Art museum Allentown and the Delaware District El Museo has been open in Allentown since 1981, serving its mission of exhibiting contemporary works by artists of color. Its initial focus on works by Latino artists is complemented by representations of African, African-American, Asian, American Indian and Caribbean culture, in visual art as well as other media. El Museo presents six to eight exhibitions per year and is an excellent place to appreciate groundbreaking works created by emerging artists from the local area who reflect cultures that are traditionally underrepresented in the art world.
Thu-Sat noon-5PM · Donation
Allentown and the Delaware District The former Black Cat Vintage on Allen Street is the new home of this dynamic duo of fashion boutiques that moved in 2018 from downtown and the Elmwood Village respectively. Aside from that, though, little has changed: Trend Up is still where Giovanni Centurione purveys his über-stylish collection of contemporary clothing for modern urban males, with a range of hard-to-find designers such as DOPE, European Apparel, and Other UK represented, while MS Eye Candy is still a place to go for contemporary and fashionable women's clothing whose subtle yet eye-catching style quirks make them stand out from the mall brands.
Mon-Sat 11AM-6PM, Sun 11AM-4PM
Allentown and the Delaware District Featuring a bevy of imported fashion accessories and gifts: handcrafted necklaces, bangles, beads, earrings, sterling silver rings, handbags, a selection of Afrocentric literature, toiletries such as shea butter and essential oils, and hand-carved art imported from Mali, Senegal, Ghana and elsewhere. Dr. Lonnie Smith, the store's eponymous owner, is a friendly and interesting fellow — a local jazz musician renowned for his prowess on the Hammond B3 organ who's always around for a chat about politics, art, or current events, and often hosts readings of poetry and literature in his shop.
Allentown and the Delaware District Genuine Mexican cuisine didn't arrive in Buffalo until the 2016 opening of Casa Azul downtown, but Don Tequila was a major precursor. There, chef Sergio Mucino cooks up the usual slate of tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and fajitas, as well as fare like carne asada and mole poblano that bridges the gap between the bastardized and the uncompromisingly authentic. The ambience is chic yet friendly, a lively Allentown approximation of an old Mexican cantina, and the staff displays a genuine flair for customer service. All meals are preceded by a delicious serving of complimentary chips and salsa, with guacamole also available for a nominal upcharge. And if you like tequila, head to the bar.
Mon 11AM-10PM, Tue-Sat 11AM-midnight, Sun noon-10PM; bar open later · $10-35