.

 

The highest compliment I can give a wing joint is to say that it's an accurate representation of what real wings should taste like--Caputi's qualifies IMO.

 

As to Asian, for what you're after I'd say that only Sun qualifies.

 

Done!

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A couple of years ago when I was on my way back to Buffalo for a game, I posted a thread ("The Great Buffalo Weekend Food Tour 2014") to find out where some of the must-eat places are around town for things like breakfast, fish fry, and so on. That, and the thread which is currently (as of July 2016) over on TSW ("Restaurant Guide to Buffalo Visitors"), has inspired me to try to compile an ultimate must-eat guide to dining in Buffalo for visitors.

 

I've compiled information from the original 2014 thread, the current 2016 thread, and info from the web site referenced in the 2016 thread, and I plan to update the information here as new ideas (or criticisms) arise. So please keep coming up with suggestions or edits! Here are the ground rules:

 

- This really should be a list of "classic places everyone who is visiting Buffalo must try while in town" (as opposed to just "really good restaurants in Buffalo").

- Think: if you had only one or two chances to get the best [insert food here] in Buffalo, this is where you need to go

(Since some of these were originally mentioned without that caveat in mind, some listed here should maybe be removed for not being "the best". Let me know which ones.)

- I tried to create categories for the foods we most associate with Buffalo. I included a "General Dining" section for places that don't fit one of the main categories.

(For instance, I didn't include a category for Brew Pubs even though there are probably some great ones in Buffalo. I don't consider it a traditional Buffalo destination type.)

- Some places might fit more than one category; if that's the case, and it's not listed in a key group, let me know!

- If there's another major category you think should be included, suggest it.

- I haven't eaten as most of these places, so I'm counting on you all. However, I reserve the right to disagree and not include something.

 

I did not do a good job keeping track of specific commentaries that probably should have been included, so a few entries will have comments, while most do not. I'll try to insert brief comments or critiques as they appear here, if they are informative.

 

I don't think a thread like this could be pinned for all eternity, so I don't know the best way to maintain the visibility of this information, so if anyone has any ideas, let me know.

 

This will remain a work in progress!

 

With that said, here we go:

 

