We don’t want to over simplify this, but frankly Buffalo (WNY) Fish Fries are where it’s at.
The larger than life pieces of fish, the tarter sauce, the high key side game.
Like wings, beef on weck, and sponge candy, the Friday night (or any night) fish fry is a sort of a “buffalo thing”. The Buffalo News does a great job in this article explaining the history of the Buffalo fish fry. While the most common time to find Western New Yorkers in search of a good fish fry is during Lent, many of the restaurants mentioned below offer a fish fry dish beyond Lent and more than just Fridays.
What makes a good fish fry varies depending on who you ask, but a certain crispness is important if you ask us. And then there are the accouterments – at least a couple of sides that come with it like french fries, mac salad, potato salad, a dinner roll and the 1000% necessary tartar sauce. Homemade everything is a plus if not a must.
In order to pull this list together, we asked our Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram followers where to find the best fish fry in Buffalo and WNY. They answered with their top picks and we’ve included the full list of reader recommendations below. If it was mentioned, it’s listed below.
Because we received hundreds of comments resulting in over 50 recommendations, there’s an option in almost every neighborhood in WNY. From sit-down service to fast casual options and take out for instance, fish fries are served in a variety of places, all worth recommending according to Western New Yorkers.
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Best of the Best
While many recommendations were mentioned more than once, there were certain places mentioned over and over (and over) again. It’s safe to say these are our readers’ top picks for Fish Fry:
1st: Wiechecs Lounge (Buffalo’s East Side)
Tied for 2nd:
- Frank Gourmet Hot Dogs (Kenmore)
- Wallenwein’s Hotel (East Aurora)
Tied for 3rd:
- Curry’s Pub (North Buffalo)
- Gene McCarthy’s (South Buffalo)
- Griffon Gastropub (Clarence, Niagara Falls, East Aurora)
- Hoak’s (Hamburg)
4th: McPartlan’s Corner (Williamsville)
Keep scrolling for the full list of mentions!
Check out the comments on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for menu item recommendations and specific info you can’t get anywhere else, out of the mouths of customers! Plus explore more guides with recommendations according to Western New Yorkers.
Guide to Best Fish Fry in Buffalo & WNY According to Western New Yorkers
A and C Meat Co.
6472 Southwestern Blvd. Lakeview, NY 14085 • $$
Deli-SandwichesSouth Towns
Fast Casual / Counter Service
Situated in Lakeview NY just 10 miles from downtown Buffalo, A&C Meat Company opened it's doors on October 31, 2015 and it didn't take long for ...
Alton’s Restaurant – Elma
2221 Transit Road Elma, New York 14059 • $$
GreekDinerAmericanSouth Towns
Casual / Full Table Service
Experience the finest in casual dining in a clean, warm and friendly atmosphere and enjoy the best home cooked meals at the most reasonable prices around. Since ...
Alton’s Restaurant – Walden
2250 Walden Ave Cheektowaga, New York 14225 • $$
GreekDinerAmericanCheektowaga and East
Casual / Full Table Service
Experience the finest in casual dining in a clean, warm and friendly atmosphere and enjoy the best home cooked meals at the most reasonable prices around. Since ...
Apollo Family Restaurant
3387 Park Ave Hamburg, New York 14075 • $$
DinerGreekMediterraneanSouth Towns
Casual / Full Table Service
American (New), American (Traditional), Diners and Greek and Mediterranean Breakfast, lunch and dinner. ...
Apple Granny’s
433 Center St. Lewiston , New York 14092 • $$
AmericanBuffalo FoodDeli-SandwichesSeafoodSteakhouseNiagara County
Casual / Full Table Service
Apple Granny's was started in 1830 serving American cuisine like steak, chicken, ribs and fish. ...
Athena’s Family Restaurant
729 Young St Tonawanda, New York 14150 • $$
AmericanBurgersGreekInternationalMediterraneanSeafoodNorth Towns
Casual / Full Table Service
Athena's Family Restaurant says: Family owned and operated for over 20 years! Enjoy homemade meals and soups made daily, delicious breakfast or our ...
