Bill Rapaport's Buffalo Restaurant Guide

Alphabetical Listing of Restaurants: K

K. Gallagher's
Kabab and Curry
Kelly's Korner
Kennedy's Cove
Ken's Chuckwagon
Kentucky Greg's Hickory Pit
Kien Giang
[m] King and I
King's Court
[m] King's Wok
Koi
[a] Korea House
[a+] Korean Express
[a] Koreana
Kostas
Kristin's
Kuni's To Go
Kyoto Japanese Restaurant

Key:

[—], , ,	Bill's rankings
[XXX]	recommendation from contributor whose initials are XXX
[a+]	on UB Amherst Campus (in the UB Commons)
[a]	near UB Amherst Campus (within 2 miles)
[m]	near UB Main St. Campus (within 2 miles)

(For more info on locations, see Geography)

All phone numbers are in area code 716, unless otherwise indicated.

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K. Gallagher's.
73 Allen St. (Allentown), Buffalo. 882-3550.

[MEL, 5/98] says: "Better than average bar food, with more variety than you would expect from looking at it from the outside. I had chicken/black bean quesadillas which were quite good."

Kabab and Curry.
5185 Transit Rd. (in the same plaza as Calvaneso's), Clarence.
565-3822.

[KH, 3/08] says: "My mom and I recently returned to Kabab and Curry and had another delicious meal. The wait staff are extremely friendly and give great advice to anyone overwhelmed by the large menu. I usually stick with the vegetarian section, and my favorite is the Baingain Bharta, a mashed eggplant dish. It is always delicious. My mom loves the Lamb Karahi. Your food can be spiced according to your preference; they offer mild, medium, spicy, and hot. My mom sticks with medium, and it has a nice warm heat. I order spicy, which has a bit more "bite". Hot is very hot, but I have ordered it before and liked it. The breads are delicious, and the assorted veggie appetizer is a nice way to start the meal. Rice is free with the entrees, and they'll bring you as much as you want. My only complaint is that the booths by the windows can get cold in the winter, but you can always ask for a table. I just wear a warmer sweater in the winter."

[NSi, 3/07] says: "My wife and I are regulars at Kabab & Curry for all of the right reasons. We've tried all of the local Indian and Pakistani restaurants, and this one certainly excells over the rest. The food is superb, and excellent service goes along with it. They have a huge menu; my wife and I always try to order something new, and we are never disappointed! The servers are very kind and knowledgable about the menu. My wife and I always start off with the Mixed Vegetable Platter. The two Samosas, two Aloo Kababs, and three Pakoras are accompanied by the sweet & spicy homemade Tamarind and yogurt & mint Coriander. Unfortunately, there is always a fight over who gets the last pakora, since they are so delicious. Soon after we are done with our appetizers, our server brings out our warm plates. We always order the "melt in your mouth" Lamb Karahi. The lamb is marinated overnight, baked in their clay oven, cooked over very low heat, garnished with various spices, then garnished with ginger. Along with the Karahi, we usually order a dish we haven't tried. Then we enjoy our meal with a crispy plain naan or their famous garlic naan. Once we are nearly out of rice, we do not have to worry, because our server will bring out a new hot bowl of basmati rice. Once we are done with our dinner, my wife and I enjoy their homemade coconut or mango ice cream. Once we are done with our dining experience, we are always praised by the owner for the appreciation of business. Now that is customer service!"

[MRT] says:

[2/07] "Yesterday, Sunday, 2/4/07, my husband and I enjoyed another marvelous dinner at Kabab and Curry. We always begin our meal with their delicious, flaky, vegetable samosas. I love hot food, and so the waiters always bring me extra hot sauce to add to my green sauce for the samosas. We always place one order of their delicious plain naan bread and one order of their masto kehar, which is the Pakistani version of raita, only more delicious. The owner of the restaurant recommended to me that I take a bite of my masala dosa and then have a sip of the most delicious soup that accompanies the dosa. Our waitress graciously brought me a second bowl of their tomato chutney. I love to dip my dosa into the tomato chutney. Luckily, we both saved room for dessert. My husband enjoys their kulfi with faluda; I enjoy their rasmalee. Kabob and Curry remains one of our favorite restaurants."

