Water, water everywhere By Vicki G. Marshall and Margaret M. Toohey The Silo. Eating out is an adventure. Whether it’s fine dining or casual, the experience is always more than just the food; it’s the place, the ambiance, the company, the conversation—and, often, the view. Here in Western New York we have the good fortune to have more than our share of fine vistas, from beautiful rolling farmland to the spectacular waterfronts of not one but two of the Great Lakes and one of the most famous rivers in the world. To be able to enjoy a good meal from a humble hot dog or fish fry to an elegant surf and turf while viewing a beautiful sunset or sailboats on the river makes for a special dining adventure. The Foodies have done some research and from Hamburg to Wilson we present the following waterfront opportunities for your culinary and aesthetic enjoyment. Root Five 4914 Lakeshore Rd., Hamburg 627-5551 The view: Buffalo skyline and Ontario, Canada across Lake Erie. Dine in or out; includes a covered patio. Open seven days from noon. Sandwiches, snacks, and dinners. Entertainment several nights a week. Hoak’s 4100 Lakeshore Rd., Hamburg 627-4570 The view: Buffalo skyline, Lake Erie, and sunsets. Casual dining inside or outside with lots of seafood offerings. Open seven days. Dock At The Bay 3800 Hoover Rd., Blasdell 823-5400 The view: Buffalo skyline and Lake Erie. Dine in or out, casual to upscale. Open seven days. Shanghai Reds 2 Templeton Terrace, Buffalo 852-7337 The view: Erie Basin Marina and the Naval Park. Eat in or out, business casual menu. Lovely outdoor patio. Closed Mondays. The Hatch 1 Erie Basin Marina, Buffalo 851-6501 The view: Lake Erie, Buffalo Lighthouse, and sunsets. Outdoor patio, very casual menu. Open seven days May through October. Karaoke Friday and Saturdays. Drive under the skyway and head to the water. Harry’s Harbour Place Grille 2192 Niagara St., Buffalo 874-5400 The view: the Niagara River and across to Fort Erie, Strawberry Island, and the mist of Niagara Falls. Dine in or out on the patio. Open seven days. Steaks, seafood, and upscale menu. Mississippi Mudds 313 Niagara St., Tonawanda 694-0787 The view: upper Niagara River and Grand Island. Outdoor second floor patio for a great view. Very casual menu, excellent for a family trip. Famous for sweet potato fries. Open seven days. Old Man River 375 Niagara St., Tonawanda 693-5558 The view: upper Niagara River and Grand Island. Sister restaurant to Mississippi Mudds with sweet potato fries, a clam bar, and outdoor seating on ground level. Open seven days, family friendly. Justin Tyme Café 7611 Buffalo Avenue, Niagara Falls 283-1339 The view: upper Niagara River and Grand Island. Lovely outdoor patio, casual family dining with NASCAR theme. Closed Mondays. Top Of The Falls Goat Island, Niagara Falls 278-0337 The view: from anywhere in the room or on the outdoor patio, you can see the mighty American Falls. Menu ranges from casual sandwiches to steaks and seafood. Open seven days from Mother’s Day through summer. Water Street Landing The Silo 115 Water Street, Lewiston 754-9680 The view: spectacular seating over the Niagara River with views of Canada and Lake Ontario to the North in a converted coal silo. Every seat has a view. Casual menu and great ice cream. Open seven days. Water Street Landing 115 Water Street, Lewiston 754-9200 The view: The upper Niagara River with swirling eddies changing direction every seven minutes, across to Canada and up to Lake Ontario. Dine inside either casually in the River Sidebar or upscale in the dining room. Eat outside on the patio. Views from everywhere. Open seven days. Wilson Boat House 57 Harbor Street, Wilson 751-6060 The view: Wilson harbor and marina on Lake Ontario. Dining room open Wednesday through Sunday. Outdoor Patio bar open seven days. Menu is varied from casual to steaks. Vicki G. Marshall (goya@adelphia.net) is a graphic designer. Margaret M. Toohey (mtoohey@lewistoninsurance.com) is CEO and owner of Lewiston Insurance Agency. Visit the Foodies online at www.foodiestalk.blogspot.com. SUBSCRIBE NOW Back to the Table of Contents Back to Top