Everything here is literally to die for. I usually take pictures but I was so excited about the food that I forgot. I got the chicken pastelillos with a side of yellow rice and it came with beans. My friend got the rotisserie chicken. Never have I tasted rotisserie chicken with so much flavor. The chicken pastelillos were by far my favorite, if I lived closer I'd be here all the time for lunch. During the 45 minutes my friend and I were in there, so many people came in for takeout and to sit down. It's clearly a local favorite. So great to see a small business in Buffalo flourishing! read more

Went to day for lunch. Food was not as expected I have been coming here since 2015 and it was disappointed. The fired pork was bad and it seems that the oil is bad also read more

Niagara Cafe - Puerto Rican Near Me - Buffalo, New York

Delicious, friendly staff, place is clean. This place remains a Buffalo staple for good reason. For as long as this place is open I'll be a lifelong customer. read more

Always top notch food... always fresh!! Great meal! The owners and the family are always so kind! Best Spanish food in buffalo!! No cash wiki just is okay atm on site! Plenty of parking BUT depends on day and how busy they are! Did I mention the best Spanish food in wny!! ? read more

Niagara Cafe - Puerto Rican Near Me - Buffalo, New York

Despite living two blocks away from Niagara Café for the last 7 months and all of the rave reviews, today was the first time I finally stopped in. You won't get treated like royalty here, but that doesn't matter because everything is about the FOOD. I ordered the fried chicken dinner, which came with three pieces of chicken, a side salad, beans, and a mountain of yellow rice--a generous portion for only $9. It was hands down the best fried chicken I've ever had. I even picked the bones clean and I can be very picky about the texture of meat. A few reviewers had a problem with the neighborhood, and I guess it could be a little intimidating for some people, but I'm excited to have found this little gem so close to my apartment and I cant wait to do more exploring on Niagara St. Others also noted an issue with the noise. I would certainly say that Niagara Café is much more lively than your average restaurant. They play some great Latin American music and our waitress, who was a feisty, sweet little grandma would come up to the tables shouting "ole!" At one point the line was almost out the door for take-out, so I understand why people said it was loud. If that kind of atmosphere makes you uncomfortable, you may prefer to order out. But, if you don't mind a bit of a party while you eat, you'll feel right at home. read more

Service was absolutely horrible. You sit down wondering if you have to ask for a menu or if someone comes out to give you one. Waitress was rude most likely due to us being white but seemed to have a different attitude towards people of color. She didnt explain anything what so ever, took her sweet ass time and rolled her damn eyes when I asked questions. Not to mention the pastallios were half full and mostly dough. Also the food sat out so who knows how long they were actually out there for. The chicken was dry and bland. Everything tasted like it needed something... Like maybe Idk.. SPICES? TASTE? FLAVOR??? Wont go back again as I know of many more worthy Puerto Rican or Mexican resturants to get wayyyyyyy better food and actual customer service which were extremely lacking both. (Understatement). read more

This place may be a little out of the way, and a little confusing when you walk in.. but aside from that the food is genuine. There was a tiny little place like this in Dunkirk, NY (high puerto rican population) and I so badly missed their 'inside street food' as I called it.. A friend of mine, the concierge at the Hyatt Regency actually suggested this place as I shared my love of Platans Frigits.. I'll admit I was a little timid walking in there as it's a busy cacophony of hard working folks and hungry lunch breakers all trying to grab a bite and find a place to eat it... That being said.. the food did not disappoint.. just as you would expect from an invite to Wela's (Grandma's) house.. you could tell that this is not some frozen, thawed, cooked, chilled, re-heated, mess you'd see in a chain.. this was food cooked with love. That and the fact that it's too cheap to even justify.. I felt like I didn't pay enough when I was leaving.. Don't let the exterior put you off from what could be a very fulfilling experience trying something new, or old.. either way.. enjoy! read more

DELICIOUS!!!!!! Everything was great. Nice family restaurant... Wish there was a tiny piece of Niagara Cafe in Miami. read more

