Have you ever wondered to yourself, “Step Out Buffalo is great, but this is a lot. I wish there was a short list to point me in the right direction.” Or maybe, “I wonder where the SOB staff would send me today if i could talk to them personally…”.
Ask and you shall receive – this is that list. Keep reading for things to do, restaurants and bars, shops and more recommended straight from the Step Out Buffalo staff!
We’ll release a new Insider Hit List every few months – so stay tuned with your appetite for adventure ready and your eyes peeled, WNY!
Things To Do
Smith’s Orchard Cider Mill
4960 Mapleton Rd, Lockport, NY 14094 / More Info
What screams fall more than a family outing at an apple orchard? Smith’s offers apple picking, apple cider, cider slushies, cider donuts, and more. Season starts late September and runs through early November so be sure to grab your flannel and boots and head here while they are still open for the season!
Photo courtesy of Smith’s Orchard Cider Mill
Cobblestone Commons Murals
Illinois St, Buffalo, NY 14203
Possibly the most Instagram-able spot in Buffalo right now, the photo opps here are practically endless. Like Niagara Falls’ Art Ally, you can spend a good amount of time just viewing art on the street in the most casual way in the most unexpected spot. Go to Ballyhoo after for a cocktail and sausage to top off your unexpected excursion.
Photo courtesy of Albright Knox Art Gallery
Buffalo Bills Block Party on Chippewa
W Chippewa St, Buffalo, NY 14202 / More Info
Bills season is back which means Chippewa will once again be shut down to host outdoor viewing parties for a select few Buffalo Bills away games! This is a super fun way to watch the game with other Bills Mafia fans and cheer on our boys while they’re on the road. GO BILLS!
Photo courtesy of Rec Room
Canalside Roller Rink
44 Prime Street Buffalo NY 14202 / More Info on SOB
New York’s largest roller rink is back for the fall season! The roller rink at Canalside is the perfect way to get downtown and enjoy the outdoors. With plenty of places to eat within walking distance of Canalside this is easily one of our favorite weekend activities. Keep an eye on their upcoming events as they host silent discos, a holiday market, and more.
Photo courtesy of Buffalo Waterfront
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Eat & Drink
Hombre y Lobo
149 Swan Street Ste 1 Buffalo NY 14203 / More Info
If you haven’t tried Hombre y Lobo yet, this is absolutely a what are you waiting for situation. On top of the killer vibe/atmosphere, the tacos are some of the best in Buffalo, the nachos are better than you can imagine, and the drinks are fun and strong.
Photo courtesy of Hombre y Lobo
Socotra Café
671 Ridge Rd Lackawana NY 14218 / More Info
Socotra Café is a small yet welcoming space offering Arabic teas, coffee, pastries, and made-to-order sandwiches. The owner is very friendly and happy to explain the cafés offerings to help you discover what suits your taste. This place makes for a great spot to grab a bite within a few minutes of the Erie County and Botanical Gardens.
Photo x Maria Fernandez for Step Out Buffalo
Mint Cocktails & Kitchen
1225 Niagara St Buffalo NY 14213 / More Info
Mint is bringing super chill patio vibes and great cocktails to downtown Buffalo! While we went just for drinks, we ended up getting some empanadas from their small yet fun menu and was not disappointed. You’ll also have to get their Chipotle Cheese Fries that include a hefty serving enough for two or three people.
Photo courtesy of Mint Cocktails & Kitchen
Craft Coffee House
6612 Campbell Blvd. Pendleton NY 14094 / More Info
Craft Coffee House has small town café charm with a refined yet very approachable menu. Here you’ll find a variety of breakfast and lunch options as well as the occasional dinner hosting. A far as specials go, they have seasonal teas and latte flights worth adding to your already photo-worthy meal. When it comes to personal favorites, we highly recommend the Avocado Toast and their Dirty Chai Latte.
Photo courtesy of Craft Coffee House
The Merry Shelley
1122 Hertel Ave, Buffalo, NY 14216 / More Info
As Buffalo’s only literary-themed Romantic Horror bar, this spot is a goth nerd’s dream. Inspired by a Gothic Horror novel written by an early feminist 200 years ago, the Merry Shelley is a one-of-a kind find in WNY. It’s completely decked out in Halloween-y vibes all year round and is bursting with hidden references and surprises everywhere you look. Fun fact: It’s also the only absinthe-based bar in town, and you can always find a seat!
Photo courtesy of The Merry Shelley
Coles
1104 Elmwood Ave Buffalo New York 14222 / More Info
Cole’s is pretty well known for their pub food and wings but you’re missing out if you haven’t tried their brunch! From breakfast sandwiches and wraps to a full jug of mimosas for the table to share, you just can’t beat it. With football season in full swing, we recommend checking out the new Josh Allen mural and their new beer garden which is located just outside.
Photo courtesy of Coles
Hoover’s Dairy & Restaurant
6035 Ward Rd Sanborn NY 14132 / More Info
Hoover’s is great for a quick bite when out and about in Niagara County. What makes them unique is their white, chocolate, and strawberry milk options sold daily in the old-time glass bottle format. As soon as we get into the holiday season, you’ll want to keep an eye out for the release of their homemade eggnog. Trust us when we say you’ll never go back to store bought once you’ve had it! Pro tip: call ahead to see if it is in stock before making the travel out there just to find it is out of stock.
Photo courtesy of Hoover’s Dairy
Blue Cave
128 Genesee St Buffalo NY 14203 / More Info
New to downtown, Blue Cave is serving modern Italian/Sicilian style offerings prepared by Chef/Owner Mario Bianca. The atmosphere is very casual with open-air dining and sidewalk patio seating. The menu is simply brilliant with its authentic, homemade pasta options. One of our favorite dishes is their Costata di Maiale – a crispy breaded, thick cut, tender pork chop served with Sicilian style peperonata.
Photo x Step Out Buffalo
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Shops
Tattered Tulip
4090 Lake Ave Lockport New York 14094 / More Info
Tattered Tulip is always a great place to look for home decor, but with the holidays approaching, this is the best time to visit. They have everything you could need to get you home dressed up for fall and winter with tons of design ideas and arrangements to choose from. While they have multiple locations all worth checking out, our personal favorite is their barn location. Though the outside may not look like much, inside it is filled to the max with tons of homey items.
Photo courtesy of Tattered Tulip
Nigh Road
50 Buffalo Street hamburg New York 14075 / More Info
Nigh Road has recently opened up shop in the Hamburg Village, offering a curated selection of home decor and apparel. If you’re looking to give your wardrobe or house a fresh update, they offer a neutral palette of items to work with. The new location also makes for an easy day spent checking out all the village has to offer – if you like Nigh Road you’ll love nearby Prima Cafe for a fresh, healthy fast casual lunch or Main Street Ice Cream for a treat to top off your outing.
Photo courtesy of Nigh Road
