The wife and I went to Buffalo to see a Frank Lloyd Wright House, and afterwards we were hungry, so our friend suggested that we go to Hoak's Restaurant. it is located right on Lake Erie, and it was a perfect sunny warm day to eat there. I ordered a Hayburner IPA and my buddy got a Blue light. The deck outside is a great place on a day like today. My buddy ordered a Reuben sandwich. My wife ordered a Beef on Kimmelweck sandwich - a Buffalo classic. I ordered their famous fish sandwich on a roll. The piece of fish was huge so I had to eat some of it so I could fit it on a roll. I put some lemon on it and a little bit of tartar sauce and it was fantastic. Nice and crunchy and light. I had potato salad on the side that was great too. My buddy said his Reuben was great. And the wife loved her Beef on weck, especially all the salt and caraway seeds on top! I highly recommend eating there especially on a beautiful day where you can enjoy the lake outside! read more

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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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Best buffalo chicken sandwich ever and a great view! Worth the trip out to see the sunset read more

Warm summer Friday night so we headed to the lake for a fish fry. Hoak's on the patio. Wife had the Cod and I went with yellow pike. Both were delicious. Had the stuffed banana pepper appetizer and it was fantastic. read more

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My family had a great experience here. The menu has a variety of fish which can be prepared in a variety of ways. Lake perch is on the menu! We all enjoyed the food and surroundings. Our waitress was excellent. read more

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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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They offer ouside patio by the water or indoor seating .A nice size bar area to grab a cocktail. With fast and friendly service I received my order. I got the classic turkey club with frys.It was huge and had bacon,cheese,lettuce, tomato, mayo on your choice of bread and was delish.Plenty of parking on their premise. read more

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With speedy service and a smile I received my classic turkey club.It included lettuce, tomato, mayo, cheese and bacon and came with frys.Its was tasty. Nice atmosphere by the water with indoor or outdoor seating. A bar area if you just want drinks and plenty of on site parking. read more

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The staff did an excellent job the hostess was friendly and the waiter did a great job checking in on us. When our food arrived it looked good but tasted awful. We had stuffed mushrooms for the appetizer and the crab/seafood was almost nonexistent and it was served in a tomato sauce base. The only thing you could taste was the tomato sauce. My main meal was the fried seafood plate. The fish was crispy on the outside but very wet and like mush on the inside. The outside was done but inside was not cooked enough very wet and uneditable. The batter on the shrimp fish and scallops had no flavor and was very bland. When you would bit into the shrimp the batter would just fall off the shrimp. The restaurant was not very clean. The windowsill next to our booth was very dirty with dead bugs. read more

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

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

10/10 spot to grab a sunset. Service is FANTASTIC. Charlie out on the deck gave us a great time, awesome conversation and delicious food. I would recommend coming here any time you are in town! Love it. 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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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

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

i love this place it's such a home mom and pop shop (no slop it's fantastic) that turned into a best buisness i had such a wonderful time

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

This place has not changed one bit, and while some may find that nostalgic, the chipped drywall, inch of dust and poor food quality leaves much to be desired. The view is nice, but there's lots of other restaurants on the lake with the same view. I'd suggest going somewhere else for a fish fry. read more

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

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

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

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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Ordered the original fish platter - fried cod. No seasoning, almost tasteless fish, fries were barely warm and coleslaw was good. Bartender outside was friendly but hostess was not welcoming, and close to rude. I asked to be put on a waiting list for an outside table and pushed me to bar since it was just me. I should have turned around then but I wanted to see the sunset. Food was below average & I ended up going to the clock area for the sunset after eating. read more

Food was underwhelming. Tables and bar are sticky and floor is not clean. If a little effort was put in to maintain the cleanliness and create a more comfortable atmosphere, I think this place would be top notch. Unfortunately, it's just a glorified bar on the waterfront. 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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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

Fish fry is the best wny and service is fast and the view of the lake brings us back every week during the summer months

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

Having a great Yellow Pike fish fry with a lake view can't be beat. I live on the ocean but a Lake panorama is quite spectacular. And, the Labatt's Blue light iced adds even more to the visit. 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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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

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

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

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

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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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

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