Niagara Falls questions

[Southern_Bills]

So I've always been a Bills Fan stuck in alabama, started watching when I was 9 or 10 and it was the early 90s. No local team so never swapped affiliation. 

 

Well I'm coming up for the MNF home opener this year.

 

The question is this, me and my wife are going to stay an extra day (flying out Wednesday) and visit Niagara falls area and what not. 

 

Any suggestions on restaurants or things I shouldn't miss out on in the area?

 

Doesn't have to be fine dining or anything (I'm not fancy 🤣), just curious about some suggestions from some locals.

 

Thanks in advance.

[716er]

After you visit the falls, spend time in Lewiston instead of Niagara Falls. 

 

Also do the Whirlpool Jet Boat if you can afford it.

 

 

Edited August 25, 2022 by 716er

[Draconator]

Echo the Lewiston idea.

 

If you want to have fun in Niagara Falls, you and your wife bring your passports and Covid vaccination cards, and go to Niagara Falls, Ontario (Canada). Niagara Falls, NY has a Casino, a Duffs, a Raintree Cafe, and a Hard Rock Cafe. Niagara Falls, Ontario has all that and about 1000% more. 

 

If you don't mind about an hour and a half drive Southeast, go to Letchworth State Park. The Grand Canyon of the East. 

 

If you have to have wings, East Aurora for Bar Bill, Rosie's Ice Cream afterwards. Rosie's is run by Steve Tasker's son. Plus the village of East Aurora (and Lewiston) is super cool. 

 

There's plenty more you can do, but those would be my highlights. 

 

 

 

 

[Steve O]

So, if it "Doesn't have to be fine dining or anything" (your words, not mine) I'll suggest The Craft Kitchen and Bar, corner of Third and Ferry...223 Ferry Ave is the actual address. Owner and his GF are big time Bills/Sabres fans, season ticket holders. If you stop by before Monday he might invite you to his game day tailgate party which is across the street from Hammer's. Best pizza in Niagra Falls. Full disclosure, owner is my brother so I might be a bit biased.

[The Dean]

Unfortunately, Niagara Falls NY (my hometown for many years) is a real disaster. And as many have already said, you would probably be better off staying in Lewiston or even perhaps in NF Ontario.

 

With that said, Fortuna's restaurant is really good, and owned by a good friend of mine. Tell Joe Fortuna "The Dean" sent you.  There are also some pretty decent bars for wings and stuff. Mister B's is one as is Judi's Lounge.  If you like good pizza, try La Hacienda on Pine Ave (not associate in any way with the La Hacienda in Buffalo).

 

And Viola's makes one of the great steak and cheese subs in America, IMO.  The one on Elmwood is probably the best, but in a bad neighborhood and closes very early. The one on Military road is fine though.

[Marv's Neighbor]

If you do/can cross into Canada, follow the Niagara River North, to Niagara on the Lake.  It's located where the river joins Lake Ontario.  It's also adjoining many Niagara vineyards.  Cross using the Rainbow bridge.  The other bridges allow commercial traffic (trucks) and can get very backed up.  The Rainbow Bridge is just for cars.  Enjoy!

https://www.niagarafallslive.com/

[Southern_Bills]

Thanks for all the suggestions, I threw the not fine dining in there because I didn't want restaurants I was expected to dress up for, not my thing.

 

Do you have to have a passport for entry to Canada these days? My wife doesn't have one sadly.

[The Dean]

49 minutes ago, Southern_Bills said:

Thanks for all the suggestions, I threw the not fine dining in there because I didn't want restaurants I was expected to dress up for, not my thing.

 

Do you have to have a passport for entry to Canada these days? My wife doesn't have one sadly.

 

Just FYI, while a very nice restaurant, you don't have to dress up for Fortuna's or just about any restaurant in Niagara Falls.

 

While you don't necessarily NEED a passport to enter Canada (I might be wrong about that if things have changed in the past two years or so) it tends to make it easier. You will need some other proof of identity/residence, If you are thinking about crossing the border (which I recommend) do a Google search for what ID is acceptable.  You DO need to complete ArriveCan within 72 hours of entry to Canada. 

https://www.canada.ca/en/border-services-agency/services/arrivecan.html

[That's No Moon]

9 minutes ago, The Dean said:

 

Just FYI, while a very nice restaurant, you don't have to dress up for Fortuna's or just about any restaurant in Niagara Falls.

 

While you don't necessarily NEED a passport to enter Canada (I might be wrong about that if things have changed in the past two years or so) it tends to make it easier. You will need some other proof of identity/residence, If you are thinking about crossing the border (which I recommend) do a Google search for what ID is acceptable.  You DO need to complete ArriveCan within 72 hours of entry to Canada. 

https://www.canada.ca/en/border-services-agency/services/arrivecan.html

Per Canadian law:

As of April 26, 2022, lawful permanent residents of the United States must show these documents for all methods of travel to Canada:

a valid passport from their country of nationality (or an equivalent acceptable travel document) and

a valid green card (or equivalent valid proof of status in the United States)

 

Alternatives to a passport which he probably doesn't have nor can he get:

Citizens of the U.S. who are members of the NEXUS program may present their membership card as proof of identification and as a document that denotes citizenship, when arriving by air (when coming from the U.S.), land, or marine modes.

