Now reopened after a summer 2007 closing, this 1950s-themed diner is a blast from the past, all silver on the outside with blue and yellow neon signs that resemble something out of "Happy Days." Inside the '50s theme continues with pink and gray booths and vintage "Have a Coke" napkin holders. Owner Tucker Curtin personally oversaw the extensive yearlong refurbishing of the diner, the shell of which was left for ruin in a Pennsylvania suburb. Lake Effect Diner serves breakfast any time as well as an array of diner specialties such as burgers, hot dogs, grilled chicken sandwiches, fries, onion rings and some of the best shakes in Buffalo. The blizzard breakfast includes three eggs, one pancake, sausage, bacon, toast and home fries. For lunch and dinner, locals love the Buffalo burger, made with celery, bleu cheese and hot sauce. Get the apple crisp for dessert when its available. Very kid friendly, with crayons at each table and Mickey Mouse pancakes on the menu. Outdoor dining at picnic tables as weather permits.
No alcohol served. Serving breakfast, lunch, dinner and late-night daily.
Art Voice: Best Diner, 2011 readers' poll
"Ultimately, the Lake Effect Diner is quite possibly one of the most interesting restaurants in the City of Buffalo: a beautiful, classic example of a diner in looks, a more traditionally so-so diner in service, and something better than a diner in terms of its options, ingredients, and preparations, despite reasonable, diner-like prices."
— BuffaloChow.com, Aug. 15, 2009
Now reopened after a summer 2007 closing, this 1950s-themed diner is a blast from the past, all silver on the outside with blue and yellow neon signs that resemble something out of "Happy Days." Inside the '50s theme continues with pink and gray booths and vintage "Have a Coke" napkin holders. Owner Tucker Curtin personally oversaw the extensive yearlong refurbishing of the diner, the shell of which was left for ruin in a Pennsylvania suburb. Lake Effect Diner serves breakfast any time as well as an array of diner specialties such as burgers, hot dogs, grilled chicken sandwiches, fries, onion rings and some of the best shakes in Buffalo. The blizzard breakfast includes three eggs, one pancake, sausage, bacon, toast and home fries. For lunch and dinner, locals love the Buffalo burger, made with celery, bleu cheese and hot sauce. Get the apple crisp for dessert when its available. Very kid friendly, with crayons at each table and Mickey Mouse pancakes on the menu. Outdoor dining at picnic tables as weather permits.
No alcohol served. Serving breakfast, lunch, dinner and late-night daily.
Art Voice: Best Diner, 2011 readers' poll
"Ultimately, the Lake Effect Diner is quite possibly one of the most interesting restaurants in the City of Buffalo: a beautiful, classic example of a diner in looks, a more traditionally so-so diner in service, and something better than a diner in terms of its options, ingredients, and preparations, despite reasonable, diner-like prices."
— BuffaloChow.com, Aug. 15, 2009