The Ultimate Classic Buffalo Must-Eat Food Guide
Wings
- Elmo's (2349 Millersport Hwy, Getzville) - http://www.elmosonline.com/
- Duff's (3651 Sheridan Drive, Amherst and other locations) - http://www.duffswings.com/
- Gabriel's Gate (145 Allen St. Buffalo) - http://gabrielsgate.page.tl/ (crappy web site)
- Anchor Bar (1047 Main St, Buffalo and other locations) - https://www.anchorbar.com/
- Dannys South (4300 Abbott Road, Orchard Park) - http://www.dannysrestaurant.com/
- Bar Bill Tavern (Cash Only — 185 Main St. East Aurora) - http://barbill.com/
- The Nine-Eleven Tavern (Cash Only — 11 Bloomfield Avenue, Buffalo) - no official web site
- Caputi's Pub (2351 Sheridan Drive, Tonawanda) - http://www.caputispub.com/
Pizza
- Blasdell Pizza (3904 South Park Avenue, Blasdell and other locations) - http://www.blasdellpizza.com/
- Abbott Pizza (1177 Abbott Rd, South Buffalo) - http://www.abbottrdpizza.com/
- Bocce Club pizza (4174 North Bailey Avenue, Amherst and 1614 Hopkins Road, East Amherst) - http://www.bocceclubpizza.com/
- Leonardi's Pizzeria (614 Grover Cleveland Highway, Amherst) - http://www.leonardispizzeriainc.biz/
- Casa di Pizza (11 E. Mohawk St., Buffalo) - http://www.casadipizza.com/
Beef on Weck
- Blackthorn (2134 Seneca Street, Buffalo) - http://www.blackthornrestaurant.com/
- Connor's in West Seneca (3465 Seneca St, West Seneca) - http://connorsofwestseneca.com/
- Schwabl's (789 Center Rd, West Seneca) - http://www.schwabls.com/
however, lots of backlash against them due to their response to an accident a couple years ago.
Fish Fry
- Hoaks (4100 Lakeshore Rd, Hamburg) - no official web site; facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/HoaksLakeshore/
- Papa Jake's Saloon (1672 Elmwood Ave, Buffalo) - CLOSED?
- Crow's Nest in Getzville (315 Campbell Blvd, Getzville) - no official web site
- The Beach House on Grand Island (5584 E River Rd, Grand Island) - http://www.grandislandbeachhouse.com/
- Gabriel's Gate (145 Allen St. Buffalo) - http://gabrielsgate.page.tl/ (crappy web site)
- Peter K's (2709 Harlem Rd, Cheektowaga) - http://www.peterks.com/
Italian
- Chef’s Restaurant (291 Seneca St., Buffalo) - https://www.ilovechefs.com/
not for everyone; sauce is sweeter than many prefer
- Mulberry's (64 Jackson Ave, Lackawanna) - https://www.mulberryitalianristorante.com/
- Romeo & Juliet's (1292 Hertel Ave., Buffalo and other locations) - http://www.rjcaffe.com/
- Carmine's (4715 Transit Rd, Williamsville) - http://www.carminestogo.com/Carmines_Italiano.html- CLOSED; as of Feb 2016, still no plans to reopen
- Ristorante Lombardo (1198 Hertel Ave, Buffalo) - http://ristorantelombardo.com/- upscale Italian
- Trattoria Aroma (307 Bryant St, Buffalo) - http://aromabryant.com/- upscale Italian
- Sinatra's Restaurant (938 Kenmore Ave, Buffalo) - http://sinatraswny.com/
- Lebro's (330 Campbell Blvd, Getzville) - http://www.lebrosrestaurant.com/index.php
- Linguine's (5380 Genesee St, Bowmansville) - http://www.mylinguines.com/
"the closest thing to eating at your Italian grandmother's house"
- Tappo (338 Ellicott St., Buffalo) - http://www.tappoitalian.com/
Hot Dogs
- Ted's (multiple locations) - https://www.tedshotdogs.com/
- Sullivan's Hot Dogs (501 Cayuga Dr Niagara Falls) - http://www.sullivanshotdogs.com/
Subs
- John & Mary's (several locations) - http://www.myjohnandmarys.com/
General Dining
- Conlon's (382 Abbott Rd, Buffalo) - http://www.conlonsbarandgrill.com/-
"a hole in the wall where everything is home made from scratch"
- Pano's on Elmwood (1081 Elmwood Ave, Buffalo) - http://www.panosonelmwood.com/
"Excellent Greek food"
- Martin Cooks (346 Connecticut St, Buffalo) - http://www.martincooks.com/
"Five course dinner with surprise menu...phenomenal"
- Sun Cuisines (1989 Niagara St, Buffalo) - http://www.suncuisines.com/
Burmese food
Breakfast
- Original Pancake House (5479 Main Street, Williamsville; 2075 Niagara Falls Blvd, Amherst; 3019 Union Road, Orchard Park) - http://www.ophwny.com/
- Betty's (370 Virginia St, Buffalo) - http://www.bettysbuffalo.com/
"Hands down best in town"
- Break n Eggs creperie (5235 Main Street, Williamsville) - http://www.breakneggs-creperie.com/
"Absolutely amazing!!!"
- Sophia’s Restaurant (749 Military Rd., Buffalo) - no official web site
- Lake Effect Diner (3165 Main St., Buffalo) - http://www.curtinrestaurants.com/lake-effect.html
Ice Cream/Dessert/Donuts
- Paula’s Donuts (2319 Sheridan Dr, Tonawanda and multiple locations) - http://paulasdonuts.com/
- Antoinette's Sweets Inc (5981 Transit Rd, Depew) - website appears broken
"for their sundaes"
- Lake Effect Ice Cream (79 Canal St, Lockport) - http://www.lakeeffecticecream.com/#main
"a must if visitors are up anywhere near Lockport"
- King Condrell’s Candy & Ice Cream (2805 Delaware Ave, Kenmore) - http://www.condrells.com/

 

 

WHAT, NO STEAKS!!

 

Also I would rename the thread the best Restaurants only. Ultimate classic could mean that it is historic or nostalgic but not necessarily the best.

Edited by Buffalo Barbarian
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WHAT, NO STEAKS!!

 

Also I would rename the thread the best Restaurants only. Ultimate classic could mean that it is historic or nostalgic but not necessarily the best.

 

I could include steaks, of course, but so far in the two threads and one website steaks haven't been mentioned. Similar to Asian food above, I'm not sure I'd equate Buffalo with great steak. But if others disagree, not a problem.

