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Great, classic, traditional Puerto Rican food. Everything was so good, delicious!! This is their current menu prices, as of May 2025.
Hands down the best Puerto Rican food in the Buffalo area! They are cash only and I made that mistake of not bringing cash! I've been waiting (im)patiently for them to open back up during this pandemic. Ordered the chicken stew and roast pork dinner which comes with a side of rice and beans. Also ordered a side of sweet plantains. The portions are huge and I have enough for two more meals. The chicken stew is flavored perfectly and the rice is SO soft! The pork just melts in your mouth. The plantains are really really good. I honestly have nothing bad to say about the dinners. They weren't too salty or too bland. I highly recommend this place! For $10, you come out super full with plenty to take home.
This place is a staple in Buffalo cuisine. On the West Side on Niagara street- they cook up consistent Puerto Rican grub! Since COVID, they are no longer doing dine in, which is fine because they nail take out orders. Our go to is the Family pack - you get 4 pieces of chicken, a huge to go box of rice, and container of pinto beans(with a few potatos in beans). I also recommend getting a beef pastillio as an appetizer, and the Parcha juice (passion fruit) is excellent if you want to go for the full experience! There is usually a line but it goes quick! Note: they are cash only, so make sure to bring the green. If you don't, no worries they have an atm. Only thing other thing you need is a bottle of Franks!! Enjoy!!
Niagara Cafe is a great place to get Puerto Rican food on Buffalo's West Side. If your getting take out stay at the counter and your order will be taken. If you choose to sit down, you just go ahead and pick your own seat. You will be served as soon as possible. Their chicken is rotisserie style and flavored with sazon and other goya seasonings. The skin is crispy and very tasty. While cooking the chicken the top racks continue to spin and the juice drips to the next row of chicken underneath. This helps in keeping everything juicy. Their pastalios ($2.50) are very good, but becareful sometimes they can be a bit greasy but the flavor is over the top. I always get the family meal that consist of a full chicken with beans and rice for $18. Well worth the price, especially considering how much food you get.
This place is Cash Only; however, they have an ATM inside. This place is one of those places that are a "guilty pleasure" to come to....The meals will stick to your ribs. You get large meals that are delicious and never-mind the calories. Whenever I'm here I tried several items.... it is a must! 1) The Place is clean and welcoming. It is a typical Hispanic place that is "homie-looking" in side. Not too much fan fair. 2) Waitress are attentive, somewhat friendly, and busy. They don't have time for people who are not sure of what they want. You will get the menu and they will come to you once. If you are still not sure of what you want then the next time you will need to flag them down to get them to come to you. This is normal for these kinds of food places so if you are not used to it, you will think they are being rude.... please understand that they are not being rude. 3) Food is typical Puerto Rican. It is delicious. There are several dishes to try and a lot of small choices. I recommend that if you are in the area you give this place a try during your lunch time. Please come hungry.
I love coming here! I'm glad I have to drive 1/2 an hour to get here or else I'd be here way to much, spending my rent money LOL For any newcomers, please know you can stand in line for takeout or seat yourself and a waitress will come over with menus. It is usually pretty busy here and can be a little confusing to someone who doesn't know better, because there isn't the traditional hostess waiting to seat you or signs telling you seat yourself .. you'll see people standing in a line and just assume that's what you do no matter what. This place is a hole in the wall, with sensational Puerto Rican food. Mmm mmm mmm! I forgot to take a picture of the menu but I'd like to say the prices are great too! You will leave full and satisfied. I know for me growing up eating traditional American food, whenever I had friends of different ethnicities it would make my whole day when their mothers would cook (Dominican, Phillipino, etc.. oh and one male friend from Puerto Rico who introduced me to their cuisine!). Coming here is just like getting that home cooking whenever you want it! It's consistently delicious. The staff is nice .. you're not going to get that fake stuffy hostess at the door .. you'll get a genuine person coming over with your menus and getting your food out fast. I'm not sure what else to say besides if you haven't been here, what are you waiting for?!
