Where can you go for a burger and a blade by the water? The Slip Aweigh Restaurant of course. Actually, I still run into tons of people who have no idea that this eatery even exists. Many times those are the same people that never venture to Lake Erie’s edge. The Slip Aweigh can be found by the NFTA small boat harbor at 111 Fuhrmann Boulevard in Buffalo. It’s a nook that has it all… indoor and outdoor seating with a view onto the marina, a smooth bike trail that is perfect for a midday jog or bike or blade, a nearby park to set up lawn chairs and beach towels, a beach to take the dog for a swim, and a restaurant that cooks up a storm.
The place has got a limitless amount of seating due to the cavernous wharf-style building. There is a counter where customers place their orders and if you’re lucky you’ll hear one of the ‘wharf-guards’ playing his or her tunes out on the front deck. It’s a totally laid back, super-chill atmosphere. There is plenty of boat watching (boating if you have one), and activity abounds in all directions. And the food? The food is exactly what you would expect from a wharf-style eatery. Deep fried fish sandwich, hotdogs and hamburgers, hot and cold wraps and grilled sandwiches, Italian sausage and fried bologna, grilled cheese, BLTs, rings, fries, jumbo pretzels, and nachos. There are quite a few options that I did not include, and for the kids there are kid’s meals.
If you’re drawn to the water the way I am, then this is the perfect little afternoon getaway. It is minutes from downtown Buffalo and is convenient enough to escape from work and be back in no time. Take your number at the counter and hand it over when it’s called. There are outdoor shady spots if you don’t want the direct rays, or you can pull up to one of the patio picnic tables and soak in the sun. There are even frosty beers available for those that plan on sticking around for a while.
Activities at the Slip Aweigh also include karaoke on Tuesdays and live music on the weekends. The hours start at 7:00am for those early morning fishermen and go to 9:00pm to appease those who come to watch the sunset. Daily specials are listed and take-out is an option if you want to call ahead. Looking for directions? Their phone number is 716. 825.4882. Here is a restaurant that will surely get you excited about a day near the water. Pack your activities, pack your kids, pack whatever it takes to get out and enjoy Buffalo’s waterfront!