Citizens of the U.S. who are members of the FAST program may use their cards as proof of identity when arriving by land and marine modes only.

Permanent residents of the U.S. who are members of the NEXUS or FAST programs must travel with a passport and proof of permanent residence, and may be asked to present these documents to the officer upon arrival at the border.

[The Dean]

18 minutes ago, That's No Moon said:

Per Canadian law:

As of April 26, 2022, lawful permanent residents of the United States must show these documents for all methods of travel to Canada:

a valid passport from their country of nationality (or an equivalent acceptable travel document) and

a valid green card (or equivalent valid proof of status in the United States)

 

Alternatives to a passport which he probably doesn't have nor can he get:

Citizens of the U.S. who are members of the NEXUS program may present their membership card as proof of identification and as a document that denotes citizenship, when arriving by air (when coming from the U.S.), land, or marine modes.

Citizens of the U.S. who are members of the FAST program may use their cards as proof of identity when arriving by land and marine modes only.

Permanent residents of the U.S. who are members of the NEXUS or FAST programs must travel with a passport and proof of permanent residence, and may be asked to present these documents to the officer upon arrival at the border.

 

 

👍  There ya go.

[billsfanmiamioh]

6 hours ago, The Dean said:

Unfortunately, Niagara Falls NY (my hometown for many years) is a real disaster. And as many have already said, you would probably be better off staying in Lewiston or even perhaps in NF Ontario.

 

With that said, Fortuna's restaurant is really good, and owned by a good friend of mine. Tell Joe Fortuna "The Dean" sent you.  There are also some pretty decent bars for wings and stuff. Mister B's is one as is Judi's Lounge.  If you like good pizza, try La Hacienda on Pine Ave (not associate in any way with the La Hacienda in Buffalo).

 

And Viola's makes one of the great steak and cheese subs in America, IMO.  The one on Elmwood is probably the best, but in a bad neighborhood and closes very early. The one on Military road is fine though.

I can also vouch for Fortunas! Haven’t been in years, but have eaten there probably 5-6 times and it’s been great every time. Probably the highlight of the American side for me! 
 

I also second visiting Niagara on the lake if you were to tackle the Canadian side. 

[BuffaloBud]

The tour of the Robert Moses Power Plant is interesting if you like geeky things.  The Buffalo Harbor boat tour and the observation deck on the top of Buffalo City Hall - awesome.

[teef]

there's a small aquarium there.  there's an anchor bar, a casino...you know what?  just go to canada if you can.

[WhoTom]

Nobody's mentioned the Maid of the Mist. I'd recommend it.

 

[Captain Caveman]

I took my kids last weekend, and while I can't vouch for any food (we ate in / around Buffalo) the Maid of the Mist was well worth the ~20 bucks per person.  I've been to Niagara Falls probably 5-10 times in my life and can't believe I'd never done it before.

Edited August 25, 2022 by Captain Caveman

[Just Jack]

9 hours ago, That's No Moon said:

Alternatives to a passport which he probably doesn't have nor can he get:

Citizens of the U.S. who are members of the NEXUS program may present their membership card as proof of identification and as a document that denotes citizenship, when arriving by air (when coming from the U.S.), land, or marine modes.

Citizens of the U.S. who are members of the FAST program may use their cards as proof of identity when arriving by land and marine modes only.

Permanent residents of the U.S. who are members of the NEXUS or FAST programs must travel with a passport and proof of permanent residence, and may be asked to present these documents to the officer upon arrival at the border.

 

Forget Nexus, earliest appointment for interviews is next February. My wife's is up for renewal, and nothing was available until then. 

[The Dean]

4 hours ago, BuffaloBud said:

The tour of the Robert Moses Power Plant is interesting if you like geeky things.  The Buffalo Harbor boat tour and the observation deck on the top of Buffalo City Hall - awesome.

 

 

Indeed. I used to go all the time as a kid. It really is pretty cool. Was free. I wonder if it still is.

[Southern_Bills]

5 hours ago, BuffaloBud said:

The tour of the Robert Moses Power Plant is interesting if you like geeky things.  The Buffalo Harbor boat tour and the observation deck on the top of Buffalo City Hall - awesome.

 

Oddly enough I'm an electrical engineer so this is the one thing I already told my wife I would be dragging her to while in the area lol.

[May Day 10]

Niagara Falls, NY isnt really much of a place where people want to go...  Just the park around the Falls is nice and cool.  Maid of the Mist should be a consideration.  Whirlpool Jet boat tours are great as well.

 

I would definitely go to Duff's for the WNY experience.  Careful which one though as some of the remote locations are... off.  I'd suggest the one on Sheridan Drive.  Get them extra crispy with an order of fries with it and extra bleu cheese.  Some locals scoff at Duff's, but it is really good and consistent.  I have had disgusting wings at some of the places often recommended (Bar Bill and Gabriel's Gate).  

 

Big Ditch is a great brewery with a decent menu, good beer, and atmosphere.  

 

Stop through Allentown too just to see "Josh" Allentown.  One of my favorite joints is there:  Allentown Burger Venture.  Amazing burgers, atmosphere, and an extensive beer list.

 

 

None of these places have any sort of dress requirements other than maybe wear a bib.

 

 

[johndhall1]

Cave of the winds on the American side is good and so is goat island/ bridal veil falls. Ditto for Lewiston as well