What could improve? How about the food...specifically their former signature sandwich. We were first there 10 years ago and it was all that we expected, the food and nostalgia did not disappoint. Subsequent visits, a few years apart showed a marked decline. The signature Beef on Weck sandwich is no longer. They call it a "beef sandwich" but what we tried to eat last week was not the sandwich made famous by a tasty cut of meat and the unique bun characteristic of Western New York. What we had was tough and un-cuttable, even with a steak knife. The bun was a soggy hamburger bun with salt and caraway barely attached. We brought a half a sandwich home, actually cooked the meat and it was fine. I'm sure the great WNY Beef on Weck is available somewhere...just no longer at Schwabl's. read more

Excellent beef on weck. Probably the best in Buffalo, and service was outstanding, fast and very friendly. Even when I changed order midway through the cook. Luckily, it was from medium rare to medium. Restaurant opened at 1130, by 1131 they already had six to eight customers. The entire bar and restaurant area is very inviting. Will definitely be back, next time I'm in town. read more

Been going there for decades, this was the first bad experience we have had there. The rolls were hard and stale, when we complained they took the meat and put it on an even staler roll! Not even a new sandwich. Asked for light ajue and they didn't dip it at all. Gone are the white coats and clean looking staff, I guess this new generation just doesn't care anymore. This iconic restaurant will not last much longer if they don't bring back some of the old ways. Will not be going back. read more

OK, so here goes Colin. This was probably my fourth time here in 15 years and the second in the last year. I was getting my car inspected at the car dealership and I thought I'm nearby to Schwabl's, no kids, I'm going there for lunch. I decided to read some yelp reviews before I went and was disappointed to see that they were mostly negative as far as quality and portions, however, I decided I'm gonna give it a shot. The restaurant is a throwback to another time. It is all very charming , however, I saw things, and the way that I was treated, was a real turn off. They are very smug there and I don't know why? They were training someone to carve roast beef and it was ridiculous how rigid it was. As someone who knows how to cook And likes roast beef sliced evenly I watched them hack up a top round roast, or whatever the cheapest cut of roast beef is, into little teeny shreds. I saw the senior "carver" later on making a sandwich for somebody, put it on a scale, and took a piece of roast beef off because it was too heavy! Can you imagine? Throw it on the next order I guess. The place was about 80% empty when I came in. I really couldn't see to my left or right as the building is sideways and their interior walls were blocking parts of the dining room. But I had a clear view to the training of the new "carver". My waitress was nice but incredibly loud. Perhaps she's used to an older clientele with poor hearing, but it was annoying to be yelled at. As the restaurant started to fill in at around 12:30 PM on a Saturday I realized I was one of the only people who wasn't drinking, so perhaps that's why I was treated Slightly, and I mean slightly rudely they had trouble with their soda machine and they offered to give me a bottle diet, which I didn't really want. Perhaps that upset them. I waited about 15 minutes in a basically empty restaurant and didn't receive any food yet people who received it after me that I saw Were served. I stood up because I was going to leave. I was not comfortable there in the first place wait walk by and I said look. I've been here for a while. Other people who came in after me being served. If I'm wrong, then I'll be quiet and sit down. And she shouted at me that I was wrong because there were people around the corner that I didn't see who were seated before me. Perfectly acceptable answer so I sat back down. I ended up getting a rare roast beef on Camelback with the potato salad upgrade. An extra $3.99 with a pickled beat. The portions were fair. The taste of everything was good but the roast beef was so tough that every time you took a bite out of the sandwich the meat would pull out of the roll and you left with the piece of roast beef hanging out of your mouth. So tough. But it tasted good. I can seed on the "bottled" sprite, which taste just as bad as the Diet Coke so I didn't drink it and I was charged $3.50 . I left the five dollar tip and my entire bill was almost $38 for a roast beef sandwich. At best it was a choice cut of beef. That is ridiculous to spend on a sandwich like that. I probably will never be back because of that. However, it did taste good! But not worth 30 bucks. They are probably gonna survive without me. But they should be a lot nicer to people who aren't regulars and drop some of their smugness. I probably could've gotten just as good as sandwich sandwich at Arby's for a third of the price. But the atmosphere is cool, the carvers wearing their white aprons and all the waitresses dressed in their white uniforms, is also cool. I wish them success, but an old Western New York tradition needs to be realistic. And if you're going to charge that much use better quality beef. I would like to go back, but I think if they see my review and they recognize me it'll be even worse. read more