[10/06] "My husband and I enjoyed dinner at Kabob and Curry on Wednesday, October 18, 2006. We began our meal by sharing a vegetable samosa, which is made with a wonderfully flaky crust. Two samosas are served with a mild sauce and a more spicy sauce. I always ask for extra hot sauce, which I add to the spicier sauce. My husband ordered a chicken dish. We ordered a serving of Naan, one of Poori, and some masto kihar. Lately, I have been ordering their masala dosas. Dosas are like 24-inch-in-diameter, light-tan, crisp crepes into which a mixture of vegetables is placed. The dosa is then folded and served on a plate. Two chutneys and a delicious vegetable soup are served with it. While enjoying my dosa, I exclaimed to my husband that I was in heaven. Their food is delicious. I am especially partial to their tomato chutney. I was sorry, at the end of our meal, that I was too full to order dessert. The Pakistani version of carrot cake is absolutely delicious. On Friday nights, they have live Pakistani music. Perhaps next week, we will visit them on Friday night. Kabob and Curry is one of my favorite restaurants."

[4/05] "My favorite Indian/Pakastani restaurant in town is Kabab & Curry, where their poori are the size of dinner plates, and they have real hot sauce."

[4/03] "Kabab and Curry has gone through several transformations. When they first opened, it was entirely buffet, and excellent. Next, they continued to have the buffet, and also served meals à la carte. They raised the price of their buffet, and we were not pleased. The restaurant is now entirely à la carte, and is now excellent. Tandoori always used to be our favorite Indian restaurant. No more. The difference between Tandoori's vegetable samosas and those of Kabab and Curry are striking. Kabab and Curry makes samosas with a marvelous flakey crust. The dipping sauces for the samosas is so delicious, once we finished eating our samosas, we stuck our fingers in the sauce, just to taste it more. We ordered poori. The size of their poori is about the size of a very large dinner plate. The Pakistani version of raita is called masto khia (I think), and it comes with tomatoes and cucumbers and mint, and deliciously spiced. I ordered their Lamb Karahi, which was expertly cooked, and most delicious. Entrées at Kabab and Curry come with rice; you do not have to order it separately as in Tandoori. Their version of bread pudding is also most delicious."

[KSa, 3/06] says: "New to Indian cuisine, a friend and I recently visited Kabab and Curry for our first taste of Indian/Pakistani food. With help from the generous waitress, she took the time to point out several favorites of returning customers as well as her own preferred dishes. She checked on us several times throughout the meal, and made an effort to make sure we were comfortable and satisfied with our choices. We chose the traditional Indian dishes of chicken tikka masala and chicken makhni. Infused with flavor, these creamy dishes were an excellent choice. This meal was served in individual dishes placed in the center of the table and could be easily shared between two people. The food was prepared quickly and included generous portions. The restaurant's ambiance was a satisfying one. We were seated in a comfortable booth and enjoyed looking at the traditional Indian keepsakes displayed throughout the restaurant. As a whole, this experience was very fulfilling and exceeded any previous expectations. I would highly recommend Kabab and Curry for anyone interested in trying this fantastic cuisine."

[WHN, 1/06] says: "I thought I would express my opinions on the four south Asian restaurants that we have tried in the area. Tandoori's is the best, with Kabab & Curry and Taste of India tied for second. Kabab & Curry would have rated higher, but their serving portions seem to have shrunk in size recently. One plus for Kabab & Curry is that they offer Pakistani menu items, not available in the purely Indian restaurants, so it's nice to be able to have something different for a change. Moti Mahal is a far distant fourth."

[CW, 10/05] says: "While I'd been hearing about Kabab & Curry for years, I only recently visited (to hear the great music on a Friday night) and was delighted to discover that K&C serves dosas, the South Indian dish which is so hard to find in Western New York. We had a very enjoyable and delicious meal, a better value than several other Indian restaurants in the area. The samosas were especially pleasing."

[ECB, 12/04] says: "My wife and I have been regulars at Kabab & Curry for a couple of years now. When we first stopped in when we moved to Williamsville four years ago, we weren't bowled over by the buffet or the limited menu, and stuck with Tandoori's. However, a couple of years ago, we got the urge to try it again and were completely won over. We never go to Tandoori's anymore. Both of us are addicted to the achar (pickles) and have great love for their lamb bhuna, karahi (a Pakistani dish served in a small wok), and baingain bharta. The lunch buffet is always excellent and has a good mix of vegetarian and meat dishes. They do wonderful appetizers and breads. The atmosphere is relaxing and accords a great deal of privacy due to strategic placing of beautifully carved wooden dividers. On Friday nights, they have marvelous live music. The service ranges from adequate to excellent, and, once they get to know you, they go to extreme lengths to make sure you are happy and keep coming in. When I spend money to eat out, I want an experience lacking in any sort of disappointment, and K&C is one of the few places I can count on for that."

