Niagara Falls questions

[Southern_Bills]

So I've always been a Bills Fan stuck in alabama, started watching when I was 9 or 10 and it was the early 90s. No local team so never swapped affiliation. 

 

Well I'm coming up for the MNF home opener this year.

 

The question is this, me and my wife are going to stay an extra day (flying out Wednesday) and visit Niagara falls area and what not. 

 

Any suggestions on restaurants or things I shouldn't miss out on in the area?

 

Doesn't have to be fine dining or anything (I'm not fancy 🤣), just curious about some suggestions from some locals.

 

Thanks in advance.

[716er]

After you visit the falls, spend time in Lewiston instead of Niagara Falls. 

 

Also do the Whirlpool Jet Boat if you can afford it.

 

 

Edited August 25, 2022 by 716er

[Draconator]

Echo the Lewiston idea.

 

If you want to have fun in Niagara Falls, you and your wife bring your passports and Covid vaccination cards, and go to Niagara Falls, Ontario (Canada). Niagara Falls, NY has a Casino, a Duffs, a Raintree Cafe, and a Hard Rock Cafe. Niagara Falls, Ontario has all that and about 1000% more. 

 

If you don't mind about an hour and a half drive Southeast, go to Letchworth State Park. The Grand Canyon of the East. 

 

If you have to have wings, East Aurora for Bar Bill, Rosie's Ice Cream afterwards. Rosie's is run by Steve Tasker's son. Plus the village of East Aurora (and Lewiston) is super cool. 

 

There's plenty more you can do, but those would be my highlights. 

 

 

 

 

[Steve O]

So, if it "Doesn't have to be fine dining or anything" (your words, not mine) I'll suggest The Craft Kitchen and Bar, corner of Third and Ferry...223 Ferry Ave is the actual address. Owner and his GF are big time Bills/Sabres fans, season ticket holders. If you stop by before Monday he might invite you to his game day tailgate party which is across the street from Hammer's. Best pizza in Niagra Falls. Full disclosure, owner is my brother so I might be a bit biased.

[The Dean]

Unfortunately, Niagara Falls NY (my hometown for many years) is a real disaster. And as many have already said, you would probably be better off staying in Lewiston or even perhaps in NF Ontario.

 

With that said, Fortuna's restaurant is really good, and owned by a good friend of mine. Tell Joe Fortuna "The Dean" sent you.  There are also some pretty decent bars for wings and stuff. Mister B's is one as is Judi's Lounge.  If you like good pizza, try La Hacienda on Pine Ave (not associate in any way with the La Hacienda in Buffalo).

 

And Viola's makes one of the great steak and cheese subs in America, IMO.  The one on Elmwood is probably the best, but in a bad neighborhood and closes very early. The one on Military road is fine though.

[Marv's Neighbor]

If you do/can cross into Canada, follow the Niagara River North, to Niagara on the Lake.  It's located where the river joins Lake Ontario.  It's also adjoining many Niagara vineyards.  Cross using the Rainbow bridge.  The other bridges allow commercial traffic (trucks) and can get very backed up.  The Rainbow Bridge is just for cars.  Enjoy!

https://www.niagarafallslive.com/

[Southern_Bills]

Thanks for all the suggestions, I threw the not fine dining in there because I didn't want restaurants I was expected to dress up for, not my thing.

 

Do you have to have a passport for entry to Canada these days? My wife doesn't have one sadly.

[The Dean]

49 minutes ago, Southern_Bills said:

Thanks for all the suggestions, I threw the not fine dining in there because I didn't want restaurants I was expected to dress up for, not my thing.

 

Do you have to have a passport for entry to Canada these days? My wife doesn't have one sadly.

 

Just FYI, while a very nice restaurant, you don't have to dress up for Fortuna's or just about any restaurant in Niagara Falls.

