The News, Eats & Events Shaping Western New York

The Old First Ward is set to celebrate its 31st annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Saturday, March 14, 2026, starting at 11 a.m.

Parade-goers will wind through South Park Avenue, Smith Street, Elk Street, Hamburg Street, and South Street, bringing lively energy to the neighborhood.

After the parade, a traditional Irish hooley at the Valley Community Center offers food, drinks, and live music from noon to 4 p.m.

This year’s grand marshal, Wayne "Butch" Lickfeld, a lifelong Ward resident, will be honored at a Saturday night fundraiser.

Buffalo’s Irish celebration continues with highlights like the Amherst Gaelic League party on March 6 and the 48th annual Shamrock Run on March 7, featuring an 8k race and festive post-run brews.

Throughout March, the city’s Irish heritage shines, inviting everyone to join in, wear green, and celebrate lasting traditions and community spirit.

New York State's vibrant culinary scene extends far beyond Manhattan, celebrating signature flavors rooted in local history and tradition.

Buffalo’s famous wings, born in the 1960s, draw food lovers to their birthplace for the real deal: crisp, saucy perfection, served with celery, blue cheese, and a side of city pride at the annual National Buffalo Wing Festival.

Rochester’s Garbage Plate is a flavorful rite of passage—hot dogs or burgers atop macaroni salad and fries, all blanketed in spicy meat sauce, capturing the city’s blue-collar roots.

Central New Yorkers cherish the bold, garlicky taste of Utica greens, while Western New York boasts beef on weck, a savory roast beef sandwich on salted kummelweck bread.

In Binghamton, marinated spiedies are grilled and stuffed in bread, honored each year in spirited festivals.

From North Country maple shacks to Hudson Valley farm-to-table feasts and the comforting diners of the Capital Region, each community offers truly distinctive delights.

Western New York lawmakers are pushing for $250 million in state funding to modernize and expand Buffalo Niagara International Airport and Niagara Falls International Airport.

Despite Buffalo serving as upstate’s busiest airport, the region has been overlooked in earlier state infrastructure programs.

The proposed investment aims to boost local jobs, enhance airport facilities, and keep the region competitive in a global economy.

There’s strong bipartisan support, with officials emphasizing the vital economic role local airports play—supporting nearly 14,000 jobs and generating $139 million in taxes every year.

Recent federal grants, including $1.5 million for winter operations and $2.5 million for environmental upgrades, have improved Buffalo’s airport, but leaders argue state-level backing is essential for long-term growth.

The state budget deadline is April 1, heightening urgency for meaningful investment in these vital Western New York gateways.

Fresh on the Scene: 14 Must-Try Spots around Buffalo

Dimples Café

• • 📍 Location: 2938 Delaware Ave, Kenmore

  • 📄 Details: Cozy breakfast-and-brunch café featuring Dutch mini pancakes (poffertjes), stroopwafels, specialty coffee drinks, and morning favorites — now open and already generating buzz in the Village of Kenmore.

Ana Blu 

• • 📍 Location: 5110 Main St, Williamsville

  • 📄 Details: Mediterranean-inspired pizzeria and restaurant from the team behind Giancarlo’s Sicilian Steakhouse, bringing sunny flavors and craft pies to the North Towns.

Concord 

• • 📍 Location: 1008 Elmwood Ave, Buffalo

  • 📄 Details: Elegant restaurant and bar blending refined hospitality with wine-centric dishes — a stylish new addition to Elmwood Village.

Ronio’s Bistro 

• • 📍 Location: 1695 Elmwood Ave, Buffalo

  • 📄 Details: Neighborhood favorite with pub-style comfort food and Italian-American classics — warm, homey vibes and hearty portions.

Ahar Restaurant

• • 📍 Location: 125 Mills St, Buffalo

  • 📄 Details: Halal Chinese and Bangladeshi fare on the East Side — flavorful, casual eats perfect for lunch or dinner.

Dinosaur Bar-B-Que

• • 📍 Location: 4245 McKinley Pkwy, Hamburg

  • 📄 Details: Southern barbecue favorite now in the South Towns — smoky ribs, brisket, and bold sauces that have made this brand a Buffalo staple.

The ZamZam Indian Cuisine

• • 📍 Location: 601 Main St, Buffalo

  • 📄 Details: Authentic Indian restaurant from local entrepreneurs, offering rich flavors and traditional dishes downtown.

Blue Eyed Baker All Day Café + Bar

• • 📍 Location: 50 Buffalo St, Hamburg

  • 📄 Details: All-day café and bar with signature pastries, specialty cocktails, and savory brunch items — great stop on the Southtowns dining trail.

Horn of Africa Habesha Restaurant

• • 📍 Location: 610 Hertel Ave, Buffalo

  • 📄 Details: Eritrean and Ethiopian cuisine and bar on Hertel Avenue — communal platters, bold spices, and north African hospitality.

Latino Brothers

• 📍 Location: 775 Niagara Falls Blvd, Amherst

• 📄 Details: Lively, casual eatery blending American favorites with Latin flair — wings, sandwiches, chicken plates, and more.

Forno e Mercato

• 📍 Location: 5225 Sheridan Dr, Williamsville

• 📄 Details: Italian imported goods, fresh homemade pasta and bread, paninos, and pinsa pizzas — an Italian staple with fresh flair.

Mira 

• 📍 Location: 1081 Elmwood Ave, Buffalo

• 📄 Details: Mediterranean-inspired restaurant bringing warm, vibrant flavors and seasonal dishes to Elmwood Village.

Labyrinth Workshop 

• 📍 Location: 15 Allen St, Buffalo

• 📄 Details: Reservation-only pre-dinner tasting experience with themed cocktails and interactive bites — a creative twist for date night or special occasions.

The Muffin Man of Buffalo

• 📍 Location: 1286 French Rd, Cheektowaga

• 📄 Details: Local bakery serving giant gourmet muffins and sweet bites — great stop for breakfast or snacks.

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