[PV, 5/04] says: "My husband and I use your site extensively. We try new restaurants from your list. The reviews help a lot instead of blindly heading out. My husband I love Kabab and Curry's food. It is like our second home. We go often for their lunch buffets on weekends or get take-out dinners during the week. A few of my favorite dishes are the malai kofta and palak paneer. We order the laccha parantha (bread) with these 2 entrees. They are probably the only restaurant that has paneer (cheese) dishes (namely palak paneer) in their buffet. Other restuarants serve tofu instead of the authentic paneer. If you compare price, authenticity, and taste, Kabab and Curry rates much higher than the "more famous" Tandoori's. I highly recommend this place for great Indian-Pakistani cuisine."

[EC, 2/02] says: "We used to be regulars at this restaurant for its great dinner buffet. In a classic case of `If it ain't broke, don't fix it', they had to tinker with the format, and ruined everything. They stopped the dinner buffet & changed to a strictly à la carte format. The service was bad to begin with (although the bus persons were very efficient), but now it has become unbearable to be reliant on them for full service. I can't go there anymore."

[LS, 10/01] says: "I dined [here] last Friday, after reading about it on your web site. First, the decor is very relaxing, almost soothing. The lighting is low, but the restaurant is not dark, and there's a gurgling fountain in front of a beautifully colored background near the front windows. The name made me expect something less comfortable and pleasing, more like a fast-food place. My friend and I tried the buffet, since it was our first visit. The dosas, pakoras, soups, breads, and vegetable curries were delicious and kept at the proper [temperature] on the large buffet. Unfortunately, we had the place to ourselves for most of our meal. I can't understand why, since the food and service were excellent. I look forward to returning with a larger group."

[ASh, 8/01] says: "Kabab & Curry is a unique Indian/Pakistani restaurant which features a daily buffet and delicious entrees from their authentic Tandoor oven. They serve both veg and non-veg dishes, including dosas. Great decor and nicely priced. One other feature of this restaurant is that they are the only Pakistani owned restaurant in Buffalo. As an Asian American, I will tell you honestly that there is no Indian/Pakistani cuisine more authentic than Kabab & Curry. Taste of India, Tandoori, Moti Mahal have really `Americanized' their dishes, and the preparation is nothing like that of true Indian-style food. By the way, I have no relation to the restaurant owners. I was just checking out places to eat around here."

[] Kaldi's Coffee House.
106 E. 3rd St., Jamestown.
484-8904.

Under new management, with a new sign calling it "Timothy's"; however, the old "Kaldi's" sign is still there, too. [MER] and I eat here whenever we're in Jamestown, especially for the Lucy-Desi Days Festivals. Great panini sandwiches, salads, coffee, desserts, in a congenial and informal atmosphere.

Kelly's Korner.
2526 Delaware Ave. (North Buffalo), Buffalo.
877-9466.

[DB, 11/02] says: "During a recent trip to Northern New York, our food mission was to eat beef on wick, a recommendation made by our Maryland neighbor from Buffalo. We were not committed enough to find Bar Bill Tavern, but we found Kelly's Korner, a smoky, neighborhood, Irish pub in Buffalo filled with lunch regulars and a few afternoon beer drinkers (you know the type). I can honestly say the beef on wick was good news and bad news: The good news is that it was the best beef on wick we ever had, and the bad news is that it was the worst we ever ate. Since it was also the first beef on wick we ever ate, the assessment we offer is somewhat meaningless, because we have no baseline for what to compare it to. However, let me say that the sandwich was delightful! It was like a salty roast beef on a roll. My suspicion is that most beef on wicks will be like chili in Ohio—most of it is pretty good. The bottom line is this for Kelly's Korner: The service is down home, the environment smoky and dark, and the beef on wick very enjoyable for previous virgin beef on wickers. If I wanted to get drunk on Canadian draft, I would highly recommend Kelly's Korner. However, for a beef on wick, get it to go, and enjoy it in a smoke-free place."

Kennedy's Cove.
9800 Main St., Clarence.
759-8961.

