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CNN
3 days ago
- Lifestyle
- CNN
Buffalo, New York is a welcoming blend of cool and old school
Buffalo, New York (CNN) — 'Go Bills!' is the standard exchange here. I quickly surmised that there's only one acceptable reply when someone says to you, 'Go Bills!' And that's, 'Go Bills!' 'It's more than just a rallying cry during football season, it's become a kind of regional shorthand for pride, camaraderie and shared identity,' explained Shawn St. John, age 31, who I met in a Buffalo bar. 'You'll typically hear it used as a farewell, or a salutation.' A visit to Buffalo feels like being in a play about a small town where everyone knows each other, and they bond over the local sports team. Only, it's a reality, and it's the Empire State's biggest city outside the New York City area, and the local team is in the NFL. Apparently, none of this has gone to their heads. Buffalo is an instantly charming blend of big and small, of cool and old school. Its restaurants and bars range from foodie and fancy to messy (see: Buffalo chicken wings) and quirky. It has an art museum with works by the Old Masters and also a soda fountain attached to a still-working chocolate factory. And it's just a short drive out of town to skiing, Canada and the largest waterfall (by volume) in North America. It's also friendly and surprisingly youthful. 'Lucky Day,' said the young man sitting next to me on the 90-minute flight from New York City, when I asked him where I should go while I was in town. He followed that bar recommendation by sharing his favorite places for Buffalo wings, which prompted an eavesdropping young couple in the row behind us to share their favorites. Then others weighed in on what became a good-natured debate among them as we disembarked. (Contenders tossed around included Cole's, Gabriel's Gate, Doc Sullivan's and Anchor Bar, which makes claim to being the origin of the fried, spicy wings). Prev Next Those 30-something passengers represented a surprising demographic distinction for this city mainly known for its long winters, spicy chicken wings and proximity to one of the most popular honeymoon destinations in the country. Nearly 38% of the population is under age 24, and the median is 34 years old. By contrast, the median age for New York City is 38 and for the whole state, it's 40. As Buffalo approaches its bicentennial in another seven years, young people not long out of college are moving here like it's the hot new destination, or staying after they graduate from one of its several colleges. The attraction includes affordability, access to nature, and the growing food and drink scene — all of which benefit visitors, too. Not bad for a town that emerged originally as the terminus of industrial traffic along the Erie Canal in the early 1800s. After checking into the affordable luxury of the Curtiss Hotel downtown, I searched for the location of Lucky Day and it was two blocks away. 'Must be my Lucky Day,' I said to myself and walked there through the compact center of the city. Downtown is marked by the inspiring beauty of Art Deco, Beaux-Arts and other classical design styles. The magazine Architectural Digest even named Buffalo one of the 23 Top Places to Travel in 2023. A light rail train smoothly beeps through it. Giant posters in the stately, gold-domed M&T Bank building read, 'Billieve.' Lucky Day Whiskey Bar lives up to the potable half of its name with warmly illuminated bottles that stretch from bar to ceiling. The whole space looks the part, with its wood paneling, fancy gold-infused wallpaper on one side, and urban exposed brick on the other. A taxidermied, not-so-lucky buffalo head looks out over the bonhomie. Beyond the encyclopedic whiskey menu, the bar's excellent beer selections include Kilkenny's nitro-infused Irish ale, from the old country, and a local lager from Woodcock Brothers Brewery. The bartenders, in their spiffy vests and hipster facial hair, shake hands and chat with the customers they know by name. 'Your regular or something new tonight?' they ask from behind the beautiful, dark wood bar. Sitting there, I introduced myself to Shawn and his significant other, Krystina Lucas, 32. He manages a local cannabis dispensary and she's a grade-school teacher. If one conversation with a random local on the plane landed me at Lucky Day, another one at Lucky Day should net me more, I reasoned. They enthusiastically gave me a long list of places to eat, drink and shop to get a feel for their evolving city, particularly its nightlife and culinary scene. Krystina recommended the four-story Pearl Street Grill & Brewery located downtown by the water, where I had a Peanut Butter Vibes lager at a bar with views of giant, gleaming beer tanks. Don't knock it till you try it. But if that's outside your comfort zone, the Sabre's Edge is an award-winning double IPA. And you can enjoy it in the large first-floor bar, which was recently renovated. There's also a swanky wine lounge in the Black Rock neighborhood called Waxlight Bar à Vin that opened in 2019 in the revitalized Chandler Street factory building, part of a trend of breathing new life into old industrial spaces. Waxlight was a 2023 James Beard Award semifinalist. The Curtiss Hotel has a rooftop bar and a circular first floor one that slowly revolves. But I was on the elevator when I was reminded of what really led me to pick the hotel in the first place. An elevator button labeled 'Hot Springs' leads guests to an enormous, outdoor hot tub with powerful jets — an effective last stop before sleep. Buffalo is famous for its eponymous wings, of course, but there's also local pride for a meal-of-a-sandwich called a beef on weck (translation: roast beef on a kümmelweck roll). Ask 10 people in Buffalo the best place to go for wings and/or a weck and you'll get 10 different answers, and then have fun figuring out your own answer. Two local chains to also add to your Buffalo classics bingo card are Ted's Hot Dogs and Anderson's Frozen Custard. But newer spots such as Lucky Day, which opened in 2017, are expanding beyond Buffalo's traditional menu offerings. Lucky Day's signature mac & cheese is served in a cast-iron cauldron with an inspired Goldfish cracker-crumble crust, alongside a hearty salad made with brussels sprout leaves. For a different milieu only a few blocks away, Misuta Chow's specializes in Japanese street food, such as tasty sesame noodles, miso-spiced deviled eggs and ramen. Faux roofs and real lanterns inside give the place the feel of a Tokyo alleyway. Above the bar is a cartoon version of Bill Murray from 'Lost in Translation,' pitching a Japanese whisky. 