The Sabres, the classic architecture of City Hall and of course, chicken wings are Buffalo’s traditional emblems. Wings embody the cultural and symbolic flavor of Buffalo and are a big part of what puts the Queen City on the map. There is more, however, to our often-overlooked city than hockey and hot sauce. Particularly, our local Italian food, Thai, and other Asian restaurants deserve a second look. Maple Road and Niagara Falls Boulevard are close to campus and full of convenient spots to eat, but it is definitely worth your time to venture out into the city.

There are many reasons not to wait an hour to be seated at the Olive Garden when your parents come to visit. There are several spots across the Buffalo region that offer what many consider better quality food and are local. For example, Frank’s Sunny Italy on Delaware Avenue is considered a more authentic Italian experience over Olive Garden. Supporting local business is essential to maintain the characteristically cooperative nature of the Western New York community.

Local restaurants are as invested in the Buffalo community as its residents, and by supporting them you can be a part of regional grassroots efforts. For instance, Frank’s Sunny Italy has been open since February 14, 1990, and has been giving back to the community ever since. The restaurant is owned by brothers Frank Jr. and Joseph Sclafani, managed by their sisters Rosetta Nola and Josie Castelli and their parents, Frank Sr. and Maria, who also play vital roles. Joseph’s wife, Katie Sclafani, stated, “It’s so important to support local businesses, especially family owned, because of what we put in. We give back.” She elaborated that the restaurant donates to local charities such as Children’s Hospital and Carly’s Club for Kids and Cancer Research at Roswell Park Cancer Institute. Josie Castelli added to her sister-in-law’s comments: “The food is made fresh, and with love. Our customers become family.” Their doors are opened annually for St. Joseph’s Day Table as a customer appreciation day. They collect donations at the door for charity, and all patrons eat for free.

Buffalo native Erin Ruszaj, a senior English and psychology major, had plenty of opinions about where to get ahold of eats for just about any taste. She grew up on Buffalo’s finest foods and has been eating out a few times a week since she started attending the University at Buffalo. Ruszaj talked up the local places but also said she had no trouble with the chains.

On the other hand, junior civil engineering major Kyle Doyle, commented on the poor service he received at one chain, Uno Chicago Grill. Doyle has eaten at this national chain just once and says he will not go back because the waiter was rude and joked inappropriately. Additionally, he stated that, “Uno’s success confuses me. Their deep dish pizza is overpriced and not so deep. Its food has none of the love, freshness, or affordability of a smaller pizza place.” But, being from the Albany area, Doyle was unsure of what’s good to eat locally.

No matter where you are in the city, you can find all your favorite foods in the local scene, start supporting Buffalo, and expand your horizons.

Elmwood Village

Pano’s Restaurant is known for its Greek, and they’re open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Ruszaj attested to the fact that Brodo has the best soups; their signature soup named after the restaurant is a spicy delight. Casa-di-Pizza is the destination for a slice of pie. For a more exotic fare, try Falafel Bar, India Gate, or Toro Tapas Bar. And wherever you choose to dine, there is always the option of stopping by Café 59 for a cup of tea or a dessert afterwards.

Hertel Avenue

Hertel is a lesser-known hot spot of fabulous cuisine that has all the variety of Elmwood, but less of the crowds. Romeo and Juliet’s Bakery Café is perfect for a date, or to share chocolate mousse with a friend. The mood at Empire Grill is uniquely like dining at an upscale diner, with great burgers and a fully stocked bar.

Taste of Thai offers up traditional Thai dishes such as Pad Thai and a cozy, dimly-lit atmosphere. Junior Spanish and linguistics major, Kacie Brinkman, who says it is her favorite place in the city for Thai, suggests their lunch special, your choice of a main dish, soup and a spring roll.

A real lasting trademark in the city, “authentic” isn’t just in the name of Gramma Mora’s Authentic Mexican Restaurant. According to one of their managers, Jillian Helwit, owners Charlie and Liz opened the original restaurant on Niagara Street in 1980, but a fire destroyed this location in 1996. The restaurant survived, reopening on Hertel in 2000 and has been going strong ever since. Helwit verified that all their recipes have been handed down directly from Charlie’s Gramma Mora, a Mexican immigrant. Along with half-price appetizers, like quesadillas and bean dip, at the bar, they have specials on margaritas and more during happy hour every day from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m.

South Campus

If Elmwood and Hertel seem too far off campus, there are plenty of places close to home that also won’t leave you unable to pay off your college loans. Lake Effect Diner, on Main Street near South Campus, is noted for having more than 25 milkshake flavors, and shakes are two-for-one on Tuesdays at this local retro gem.

If you can drag yourself out of bed, Amy’s Place, a block before Talking Leaves, has an unrivaled early bird breakfast special. “Sometimes it’s tough to get there by 9 a.m., but you get two eggs, toast and hash browns for $1.99, and I get to color while I wait,” said Brinkman. This trendy little diner displays local artists’ work, and lets you add your own placemat art to the walls. Ruszaj noted the “Be Nice or Leave” sign that hangs over the counter, saying that it really captures the essence of the place. Lebanese and American cuisines are on the menu, as well as a variety of vegetarian and vegan alternatives. They only accept cash, so be sure to bring your ATM card.

North Campus

An acclaimed eatery for Chinese and Vietnamese flavors is just minutes from North Campus; Red Pepper Restaurant, next to the College Store on Maple, has seen rave reviews. Ruszaj commented that, “Red Pepper is a great alternative to cheap Chinese food when you’re in the mood because it’s delicious and you don’t regret it the next day.” It’s a real, sit-down Asian food experience, not like most Americanized, greasy take-out joints.

For real haut cuisine, Verbena, also on Maple, is a classy establishment. Ruszaj recommends it as the place to take a first date because there is something going on at the bar almost every night of the week: Monday is movie night; house DJs play every Wednesday night; and the sounds of live music resonate on the weekends.

Burrito Bay on Millersport Highway is a quick stop for Mexican. They celebrated their sixth anniversary on February 18 with a buy one get one free promotion on everything on their menu. Brodo and Falafel Bar also have locations closer to campus. And though its not the only locale that makes Buffalo great, if you do want those famous chicken wings, Duff’s, considered by many to offer the best wings in the area, is still at the corner of Sheridan and Millersport.

With so many alternatives to Denny’s, Uno Chicago Grill, and Applebee’s, why not try something new and support the hard-working local folks? The perks are endless and so are the choices. Customer service, ambiance and the overall dining experience of a restaurant that’s roots help support the economic foundation our city can’t be beat, and neither can the taste of food that’s “made with love.”