A walk over to the Niagara Café is not for the faint of heart. Along the way I encountered a lot of people yelling, some in foreign languages, and all of which I couldn't ascertain if they were angry with one another or just plain loud. I passed several boarded up building and dwellings with NO TRESPASSING signs. Even while I was standing in the" to go" line in the restaurant, I was certain of the fact that the kid standing right behind me was a drug dealer; his darting eyes, nervous appeal, hoodie pulled over his head in 65 degree weather and giant wad of cash he pulled out of his pocket all made him seem suspicious to me. There's little question that this place is "in the hood". Be that as it may, I can't possible hold any of this against the Niagara Café. The food is just spectacular, and it's worth a little peril to get it. I had the half rotisserie chicken with the yellow rice and beans. In addition, because Niagara Café claims to have some of the best Puerto Rican food around, I ordered the fried plantains chips (tostones), you know, for the sole purpose of graded this review appropriately for the reader, and not because I was itching to stuff fried plantain in my gullet like a gluttonous orangutan. The tostones were superb. They came with some sort of sauce that was reminiscent of marinara sauce, but zestier and fraught with garlic. And priced at $3, the tostones were a great deal. There was plenty enough to share with all the other orangutans in my office. The chicken was a work of art. I watched as I stood in line and saw the chickens slowly turning in their old fashion rotisserie machine behind the counter. I was getting super psyched to dig in. I saw the skin on the chicken go from a slight golden brown to a deep BBQ char. When it was ready for consumtion the skin begun to bubble a bit, and I could feel my heart melting like butter. I almost couldn't handle it anymore. But it tasted even better than it looked! It really is some of the best chicken around. And if my review isn't enough to convince you to get your lunch at Niagara Café, then would it help if I told you that this is a one stop shop for all your necessary fixes: I was also able to score some seriously good dope from that drug dealer standing behind me to go with that amazing chicken. Just kidding... Drugs are bad, mmmkay? Go get some chicken at Niagara Café, mmmkay? read more

This place makes me cry it is so good. Fried chicken, baked chicken, rice, plantains, Puerto Rican desserts. . .you can't go wrong. We've been in the area for 2 weeks and this is the best meal I've had during our entire stay. The restaurant isn't fancy, but the food is the bomb. Don't forget the hot sauce. read more

The rotisserie chicken, rice, and beans from Niagara Cafe are outstanding. It's the only Puerto Rican restaurant I've been to that doesn't put pork in their rice and beans. I'm gluten intolerant and haven't had cross contamination issues here. It's a very casual restaurant and I generally come here for take out as their family special is a great bargain. I often bring it to friends and family after surgery or a new baby as it's my idea of comfort food. read more

Was up in Buffalo and decided to pick something up for our train ride back. Found this place on yelp and we loaded up on some empanadas, pasteles and a pernil hoagie. The food was fantastic we almost missed our train because of how busy they were but they were efficient and organized. If I lived up there I'd frequent all the time. It was like a hybrid diner and Latin food spot. read more

Niagara Cafe - Huge pernil hoagie! - Puerto Rican Near Me - Buffalo, New York

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Niagara Cafe is a fantastic little spot in Buffalo's West Side. Often times the wait for carry out might be a tad on the longer side but, in my opinion, it's worth it every single time. Their chicken is rotisserie style covered in sazon and cooked slowly for hours for a juicy interior and a nice flavorful skin and meat. The rotisserie works in a way where as the chicken drips from the cooking it drips on to the chickens below. Self basting. Delicious. Their pastalios are some of the best I've had. Sometimes they can be a touch greasy but the flavor is over the top. Seasoned perfectly and always satisfying. A must get at 2.50 a piece. Other items to consider are the fried pork chop, the penil, and fried potato read more

