The Insiders’ Favorites List: Summer 2024

Zooming

300 Parkside Ave, Buffalo, NY 14214 / More information

There’s a reason why this event has been the most watched event on Step Out Buffalo 2 years in a row! (Just saying.) This festival of lights at the Buffalo Zoo is a magical and fun experience for all ages. The event runs until September 22, so be sure to purchase your tickets before it gets later!

Photo courtesy of Buffalo Zoo

Sanborn Sunflowers

3311 Saunders Settlement Road, Sanborn, NY 14132 / More information

We still haven’t finished this flower farm. What says summer more than a photo shoot among beautiful sunflowers? Opening day is August 1 with a number of events on the calendar for the season, including craft shows, hot air balloon rides, food trucks, pop-ups and live music.

Photo courtesy of Sunflowers of Sanborn

Torn space in Silo City

200 Silo City Row, Buffalo, NY 14203 / More information

Celebrating its 11th anniversary, Torn Space Theater returns to Silo City this August for Commensality. In this collaborative performance in partnership with Always Something Farm, the dinner table is the performance. Four tasting classes bring together an intimate audience in the epic landscape of Silo City.

Photo courtesy of Torn Space

Summer festivals and fairs

Summer is *the best* time of year to attend a festival or enjoy all the good food at the fair. Some events to add to your radar are Cobblestoned Vibes, Erie County Fair, Italian Festival, Borderland Music & Arts Festival, and more. Summers are short here in WNY, so take advantage! Check out our festival guide for more information!

Photo x Get Out Buffalo

Soundwaves Concert Series on the Harbor Queen

Central Pier at Canalside, 44 Prime St, Buffalo, NY 14202 / More information

Embark on a beautiful, relaxing and scenic 2-hour boat ride with Buffalo Boat Tours. Their Soundwaves concert series is offered all summer and sets the pace of a cruise on the lake to the sound of a local band. Plus, there are plenty of fun summer cocktails to choose from, like the Shark Attack. We made new friends, danced and had a great time. (It was like a vacation.)

Photo courtesy of Buffalo Boat Tours

Rockin’ the Downs Concert Series

8315 Park Rd, Batavia, NY 14020 / More information

If you haven’t been to Batavia Downs for their Summer Concert Series, what are you waiting for? It’s such a fun place to go to a concert. The large room has excellent acoustics and with a casino directly on site, there is always the opportunity to gamble afterwards. Drinks were reasonable, food was good and parking/traffic wasn’t a problem at all.

Photo courtesy of Batavia Downs

Chimney cliffs

7700 Garner Rd, Wolcott, NY 14590 / More information

Are you looking for a new spot to go hiking? Head to Lake Ontario to discover the Chimney Bluffs. Being here was so dreamy that it didn’t even feel like New York. Beautiful and quiet and a perfect place for a picnic.

Photo x Sarah Parry for Step Out Buffalo

Veteran’s Park Water Park

55 Legion Pkwy, Buffalo, NY 14224 / More information

Looking for something to do with the kids in this heat? Of course you are! This splash pad is all you need. Also – can we just talk about how awesome splash pads are in general? The fact that kids can cool off, get splashed with water (raise your hand if your little one is OBSESSED with the hose!), and not risk drowning (i.e. parents can breathe a little easily during this outing)? BRIGHT! Oh, and it’s closed. Cheers to communities supporting parents with FREE water activities!

Photo courtesy of West Seneca Youth and Recreation

Liberty Dog

1 Naval Park Cove, Buffalo, NY 14202 / More information

This seasonal spot is a summer must! Having a cocktail and sitting outside on the patio feels like you’re on vacation. And can we talk about the view? I highly recommend planning your visit around dinner time and staying to watch a sunset over the water.

Photo courtesy of Liberty Hound

Braymiller Market

225 Ellicott St, Buffalo, NY 14203 / More information

Yes, it’s a grocery store, BUT their deli is to die for! If you’re on the move downtown and need a quick bite, this is your go-to. Great sandwiches, pizzas and quick pick up things. Their breakfast sandwich is our hangover cure.

Photo courtesy of Braymiller Market

BriarBrothers Brewery

50 Elk St, Buffalo, NY 14210 / More information

Looking for an awesome brewery with good vibes? Add BriarBrothers to your list. you’ll find a wide variety of craft beers and seltzers here. Plus, you’ll always meet someone new to talk to and it’s a great place to enjoy a day of racing if you like F1. (The more you know.)

