Diners' Choice: Lively restaurants in Western New York

OpenTable

Updated December 05, 2024

Looking for restaurants that have the most vibrant bar scenes in Western New York? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Giancarlo's

4.8

4.8 (3488)

$50 and over

Steakhouse

Buffalo

About the restaurant

Our Sicilian Steakhouse is an original concept that celebrates the Sicilian-immigrant culinary experience. Referred to as the "original fusion cuisine," Sicilian food is a historical mosaic influenced by the various conquering nations. Traces of Greece, North Africa, Rome, the Middle East, Germanic nations, France, Spain, and Italy are evident in traditional Sicilian cuisine. At Giancarlo's, our love of history-rich Sicilian cuisine is combined with our interpretation of both the great American Steakhouse and the Neapolitan Pizzeria.

Top review

Tiana

Dined 3 days ago

Everything was absolutely delicious! The service, the apps, the dinner, the drinks and the dessert - CHEF'S KISS!

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Popular dish

Corn and Crab Ravioli

Popular dish

Crab Crusted Salmon

Popular dish

Chocolate Mousse Cake

Mason's Grille 52

4.7

4.7 (1022)

$30 and under

American

Buffalo

About the restaurant

Welcome to Mason’s Grille 52!

Located on historic Main Street in the Village of Hamburg Mason's is a neighborhood gem. The Ayer family has been proud to serve this
community since 2004. Our goal is to continue providing the best possible experience for our guests.

Mason's Grille offers a comfortable, casual, fine dining experience. Our menu succeeds in satisfying everyone. From tasty appetizers such as our Bacon BBQ Wrapped Shrimp and specialty Flatbreads to a variety of freshly tossed salads, homemade soups, mouthwatering sandwiches, chicken wings and delicious dinners such as Macadamia Crusted Salmon, Certified Black Angus steaks and Bourbon Glazed Pork Chops. Even our desserts are delightful!

Our full-service bar features 10 draft beers ranging from your favorite domestic to some of the best local micro and craft brews around. Mason's also has a full martini and extensive wine list .

Top review

Jeanne

Dined 4 days ago

Excellent food and service!! We'll definitely be back! I highly recommend the Sweet Potato Chicken & Pears!!

Panorama On Seven

4.7

4.7 (893)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Buffalo

About the restaurant

Our guests and employees safety and health is our number one priority. We have implemented safety and health guidelines and procedures to do our part and Stop the Spread.
Hand-sanitizing stations have been installed throughout our hotel.
We have converted our menus to digital menu with QR code. To access our digital menus, guest can scan the QR code with their cell phone camera.
Complimentary disposable masks will be available for any guest.
All associates have completed a comprehensive Safety and Service Training Program. 716 852 0049

Top review

Mary Lou T

Dined 5 days ago

Delicious food, many choices, reasonably priced, great service & beautiful view of the skyline! looking forward to going back. Valet parking & server we’re most accommodating.

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The Colden Mill Restaurant

4.7

4.7 (430)

$31 to $50

American

Buffalo

About the restaurant

The Colden Mill strives to make your dining experience unique and memorable, and is located just minutes from Kissing Bridge at 8348 Boston Colden Road. The historic and rustic atmosphere of the once grain mill dating back to the 1830’s, gives the impression of a time to be remembered. We aim to delight our guests with our Contemporary American menu created by award winning executive chef Matthew Webb, highlighting Western New York’s abundant variety of produce and meats. Our casual yet elegant dining atmosphere always welcomes skiers and families alike. While our restaurant offers dinner service Tuesday – Saturday, our two banquet rooms can accommodate parties of up to 50 & 80 guests for parties 7 days a week, and also on or off-premise catering for any occasion.

Top review

Connie

Dined on Dec 14, 2024

If I lived closer to The Colden Mill, I would definitely be there more often for its food and ambiance ... very cozy. I absolutely love it there. The first time I went there was about 40 years ago ... as beautiful as ever.