Athens Family Restaurant
2801 Harlem Rd. Cheektowaga, New York 14225 • $
AmericanBuffalo FoodDeli-SandwichesDinerGreekCheektowaga and East
Casual / Full Table Service
2801 Harlem Rd. Cheektowaga NY 892-5019. Open: breakfast, lunch, dinner ...
Bailey Seafood
3316, Bailey Avenue, Kensington Buffalo, New York 14215 • $$
SeafoodAmericanDeli-SandwichesNorth Buffalo
Fast Casual / Counter Service, Take Out
FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED SINCE 1985 Bailey Seafood was founded in 1985 out of a passion for fresh seafood. Started out with only one employee, the ...
Beach House
5584 E River Rd Grand Island, New York 14072 • $
North Towns
Casual / Full Table Service
For over thirty years The Beach House has been serving the people of Western New York delicious food at a reasonable price. ...
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Bellevue Hotel
544, Como Park Boulevard, Cheektowaga, Cheektowaga Town Erie County, New York 14227 • $
Cheektowaga and East
The Bellevue Hotel is a neighborhood favorite, offering great food and service in a fun and friendly atmosphere. Stop in for Wing Specials on Mondays and ...
Black Water Tavern & Tap
12443 Broadway Alden, New York 14004 • $$
AmericanBuffalo FoodBurgersDeli-SandwichesPub FoodCheektowaga/East
Casual / Full Table Service, Bar, Take Out
Black Water is home to all the comforts of a good tavern: chef-prepared food, taps galore, a fun-loving crowd, live music, special ...
Blackthorn Restaurant & Pub
2134 Seneca Street South Buffalo, New York 14220 • $$
AmericanBuffalo FoodBurgersDeli-SandwichesIrishPub FoodSeafoodSteakhouseSouth Buffalo
Casual / Full Table Service
Blackthorn Restaurant $ Pub is the quintessential cozy, no pretense South Buffalo joint that has been serving this neighborhood for decades. They offer ...
Brunner’s Tavern
3989 Main Street Amherst, NY 14226 • $$
North Towns
Brunner’s Tavern is a local Buffalo favorite. Famous for it’s steak sandwich, chicken wings, and homemade macaroni salad. ...
Buffalo Brewpub
6861 Main St. Williamsville, New York 14221 • $$
Beer Bar/HallBreweryAmericanBuffalo FoodBurgersDeli-SandwichesPub FoodNorth Towns
Casual / Full Table Service
At Buffalo Brewpub we brew our own beers! New York State's Oldest Brew Pub dedicated to Fine Beer, food, and fun! Renowned for its fabulous beer and savory ...
Buffalo Irish Center
245 Abbot Road Buffalo, New York 14220 • $
IrishPub FoodSouth Buffalo
Casual / Full Table Service, Bar
The Buffalo Irish Center is much more than a meeting place in a pub, a bingo hall, or an establishment for little girls to learn dancing. Since 1970, the ...
Buffalo Soul
454 Pearl St Buffalo, New York 14202 • $
SouthernBuffalo
Casual / Full Table Service
Restaurant $ Lounge in Buffalo, NY specializing in scratch made soul food and local Buffalo favorites. Taste the Soul of 716!!! ...
Butera’s Craft Beer & Craft Pizza
32 Main St Hamburg, New York 14075 • $$
ItalianPizzaSouth Towns
Casual / Full Table Service
Butera's Craft Beer $ Craft Pizza was newly established in September of 2015, but carries on the tradition of excellent customer service and food from ...
BW’s Barbecue
5007 Lake Ave Blasdell , New York 14219 • $$
AmericanBBQSouthernBuffalo
Casual / Full Table Service
Buffalo's best bbq with fall-off-the-bone ribs, smoked brisket, pulled pork and chicken with the taste of summer. ...
