Niagara Falls questions

[The Dean]

8 minutes ago, 716er said:

Canadian side is overrated. 

 

I agree, IF you aren't the real touristy type.  If you are that type, then NF Ontario is far better. 

 

Since I grew up in NF (and was a tour guide) lived in Boston, SF, LA, NYC and now St Augustine, I've almost always lived in touristy spots. But when I travel, I'm the anti-tourist, for the most part.  I look for places the locals go. I like to get a feel for what it's like to live in an area.

[716er]

Just now, The Dean said:

 

I agree, IF you aren't the real touristy type.  If you are that type, then NF Ontario is far better. 

 

Since I grew up in NF (and was a tour guide) lived in Boston, SF, LA, NYC and now St Augustine, I've almost always lived in touristy spots. But when I travel, I'm the anti-tourist, for the most part.  I look for places the locals go. I like to get a feel for what it's like to live in an area.

 

Indeed. If you want to go to a Wax Museum and check out the Hard Rock Cafe, NF Canada is the place to be. 

[Southern_Bills]

28 minutes ago, The Dean said:

 

I agree, IF you aren't the real touristy type.  If you are that type, then NF Ontario is far better. 

 

Since I grew up in NF (and was a tour guide) lived in Boston, SF, LA, NYC and now St Augustine, I've almost always lived in touristy spots. But when I travel, I'm the anti-tourist, for the most part.  I look for places the locals go. I like to get a feel for what it's like to live in an area.

 

Probably an accurate statement for myself as well. Living at the beaches it's touristy everywhere, and tourist areas almost mimick each other across the country.

[ExiledInIllinois]

16 minutes ago, Southern_Bills said:

 

Probably an accurate statement for myself as well. Living at the beaches it's touristy everywhere, and tourist areas almost mimick each other across the country.

Fudge is the Cornerstone!

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/why-does-every-tourist-attraction-sell-fudge-180963152/

 

"...Why fudge? In the normal course of things, fudge is… just another confection. It’s not as ubiquitous as, say, a chocolate bar. And yet, writes Robert Reid for National Geographic, “at least in America, wherever you roam, you can only go to one of two kinds of destinations: those with fudge, and those without.” Fudge is the best indicator of whether or not something is actually a tourist attraction, he writes. ..."

Edited August 27, 2022 by ExiledInIllinois

[Draconator]

10 hours ago, The Dean said:

I look for places the locals go. I like to get a feel for what it's like to live in an area.

https://www.mintsniagara.com/

[Augie]

10 hours ago, The Dean said:

 

I agree, IF you aren't the real touristy type.  If you are that type, then NF Ontario is far better. 

 

Since I grew up in NF (and was a tour guide) lived in Boston, SF, LA, NYC and now St Augustine, I've almost always lived in touristy spots. But when I travel, I'm the anti-tourist, for the most part.  I look for places the locals go. I like to get a feel for what it's like to live in an area.

 

I can vouch for this!  

 

We lived in touristy areas for 30 years (Hilton Head, SC and Sarasota, FL). I tend to like touristy areas, since it’s a place people save up all year long to visit. Because it’s NICE. And they are generally full of great restaurants.  If it rains on your week I feel sorry for you stuck in a small condo or hotel but kids……..but I’ll be there the next week!   

[aristocrat]

Violas subs are amazing, como  for some Italian food on pine. If you want to walk around go down to Lewiston. 

[The Dean]

4 hours ago, aristocrat said:

Violas subs are amazing, como  for some Italian food on pine. If you want to walk around go down to Lewiston. 

 

Como still open?  I had heard it was closing.  I had my first bartending job there as soon as I turned 18.  

 

IMO while a decent overall restaurant (and a better than OK catering restaurant) their Italian-American basics are very substandard. Their basic sauce is horrible and they may make the worst lasagna I've ever tasted. But they do make some good stuff too.  Again IMO, Fortuna's is far superior to the Como.   Keep in mind, I haven't eaten at the Como in a few years.

Another popular local Italian Restaurant is Michael's (right next door to La Hacienda) on Pine Ave.  Again, not one I love, but very popular. My mother, father and sister all loved it. 