Who new I could get so excited about Flan and Coquito! I visited Niagara Cafe after reading some of their reviews and was glad I did. This is an "in-your-face" Joe and Jane blue-collar, stand in line, grab a table, order your food and eat it kinda place. No frills but...GREAT Food and Service. I got to sample the Platans Frigits (Fried Plantains), the Pollo Guisado (Chicken Stew) con Arroz y Habichuelas (Rice and Beans). I also sampled the Pernil (Roasted Pork). The plantains were crisp and were accompanied by an excellently tasty (spicy-sweet) sauce that I want to find more uses for at home. The Chicken in the stew - mixed with seasoned potatoes and vegetables - well - there is nothing more tender that I've seen. I had Arroz Groc or Amarillo (Yellow Rice with small peas) which I found to be light, tasty, flavorful and hearty. (Strongly recommend.) I was having a great time with great Spanish food in good company when it happened... Flan? what's flan? I'd heard the name before and - thinking it was one of those food names that might turn you off before you even try it (like gooey duck or thousand year eggs) I never tried it. What a mistake. The Flan - a firm, vanilla and caramel flavored custard that is lightly browned or torched on top - was a hit out of the ball park for me. I LOVED IT! And - as if things could not have gotten any better - I got to sample Coquito. What's that you say? Haven't tried it? I recommend that you do. Coquito is the Spanish/Latin version of Egg Nog. BUT...it's so much better. It had a beautiful coconut-nutmeg-cinnamon-clove bouquet and isn't as thick and viscous as Egg Nog. Tasting it was heaven. I want more...pretty much right now. Niagara Cafe is a local owned, family place with great, tasty Puerto Rican style comfort food at the best affordable prices. (Strongly recommended.) Who knew - I could get so excited about Flan and Coquito. I hope you do as well. read more

"It's about time Buffalo eats some rice and beans" was exclaimed some 20 years ago and the Niagara Cafe was born. It's been family run and home cooked the whole time. Important info when deciding to go: Puerto Rican food is not spicy. It has a liquor license. Ask for the coconutty, creamy rum drink. There are virtually no vegetables involved in a meal here. There are bananas and plantains though. Every meat is tender and falling apart. The flan is superb. Not slippery, texture is more like cheesecake and it is no afterthought - build your meal with it in mind for the end. read more

Well my husband and I finally went for the first time after hearing about how great this place was. The white meat rotisserie chicken is great, the rice is good, but the empanadas are disgusting. The place is dingy and it looks kind of old and dirty, but the people are very friendly. As far as pricing it seemed pretty inexpensive. I got a quarter white meat with yellow rice, beans, my husband got pork yellow rice and then we also got to steak empanadas and two beef empanadas. The total came to $22. It's OK, but nothing to write home about read more

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I LOVE THIS PLACE!! It's small, quaint, and very friendly! Make sure you come with cash because they don't take cards. The chicken is AMAZING!! The rice and beans are to DIE FOR!! read more

These are seriously delicous and cheap eats. I haven't been to their brick and mortar storefront, though I have heard many rumors of how good it is so when I saw their food truck at the History Museum's food truck rodeo, I had food from somewhere else in one hand and my money in the other. I had their chicken pastelillo, which cost a seriously remarkable $3, and it was one of my favorite things that I put down at the rodeo. I bought it to share but sharing didn't really happen and at that price, who cares? This introduction to Niagara Cafe makes me want to get down to their downtown location ASAP. See you soon! read more

I can't believe I have not yet done a review of Niagara Cafe. And seeing that others have said so much, there isn't a whole more I have to say except... 1 - The rotisserie chicken is addictive, but *maybe* a bit too salty. Other then that, absolutely perfect. 2 - The roast pork, pernil, melts in your mouth and is especially good with the spicy red sauce on the side. 3 - I could live on the beans with yellow rice and pigeon peas. I love that the beans have potatoes mixed in and I have tried on numerous occasions to replicate the dish to no avail. 4 - The parcha, a passionfruit drink, cuts the salt so well, but is too sweet, so I always order a cup of water to cut it in half. 5 - Sweet plantains. They aren't on the menu, but if you ask, and you are lucky, they'll make them for you. We frequently finish the first order before the end of the meal and have to order another for dessert. It is cash only, and sometimes the service is a little slow, but if you are patient you will be rewarded. read more

Customer service is nonexistent once you are out their door. They will screw up your order and leave the customer hanging......SHAME ON YOU read more

If you're looking for authentic home made Puerto Rican food, this is the place to go. They also have the option for people who do not eat meat, especially pork. But if you like pork, you will love the dishes that they have available. I recommend the pasteles and platanos. Very tasty and fresh. read more

This place is legit. BRING CASH. I was happy to find a PR restaurant during my travels, but then I was in for a surprise when I walked into Niagara Cafe and look at the pasteles and papas rellenas (stuffed potatoes). This was certainly authentic. It has that Hispanic feel too. Nothing fancy, but with all the good food. Easy to find too. I really think their pork is one of the best ones I've ever had. Why? Perfect moisture and tenderness. The flavor is representative of PR. The pastel and the parcha juice were delicious. I left wanting for more of that crunchy hearty pastel, but the papa rellena was mediocre. The rice could use some more adobo, but other than that this place is a gem. Servers were nice but a bit slow. Definitely worth the visit. Only issue - cash only. read more