It is very discouraging to see that Schwabl's is lower than four stars on Yelp. Anthony Bourdain came here. Alton Brown came here and determined they had the best Beef on Weck in Buffalo. I have not tried all of the favorite spots but I am certain theirs is outstanding. I loved the fresh horseradish too! I also tried the pickled beets and German potato salad which were among the best I have ever had. They have great service too. I would happily return again and again! read more

Schwabl's Restaurant - A perfect plate! - American Near Me - West Seneca, New York

This was my place for beef on weck every time I returned to my hometown. We went last night and we were welcomed by a sign that they won't even serve you tap water unless you order a drink. Absolutely ridiculous. Also, the only drink prices even listed on the menu are for the sodas and coffee/tea. You would have no clue what the price is of the drink you were ordering if you picked an alcoholic drink listed. On top of that, the prices have gone up so much. It was $8.50 for a side of German potato salad. $16.99 for a sandwich. Charlie the Butcher is half the price and more beef comes on the sandwich. Bar Bill has beef that's just as foodThe rolls didn't even taste very fresh. Also, they have done "updates" to the building a few times recently, but the inside is still the same. I am thinking that they have kept that the same so they don't need to worry about making it accessible for people with disabilities. So, if you have a mobility disability and can't do stairs, you're still not able to get in. read more

Schwabl's Restaurant - Sign about not serving tap water without a drink purchase. - American Near Me - West Seneca, New York

It is unfortunate that we have very disappointing experience with takeout order from Schwable. First, the beef on weck was overpriced at $27.99. Secondly, the meat was not carved correctly, it was too thick. When you took a bite the entire inside of the sandwich would come out. Now, let's talk about the flavor. It was so tough; it tasted like a grizzle and low-quality beef. It is highly overrated!!! Furthermore, for a pint of beer is $9.50. Way too pricey compared to another restaurant. Let's talk about the fish dinner, it was overpriced at $22.99. Its small piece of haddock. One positive note, the flavor was good. In summation, the specialty of the house beef on weck is overpriced, tough, and consistency of a burlap bag. They may carry the traditional name but not the taste and quality of the food. read more

Delicious. This has been on my list to try for years and finally went today for lunch with my aunt. It lived up to the hype (hype being best beef on weck in buffalo). Along with a delicious meal, they had birch beer to have instead of root beer which just hit the spot. And the staff was super nice as well! It is a pretty cozy place so big tables are likely harder to accommodate. But for a table for two it was perfect! read more

Schwabl's Restaurant - Roast Beef Sandwich on Kmmelweck - American Near Me - West Seneca, New York

First time here. Very welcoming and great atmosphere. The menu is more than just roast beef, but of course that is what we chose to eat. I had beef on weck and hubby had the beef on bread covered in gravy. Everything was good. I had coleslaw and hubby tried the beets. They both were good but on the vinegary side. We tried the Tom and Jerry. Small but a powerful drink. Well worth the price. I had birch beer off the tap. Really good. Gave them 4 out of 5. Just because of the price. I know prices have gone up but will choose the sandwich over the meal next time. read more

I am certainly no expert on a Beef on Weck but this was certainly a tasty sandwich. They were very accommodating. I got the au jus on side. The roast beef was served rare as per my request. You were not want for meat. Bread seemed like it was made that am. The potato salad served with the platter is a definite must if you like German style vinegar base. DO NOT forgo this incredible tasty side. I repeat DO NOT forgo this side. The place is old world class that can never be replaced. One can only hope it can last for another 100+ years. Thank you and when I am in town I will certainly come back. read more

Well, now that's done. Famous, legendary, can't be missed is what we were told. Well, unfortunately not so much. I'd usually go into a long, detailed explanation of our experience but it would be just to exhausting. So just the highlight's. The food is overhyped, beef jerky is less chewy than my beef. Service isn't. Order was wrong. Way overpriced for what was delivered... The gentleman working the cutting station and the bar were the highlight of the visit. The server who couldn't be bothered with us but was happy to stand in the back eating repeatedly even killed that. read more