 

While you don't necessarily NEED a passport to enter Canada (I might be wrong about that if things have changed in the past two years or so) it tends to make it easier. You will need some other proof of identity/residence, If you are thinking about crossing the border (which I recommend) do a Google search for what ID is acceptable.  You DO need to complete ArriveCan within 72 hours of entry to Canada. 

https://www.canada.ca/en/border-services-agency/services/arrivecan.html

[That's No Moon]

9 minutes ago, The Dean said:

 

Just FYI, while a very nice restaurant, you don't have to dress up for Fortuna's or just about any restaurant in Niagara Falls.

 

While you don't necessarily NEED a passport to enter Canada (I might be wrong about that if things have changed in the past two years or so) it tends to make it easier. You will need some other proof of identity/residence, If you are thinking about crossing the border (which I recommend) do a Google search for what ID is acceptable.  You DO need to complete ArriveCan within 72 hours of entry to Canada. 

https://www.canada.ca/en/border-services-agency/services/arrivecan.html

Per Canadian law:

As of April 26, 2022, lawful permanent residents of the United States must show these documents for all methods of travel to Canada:

a valid passport from their country of nationality (or an equivalent acceptable travel document) and

a valid green card (or equivalent valid proof of status in the United States)

 

Alternatives to a passport which he probably doesn't have nor can he get:

Citizens of the U.S. who are members of the NEXUS program may present their membership card as proof of identification and as a document that denotes citizenship, when arriving by air (when coming from the U.S.), land, or marine modes.

Citizens of the U.S. who are members of the FAST program may use their cards as proof of identity when arriving by land and marine modes only.

Permanent residents of the U.S. who are members of the NEXUS or FAST programs must travel with a passport and proof of permanent residence, and may be asked to present these documents to the officer upon arrival at the border.

[The Dean]

18 minutes ago, That's No Moon said:

Per Canadian law:

As of April 26, 2022, lawful permanent residents of the United States must show these documents for all methods of travel to Canada:

a valid passport from their country of nationality (or an equivalent acceptable travel document) and

a valid green card (or equivalent valid proof of status in the United States)

 

Alternatives to a passport which he probably doesn't have nor can he get:

Citizens of the U.S. who are members of the NEXUS program may present their membership card as proof of identification and as a document that denotes citizenship, when arriving by air (when coming from the U.S.), land, or marine modes.

Citizens of the U.S. who are members of the FAST program may use their cards as proof of identity when arriving by land and marine modes only.

Permanent residents of the U.S. who are members of the NEXUS or FAST programs must travel with a passport and proof of permanent residence, and may be asked to present these documents to the officer upon arrival at the border.

 

 

👍  There ya go.

[billsfanmiamioh]

6 hours ago, The Dean said:

Unfortunately, Niagara Falls NY (my hometown for many years) is a real disaster. And as many have already said, you would probably be better off staying in Lewiston or even perhaps in NF Ontario.

 

With that said, Fortuna's restaurant is really good, and owned by a good friend of mine. Tell Joe Fortuna "The Dean" sent you.  There are also some pretty decent bars for wings and stuff. Mister B's is one as is Judi's Lounge.  If you like good pizza, try La Hacienda on Pine Ave (not associate in any way with the La Hacienda in Buffalo).

 

And Viola's makes one of the great steak and cheese subs in America, IMO.  The one on Elmwood is probably the best, but in a bad neighborhood and closes very early. The one on Military road is fine though.

I can also vouch for Fortunas! Haven’t been in years, but have eaten there probably 5-6 times and it’s been great every time. Probably the highlight of the American side for me! 
 

I also second visiting Niagara on the lake if you were to tackle the Canadian side. 

[BuffaloBud]

The tour of the Robert Moses Power Plant is interesting if you like geeky things.  The Buffalo Harbor boat tour and the observation deck on the top of Buffalo City Hall - awesome.

[teef]

there's a small aquarium there.  there's an anchor bar, a casino...you know what?  just go to canada if you can.

