When you hear “New York,” you probably think of New York City. But New York is a huge state that has a lot to offer besides the Big Apple—including Buffalo, the state’s largest city behind NYC. The Western NY region, which includes Buffalo, boasts plenty of history and some hidden gems that should make any globetrotter’s list.
Buffalo is known for its iconic local food, craft beer scene, historic architecture, sports teams, and winter weather. If you’re looking for an intriguing, affordable, and off-the-beaten-path destination, or even just passing through on the way to or from Canada, Buffalo has something for you.
So, let’s find out—what is Buffalo known for?
Table of Contents
1. Buffalo wings
Buffalo is famous for its iconic chicken wings, which are bathed in a buttery, spicy, tangy cayenne pepper sauce. The dish was invented here in the 1960s and quickly became popular nationwide.
The Anchor Bar, whose slogan is “Home of the Original Buffalo Wing,” most often receives credit for creating the Buffalo wing. But it’s worth noting that there was another wing pioneer of the early ‘60s.
John Young was a Buffalonian (as residents of the city are called) who also sold wings slathered in a buttery, tangy hot sauce. Young, who ran a restaurant on the city’s historically-segregated East Side, hasn’t received widespread recognition for his contribution to history.
Despite living in Western NY for 7 years, I never knew Buffalo wings had such a complex backstory.
Amazing wings can be had at a variety of spots around town. For die-hard wing fanatics or those looking for a jumping-off point, there’s even a Buffalo Wing Trail featuring historic restaurants serving classic and modern takes on the famous wings.
2. Craft beer
Looking for an ideal drink to accompany your wings? Buffalo is home to many craft and microbreweries. In fact, there are nearly 50 breweries within the city and surrounding area.
Agriculture is a big industry in Western NY, and plenty of local beers showcase regionally-grown hops, malts, and fruits.
Buffalo is a fantastic place to take a brewery tour or visit a tasting room year-round. During warmer months (May-September), you can visit one of the city’s many beer gardens and enjoy a refreshing local pint outside.
3. The Beef on Weck Sandwich
Another classic food that Buffalo is known for is the Beef on Weck, a roast beef sandwich on a roll with caraway seeds and salt. It’s served with a side of horseradish, au jus, and a pickle.
The name of the popular sandwich can be traced back to Buffalo’s history as a destination for German immigrants. “Weck” is a shortened version of Kummelweck, the name of the distinctive sandwich roll.
There’s also some debate about how “Weck” should be pronounced—some Buffalonians pronounce it the way it’s written, while others say “wick.” I’ve personally heard (and enjoyed) both variations.
While it’s mostly known in the Buffalo area, the Beef on Weck has enjoyed some renown outside WNY. Did you know that the popular multinational chain Buffalo Wild Wings, which traces its roots back to the Bison City, was originally called Buffalo Wild Wings and Weck?
4. Buffalo-style pizza
I think every major city in New York State has its own take on pizza, from tomato pie in Utica to the world-renowned thin-crust slice in New York City (also of Pizza Rat fame). So it stands to reason that Buffalo is no exception.
Contrary to what you may be thinking, Buffalo-style pizza doesn’t necessarily involve Buffalo sauce. What it does have is a relatively doughy crust and lots of tomato sauce. Also, it’s often topped with cup-n-char pepperoni.
5. Contemporary coffee culture
You might be surprised to know that Buffalo is something of a destination for lovers of specialty coffee, aka “third-wave coffee.”
In the mid-2010s, coffee shops focused on the art and craft of coffee brewing began popping up in Buffalo.
Nowadays, you can find more than a handful of them spread throughout the city. Some even feature locally-roasted coffee beans.
A few also occupy landmark buildings that had other uses—for example, the Hotel Lafayette and an antiquated funeral home. These coffee shops offer innovative examples of how Buffalo is building on its past and revitalizing itself.
6. Architecture
Buffalo is well-known for its rich architectural history. Buildings in the Art Deco style of the 1920s and 30s can be found throughout the city, including Buffalo City Hall, pictured above. Art Deco style is notable for its use of sleek lines, geometric designs, and sweeping curves.
Additionally, several buildings designed by world-famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright once called Buffalo home. One of them—the Martin House—still exists today.
Another, the Larkin Building, was a huge office complex featuring a multi-floor indoor courtyard with skylights. Sadly, the building was demolished in 1950.
7. Its music scene
Another thing Buffalo is known for is its thriving music and performing arts scene.
The city boasts dozens of concert halls and venues, including Shea’s Performing Arts Center, which has been operating since 1926. The Iron Works offers another example of Buffalo’s past-meets-present, serving up live music and food in a transformed factory.
The Buffalo Blues & Roots Festival is held every spring at the Buffalo RiverWorks. For lovers of classical music, June in Buffalo is an annual festival held by the University at Buffalo that features performances, concerts, and workshops by contemporary composers.
8. The Buffalo Bills
The Buffalo Bills were a founding member of the American Football League and played in 4 consecutive Super Bowls from 1990-1993.
The Bills are one of 3 NFL football teams hailing from New York, and are arguably the team with the most devoted fanbase. You’ll know you’re in “Bills Country” when you start seeing Bills stickers and license plate frames on every third car on the Thruway.
9. The Buffalo Sabres
Hockey culture is also big in Buffalo, which makes sense given its proximity to Canada. So it’s a given that Buffalo is known for having its own NHL hockey team, the Buffalo Sabres.
The Sabres team was founded in 1970 to replace a previous professional hockey team called the Buffalo Bisons. The team’s owners wanted a unique name that would symbolize strength and victory.
