The Best Vintage Restaurant Reopened in Western New York

We are just as excited as you are about this announcement! A one-of-a-kind restaurant has officially reopened in Buffalo, New York, and the community is thrilled!

There are only a few in the United States, and one of them made it back to Buffalo, New York!

It’s true – we said they came back ! This restaurant was a favorite of many before it closed in August 2021, and now it’s open again.

Which restaurant closed?

The Lake Effect Diner, one of the last dining car style restaurants in America, permanently closed its doors in Buffalo on Monday, August 16, 2021.

The restaurant opened in Buffalo, New York, in 2002, nearly 400 miles from its home 50 years ago (when it was initially known as “The Wayne Diner”). ). Tucker Curtin and his wife, Erin, brought Lake Effect Diner to life in Buffalo nearly 20 years ago.

Tucker said, “I wanted to bring authenticity to Buffalo, a piece of Americana. Something unique. »

You may think of fond memories of the restaurant that stood on Main Street in University Heights, near the east side of town. One customer said of the restaurant, “It filled a niche that the city of Buffalo was missing when it first opened. »

What food is available at Lake Effect Diner?

The Lake Effect Diner has established itself over the years, offering breakfast and lunch options as well as delicious milkshakes. They served Coca-Cola products and even had a root beer drink on the menu.

It was a classic, and the restaurant’s classic exterior appearance kept it as such. Before the pandemic, the restaurant operated 24/7 and was popular with area students, as the University at Buffalo was just a short walk away.

It’s now open again – and we’re excited to be able to go this summer!

When is Lake Effect Diner open?

Lake Effect Diner is back in business. You can dine at the restaurant from Wednesday to Monday, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

This restaurant has received national attention

Food Network’s Guy Fieri even stopped in Buffalo to visit the Lake Effect Diner as part of his TV show “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Drives.”

To remind customers of the present and future where Guy Fieri stopped for a bite to eat, Fieri spray-painted his brand on a section of the restaurant’s stainless steel wall behind the front counter.

Why did they close in 2021?

After speaking with Tucker Curtin, one of the co-owners, he told me that one of the main reasons the restaurant had to close was “due to a lack of employees,” so if you’re looking for work, the Lake Effect Diner would love to have you!

Photo credit: Kadie Daye

What was your favorite part of the Lake Effect Diner? Share your photos and memories with us at WYRK.

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