Hertel Avenue is an ethnically diverse section of North Buffalo, New York with an assorted mix of restaurants, shops and night spots, in addition to several ethnic grocery stores all within easy walking distance of each other. The expanse of the avenue known as the strip underwent a $10 million public works project to upgrade the area in 2004 and 2005.
Kostas Family Restaurant has become a landmark Hertel Avenue business almost since its opening in 1977. Specializing in Greek-American cuisine, the menu is filled with family recipes, featuring such Greek standards as moussaka, fried calamari, horiatiki salad and lamb fricassee. Kostas is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Wine is available by the glass or bottle, as is bottled beer including Mythos, an imported Greek beer.
Kostas Family Restaurant
1561 Hertel Avenue
Buffalo, New York 14216
716-838-5225
kostasfamilyrestaurant.com
The Empire Grill opened in 2006, shortly after the completion of the $10 million public works project. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, it serves classic diner fare, ranging from pancakes to ribeye steaks. Some of its unconventional fare includes hamburgers topped with peanut butter. The restaurant has an open kitchen with a large picture window, and amenities include a banquet/meeting room, several flat screen TVs and wireless Internet access.
Empire Grill
1435 Hertel Avenue
Buffalo, New York 14216
716-446-0700
empiregrill.net
La Dolce Vita is a traditional Italian restaurant. Since 1993, it has served lunch and dinner in an eclectic setting. Meals are served either inside or on the patio. Beer and wine are available by the glass or by the bottle. The restaurant also has carry out service.
La Dolce Vita Caffe and Bistro
1472 Hertel Avenue
Buffalo, New York 14216
716-446-5690
iloveladolcevita.com
DiGiulio & Co. has been on Hertel Avenue since 1996. However, the DiGiulio family has a long tradition of restaurant ownership in the Buffalo area since 1940. This restaurant serves dinner with a variety of evening entertainment, from singers to an array of performers who change weekly or nightly, depending on the length of their run. The restaurant serves contemporary Italian cuisine from an extensive menu and has an open California style kitchen that provides guests with a glimpse into the chef’s food preparation techniques. The restaurant has a “bring your own wine” policy.
DiGiulio & Co.
1673 Hertel Avenue
Buffalo, New York 14216
716-446-1673
digiulioandcompany.com