WOW. The setting is nothing special. It may appear rundown and a little neglected but one thing the ladies behind the counter kept telling us was that the chicken was "so good". We sat down and got the family platter, a whole chicken + rice + beans, for $15! The portion we got was a pretty good size to share with 2 - 3 people and the chicken was divine. My friends and I sat in absolute silence while we chomped away at the good. It feels very authentic in there. There wasn't a word of english spoken in there and it appeared the patrons and staff knew each other well. It was almost like brothers and sisters congregated at grandma's house for some food and chit chat. There was even Mexican football on the TV to give raise the authenticity another notch. Like many have said, the place is nothing special but the food is so good. Finally, there have stopped accepting card payments so make sure you bring some cash with you, although there is an ATM in the premises if you forget. read more

Puerto Rican food yum.... Niagara Cafe...YUM YUM.... For $6, chicken, rice and beans... Puerto Rican style .... you can not beat it.... I like there special red sauce that comes with the fried plantains, I actually use it for everything. The dinner meals are good too fried chicken and roasted pork.. Empandas are excellent too... Beware of the area it's not the best, though well worth the adventure for the reward at the end. read more

Ok let's be clear about a few things: 1) Niagara Cafe does not care about this review 2) the service is moody headed toward rude, and they don't care about that either 3) it's in an iffy neighborhood (but a well lit busy street) 4) oh ya, the food is pretty good! It's cheap and flavorful (especially the pernil) If I was in the neighborhood again I'd drop by for some take out, however not sure I'd make a special trip. But then again, they don't really care... read more

Worth the hype! I had heard the accolades and read the reviews, and I completely agree. Niagara cafe is great. I had the rotiserrie chicken, tostones and yellow rice. The chicken was tender, pulled easily off the bone, and had a slightly crispy skin...delicious. The tostones were some of the best I've had, but they were also the 3rd I've had. The "garlic ketchup" - I've missed "garlic ketchup. " (I use quotes, b/c it hardly tastes like ketchup. It's more like a mild picante sauce with lots of garlic.) I'm glad to have found this place b/c it fills a void in my options for dining in Buffalo. Several years ago there was a similar place on Main in the University neighborhood, but it soon closed and became the first University Hots - a cruel substitution. I got takeout and it came quickly while I waited. I'm looking forward to returning for the chicken stew. read more

Went for lunch and got the pernil y pan, I'm not Hispanic but I went with my two friends who are and they said it is one of the most authentic places in Buffalo to get Hispanic food. The meat was so tender and flavorful. I also got the passion fruit juice which was so tasty as well. It's close to Buffalo State College as well which I really appreciate and it is a place that I plan to go to again. read more

Niagara Cafe - Pernil y Pan, tostones and fried porkchops, and Pollo gisau. - Puerto Rican Near Me - Buffalo, New York

This is my favorite Puerto Rican restaurant in Buffalo. I've eaten most things from their menu. My go to is bistec encebollado con arroz blanco y habichuelas (steak with onions, white rice and beans). It's my favorite Puerto Rican meal. Their tostones, yellow rice, chicken, and pork are all enjoyable. If you're feeling adventurous try Mofongo with chicharones (pork). It's cash only, so plan ahead. Also, the place isn't very modern and I question their cleanliness. The service is mediocre, but for the quality of food it is worth it! read more

This was my first time came here to try this popular authentic Puerto Rican restaurant on Buffalo's West Side. It is located on Niagara Street, about 1.2 miles from downtown Buffalo, pretty close to the 190 exit ramps. I was excited to come here to attend my second UYE event. This small restaurant was busy during lunch time. There was quiet a line of people waiting to pick up food and most tables were full with customers. I ordered the lunch special, 'Pernil' Roasted Pork with yellow rice and a small bowl of beans. The roasted pork was juicy and flavorful, tasted delicious with the rice, especially when mixed with their special garlic red sauce. I also ordered pastel - I wasn't sure what it's made of but someone told me it was green bananas with pork filling wrapped with banana leaves. I enjoyed this dish which reminded me of tamales. I got to try fellow yelpers a very yummy fried plaintain banana, mouthwatering pastelillos - deep fried meat pocket, and flavorsome rotisserie chicken. The price for the lunch specials were $6.00 between 11a-2pm and the side orders were $2.00 The service was good and the food came out fast. Parking is available for customers next to the restaurant and can be a little challenging. But street parking is also available during the week 7a-7p for 2 hours. I will definitely come back again to try other dish. I would recommend this place if you are in downtown Buffalo to have an authentic taste of Puerto Rican food that meets fair-priced. read more

