Riverside Park - Buffalo, NY Area Guide

Before 1890, most of the Riverside Park area served as undeveloped farmland with expensive houses scattered here and there. Thanks to the development of the Hertel Avenue Sewer Bill in 1888, the North Park Land Company purchased more than 30 acres of the land and began development.

The Buffalo History Museum engages residents by teaching them about the history of the Buffalo area. Explore exhibits and collections to learn more about your neighborhood. See artifacts and learn about the history of the Iroquois, the War of 1812, the Erie Canal, industrialization, immigrants and much more.

Get a taste of the art scene at the Burchfield Penney Art Center. Dedicated to showcasing the art of artists from western New York, this art center provokes and inspires you. Discover the amazing works of art with more than 30 exhibitions annually.

The Riverside Park area is home to a wide array of dining venues. Charming decor and a pleasant atmosphere perfectly describe Faso's Restaurant, which serves authentic Italian cuisine at affordable prices. Try the spicy artichoke sauce over fettuccine or the chicken Madeira.

If you crave some of the freshest seafood around, head over to the Viking Lobster Company. This cozy restaurant features a unique patio called The Wharf, which is decorated with recycled materials. The entire place comes with a rustic feel, as if you're dining within a large fishing boat. Try the fish fry or lobster pile. If you're really hungry, get the monster lobster or Viking feast for one.

A unique waterfront restaurant and banquet facility, Acqua provides a stunning backdrop for weddings and celebrations of any sort, with outdoor space, beautiful water views and gorgeous sunsets. The restaurant offers special deals for holidays, which include a set menu. Try an appetizer of butternut squash soup followed by a pan seared striploin with its natural pan jus and some pumpkin ravioli with bourbon cream glaze.

The Sportsmen's Tavern provides fun and entertainment in the evening. Gather your friends, and head there to listen to a big band show. Order a drink or two, and unwind after a busy week. If you like swing music, stop by Swing Buffalo. This adventure starts with a quick swing dance lesson to teach you the basics. After that, you get to show off your skills to live music on the dance floor.

Most residents use their own cars for transportation in Riverside Park, but many city bus stops reside within the neighborhood, making it a good alternative for those residents who do not want to drive. Luckily, if you choose to drive to local businesses, most provide their own parking at no charge. Few residents travel via cab, and if you want to, you must call to schedule a pick-up first. Unfortunately, Buffalo does not yet allow Uber.

Riverside Park sits in a convenient location, close to main roads like Military Road, Hertel Avenue, Interstate 190 and Expressway 198. Because so many businesses reside within the area, walking and biking serve as excellent options to travel the neighborhood. On the downside, however, the area provides few bike lanes.

As the name suggests, the Riverside Park neighborhood includes Riverside Park, one of Buffalo’s largest parks. The last park designed by the Olmsted firm, Riverside Park sits on the edge of the Niagara River and spans 22 acres. You pay no fee to access this amazing park, and dogs are welcome.

While at the park, head up to the Lighthouse Monument, the Petofi Monument, the World War I Memorial or the Niagara River Outlook. The playground and wading pool provide the perfect places for your children to play, and amenities such as baseball diamonds, football field, tennis courts, ice rink and swimming pool let you get out in the fresh air and exercise. The city hosts different community events at the park throughout the year and a farmer’s market each summer.

The cost of living in Riverside Park averages about the same as the rest of the city at 2.7 percent less than the Buffalo average. It sits at 20.8 percent less than the national average, however. The cost of housing, in particular, averages less than the rest of New York and the nation. A one-bedroom dwelling costs about $639 a month.

Other amenities average close to the national average. A pint of beer at a Riverside Park pub costs about $3.50 and gas costs about eight percent more than the national mean. If you prefer to travel to the city center via bus, you pay $2 for a single-use day ticket and $5 for an all-day ticket with unlimited use. A monthly pass saves you money if you travel downtown often and costs $75.

The area houses a few shops, but the high-end and high-value stores sit just outside the neighborhood. Half and Half Trading Company, established in 1973, carries unique items that you won’t find in all the other boutiques. In fact, they only sell five of each item, making each item that much more special. They sell stylish clothes at affordable prices.

Urban Leisure and Luxury sells clothing for men and women. They strive to bring you trendy contemporary clothing with brands like Buffalo Jeans, French Connection, Levi’s and many others. They also sell accessories and high-end snowboards.

Shopping for groceries is convenient at the many small grocery shops in the area; but Save-a-Lot and Wegmans serve as the neighborhood's largest grocery store chains. Both tout their fresh food at low prices. For the freshest food in the area, however, visit the Elmwood Bidwell Farmers Market. They always sell fresh, seasonal and local produce right from the source.