I've been coming here for years! It can get busy during the typical lunch rush hours so order ahead on an app. The food is fresh to order, they cook the chicken and other entrees fresh to order throughout the day and it's really tasty. No complaints really; except that they don't except credit or debit cards and how convenient they have an $6 ATM in store.
This unassuming local Puerto Rican cafe in the west side of Buffalo serves up the most delicious pastelillos I've ever had! The service was quick and prompt as the crowds were getting bigger. Will definitely be back there when I come back to Buffalo!
This place has been here seems like forever and I used to stop by just to get pastilotos. Decided to stop in after years and grabbed a chicken and beef pastilito along with a rellenos de papas(potato meat ball). If you are ordering take out there is a line and you just tell them what you want and pay. The place was pretty busy with people ordering to go and dining in. Unfortunately what I got did not have much flavor. Wasn't like I remembered that's for sure. It was OK, at best and I wouldn't go out my way to return.
Their pastillos are so good, I only got the beef but I will be back for more. I got the lunch special that was beef stew with beans and rice. I wasn't a fan of the beans, only because they were pinto. The beef stew was very good, I just wish it was a little larger if a portion. Highly recommend for take out, but be aware it's CASH only!! Luckily I had money in my car.
20 days ago
1 month ago
1 year ago
Great, classic, traditional Puerto Rican food. Everything was so good, delicious!! This is their current menu prices, as of May 2025. read more
1 year ago
Hands down the best Puerto Rican food in the Buffalo area! They are cash only and I made that mistake of not bringing cash! I've been waiting (im)patiently for them to open back up during this pandemic. Ordered the chicken stew and roast pork dinner which comes with a side of rice and beans. Also ordered a side of sweet plantains. The portions are huge and I have enough for two more meals. The chicken stew is flavored perfectly and the rice is SO soft! The pork just melts in your mouth. The plantains are really really good. I honestly have nothing bad to say about the dinners. They weren't too salty or too bland. I highly recommend this place! For $10, you come out super full with plenty to take home. read more
This place is a staple in Buffalo cuisine. On the West Side on Niagara street- they cook up consistent Puerto Rican grub! Since COVID, they are no longer doing dine in, which is fine because they nail take out orders. Our go to is the Family pack - you get 4 pieces of chicken, a huge to go box of rice, and container of pinto beans(with a few potatos in beans). I also recommend getting a beef pastillio as an appetizer, and the Parcha juice (passion fruit) is excellent if you want to go for the full experience! There is usually a line but it goes quick! Note: they are cash only, so make sure to bring the green. If you don't, no worries they have an atm. Only thing other thing you need is a bottle of Franks!! Enjoy!! read more
1 year ago
3 years ago
Best place in Buffalo for authentic Puerto Rican cuisine. Tastes just like my grandmother used to make it! read more
1 year ago
2 years ago
Niagara Cafe is a great place to get Puerto Rican food on Buffalo's West Side. If your getting take out stay at the counter and your order will be taken. If you choose to sit down, you just go ahead and pick your own seat. You will be served as soon as possible. Their chicken is rotisserie style and flavored with sazon and other goya seasonings. The skin is crispy and very tasty. While cooking the chicken the top racks continue to spin and the juice drips to the next row of chicken underneath. This helps in keeping everything juicy. Their pastalios ($2.50) are very good, but becareful sometimes they can be a bit greasy but the flavor is over the top. I always get the family meal that consist of a full chicken with beans and rice for $18. Well worth the price, especially considering how much food you get. read more
