
Tipico’s Avocado Toast / Photo by Lauren Spoth
People in town and nowhere to go? Time off and wanting to make the most of it? Back in town for the weekend and want to check out the most recent awesomeness to happen around here? We understand. Here are the top 8 things we recommend checking out this holiday weekend.

Tipico / Step Out Buffalo
Tipico Coffee
Tipico opened in November with a lot of buzz around the quality products their putting out in an underserved neighborhood. For breakfast or a solid pick-me-up, head to Tipico Coffee on the Lower West Side. They have a small toast menu, hard boiled eggs and fantastic coffee. Read more about Tipico Coffee here.

Photo from canalsidebuffalo.com
Grain Elevator Illumination
If there’s one attraction you must see while you’re home/off/in town, it’s the new art installation at Canalside. Every day (365) from nightfall until 11pm stop down to Canalside and watch the light display across the Buffalo River. It’s free, it’s awesome, it’s exactly what “New Buffalo” needs. While you’re there you can get a warm up in the new Canalside’s Winter Pavilion- a 30′ x 50′ heated structure with floor-to ceiling windows that overlook the Ice at Canalside!  The Pavilion offers food/merchandise. Or… grab a toasty pick-me-up with a great view in the Marriott Harborcenter lobby/bar on the seventh floor.Â

Taco Pescado at Deep South Taco / Step Out Buffalo
Deep South Taco
One of the most recent openings, this highly anticipated restaurant on Ellicott Street is serving casual “Mexican” fare done right. The place looks awesome and you should go. The Taco de Pescado is on point. Read more about Deep South Taco here.

Photo courtesy of Lace & Day
Shop Local
It hasn’t always been the case that Western New Yorkers could head out for a day of shopping at local botiques. I remember the days of stopping here and there and ending it within an hour. This Thanksgiving we’re thankful for the retail shops that have been popping up everywhere we turn, offering the perfect alternative to a crazy day at the mall! From Elmwood Village to Hertel, Hamburg, East Aurora, to Downtown, there are plenty of local businesses to shop and eat at for a full day out! Check out our guide to Shopping Local on Black Friday and Small Business Saturday. We’ve done the homework for you and complied a list of all the extended hours and awesome deals to be had.

New York Beer Project / Step Out Buffalo
New York Beer Project
If you find yourself anywhere north of the city (or even if you’re south), this weekend calls for a stop at WNY’s newest brewery (like last week new). It’s huge, it’s got multiple bars, it’s got food, it’s got beer, it’s just got a ton of atmosphere and it’s perfect for a big group ready to catch up all night long while playing oversized jenga and bean bags indoors. Read more about New York Beer Project here.

Cocktails at Tommyrotter / Step Out Buffalo
Small Business Saturday Pop Up Market at Tommyrotter Distillery
50% pop up market, 50% partay with some of the coolest kids around! If you’re in the neighborhood, and let’s be honest, even if you’re not, stop by the new Tommyrotter Distillery where we, and several other local vendors and promoters, will be set up on the TR production floor helping you cross mad people off your gift list. Tommyrotter is debuting their holiday gift box (limited quantity), we’ll be giving away SOB koozies, doing a major giveaway and selling SOB t-shirts… and Vera will be giving out FREE cocktails to guests. Is there anywhere else you’d rather be? (Yes, we’re probably a little biased.) Get more details here.

Pitch Bar / Step Out Buffalo
Pitch Bar
This week the Parkers (of English Pork Pie Company and British Chippy) opened a new soccer bar in the same complex as their other businesses. Luckily, this place is so new that it might not be packed to the brim. Grab a pint, a pie (savory pies here people), fish and chips, and watch some good old futbol. Did we mention this place is kid friendly? Read more about the Pitch Bar here.

42 North Brewing Co. / Step Out Buffalo
42 North Brewing Co.
This new Southtowns Brewery opened in November to a packed house as well. They’ve got delicious beer (hopefully you can snag an Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Ale), some light fare, and again, plenty of room for old friends looking to catch up! Read more about 42 North here.
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