Best Restaurants at Buffalo (BUF)
BUF has dining options throughout its terminal — from local institutions to reliable chains. Below is a terminal-by-terminal guide to the highlights, plus the best quick bites, sit-down spots, and what to expect on pricing before your flight.
Airport Dining · BUF
What restaurants are at Buffalo (BUF)?
BUF operates a single terminal, so all dining is accessible once you clear security. Here are the standout options:
| Restaurant | Type | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Anchor Bar | American bar — originator of the Buffalo wing | $$ |
| Bocce Club Pizza | Pizza — Buffalo institution since 1946 | $ |
| BurgerFi | American fast-casual burgers | $ |
| Tim Hortons | Coffee & pastries | $ |
What's the best quick bite at Buffalo?
Tim Hortons — opens at 4 a.m., great early-morning coffee and grab-and-go pastries; a nod to Buffalo's Canadian border culture
Quick-service counters at BUF typically get you through the line in 5–10 minutes at off-peak times, and up to 20 minutes during the morning rush. Budget an extra 15 minutes at minimum if you plan to eat before your flight — and check your Leave-By Time before you sit down so you know exactly how much runway you have.
Where can I get a sit-down meal at Buffalo?
Anchor Bar — the original home of the Buffalo chicken wing with a full bar; order a rack with blue cheese and a cold Labatt
Full-service restaurants at BUF typically require 45–75 minutes from being seated to paying the check. If you want a relaxed dining experience, plan to arrive at the airport at least 90 minutes before boarding — factor in security wait, the walk to your gate, and a buffer for the unexpected. The Leave-By calculator can fold your meal time into your total airport plan.
How much does food cost at Buffalo?
BUF is fully cashless (cards only) and mid-range; wings and pizza run $11–16 and the Anchor Bar averages $20–30 per person.
Airport restaurants across the US typically charge 20–40% above street prices due to higher operating costs, rent, and logistics. At BUF, use this rough guide:
| Price Symbol | Per Person | Typical Options |
|---|---|---|
| $ | Under $12 | Fast food, coffee, grab-and-go snacks |
| $$ | $12–25 | Fast-casual, sandwiches, pub fare |
| $$$ | Over $25 | Full-service restaurants, steakhouses, seafood |
Prices as of 2026. Tip (18–20%) is additional at full-service restaurants.
Can I bring outside food into Buffalo?
Yes — TSA allows solid foods through security checkpoints at BUF. You can pack a sandwich, snacks, fruit, homemade food, or even a full restaurant meal in your carry-on bag and bring it through the checkpoint without any issue.
The restriction applies to liquids and gels over 3.4 oz (100 mL): soups, dips, nut butters in large containers, juice boxes, and similar items must follow the 3-1-1 rule or be placed in checked baggage. Solid food — including wrapped sandwiches, chips, candy, produce, and baked goods — passes through freely.
This means you can save significantly on airport food prices by packing your own meal or picking something up before you enter the terminal. See the full TSA food policy and tips in our guide: Can you bring food through airport security?
Arrive early enough for a relaxed meal
The Leave-By calculator folds your real-time BUF security wait, drive time with traffic, and gate walk into one exact time to leave home — so you arrive with time to eat, not just sprint.
Calculate your Leave-By Time →See also: BUF TSA wait times · BUF security tips · Bringing food through security
Common questions about dining at BUF
What are the best restaurants at BUF?
BUF has one terminal with several dining options airside. Highlights include Anchor Bar, Bocce Club Pizza, BurgerFi, and more. Most options are available after clearing security.
What is the best quick bite at BUF?
Tim Hortons — opens at 4 a.m., great early-morning coffee and grab-and-go pastries; a nod to Buffalo's Canadian border culture
Is there a sit-down restaurant at BUF?
Anchor Bar — the original home of the Buffalo chicken wing with a full bar; order a rack with blue cheese and a cold Labatt
How much does food cost at BUF?
BUF is fully cashless (cards only) and mid-range; wings and pizza run $11–16 and the Anchor Bar averages $20–30 per person. Airport restaurants typically charge 20–40% above street prices. As a rough guide: $ = under $12, $$ = $12–25, and $$$ = over $25 per person.
Can I bring food through BUF security?
Yes — TSA allows solid foods through security checkpoints at BUF. You can bring a sandwich, snacks, fruit, or even a full meal from outside the airport in your carry-on. Liquids and gels over 3.4 oz are still restricted; soups, dips, and similar items must comply with the 3-1-1 rule. See the full policy in our guide.