'For a relaxing time, it's Suntory time!' Instead, I ordered a pink, crunchy sugar-bottomed Hello Kitty cocktail with my meal. I happened to arrive on 'Family Feud Night' and was recruited by two friends sitting next to me at the bar to be on their team. In the middle of the game, the bartender carried around a large golden Buddha for contestants to tap on the head for luck. 'It's a tradition,' he explained to me, the only newcomer. One of my teammates, Garrion Sirman, never left Buffalo after graduating college, citing the appeal of its big city vibes and 'mix of affordable and cool shit.' The converted Chandler Street factory is made up of two adjoining red-brick warehouses in the Black Rock neighborhood north of downtown. The buildings are home to the kitchens for multiple culinary start-ups, and in addition to the Waxlight, two other anchor tenants are the popular Crenshaw's Chicken and Waffles and a mushroom farm. Yes, farm. Flat #12 Mushrooms sells mushroom varieties as well as mushroom-infused products such as coffee and cream cheese. But they are growing the goods in the back. The Chandler Street developer has plans for an outdoor swim club with a bar and poolside restaurant, according to the National Trust for Historic Preservation. If chocolate is more your kind of souvenir, head to the 98-year-old Parkside Candy, a landmark-of-a-shop, lined with ornate ceiling trim and glass display cases full of handcrafted chocolates, located just north of Delaware Park. A visit is a portal back in time, maybe to the early 1940s – the time period in the 1984 Oscar-nominated film, 'The Natural,' whose diner scenes were filmed at Parkside. My server, wearing a throw-back uniform of black apron and red bowtie, served me a grilled cheese and a glass bowl of ice cream while I sat next to a beautiful, solid walnut wood soda fountain. When I asked if she knew about Parkside's big-screen moment, she told me she had been an extra in the 40-year-old Robert Redford film. The factory where the chocolate is made is next door. Walking into the Talking Leaves…Books, I was greeted by The White Stripes on the speakers, which set the tone for an enjoyable browse, as do shelf categories such as 'Belles Lettres' (for poetry and miscellaneous literary subjects), and the laidback but helpful staff. I bought a quirky postcard and wrote to a friend from the inviting Caffe Aroma next door while enjoying an expertly executed cappuccino. Aroma is Buffalo's longest-running locally-owned coffee shop. North of downtown, on the edge of Delaware Park, the world-class Buffalo AKG Art Museum has the usual suspects when it comes to great artists, including Rothko, de Kooning, Pollock, Lichtenstein, Warhol and Picasso. But a hands-on space for adults and kids allows you to create your own sculpture with the classy medium of black-and-white-only Legos. After a massive expansion, the 160-year-old art institution, formerly known as the Albright-Knox Art Gallery, reopened as this modern museum in 2023. Another master's artistry is on display and open to tours at Frank Lloyd Wright's Martin House, located about two miles east of the museum on the other side of the park. The cantilever design is considered one of the architect's greatest works; Wright himself described the Prairie-style home as a 'domestic symphony.' The Wright house is just off Delaware Park, the crown jewel of the city's system of parks and designed by another genius: Frederick Law Olmsted, of Central Park fame. Delaware Park is flanked by lovely Edwardian-style homes and contains statues from the Pan-American Exposition of 1901. Back in the heart of downtown Buffalo, the Canalside park benefited from a recent $300 million waterfront revitalization and hosts hundreds of waterside concerts and events every year. It has a huge ice rink in the winter. And it's also the launch pad for river cruises or kayak rentals on Lake Erie. Like Flagstaff, Arizona's proximity to the Grand Canyon, Buffalo could mistakenly be overlooked as the last stop before visiting Niagara Falls, just a half hour's drive north on Interstate 190. There's a city bus from downtown to the Falls for only $2. Beautiful if touristy, Niagara Falls make for a memorable day trip from Buffalo. Unlike the Falls, however, you need more than just a few hours in the city to soak in all it has to offer. There's a small (39 runs), inexpensive ski resort with a long season about 45 minutes south of Buffalo called Kissing Bridge. It was acquired at the end of last year, and investment in the resort and in off-season activities, such as additional mountain biking and hiking, are planned. Then there's Canada. The small town of Fort Erie, Ontario, lies just across the Niagara River, accessible by the Peace Bridge – and your passport. From there, it's only a couple more hours to Toronto, with the Canadian side of Niagara Falls as a stop along the way. Toronto is a fitting sister city to Buffalo; they share a reputation as low-key cool. I made one last stop before heading to the airport. One of the Buffalo wings destinations debated on the plane was Betty's, and I was eager to try its vegetarian version made with seitan (but missing none of the hot, tangy messiness). I got a lunch serving, to-go, for the midday flight back to New York. After I arrived at the airport rental car drop-off, the young man behind the counter thanked me when I handed him the keys. As I turned away, something felt missing in the exchange. 'Go Bills!' I initiated for the first and only time, then started to walk away. 'Go Bills!' the rental car attendant called back, grinning.
