Elmwood Village
Elmwood Village
4.5
About
The Elmwood Village, one of America's 10 Best Neighborhoods, as designated by the American Planning Association, and Buffalo/Niagara's most vibrant shopping, dining and cultural district, can be enjoyed year-round. Whether you're already in the neighborhood, elsewhere in Western New York, or visiting from across the border, the Elmwood Village is a wonderful destination.
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The area
Neighbourhood: Elmwood
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Restaurants
668 within 5 kms
Attractions
263 within 10 kms
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.5
263 reviews
Excellent
152
Very good
81
Average
17
Poor
11
Terrible
2
Avoid Canada
Cleveland, OH22 contributions
Nov 2019
It was a decent area but now so many places have gone out of business that it is not the same. Might not be a good place to go any more. Depends on what opens there if anything. Stores are raising their prices to compensate for the lack of visitors. Shouldn't they be lowering them to attract more customers?
Written 17 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
biloxi-cat
Oslo, Norway5 contributions
Jul 2011
When we go back to Europe and think of Buffalo, this strip is certainly what will spring to mind. It has an arty, studenty informal feel with lovely houses and interesting shops. We bought a mug and glasses from the fifties in an antique store.
What shocked us was that the tourist information gave no hints about Elmwood avenues existense. The suggested walking tour of Allentown didnt even take a little detour through it but followed soulless streets beside it like Delaware ave. with boring churches and houses you can see ANYWHERE! Get you act together! You have a real gem here that sets you apart from the rest. USE IT!
What shocked us was that the tourist information gave no hints about Elmwood avenues existense. The suggested walking tour of Allentown didnt even take a little detour through it but followed soulless streets beside it like Delaware ave. with boring churches and houses you can see ANYWHERE! Get you act together! You have a real gem here that sets you apart from the rest. USE IT!
Written 8 July 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GIOD1981
Buffalo, NY14 contributions
Just went shopping along this avenue yesterday and found one of kind shoes, shirts, and hats. Had some coffee at Spot Coffee, and had the best sushi at Wasabi across the street. This section of Buffalo is very trendy and busy, reminds me NYC's Chelsea District. I definitely recommend anyone visiting Buffalo to explore this part of town.
Written 24 November 2010
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
One of the greatest attributes of the neighborhood is its mix of uses. The wide variety of services offered throughout the Village certainly compliment each other and keep the street humming with activity!
Written 30 April 2012
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Norm C
Hamilton, Canada55 contributions
Aug 2014 • Friends
We stumbled upon this little area in Buffalo, New York that we were advised to pay a visit. It's called Elmwood Village. We were not disappointed. It was 10 or 11 minutes from the Peace Bridge and not difficult to find, good old GPS. We got to see crafts, farm goods, home-made goods, vendors of all styles and after that we got to go up and down the Elmwood Street to visit all the shops, stores and boutiques. It was sure a lot of fun and a day well spent. A place to could go again to visit again lots to see.
Written 3 September 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TO_Trips
Toronto818 contributions
Sept 2011 • Couples
Disclosure: I'm an architect so really interested in cities, communities and neighbourhoods. We used to visit a place on Elmwood once a while with friends for dinner. Now we're talking 20+ years ago. I remember this area as being, well, "unremarkable" ... that's being charitable.
I was pleasantly surprised when we stopped in to walk the 2 mile stretch of the street called Elmwood Village. It's really rejuvenating.
A successful example of a neighbourhood refreshing itself, finding new life.
They've maintained the scale of the street, low-rise for the most part. Freshened up and restored some of the historic buildings. Renovated others.
Mixed use, which in my view is the correct formula for revitalizing and then sustaining a neighbourhood ... you need people living there.
Lots of restos ... some very basic, others moderately up the scale. Pano's for example has grown from its diner origins in 1977 to a fabulous eatery. Not over the top ... that wouldn't fit at all. But great menu, food, service in a fresh, friendly atmosphere ... and very reasonably priced. We went back for more on this short trip ... see my review if you like.
Commercial of all kinds. Offices for businesses and professionals.
And residential. A lot of older homes that have been renovated and subdivided. Lots of young folks - many university students I suspect - give the area energy and vitality.
Some of the buildings have gone funky while others have been carefully restored and renovated.
All in all a really great mix.
Next time we'll try the evening scene, maybe even stay in the village.
Oh, the architect in me again - there's a Frank Lloyd Wright home on Bird, a block east of Elmwood. Wright is often called America's greatest architect. Famous for his Prairie style homes. This is privately owned, not open for tours, but they can't stop you from looking from the street!
Next time you're in Buffalo don't miss Elmwood Village!
I was pleasantly surprised when we stopped in to walk the 2 mile stretch of the street called Elmwood Village. It's really rejuvenating.
A successful example of a neighbourhood refreshing itself, finding new life.
They've maintained the scale of the street, low-rise for the most part. Freshened up and restored some of the historic buildings. Renovated others.
Mixed use, which in my view is the correct formula for revitalizing and then sustaining a neighbourhood ... you need people living there.
Lots of restos ... some very basic, others moderately up the scale. Pano's for example has grown from its diner origins in 1977 to a fabulous eatery. Not over the top ... that wouldn't fit at all. But great menu, food, service in a fresh, friendly atmosphere ... and very reasonably priced. We went back for more on this short trip ... see my review if you like.
Commercial of all kinds. Offices for businesses and professionals.
And residential. A lot of older homes that have been renovated and subdivided. Lots of young folks - many university students I suspect - give the area energy and vitality.