 

I called it "Ultimate Classic" in reference to an "Ultimate" guide to "Classic Buffalo" foods.

Any pizza list that doesn't have LaHacienda in the Falls at number 1 is woefully incomplete.

 

I'm cool with putting Falls places in there if they are absolute destinations. I don't know anything about La Hacienda, but if that's one of them, I can certainly add it.

 

Edit: added La Hacienda in Niagara Falls, and Zorba's Texas Red Hots in Depew.

Edited by Rubes
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Well considering there is whole thread on steak on the STW I think a few would be deserving. I used to love EB Greens and had the best steak ever a few yrs back but they changed their supplier and it's just not the same :( .

Edited by Buffalo Barbarian
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Very nice work Rubes, thank you! The map is awesome!

 

Couple places i might add.

 

1) Wiechecs in Kaisertown for Fish Fry (no web site) https://www.facebook.com/Wiechecs-Lounge-118508038163532/

 

2) Viola's in the Falls for Subs ( no website or active Facebook) http://bit.ly/29fp97n

 

3) While not a restaurant, DiCamillo's for the best Italian Bread in the US. Freezes great, makes the best toast, grilled cheese, BLT imaginable. They even have freezer bags complimentary. Get the large sliced for best freezer performance.

 

Williamsville location close to airport and not too far from Orchard Park. Theyappreciatee call day ahead if getting more than 5 loaves.

 

http://www.dicamillobakerybuffaloniagara.com/pages/locations

 

 

 

 

Not exactly Buffalo.

 

A Mexican place as a pizza joint?

Italian joint with a Spanish name...and Chevy is dead on!

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Well considering there is whole thread on steak on the STW I think a few would be deserving. I used to love EB Greens and had the best steak ever a few yrs back but they changed their supplier and it's just not the same :( .

 

Could you point me to the thread? If there are a few key places that people are passionate about, that is certainly doable.

 

 

Very nice work Rubes, thank you! The map is awesome!

 

Couple places i might add.

 

1) Wiechecs in Kaisertown for Fish Fry (no web site) https://www.facebook.com/Wiechecs-Lounge-118508038163532/

 

2) Viola's in the Falls for Subs ( no website or active Facebook) http://bit.ly/29fp97n

 

3) While not a restaurant, DiCamillo's for the best Italian Bread in the US. Freezes great, makes the best toast, grilled cheese, BLT imaginable. They even have freezer bags complimentary. Get the large sliced for best freezer performance.

 

Williamsville location close to airport and not too far from Orchard Park. Theyappreciatee call day ahead if getting more than 5 loaves.

 

http://www.dicamillobakerybuffaloniagara.com/pages/locations

 

Done, thanks!

 

 

Dwyer's Irish Pub in North Tonawanda for wings.

 

http://dwyerspub.com/ 65 Webster St., North Tonawanda

 

Swiston's Beef and Keg for beef on weck.

 

http://swistonsbeefandkeg-com.webs.com/101 Young St. Tonawanda

 

Done, thanks!

 

 

Polish Villa in Cheektovegas.

 

Care to say any more about this place?

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Care to say any more about this place?

 

Great polish/eastern european food for those of us who appreciate that kind of thing. Atmosphere is EXACTLY what you'd expect from a restaurant in Cheektowaga (which is a major plus for me.)

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Great polish/eastern european food for those of us who appreciate that kind of thing. Atmosphere is EXACTLY what you'd expect from a restaurant in Cheektowaga (which is a major plus for me.)

 

Outstanding, thanks. Added.

 

By the way, did you know there are two Polish Villas in Cheektowaga? The one you're referring to (I think) is Polish Villa 2. The other one is on Union Road and comes up as "Polish Union of America", though the website doesn't seem to refer to a restaurant -- or to anything named "Polish Villa", for that matter. Weird.

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Outstanding, thanks. Added.

 

By the way, did you know there are two Polish Villas in Cheektowaga? The one you're referring to (I think) is Polish Villa 2. The other one is on Union Road and comes up as "Polish Union of America", though the website doesn't seem to refer to a restaurant -- or to anything named "Polish Villa", for that matter. Weird.

 

I did know that :D

 

I love that place. Me, the girlfriend, and her polish mom are gonna head there when I'm next in town.

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