CNN
3 days ago
- Lifestyle
- CNN
Buffalo, New York is a welcoming blend of cool and old school
Buffalo, New York (CNN) — 'Go Bills!' is the standard exchange here. I quickly surmised that there's only one acceptable reply when someone says to you, 'Go Bills!' And that's, 'Go Bills!' 'It's more than just a rallying cry during football season, it's become a kind of regional shorthand for pride, camaraderie and shared identity,' explained Shawn St. John, age 31, who I met in a Buffalo bar. 'You'll typically hear it used as a farewell, or a salutation.' A visit to Buffalo feels like being in a play about a small town where everyone knows each other, and they bond over the local sports team. Only, it's a reality, and it's the Empire State's biggest city outside the New York City area, and the local team is in the NFL. Apparently, none of this has gone to their heads. Buffalo is an instantly charming blend of big and small, of cool and old school. Its restaurants and bars range from foodie and fancy to messy (see: Buffalo chicken wings) and quirky. It has an art museum with works by the Old Masters and also a soda fountain attached to a still-working chocolate factory. And it's just a short drive out of town to skiing, Canada and the largest waterfall (by volume) in North America. It's also friendly and surprisingly youthful. 'Lucky Day,' said the young man sitting next to me on the 90-minute flight from New York City, when I asked him where I should go while I was in town. He followed that bar recommendation by sharing his favorite places for Buffalo wings, which prompted an eavesdropping young couple in the row behind us to share their favorites. Then others weighed in on what became a good-natured debate among them as we disembarked. (Contenders tossed around included Cole's, Gabriel's Gate, Doc Sullivan's and Anchor Bar, which makes claim to being the origin of the fried, spicy wings). Prev Next Those 30-something passengers represented a surprising demographic distinction for this city mainly known for its long winters, spicy chicken wings and proximity to one of the most popular honeymoon destinations in the country. Nearly 38% of the population is under age 24, and the median is 34 years old. By contrast, the median age for New York City is 38 and for the whole state, it's 40. As Buffalo approaches its bicentennial in another seven years, young people not long out of college are moving here like it's the hot new destination, or staying after they graduate from one of its several colleges. The attraction includes affordability, access to nature, and the growing food and drink scene — all of which benefit visitors, too. Not bad for a town that emerged originally as the terminus of industrial traffic along the Erie Canal in the early 1800s. After checking into the affordable luxury of the Curtiss Hotel downtown, I searched for the location of Lucky Day and it was two blocks away. 'Must be my Lucky Day,' I said to myself and walked there through the compact center of the city. Downtown is marked by the inspiring beauty of Art Deco, Beaux-Arts and other classical design styles. The magazine Architectural Digest even named Buffalo one of the 23 Top Places to Travel in 2023. A light rail train smoothly beeps through it. Giant posters in the stately, gold-domed M&T Bank building read, 'Billieve.' Lucky Day Whiskey Bar lives up to the potable half of its name with warmly illuminated bottles that stretch from bar to ceiling. The whole space looks the part, with its wood paneling, fancy gold-infused wallpaper on one side, and urban exposed brick on the other. A taxidermied, not-so-lucky buffalo head looks out over the bonhomie. Beyond the encyclopedic whiskey menu, the bar's excellent beer selections include Kilkenny's nitro-infused Irish ale, from the old country, and a local lager from Woodcock Brothers Brewery. The bartenders, in their spiffy vests and hipster facial hair, shake hands and chat with the customers they know by name. 'Your regular or something new tonight?' they ask from behind the beautiful, dark wood bar. Sitting there, I introduced myself to Shawn and his significant other, Krystina Lucas, 32. He manages a local cannabis dispensary and she's a grade-school teacher. If one conversation with a random local on the plane landed me at Lucky Day, another one at Lucky Day should net me more, I reasoned. They enthusiastically gave me a long list of places to eat, drink and shop to get a feel for their evolving city, particularly its nightlife and culinary scene. Krystina recommended the four-story Pearl Street Grill & Brewery located downtown by the water, where I had a Peanut Butter Vibes lager at a bar with views of giant, gleaming beer tanks. Don't knock it till you try it. But if that's outside your comfort zone, the Sabre's Edge is an award-winning double IPA. And you can enjoy it in the large first-floor bar, which was recently renovated. There's also a swanky wine lounge in the Black Rock neighborhood called Waxlight Bar à Vin that opened in 2019 in the revitalized Chandler