NEIGHBORHOODS »
University Heights & Grant Street
OLD & NEW SCHOOL
INTERNATIONAL FLAIR
Any number of the businesses in Buffalo’s UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS neighborhood, located in the shadow of the University at Buffalo’s South Campus, are an attraction in their own right. There’s a stunning 1920s art-deco ice cream parlor, one of the last dining car-style diners left in America, a mom-and-pop clothier that’s served Buffalo for over 50 years and an independently owned record store. Combine those spots with popular eateries serving everything from Creole to Lebanese for an experience in the northeast corner of Buffalo that’s well worth the visit. visitbuffaloniagara.com/university-heights
To gain a global perspective, travel to the far reaches of the planet. Or, walk a few blocks of GRANT STREET on your next visit to Buffalo. In recent years, an influx of immigrants from around the world has transformed the district from its historically Italian roots to a melting pot of cultural and culinary influences. Grant has also become a magnet for entrepreneurs who have opened cafes, bookstores and more. visitbuffaloniagara.com/grant-street
RHEA ANNA
] Shop PARKSIDE CANDY A stunning, 1920s art deco interior is the perfect backdrop for this longtime candy shop and ice cream parlor. parksidecandy.com O’ CONNELLS CLOTHING A mainstay for over 50 years, O’Connell’s offers apparel difficult to find anywhere else in Buffalo. oconnellsclothing.com
] Eat WEST SIDE BAZAAR Nearly a dozen food vendors and clothing retailers call this business incubator for recent immigrants home; eat lunch at its food court, which features homemade Burmese, Chinese and Ethiopian fare.
RECORD THEATRE Browse through row after row of vinyl at this longtime record store.
westsidebazaar.com
recordtheatre.com
LAKE EFFECT DINER Saddle up to the counter or choose a booth at the Lake Effect, featured on the Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” and offering huge portions at reasonable prices.
SWEET_NESS 7 CAFÉ Since opening several years ago, the café has served as a linchpin for the revitalization of the Grant Street neighborhood and is typically abuzz with creative types and students from nearby Buffalo State College.
curtinrestaurants.com/lake-effect.html
sweetness7.com
] Eat
SHANGO Jambalaya, gumbo and pork belly are just a few of the offerings at this popular New Orleans-inspired restaurant. facebook.com/shango.bistro
FREDDY J’S BBQ Run by a native of Liberia who settled in Buffalo, Freddy J’s has quickly become a neighborhood favorite. facebook.com/freddyjsongrant
THE GYPSY PARLOR Salsa lessons, poetry slams and open mic nights are all staples of this bar featuring a kitchen that’s open until midnight. thegypsyparlor.com
PHO DOLLAR Huge, steaming bowls of delicious Vietnamese soup at an affordable price. phodollar.com
] Shop
MING CAFÉ Buffalo’s best Chinese food. Try the Wonton Soup.
GUERCIO & SONS Customers come from all over to shop for imported olive oils, cheese and other Italian products that are tough to find anywhere else at this family-owned neighborhood market that’s been going strong for over 50 years.
RUST BELT BOOKS Browse for your favorite reads at a fraction of the price in this used bookstore that opened on Grant in 2015. Nearby West Side Stories is another option for serious readers looking for literary treasures.
facebook.com/MingCafeBuffalo
guercioandsons.com
rustbeltbooks.com westside-stories.com
AMY’S PLACE Lebanese, vegan and American classics are all on the menu at this neighborhood staple that’s open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. amysplacebuffalo.com
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