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Absolute "must do" when visiting Buffalo. Our roast beef was perfect and you cannot beat the ambiance! read more

Schwabl's Restaurant - Hand sliced roast beef next to your table!!! - American Near Me - West Seneca, New York

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Will never visit Buffalo without stopping here poutine with carved beef over the top and the roast beef with horseradish, best ever

A trip back in time. Literally, I was the youngest person in there and I'm 59. Old school Beef on Weck and it's as good as gets in West Seneca. I first visited in 2001 and nothing had changed but they are starting on some renovations. The pretzels are fantastic and the accompanying beer cheese is delicious. Service was terrific and super friendly. Tip these ladies they work very hard. read more

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Let me start this review by saying we were in Buffalo from Florida, and I had never had a beef on weck sandwich I enjoyed. I never understood the hype, but after having a fresh sandwich from the source, I do now. We stopped by after I searched the net for the best beef on weck in Buffalo. This is an old restaurant that has been serving great food for a long time. I decided to go with the sandwich platter that included gravy, potato salad, and beets. The sandwich was being carved behind where we sat, so I chatted with the meat carver. He explained how the cook their beef and the conversation was really enjoyed. The sandwich looked great when it was delivered. I put some fresh ground horseradish on it with just a little mayo. I bit into it and fell in love. The key was having the freshest roast beef and being freshly carved by the order. The roll made the sandwich perfect. Overall, we really enjoyed our visit. The food was exceptional and the service was great as well. I am very thankful that I got to try a beef on weck from the source. It really set the bar high for all others sandwiches that come after it. I have been craving another sandwich since we left! read more

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I had the most terrible take-out order from this place. The beef on weck is truly the worst price I have ever seen. The beef was unable to be eaten. It was too thick, tough as a burlap bag, and overpriced at 27.99. What a rip off this place. The beer was priced at $9.50 per pint. I will never go back and I hope others read this because the place is horribbblee!!! read more

We were regulars at this restaurant for years. Always looked forward to a delicious meal in a cozy, old time setting. Things began to change when the last Schwabl left and the current owner took over. Also after a car hit the building. Portions got smaller. I got fried shrimp that must have been left over cocktail shrimp, you could see the tell tale pink skin inside the breading. In honor of my mom, who so looked forward to her seafood dinner and Manhattan cocktail, we would love to return. But, most all the reviews are a red flag. German potato salad is the best for sure but portion size, cost of entrees, rules like no water without a drink, etc. are stoppers. The roast beef was never that tender and looks from pictures, to be sliced on the thicker side now (more chewy(. It may be that the restaurant is struggling to stay afloat. If so, sorry. But perhaps some specials and back to basics would help. Would love to return but like I said, "red flags." read more

I love everything about Schwabl's. I love the old bearded man who carves the beef for all to see. I love the subtle Christmas decorations behind the beautiful old school bar. I love how the Tom & Jerrys pour slowly out of a ladle like concrete. I love the German potato salad, the sweet pickles, the beets, the weck roll, gravy, mashed potatoes, birch beer, potato pancakes and how the horseradish wreaks havoc on my nostrils. I also like how they actually ask and listen to how you want the beef prepared. It normally comes out very pink. I personally like my roast beef medium/well and they oblige to that. Only downfall is it's a bit pricey. $65 for a dinner for two people is a bit much but I think it's worth every penny compared to a pasta dish you could get elsewhere at the same price. My personal favorite place for beef on weck in WNY. read more

This was our go-to place for Beef on Weck. I took my daughter and father today for lunch on a Friday. We arrived at 12:30. To my surprise, there were only three tables with customers there. In the past, we would have had to wait. We were greeted promptly by a very nice waitress. I was surprised at the price of our go to Beef on Weck platter with French fries and coleslaw. We always order as rare as possible. It was served quickly. The beef was so tough and stringy. You could not bite the beef without out the entire piece coming out of the roll. It wasn't very flavorful. I was truly disappointed. With two of us getting the birch beer and my father who ordered water, received it in a plastic bottle, our total bill for three with tip was $100. When we left, my daughter and I said after going there for over 30 years, we won't be going back. Bar Bill serves a much better product. read more