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Candy Apple Cafe
81 Buell St. Alden, New York 14001 • $
AmericanBurgersCafe-CoffeeNorth Towns
Casual / Full Table Service, Cafe / Coffee Shop
Candy Apple Cafe is the quintessential small town American diner, and it has small town prices too. ...
Casey’s Black Rock
484 Amherst St Buffalo, New York 14207 • $$
North Buffalo
Bar
Casey's is the type of place where you can get good reliable bar food, and inexpensive drinks. They have a great fish fry on weekends, a spaghetti dinner ...
Central Park Grill
2519 Main Street Buffalo, New York 14214 • $
AmericanBuffalo FoodNorth Buffalo
Casual / Full Table Service
CPG was one of the first bars to open in Buffalo and has succeeded this long due to its great food and staff as well as being the neighborhood bar for ...
Clay Handi Restaurant
3054 Delaware Ave Buffalo, New York 14217 • $
IndianMiddle EasternNorth Buffalo
Casual / Full Table Service
Clay Pot Cooking: Preserve And Enhance The Nutrition In Your Food. Clay Handi Restaurant Offers Traditional Pakistani/ Indian , Halal, Vegetarian and Vegan ...
Colden Country Inn
8815 State Rd Colden, New York 14141 • $$
AmericanBuffalo FoodBurgersDeli-SandwichesPub FoodSeafoodSteakhouseSouth Towns
Casual / Full Table Service
We are a Casual Restaurant with a Family Friendly Dining Room $ Deck Outside. Our Bar Room Area Has 3 Flat Screen High Def TV's For Your Enjoyment.As well ...
Connor’s Restaurant
3465 Seneca St West Seneca, NY 14224 • $$
AmericanBuffalo
The best location in Buffalo for a fish fry, beef on weck, chicken wings, pizza, reubens and plenty of home cooked meals! ...
Curly’s Grille
647 Ridge Rd Lackawanna, New York 14218 • $$$
AmericanCaribbeanInternationalNew AmericanSeafoodSteakhouseSouth Towns
Casual / Full Table Service
Step Out's 2 cents: Curly's has undergone a lot of transformations over the years. Famous for their Jerk Chicken and Black Bean soup for years, but ...
Curry’s Pub
864 Kenmore Ave Buffalo, New York 14202 • $$
AmericanBuffalo FoodSeafoodBuffalo
Casual / Full Table Service
Currys Pub is more than a local fish fry joint!ï¾ With our signature dishes like 'The Dibble', a stuffed pepper sandwich and Scallop Chardonnay, a ...
Danny’s Restaurant – Cheektowaga
3715 Genesee Street Cheektowaga, New York 14225 • $$
AmericanBuffalo FoodBurgersDeli-SandwichesPizzaSeafoodSteakhouseCheektowaga and East
Casual / Full Table Service
A casual dining atmosphere, specializing in chicken, steaks, fresh seafood and an extensive salad bar. Home of the Famous Chicken Wing Soup! Home of ...
Danny’s Restaurant – Orchard Park
4300 Abbott Rd. Orchard Park, New York 14127 • $$
AmericanBBQPizzaSouthernSouth Towns
Casual / Full Table Service
A casual dining atmosphere, specializing in chicken, steaks, fresh seafood and an extensive salad bar. Banquet facilities seat 25 - 70 with full bar service. Home ...
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Daryl’s Pizzeria
163 Main St Perry, NY 14530 • $
PizzaWyoming County
Perry's finest pizza, subs and wings since 1981 ...
David’s Steak Hogay
8442 Niagara Falls Blvd Niagara Falls, NY 14304 • $
Niagara County
This Niagara Falls Sub Shop and Pizzeria offers Niagara Falls Catering. If you are within the Niagara Falls area and are looking for Niagara Falls ...
Dirty Bird Chicken N’ Waffles LLC.
6004 Buffalo Ave Niagara Falls, New York 14304 • $
Soul FoodNiagara County
Casual / Full Table Service
AWARD WINNING Food Truck bringing you a variety of fresh gourmet sandwiches based on Belgian waffles!! ...