Street factory building, part of a trend of breathing new life into old industrial spaces. Waxlight was a 2023 James Beard Award semifinalist. The Curtiss Hotel has a rooftop bar and a circular first floor one that slowly revolves. But I was on the elevator when I was reminded of what really led me to pick the hotel in the first place. An elevator button labeled 'Hot Springs' leads guests to an enormous, outdoor hot tub with powerful jets — an effective last stop before sleep. Buffalo is famous for its eponymous wings, of course, but there's also local pride for a meal-of-a-sandwich called a beef on weck (translation: roast beef on a kümmelweck roll). Ask 10 people in Buffalo the best place to go for wings and/or a weck and you'll get 10 different answers, and then have fun figuring out your own answer. Two local chains to also add to your Buffalo classics bingo card are Ted's Hot Dogs and Anderson's Frozen Custard. But newer spots such as Lucky Day, which opened in 2017, are expanding beyond Buffalo's traditional menu offerings. Lucky Day's signature mac & cheese is served in a cast-iron cauldron with an inspired Goldfish cracker-crumble crust, alongside a hearty salad made with brussels sprout leaves. For a different milieu only a few blocks away, Misuta Chow's specializes in Japanese street food, such as tasty sesame noodles, miso-spiced deviled eggs and ramen. Faux roofs and real lanterns inside give the place the feel of a Tokyo alleyway. Above the bar is a cartoon version of Bill Murray from 'Lost in Translation,' pitching a Japanese whisky. 'For a relaxing time, it's Suntory time!' Instead, I ordered a pink, crunchy sugar-bottomed Hello Kitty cocktail with my meal. I happened to arrive on 'Family Feud Night' and was recruited by two friends sitting next to me at the bar to be on their team. In the middle of the game, the bartender carried around a large golden Buddha for contestants to tap on the head for luck. 'It's a tradition,' he explained to me, the only newcomer. One of my teammates, Garrion Sirman, never left Buffalo after graduating college, citing the appeal of its big city vibes and 'mix of affordable and cool shit.' The converted Chandler Street factory is made up of two adjoining red-brick warehouses in the Black Rock neighborhood north of downtown. The buildings are home to the kitchens for multiple culinary start-ups, and in addition to the Waxlight, two other anchor tenants are the popular Crenshaw's Chicken and Waffles and a mushroom farm. Yes, farm. Flat #12 Mushrooms sells mushroom varieties as well as mushroom-infused products such as coffee and cream cheese. But they are growing the goods in the back. The Chandler Street developer has plans for an outdoor swim club with a bar and poolside restaurant, according to the National Trust for Historic Preservation. If chocolate is more your kind of souvenir, head to the 98-year-old Parkside Candy, a landmark-of-a-shop, lined with ornate ceiling trim and glass display cases full of handcrafted chocolates, located just north of Delaware Park. A visit is a portal back in time, maybe to the early 1940s – the time period in the 1984 Oscar-nominated film, 'The Natural,' whose diner scenes were filmed at Parkside. My server, wearing a throw-back uniform of black apron and red bowtie, served me a grilled cheese and a glass bowl of ice cream while I sat next to a beautiful, solid walnut wood soda fountain. When I asked if she knew about Parkside's big-screen moment, she told me she had been an extra in the 40-year-old Robert Redford film. The factory where the chocolate is made is next door. Walking into the Talking Leaves…Books, I was greeted by The White Stripes on the speakers, which set the tone for an enjoyable browse, as do shelf categories such as 'Belles Lettres' (for poetry and miscellaneous literary subjects), and the laidback but helpful staff. I bought a quirky postcard and wrote to a friend from the inviting Caffe Aroma next door while enjoying an expertly executed cappuccino. Aroma is Buffalo's longest-running locally-owned coffee shop. North of downtown, on the edge of Delaware Park, the world-class Buffalo AKG Art Museum has the usual suspects when it comes to great artists, including Rothko, de Kooning, Pollock, Lichtenstein, Warhol and Picasso. But a hands-on space for adults and kids allows you to create your own sculpture with the classy medium of black-and-white-only Legos. After a massive expansion, the 160-year-old art institution, formerly known as the Albright-Knox Art Gallery, reopened as this modern museum in 2023. Another master's artistry is on display and open to tours at Frank Lloyd Wright's Martin House, located about two miles east of the museum on the other side of the park. The cantilever design is considered one of the architect's greatest works; Wright himself described the Prairie-style home as a 'domestic symphony.' The Wright house is just off Delaware Park, the crown jewel of the city's system of parks and designed by another genius: Frederick Law Olmsted, of Central Park