Avoid this place at all costs. Food is expensive and tastes below average. Two plates of frozen fries and tough beef will run you 80 dollars. Insane. Saw a couple get charged 5 dollars more than they owed by mistake. And the server gives the cheaper bill to someone else and says here is a cheaper bill I gave yours to the wrong table. What about those other people? read more

Roast beef cooked to perfection. Accompanied by mashed potatoes and gravy. Delicious.

Horrible service..Stringy inedible roast beef. There is an arrogant air in the place while you wait 1 hour for sub-par roast beef. You will sit and wait watching the repetitive sharpening of knives to cut the horrible roast beef. I suggest you try Arby's the roast beef is better. read more

Don't do it. Overpriced, terrible food. The roast beef is tougher than leather and even though they remade our sandwiches with rarer meat, it still wasn't edible and had no flavor. They also charge $1 for tap water. read more

Schwabl's Restaurant - American Near Me - West Seneca, New York

Oh Schwabl's, how I love thee and your roast beef on weck sandwich! You almost make me want to move to Buffalo! I love your quaint restaurant, which looks old while managing not to seem dated, and your waitstaff in old school uniforms. But mostly I love your roast beef on weck, piled high with tender prime rib, and the pillowy roll made even tastier by the topping of salt and caraway seeds. The generous portion of delicious potato salad only added to the deliciousness. If I had any complaint to make at all, it was that I was too full after eating only half my sandwich and potatoes to try one of your tasty looking desserts. Clearly a return trip to Buffalo is in order, if not to do anything other than come back to Schwabl's. read more

It's an absolute disappointment! Spent $108 for 4 beef on weck, small soup, german potato salad, and was supposed to get pickles, but never got them. First off, if a business is going to charge a customer extra for picking up food, that's wrong. It was an additional $18 on top of the insane prices of the food. Sandwiches cost almost $18 for a less than 1/2lb. of thickly sliced tough roast beef couldn't chew it was so full of grizzled and on a stale roll with barely any seeds or salt. A miniscule portion of crappy horseradish, Now for the "soup of the day" A simply pathetic soup. Liver and dumpling as it was told to me by phone. I get the soup, and it's a so so beef broth with 2 balls of liver and nothing but celery, just sucked. The German potato salad was just total crap, mushy, salty garbage. How did this place get famous . It should close read more

While the food is great the service is understaffed. Also the prices are outrageous $15 for potato pancakes is a little rediculous. I like the place but it is too expensive for me. I will not be returning. read more

I'll give them props for the beyond excellent beef on wick!! What will prevent me from returning: * $2.50 for 1/3 cup of a jus to go with the sandwich. * frozen French fries. * odd " rules" about tasting another's food( weird). * 4 oz. Non refillable sodas. Hard No on a return for us. read more

This is the only place you should ever get a beef on weck. Their service is friendly, the atmosphere and decor is unique with interesting things to look at on the walls from famous people who have been here to things locals relate to. The beef is amazing and if you like birch beer they have it on tap. They have these amazing pickled beets and coleslaw as sides also. Love this place! read more

Schwabl's Restaurant - Schwabl's Napkin - American Near Me - West Seneca, New York

Parking It's tight. It's all on the one side of the building and when the lot is full it's tricky. Food This place is a classic and has been around for over 100 years. The menus look like they could use a refresh. I have had a few things here but the roast beef special is what they are really known for. To me I think it's one of the best in the area, but it has gotten very expensive for what it is. Plus. The restaurant This place seems to always be under construction. This last visit the whole front was in shambles. Plastic tarp and blocked off. At one time the staff would wear white uniforms that looked great, but now they all look like slobs in sweats and jeans. Not sure if this is a new look or a one time thing. Minus. Bathrooms are a disaster. Men's room hot water didn't work and it was the size of a matchbox. Clearly it's not ada compliant and looks to be something that was done in the 1920s... which looks great in a postcard but horrible to use. Minus. Walking into the restaurant was through a side door. The basement door was open and emitted something unpleasant. Minus minus. It's was packed and at first I didn't know who to ask to be seated. I'm assuming that the flow is better when the main door is opened up. We shall see... I come every time I'm in the area but the direction this place is going it might be one of our last. Lighting is dim and could use an update and I get it that they are going for a look but they can do a much better job on the details. read more