10. Lake-effect snow
Buffalo consistently makes the list as one of the snowiest cities in America, with an average of 92 inches (nearly 8 feet!) of snowfall per year.
In fact, it won a Golden Snow Globe award in 2022. This award is given every year to the snowiest U.S. city with a population bigger than 100,000 people. Last year, Buffalo outcompeted two other major Upstate New York cities, Syracuse and Rochester, as well as Anchorage, AK, to achieve this feat.
The cause of so much snow? Cold winds moving across comparatively warm Lake Erie, leading to precipitation.
11. Lake Erie & the Buffalo Waterfront
No list on what Buffalo is famous for would be complete without mentioning majestic Lake Erie. As one of the five Great Lakes, Lake Erie is an important part of Buffalo’s past, present, and future.
The Lake Erie watershed is the most important source of drinking water for a vast part of New York State. Erie County, where Buffalo is located, is also named for the lake.
Lake Erie also plays a part in how Buffalo got its name.
While there are many theories as to the origin of the name—none of them directly involving actual American Bison—they mostly agree that the city was named for the Buffalo River. This nearly 8-mile creek begins south of Buffalo and empties into Lake Erie.
Buffalo Harbor State Park is located along the shore of Lake Erie and is a great place to go for hikes, views, and maybe a picnic. Lake Erie Beach Park is another lakeside outdoor area that has a swimmable beach.
12. The Erie Canal
The Erie Canal runs across most of the upper half of New York and dramatically shaped the state’s history. It was built to connect the Hudson River to Lake Erie.
The Canal contributed to the economic and population growth of cities that it passed through, including Buffalo, Rochester, and Syracuse. When it was finished, the Erie Canal held the title of the second-longest canal in the world.
However, as railroads replaced water transport as the most efficient means of transporting goods and people, the use of the Canal gradually declined.
If you visit Buffalo in the summer or early fall, a kayak or canoe trip on the Erie Canal can make for a fun and inexpensive adventure. There are plenty of places to rent boats and equipment. There are also biking and walking paths alongside the Canal.
13. The Peace Bridge
The Peace Bridge spans the Niagara River and links Buffalo with Fort Erie, Ontario. It’s one of 17 land border crossings along the U.S.-Canada border in New York, and by far the busiest.
Construction on the famous bridge began in 1925 and it was opened in 1927. While most people cross the border by car, you can also walk or bicycle across the Peace Bridge toll-free.
14. Its presidential past
Buffalo is famous for having been home to two U.S. presidents and featuring prominently in the lives of two others.
While there hasn’t (yet) been a president who was born in Buffalo, Millard Fillmore and Grover Cleveland both lived here. Grover Cleveland was even Buffalo’s mayor before becoming the 22nd and 24th president.
On a more gruesome note, William McKinley was assassinated in Buffalo during his time as the 25th president of the United States. The assassination site on Fordham Drive has a small sign marking this historic event.
Following the death of President McKinley in 1901, Theodore Roosevelt was inaugurated in Buffalo. His inauguration site is its own landmark, and offers a small museum with tours.
15. Its colleges and universities
Buffalo isn’t just a great place to visit, it’s also a fantastic place to get an education. The Buffalo area is home to almost 20 colleges and universities and a medical school.
The State University of New York at Buffalo is the largest and most well-known, and enrolls over 23,000 students. There’s also Buffalo State College and several private colleges, including Daemen University, Canisius College, and D’Youville University.
These schools give Buffalo the feeling of a college town even though it’s a large city. They also contribute a great deal to the city’s art and culture scene.
16. Mason jars
Mason Jars caught on in crafting circles some years ago and gained a new wave of popularity during the pandemic, when more people became interested in canning. Ball is one of the most recognizable brands today. The company got its start in 1880 in—you guessed it—Buffalo, New York.
Who knew that such a useful and enduringly popular item began in Buffalo?! But when you consider that Buffalo is famous for its industrial history, it makes sense.
17. Smelling like Cheerios
This may not make the list of most “What is Buffalo Famous For” articles, but anyone who’s spent enough time in Buffalo will undoubtedly catch a whiff of the popular cereal.
That’s because General Mills has a factory in Buffalo, and the Lake Erie breezes can blow the scent of Cheerios far afield.
It’s become such a point of hometown pride that you can even buy a t-shirt in Buffalo saying, “My City Smells Like Cheerios!” And as someone who grew up in New York City, I can tell you that’s a great thing for a city to smell like.
18. Buffalo Airport
A little-known secret to those outside Western New York is that Buffalo Niagara International Airport sometimes has great deals on flights.
Most major U.S. airlines fly to Buffalo, and offer plenty of nonstop flights to major East Coast and Midwestern hubs—including Atlanta, Chicago, New York, and Washington D.C. There’s also nonstop service to Las Vegas and Denver.
You can even find a few international flights to San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Flying into and out of Buffalo to save money is a travel hack I’ve used more than once. In an age of soaring airfares, hopefully, it can help you, too!
Conclusion
While Buffalo might not top your list of must-see U.S. cities, there are tons to do, see, eat, and explore in the City of Good Neighbors. From its arts and music scene, historic landmarks, and unique architecture to its hipster microbreweries and coffee shops, there are plenty of reasons Buffalo is an up-and-coming destination.
Also, being less well-known means you’ll never find long lines or crowds, except on Bills or Sabres home game nights.
If you’ve been to or lived in Buffalo, is there anything you’d add to this list? Let us know in the comments!
Great article the only issue is the picture used for the Peace Bridge is the Rainbow Bridge up north in Niagara Falls, NY not the Peace Bridge in Buffalo