Patina 250

4.6

4.6 (1538)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Buffalo

About the restaurant

Patina 250 serves seasonal menus using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, offering thoughtful, flavor-infused variations on the authentic tastes of Western New York. The restaurant interior offers a refined, welcoming atmosphere to enjoy drinks, shared plates or a full dining experience. Local artists’ work contributes to the modern mood with paintings, elaborate light fixtures and a sculptural wall installation. Owned by Delaware North, a global leader in hospitality.

Top review

Steven

Dined on Dec 14, 2024

Service was great... Food was good, but for the price I thought it could be better.

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CRISPY BRUSSELS SPROUTS

Jazzboline

4.6

4.6 (1833)

$31 to $50

American

Buffalo

About the restaurant

At Jazzboline (jazz-BOE-lynn), our goal is to create a memorable experience for our guests. Taking inspiration from different time frames and time zones, we have assembled a menu of variations and recreations of some of the classics of both modern and traditional cuisines and cocktails, as well as independently inspired creations of our own.

Come one, come all, come together.

Reservations can be made online, or over the phone at 716-839-2220.

Tables are reserved for 2 hours for parties up to 4.
Tables are reserved for 2.5 hours for parties of 5 or more.

Top review

Mary

Dined 1 day ago

lovely and alive but relaxing atmosphere - service great. Food excellent.

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4.6

4.6 (408)

$30 and under

Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service

Buffalo

About the restaurant

Saturday & Sunday: (brunch until 3pm) The kitchen closes at 10pm nightly.

Top review

Dave

Dined on Nov 26, 2024

Jack Rabbit is a funky and friendly music and food venue in Buffalo’s Elmwood Village. The food is eclectic and varied. There is something for everyone including some vegan choices. The wait staff is friendly and attentive The staff behind the bar are experienced and friendly. The live music throughout the week reflects the local Buffalo music scene. Enjoy!

42N at The Flats

4.6

4.6 (38)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Buffalo

About the restaurant

42 North at The Flats is home to 42 North Brewing Company’s downtown taproom located in the historic Wurlitzer Flats building. In the heart of Buffalo’s theater district, craft beers and a full bar are complimented by creative and contemporary artisan fare from Queen City Bistro. Whether you are stopping in for a beverage or a full meal, 42 North at The Flats is designed to offer a great experience for all.

Reservations open 6 weeks in advance for bookings

Top review

Elwyn

Dined 3 days ago

We enjoyed a relaxing evening in a wonderful Buffalo dining spot. Our waitress, Sam, was fantastic as was our meal.

Hofbrauhaus- Buffalo

4.5

4.5 (2109)

$30 and under

German

Buffalo

About the restaurant

Hofbräuhaus Buffalo, German Inspired and Locally Owned.

Steps away from the KeyBank Center and Canalside, we are Buffalo's biggest party! Featuring live music, indoor and outdoor dining, Hofbräu Beer brewed on-site, and the best Bavarian cuisine. Hofbräuhaus Buffalo welcomes parties of all sizes!

For events, please reach our Director of Marketing and Events at MC@hofbrauhausbuffalo.com
If you encounter any issues booking your reservation, please call us at 716-939-BEER (2337) for assistance.

Top review

Jerry

Dined 1 day ago

We had a good meal and good waitress! We ate in bar area and it was quiet in there.

Hard Rock Cafe - Niagara Falls

3.8

3.8 (436)

$30 and under

American

Niagara Falls

About the restaurant

Hard Rock Cafe is a global phenomenon with 185 cafes that are visited by nearly 80 million guests each year. The first Hard Rock Cafe opened on June 14, 1971, in London, England, and from there the brand has expanded to major cities and exotic locations around the world.

Top review

Sara

Dined on Nov 16, 2024

The Burger and fries were amazing! The steak Cobb salad was not very good. The lettuce was whilted and soggy.

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