Don’t forget to nourish yourself and your loved ones this holiday season. Some of our absolute favorite food spots in town are offering gift certificates, fun merch, and takeout, curbside, and delivery options. Support our restaurant industry in any you can this holiday season and in the coming months, and ensure that we have places to visit, meet, and gather once all of this $%&! is over. — KR
Winkler & Samuels is your one-stop shop for all of your wine & bubbly needs this Zoom Party season. Grab a case of your favorite white, red, rose, or bubbly, and gift certificates for all of those goodie bags you’ll be dropping off on doorsteps this month. Read more about proprietor Melissa Winkler right here on QC. 716-235-8121 — KR
The phenomenal Mexico City Hamburg is still cookin’ up authentic Mexican favorites and offering takeout and delivery. Give ‘em a call to grab all of your favorites for lunch or dinner today, and check out our piece on manager Elder Martinez right here on QC. 716-202-1397 — KR
The awesome Snowy Owl Kombucha has been in full production mode this year, with distribution in several local grocery stores. You can also pick-up a kombucha shares on Saturdays, subscribe to the Thursday Local Delivery Program, or order tea online for all of your goodie bags this holiday season. Learn more about owner Tara Sasiadek here. 716-218-8809 — KR
Rin Suphankomut of Rin Thai Bistro has been cooking up the best artisanal Thai in the city for the last three years, and continues to do so during the pandemic. She announced recently on social media that her Elmwood Village restaurant will be closing at the end of this year, but that she has plans to reopen elsewhere very soon. Catch her while you can this holiday season, by calling for dinner tonight. Learn more about Rin and her food right here. 716-881-9900 — KR
Misuta Chow’s swiftly became a staple of downtown’s Main Street after opening a couple of years ago. This Japanese-inspired double-level barcade serves some of the city’s hottest Asian fusion with a massive offering of bourbons and inspired cocktails. Order dinner and to-go beer and cocktails over the phone and online, and have your favorite bartenders bring the goodz directly to your door. You can also gift your loved ones a piece of hot Chows merch or a gift certificate for the restaurant. Learn more about co-proprietor Christi Allen right here. 716-259-8228 — KR
Undergrounds Coffee House has been THE go-to spot in South Buff for all things caffeinated and delicious since opening their doors in an old funeral parlor a few years ago. Jump over to their site or give a call in or visit to grab lunch, a bag of coffee, or gift certificates for all of your stockings this year. Bonus: they are currently running a giveaway in conjunction with Borderland Music Festival to sponsor frontline workers to attend next year’s music festival as a VIP. Read more about the team at Undergrounds right here on QC. 716-240-9923 — KR
East Aurora favorite Blue-Eyed Baker can be found in several coffeeshops and restaurants throughout the city, and offer curbside pick-up and in-store takeout orders. These goodies — ranging from tea party boxes, to birthday boxes, to breakfast pastry boxes, to cookie boxes, and more – are the perfect ready-to-go desserts for your small bubble parties this season. Or, pick up several boxes and gift everyone on your list. Visit their website today and learn more about proprietor Alexandra Robinson right here on QC. — KR
Local co-op bakery and cafe, BreadHive is making the holiday season a little warmer with a holiday pre-order menu. Exclusively running takeout (for now), and recently making online ordering available, the bakery is selling decadent goods from cakes to cheeseballs. Treat yo-self and order some holiday favorites from their website and leave a tip in their “Co-op Happiness Fund” to support the worker-owners there! You can read about some of the past work of the co-op right here. 716-980-5623 — SA
Allentown’s beloved coffeeshop and vegan eatery Grindhaus has kept their doors open for takeout and delivery since the early days of the 2020 pandemic, and continue to do so to this day. Order your breakfast or lunch online, and grab some gift cards while you’re at it. For my money the breakfast burrito is one of the Top 5 offerings in the city, hands down. Trust. Read more about proprietor Megan Stewart right here on QC. 716-725-6300 — KR
The adorable Swan Street Diner is offering all of your diner favorites as takeout and delivery, and also have gift cards available for you and your loved ones. Visit their website to check out their full menu and ordering options, and trust us: GET the donuts. Read all about general manager phenom Amanda Amico right here on QC. 716-768-1823 — KR
This artisanal Italian restaurant on Buffalo’s Upper West Side swiftly made its way into the community’s heart when it opened in early 2019. If you haven’t had a pinsa or the Carbonara yet, let this week be the week that statement changes. Offering curbside delivery Tuesday through Saturday, 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., give a call or place online and start working your way down that menu, including the beautifully curated wine list with bottles to go. While picking up your food, go ahead and grab a $100 gift certificate — there’s a $25 gift certificate bonus in it for you. Pro-tip: snag the next delicacy from the brand new Cocoa Stand ASAP — last week’s cocoa bombs sold out in an hour. 716-235-8598. — KR