Doc Sullivan’s
474 Abbott Rd Buffalo, New York 14220 • $$
Buffalo FoodIrishPub FoodSouth Buffalo
Casual / Full Table Service
A Neighborhood pub set in the heart of South Buffalo's Irish Heritage district serving up cold beer $ spirits along with Pub Fare. ...
Dockside Bar & Grill
153 Sweeney Street North Tonawanda,, New York 14150 • $$
AmericanNorth Towns
Casual / Full Table Service
A historic building along the Erie Canal has been transformed into The Dockside Bar and Grill, a casual-dining restaurant near the Gateway Harbor area ...
Duff’s Famous Wings – Williamsville
4545 Transit Road Williamsville, New York 14221 • $
AmericanBuffalo FoodBurgersDeli-SandwichesNorth Towns
Casual / Full Table Service
In 1946, Louise Duffney opened a corner Gin Mill at Sheridan Drive and Millersport Highway in Amherst, New York, just north of Buffalo. It was in 1969 ...
Duff’s Famous Wings- Buffalo
3090 Orchard Park Rd Orchard Park, New York 14127 • $
AmericanBuffalo FoodBurgersDeli-SandwichesSouth Towns
Casual / Full Table Service
In 1946, Louise Duffney opened a corner Gin Mill at Sheridan Drive and Millersport Highway in Amherst, New York, just north of Buffalo. It was in 1969 ...
Duff’s Famous Wing’s – Amherst
3651 Sheridan Dr Amherst, New York 14221 • $
AmericanBuffalo FoodBurgersDeli-SandwichesNorth Towns
Casual / Full Table Service
In 1946, Louise Duffney opened a corner Gin Mill at Sheridan Drive and Millersport Highway in Amherst, New York, just north of Buffalo. It was in 1969 ...
Duff’s Famous Wings – Niagara Falls
8351 Niagara Falls Blvd Niagara Falls, New York 14304 • $
AmericanBuffalo FoodBurgersDeli-SandwichesNiagara County
Casual / Full Table Service
In 1946, Louise Duffney opened a corner Gin Mill at Sheridan Drive and Millersport Highway in Amherst, New York, just north of Buffalo. It was in 1969 ...
Duff’s Famous Wings – Orchard Park
3090 Orchard Park Rd Buffalo, New York 14224 • $$
AmericanBuffalo FoodDeli-SandwichesBuffalo
Casual / Full Table Service, Bar
WARNING! MEDIUM IS HOT! MEDIUM HOT IS VERY HOT! HOT IS VERY VERY HOT! 'Our wings are famous for a reason. Duff's has been committed to serving the highest ...
Duff’s Famous Wings -Depew
550 Dick Rd Depew, New York 14043 • $
AmericanBuffalo FoodBurgersDeli-SandwichesCheektowaga and East
Casual / Full Table Service
Website says: In 1946, Louise Duffney opened a corner Gin Mill at Sheridan Drive and Millersport Highway in Amherst, New York, just north of Buffalo. It ...
East Eden Tavern
8163 E Eden Rd Eden , New York 14057 • $$
AmericanBBQBuffalo FoodBurgersDeli-SandwichesSouth Towns
Casual / Full Table Service
Love the Garbage Platter- served on a garbage can lid, serves 4 ish $39.99, ($29.99 on Tues.) - full rack of ribs, brisket, chicken, pulled pork, mac n ...
Eddie Brady’s
97 Genesee St Buffalo, New York 14203 • $
Buffalo
Bar
Eddie Brady's is located in the heart of Downtown Buffalo. Stop in for $3 Bottles, $4 Mixed Drinks, and $8 Sandwiches. ...
Frank Gourmet Hot Dogs
707 Kenmore Ave Buffalo, New York 14223 • $
AmericanHot DogsDeli-SandwichesBurgersNorth Towns
Fast Casual / Counter Service
Frustrated that he couldn’t get a quality hot dog with more than just traditional elements of ketchup and mustard, Frank persuaded his brother, Paul, ...