[WhoTom]

Nobody's mentioned the Maid of the Mist. I'd recommend it.

 

[Captain Caveman]

I took my kids last weekend, and while I can't vouch for any food (we ate in / around Buffalo) the Maid of the Mist was well worth the ~20 bucks per person.  I've been to Niagara Falls probably 5-10 times in my life and can't believe I'd never done it before.

Edited August 25, 2022 by Captain Caveman

[Just Jack]

9 hours ago, That's No Moon said:

Alternatives to a passport which he probably doesn't have nor can he get:

Citizens of the U.S. who are members of the NEXUS program may present their membership card as proof of identification and as a document that denotes citizenship, when arriving by air (when coming from the U.S.), land, or marine modes.

Citizens of the U.S. who are members of the FAST program may use their cards as proof of identity when arriving by land and marine modes only.

Permanent residents of the U.S. who are members of the NEXUS or FAST programs must travel with a passport and proof of permanent residence, and may be asked to present these documents to the officer upon arrival at the border.

 

Forget Nexus, earliest appointment for interviews is next February. My wife's is up for renewal, and nothing was available until then. 

[The Dean]

4 hours ago, BuffaloBud said:

The tour of the Robert Moses Power Plant is interesting if you like geeky things.  The Buffalo Harbor boat tour and the observation deck on the top of Buffalo City Hall - awesome.

 

 

Indeed. I used to go all the time as a kid. It really is pretty cool. Was free. I wonder if it still is.

[Southern_Bills]

5 hours ago, BuffaloBud said:

The tour of the Robert Moses Power Plant is interesting if you like geeky things.  The Buffalo Harbor boat tour and the observation deck on the top of Buffalo City Hall - awesome.

 

Oddly enough I'm an electrical engineer so this is the one thing I already told my wife I would be dragging her to while in the area lol.

[May Day 10]

Niagara Falls, NY isnt really much of a place where people want to go...  Just the park around the Falls is nice and cool.  Maid of the Mist should be a consideration.  Whirlpool Jet boat tours are great as well.

 

I would definitely go to Duff's for the WNY experience.  Careful which one though as some of the remote locations are... off.  I'd suggest the one on Sheridan Drive.  Get them extra crispy with an order of fries with it and extra bleu cheese.  Some locals scoff at Duff's, but it is really good and consistent.  I have had disgusting wings at some of the places often recommended (Bar Bill and Gabriel's Gate).  

 

Big Ditch is a great brewery with a decent menu, good beer, and atmosphere.  

 

Stop through Allentown too just to see "Josh" Allentown.  One of my favorite joints is there:  Allentown Burger Venture.  Amazing burgers, atmosphere, and an extensive beer list.

 

 

None of these places have any sort of dress requirements other than maybe wear a bib.

 

 

[johndhall1]

Cave of the winds on the American side is good and so is goat island/ bridal veil falls. Ditto for Lewiston as well

[Wacka]

3 hours ago, Southern_Bills said:

 

Oddly enough I'm an electrical engineer so this is the one thing I already told my wife I would be dragging her to while in the area lol.

They redid the Power Vista visitors center a few years ago. Tons of interactive  exhibits. The one I like best is the pictures of Tesla and Edison. Actually  video screen.s Stand in front of Edison and he tells you about DC. Stand in front of Tesla and he talks about AC.  It is free. Just check the hours. We went there when it opened back in late 60s. Only things that remain from then are  The Thomas Hart Benson Mural of Father Hennipen and  the white marble dedication wall.

[BuffaloBill]

18 hours ago, The Dean said:

Unfortunately, Niagara Falls NY (my hometown for many years) is a real disaster. And as many have already said, you would probably be better off staying in Lewiston or even perhaps in NF Ontario.

 

With that said, Fortuna's restaurant is really good, and owned by a good friend of mine. Tell Joe Fortuna "The Dean" sent you.  There are also some pretty decent bars for wings and stuff. Mister B's is one as is Judi's Lounge.  If you like good pizza, try La Hacienda on Pine Ave (not associate in any way with the La Hacienda in Buffalo).

