If the "New Buffalo" is all about finding inspiration for the future in the glories of the past, then Agorie Headwear fits right in. With an aesthetic described in the pages of Buffalo Rising as "fashion-forward yet retro", the inventory of bowlers, fedoras, Panama hats, newsboy caps, and other merchandise you'll find on the shelves is a throwback to the days when it was unthinkable to leave the house bare-headed. And prices are surprisingly reasonable, as well: while a particularly high-end hat might cost as much as $150, it's rare that you'd be unable to find a truly high-quality piece for less than $100.
Tue-Fri noon-6PM, Sat noon-5PM
A good way to describe the experience at this motorcycle clothing and gear shop is as "a hipster's paean to biker culture" — that is to say, the merchandise says "image-conscious, urban-dwelling motorcycle enthusiast" much more than "Hell's Angel". Apparel tends toward the high-end, sourced from designers both local (the store's own branded clothing is screenprinted by the West Side's own Positive Approach Press) and far-flung, while accessories include canteens, attractive yet functional boots, helmets, a rack of motorcycle magazines, and even spare bike parts. And if you're a do-it-yourselfer, classes on bike building and repair are offered periodically.
Tue-Fri 10AM-6PM, Sat 11AM-7PM
EatAmerican restaurantNorth Buffalo Bertha's, which according to its slogan is "the diner that takes you back a few years", is a 1950s-style affair that's located right next door to the North Park Theater. Open daily for breakfast and lunch and till 8PM on Fridays, Bertha's serves standard diner fare at unbeatable prices. The lunch menu is dominated by standard fare — burgers (monikers of selections such as the "James Dean", the "Davey Crockett", and the "Buddy Holly" continue in the '50s theme), club sandwiches, and similar items, as well as salads, wraps, and simple entrees. Full breakfasts comprise delicious omelettes, egg sandwiches, buttermilk pancakes and "Buffalo's best Belgian waffle", and weekly specials are offered. Cash only.
Mon-Thu Sat 7AM-3PM, Fri 7AM-8PM, Sun 8AM-3PM·$10-20
Sharing the same positive vibes and life-affirming ethos of Her Story Boutique (the now-closed Elmwood Avenue shopping destination owned by the same mother/daughter entrepreneurial team) but taking things in a somewhat different direction, Her Sanctuary does double duty: on the shelves you'll find anything and everything to do with health and wellness — think locally-sourced kombucha, yoga mats, and handmade healing crystals — while the pleasant, peaceful event space is where you can hear prominent women from around the community share inspirational stories about their lives and accomplishments during the "Her Story Hours" the shop hosts periodically.
Tue-Sat noon-7PM