The pike fish fry is always the best ; however the potato salad has changed and we prefer the former recipe. The service is always excellent and we will of course enjoy many more evenings at Hoak's. read more

We were there Monday afternoon for lunch. The large screen TVs were tuned to the FIFA games. We stayed at the bar for the view. As an added bonus, there was a great view of Lake Erie and the whitecaps. The bartender was great at working the room, keeping everyone's drinks filled, and taking orders for the kitchen. Our appetizers were enormous, perfectly cooked, and attractively plated. I think next time I'd order the peel and eat shrimp without the Buffalo sauce (this is an option). read more

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Still smells like piss when you walk in . Barman is still drunk tending the bar Menus still thick with smagma and grease . Had to meet someone here for business and I warned them .. BUT alas .. They get IT NOW .. poop poo dirty bird .. read more

Met friends for lunch on a Tuesday. Were seated at the window with great views of the frozen lake and it was clear enough to see the windmills in Lackawanna. Had to move to a larger table as more people showed up than were expected, still able to see the great view. Their daily specials are on a chalk board on the wall. I opted for one of the specials, it was a chicken Caesar wrap. Loaded with chicken and very tasty. Only took a pic of my food, too hard to make everyone wait when you go around a large table to take pics of everyone's food. Their choices included French onion soup, cheeseburger, fish fry, grilled chicken, buffalo chicken and chicken florentine. Everyone enjoyed their food. If you enjoy a Manhattan this is one of the few places that still serves them in the shaker. It is the favorite drink to order there by me and several friends. read more

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Amazing place for grabbing a bite to eat while enjoying the lake. Last Thursday was a beautiful day and I was looking for a casual place on the lake to take my better half for lunch. We stopped at Hoak's and were seated on the outdoor patio overlooking the lake. We ordered lunch and a round of drinks and were relaxing and watching small boats transit the lake. The food was delicious and plentiful and the wait staff was attentive to our needs. The patio vibe was great with a clean and modern look and the prices were very affordable. read more

Hoak's Restaurant - Seafood Near Me - Hamburg, New York

Giving two stars because of the view. The food was horrendous. I used to come here as a kid and fully expected greasy bar food. But what I got wasn't even edible. My husband and kids got burgers which were fine. I got the "famous" fish sandwich and clam chowder. The chowder was gelatinous. It tasted like flour with chunks or carrot and celery. No clam to be found. I couldn't even eat it. The fish was a plain piece of fried fish on bread. Nothing else on it! In my picture, I cut the fish in half because most of it was just spreading and I was trying to find the actual fish. But you can see there's literally nothing else on it! My family's burgers had a cheese, lettuce and tomato. When I said something to the server, she said I could've added that to my sandwich, but there was an up charge. I wish she would've told me when I ordered that there was nothing on it. I probably would have paid the up charge for it to be edible. The fish wasn't even good. There was hardly any cod and it was all greasy breading. The server was kind, the high top table outside was high quality and comfy, and of course you can't beat the view. But I wouldn't eat here again. read more

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Back patio is the best place to dine. Beautiful sitting outside with the water right there. The outside bar was a great place to grab a drink and wait for our table. Great fish fry, wonderful service read more

Hoak's Restaurant - View from the back deck - Seafood Near Me - Hamburg, New York

Excellent sandwich, terrible chairs. The chairs are plain metal, no cushions. There were 12 of us squished around three tables pushed together. We needed a 4th table, but the dining room is rather small and there was simply no way to add another table for our group. My sandwich is called Chicken Florentine. It is a very large boneless(obviously) breast with spinach, mushrooms, bacon and melted mozzarella on top. It was a little sloppy, but delicious. I picked French fries as my side. It was a very generous serving of fries. Hoak's does not offer separate checks, but will do the math to divide the check by the number at the table. Our waitress did that, even though not asked. read more

They no longer sell steamed clams. They mainly have bar food, albeit a little better bar food, like every other restaurant in Buffalo

The hostess had an attitude. The waitress was great. Food was okay. Nothing special. I had broiled cod. I didn't think charging $1 more for a sprinkle of Cajun spice (or any spice) was reasonable. Couldn't taste the up-charge. I think most people come for the view and not the food. read more

Six of us (all over 70 yo) went for the fish fry. As always, everyone thoroughly enjoyed their meals. . The main reason I am writing is to comment on the people who work at Hoak's. Kudos to the entire staff! Our waitress today was Emma. She was so personable and just attentive enough (noticed when we needed refills on our drinks, but gave us time and space to enjoy our meals and talk). Everyone else...the hostess, the bussers and the person I spoke with on the phone...was welcoming and enhanced our time there. As a group we have gone to Hoak's once in the Spring and again in the Fall for a number of years and we have ALWAYS commented on how great the wait staff is! Today was no exception! read more