Awesome everything! Service is awesome! Drinks are fantastic!! The food is amazing!! I see why this place has been around for almost 200 years read more

I really want to give them five stars because I am a big opponent are local cuisine and heritage. However the last two times we went, our beef was cut in what seems like the wrong direction because it was very hard to chew. When I went a few months ago - when they put our leftovers in the container it seemed dry, so I asked for a little gravy to keep it wet and not dried out in the box. What I didn't realize is that for the little bit in a container that we got I was charged $2.95. Not acceptable or expected. The gravy is delicious and homemade but I have to say I'm bothered by the fact that she didn't mention she was charging me three dollars for it. The last time we went did not have tender beef and we were very surprised. We were also surprised by the story of the renovations because of an accident at their building. The telling of the story and when you seemed blaming and really uncalled for. We didn't like that - you could tell this was because of an accident and yet how embarrassing for the person that the story is told on their menu. I think it's inappropriate and so did my Mom. Too bad, the nostalgia didn't make up for those things. My Mom said she really doesn't ever want to go back again, when we got to the car, and that says a lot. read more

Schwabl's Restaurant - Bavarian pretzels with beers cheese dip - 4 to an order - American Near Me - West Seneca, New York

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Although this restaurant is known for its roast beef, we find it tough and do not like it. The portion sizes are also extremely small and the prices are high, so we've stayed away - for a year. Well, tonight we were looking for a quiet place to eat and everywhere else was too crowded, so we decided to give Schwabl's another try. And, boy are we glad we did. It's Saturday and we both ordered the Saturday special of the Hungarian goulash. We were BLOWN AWAY! This was THE BEST MEAL I've had in as long as I can remember. Tasted like genuine home cooking. The meat was fall apart tender and beyond flavorful. Also, it was a VERY generous portion. I got mine over mashed potatoes, and my dinner partner did the same. We both were extremely pleased. So much so, we're putting Schwabl's back into our regular rotation, BECAUSE of this dish. We plan on coming here every Saturday, just to get the Hungarian goulash. I can't say enough good things about this dish. Restaurant atmosphere was quiet and relaxing, as we remembered. Everything about this experience was PERFECT. And, it's in West Seneca! It doesn't get any better than this. A*** read more

I know it's sacrilege to not really care about beef on weck and live in WNY. But it's really not my thing. My boyfriend loves them and the ones here are by far the best according to him and others I've taken. My favorite thing here personally is the carved ham sandwiches dipped in the glorious tomato clove sauce. If you can pull yourself away from beef on weck once give this a try. It's amazing. It's like Christmas in your mouth. The sauce is also great on fries. You should order it on the side though unlike my photo. Soggy white bread isn't nice and the experience is much better if you can dip your sandwich into a bowl of delicious sauce instead. Their fish fry is also lovely. Unlike most it's lightly breaded. Out of all the fish frys I've tried in Buffalo this one is my favorite. Best German potato salad too. You don't need me to tell you to go here though. It's an institution. Just try the ham and tomato clove sauce. Seriously. Oh and Monday nights are a good time to go if you hate crowds. If you show up late on busy nights they might be out of the rarer cuts of beef. Also try their drinks. Their seasonal cocktails have always been winners. Especially the holiday joy of a Tom and Jerry. read more

Schwabl's Restaurant - Carved ham sandwich w/ tomato sauce. The sauce is flavored with clove, sweet & tangy. Get it on the side unless you like soggy bread. - American Near Me - West Seneca, New York