This place is Cash Only; however, they have an ATM inside. This place is one of those places that are a "guilty pleasure" to come to....The meals will stick to your ribs. You get large meals that are delicious and never-mind the calories. Whenever I'm here I tried several items.... it is a must! 1) The Place is clean and welcoming. It is a typical Hispanic place that is "homie-looking" in side. Not too much fan fair. 2) Waitress are attentive, somewhat friendly, and busy. They don't have time for people who are not sure of what they want. You will get the menu and they will come to you once. If you are still not sure of what you want then the next time you will need to flag them down to get them to come to you. This is normal for these kinds of food places so if you are not used to it, you will think they are being rude.... please understand that they are not being rude. 3) Food is typical Puerto Rican. It is delicious. There are several dishes to try and a lot of small choices. I recommend that if you are in the area you give this place a try during your lunch time. Please come hungry. read more
2 years ago
I love coming here! I'm glad I have to drive 1/2 an hour to get here or else I'd be here way to much, spending my rent money LOL For any newcomers, please know you can stand in line for takeout or seat yourself and a waitress will come over with menus. It is usually pretty busy here and can be a little confusing to someone who doesn't know better, because there isn't the traditional hostess waiting to seat you or signs telling you seat yourself .. you'll see people standing in a line and just assume that's what you do no matter what. This place is a hole in the wall, with sensational Puerto Rican food. Mmm mmm mmm! I forgot to take a picture of the menu but I'd like to say the prices are great too! You will leave full and satisfied. I know for me growing up eating traditional American food, whenever I had friends of different ethnicities it would make my whole day when their mothers would cook (Dominican, Phillipino, etc.. oh and one male friend from Puerto Rico who introduced me to their cuisine!). Coming here is just like getting that home cooking whenever you want it! It's consistently delicious. The staff is nice .. you're not going to get that fake stuffy hostess at the door .. you'll get a genuine person coming over with your menus and getting your food out fast. I'm not sure what else to say besides if you haven't been here, what are you waiting for?! read more
I've been coming here for years! It can get busy during the typical lunch rush hours so order ahead on an app. The food is fresh to order, they cook the chicken and other entrees fresh to order throughout the day and it's really tasty. No complaints really; except that they don't except credit or debit cards and how convenient they have an $6 ATM in store. read more
4 years ago
This unassuming local Puerto Rican cafe in the west side of Buffalo serves up the most delicious pastelillos I've ever had! The service was quick and prompt as the crowds were getting bigger. Will definitely be back there when I come back to Buffalo! read more
This place has been here seems like forever and I used to stop by just to get pastilotos. Decided to stop in after years and grabbed a chicken and beef pastilito along with a rellenos de papas(potato meat ball). If you are ordering take out there is a line and you just tell them what you want and pay. The place was pretty busy with people ordering to go and dining in. Unfortunately what I got did not have much flavor. Wasn't like I remembered that's for sure. It was OK, at best and I wouldn't go out my way to return. read more
3 years ago
Their pastillos are so good, I only got the beef but I will be back for more. I got the lunch special that was beef stew with beans and rice. I wasn't a fan of the beans, only because they were pinto. The beef stew was very good, I just wish it was a little larger if a portion. Highly recommend for take out, but be aware it's CASH only!! Luckily I had money in my car. read more
7 years ago
This place is LIT the service, the authentic cuisine! I would invest money into making this place much bigger and call up "Diners, Drive In's and Dives!" Needs to be on the map! My new favorite. We dined on pork, yellow rice, beans and sweet plantains. -my serving of pork was generous, tender, juicy and full of flavor. -the yellow rice was perfection, huge serving. -beans were tasty but needed a bigger serving -THE SWEET PLANTAINS-OMG-the absolute best! Perfection. And the ambiance(well, I guess you have to experience it for yourself) everyone speaks spanish, loudly and it adds to the experience making it all very remarkable. I will be going there again this week for dinner. -----four hearts because I loved this place! read more
5 years ago
3 years ago
Best Spot for a cheap and fast meal! $7 (that's with tax included) for a lunch portion meal throughout the week before 3PM. Beef Stew is flavorful, marinated perfectly and served immediately. Perfect portion and filling for the lunch price, although the dinner options are affordable as well. Start your meal with a beef and cheese pastellio! read more