Had a very nice dinner overlooking the lake at Hoaks last night. Parking lot was full, but there is additional parking across the street.Had about a 20 minute wait, but enjoyed the nice weather and a beautiful view of the water sitting outside. The chicken Florentine sandwich was very good, covered with spinach, mushrooms and bacon mix ... and mozzella to top off the sandwich. The potato salad was very tasty as well... I typically will order this instead of fries because I like it so much. Service was friendly, all the staff were very nice. After dinner we were able to walk near the water and watch a beautiful sunset. I will definitely be returning again. read more

I brought my in-laws for lunch over Thanksgiving and loved their char-grilled chicken sandwich so much I had to come back. A large piece of perfectly charred chicken on a roll - but here's the magic: the honey mustard! It's definitely homemade and absolutely divine! My fiance had the buffalo chicken sandwich and was equally impressed. I didn't get a photo of it because I was so in to my sandwich. The service is also great! read more

Hoak's Restaurant - Pizza logs - Seafood Near Me - Hamburg, New York

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Service was fantastic today can't wait for Hoak's Summer Views! But there was a lady bartender and she told me her name (I forgot )but she was amazing. I mentioned to her I like outside and she had no waitresses but still helped me get the service I didn't even ask for. She was sweet and very conversational. She made me feel comfortable and even made sure my food was cooked how I like it and assisted to make sure it was. She will keep the customers around! Oh.. the food and the view was also fabulous as always,but this review goes to show you, people make the place. Just my experience today before the food made me happy to return. Thank you! read more

Hoak's Restaurant - A gorgeous view ! & NY strip steak broiled shrimp fries & extra lemons for my Aguaaaa - Seafood Near Me - Hamburg, New York

A return visit with some guests we were promptly greeted and escorted to our table. The view as always is amazing on a sunny Lake Erie afternoon, you can't beat it. We placed our drink and food orders and within a very reasonable amount of time we had our food and drinks. The fish sandwich was a real bounty of the sea, thick fillets and amazing tartar sauce, the cheeseburger was cooked perfectly and had a heaping side of fries. The chicken tenders were crispy and our littlest diner loved them (we're still working on the bleu cheese thing). Both chicken sandwiches were spilling off the rolls and were cooked to perfection. Another amazing meal at hoaks, we will most definitely be back again. read more

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Beautiful view. Very interesting menu with unique items. I loved the falafel salad! Crisp falafel balls, seasoned well and fresh greens. The waitress recommended the bacon ranch, it has a slightly sweet flavor and is homemade. Don't skip that part. Lots of memorabilia and history on walls to stare at, which is fun to take in. Worth the stop on lake. read more

Hoak's Restaurant - Seafood Near Me - Hamburg, New York

I've gone a few times this summer and it's always good. Love the new bar and outside area. The food and the view are great. read more

Hoak's Restaurant - Outside seating - Seafood Near Me - Hamburg, New York

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This is the fourth time I have visited Buffalo and the fourth time I have ended up at Hoak's. You just can't beat their quality, value and portion size. If you order the chicken sandwich or beer battered fish it is like being entered into a food eating challenge that I have yet to win. They had a Buffalo pizza log appetizer in the seasonal menu which was fantastic. The service and view of the lake are also excellent. I will be back as visiting Hoak's has become tradition now. read more

This restaurant needs a deep cleaning! Dirty! Bathroom is gross, so what is the kitchen like??? Tables are sticky from build up of grease. read more

It's a classic lakeside dining hall and walking in the door elevated memories with each step towards my window seat, which gave me a perfect view of Lake Erie. Looking in the other direction has me facing the poster celebrating Sgt Edward L. Hoak (US ARMY 1941-1946). The signage brought back some memories (Iroquois Beer) but more importantly a sense of tradition and history. I have always enjoyed being along the lake at Hoaks. Service was attentive ... the menu is not extensive and I already knew clam chowder and broiled yellow pike with a baked potato. Hoaks traditions all the way! The NE Chowder arrived looking like a volcano of white delicious chowder overflowing the coffee mug trying to keep it all inside. I couldn't wait to sample the hot tasty chowder but .... yikes the kitchen forgot to warm up the chowder (Perhaps the stovetop wasn't working or the microwave was on the "fritz!"). Creamy NE Clam Chowder needs to served hot at least warm ... at least with enough heat that the waitresses hands can't hold the cup without a saucer. Did she say 'Hey chef .... this is cold chowder! ' Of course she didn't and the result was the chowder was more a coagulation of cream than a tasty chowder, which it clearly had the potential for. I should note I ate every drop but kept thinking how good it would have been. The yellow pike was perfect (Ok, one or two bones but it is yellow pike after all.)! Baked potato done as baked potatoes should be offered and a Cole Slaw that was ... well Cole Slaw (nothing to write home about). My server kept checking on me at appropriate intervals and after dinner a walk along the lake. It was a good choice on a Tuesday and apparently a lot of folks thought so too because the place was packed!! read more