[aristocrat]

3 minutes ago, The Dean said:

 

Como still open?  I had heard it was closing.  I had my first bartending job there as soon as I turned 18.  

 

IMO while a decent overall restaurant (and a better than OK catering restaurant) their Italian-American basics are very substandard. Their basic sauce is horrible and they may make the worst lasagna I've ever tasted. But they do make some good stuff too.  Again IMO, Fortuna's is far superior to the Como.   Keep in mind, I haven't eaten at the Como in a few years.

Another popular local Italian Restaurant is Michael's (right next door to La Hacienda) on Pine Ave.  Again, not one I love, but very popular. My mother, father and sister all loved it. 

Sad if they let it go. Last time I had it was catering for a funeral maybe 5-6 years ago. I’ll check Michael’s out next time I’m in town. 

[The Dean]

4 hours ago, aristocrat said:

Sad if they let it go. Last time I had it was catering for a funeral maybe 5-6 years ago. I’ll check Michael’s out next time I’m in town. 

 

Looks like it was taken off the market and is still open:  https://www.wgrz.com/article/money/business/como-restaurant-in-niagara-falls-no-longer-up-for-auction-antonacci-and-colucci-families/71-764b02b8-00ce-48d9-99f3-6243f7948cec

 

It's very odd. A family owned restaurant with a built-in Italian deli takeout shop connected. Yet, during the pandemic lockdown I was told they close everything. Then (again, this is hearsay) they took the Gov't money, but let all the employees go and shut down. A real bad look, IMO.  Especially when they were completely setup to do takeout. On an unrelated note, Fortuna's (with no special takeout facility) managed to stay open for takeout and thrived during that period. Just seems odd to me.

 

It was starting to look like the family didn't have it in them to continue running the place. Running a restaurant is WORK, and requires a lot of commitment. Many children of successful restaurant families don't seem to have what it takes to continue to do what is necessary to have a good, successful establishment.

 

I'm very happy to hear it is still open (but only 4 days a week and no longer for lunch). The last thing Niagara Falls needs is more businesses closing.

[damj]

8 hours ago, The Dean said:

 

Como still open?  I had heard it was closing.  I had my first bartending job there as soon as I turned 18.  

 

IMO while a decent overall restaurant (and a better than OK catering restaurant) their Italian-American basics are very substandard. Their basic sauce is horrible and they may make the worst lasagna I've ever tasted. But they do make some good stuff too.  Again IMO, Fortuna's is far superior to the Como.   Keep in mind, I haven't eaten at the Como in a few years.

Another popular local Italian Restaurant is Michael's (right next door to La Hacienda) on Pine Ave.  Again, not one I love, but very popular. My mother, father and sister all loved it. 

I agree, Como is good, but nothing special. The best Italian is, and has always been Fortunas.

[Beast]

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.

Just curious….if I go to Niagara Falls and visit restaurants, etc., and tell everyone at those places that “The Dean” sent me, what sort of reaction would I get in most places? Welcoming? Violence? Laughter?

Edited August 29, 2022 by Beast

[Still Lurkin]

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

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

 

 

While on the Maid,I knew then was it felt to be like poop about to be flushed down the toilet. 

[The Avenger]

On 8/27/2022 at 9:56 PM, damj said:

I agree, Como is good, but nothing special. The best Italian is, and has always been Fortunas.

The battle of Italian restaurants  - the Como vs. Fortuna's (AKA - The Deluxe). Como always had more hype (Frank Sinatra ate there afterall)  but you can't beat the food at The Deluxe - the veal is to die for.

[The Dean]

12 hours ago, Beast said:

Just curious….if I go to Niagara Falls and visit restaurants, etc., and tell everyone at those places that “The Dean” sent me, what sort of reaction would I get in most places? Welcoming? Violence? Laughter?

 

 

🤣

 

To tel  you the truth, it's been so many years since I moved away, I'm not sure anyone would have any idea WTF you're talking about. 

 

But I'm pretty sure the owner of Fortuna's, Joe Fortuna, will understand.  We went to hiigh school together and catch up every year or two. But if you mention my name behave.  Leave a good tip

[Joe Ferguson forever]

On 8/25/2022 at 1:24 AM, 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

Grew up in Lewiston.  Artpark used to be amazing, not sure what kind of shows they're booking these days.

