Best Vintage Diner Has Reopened In Western New York

We are just as excited as you are about this announcement! A one of a kind restaurant has officially reopened in Buffalo, New York, and the community is thrilled!

There’s only a few of these that exist in the United States, and one of them has returned to Buffalo, New York!

That’s right – we said they have returned! This restaurant was a favorite of many before it closed in August 2021, and now it is back open. 

What Restaurant Closed?

The Lake Effect Diner, one of the last few dining car-style diners left in America, permanently closed its doors in Buffalo on Monday, August 16, 2021. 

The diner first opened in Buffalo, New York back in 2002, almost 400 miles away from its home of 50 years (when it was originally known as “The Wayne Diner”). Tucker Curtin and his wife, Erin, had brought the Lake Effect Diner to life in Buffalo nearly 20 years ago. 

Tucker said, “I wanted to bring authenticity to Buffalo, a piece of Americana. Something unique.”

You may think of fond memories of the restaurant that stood on Main Street in University Heights close to the city’s east side. One customer said about the diner, “It filled a niche that the city of Buffalo was missing when it first opened.”

What Food Is Available At The Lake Effect Diner?

The Lake Effect Diner has been very established over the years, offering breakfast and lunch options along with their delicious milkshakes. They served Coca-Cola products, and they even had a spiked root beer drink on the menu. 

It was a classic, and the diner’s classic outer appearance maintained it as such. Before the pandemic, the diner operated with 24/7 service and was favored by college students in the area, as the University of Buffalo was only a walking distance away. 

Now it is open again – and we’re excited to be able to go there this summer!

When Is Lake Effect Diner Open?

Lake Effect Diner is back up and running. You can dine in the restaurant Wednesday - Monday, 8 AM – 3 PM.  

This Diner Has Received National Attention

Food Network’s Guy Fieri even stopped in Buffalo to visit the Lake Effect Diner as part of his television program, “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Drives”.

To remind customers of the present and future that Guy Fieri stopped in for a bite to eat, Fieri spray-painted his mark on a section of the diner’s stainless steel wall behind the front counter. 

Why Did They Close In 2021? 

After speaking with Tucker Curtin, one of the co-owners, he told me that one of the biggest reasons the diner had to close was “due to a shortage of employees,” so if you are looking for work, the Lake Effect Diner would love to have you!

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What was your favorite part about the Lake Effect Diner? Share your pictures and memories with us at WYRK.