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It's a bit of a drive for us, but worth it. We visited with a large (12) group for lunch and it was a bit of a challenge to arrange a table for us. The restaurant is not that big, but the waitress managed to set it up. A bit close together, but it worked. I ordered the "Hoak's famous fish sandwich". In one word: Excellent! It is served on an open soft roll (Rye bread is another option) with 2 big pieces of fish fry on them. Served with tartar sauce in a little paper cup. The cup is not great. The folds make it difficult to get part of the sauce out and it gets soggy fast. I put 1 piece of fish aside and made a sandwich with the other piece. It comes with fries, chips, Cole slaw or potato salad as a side. I had the potato salad and it was very good. Not too much mayonnaise and not too vinegary. It needed just a bit pepper. I took home the 2nd piece of fish and a bit of the potato salad and enjoyed it again at dinner time. read more

Haddock was perfect! Servers were perfect! Atmosphere was perfect! Celebrated our 35th wedding anniversary watching a stunning sunset! read more

Hoak's Restaurant - Only see this sunset once in a lifetime! - Seafood Near Me - Hamburg, New York

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Food is adequate. Nothing special. Patio viewers are wonderful so if you go for a drink and lunch and sit outside, I think it'd be great. Just know that service is slow. Ambience is dated. It's a family style restaurant serving pub food. read more

Just tourists out for a drive along Lake Erie who stopped for lunch around noon on a Tuesday. Service was quick and friendly, food was quick and delicious. Portions were ample ( I think the onion rings could feed 4!!) And we enjoyed the view of the lake. read more

Hoak's Restaurant - Beer batteted onion rings, beef on weck sandwich plate, lemon dill broiled fish plate. - Seafood Near Me - Hamburg, New York

Came in here after a Bills game. Place is full of characters out of central casting. Friendly vibe all around everyone was very chatty and buying drinks all around. We got loads of bar food. Wings, onion rings, etc. went heavy on the beers and shots were ordered. I ended up getting the original Buffalo chicken sandwich. To say the portion was large - it could easily feed two men. Ended up quite an enjoyable evening. Jukebox was playing some tunes. Games were on. Worth checking it out. Bonus: try to catch a sunset. read more

Hoak's Restaurant - Sunset from the parking lot - Seafood Near Me - Hamburg, New York

Wanted to take visiting family to have a Buffalo area fish fry on the weekend after our wedding and decided on Hoaks. The view is lovely and we had a table outside looking out at the lake. Portions are large, fish is tasty, and the drinks are good. Our server was also attentive and helpful as my sister has dietary restrictions and had a few questions about the baked fish dishes. My sister's fiance who happens to be Jewish complimented the Reuben as well. After eating the family skipped rocks on the water and we drove down to Greycliff for a nice visit to the house and gardens. read more

Hoak's Restaurant - Fish fry with onion rings - Seafood Near Me - Hamburg, New York

I came to Hoak's for a Tom & Jerry. The bar was quite packed, but I found a spot on a Thursday night after a holiday. The bartender was friendly and engaging despite the busy crowd. I would have appreciated either a straw or a spoon to go with it, because the merengue was so thick, I drank all the booze & was left with of a glass of merengue! LOL I would have loved a dessert to go with my drink, but the supplier was on vacation. Guess I'll have to go back! read more

Hoak's Restaurant - A gorgeous Tom & Jerry - Seafood Near Me - Hamburg, New York

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Stopped in today for lunch, it was a gorgeous sunny day so we (my husband and I) decided to spend it on the lake. The original buffalo chicken sandwich is fried to crispy perfection. The buffalo sauce is nice and buttery and pretty mild in terms of spice. Our servers name was Nick, he was attentive and service was quick. The only reason I cannot give it 5 stars is because our table was pretty sticky and seats had crumbs from previous diners. We will be back, not sure if I will be able to stray from the buffalo chicken next time though, yum! read more

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Excellent service and location. Menu full of great options, food was excellent. Very friend environment.

Walking into restaurant from parking area, all I smell is grease from kitchen fans. Food is so so but location is great in summer.