Old Fort Niagara in Youngstown is full of amazing history.  Tubing the Niagara from Lewiston to Youngstown dragging a six pack used to be a great thing.  Don't see why it wouldn't be now. Just make sure you get out before the Coast Guard Station at the lake.  I've heard the fishing in the lower Niagara is now excellent!  Fortuna's used to be Fortuna's deluxe, right?  Great place as was Como but last time there was disappointed.  Viola's has the best steak and cheese in the world.  Youngstown is cool as is Niagara on the Lake on the Canadian side.  Fort Niagara State park can be beautiful on a good day and can see Toronto skyline 26 miles away.  Oh, and Dicamillo's bakery in either Lewiston or the Falls is amazing.  and if you're really adventurous you can try rapelling the gorge - but I wouldn't recommend it - sandstone.

 

 

 

 

 

Edited August 30, 2022 by redtail hawk

[Billsatlastin2018]

As several have stated, the differences between the 2 Niagara Falls are simply staggering. The American one has a good downtown hunk that resembles Kiyv today, while the Ontario side is quite pretty and quirky. One wonders when you cross into N.Y.- where are all the people? It’s deserted, unlike N.F. Ontario, which is booming. Better hotels, finer and more restaurants and tourist attractions, plus the road Winston Churchill called one of “the most beautiful drives in the world”- the Niagara Falls Parkway… from Niagara on the Lake to Buffalo.
 

Speaking of NOTL, it is simply beautiful (think Williamsburg, VA or Saratoga, N.Y.) and you can pull into numerous vineyards to sample and buy. 
 

But, bring $… lots! 😂 Beauty doesn’t come cheap. 

 

 

[T&C]

To just go to the Falls the American side is just fine, but one thing I noticed when we last went there is that I got warnings on my phone about extra data usage/fee's as maybe it was just close enough to Canada, idk. Either side, it is an amazing experience for sure. Plus the hassle of going over the border... not worth the bs if you just want to see and feel it.

[Joe Ferguson forever]

i don't think cave of the winds was mentioned.  Going under the Falls from the American side is well worth it.  If you golf. the Ontario Parks course is public and was pristine.  DO Not stay in the cabins on the river in Lewiston - beat up and overpriced.  The big hotel across the street is worth the difference.  Finally, last time there, the restaurant/bar on the river in Lewiston was rocking with a pretty good band but I was kinda euphoric seeing old friends.

[ExiledInIllinois]

15 minutes ago, T&C said:

To just go to the Falls the American side is just fine, but one thing I noticed when we last went there is that I got warnings on my phone about extra data usage/fee's as maybe it was just close enough to Canada, idk. Either side, it is an amazing experience for sure. Plus the hassle of going over the border... not worth the bs if you just want to see and feel it.

It never used to be a hassle.  My sister's MiL they knew by first name going across into Ft.Erie to play "Big Bingo." 😏 

 

The good ole days. There's like 10+ million people living in the Golden Horseshoe and it's like traveling into another world. Okay, country 😉.  That's a city like Buffalo's biggest market and being another country a total drag to utilize. Sad.

Edited August 30, 2022 by ExiledInIllinois

[The Dean]

2 hours ago, T&C said:

To just go to the Falls the American side is just fine, but one thing I noticed when we last went there is that I got warnings on my phone about extra data usage/fee's as maybe it was just close enough to Canada, idk. Either side, it is an amazing experience for sure. Plus the hassle of going over the border... not worth the bs if you just want to see and feel it.

 

It sounds like they aren't going to Canada, unless I missed something. 

 

But the phone thing is (or at least was) real. Would happen to me all the time. Other times I could use my US only plan for miles into Canada, before the US tower dropped it. I'd hope this has been improved over the years. But it reminds me, I'll be in Canada soon, I better check my cell plan.

[damj]

1 hour ago, The Dean said:

 

It sounds like they aren't going to Canada, unless I missed something. 