 

And Viola's makes one of the great steak and cheese subs in America, IMO.  The one on Elmwood is probably the best, but in a bad neighborhood and closes very early. The one on Military road is fine though.

 

 

have you been to La Hacienda since the ownership change?  I would concur that they have an excellent pie if they kept the original intact.

 

https://la-hacienda-ristorante-and-pizzeria.business.site/?utm_source=gmb&utm_medium=referral

 

 

[Augie]

8 hours ago, WhoTom said:

Nobody's mentioned the Maid of the Mist. I'd recommend it.

 

 

We had a tight timeline due to a Friday wedding in Chicago before the opener last year and flying in Saturday. That was the top priority for me with the family making a rare WNY trip, first time for the DIL. I admit I’ve never done a lot of the other stuff mentioned (or not in FOREVER, at least), but Maid of the Mist seems like the quintessential  Falls activity to me. It’s not “something cool near the Falls”, it is THE FALLS! Prepare to get wet despite the poncho they give you. 

 

The videos we took shows up from time to time on my iPad feed, and I smile every time at how hard we were laughing on a day with 20-30 mph winds! You learn to trap the poncho between your knees, or it WILL fly up over your head!  😂 

[BillsPride12]

If you have the time definitely try to grab a Pizza somewhere...La Hacienda has been mentioned a couple times and that's a great choice.  Niagara Falls truly has some of the best Pizzerias you will find anywhere.  Even better than the ones actually in Buffalo. 

[716er]

Is Buzzys still open? That pizza kicked ass

[LewPort71]

Dining in Lewiston offers many options. 

At the Falls , Maid of the Mist is a must.

Another touristy thing would be to visit Fort Niagara in Youngstown.

 

[The Dean]

4 hours ago, BuffaloBill said:

 

 

have you been to La Hacienda since the ownership change?  I would concur that they have an excellent pie if they kept the original intact.

 

https://la-hacienda-ristorante-and-pizzeria.business.site/?utm_source=gmb&utm_medium=referral

 

 

 

I have not. I hope to in a couple weeks though. I've heard it hasn't changed. But I will say the person who told me that isn't the best judge of pizza, IMO.

 

2 hours ago, LewPort71 said:

Dining in Lewiston offers many options. 

At the Falls , Maid of the Mist is a must.

Another touristy thing would be to visit Fort Niagara in Youngstown.

 

 

 

As a former tour guide (both sides of the border) The Maid of the Mist is one thing that is definately worth the money, IMO

[\GoBillsInDallas/]

23 hours ago, BuffaloBud said:

The tour of the Robert Moses Power Plant is interesting if you like geeky things.

 

18 hours ago, The Dean said:

Indeed. I used to go all the time as a kid. It really is pretty cool. Was free. I wonder if it still is.

 

17 hours ago, Southern_Bills said:

Oddly enough I'm an electrical engineer so this is the one thing I already told my wife I would be dragging her to while in the area lol.

 

13 hours ago, Wacka said:

They redid the Power Vista visitors center a few years ago. Tons of interactive  exhibits. The one I like best is the pictures of Tesla and Edison. Actually  video screen.s Stand in front of Edison and he tells you about DC. Stand in front of Tesla and he talks about AC.  It is free. Just check the hours. We went there when it opened back in late 60s. Only things that remain from then are  The Thomas Hart Benson Mural of Father Hennipen and  the white marble dedication wall.

 

[SoTier]

For what you need to enter Canada from the US:   Successfully entering Canada.

 

You  will need a valid passport to enter Canada by land but some others might be able to use an enhanced driver's license from Vermont, New York, Michigan, Minnesota, South Dakota, and Washington State.   All these states border Canada except South Dakota (is that a typo in the web site?   North Dakota neighbors Canada, South Dakota doesn't).    Land Travel to Canada

 

You will also need to put the ArriveCAN app on your phone and upload your documents more than 72 hours before your arrival date in Canada.

