Brett Llenos Smith

1 month ago | whatnow.com | Brett Llenos Smith

Since early 2023, Waffle Time has served sweet treats on St. Ann Street in Jackson Square, specializing in Belgian-style and bubble waffles. Now, the company is preparing to open a second French Quarter location at 829 Canal St. According to permit documents filed with the City of New Orleans, the former retail shop at that location is being converted into a dessert shop that will serve waffles, crepes, milkshakes, acai bowls, ice cream, and coffee.

2 months ago | stepoutbuffalo.com | Brett Llenos Smith

Loud House Buffalo / Photo courtesy of Loud House BuffaloWhen Loud House on Hertel Avenue opened a few months back, owners Christina Bishop and Timothy Love promised to bring some culture to North Buffalo with good food, good drinks and good music. We recently decided to see just how they are getting on with that mission with a recent Wednesday brunch visit. That’s right. You can get brunch on Wednesdays.

2 months ago | stepoutbuffalo.com | Brett Llenos Smith

Photo courtesy of Caffe at Amy’s For decades, Amy’s Place on Main Street in Buffalo has been more than a little diner serving a few Lebanese-inspired dishes. It’s been a hub for people living in the surrounding University Heights district, including generations of UB students. As a UB student living in the Heights, I nursed many a hangover at Amy’s Place with hot cups of coffee and a greasy brunch.

Mar 28, 2025 | stepoutbuffalo.com | Brett Llenos Smith

Sofra Turkish Bakery & Restaurant We don’t get much Turkish food ‘round these here parts, and that’s a real shame because Turkish food is so beloved around the world. As an export, Turkish food is especially loved in Germany, where kebab shops are on just about every block; the equivalent of takeout pizza spots here in Western New York. So, it was great to see Sofra Turkish Restaurant & Bakery open last year on George Urban Boulevard in Depew.

Mar 19, 2025 | stepoutbuffalo.com | Brett Llenos Smith

Big Ditch Brewing / Photo courtesy of Big Ditch BrewingWhen Big Ditch Brewing Company opened its taproom in downtown Buffalo nearly a decade ago, we had no idea that its Hayburner IPA would become one of the most iconic beers not just in Western New York, but across the entire surrounding region. But Hayburner is only a small part of the Big Ditch story, and the successful brewery recently opened its second taproom location in Lockport in the town’s Historic Post Office building on East Avenue.