We stopped in for dinner. We had the fish fry and chicken sandwich (didn't get a pic of that!). The fish was fried nicely and of good size. The chicken sandwich was huge and saucy. The service was friendly and the views of the lake are amazing! read more

I really love hoaks not because it's the best food on the lake, but because the atmosphere and the the prices can't be beat. Friendly staff, great like great view. The setting sun on the water is incredible. Also just a cool bar with great people, the staff is very friendly, the bartenders and servers are awesome. Over all I would highly recommend their massive buffalo chicken it is worth it. read more

I went here for a fish fry since this is one of the only places I know that serves one daily, and I was craving one on a Sunday! Overall I was very happy. I'd say the best part of my meal was the potato salad. The fish is not the typical "beer battered" fish that's famous in Buffalo, but this breaded version was still quite good. Some things to note: -Takeout orders were quick and easy, you just pick it up at the bar. -The fish is served with 2 sides - choice of potato- so I ordered potato salad on the side. That's what I would recommend because it was worth it! -My husband also got the New England clam chowder and he said it was awesome, very hearty! read more

Hoak's Restaurant - Fish Fry to go - Seafood Near Me - Hamburg, New York

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What a beautiful location being right on the water! We enjoyed a nice early fall evening seated out on their back patio amidst the backdrop of picturesque sun set. My parents both ordered the beer battered fish fry's and found the portions to be massive. To preface my order, I often find myself going out to places ordering my meal (burgers seem to be the usual suspects) and subsequently find myself still hungry ‍. I can assure you with absolute certainty that this will never be the case if you order the Buffalo chicken sandwich at Hoaks!! This thing is as big as my head. I always have a big appetite and I just got over the hump of finishing this boy! Perfectly cooked- so juicy with plenty of Buffalo sauce and the perfect side of blue cheese and fries! The service was nice and we had no complaints. I am coming back to this lake side gem for fish fry season! read more

Hoak's Restaurant - Buffalo chicken sandwich - Seafood Near Me - Hamburg, New York

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Fish was fantastic. Hubby enjoyed his clam chowder. Might have the best rye bread ever.

Pros- Great food. Great service. Friendly staff. Cons- Menu is limited for those that may not want seafood. Our first time here and we had a great time and a great meal. In the door we found it very cozy, clean with very friendly staff that greeted us. Owner Kevin and Bartender Luke both were behind the bar and went so far to make us feel welcome and they did make us feel very welcome. I ordered The Fried Clam platter which had plenty of crispy clams served with Cole slaw. The clams were very good but the Cole slaw was dry and tasteless. My wife ordered a Burger w/Swiss and fries which she stated "was the best burger" that she has ever had and she absolutely loved the Kimmelweck Roll that it was served on. The food is great, I love seafood but my wife does not so the menu is a bit limited for those that don't care for seafood. There is a large outside seating area with a deck that had plenty of seating over looking the water. Bottom line- Great place to come for a drink, dinner and good conversation. read more

Hoak's Restaurant - Fried Clam Platter - Seafood Near Me - Hamburg, New York

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Went to Hoak's for a friends birthday party and though we were a large group, they were very timely with service once we actually sat down. Food and drink orders came up quick! I ordered their insanely sized buffalo chicken sandwich which was delicious and the chicken was soooo tender. It came with fries were fine. I also ordered a long island ice tea, which was good as well. Overall everyone seemed to enjoy their meals and the staff were very friendly and nice. We did have views of the water, but it was a little too cool to set outside for dining. read more

Hoak's Restaurant - Buffalo Chicken sandwich - Seafood Near Me - Hamburg, New York

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Never had a bad meal here. Or a bad view. I went with my aunt for lunch Sunday afternoon and got there just in time. We didn't have to wait for a table but I have gone previously and had to wait quite a while for a table because they don't take reservations and it can get BUSY. For good reason though; the views are unbeatable and the grub is good. They had a salmon BLT and curly fries as specials on Sunday and both great. The salmon BLT didn't really stay together so it ended up being an open faced sandwich by the time I was done with it! I wouldn't come here if you're looking for a fancy, white tablecloth atmosphere. It's definitely a more casual vibe! read more

Hoak's Restaurant - Salmon BLT and curly fries - Seafood Near Me - Hamburg, New York

The best buffalo chicken sandwich I have ever had!!!! Service was very quick! The setting right on the lake was beautiful!!!

Let me start by saying the servings were huge!! Got the fish fry and I could only eat about half of my meal. The fish fry was delicious and flaky though needed to be served with a lot more tartar sauce ! The calm chowder was just okay but that's alright! The service was a little slow but the waitress was nice. The views were beautiful though !! It was rainy so we didn't go on the deck but the water is just gorgeous Can't wait to go back and try some more ! read more