Diners' Choice: Lively restaurants in Western New York

OpenTable

Updated April 05, 2025

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!

Gerties

4.7

4.7 (32)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Buffalo

About the restaurant

Specializing in modern comfort food, Gertie’s in New York provides a vintage country atmosphere that gives patrons a relaxing chance at a fresh breath of air away from the city noise. Recipes change weekly and are influenced by diners from all across the world. Lunch offers specialty comfort items such as baked sweet potato fries, meatloaf, hand made pizzas and sandwiches. Gertie’s is made famous for its baked desserts, offering unique and custom twists on modern delicacies. The restaurant offers such desserts as ganache brownies, carrot cake and scones. Gertie’s gives New York diners a chance to experience the warmth and radiance of country family living, with many patrons returning to see that some of their favorite dishes have been added to the menu. With a certificate of excellence, the restaurant is a fresh step into a vintage home with a modern flair.

Top review

Sheryl

Dined 3 days ago

We moved to Clarence Center almost a year ago and live just around the corner from Gertie’s. We’ve given it a try a few times in the past, but honestly, we were never too impressed—until now. Last night, we decided to give it one more shot after hearing about the new chef. We’re so glad we did. The food was absolutely exceptional—such a noticeable improvement from our previous visits. My husband had the pork chop, and I ordered the sea bass. Oh my goodness… both were incredible. We left genuinely excited, and we’ll definitely be back. Gertie’s is officially on our regular rotation now!

Bacchus Wine Bar & Restaurant

4.6

4.6 (2805)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Buffalo

About the restaurant

Bacchus wine bar and restaurant is located in the historic Calumet building in the heart of Buffalo's entertainment district. A seasonal menu highlights the best available ingredients from local and regional farms. Together with our Wine Spectator award winning wine list, this elegant yet casual restaurant has continually been ranked as one of Buffalo's best.

Top review

Katie

Dined 2 days ago

Our server was the most knowledgeable, kind, and respectful. Extremely helpful.

Mason's Grille 52

4.6

4.6 (1060)

$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

Diane

Dined on Apr 19, 2025

The food was delicious and menu had lots of choices to satisfy our big group of family with different likes.

Jack Rabbit

4.6

4.6 (438)

$30 and under

Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service

Buffalo

About the restaurant

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

Top review

Michael

Dined 2 days ago

Food was fantastic as always and our server was so perfect!

42N at The Flats

4.6

4.6 (68)

$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

Sarah

Dined 4 days ago

I’d be really nice to find a way to like section tables away from the dj, it was really hard to hear my date when they started the trivia but the environment was still amazing

Hard Rock Cafe - Niagara Falls

4.5

4.5 (454)

$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

GIANLUCA

Dined 3 days ago

Very nice place close to the Niagara Falls, the personnel was so kind and also the food so delicious. All was rounded of musician objects like one guitar of Jimi Hendrix and others.

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Carte Blanche

4.5

4.5 (1633)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Hamburg

About the restaurant

The Carte Blanche Team is passionate about combining fresh ingredients to create a local cuisine for the Hamburg NY area. We are dedicated to creating an atmosphere that is both friendly and inviting for our local residents and visitors.
During this time we must follow all CDC guidelines regarding masks.
Guests must arrive promptly for their reservation wearing a mask. When moving throughout our space we require you to be wearing face covering correctly. Guests who arrive without masks will not be allowed to enter. Please understand that we are trying to keep our staff, their families and you safe during this time.
Reservations are given a 15 minute grace period. We ask that if you are going to arrive late or if you have to cancel your reservation please alert us as soon as possible. Given our smaller capacity all tables are given a 90 minute time limit to ensure proper sanitation and so that we can seat future reservations in a timely manner.

Top review

Paula

Dined 2 days ago

Flawless service and ambiance! Food came out in good time...simply scrumptious! Our waitress was very attentive.

Hofbrauhaus- Buffalo

4.5

4.5 (2162)

$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

ThomasVIP

Dined 1 day ago

Food was delicious and beer was excellent. Lindsey, our server, was very attentive and did a great job. The Bergholz Band put on a great show. Always a great time at Hofbräuhaus. Thank you!

The Burning Buffalo Bar & Grill

4.5

4.5 (274)

$30 and under

American

Buffalo

About the restaurant

At The Burning Buffalo being a good neighbor is at the forefront of everything we do. We serve our community by providing impeccable food and beverages served with exceptional hospitality. In the spirit of generosity and kindness, we support our neighbors by sponsoring local sports leagues, hosting local events and giving back to the community where we live and work.

We specialize in elevated pub fare, craft cocktails, and craft beer. We also offer takeout and online ordering.

Top review

Erin

Dined 1 day ago

Our server, Courtney was extremely friendly and attentive to our dining needs. Her food recommendations were exactly what she promised and we left satisfied. The crowd at the bar was fun to hang out with after our meal and we stayed out later than anticipated.

Aloha Krab

4.3

4.3 (177)

$31 to $50

Seafood

Buffalo

About the restaurant

Unique cuisine offers a dining space to serve some Seafood favorites in our locations. Enjoy different authentic dishes, the friendly service and lively environment. Seafood menu inspired by authentic special flavors and influences, created exclusively for you.

Relaxing unique modern cuisine, with our friendly and knowledgeable staff prepare to ensure an excellent dining experience. Extraordinary specialty, authentic taste carefully selects the freshest ingredients and serving traditional Seafood culinary skills to satisfy your taste buds.

These are more than just words on our menu – it’s our promise that all of the seafood we serve is sourced to the highest standards. Because we believe it’s our responsibility to protect and preserve our oceans and marine life for generations to come.

Top review

tomVIP

Dined 4 days ago

Food and drinks were grest. Piped in music way too loud

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