[JDB, 4/08] says: "Kennedy's Cove is an excellent steak restaurant. For the right person, it's perfect. But it helps to go in knowing what to expect, and whether it's going to work out for you. S. and I arrived at about 7:30 on a weeknight. Initial service was a little slow (despite it being fairly quiet), but after we were seated, the service was very good. We both ordered salads; S. ordered the stuffed scallops, and I ordered the special—an 8oz filet with crab-stuffed shrimp. Both S. and I are on a carb-restricted diet, so we asked about swapping the potato for veggies. We were a little surprised that there were no substitutions. S. ordered a side-order of veggies; I went without. The waitress kindly brought us some extra-large salads (since we both said "no potato, even though it comes with it"), which was nice. Salads were delicious; the Caesar dressing was creamy with a nice acidic tang to it; S. had the bleu cheese dressing ($1 extra), which was really good, with big chunks of bleu cheese. The entrees were really delicious. S.'s scallops came in a yummy, creamy seafood sauce; my steak was among the better steaks I've eaten. I do love a good steak, and this was it. The filet was tender to the point of being almost creamy. While they called the preparation "blackened", it was not blackened as I think of it—for me, "blackened" means that the outside of the meat should be charred and crisp. While this was definitely done under a pretty hot broiler, it didn't have the look or the taste of "blackened". Having said that, though, the steak was delicious, and I think that traditional blackening would have ruined a fine cut of meat like that. My stuffed shrimp were tasty, each of them surrounded by a lump of crab-cake. Through the meal, service was friendly and quick—our glasses never went empty, and I think the owner stopped in to make sure everything was OK. While I generally focus my reviews on the food, I feel compelled to mention the ambiance of Kennedy's Cove. It feels like a slightly-upscale family restaurant—something like Grapevine, maybe, but with a little more "homey kitsch" feel to it. This is the sort of place where part of the accent decor is fake foliage.Having said that, though, the important elements of the restaurant—quality of wait staff, quality of food, skill of preparation—were equivalent to somewhere quite a bit more upscale—more like Sonoma Grill or Protocol (though with perhaps a less adventurous menu—you're not going to see Muscovy duck breast with an apricot-basil compote here). And—and this is important—the menu prices reflect that. Burgers start at around $10; steaks start around $28; other entrees start around $19. If you pulled in looking for somewhere like Duff's or Lake Effect Diner, you will be rudely awakened. But the steak was really amazing. Grand total, two dinners (salad included)—one of them a typical entree, one a higher-end special—couple of non-alcoholic drinks, and a side dish, came to about $80 before tip.So is Kennedy's Cove worth the prices? It depends. If you consider decor an important part of the experience, you might want to give Kennedy's a skip. If you're looking for a hole-in-the-wall dive (with hole-in-the-wall dive prices), give it a skip. But if you want a really, really good steak (and you're willing to pay for it), you might give Kennedy's a try."

[SLZ, 2/07] says: "They are under new management, since the last listed review. [Bill's note: I've deleted the older, negative reviews for the previous management.] The place is no longer dumpy. The new owners, Dave & Nadine, have really made this "hole in the wall" joint very upscale! Their blackened steak is out of this world!!! With the improvements to the place, the prices have gone up a bit. But it still is a great place to check out! One thing to remember is that they do not accept credit cards at all. So bring those greenbacks and enjoy! Two thumbs up!!!!"

Ken's Chuckwagon.
Chip van parked out back of City Hall, Stratford, Ontario, Canada.

[GDT, 9/96] says: "In that classic of Irish literature known at the Barrytown Trilogy, author Roddy Doyle describes the ultimate chip wagon in the final novel, `The Van', whose hero comes up with the perfect motto for Ken's Chuckwagon: `Today's Chips...Today'. Nothing could delight the heathen in a fine diner more than a large bag of liberally salted, white vinegar-drenched French fries done to perfection. The oil is always fresh, the potatoes are cut by hand on the spot, and the professionals know how to produce the ultimate bag of `chips'. You will even appreciate the care with which these fries are packed—first in a small grease proof cardboard box, then in a large brown paper bag. No matter, the oil will ooze and you will feel the guilt in every pore as you envision artery after artery shuddering in protest. Block that thought and go for a large (truly large) bag of these golden brown babies. Take consolation as waiters and waitresses from Rundles and Old Prune (the two best restaurants north of the border) sidle up next to you for a bag. The wagon is open just about 365 days a year (Christmas excepting) from 11AM to 9PM weekdays, 11AM to 6PM weekends. No reservations required, no major credit cards accepted. You'll find the wagon parked out behind City Hall, not far from the Avon Theatre. Ken's has been in business since the birth of the Stratford Festival (nearly 50 years)."

Kentucky Greg's Hickory Pit.
2186 George Urban Blvd. (between Dick Rd. and Transit Rd.), Depew.
685-6599.

