The erstwhile Golden Swan has been revamped into three floors of class, with a restored bar at street level, upper floors with great views over the skyline, and an understated decor that's mindful of the building's historic character. But you're here to eat, not for the view or the decor, and at Toutant the menu of Southern and Cajun specialties is small in size but superlative in quality. Start off with an appetizer of flaky "cast-iron cornbread", fried pork cracklins that according to one reviewer "taste like bacon-flavored chips", or house-smoked sausage and bacon, then move on to mains such as excellent fried chicken — crunchy and not too greasy — or jambalaya whose spiciness you can adjust to your taste. Weak spots include the service (slow and inept) and the noise level (deafening when the place is crowded).
Thu-Mon 5PM-2AM, Sun brunch 11:30AM-2:30PM·$15-55
If you want to not only look sharp but also wow Buffalonians with your knowledge of the minutiae of local culture, the Genesee Gateway is the place to be. The marquee item on sale at the aptly named Buffalo Made Co. is a line of hand-printed t-shirts and hoodies emblazoned with vintage Buffalo Bills logos, the old Bethlehem Steel Company insignia, and logos of innumerable gone-but-not-forgotten bars and nightspots like Merlin's, McMonkeez, and Romanello's Roseland. If that's not what you're looking for, they've also got house-brand leather goods and toiletries, art prints, and other gifts and trinkets you won't find in any other city in the country.
Tue-Wed noon-7PM, Fri-Sat 5PM-9PM
Marble + Rye's oeuvre is hard to summarize succinctly, but let's try anyway. First, the menu is divided among permanent fixtures and seasonal options, the former generally better than the latter. Second, the cuisine here is maddeningly diverse, ranging from patatas bravas in a spicy and smoky tomato sauce, to grilled octopus topped with charred scallion, jalapeño and romesco sauce, to a hearty falafel and hummus appetizer. These and other culinary delights are enjoyed in an ambience that's rustic and homey yet urbane, with bright lighting as a welcome change for those tired of squinting to read the menu in fancy restaurants. Best of all, the service is as topnotch as the food — no mean feat given the crowds that show up on weekend nights (reservations are de rigueur).
Tue-Thu 5-10PM (bar open till midnight), Fri Sat 5-11PM (bar open till 2AM)·$25-75
Buffalo's oldest furniture store has been in the same handsome brick building at the corner of Genesee and Oak Streets, across the road from the Genesee Gateway, since 1897. Even as similar businesses fled for the suburbs, the loyal customers of Scherer Furniture have continued to travel here from all over the region to purchase quality products including solid oak, cherry and hardwood furnishings for every room in the house, made by renowned manufacturers such as Statton, Wesley Hall, Lexington, Colonial, and Hallagan and sold at reasonable prices with delivery and setup included. Free parking is provided.
Mon-Sat 9AM-4PM, Mon & Thu till 8PM