Photo courtesy of BriarBrothers Brewing Company

South level Brewing

7 Scott St, Buffalo, NY 14203 / More information

You already know they’re perfect for watching the big game or snacking before or after an event at the arena, but don’t neglect them for your daily lunch and dinner. Their extensive menu is delicious and actually takes inspiration from their draft beers to find the perfect pairing!

Photo courtesy of Southern Tier Brewing

cookies and cream on the water

1111 Fuhrmann Boulevard, Buffalo, NY 14203 / More information

It’s summer, so we’d be doing you a disservice if we didn’t include dessert on this list. Cookies & Cream has a few locations around Buffalo, but our favorite is the location on the water near Charlie’s Boat Yard. Their cookies and sundaes are absolutely huge and the waterfront view is a nice bonus.

Photo courtesy of Cookies & Cream

Wine Bar at Cires

27 Chandler Street, Buffalo, New York 14207 / More information

This place is in the top 3 restaurants in Buffalo, hands down. And we’re not just saying they’re a great SOB advertising partner. They know. their. thing. This is “fine” dining at its most modern – not stuffy, fun and so elevated without feeling like your grandfather chose this place. (Unless of course your grandfather is really cool…) If you are a foodie who loves trying new things and discovering culinary delights through new flavors, combinations, dishes and top-notch ingredients, this place is for you. will absolutely surprise and delight you. From the cocktails to the wine list to the gourmet menu, you can’t go wrong. But be careful, this place is for real gourmets and those who love experience of all this. People who consider cooking as an art form. Portion addicts need not apply.

Photo courtesy of Waxlight Wine Bar

Café des Arts

5 E Main St, Springville, NY 14141 / More information

We can’t say enough good things about the baked goods and breakfast sandwiches here. You definitely have to get the “Call Me Al” – a breakfast sandwich with eggs, cheese, bacon, cream cheese, caramelized onions and sauerkraut. Yes – sauerkraut – trust us on that! A few other things to love about Art’s…their breakfast menu is available until 4 p.m. This alone gives them hero status in our book. Never mind the fact that the building is beautiful and they have a rooftop patio with a garden oasis where you can relax and eat. Oh, and don’t miss their bread program. Since I posted about this a few weeks ago, there has been an outpouring of absolute love for this Springville spot – the proof is in the pudding. They also serve beer, wine and cider – just saying.

Photo courtesy of Art’s Café

Black Smoked Bourbon Bar

50 Buffalo St, Hamburg, NY 14075 / More information

Finally a rooftop bar in Hamburg! But wait, there’s a lot more to enjoy at Black Smoke: great cocktails and food, live music most weekends, and an overall great atmosphere. If you’re a night owl, DJs occasionally come in after dinner hours and stay late. Who’s ready to party this summer?

Photo courtesy of Black Smoke Bourbon Bar

Prescott Provisions

40 E Niagara St, Tonawanda, NY 14150 / More information

Everything from the modern, casual ambiance to the menu is welcoming and satisfying. As the crown jewel of the Tonawandas, Prescott’s Provisions is a dining experience whose proximity to the waterfront doesn’t trip them up. The patio is magnificent, the menu tempting and the food is on point.

Photo courtesy of Prescott’s Provisions

The barrel factory

65 Vandalia Street, Buffalo, NY 14204 / More information

If you find yourself in the South Side, be sure to visit the renovated Barrel Factory. The vintage ambiance is spectacular with a large bar area and plenty of high tables to enjoy with friends. Don’t forget to order food with their wide range of menu items. Pro tip: grab a bottle of their Loganberry Blitz to go!

Photo courtesy of The Barrel Factory

Magic Bear Beer Cellar

799 Seneca Suite B, Buffalo, NY 14210 / More information

Magic Bear Beer Cellar is a bottle shop dedicated to sharing their beer education. Stop by and taste a wide variety of craft beers on their patio which just opened last summer. Don’t know which beer to choose? Be sure to ask Craig, a certified cicerone, to help you make your selection, you won’t be disappointed!

Photo courtesy of Magic Bear Beer Cellar

T Boutique

11 W Main Street, Suite 600, Lancaster, NY 14086 / More information

Ok, we slept in this store and we’re ashamed to admit it. Once we finally stopped at their location off Main and Downing in Hamburg Village, we were blown away by the selection. We wanted everything, and we thought everything. The summer dress collection is so vibrant and it has everything you need to complete your outfit. It’s perfect for grabbing a last minute bridal/baby shower outfit, especially because the pieces are perfectly positioned for any time of day and you can dress up or down depending on your shoes and accessories. We would describe this style as timeless trendy – a perfect compromise between the two, easier said than done! Well done, T Boutique.

Photo courtesy of T Boutique