[4/07] Listed as one of Buffalo's "27 Best Restaurants" by Buffalo Spree magazine.

[ECB, 2/08] says: "Dropped by for lunch with my wife and toddler and enjoyed a fantastic lunch. My son had the grilled-cheese-and-fries kid's meal, which he enjoyed immensely, and my wife and I split a BBQ beef and pork sandwich. The BBQ and the sauces provided, both regular and hot, were wonderfully flavorful, and the shoestring fries plentiful and crisp. My only complaint was the iced tea, which had that "off" taste it gets when it has been sitting around too long. A nice, relaxed atmosphere and kid-friendly; we will definitely return to sample more of the menu."

[BL, 2/07] says: "We have been to Arthur Bryant's in KC (one of our favorites), had great BBQ in Memphis (both kinds of rub) and in Kentucky, the Carolinas, Georgia (loved this one place...the Georgia Pig, south of Savannah), and elsewhere...probably like most of you BBQ addicts out there (sorry...have not got to Texas yet, but someday). We want to say this area is lucky to have Kentucky Greg's. Authentic, delicious BBQ with great sides (the coleslaw was exceptional tonight), always consistent food quality, sincere friendly service, and that nice bluesy atmosphere. And not expensive. We are lucky. We like trying all the local BBQ places...but glad this one is only 15 minutes away!"

[KKo, 4/06] says: "I recently made a trip out to Depew to visit Kentucky Greg's Hickory Pit, a traditional southern barbeque eatery. It was worth the trip, and the restaurant can best be described as affordable and low key. A great restaurant to take the family to, the meal for two only ran about 15 dollars. The atmosphere is probably the greatest strength of the place, with low-key decor and old-fashioned checkered tablecloths. Although the atmosphere was pleasant, I did not find the food to be very impressive. I had a pulled pork sandwich for $5.99, and although the service was fast and friendly, the taste was lackluster."

[CBo, 4/06] says: "Kentucky Greg's Hickory Pit is a great place for the family to enjoy southern cuisine with an emphasis on barbeque and hospitality. The food was excellent. Writing this review and thinking especially about the collard greens makes my mouth water. After eating at Greg's once, I am ready to recommend his restaurant to anyone or take my visiting guest there myself. Not only is the food sure to satisfy, the restaurant staff is very kind. I was greeted by several of the waitresses not serving my table, members the kitchen staff, and Kentucky Greg himself. Greg was especially polite and willing to answer questions about the food. The price was fair, and I'm sure to return."

[HK, 3/06] says: "I ate here once before, I think around 2000 or so, but have been dying to go back since. I took my brother for his birthday, since he's always raving about Suzy-Q's Bar-B-Que Shack pulled pork sandwiches, and Kentucky Greg's was a lot closer to home than Suzy's. No wait time upon arrival; self seating. We grabbed a booth, and the waitress came over within minutes to take our drink orders. After receiving our drinks, I decided to start with the chicken and sausage gumbo, which was to die for!! I just got back from New Orleans in May 2005 and had many different gumbos while there, and this compares pretty darn close to those. My brother ordered the Brunswick stew, which was a combination of beef, pork, potatoes, and your basic soup veggies, which he also raved about. Almost bought the quart to take home with him! I then ordered the BBQ chicken dinner with my choice of two sides. I chose the blackeyed peas and corn bread. My brother had the pulled pork sandwich with French fries. The chicken was great, very tender and practically falls off the bone. His pulled pork sandwich was good, he said, but he still prefers Suzy Q's better. Many varieties of sauce on the table; habanero, jalapeno, and their signature sauce, which is sort of like a really spicy Chiavetta's chicken marinade, only a bit thicker. Will definitely be back there soon, hopefully with other friends who want to compare the New Orleans gumbo we had in the South!"

[JG&LG, 2/06] say: "Based on the recommendations of prior reviewers, we went for a barbeque dinner to Kentucky Greg's. It was so good, we took my visiting mother-in-law to lunch there the next day! In addition to really tasty barbequed chicken, ribs, beef, and pulled pork (we all sampled each other's dishes and shared some combo plates), the side dishes are great. We had the collard greens (flavored with bacon), the fried okra, the potato salad, and the cole slaw, and, of course, some corn bread. As everyone else said, the service is both friendly and efficient. They serve beer (although only Bud and Bud Light is on tap—Labatt, Heineken and some others in bottles), which is required for me when eating barbeque, have great service, the owner goes from table to table seeing if you're doing all right—what more could you want? Well, maybe some more interesting beers, but it sure will not keep me away."