Freddy J’s BBQ
195 Grant St Buffalo, New York 14202 • $$
BBQSouthernAmericanBuffalo
Casual / Full Table Service
Freddy J's Barbecue is one of Buffalo's best kept secrets, providing soul food with a touch of elegance. ...
French Pub
1250 French Rd Buffalo, New York 14043 • $
AmericanBuffalo FoodBurgersDeli-SandwichesFrenchHot DogsCheektowaga and East
Casual / Full Table Service
The Pub features traditional Buffalo cuisine such as Beef on Weck and Chicken Wings, as well as daily dinner and lunch specials. ...
GDI Countryside Inn
2049 Sandridge Alden, NY 14004 • $$
AmericanCheektowaga/East
GDI Countryside Inn is a family owned & operated Restaurant and Banquet facility. We specialize in American, Polish, Seafood,Char-Broiled Steaks and ...
Gene McCarthy’s
73 Hamburg St Buffalo, New York 14202 • $
AmericanBuffalo FoodBuffalo
Casual / Full Table Service
Under the ownership of a team of local craft beer enthusiasts, the long time bar now features a brewery next door, which provides locally brewed beer to ...
Griffon Gastropub – Clarence
5445 Transit Rd Clarence, New York 14031 • $$
AmericanBeer Bar/HallBurgersPub FoodNorth Towns
Casual / Full Table Service
SOB Says About Griffin Gastropub: According to Griffon Gastropub's website, 'If you're looking for a typical 'neighborhood grill' type of place, keep looking,' ...
Griffon Gastropub – Niagara Falls
2470 Military Road Niagara Falls, New York 14303 • $$
AmericanBBQBurgersNiagara County
Casual / Full Table Service
The Griffon Pub is a gastropub located in Niagara Falls, NY that boasts 50 beers on tap and a unique, creative menu. Our staff is friendly and knowledgable ...
Griffon Gastropub East Aurora
634 Main Street, East Aurora, NY, United States East Aurora, New York 14052 • $$
AmericanBeer Bar/HallBuffalo FoodBurgersSouth Towns
Casual / Full Table Service, Bar
72 beers on tap, a grand, old industrial building, long list of fine bar grub and even a childrens' menu. This place is a no brainer and a great addition ...
Hamlin House
432 Franklin Street Buffalo, New York 14202 • $$
AmericanBurgersDeli-SandwichesSeafoodSteakhouseBuffalo
Casual / Full Table Service
SOB says: I'm a sucker for stunning old Italianate style mansions with food. To me the Hamlin House is like a slice of Buffalo chopped and served on a ...
Happy Swallow Restaurant
1349 Sycamore Street Buffalo, New York 14202 • $
AmericanBuffalo FoodPolishSeafoodBuffalo
Casual / Full Table Service
Happy Swallow Bar $ Restaurant is a locally owned establishment run by the Golimowski family. The Bar is open 7 days a week, hours listed. The kitchen ...
Hayes Seafood House
8900 Main St. Clarence , New York 14226 • $$
AmericanNorth Towns
Casual / Full Table Service
Hayes Seafood House offers a wide variety of Fresh Seafood products and entrees for the Western New York region. Located at 8900 Main Street in Clarence, ...
Hideaway Grille
399 Division St Buffalo, New York 14120 • $$
AmericanBBQSeafoodSouthernNiagara County
Casual / Full Table Service
Tucked away in North Tonawanda, the Hideaway Grille quickly welcomes you with its friendly, at-home atmosphere. Family owned and operated since 2000. Hideaway ...
Hoovers Restaurant and Dairy Store
6035 Ward Rd Sanborn, NY 14132 • $$
Niagara County
Good old home cooking mixed with American Fare & WNY favorites. Old fashioned milk shakes, Perry's ice cream and custard served all year round. Daily ...