Loved it. Loved the staff and the food was excellent. Better than in San Diego. Instagram @planefoodies read more

I have to day this is one of my favorite place in Buffalo. Great music, and the food is to die for! I'll always recommend this place to anyone looking for an affordable meal that taste like it'll cost you $30 a plate. read more

My friend took me to this place because she raved about how good it was......and yes, it was really, really good. I highly suggest getting anything with roasted pork...the pork is the cleanest-tasting pork I've ever had. I had a pork plate with yellow rice and beans. It made me warm and tingly inside. A lot of people are scared of eating Puerto Rican food, but it's delicious. Strap on your bullet-proof jacket and definitely come over to place. And for some reason, sit-down service is quicker than take-out. -1 star for being in a bad neighborhood, sketchy people walking in and out, and for being dirty. read more

Niagara Cafe is a strange restaurant but with quality food, for a very reasonable price. And, like someone else also noted, they probably don't care for the ambience and decor or for that matter, any reviews. It's just a simple family owned restaurant with a limited menu, good food and OK service. I would recommend this to anyone who does not care for fancy silverware and wants to be a little adventurous. And yes, they do not accept credit cards. Only cash. They have an (expensive) ATM though. read more

I have long heard about the restaurant but have not had a chance to go yet. I was pretty excited when I saw the food truck and I finally got a chance to try the food. My friend and I split all 3 kinds of pastellios which was a great deal. The dough was so flaky, crispy and right out of the fryer. The fillings were hearty, and had texture and kept you coming back for more. I will definitely be coming to the restaurant. Keep up the good work! read more

BRING CASH! The Rotisserie Chicken is OFF THE WALL. So bomb. So good it was falling off the bone. The special dipping sauce for the sweet plantains (Maduros) is incredible and you should buy extra. The Tostoñes are slamming as well. Overall it was a feast of flavors; the yellow rice was well seasoned, the red pinto beans had bits of vegetables, and the service was friendly. Definitely one of the go to spots for Puerto Rican food in Buffalo. read more

This is my default forgot/didn't feel like packing a lunch spot. You just can't go wrong with the filling lunch specials for $6. I've been sticking with the pork, but today I also tried a Relleno de papa (potato and beef inside) - $2. Amazing! I usually get take-out but have dined in once. It's a small cafe-like atmosphere. They don't accept credit cards anymore but do have an ATM inside. They also have a parking lot so you don't have to worry about finding a spot on the street or walking far. If you haven't been, do yourself a favor, stop whining about the neighborhood and at least stop in for some take-out! read more

Niagara Cafe - Roasted pork with rice & beans. - Puerto Rican Near Me - Buffalo, New York

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Mmmm delicious juicy chicken. The employees always remember their customers. Especially those who clean the the plate & bones. I'm George. So they say. read more

Heard great things about this place, unfortunately it did not meet the expectation. I did not enjoy the food. And for some reason felt uncomfortable or out of place. Didn't finish my food, but probably would have if I had hot sauce to flavor up the food. read more

No need to be overly wordy - this food is damn good, almost addictive. I like variety and don't gravitate to the same places over and over unless it is totally worth it - and Niagara Cafe is. Fried Chicken, fried pork, and Chicken stew are the highlights of the menu for me and have been in constant rotation for months, read more

Recently moving to Florida where Puerto Rican food is in abudance as much as seafood, I haven't found a place that tops Niagara Cafe back home yet! It's something about their shells or oil they use in their Pastelillo's that give it this unique flavor. Almost like it was made with cheez-its in the dough. Their tostones and dipping sauce is scrumptious and their chicken - undeniably moist and full of flavor! read more