[ABi, 1/06] says: "Everyone should feel fortunate to live near a barbeque place with character. Thankfully for us, Kentucky Greg's qualifies. You live in a neat area when you're a short drive away from a place featuring state flags, Elvis concert posters, checkerboard plaid tablecloths, and, best, outstanding selection of yummy, sauce-laden meats. Their menu offers BBQ standards like sandwiched and sliced meats, along with somewhat more unusual choices, such as smoked Polish sausage, a nod to regional tastes, and the relatively exotic catfish. As for side dishes, along with expected tasty choices like fries and cornbread, they also feature fried okra; I'd have to look up what that is before I get it, for I am a Yankee boy. Those who want to try sundry meats have several combos from which to choose. I didn't eat anything prior to going, which enabled me to order the King Combo. You get your choice of three meats: pork, beef, chicken, sausage, or ribs, basically any animal that was on the Ark. Everything was brought to our table promptly, and everything was delicious. All the meats were tender, flavorful, and just saucy enough to be yummy. The entree choices, particularly the ribs, had a sweet, smoky flavor; while I'm usually in the Hank Hill taste-the-meat-not-the-heat propane school of barbequeing, I can go for the occasional dose of smokiness, and it added enough flavor without being overwhelming. Greg is very good at what he does. The sauce had a healthy dose of vinegar, too, which I found to be a nice balance, although some in my party thought to be overpowering. At $18.95, the combo was a good deal. Sweetening the deal was the restaurant's friendly, courteous, nice service. My family took me here for my birthday, and I'm glad they did. Thankfully, you don't need to go to Chili's to get ribs around here: Kentucky Greg's, a local place with character and delicious meat, is a carnivore's utopia."

[ARo, 11/05] says: "We eat at Kentucky Greg's quite often, and I have tried each of their meats at one time or another. Locally, their pulled pork is second to none. I usually order the pulled pork sandwich with a side of fried okra, which is incredible. Their barbeque sauces are perfectly spicy and not really sweet like BW's BBQ's or Leghorn's. The Sausage and Chicken Gumbo is something everyone who visits the restaurant should try at some point. The beef, sausage, chicken, and catfish are consistently good. The only thing I didn't like was their ribs, which were very dry and tough. Prices are very reasonable, especially if you order the sandwiches. Overall, Kentucky Greg's is a great place to eat and very addicting. This is also a great place to go for a quick weekday lunch."

[DSh, 3/04] says: "I've been going to Kentucky Greg's for years, and I love it. It's the only restaurant I know that pops into my head after a week or so. Like a mini-addiction: Gotta have some BBQ, gotta find my way to Kentucky Greg's."

[EC, 3/03] says: "I went to check out Kentucky Greg's based upon a recommendation made recently on this Guide by [SNe]. It was everything that was described in that review. It was RRRRRRRRREALLY good! Great old-style blues music (not too loud, but just right), fairly cheap prices, our food was out in no more than 5 minutes, and the BBQ sauce was fantastic! I ordered the BBQ pork platter, which came with thick grilled Texas Toast, and 2 sides. I chose BBQ baked beans & potato salad. I couldn't even finish. Service was very friendly, too. I never had authentic "Suthin'" BBQ (nothing like the Northern version [which usually just entails drowning everything in BBQ sauce]), but now I have! I couldn't have been happier, and even bought some BBQ sauce to go. Everyone should check this place out."

[SNe, 3/03] says: "Couldn't decide what to have for dinner, then I came across your website. I read the review of Kentucky Greg's Hickory Pit and (I have lived around the corner from this place for years and never even gave it a quick glance) decided to give it a try for something out of the ordinary. And WOW! The food was fantastic, the prices were great, and the atmosphere was down home. Greg even came out to meet us personally—nice touch. I would highly recommend this place. The best part is that they cater and have take out. I recommend the pulled pork sandwich with cole slaw on top. I give this restaurant 3 out of 3 stars. Even better than One Eyed Jack's in Lockport. Heck, we even ran into a local-TV-station weekend-news anchor there dining with his wife."

