If you’re seeking flavor, community, and a dash of surprise in Tonawanda, Sheridan Parkside is the neighborhood to explore. While often overlooked in favor of busier commercial corridors, this residential pocket along Sheridan Drive and its cross streets delivers a food scene bursting with variety—from local institutions to under-the-radar gems that never fail to impress. Whether you want comfort eats, global bites, or sweet delights, Sheridan Parkside’s culinary strip is your passport to a neighborhood with taste.
Main Eats on Sheridan Drive
Sheridan Drive is the anchoring artery of the neighborhood, pulsing with diverse dining choices for every craving and budget.
- Pane’s Restaurant & Bar (984 Payne Ave at Sheridan Dr)
- An enduring family-run Italian-American spot since 1959, Pane’s is a local legend. Their spaghetti parmigiana, mammoth meatballs, and garlicky rolls are citywide favorites. The vibe is classic Tonawanda: generous portions, friendly servers, and a bar lined with locals. Lunch entrees start around $10, and hearty pasta dinners range $14–$22.
- *Don’t miss: Friday fish fry, hearty chicken parm, cannoli to go.*
- Duff’s Famous Wings (3651 Sheridan Dr near Eggert Rd)
- Buffalo loves its wings, and Duff’s holds a sacred spot in chicken wing lore. This location keeps the heat and flavor coming with unapologetically saucy, crisp wings (medium is already spicy here!). Dive into a plate with blue cheese and a side of crispy fries for the full experience—expect mains in the $11–$18 range.
- *Local tip: Duff’s also has killer beef on weck sandwiches.*
- Mandarin Garden (947 Sheridan Dr)
- A cornerstone for Chinese comfort food, Mandarin Garden is cherished for its stick-to-your-ribs classics like General Tso’s chicken, steaming hot wonton soup, and a surprisingly great vegetarian selection. With lunch specials under $9 and dinner options from $13–$19, it’s a crowd-pleaser for dine-in or takeout.
- *People rave about: Steamed dumplings, Szechuan dishes, and fast, friendly service.*
Coffee, Sweets, and Relaxed Vibes
Sheridan Parkside offers cozy havens for caffeine fuel and indulgent bites, perfect for any time of day.
- Steamworks Coffee (3782 Delaware Ave at Sheridan Dr)
- This café is a favorite morning stop. Expect locally roasted beans, inventive espresso creations, and a case of homemade pastries from brownies to flaky scones. Quiet corners make it great for working or catching up over a chai latte ($3–$6).
- *Hidden delight: Their lavender honey latte and lemon-poppyseed muffins stand out.*
- Glaze Euphoria Donut Co. (Inside Sheridan Plaza)
- A bakery pop-up turned cult favorite, Glaze Euphoria drops small-batch doughnuts that are fluffy, glazed to perfection, and feature rotating seasonal concoctions (think: pistachio-cardamom, maple bacon). Most doughnuts are $2–$4 each.
- *Pro tip: Get there early—weekend drops usually sell out within hours!*
- Delaware Pantry (at Kenmore Ave and Delaware)
- A neighborhood bodega-meets-bakery, Delaware Pantry offers surprisingly tasty breakfast sandwiches, fresh bagels, and a rotating case of homemade treats. It’s a casual, affordable place to grab a coffee and something sweet on the go, with single-serve pastries priced around $2–$5.
Global Eats & Local Culture
Several unassuming storefronts and food trucks put Sheridan Parkside on the map for international flavors and authentic traditions.
- A Taste of Ethiopia (Sheridan Dr at Parkhurst Blvd, food truck spot)
- This vibrant food truck often parks at Sheridan Dr intersections, dishing up warm injera, spicy lentil stews, and aromatic chicken tibs. Most plates are $13–$17, and flavors are soulful and rich. Locals line up on weekend evenings for a taste of unique, masterfully spiced East African cuisine not found elsewhere in the city.
- *Try: Doro wat (spicy chicken stew) and veggie combo platters.*
- Sen Vietnamese Cuisine (951 Sheridan Dr)
- A cozy dining room with big flavors, Sen specializes in steaming bowls of pho, crisp banh mi sandwiches, and fresh summer rolls. The kitchen’s homemade broths and generous portions evoke the best of Vietnamese comfort food. Lunch and dinner bowls range from $11–$16.
- *Menu highlight: Pho ga (chicken) and the spicy lemongrass beef banh mi.*
- Tamales Lupita (Sheridan Dr, pop-up on weekends)
- Truly a hidden gem, Tamales Lupita is a family-run operation that sets up at local lots on Saturdays and Sundays. Their hand-prepared pork, chicken, and vegetarian tamales are pillowy-soft and generously filled, just $2.50 each.
- *Local tradition: Locals buy them by the dozen for gatherings—a Sheridan Parkside weekend ritual!*
Neighborhood Institutions & Quick Bites
- Anderson’s Frozen Custard (2235 Sheridan Dr)
- A Buffalo staple for over 70 years, Anderson’s serves rich frozen custard, hearty roast beef sandwiches, hot dogs, and nostalgia in spades. Their butter rum custard and classic beef on weck make it hard to resist. Lunch under $10, dessert around $3–$5.
- *Seasonal must-try: Pumpkin custard and their homemade waffle cones.*
- Chiz’s Deli & Peacemaker Pizza (995 Kenmore Ave, just south of Sheridan Dr)
- Chiz’s is a legend for loaded subs and massive slices. From chicken finger pizza to stuffed hoagies, everything is made to order and full of local flavor. Frills are few, but flavor is huge. Slices and subs run $6–$12.
- *Neighborhood fave: The “Peacemaker” sandwich is an overstuffed delight.*
Final Bites: Sheridan Parkside’s Foodie Personality
What makes Sheridan Parkside’s food scene shine is its genuine, welcoming energy. This is not a touristy food destination—it’s about neighbors gathering, family traditions, and meals made with pride. The streets from Sheridan Dr (spanning from Delaware Ave across Elmwood) are dotted with destination diners, casual takeout spots, and pop-ups where you’re as likely to strike up a conversation as find your new favorite dish.
Whether you’re a local looking to rediscover your own backyard or visiting Tonawanda for the first time, give Sheridan Parkside’s dining scene a chance. Bring your appetite, a sense of adventure, and you’ll leave full—guaranteed.