The News, Eats & Events Shaping Western New York

Buffalo and Western New York’s dining scene has flourished as 2025 ends, with a wave of new restaurants elevating local flavor.

Britesmith Brewing opened a new location on Niagara Street, expanding their beloved craft beers further into the heart of Buffalo.

Perro & Poni opened at the revitalized Wilkeson Pointe, delivering Tex-Mex specialties alongside sweeping lakeside views.

Shake Shack has expanded to Clarence at 5205 Transit Road, satisfying more residents with its iconic burgers and creamy shakes.

Hertel Avenue is now a lively destination, transformed by six fresh venues — from Italian eats to a vibrant vegan café and tapas bar.

Downtown welcomes Kaylena Marie’s Bakery’s fourth spot, serving up their signature cinnamon rolls.

Niagara Falls debuts New York’s first Church’s Chicken, expanding fast-food diversity.

Lloyd Taco Factory’s third Elmwood Village outpost continues to delight with Mexican-inspired favorites.

The new, larger West Side Bazaar on Niagara Street celebrates Buffalo’s multicultural identity with global fare and shops.

This vibrant expansion offers locals and visitors a feast of new tastes and experiences.

When busy schedules or unfamiliar curricula make helping with homework tough, the University at Buffalo’s Brainy Bulls program steps in.

The initiative connects students in grades 5 to 12 across Western New York with UB tutor-mentors for free, 40-minute virtual sessions.

Parents and students can easily sign up, and families are welcome to join sessions for added support.

Each tutor-mentor receives professional training, providing both academic help and valuable mentoring.

UB junior Melodie Loya has already helped more than a hundred local students, offering reading practices, advice, and emotional support as needed.

With 45 mentors on board, Brainy Bulls makes academic assistance more accessible and aims to expand further, even considering AI for younger students.

Sessions run Tuesday through Thursday from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m., with convenient online scheduling.

Governor Kathy Hochul has enacted a new law eliminating New York’s ‘100-foot rule’ for natural gas hookups, directly affecting Western New York homeowners.

Previously, utilities absorbed the first 100 feet of gas line installation costs for new homes, spreading the expense among all customers. Now, under the new legislation, homeowners and developers will be responsible for the full cost of connecting to natural gas services.

Supporters, including State Senator Liz Krueger, say this reform increases fairness and supports clean energy, ensuring current customers are not footing the bill for new connections.

Critics, including National Fuel Gas Company, warn that nearly 90% of Western New York homes depend on natural gas, and new homeowners could face thousands of dollars in added costs.

The law takes effect in 12 months, so local residents and builders should budget carefully as affordability and energy decisions become even more important.

How to Enjoy Buffalo’s Post-Christmas Lull

Canalside & Outer Harbor Winter Fun

• • Ice skating (when weather allows), winter walking paths, fire pits, and great skyline views.

  • Perfect for a daytime stroll or sunset walk without summer crowds.

Delaware Park / Hoyt Lake Walk

• • A peaceful loop for walking, light jogging, or snowy scenery.

  • Extra magical if there’s fresh snow.

Niagara Falls Winter Visit 

• • Fewer tourists, icy mist formations, and dramatic views.

  • Combine with Niagara Falls State Park or a warm-up stop in Lewiston.

AKG Art Museum (formerly Albright-Knox)

• • Spacious, world-class modern art—great for cold days.

  • Less busy than summer weekends.

Buffalo & Erie County Naval & Military Park

• • Explore historic ships; surprisingly calm this time of year.

Burchfield Penney Art Center

• • Smaller, intimate museum with rotating exhibits and local focus.

Do a “Hertel Ave” Food Crawl

• • Italian classics, espresso, bakeries, and cozy bars.

  • Many places stay open all week between holidays.

Buffalo Wing Tour (No Lines!)

• • Gabriel’s Gate, Bar-Bill (East Aurora), Duff’s, Anchor Bar.

  • This week is prime wing-eating time.

Cozy Breweries & Distilleries

• • Big Ditch, Community Beer Works, Resurgence, Buffalo Distilling Co.

  • Many have board games, fireplaces, or seasonal beers.

Shea’s Performing Arts Center

• • Holiday shows often extend through late December.

  • Also check Shea’s 710 Theatre or Alleyway Theatre.

Comedy Shows & Live Music

• • Helium Comedy Club, Town Ballroom, Babeville often book late-December acts.

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