[KK, 1/01] says: "The best southern barbecue joint in Western New York. They have the best gumbo, Brunswick stew, and pulled pork I have ever had. This small restaurant in the burbs offers the type of atmosphere you get at the Dinosaur Barbecue, in Syracuse, and the food is just as good, if not better. There is always blues music playing on the sound system; the slaw, and potato and noodle salads are the freshest and best I've ever had; and Greg is always willing to come out and chat with you about the Bills—some of whom you can find on Saturday for the all you can eat barbecued chicken—the Sabres, or the University of Kentucky's teams. Friendliest restaurant owner I've met in WNY. Must visit and decide for yourself. Bench seats and attached tables make it easier to dig into a big ol' plate of ribs, pork, or beef. Handy wipes served for clean up; you'll need 'em."

[m] The King and I.
2188 Kensington Rd., Snyder. 839-2950.

Thai.

Takeout available from Takeout Taxi, 631-2222.

Note: I was told that the former head chef is now [12/04] at the new Taste of Thai, so that the rave reviews below probably referred to him and not necessarily to the current chef. However, see [RRo]'s comments, below!!

[HPK] says:

[3/07] "Over the last year, I have visited their new location. Same great food at a reasonable cost. Opens at 11 a.m. now for lunch, which is great for those that cannot always be there at lunch at 12."

[12/03] "My co-worker and I today decided to try the King and I. Terrific! We have tried many, if not all, the Thai restaurants in Western NY. This was great. We started off with two appetizers: a steamed dumpling of some type that had chicken in the middle, and a shrimp egg roll, which was a whole shrimp with the wrapping around it. We both had the Tom Yum soup, of course the larger version or "hotpot." Our feeling after leaving is that this was the most authentic Thai we have ever had.

[AFN, 8/06] says: "A co-worker and I had lunch at the King and I today, Wednesday, 8/16. My husband and I have had dinner here, and at their former location on Harlem Rd., many times. The food and service have always been excellent. Today was no exception. They offer a $6.95 luncheon special, which includes an egg roll, soup, and an entree with rice. I had Prig Khing chicken. My friend had Pad Thai. She had never had Thai food before, because her family won't try "exotic" foods. She was impressed by the King and I, and said her meal was delicious, as was mine. We attended a conference all week, and had lunch at four different restaurants on five days. Normally, we rarely have the time to go out to lunch, so being able to do so was a real treat. Although all four restaurants were good, we agreed that Waldens and King and I were the best."

[RRo] says:

[2/06] "Taste of Thai is not King and I. King and I (the one that you all have fond memories of) is still open (on Kensington) and still serves the awesome dishes that you say you "once loved". If you miss King and I—go back there. But please, please stop comparing your Taste of Thai experiences with King and I—they are different restaurants."

[1/05] "The reason I'm writing is because there is some misinformation in your restaurant guide related to Taste of Thai and King and I that really deserves correction. I ate at King and I for the 2nd time since re-opening a week ago and asked the owners about Taste of Thai—Here's the scoop...

1. Former head chef now being at the new Taste of Thai—this is not only untrue, but an insult to the former head chef. King and I was and is (now that it is re-opened) a family-run business. The former head chef was the mother of the family, and she passed away in 2004, which was one of the primary leading reasons for the timing of their temporary closing. The owner's family was close with the new owners of "Taste of Thai" and helped that family in numerous ways; unfortunately, after the mother passed away, things went sour between the two, and they went their own way. The new owner might want to claim "head chef" status from King and I—and while he may have been an active participant who brought recipes to the table, he does not have rights to that title.
2. The commentary that the former rave reviews probably now refer to the Taste of Thai and not King and I: While Taste of Thai is re-using many of the King and I recipes, the King and I quality is unchanged. Actually, in my two visits, I found many improvements!
   1. Fresh spring rolls are larger, food is perfectly spiced (as always), with large portions and the most perfectly balanced Thai Tea I've had.
   2. Atmosphere is still laid back, but much nicer than the old location. From the moment you walk in and move past draped white shears, you are impressed with the warm fireplace in the waiting area and the friendly familiar smiles you've always seen. (Oh, and the space is larger than the old space, without sacrificing intimacy). Oh, and they're very family-friendly.
3. On your comment that King and I might be under new management—see #1 above—same management, same great food.
4. On the comment that it was packed on the 2nd day—I'm not surprised. When things went sour, the owners took the King and I mailing list that was filled with hundreds and hundreds of loyal diners. I've sampled Thai food in many states and across Western NY—by far, King and I still remains the best Thai food I've had anywhere in my travels. And while the food at Taste of Thai might be wonderful, anyone who loved King and I really ought to visit the place they've grown to love, now that it has re-opened on Kensington Ave.—King and I."