 

 

On 8/25/2022 at 9:26 AM, WhoTom said:

Nobody's mentioned the Maid of the Mist. I'd recommend it.

 

 

BEST ATTRACTION IN WNY (Bills games excluded)  ... and you can get the ride from both sides of the border.   In the distant pass when I was a teacher, I thought that being a Maid of the Mist captain (pilot?) would be the ideal summer gig!

 

I'd recommend either Lewiston or Niagara-on-the-Lake, depending upon which side of the border you're on.  If you like typical touristy things, that's Canada.  If you are more interested in getting closer to the water, then the American side might be your pick. The Cave of the Winds is awesome.  You can walk on the catwalks at the brink of the American Falls there.   You can take the steps down into the Devil's Hole downstream from the Falls and hike the Niagara Gorge.  Somebody already measured the Power Authority.  There's also Artpark in the Lewiston -- and some nice dining choices in the village.  Finally, there's Ft Niagara in Youngstown.

 

 

 

Edited August 26, 2022 by SoTier

[The Dean]

58 minutes ago, SoTier said:

 

 

BEST ATTRACTION IN WNY (Bills games excluded)  ... and you can get the ride from both sides of the border.   In the distant pass when I was a teacher, I thought that being a Maid of the Mist captain (pilot?) would be the ideal summer gig!

 

I'd recommend either Lewiston or Niagara-on-the-Lake, depending upon which side of the border you're on.  If you like typical touristy things, that's Canada.  If you are more interested in getting closer to the water, then the American side might be your pick. The Cave of the Winds is awesome.  You can walk on the catwalks at the brink of the American Falls there.   You can take the steps down into the Devil's Hole downstream from the Falls and hike the Niagara Gorge.  Somebody already measured the Power Authority.  There's also Artpark in the Lewiston -- and some nice dining choices in the village.  Finally, there's Ft Niagara in Youngstown.

 

 

 

 

 

Minor point of clarification.  The Maid of the Mist used to run from both the US and Canada by the same company. But now the boat ride in Canada is called Hornblower and run by that company. They changed their boats first, to a more modern and larger design.

 

Starting last year (or the year before) The Maid of the Mist switched to all electric, and very large, boats.  I have yet to be on one of the newer vehicles. I hear good things. But I always thought the rather rickety nature of the older boats made the ride a lot more interesting. Maybe I'll have a chance to take a ride on the new ones in a couple weeks when I go back to WNY.

[The Dean]

16 minutes ago, The Dean said:

 

 

Minor point of clarification.  The Maid of the Mist used to run from both the US and Canada by the same company. But now the boat ride in Canada is called Hornblower and run by that company. They changed their boats first, to a more modern and larger design.

 

Starting last year (or the year before) The Maid of the Mist switched to all electric, and very large, boats.  I have yet to be on one of the newer vehicles. I hear good things. But I always thought the rather rickety nature of the older boats made the ride a lot more interesting. Maybe I'll have a chance to take a ride on the new ones in a couple weeks when I go back to WNY.

 

 

Correction to my correction. The Canadian boat is called Niagara City Cruises.  It is run by Hornblower:

 

https://www.cityexperiences.com/niagara-ca/city-cruises/niagara/voyage-to-the-falls-boat-tour/

[damj]

On 8/24/2022 at 10:31 PM, 716er said:

After you visit the falls, spend time in Lewiston instead of Niagara Falls. 

Agreed. Many great restaurants Brickyard for BBQ / craft beer; Stone house to hang out for drinks; Silo for hot dogs; Griffon for gastropub, Hibbards for custard, Gallo for woodfired pizza, Cask & Cow for burgers.

