Wiechec's Lounge ★ 4.5
Wiechec's Lounge on Clinton Street is the East Side fish-fry institution, with oversized hand-breaded haddock that hangs off the plate through Lent.
Signature: Friday fish fry, Wings
Pearl Street Grill and Brewery on Pearl Street downtown has anchored Buffalo brewpubs since 1997, with four floors, nine bars and house-brewed beer.
Signature dishes: Brick-oven pizza, Beef on weck
Address: 76 Pearl St, Buffalo, NY 14202
Wiechec's Lounge on Clinton Street is the East Side fish-fry institution, with oversized hand-breaded haddock that hangs off the plate through Lent.
Signature: Friday fish fry, Wings
La Nova on West Ferry has been a Buffalo pizza-and-wings tradition since 1957, the original home of fully-cooked shipping wings sold to pizzerias nationwide.
Signature: Buffalo-style pizza, Shipping wings
Bocce Club Pizza on Bailey Avenue in Amherst has been a Buffalo cup-and-char pepperoni institution since founder Dino moved in next to UB South in 1959.
Signature: Cup-and-char pepperoni pizza, Wings
Ted's Hot Dogs at the Sheridan Drive flagship has been charcoal-broiling Sahlen's franks since 1948, with hand-cut onion rings and the secret hot chili sauce.
Signature: Charcoal-broiled hot dog, Onion rings
Mighty Taco on Delaware Avenue in North Buffalo is the late-night Buffalo Tex-Mex chain (since 1973) every local defends, with a beef taco and the El Nino burrito.
Signature: Beef taco, El Nino burrito
Sophia's on Military Road in North Buffalo is the Greek-American breakfast and brunch counter every local recommends, with massive omelets and weekend lines.
Signature: Greek omelet, Pancakes