fame. Delaware Park is flanked by lovely Edwardian-style homes and contains statues from the Pan-American Exposition of 1901. Back in the heart of downtown Buffalo, the Canalside park benefited from a recent $300 million waterfront revitalization and hosts hundreds of waterside concerts and events every year. It has a huge ice rink in the winter. And it's also the launch pad for river cruises or kayak rentals on Lake Erie. Like Flagstaff, Arizona's proximity to the Grand Canyon, Buffalo could mistakenly be overlooked as the last stop before visiting Niagara Falls, just a half hour's drive north on Interstate 190. There's a city bus from downtown to the Falls for only $2. Beautiful if touristy, Niagara Falls make for a memorable day trip from Buffalo. Unlike the Falls, however, you need more than just a few hours in the city to soak in all it has to offer. There's a small (39 runs), inexpensive ski resort with a long season about 45 minutes south of Buffalo called Kissing Bridge. It was acquired at the end of last year, and investment in the resort and in off-season activities, such as additional mountain biking and hiking, are planned. Then there's Canada. The small town of Fort Erie, Ontario, lies just across the Niagara River, accessible by the Peace Bridge – and your passport. From there, it's only a couple more hours to Toronto, with the Canadian side of Niagara Falls as a stop along the way. Toronto is a fitting sister city to Buffalo; they share a reputation as low-key cool. I made one last stop before heading to the airport. One of the Buffalo wings destinations debated on the plane was Betty's, and I was eager to try its vegetarian version made with seitan (but missing none of the hot, tangy messiness). I got a lunch serving, to-go, for the midday flight back to New York. After I arrived at the airport rental car drop-off, the young man behind the counter thanked me when I handed him the keys. As I turned away, something felt missing in the exchange. 'Go Bills!' I initiated for the first and only time, then started to walk away. 'Go Bills!' the rental car attendant called back, grinning.
CNN
3 days ago
- Lifestyle
- CNN
Buffalo, New York is a welcoming blend of cool and old school
Buffalo, New York (CNN) — 'Go Bills!' is the standard exchange here. I quickly surmised that there's only one acceptable reply when someone says to you, 'Go Bills!' And that's, 'Go Bills!' 'It's more than just a rallying cry during football season, it's become a kind of regional shorthand for pride, camaraderie and shared identity,' explained Shawn St. John, age 31, who I met in a Buffalo bar. 'You'll typically hear it used as a farewell, or a salutation.' A visit to Buffalo feels like being in a play about a small town where everyone knows each other, and they bond over the local sports team. Only, it's a reality, and it's the Empire State's biggest city outside the New York City area, and the local team is in the NFL. Apparently, none of this has gone to their heads. Buffalo is an instantly charming blend of big and small, of cool and old school. Its restaurants and bars range from foodie and fancy to messy (see: Buffalo chicken wings) and quirky. It has an art museum with works by the Old Masters and also a soda fountain attached to a still-working chocolate factory. And it's just a short drive out of town to skiing, Canada and the largest waterfall (by volume) in North America. It's also friendly and surprisingly youthful. 'Lucky Day,' said the young man sitting next to me on the 90-minute flight from New York City, when I asked him where I should go while I was in town. He followed that bar recommendation by sharing his favorite places for Buffalo wings, which prompted an eavesdropping young couple in the row behind us to share their favorites. Then others weighed in on what became a good-natured debate among them as we disembarked. (Contenders tossed around included Cole's, Gabriel's Gate, Doc Sullivan's and Anchor Bar, which makes claim to being the origin of the fried, spicy wings). Prev Next Those 30-something passengers represented a surprising demographic distinction for this city mainly known for its long winters, spicy chicken wings and proximity to one of the most popular honeymoon destinations in the country. Nearly 38% of the population is under age 24, and the median is 34 years old. By contrast, the median age for New York City is 38 and for the whole state, it's 40. As Buffalo approaches its bicentennial in another seven years, young people not long out of college are moving here like it's the hot new destination, or staying after they graduate from one of its several colleges. The attraction includes affordability, access to nature, and the growing food and drink scene — all of which benefit visitors, too. Not bad for a town that emerged originally as the terminus of industrial traffic along the Erie Canal in the early 1800s. After checking into the affordable luxury of the Curtiss Hotel downtown, I searched for the location of Lucky Day and it was two blocks away. 