Some of the buildings have gone funky while others have been carefully restored and renovated.
All in all a really great mix.
Next time we'll try the evening scene, maybe even stay in the village.
Oh, the architect in me again - there's a Frank Lloyd Wright home on Bird, a block east of Elmwood. Wright is often called America's greatest architect. Famous for his Prairie style homes. This is privately owned, not open for tours, but they can't stop you from looking from the street!
Next time you're in Buffalo don't miss Elmwood Village!
Written 26 September 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
You will be interested to know that the Elmwood Village was named as one of America's 10 Best Neighborhoods by the American Planning Association!
In addition, the neighborhood recently received a grant from New York State for interior/exterior property improvements. In the coming months the Village will be busy with many improvement projects!
Written 30 April 2012
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
jmasc1
Buffalo, NY582 contributions
Apr 2011
The Elmwood Village is a must-see in Buffalo. Complete with B&Bs, Eateries, Markets, and Shops - you can't go wrong. Lots of local sellers & great items to bring back home. Eat at Starbucks, Spot (local coffee/sandwich place), Globe Market, or the Lexington Co-Op Market (has a hot bar inside the market; tables outside). Snack at Delish (bakery); there is also ice cream across the street from Spot. Shop at Plum Pudding (scarves, jewelry), Treehouse (kids), Anna Grace (clothes), Clutch (purses, jewelry, watches), Spoiled Rotten (those infamous I <3 Buffalo Hockey Tshirts & other gifts), Everything Elmwood (gifty). Further up the street is a bike shop, male/female clothing store, pet shop, flower shop, etc. Remember, though, that the Elmwood Strip is a really specific part of Elmwood Village. (Around Cleveland St.) Head up further (by foot/car) to Elmwood and Allen Streets & there is the Allentown District. At the end of Allen is a park. Grab a cup of coffee or ice cream & stroll. It is an absolutely "Buffalo" experience. Literally - everyone is doing it.
Written 28 April 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Megan S
Buffalo, NY19 contributions
This eclectic Buffalo neighborhood has beautiful, old homes, friendly people, restaurants of any kind and unique shops. Especially love popping into Half & Half for a cute scarf or outfit, Everything Elmwood for a gift, have a beer and lunch at Coles. Such a great area...one of the best in the city!
Written 10 February 2010
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review of the neighborhood!
We love to hear people's experiences when they pay a visit to the Elmwood Village.
We look forward to hearing from you upon your next visit.
Written 30 April 2012
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
1Dott2013
Kansas City, MO43 contributions
Jun 2017 • Family
Allentown was closed since it was before 11 am so we ventured down to Elmwood Village which was a very long and hot walk from the downtown hotel area. The shops went from over priced boutiques that were snobby and rude to us when we went in and did not acknowledge our existence to fabulous resell shops at reasonable prices. Many of the shops were selling very few items so I am not sure how they paid their store rent. Too many restaurants and bars are on this street and seemed more suited to nightlife than families. I loved the feel of the renovations going on and enjoyed looking at the architecture of the homes. We rode the metro bus back which we happened upon since the shops are spread out. The bus cost was $2 each. You must have exact change. They took us back downtown to our hotel within 10 minutes which was so awesome. Families please note that the local bus is used by working people in the area and also had homeless riders onboard and can fill up so plan ahead. We could find no taxis and Uber is not in Buffalo yet which would have made transportation much easier from local attractions. We enjoyed our visit and got a few reasonable priced souvenirs. Families be advised that this area is "artsy" and has gay pride symbols and pink buffalos along the way. It did not bother us one bit but some may want to avoid our walk if this offends you.
Written 16 June 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lolagirlToronto
toronto2 contributions
Oct 2014 • Couples
Went with my husband and another couple to Elmwood Village in the early fall. The day was sunny and we parked on a side street in a very nice residential area. There were lots of people coming and going on the street. We were only gone about 90 minutes and returned to find our car window smashed and our Garmin stolen. Really? For a garmin? We will never return to that area again. But to tell the truth it was a wasted day as the Village was a huge disappointment. Outdated and overpriced stores. Not at all what we had expected. Even if our car hadn't been vandalized we would not recommend this area.
Written 8 January 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi, @lolagirlToronto,
I'm sorry to hear that you had such a negative experience in our neighborhood. I do hope you consider giving the Elmwood Village another go, especially since there is far too much to see in only 90 minutes. Our commercial strip is almost 2 miles long and features over 200 boutiques, restaurants, and specialty shops. We are quite confident that our neighborhood has something for everyone.
I'm especially sorry to hear that your vehicle was vandalized in the short time you were here. The Elmwood Village has been and continues to be the safest neighborhood in Buffalo and this experience, while concerning, is not common.
Written 23 January 2015
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
dygirlke
Brighton, UK19 contributions
Jun 2011 • Couples
We are from the UK and recently came to Buffalo and stayed in Elmwood Village at Hono House B&B. The place was as good as it looked on the website and Karen the owner is friendly and very intertesting to spend time with. We really enjoyed our chats over the freshly made breakfasts every morning. Elmwood village is a great place to be and Karens place is in the heart of it. Wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to anyone.
Written 26 June 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is this open on Saturdays or Sundays? The hours above say only Mon - Fri. TIA
Written 13 June 2019
Yes, The Elmwood Village area has a number of shops, boutiques, and restaurant/bars that are open on weekends as well as weekdays. Also, it is near the Allentown district which also has a few shops and restaurant/bars you can visit.
Written 11 July 2019
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