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Salads in Buffalo, NY, come in all sorts of flavors, from classic Caesar and Greek to some surprisingly inventive combos topped with unexpected ingredients.
A bunch of restaurants here focus on super-fresh produce and whip up their own dressings, so salads end up tasting way better than you might expect.
I want to help you find Buffalo’s best salads, whether you’re after a quick lunch or something more filling for dinner. There are little-known spots scattered around the city, and each one has its own thing going on.
1. The Salty Chefs
I checked out The Salty Chefs on Genesee Street after hearing they use local, fresh ingredients in their salads. The space felt casual and friendly right away. I got my food pretty fast, and I noticed they switch up the menu with the seasons—which is always a good sign.
I went for one of their salads loaded with crisp greens, veggies, and house-made dressing. Everything tasted super fresh, like it had just come off the farm. They’ve got vegan options too, which is great if you’re picky about what you eat.
The menu’s not just salads—there are burgers, soups, and baked treats if you’re in the mood for something else. Most of their produce and meat comes from Western New York farms, which I think makes a difference. Portions are generous, so you won’t leave hungry.
If you stop by, check out their daily specials board. Sometimes they’ve got a soup or salad you won’t find anywhere else.
Rating: 4.9 (173 reviews)\
Location: 111 Genesee St #103, Buffalo, NY 14203\
Contact: (716) 799-9208\
Website: Visit Website
2. Betty’s
Walking into Betty’s, you get hit with a warm, welcoming vibe. There’s bright art everywhere, and the place buzzes with conversation. The staff greeted me with a smile, which always makes a difference.
The menu’s creative, and the salads are especially fresh. I tried one with mixed greens, nuts, fruit, and a homemade dressing. Every bite had a good mix of flavors and textures. Portions hit that sweet spot—not too heavy, not too skimpy.
The food here has a global twist, kind of blending American comfort with flavors from all over. There are vegetarian and vegan choices, so just about anyone can find something. The staff knows their stuff if you’ve got questions about ingredients or allergies.
Betty’s works for solo meals or hanging out with friends. The space is open and bright, and honestly, the food lives up to the hype. If you’re coming for lunch or brunch, maybe show up a bit early—it gets crowded fast.
Rating: 4.4 (1,677 reviews)\
Location: 370 Virginia St, Buffalo, NY 14201\
Contact: (716) 362-0633\
Website: Visit Website
3. Cafe 59
I stopped by Cafe 59 recently and loved their creative salad options and chill atmosphere. There’s local art on the walls, and you can pick from regular tables or cozy corners. The staff was friendly and knew the menu inside out.
What really stands out are their house made dressings and freshly roasted vegetables. They prep veggies and meats right there, which makes everything taste better. There are plenty of vegetarian and vegan choices, and they’re happy to swap things out if you have special requests.
I went with a salad full of house roasted veggies and a tangy vinaigrette. It tasted super fresh and was filling without being too much. The menu changes for lunch and dinner, and there are daily specials, so you can always try something new.
The bar’s got a solid cocktail and beer list, so you can pair your salad with a drink if you’re feeling it. Cafe 59 works just as well for a quick lunch as it does for a laid-back dinner.
Rating: 4.5 (640 reviews)\
Location: 62 Allen St, Buffalo, NY 14202\
Contact: (716) 883-1880\
Website: Visit Website
4. The Poppyseed Restaurant
I dropped by The Poppyseed Restaurant and honestly, everything tasted super fresh. Their salads are huge, colorful, and loaded with good stuff. You can tell they use local produce—each bite was crisp and full of flavor.
I went for the Bird Salad, which came with ginger chicken, roasted beets, onion, and chickpeas. It was hearty and healthy, just what I wanted. The homemade dressings, especially the balsamic, really made it pop.
The vibe is casual and welcoming. Staff seem genuinely friendly and happy to help with questions or suggestions. I saw plenty of folks digging into soups and sandwiches, but those big salads definitely steal the show.
They serve wine and beer too, which is a nice bonus. Specials show up a lot, especially for online orders, so it’s worth checking the menu or their website before you go.
Rating: 4.7 (698 reviews)\
Location: 3670 McKinley Pkwy #23, Buffalo, NY 14219\
Contact: (716) 824-0075\
Website: Visit Website
5. Strong Hearts Buffalo
As soon as I walked into Strong Hearts Buffalo, I noticed the cool blend of modern and old warehouse style. Light pours in through the big windows, making the space feel open and bright.
The menu’s all vegan, loaded with salads and comfort food. There are tons of options with fresh vegetables, grains, and plant-based proteins. The staff answered my questions about the salads and seemed genuinely happy to share their favorites.
Strong Hearts got its start in Syracuse and opened up in Buffalo a few years ago. The place fits right into the neighborhood, and you can tell they care about vegan ethics and keeping things positive.
The salads here taste bright and fresh—each one’s got its own flavor profile, not just a pile of greens. I liked the laid-back, friendly vibe and the attention to detail in every dish.
Rating: 4.8 (524 reviews)\
Location: 295 Niagara St, Buffalo, NY 14201\
Contact: (716) 635-1777\
Website: Visit Website
6. The Place
Last time I stopped by The Place, the cozy feeling hit me right away. There’s this long oak bar that gives it a classic tavern vibe. The building itself feels like it’s been a neighborhood staple forever.
I grabbed a seat outside on their porch, which was comfy and had plenty of room for groups. The whole atmosphere was relaxed, and everyone seemed to be having a good time.
They serve up American comfort food, but the salad I tried was fresh and satisfying. You could tell they actually cared about what they put on the plate—everything was crisp and tasty. The staff was friendly and answered my random menu questions without any fuss.
The place was busy but not crazy loud. It’s the kind of spot where you can roll in for a low-key meal or get together with friends to celebrate something.
Rating: 4.5 (922 reviews)\
Location: 229 Lexington Ave, Buffalo, NY 14222\
Contact: (716) 882-7522\
Website: Visit Website
7. Big Big Table
I stopped by Big Big Table for lunch and immediately felt the warm, welcoming vibe. Money isn’t a barrier here—you’ll get a meal no matter what you can pay. Their pay-as-you-can model really puts kindness and respect first.
The menu switches up all the time, so you never quite know what sort of salad will show up. The day I visited, my salad overflowed with fresh local veggies and a punchy homemade dressing. Healthy, nourishing food is clearly their thing.
Locals and folks from all over come to eat or volunteer. I liked that I could lock up my bike right outside, and buses stop nearby. The staff and volunteers looked genuinely happy to help out.
Rating: 4.8 (41 reviews)\
Location: 272 Hudson St, Buffalo, NY 14201\
Contact: (716) 381-8954\
Website: Visit Website