'Must be my Lucky Day,' I said to myself and walked there through the compact center of the city. Downtown is marked by the inspiring beauty of Art Deco, Beaux-Arts and other classical design styles. The magazine Architectural Digest even named Buffalo one of the 23 Top Places to Travel in 2023. A light rail train smoothly beeps through it. Giant posters in the stately, gold-domed M&T Bank building read, 'Billieve.' Lucky Day Whiskey Bar lives up to the potable half of its name with warmly illuminated bottles that stretch from bar to ceiling. The whole space looks the part, with its wood paneling, fancy gold-infused wallpaper on one side, and urban exposed brick on the other. A taxidermied, not-so-lucky buffalo head looks out over the bonhomie. Beyond the encyclopedic whiskey menu, the bar's excellent beer selections include Kilkenny's nitro-infused Irish ale, from the old country, and a local lager from Woodcock Brothers Brewery. The bartenders, in their spiffy vests and hipster facial hair, shake hands and chat with the customers they know by name. 'Your regular or something new tonight?' they ask from behind the beautiful, dark wood bar. Sitting there, I introduced myself to Shawn and his significant other, Krystina Lucas, 32. He manages a local cannabis dispensary and she's a grade-school teacher. If one conversation with a random local on the plane landed me at Lucky Day, another one at Lucky Day should net me more, I reasoned. They enthusiastically gave me a long list of places to eat, drink and shop to get a feel for their evolving city, particularly its nightlife and culinary scene. Krystina recommended the four-story Pearl Street Grill & Brewery located downtown by the water, where I had a Peanut Butter Vibes lager at a bar with views of giant, gleaming beer tanks. Don't knock it till you try it. But if that's outside your comfort zone, the Sabre's Edge is an award-winning double IPA. And you can enjoy it in the large first-floor bar, which was recently renovated. There's also a swanky wine lounge in the Black Rock neighborhood called Waxlight Bar à Vin that opened in 2019 in the revitalized Chandler Street factory building, part of a trend of breathing new life into old industrial spaces. Waxlight was a 2023 James Beard Award semifinalist. The Curtiss Hotel has a rooftop bar and a circular first floor one that slowly revolves. But I was on the elevator when I was reminded of what really led me to pick the hotel in the first place. An elevator button labeled 'Hot Springs' leads guests to an enormous, outdoor hot tub with powerful jets — an effective last stop before sleep. Buffalo is famous for its eponymous wings, of course, but there's also local pride for a meal-of-a-sandwich called a beef on weck (translation: roast beef on a kümmelweck roll). Ask 10 people in Buffalo the best place to go for wings and/or a weck and you'll get 10 different answers, and then have fun figuring out your own answer. Two local chains to also add to your Buffalo classics bingo card are Ted's Hot Dogs and Anderson's Frozen Custard. But newer spots such as Lucky Day, which opened in 2017, are expanding beyond Buffalo's traditional menu offerings. Lucky Day's signature mac & cheese is served in a cast-iron cauldron with an inspired Goldfish cracker-crumble crust, alongside a hearty salad made with brussels sprout leaves. For a different milieu only a few blocks away, Misuta Chow's specializes in Japanese street food, such as tasty sesame noodles, miso-spiced deviled eggs and ramen. Faux roofs and real lanterns inside give the place the feel of a Tokyo alleyway. Above the bar is a cartoon version of Bill Murray from 'Lost in Translation,' pitching a Japanese whisky. 'For a relaxing time, it's Suntory time!' Instead, I ordered a pink, crunchy sugar-bottomed Hello Kitty cocktail with my meal. I happened to arrive on 'Family Feud Night' and was recruited by two friends sitting next to me at the bar to be on their team. In the middle of the game, the bartender carried around a large golden Buddha for contestants to tap on the head for luck. 'It's a tradition,' he explained to me, the only newcomer. One of my teammates, Garrion Sirman, never left Buffalo after graduating college, citing the appeal of its big city vibes and 'mix of affordable and cool shit.' The converted Chandler Street factory is made up of two adjoining red-brick warehouses in the Black Rock neighborhood north of downtown. The buildings are home to the kitchens for multiple culinary start-ups, and in addition to the Waxlight, two other anchor tenants are the popular Crenshaw's Chicken and Waffles and a mushroom farm. Yes, farm. Flat #12 Mushrooms sells mushroom varieties as well as mushroom-infused products such as coffee and cream cheese. But they are growing the goods in the back. The Chandler Street developer has plans for an outdoor swim club with a bar and poolside restaurant, according to the National Trust for Historic Preservation. If chocolate is more your kind of souvenir, head to the 98-year-old Parkside Candy, a landmark-of-a-shop, lined