Hertel Avenue has become one of Buffalo's go to dining destinations. From historic Italian spots and retro diners to new soul food kitchens and craft breweries, this North Buffalo strip has something for every craving. Whether you are a potential homebuyer scouting the neighborhood or a local looking for a new favorite spot, here is where to eat on Hertel Avenue.

Key Takeaways

• Hertel Avenue is known as Buffalo's "Little Italy" with classic Italian restaurants like Ristorante Lombardo.
• Recent openings include Heaven's Countertop for soul food, Café Bewilderment for cafe fare and cocktails, The Bean on Hertel for coffee, and Steel Leaf Brewing Company for craft beer.
• Bertha's Diner is a 1950s themed classic with all day breakfast and huge portions. It is cash only.
• There is variety across cuisines including Italian, soul food, Mexican, American gastropub, Greek, and more.
• T Squared Tees & Taps offers golf simulators alongside a full bar and restaurant.
• Hertel Avenue has a Walk Score of 83, making it very walkable.

Italian Classics on Little Italy

Hertel Avenue earned its "Little Italy" nickname for good reason. The strip is home to some of Buffalo's best Italian dining.

Ristorante Lombardo at 1198 Hertel Avenue has been serving Tuscan style Northern Italian cuisine since 1975. It features fresh calamari, an extensive wine list, and tableside Caesar salad preparations. It is consistently ranked one of Buffalo's best restaurants. The restaurant has a warm atmosphere with dark wood accents and white linen tablecloths. It is open for dinner Tuesday through Saturday. Reservations are recommended.

Bob & John's La Hacienda at 1545 Hertel Avenue has been a North Buffalo staple since 1972 serving pizza, wings, subs, and Italian dinners.

Ciao Ciao offers modern Italian tapas, adding a contemporary twist to the neighborhood's Italian heritage.

Newcomers Making Waves

Hertel's dining scene has seen a burst of new energy recently.

Heaven's Countertop Soul Food Dining and Catering at 1641 Hertel Avenue opened in August 2025. Owner Tye Pope's catering business got massive attention on social media, leading her to open this brick-and-mortar location. The restaurant serves soul food classics like barbecue ribs, fried chicken, and pork chops.

Loud House Buffalo at 1735 Hertel Avenue offers brunch on Wednesdays, a relatively uncommon concept in Western New York. The spot promises good food, good drinks, and good music.

Café Bewilderment at 1235 Hertel Avenue is located on the ground floor of The Monocle building. It features rustic, Mid Century Modern decor that feels like a posh club in the Adirondacks. The menu includes fresh, elevated cafe fare like burrata toast with hot honey, avocado toast with pickles, a mushroom and leek tart, and a signature BLT sandwich. There is a full espresso bar and a full wet bar with seven signature cocktails. It is family friendly with regulars bringing kids to enjoy both the cafe and The Monocle building.

Steel Leaf Brewing Company at 1488 Hertel Avenue opened in the old Expo Market food hall, bringing craft beer to North Buffalo after years of unfulfilled promises. The brewery focuses on its core mission of brewing good beer.

T Squared Tees & Taps at 1425 Hertel Avenue offers golf simulators alongside a full bar and restaurant that anyone can enjoy, regardless of whether you have ever swung a golf club. They are also known for $1 oysters.

The Bean on Hertel at 1862 Hertel Avenue is a cozy new coffee shop on the corner of Hertel and Parker Avenue with modern, industrial decor. It has quickly become a go to for studying, working remotely, or grabbing coffee and breakfast sandwiches.

The Retro Classic: Bertha's Diner

If you are looking for a classic Buffalo experience, Bertha's Diner at 1430 Hertel Avenue is a must visit. This 1950s themed diner has been a Hertel Avenue staple for over seven decades, with the 1950s motif dating back to the early 1990s.

The diner features black and white checkered floors, red vinyl booths, chrome accents, and vintage memorabilia. It is the real thing, not a corporate version of retro.

Portions are generous and prices are reasonable. The menu includes breakfast all day, with favorites like the Puzzler omelet, homemade corned beef hash, and the Rochester inspired Bertha's Garbage Plate.

Important Notes:

• Cash only. They accept Venmo but no cards.
• Open 7 AM to 1 PM, closed Tuesdays.
• Weekends fill up fast, so come early.

More Hertel Favorites

Lloyd Taco Factory at 1503 Hertel Avenue serves tacos, burritos, and has a full bar with a great patio.

The Burning Buffalo Bar & Grill at 1504 Hertel Avenue is a warm, neighborhood style gastropub known for craft beer and creative comfort food like burgers, wings, and sandwiches.

Joe's Deli at 1322 Hertel Avenue features homemade soups, salads, wraps, and specialty sandwiches. They also offer a fish fry on Fridays.

The Garage Bar and Restaurant at 1127 Hertel Avenue is a former auto repair shop converted into a restaurant. It is known for its hidden patio and great wings. The location is being reimagined by veteran chef Martin Danilowicz, who is bringing a new concept to the space.

M.T. Pockets offers 75 cent wings on Tuesdays.

Other local favorites include Kostas for Greek food, Sterling Place Tavern for neighborhood bar fare, and Fresh Catch for a clean, local lunch spot.

FAQ

Q: What is the best restaurant for a special occasion on Hertel?
A: Ristorante Lombardo is consistently ranked one of Buffalo's best restaurants for Tuscan style Northern Italian cuisine. Make reservations in advance.

Q: Where can I get a classic diner breakfast on Hertel?
A: Bertha's Diner is a real 1950s themed diner with all day breakfast, huge portions, and a loyal following. It is cash only.

Q: What is new on Hertel Avenue?
A: Recent openings include Heaven's Countertop for soul food, Café Bewilderment for cafe fare and cocktails, The Bean on Hertel for coffee, Steel Leaf Brewing for craft beer, and Loud House Buffalo for brunch and bar.

Q: Is there a brewery on Hertel?
A: Yes, Steel Leaf Brewing Company opened in the old Expo Market food hall, bringing craft beer to North Buffalo.

Q: Where can I go for good Mexican food?
A: Lloyd Taco Factory on Hertel serves tacos, burritos, and has a full bar with a great patio.

Q: What is Café Bewilderment?
A: It is a cafe by day and cocktail bar by night in The Monocle building. It features rustic Mid Century Modern decor, fresh elevated cafe fare, and seven signature cocktails. It is family friendly.

Q: Is Hertel Avenue good for dinner and a movie?
A: Absolutely. The historic North Park Theatre is right on Hertel, and you have dozens of restaurant options within walking distance.

Q: Are there soul food options on Hertel?
A: Yes, Heaven's Countertop Soul Food Dining and Catering opened in August 2025 serving barbecue ribs, fried chicken, and pork chops.

Q: What is the best gastropub on Hertel?
A: The Burning Buffalo Bar & Grill is known for craft beer, creative comfort food, and a cozy neighborhood vibe.