Elmwood Village

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?

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.

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.

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!

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.

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 areaone of the best in the city!

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.

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.

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.

One of many local shopping areas in Buffalo. Many great restaurants, stores and services. Several national names however many more locally owned and operated shops. Easy on and off street parking. Frequented by locals and visitors.