with ornate ceiling trim and glass display cases full of handcrafted chocolates, located just north of Delaware Park. A visit is a portal back in time, maybe to the early 1940s – the time period in the 1984 Oscar-nominated film, 'The Natural,' whose diner scenes were filmed at Parkside. My server, wearing a throw-back uniform of black apron and red bowtie, served me a grilled cheese and a glass bowl of ice cream while I sat next to a beautiful, solid walnut wood soda fountain. When I asked if she knew about Parkside's big-screen moment, she told me she had been an extra in the 40-year-old Robert Redford film. The factory where the chocolate is made is next door. Walking into the Talking Leaves…Books, I was greeted by The White Stripes on the speakers, which set the tone for an enjoyable browse, as do shelf categories such as 'Belles Lettres' (for poetry and miscellaneous literary subjects), and the laidback but helpful staff. I bought a quirky postcard and wrote to a friend from the inviting Caffe Aroma next door while enjoying an expertly executed cappuccino. Aroma is Buffalo's longest-running locally-owned coffee shop. North of downtown, on the edge of Delaware Park, the world-class Buffalo AKG Art Museum has the usual suspects when it comes to great artists, including Rothko, de Kooning, Pollock, Lichtenstein, Warhol and Picasso. But a hands-on space for adults and kids allows you to create your own sculpture with the classy medium of black-and-white-only Legos. After a massive expansion, the 160-year-old art institution, formerly known as the Albright-Knox Art Gallery, reopened as this modern museum in 2023. Another master's artistry is on display and open to tours at Frank Lloyd Wright's Martin House, located about two miles east of the museum on the other side of the park. The cantilever design is considered one of the architect's greatest works; Wright himself described the Prairie-style home as a 'domestic symphony.' The Wright house is just off Delaware Park, the crown jewel of the city's system of parks and designed by another genius: Frederick Law Olmsted, of Central Park fame. Delaware Park is flanked by lovely Edwardian-style homes and contains statues from the Pan-American Exposition of 1901. Back in the heart of downtown Buffalo, the Canalside park benefited from a recent $300 million waterfront revitalization and hosts hundreds of waterside concerts and events every year. It has a huge ice rink in the winter. And it's also the launch pad for river cruises or kayak rentals on Lake Erie. Like Flagstaff, Arizona's proximity to the Grand Canyon, Buffalo could mistakenly be overlooked as the last stop before visiting Niagara Falls, just a half hour's drive north on Interstate 190. There's a city bus from downtown to the Falls for only $2. Beautiful if touristy, Niagara Falls make for a memorable day trip from Buffalo. Unlike the Falls, however, you need more than just a few hours in the city to soak in all it has to offer. There's a small (39 runs), inexpensive ski resort with a long season about 45 minutes south of Buffalo called Kissing Bridge. It was acquired at the end of last year, and investment in the resort and in off-season activities, such as additional mountain biking and hiking, are planned. Then there's Canada. The small town of Fort Erie, Ontario, lies just across the Niagara River, accessible by the Peace Bridge – and your passport. From there, it's only a couple more hours to Toronto, with the Canadian side of Niagara Falls as a stop along the way. Toronto is a fitting sister city to Buffalo; they share a reputation as low-key cool. I made one last stop before heading to the airport. One of the Buffalo wings destinations debated on the plane was Betty's, and I was eager to try its vegetarian version made with seitan (but missing none of the hot, tangy messiness). I got a lunch serving, to-go, for the midday flight back to New York. After I arrived at the airport rental car drop-off, the young man behind the counter thanked me when I handed him the keys. As I turned away, something felt missing in the exchange. 'Go Bills!' I initiated for the first and only time, then started to walk away. 'Go Bills!' the rental car attendant called back, grinning.
Washington Post
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Washington Post
25 essential LGBTQ+ bars to know in the D.C. area
Those visiting for WorldPride in June are about to learn what locals have long known: The LGBTQ+ bar scene here is as diverse, interesting and dynamic as the D.C. queer community itself. Looking for a laid-back, gay-owned brewery? There's a spot for that. Somewhere sweaty and dimly lit to dance until the morning hours? There's a spot for that, too. Sapphic-centered spaces, old-time dives and somewhere to belt Whitney Houston songs in front of equally drunk strangers? Check, check and check. In D.C., where about 10 percent of people identify as LGBTQ+, there's a spot tailored to everyone — no matter your identity, interests or wallet size. Below, find a guide to all our favorites.