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Beef on Weck is easy to screw up (I've eaten enough of it to know), and I'd rather eat Cotton Swabs than a Container of Schwabl's. I have been told that I got this wrong. I need to try it again! I need to revise my rating! OK fine! I'll try it again! All I can say is that if you think this is a good roast beef sandwich, then we have different taste in Roast Beef. Beef on Weck is a wonderful element of the western New York food scene. Charlie the Butcher is the gold standard and while it is miniature and expensive, it uses the best beef by far, and tastes the best, and doesn't feel like you're chewing through a leather shoe. A lot of other places use cold cut beef, or overly Grizzly and tasteless beef lacking tenderness. This place falls into that category. It needs to be a lot more tender. it's actually at the other end of the scale from Charlie's. When you combine all this with sometimes truly awful service and extremely long wait times, and then you consider the fact that I have friends coming to town telling me I need to eat here as if I haven't already tried every beef on weck in town, I just can't deal with the hype and the bad standard of this place. Please, go into Schwabl's with an open mind, try the food, then go to Charlie The Butcher's, and you decide for yourself which is better. Schwabl's isn't even the second best Beef On Weck in town. It's just average. Anthony Bourdain? You need to get your *** back to Buffalo and let me show you some real food, my man. Let me say, though, that this place is a bit of a Buffalonian tradition, and I like the ambience and the Buffalonianism of it, and the fact that you can sit there and watch your BOW being cut and all that good stuff. But it's extremely overpriced and if this place is the benchmark for BOW, then I know about 20 places that have surpassed it by a long stretch (and I've only had BOW at about 25 places). I also call it squabbles because I always fight with local foodies who think this place is the ultimate Beef On Weck Temple. read more

Schwabl's Restaurant - We're gonna have to Schwab your throat to see if you ate their beef - American Near Me - West Seneca, New York

Hard to give a review these days when high prices are the first things people think about. I understand the industry has changed where going out is no longer as spontaneous due to prices, so when we decide to venture out we hope the meal is worth the trip. Schwabl's is not. Roast beef was always their go to, but the smaller portions along with those hidden grizzled bites which takes half the beef out of the sandwich- that's a turn off. Want a water with your meal? Too bad unless you order a drink/beverage to go along with it. Fries and gravy are tasty and the service was rushed due to an early closing (Doors are locked at 7:30) Price was $98 (pre-tip) for 2 roast beef sandwiches/coleslaw/fries along with 1 beer and 2 Cocktails... I'm all for supporting local places but too many other establishments are more worthy of our money. We were wondering why the place was so empty when we arrived...now we know. read more

So as a Buffalonian I feel like I've committed some kind of travesty, as I've never been here before. This is the most publicized place for Beef on Weck in WNY. The Servers and Staff were very friendly and right off the bat I was impressed as I was asked how I wanted my Beef cooked. This is a good sign. I also noticed they had soft pretzel rods and Beer Cheese (there is mustard offered as well, but mmmm...Beer Cheese). We got that and I ordered my Beef on Weck Medium Rare, and Robin my Wife ordered hers Rare. The taste is worthy of the Hype. This is hands down the BEST Beef on Weck I've ever eaten in my life. The Pretzels and Beer cheese were also amazing. Though I found out that this sandwich, at over 12 dollars, didn't even include chips. The cost on the menu is just the Sandwich. So I ordered fries with gravy on the side. When the food arrived I asked my wife who had just had some of the Pretzel Appetizer and only ordered a sandwich if she would like some fries. She told me they will charge us more if we share. Now let me back up, my wife and I generally will get different plates and split the 2 in half so we both get some of the meals. We love sharing everything. Which brings me to the Cons, and the reason I rated the restaurant a 3 vs a 5, is because EVERYTHING here is an upcharge. Expensive is the Key Here. Expensive drinks in Little glasses, Expensive Sodas in little glasses with no refills, heck a small plate of their specialty fries was over 10 dollars. An almost $13 Beef on Weck that doesn't even come with a cheap side. Plus if you share your food with anyone at the Table, you get charged a dollar more if you "share" your sandwich, 3 dollars if you share from a "Specialty" Plate. I come to buy food and eat it, not be nanny coddled about how I eat it and if I let someone try it. That is absolutely ridiculous. I also had a small gripe about the Men's restroom. By small I mean it is so small that I as a 5'10" man couldn't stand shoulders straight at the one toilet, and had a non-lockable door, in the alcove that was the mens bathroom. Given the dimensions I'm assuming the Woman's bathroom will have the same issue. I think this may be the last time I come here, as this is Buffalo, there are good Beef on Weck sandwiches everywhere. Heck I've gotten a decent one at a Gas Station once (pretty sure I was on the East Side). I think I'd rather patronize a place that has a Good Sandwich, then get my pockets turned out and watched for "sharing" at one that makes a Great Sandwich. read more