6 years ago
This is a Great little spot for Puerto Rican food - just a few little snacks - they were fairly busy on a Saturday morning- and provided Great Service! read more
8 years ago
Homey place with stick to your ribs (and hips, thighs, butt,...) Puerto Rican food. Quick table service and soon you'll be enjoying extremely tender pulled pork, chicken and pork chops. Try mixing your cup of beans with sauce into your rice for a great combination of flavors and textures. read more
8 years ago
After being back here a few times for their lunch specials, I felt like it was my duty to update my review. For $6, Monday through Fridays (11a-2p); you can get a quarter roasted chicken with a handful of delicious beans and yellow rice (make sure to mix them together for proper enjoyment). There's also some pork options, but I've been sticking with the chicken. I love it. It's crispy, yet tender and every time I'm here...I lick my plate clean. Such a plentiful, hearty lunch and at only $6 -- it leaves me incredibly satisfied. Here's a little pro-tip: ask for their mojito sauce...it won't get you tipsy and it will be an extra fifty cents, but this tomato-based tangy mix is a great companion for the chicken and/or rice. They simply need each other. read more
I really had no idea what to expect when my friend and her boyfriend said that they were taking me to the West side of Buffalo for lunch. Niagara Cafe is an extremely casual Puerto Rican restaurant located in a part of town that I had never even driven through. I was immediately intrigued when we arrived. As we walked in, we were greeted enthusiastically by the men working behind the counter. Everybody at the restaurant was very friendly and happy. The cafe has a take out line and table service. The take out line was very long. We chose to sit down. After thoroughly reviewing my options, I settled on two pastelillos and a side of yellow rice. I absolutely loved my meal. The pastelillos were just as good, if not better, than the ones I've had in Puerto Rico- perfectly spiced and extra cheesy. The yellow rice had just the right amount of cilantro. My meal cost $6.00 total. I don't know anywhere else in Buffalo where you can get a meal that satisfying for less than $10.00. I was very impressed by this restaurant and will certainly return! read more
3 years ago
I felt absolutely stunned when I was told that Niagara Cafe is actually an establishment that serves Puerto Rican cuisine! Let's be real - with this generic name you'd think it would be a regular american eatery. I decided to give it a try at the last minute. When I walked in and found a comfy booth, I noticed they had a long line just for take-out - it was only 4PM on a Saturday! The patrons were diverse, so I had a strong feeling that I would enjoy my meal. After I ordered a coffee, I glanced over the menu which had a nice variety of options. I do recommend, by the way, that this is not an ideal restaurant for people on a carb-restricted diet. We started out with the Tostones (plantain chips) which were served hot and came with a side dipping sauce. I wasn't a fan of the sauce, but you can eat it either plain or with frank's red hot sauce - the Tostones are not seasoned so do what you wish! The Tostones were a good way to start the meal. I went with the Chicken Stew and yellow rice meal. The stew itself is small but delicious. The chicken was tender and fell right off of the bone :D. They did serve a small salad which had a tasty vinaigrette dressing (I think?) and there was a cup of beans. The rice, I must admit, was good, but I did not allow myself to eat the entire portion because I know it isn't the healthiest thing to eat. However, if you're training for a marathon and your body is burning calories as fast as Michael Phelps can swim, then HAVE AT IT! The ONLY negative about the place was that the waitress was not the nicest person - she did not introduce herself or really make us feel welcomed, but she was patient with us. Oh yeah, CASH ONLY. Pay a visit to this awesome mom and pop cafe for authentic Puerto Rican goodness! Bring some cash, but luckily it is affordable. read more
4 years ago
2 years ago
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More info about Niagara Cafe
525 Niagara St
Buffalo, NY 14201
Westside
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(716) 885-2233
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