You unpacked the boxes — now here is where students at SUNY Buffalo State University (Buffalo, NY) actually eat, shop, bank, and hang out. Bookmark this for your first month.
Elmwood Taco & Subs tacos / subs
Cheap late-night student staple on Elmwood Ave
Jim's SteakOut cheesesteaks
Buffalo late-night classic, open very late
Gabriel's Gate wings
Famous Buffalo wings on Allen St
West Side Bazaar food hall
Immigrant-owned stalls with global eats on Niagara St
Mighty Taco fast food
Beloved Buffalo-born chain on Delaware Ave
Elmwood strip cafes coffee
Elmwood between Forest and Bryant is lined with cafes
CVS Pharmacy pharmacy
Elmwood Ave, about half a mile from the dorms
Wegmans grocery / pharmacy
Amherst St, about 1.5 miles
Tops grocery
Elmwood Ave, about 1.5 miles north
Target (North Buffalo) big-box
Delaware Ave, about 2 miles
Weigel Wellness Center student health
On-campus medical care
Counseling Center mental health
Free confidential counseling on campus
NFTA Metro Bus transit
Elmwood and Grant routes connect downtown
University Police safety
24/7 campus police and safety escorts
Buffalo AKG
World-class art museum right next to campus
Delaware Park
Olmsted park across the street — trails and Hoyt Lake
Elmwood Village
Walkable shops, cafes, and a weekend farmers market
Canalside
Downtown waterfront concerts, skating, and events
Niagara Falls
About 30 minutes — the Route 40 bus goes there
Hand-checked August 2026. Hours and locations change — give places a quick look before you head out. Some links on this site earn us a commission at no cost to you.