 

But the phone thing is (or at least was) real. Would happen to me all the time. Other times I could use my US only plan for miles into Canada, before the US tower dropped it. I'd hope this has been improved over the years. But it reminds me, I'll be in Canada soon, I better check my cell plan.

I live right on the border and often bounce to Canadian towers. T-Mobile includes phone and data I. Canada and Mexico. I think most AT&T and Verizon plans do as well

On 8/27/2022 at 8:56 AM, Draconator said:

https://www.mintsniagara.com/

Ah yes, the Canadian ballet

[Just Jack]

5 hours ago, damj said:

I live right on the border and often bounce to Canadian towers. T-Mobile includes phone and data I. Canada and Mexico. I think most AT&T and Verizon plans do as well

 

They do, I think ours (Verizon) is included with having an unlimited plan.  Before we got that, it was $10/day, but we were never in Canada more than a 2-3 days, sometimes just 1 day, so it wasn't too much. 

 

[Wacka]

AT&T does cover Canada (I asked at the AT&T store.  

When I first move d back to WNY after y stroke, I got a notice on my phone that I reached my minutes limit even though I ha unlimited text and data. Called them  and they told me it was "ghost  roaming". I live in Cheektowaga  and can see  the M&T tower downtown. Was never less that 5 miles from  Canada, but my phone was pinging the towers in Ft. Erie. They said it happens near Mexico too. After that, no problems.

[PromoTheRobot]

On 8/24/2022 at 10:21 PM, Southern_Bills said:

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.

 

The US side of the Falls is lame. Do what you can to get to Canada.

 

It's sad how things got because not that long ago crossing the border was no big deal. People used to cross just to get Chinese food.

 

Edited September 1, 2022 by PromoTheRobot

[T&C]

52 minutes ago, PromoTheRobot said:

 

The US side of the Falls is lame. Do what you can to get to Canada.

 

It's sad how things got because not that long ago crossing the border was no big deal. People used to cross just to get Chinese food.

 

I, like you, have been to the falls many many times but for someone who has never been there the American side is still breathtaking when you see it. Took my wife some years ago, she had never been, and it blew her away. I guess the best way to describe it is that the American side is an excellent primmer to the experience from the Canadian side. Like you said, it's a shame what a ***** hassle it is now to cross over to Canada. 

[Draconator]

1 hour ago, PromoTheRobot said:

 

It's sad how things got because not that long ago crossing the border was no big deal. People used to cross just to get Chinese food.

 

The annoying thing is the ArriveCAN app. You need to upload your vaccination card, and present it at the border. But I've found the more I do it, the less of a hassle it is. I have all my info saved on the app, and when I want to go to Canada, it literally takes 30 seconds to fill in the info. The NEXUS card also is a game changer, but as someone said it is a multi month wait to get interviewed to be approved for it. Luckily for me I have 3 years remaining on my NEXUS card. 

[Marv's Neighbor]

Going to a wedding in Buffalo.  Hotel rates seem much better in Niagara Falls, Ontario.

 

Does anyone know if that Arrive CAN app is good for multiple days?

[ExiledInIllinois]

Ever see The Falls shut off?  It really ain't that complicated or expensive. Well the American Side that is. Lot of water is diverted for power around The Falls.  Underground culverts on American side and open on Canadian. A cofferdam across the American does trick and sends water to go over Horseshoe Falls (Canadian)

 

https://niagarafallsupclose.com/niagara-falls-shut-off/

 

Building the cofferdam with stone.  It's not very deep, especially over the precipice:

From 1969.

 

I thought they were supposed to do it again soon... To clean up the talus at the base of the American Falls in order to create a better aesthetic...

 

 

 

[Draconator]

9 minutes ago, Marv's Neighbor said:

Going to a wedding in Buffalo.  Hotel rates seem much better in Niagara Falls, Ontario.

 

Does anyone know if that Arrive CAN app is good for multiple days?

It's used just to enter Canada. You can stay for as long as you want. 

