A day in the Village of Hamburg (2024)

The historic Village of Hamburg, just south of Buffalo, has a long history predating its formal incorporation in 1874. Surveying in the area began in 1798, and the first lot was purchased in 1806. When the British burned Buffalo in 1813, many of the city’s residents fled to the village.

Today, many buildings from earlier times are still in use, making a trip here a terrific way to spend a day of architectural tourism or simply to enjoy a meal and stroll. (For a self-guided walking tour, check out this helpful chart, highlighting buildings that are on the National Historic Register as well as a variety of architectural styles, including Federalist, Art Deco, and turn-of-the-century wooden stables and office buildings.)

Or forego the list and just wander. Historical markers dot the village, highlighting the significance of those early buildings. A charming town center, basically six square blocks, is packed with a density of restaurants, shops, and entertainment options.

For a casual meal, coffee or dinner, here are a few places to look into: Juicy Burger Bar, Butera’s, Spot Coffee, Mason’s Grille 52, Carte Blanche, the Comfort Zone Café or Prima Oliva.

And don’t forget about the Hamburg Brewing Company just a few miles out of town. With its popular local brews, lovely lodge-like taproom and picnic table–dotted outdoor beer garden and grounds, it could easily take up the majority of your trip to the area. Just sayin’.

With so many other great places to choose from we’re featuring a few below:

Braymiller’s Lanes

39 Buffalo St.

Hamburg, NY 14075

(716) 649-1413

This small, fun eight-lane bowling alley and bar has been a fixture in Hamburg since 1942. Housed in a former Studebaker dealership, third-generation owners keep this family tradition going. They are ever-alert to modern bowling technologies, but keep it real by never replacing too many things. Thus the charming and convivial spot remains a local favorite.

During your game, the only way you could get a beer here any faster is if they dispensed it through the ball-return system. The bar, located just steps from the lanes, serves up best-sellers like Pabst Draft (16 oz for $2). And if that’s not reasonable enough, Thursday is College Night, with half-price bowling and beer.

To make it an even sweeter deal, Master’s Barbeque Co. smokes their meat—pulled pork, brisket and chicken—right on the premises, serving sandwiches and full dinners. It’s ideal for a great date night or evening with friends.

Corto’s Salon and Seasons Spa

20 Buffalo St.

Hamburg, NY 14075

(716) 648-3120

You might have difficulty peeking into the premises, as Corto’s window is filled with awards. This two-floor, 7,500 square-foot salon and spa is the area’s gold standard—the Corto family has been serving the southern suburbs since 1962. If anyone in your group needs any grooming or beauty needs attended to, this would be the spot.

How about a visit to the Blow Dry Bar for the girls? There’s also a master barber there, ready to give the gents in the party a nice straight razor shave, or an expert beard trim, or just take a little off the sides. Or the top.

Coyote Cafe

36 Main St.

Hamburg, NY 14075

(716) 649-1837

For nearly a quarter-century, The Coyote Cafe has been a Hamburg favorite. It was opened at a time when pretty much the only Mexican food option in Buffalo was a popular “Buf-Mex” food chain. The Coyote made a name for itself by serving quality Mexican-American food, using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.

While Western New York now has a wide variety of unique Mexican restaurants the Coyote continues to feature crowd-pleasing food and drinks.

It remains competitive by offering such creative nods to regional cuisine as the beef on weck chimichanga. It’s filled with slow-roasted beef, horseradish sauce, then fried and dipped in a light coating of salt and caraway seeds. Dip it in au jus, and say ahhhhh. We also like the Cajun shrimp street tacos with mango salsa and slaw and can’t resist the lobster roll chimichanga when enjoying their frozen drinks and specialty co*cktails.

The Grange Community Kitchen

22 Main St.

Hamburg, NY 14075

(716) 648-0022

This farm-to-table destination-restaurant continues to draw crowds and raves from morning to night with its casual, clean atmosphere and beautifully made food, much of it prepared in their wood-fired oven, out in the open for all to see.

Their pastrami on thick-cut rye, offered frequently, is worth a special trip. Made in house, it’s a tender and delectable smoked brisket served with beer mustard and pickle. The lamb barbacoa on laffa bread, with pickled onions, cilantro, consommé and garbanzo beans is a tasty and uncommon treat. Pizzas from the white brick oven are amazing. There’s a full bar, plus house-made desserts and breakfast pastries. It’s your all-around hangout when in Hamburg.

Breaking news: Owners Brad and Caryn Rowell are set to open a new restaurant, West Rose, in Ellicottville, NY; their smoked brisket with house-made hummus already won the award for “Best Entrée” at this year’s Taste of Ellicottville food festival juried competition.

Hamburg Palace Theater

31 Buffalo St.

Hamburg, NY

(716) 649-2295

The classic, vintage Palace Theatre opened in 1926. The theatre, built by Hamburg businessman George J. Biehler, was designed to be state-of-the-art. It’s still in operation as a single-screen theater, playing first run and classic movies, as well as hosting events and concerts. How about a private screening? For $100 an hour, you and your group can enjoy whatever’s playing—or bring your own DVD or Blu-ray and enjoy a private screening! Regular tickets are a steal, at $6 for adults and $5 for everyone else (students, seniors, kids).

Main Street Ice Cream

35 Main St.

Hamburg, NY 14075

(716) 649-2970

The size of this lovely little ice cream parlor is in inverse proportion to the wide variety of availabilities. Choose from soft serve custard, homemade traditional ice cream, sundaes, slushies and house-made ice cream sandwiches and bars.

They proudly tout their Two Berry Twist, a soft serve blend of black raspberry yogurt and red raspberry sherbet. Their waffle cones and bowls are made fresh each day. Premium combos made with soft serve include the Turtle Sundae (vanilla, hot fudge, caramel, pecan, whipped cream, and a cherry), Tropical Hurricane (vanilla, pineapple, coconut, banana, pecans, whipped cream, cherry), Chocolate Lovers (chocolate, chocolate syrup, chocolate Oreo crumbs, whipped cream, chocolate sprinkles), and the Peanut Butter Supreme (vanilla, hot fudge, peanut butter sauce, peanut butter cups, whipped cream, Reese’s Pieces).

Special flavors are posted on their website well in advance. During the fall season, enjoy handcrafted small-batch ice cream, including cinnamon apple, pumpkin, or Halloween Oreo. Main Street Ice Cream is open seasonally, from March until December 24th.

Molly + Kate

35 Main St.

Hamburg, NY 14075

716.926.920

Depending on who’s in the gang, you may want to build up an appetite or a thirst by popping into this adorable shop. The store, run by very enthusiastic Hamburg boosters, is filled with trendy items for many in the group, including home décor, clothing and accessories for women, gifts and more.

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