 

On 8/24/2022 at 11:53 PM, The Dean said:

Unfortunately, Niagara Falls NY (my hometown for many years) is a real disaster. And as many have already said, you would probably be better off staying in Lewiston or even perhaps in NF Ontario.

 

With that said, Fortuna's restaurant is really good, and owned by a good friend of mine. Tell Joe Fortuna "The Dean" sent you.  There are also some pretty decent bars for wings and stuff. Mister B's is one as is Judi's Lounge.  If you like good pizza, try La Hacienda on Pine Ave (not associate in any way with the La Hacienda in Buffalo).

 

And Viola's makes one of the great steak and cheese subs in America, IMO.  The one on Elmwood is probably the best, but in a bad neighborhood and closes very early. The one on Military road is fine though.

Best places to stay are downtown. I'd recommend the Doubletree.

 

Judi's has very good wings and steak and cheese. My favorite steak and cheese is Mariposa's. The restaurant closed, but they've kept it alive as a food truck.

 

La Hacienda is under new ownership, but the pizza is still great as always and is the best in the city.

 

An underappreciated gem for a restaurant is Savor. It's a teaching kitchen/restaurant from local Niagara County Community College, run by students under professional supervision. 5 star quality food, at a fraction of the price. I dress casual when I go there.

 

Off the beaten path is F-Bites. Celebrity chef Bobby Anderson (from Hell's Kitchen) runs it to teach young kids the restaurant business. It's non-profit and very inexpensive. AMAZING southern cooking. It's not in the best neighborhood, but it's fine for lunch.

 

If you want an amazing burger experience, check out Rock Burger; they do these awesome stuffed burgers.

[Southern_Bills]

Thanks again for all the suggestions, it seriously helps. As I'm not very touristy liking as I live in a touristy town (beaches in alabama) so that gets old quick.

 

You guys have helped a ton and I'll take as many tips/insight as I can get.

[MarkyMannn]

2 hours ago, SoTier said:

You will also need to put the ArriveCAN app on your phone and upload your documents more than 72 hours before your arrival date in Canada.

 

This.  Without ArriveCan you are not crossing over

[SoTier]

3 hours ago, MarkyMannn said:

This.  Without ArriveCan you are not crossing over

 

It looks to be no big deal.   I downloaded it to my phone and set up my account.  I didn't load photos of my enhanced DL and vaccination card yet.

[damj]

33 minutes ago, SoTier said:

 

It looks to be no big deal.   I downloaded it to my phone and set up my account.  I didn't load photos of my enhanced DL and vaccination card yet.

The only tricky part is "where you will quarantine" question. I just list the address of the place I'm going. It doesn't seem to let you do much else.

[damj]

19 hours ago, 716er said:

Is Buzzys still open? That pizza kicked ass

Still open, and is as great as always.

 

I saw another post talking about local craft breweries. A bunch in Buffalo; but none in Niagara Falls. Brickyard in Lewiston is a brewery. Woodcock is good ... two locations, but a bit of drive. Their Wilson location is an old ice house; cool place to go. The best place for beer is Griffon (Niagara Falls & Lewiston); they have alot of taps.

[MarkyMannn]

3 hours ago, SoTier said:

 

It looks to be no big deal.   I downloaded it to my phone and set up my account.  I didn't load photos of my enhanced DL and vaccination card yet.

Yeah no big deal

[QCity]

On 8/24/2022 at 10:31 PM, 716er said:

 

Also do the Whirlpool Jet Boat if you can afford it.

 

On 8/25/2022 at 9:26 AM, WhoTom said:

Nobody's mentioned the Maid of the Mist. 

 

If you're older and past the thrill-seeking age, Maid of the Mist. Younger or want an adrenaline rush, Jet Boats for sure.

 

While the Canadian side of the Falls is wayyyy better than the run-down U.S. side, I would not bother with the hassle of crossing the border. There's plenty of things to do in WNY as advised in this thread.

[716er]

Canadian side is overrated.