6 minutes ago, ExiledInIllinois said:

Ever see The Falls shut off?  It really ain't that complicated or expensive. Well the American Side that is. Lot of water is diverted for power around The Falls.  Underground culverts on American side and open on Canadian. A cofferdam across the American does trick and sends water to go over Horseshoe Falls (Canadian)

 

https://niagarafallsupclose.com/niagara-falls-shut-off/

 

Building the cofferdam with stone.  It's not very deep, especially over the precipice:

From 1969.

 

I thought they were supposed to do it again soon... To clean up the talus at the base of the American Falls in order to create a better aesthetic...

 

 

 

They were going to shut it off to replace the bridges that go to Goat Island, but came up with another plan.

[ExiledInIllinois]

6 minutes ago, Draconator said:

It's used just to enter Canada. You can stay for as long as you want. 

They were going to shut it off to replace the bridges that go to Goat Island, but came up with another plan.

Yeah... I heard something.   Did they clean up the talus slope at base of Falls another way too?  I guess it was really blocking things and not making it look good. 

Edited September 1, 2022 by ExiledInIllinois

[Draconator]

9 minutes ago, ExiledInIllinois said:

Yeah... I heard something.   Did they clean up the talus slope at base of Falls another way too?  I guess it was really blocking things and not making it look good. 

I hadn't heard of them wanting to do anything with the Talus slope. You would know more than me about that. I was only aware of the best way of replacing the 100 year old bridges, and shutting off the Falls was one option. 

[ExiledInIllinois]

8 minutes ago, Draconator said:

I hadn't heard of them wanting to do anything with the Talus slope. You would know more than me about that. I was only aware of the best way of replacing the 100 year old bridges, and shutting off the Falls was one option. 

Yeah. I never heard of the bridges till you mentioned it... But I heard about cleaning those rocks up at base of Falls.   I can't remember if they did... It would be a hell of a task with water flowing... UNLESS they drawed down river and sent it to the the power plant(s) and cleaned it that way.  ???

 

I know they were making a big deal about how the rocks were looking and not doing justice aesthetically to the view.

 

Anyway... In about 10,000 years The Falls will just be bigger rapids in front of Buffalo 8 miles upstream.  And supposedly when it breaches the mouth of Lake Erie @ Buffalo/Fort Erie, that's when Lake Huron and Lake Michigan will instantly drop 150 feet! 😆....I'd like to see that!!! 😉 

Edited September 1, 2022 by ExiledInIllinois

[BringBackFlutie]

On 8/25/2022 at 7:16 AM, teef said:

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

 

We talking like, Chinese restaurant fish tank, or living room fish tank?

[Just Jack]

36 minutes ago, ExiledInIllinois said:

Anyway... In about 10,000 years The Falls will just be bigger rapids in front of Buffalo 8 miles upstream.  And supposedly when it breaches the mouth of Lake Erie @ Buffalo/Fort Erie, that's when Lake Huron and Lake Michigan will instantly drop 150 feet! 😆....I'd like to see that!!! 😉 

 

[ExiledInIllinois]

8 minutes ago, Just Jack said:

 

23,000 years. My bad.  Falls will disappear into Lake Erie.

 

https://www.niagarafallstourism.com/blog/will-niagara-falls-disappear-some-day/

 

To OP, better see it soon, before it disappears! 😉 

 

https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/de214751bc1644e4bbd4b6b0ba63f5ae

 

 

https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-when-niagra-falls-reaches-lake-erie/598171

[Marv's Neighbor]

5 hours ago, Just Jack said:

 

As long as it does not interfere with our annual Super Bowl parade, It's OK.

[teef]

8 hours ago, BringBackFlutie said:

 

We talking like, Chinese restaurant fish tank, or living room fish tank?

chinese restaurant fish tank, with a small gift shop and a couple of ornery seals.

[Wacka]

They need to replace the pedestrian bridge. The vehicular bridge is much newer. They were going to do it , but COVID happened. They never touched the talus as they determined it was holding up the  face of the American Falls.

[ExiledInIllinois]

4 hours ago, Wacka said:

...They never touched the talus as they determined it was holding up the  face of the American Falls.

That would suck if they removed it and then had The Falls fall 1/2 the distance, forming more like ***** rapids...

 

... Guys like @BringBackFergy would no doubt blame the Corps of Engineers!  The USACE's "gift to the people." 😏