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Hidden gem patios you shouldn't miss in NE Ohio
**Related Video Above: In case you'd like to make summer foods on your own hidden patio (aka your back yard), see above CLEVELAND (WJW) — You can't see these patios from the road. They're high in the sky or tucked out back or just off the beaten path. These are the Northeast Ohio patios you may have heard whispered about at parties or discovered one day while walking through your neighborhood. They're out in the open, but hidden all the same. Yes, with Ohioans taking their (limited) patio season so seriously, we wanted to compile a list of gems you need to be checking out with your favorite people. Some are high-end restaurant patios, some are bars or breweries. Pizza joints with a cult-like following in Northeast Ohio It's only a smattering of spots, of course. We highly recommend getting out and exploring and finding your own gems to add to this list. Take a look below: 12800 Larchmere Blvd., Cleveland; 216-229-1171One of the longest running bars in Cleveland period, this eastside spot not only has an incredibly homey inside, they also have a lovely patio that offers up a somewhat secluded feel from the outside world. While there, order a burger or side of wings. Stay awhile. All Saints Public House 1261 W. 76th St., Cleveland; 216-675-0028A patio like this, tucked away in the Battery Park neighborhood, is going to fill up quickly on a gorgeous evening. Plan accordingly and get there early. You'll experience a bougie terrace-like space with fun cocktails to go along. Hilton Cleveland Downtown, 100 Lakeside Ave. E.; 216-413-5000That view, man, that view. Here you're getting a glorious look at Lake Erie and all that comes along with it (including the wind). The space is located on the 32nd floor of the downtown Hilton, offering late-night food until 11 p.m. They do not take reservations, but do offer delicious drinks. 1329 Washington Ave., Cleveland; 216-273-0731It's a small space sandwiched between brick and the sky. You won't find chandeliers or the fanciest of cocktails, but there is something unquantifiable about this patio at this Irish bar, situated, as the name suggests, at the top of the Flats West Bank. Sometimes there's music, and sometimes people just chatting around a small fire. 2448 Fairmount Blvd., Cleveland Heights; 216-229-9463Tucked in behind the Cedar Fairmount neighborhood bar, when the patio finally opens for the summer season (and heat lamps are no longer needed) it's like stumbling upon an oasis with bar and table seating. The house-made ginger beer is not to be missed here. Metropolitan at the 9, 2017 E. 9th St., Cleveland; 216-313-8810Rooftop bars in downtown Cleveland come with their own connotation, but this one isn't just for late-night revelers. Instead, this bar at the top of the 9 feels fancy, but not over-the-top. A must-stop to impress your friends from out of town. 12309 Mayfield Rd., Cleveland; 216-231-3100When it's time to get that old-school Italian food fix and you're going out to Little Italy, you'd be remiss to not consider the Guarino's back patio. It feels like your grandparents' backyard, but packed in with a lot more tables. The place has been running for more than 100 years, they obviously know what they're doing. 3164 Fulton Rd., Cleveland; 216-281-0055Not to be confused with Johnny's downtown, this classic white tablecloth restaurant in the Clark-Fulton neighborhood offers up all the American standard favorites and has done so for decades. But on the patio, on a beautiful summer's night, it all feels like a breath of fresh air. 1404 W. 29th St., Cleveland; 216-206-7699It's a Hingetown spot where all are welcome, plus, they have pierogis. The patio out back offers covered seating and a couple of yard games. Perfect for you and all your nearest and dearest. The respect of good music should also bring you through the door. 7508 OH-43, Kent; 330-678-8946A lake view without the bigness of Lake Erie. Nestled right on the side of East Lake, the former Twin Lakes Tavern spot is still here as a relaxed neighborhood bar, but the food (seafood forward) is more elevated. Is there anything better than sipping on a Sangria, or beverage of your choice, on a secluded lakeside patio during sunset? Missing Mountain Brewing Co. 2811 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls; 234-706-2212From Front Street, you wouldn't know about the large, overhanging patio in the back looking out on the Cuyahoga River. Perfect for enjoying a cold, tasty beer on a warm summer's eve. Also, being a brewery, the spot is family-friendly as well. 1859 W. 25th St., Cleveland, 216-862-6631There are quite a few lovely patios on West 25th Street to choose from. This one, though, seems somehow more quiet than the others, offering shade, multiple stories and a mighty good beer selection. Best Northeast Ohio dog-friendly patios to enjoy this summer Poppy12502 Larchmere Blvd., Cleveland; 216-415-5069As this restaurant (brought to you by the people behind the now-closed Salt in Lakewood) is located in a 100-year-plus-old house, the patio has no choice but to feel like someone's backyard. Eat well and drink well here, all while enjoying the night sky. 417 Prospect Ave. E., Cleveland; 216-664-0941You're downtown about to go to a show, or a concert, or maybe it's just a night out with the one you like most, and you think maybe you want a steak, but also you want to be on top of the city? That's what the Red's downtown rooftop patio is all about. Sarah's Vineyard1204 W Steels Corners Rd, Cuyahoga Falls: 330-929-8057On your way to a concert at Blossom? Sarah's Vineyard and its vast outdoor area is here to help with those in need of a little wine. The pizzas are also a must-order to help wash it all down. It doesn't quite feel like Napa Valley here, but it sure is beautiful. Tinkers Creek Tavern14000 Tinkers Creek Rd, Walton Hills; 216-642-3900In the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, this tucked-in tavern offers a patio that seems to be nearly on top of the creek. It's almost like picnicking after hiking to a secluded hideaway, except you didn't have to pack anything or cook. UPDATE: The patio is currently not open for food, but patrons can hang out with a beverage. Honorable mentions: This list could go on and on. Here are some other gems — Porco Lounge & Tiki Room, Gervasi Vineyard, Prosperity Social Club, Forest City Brewery and L'Albatros. Last thingService industry employees who are keeping you fed and watered on the patio are worthy of your support and patience. Tip well, and be as understanding as possible when things are hoping. Happy 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
