Blasdell is located along I-90 in western New York about eight miles south of Buffalo. This small suburban town had a population of 2,900 in 2009. Lake Erie is just a few minutes drive away, providing sandy beaches in summertime but blanketing the area in heavy lake effect snows in winter. Blasdell features a decent number of dining options for a town its size, though most of the offerings are American or Italian.
As of 2010 there are three independent restaurants in Blasdell offering table service. Twin sisters Shelly and Sherry Biscarro along with their friend Marina Ciesla have owned and operated the Poppyseed Restaurant since 2000. The inventive menu features dishes like Cajun chicken gorgonzola and a Greek-style souvlaki salad. Don’t miss the L.A. Cinnamon Sandwich – smoked turkey, cream cheese, walnuts and dried cranberries between grilled cinnamon bread, drizzled with a cinnamon sauce. At BW’s Smokin’ Barrels BBQ, dine on ribs, smoked beef brisket or pulled pork for lunch and dinner. Or stop in for Sunday brunch, which for a set price includes both barbecued meats as well as breakfast staples like made-to-order pancakes and omelettes. Ilio de Paolo’s was founded in 1965 by the Italian wrestler of the same name, and today his son carries on the family tradition of serving fresh homemade cuisine. (See Reference 3) Specialties include cannelloni stuffed with veal and spinach, lobster and crab ravioli and filet mignon; you can even find authentic dishes like tripe on the menu. The wine list features an array of wines from all over the world. There is a courtyard and bocce court outside the restaurant.
Blasdell is home to four well-known national chains serving consistent, reliable food and drink in a casual atmosphere. Ruby Tuesday’s and Applebee’s offer an array of cuisine to suit any palate. For instance, consider Ruby Tuesday’s steak-and-lobster macaroni and cheese or avocado turkey burger. Health-conscious diners will appreciate Applebee’s under-550 calorie menu featuring items like pasta with teriyaki shrimp and vegetables. The Australian-themed Outback Steakhouse, though known for steak, also offers seafood, burgers and pasta. The Olive Garden, located in the McKinley mall complex, dishes up hearty Italian fare such as fettuccine Alfredo, pork scaloppini and stuffed chicken marsala alongside endless salad and breadsticks.
Blasdell Pizza and Rocko’s Tacos both feature large menus consisting mainly of pizza, wings, subs and Mexican fare. You can even order online at Blasdell Pizza, whose menu also includes salads and wraps for the health-conscious. Like the name suggests, Rocko’s Tacos specializes in Mexican favorites such as enchiladas, burritos, quesadillas and chalupas. The old-fashioned Tony’s Bayview Drive-In cooks up cheeseburgers, hot dogs, sandwiches and tacos for prices reminiscent of a bygone era. After dinner, treat yourself to one of the 24 varieties of ice cream or thirty types of milkshakes that made Tony’s a local favorite.
Burger King, Pizza Hut and Boston Market all have locations in Blasdell. In addition to the flame-broiled burgers that made them famous, Burger King also offers chicken and fish sandwiches and side items such as funnel cake. Try online ordering at Pizza Hut for speedy service. Boston Market is known for their rotisserie chicken and family-style meals, but their menu also offers single-serving salads and sandwiches.