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While visiting family, we decided to have lunch at Schwabl's. It's been a few years since we were here, so we were hoping that it was still really good. The medium rare beef - was nicely hand sliced very thin and piled high on kimmelweck (beef on Weck). The Weck roll was stale - very dry. The warm German potato and pickled beets were very tasty. My brother-in-law's sandwich was served on white bread smothered in gravy with french fries - very good. Service was very friendly. read more

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Overpriced and whatever cut of beef they buy is unchewable. Should have believed the previous posts

Beef on weck is hard to screw up, and because the sandwich is simple, quality ingredients are necessary and inferior ones are obvious. Beef on weck is a western New York specialty, a roast beef sandwich au jus usually dressed with horseradish, set on kummelweck - a chewy white roll (weck) topped with kosher salt and caraway seeds (kümmel). When I last visited Buffalo, I embarked on a "Quest for the Best" beef on weck. I asked friends for recommendations to places serving the most tender and flavorful beef; the richest jus; the freshest, jus-resistant roll, and my favorite flavor-enhancer, the enthusiastic support of long-time customers. I was sent to: - Schwabl's - West Seneca - Bar Bill Tavern - East Aurora - Anderson's Frozen Custard - Cheektowaga - Charlie the Butcher's Kitchen - Williamsville - Anchor Bar - Buffalo Niagara International Airport Last things first: Anchor Bar at the airport wasn't anyone's favorite place. Delta delayed our departure by a full day, so while we waited (and before we bailed and went back into BUF for the night), I thought, "Why not try an iconic sandwich made by an equally iconic bar/restaurant?" You can read the answer to that question in this review: https://www.yelp.com/biz/anchor-bar-cheektowaga?hrid=dxarOsD7NEpjFeCD0kSC_g Charlie the Butcher's Kitchen and the Union Road Anderson's were mediocre disappointments; useful, I suppose, to those in a hurry and to neighbors who live nearby. Feel free to send me messages saying I'm wrong; say why and you might persuade me. Bar Bill offered a worthy representation of the classic beef on weck, plus excellent wings, but, validating my sense that finding the best required a quest, the drive to East Aurora proved arduous, and once we arrived at Bar Bill, we stood in an hour-long line. Perhaps this is a local's hangout because people elsewhere are unwilling to commute for sandwiches. Schwabl's was the winner. Hands down, no question. The sandwich was a knockout, with tender beef piled onto a fresh, barely yeasty roll, and jus that rode the razor's edge between perfectly savory and a just a bit too salty. When I finished eating, I wanted another sandwich. Not because I was hungry - the portion was quite large - but because I knew that nothing else I'd eat in Buffalo would be as good as that magnificent meal. And if the food hadn't been wonderful, Schwabl's might still have headed my "Best Beef on Weck" list, as its building and history, its staff and their customers are all a part of what satisfies when one visits the place. One quick story before I go: Years ago, my wife and I visited friends in Buffalo, and eventually I was asked what sort of food I'd like to eat. I said I didn't care what it was, so long as it was served in a place where local people were comfortable. Our friends took us to Schwabl's. Walking into that mid-century setting, I found my bliss: the décor, smells, and menu kicked me in my pleasure center and made me happy to be there. And then things got better. The waitress asked what I wanted, and I cheerfully responded, "I'm new here, so I don't know. Pretend I'm 60 and have been coming in all my life, and bring me the 'usual'." So she delivered a Genesee Cream Ale and a hand-carved beef on weck. The meal was everything I described earlier in this review, and honest to God, had I not had commitments in San Diego and a wife who'd purposely left Buffalo years earlier, I might be a regular at Schwabl's today. read more

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Very expensive for the portion Of the beef on wick, bottom of roll was crunchy ( hard) read more