Taking a quick trip to Buffalo from Ithaca, I found myself immersed in the ‘Bills-nation.’ A weekend trip to Buffalo from Ithaca is easier than many students realize; the drive typically takes between two to three hours, depending on traffic. For anyone seeking a change of scenery, regional food favorites or a short escape from Ithaca, Buffalo offers an exciting getaway within a manageable distance from Cornell. With Buffalo’s amazing wings and astonishing views along Lake Erie, a trip to the city makes for a fun choice for a quick winter trip.
A standout part of my experience in Buffalo was definitely the wings, Buffalo’s most famous food and a craving that’s stuck with me since my visit. The city is where the term “buffalo wings” was invented in 1964 at the Anchor Bar, and with so many great options, it is difficult to decide where to go as there are. Although every place I tried exceeded expectations, I was introduced to the Bar-Bill Tavern by a friend who is local to the area. Bar-Bill has locations in East Aurora, Clarence and Rochester. Bar-Bill has been operating for over 55 years and is consistently ranked among the most recommended spots for first-time visitors; WIVB considers them the best wing spot in Buffalo.
That reputation becomes clear once the food arrives. The wings are crispy and tossed in a delicious sauce, balancing texture and flavor. There is a split-sauce option, which is popular for trying different flavors. I chose the honey butter barbecue and mild buffalo, with a side of blue cheese, which was phenomenal. There is also an all-drums or all-lats add-on option, where you can personalize your wings. This kind of specific customization is uncommon, and personally, it was my first time choosing between drums and flat options. While it may sound like any other wings you can buy, what truly differentiates Bar-Bill is the taste: the exceptional crisp with great quality, soft chicken inside, paired with the sauces. On a day-to-day basis and especially on the weekends, the restaurant fills up quickly with a long wait time. However, the wings are certainly worth the wait.
Minutes from Bar-Bill is Rosie’s Handcrafted Ice Cream, a small ice-cream parlor with an innovative menu of handmade flavors such as Citrus Ginger Lemon Sorbet, Kolaczki Cookie mixed with almond ice cream and raspberry jam or Cookie Butter Crunch flavors. Even in the cold winters, Rosie’s remains a popular stop. The store has unique and textured ice cream with fun menu options. While I got Oreo, a more basic ice cream flavor, it still stood out with its smooth but thick texture and rich taste. The proximity to Bar-Bill makes Rosie’s an easy, convenient dessert option after a plate of wings.The city boasts a broader food scene that reflects the region’s history and style.
For a weekend breakfast or brunch, Dopest Dough is an amazing bagel spot, voted the best bagel in Western New York for two consecutive years. Specializing in sourdough breads and bagels, I decided to try the breakfast bagel sandwich with bacon, egg and cheese. Seemingly basic, the bagel was unique, with a perfect balance of taste and a crisp yet chewy texture. This bagel is worth reviewing for the quality of the bagel itself, as it is easy for a bacon, egg and cheese sandwich to be interchangeable. This bagel has enough structure to hold the sandwich together without feeling heavy, and enough flavor to be noticeable without overpowering the fillings. Dopest Dough is only open on weekends, making it a popular spot where the bagels are often sold out before noon.
Notable Lookouts and Quick Stops
Beyond its food, Buffalo offers sightseeing options that fit well within a short trip, requiring minimal planning.
About 30 minutes from the city center, Vidler’s 5 & 10 in East Aurora is a classic Western New York variety store, known as the world’s largest variety store. Spanning multiple connected storefronts, Vidler’s offers toys, crafts, candy, stationery and fun household items. With its retro charm, you can spend so much time browsing around the store.
A major highlight near Buffalo is, of course, Niagara Falls. The natural landmark draws millions of visitors annually, and it's only about 25 minutes from Buffalo which makes it an easy addition to a weekend itinerary. While the Canadian side may offer more expansive views, the American side still provides scenic walking paths and a great view.
Inside the city, Buffalo City Hall is a very architecturally significant building, which has been standing since the 1930s. The City Hall also has a public observation deck that offers panoramic views of downtown Buffalo and surrounding neighborhoods. The view was breathtaking, but the best part of touring this area was being able to walk around these buildings and around downtown. A great walk with immaculate views is a need during short getaway trips. Additionally, if there are any sports fans in the group, it is worth making a stop at Highmark Stadium, home of the Buffalo Bills. A new stadium was being built when I visited, but I would love to go again since the construction has ended and the stadium is complete, adjacent to the existing site, drawing attention for its size and design.
A quick trip to Buffalo offers more than a change of scenery from Ithaca. From trying the signature foods and enjoying the sights, the destination provides many different options to plan a packed trip.
Ines Hwang is a sophomore in the College of Arts and Sciences. She can be reached at ish7@cornell.edu.