Jades Bar Restaurant
4495 Broadway Street Depew, NY 14043 • $$
AmericanCheektowaga and East
Jades has been a 30 yr staple!! Its new owner Pattie, has been with the family for 10 yrs!! She has brought back the original family recipes!! ...
JoAndy’s Place
858 Bloomingdale Rd Basom, NY 14013 • $$
Genesee County
Daily specials, homemade soup, Friday fish fry, Always striving for the best quality, always from scratch. ...
Joey’s Place
• $$
Other
Joey's Place is expanding at our new location! Joey's is still serving delicious homemade meatloaf, mashed potatoes, lasagna, beef on weck and more. ...
JP Fitzgeralds
4236 Clark St Hamburg, New York 14075 • $$
AmericanBuffalo FoodBurgersDeli-SandwichesIrishPub FoodSeafoodSteakhouseSouth Towns
Casual / Full Table Service
Great Reubens and much more JP Fitzgerald s is the Southtowns hottest spot for casual fun with family and friends. From ﾜThe Best Reuben Sandwich ...
Kenmore Fish Market
3279 Delaware Ave Kenmore, NY 14217 • $$
North Buffalo
A local favorite for fresh fish and seafood to dine in or take out. Award winning chowder, renowned fried seafood, and tasty seaonal items found here! ...
Kodiak Jack’s
3481 Two Rod Road Buffalo, New York 14052 • $
AmericanBuffalo FoodBurgersDeli-SandwichesHot DogsSouth Towns
Casual / Full Table Service
Come enjoy live music in our grove during the summer or a fish fry on Friday. When it comes to Kodiak Jack's there is always something fun to stop by and ...
La Hacienda Brighton
900 Brighton Rd Buffalo, New York 14150 • $
Deli-SandwichesNorth Towns
Casual / Full Table Service
As we celebrate our 35th anniversary it is fun to reflect back as to how La Hacienda Brighton started out from nothing and developed into one of the premier ...
Lancaster’s Broadway Deli
5430 Broadway Lancaster, New York 14086 • $
Cheektowaga and East
Broadway themed Sandwich Shop, Cafe $ Catering Company located in the Village of Lancaster, NY. We have an extensive sandwich and salad menu along with ...
Lebro’s
330 Cambell Blvd Buffalo, New York 14068 • $$
AmericanBuffalo FoodBurgersHot DogsItalianPizzaSeafoodSteakhouseNorth Towns
Casual / Full Table Service
Lebro s dishes are served to satisfy. That means we don t skimp on the preparation or the delicious ingredients that ensure your order tastes even better ...
Leo’s Pizza
2249 South Park Avenue Buffalo, New York 14220 • $$
Deli-SandwichesPizzaSouth Buffalo
Casual / Full Table Service
Huge menu!! We specialize in pizza, but have a variety of other items like subs, burgers, specialty sandwiches, appetizers, and can't forget wings!! ...
Local Grille @ The Dome
8230 Wehrle Dr Harris Hill, New York 14221 • $$
AmericanBurgersNorth Towns
Casual / Full Table Service, Bar
Local Grille @ The Dome says: Local Grille is a year-round restaurant located at The Dome Complex, which is an indoor golf and entertainment ...
Lock 34 Bar & Grill
80 Main Street Buffalo, New York 14094 • $$
AmericanBuffalo FoodBurgersHot DogsSeafoodSteakhouseNiagara County
Casual / Full Table Service
Located in Lockport, Lock 34 Bar $ Grill is a great place to bring your friends and watch a Bills or Sabres game. Happy Hour specials and live music are ...
Londa’s Diner
576 Dick Rd Depew, NY 14043 • $
AmericanCheektowaga and East
We are family owned and operated diner located on the border of Cheektowaga and Depew in the Dick Urban plaza. Featuring Cathy's famous desserts as ...
Explore more guides with recommendations according to Western New Yorkers. Shout out to Step Out Buffalo intern’s for helping put together this guide!