[WHN, 1/05] says: "We visited the "new" King & I on Saturday (1/15/05). I'm happy to report that the menu is exactly the same as before the old place closed a year ago, and the food is as good as ever. As in the restaurant's previous incarnation, there are a few evening specials available as well. My only (minor) complaint is that whenever we order "very hot" in any restaurant in Buffalo (Thai or Indian, mostly), they don't think we mean it. (At The King & I, Thai chili sauce is available on the side for those of us who mean HOT! when we say hot.) As an aside, The King & I served really, really spicy, hot food when it first opened, until Janice Okun mentioned in a review that it was too hot for her taste. After that they seemed to think that no Americans liked really hot food, no matter what. Anyway, the restaurant itself is quite a bit larger, and the decor is new and improved. Every table was full on this, their second (I think), weekend since reopening, which we hope means they will be around for a long time."

[MEL, 8/99] says: "Another good Thai restaurant, different from others in two ways. First, the nonspicy entrees (like Pad Thai) tend to be a little sweeter. Second, the portions tend to be bigger, so don't order an appetizer and an entree unless you plan to make two or three meals out of it. In fact, even one bowl of pad thai here is probably a bit much for one person at one sitting."

[EHM, 9/98] says that [DM] and she "ate there a couple of months ago. The food was very good."

King's Court Restaurant.
189 Delaware Ave., Buffalo. 856-9262.

[MEL, 1/99] says: "A bar/restaurant where the bar had far more customers than the restaurant—not a good sign. The food exceeded my low expectations, but was nevertheless pretty ordinary."

[m] King's Wok.
3233 Bailey Ave. (south of UB Main St. Campus), Buffalo. 837-1740.

Szechuan.

[MS] says: "King's Wok did indeed start with excellent food and decline a bit, but its food is still excellent, particularly for the prices; still among the best Chinese restaurants in the area (Ming Teh is the best)."

Given 3 (out of 4) stars (a long time ago, when there was no 3.5-star rating) by Janice Okun, Buffalo News restaurant reviewer.

Koi.
310 4th St. (in the Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel), Niagara Falls, NY.
1-877-873-6322.

[HPK, 7/07] says: "My wife and I went to Koi due to a $40 gift certificate we had through the casino. Interestingly enough, the prices are not as high as one would think there. My wife had the Pho soup and loved it. However, I had the Tuna Maki and the Po Thai (spelling?). Neither had any taste. Just bland. The best part of the meal was to come though: The certificates we had were in $5 denominations. There are no written restrictions on them. When settling our bill, which was about $70 with drinks, we were told we could only use $10 of them, "house rules". House rules? We were then told this was true at all the restaurants there. Let's just say I did not accept this. They let us use them all after the "cashier manager was too busy to deal with this now." They admit that there were no restrictions on them, just a casino policy. The manager at the restaurant was very polite and did help us. We were amazed that this happened."

[DaK] says:

Since the below review was published, [DaK, 11/06] sent us this update: "I had e-mailed the Seneca Niagara Casino regarding the quality of dining experience, and, to my surprise, the Manager of Dining for the casino called me personally to apologize. He assured me that the server was instructed how to properly pour wine and that they will look into having items on the menu described more accurately. Impressive management!"

[11/06] "My husband and I had room reservations in Seneca Niagara Casino hotel and wanted to go to a nice restaurant for a romantic dinner. Unable to find reviews on any of the restaurants [Editor's Note: You didn't look under "Seneca Niagara Casino" on my restaurant guide :-)] and not wanting to go to the buffet, we decided on Koi. Koi is advertised as the "fine dining pan-Asian" restaurant of the hotel; when we arrived, we found differently. First, we were not offered a wine list at all, and had to ask for one specifically. When the wine was brought to our table, the waiter popped the cork and offered my husband a taste (as he should have), but before my husband had a chance to sip it, the waiter filled my glass! The wine tasted fine, but that is certainly not how a "fine dining" establishment serves wine. Next, we wanted to start with an appetizer and ordered the Vegetarian Spring Roll, expecting a crispy golden crust. We were surprised when a summer roll made with transparent, limp, rice paper came to the table. Not only was it not a spring roll, but it contained about half a head of lettuce and not much else. Finally, on to the main courses. I had wanted steamed broccoli, but apparently that is difficult to find in Buffalo, because the Asian restaurant was out of it! I decided on a Chinese green vegetable in sauce, and my husband got the Beef with Peppers. The vegetable was in a sauce comprised 75% of oil, which made it for the most part inedible. My husband said the Chinese take out place we usually go to is much better. The entire meal took all of 30 minutes, which is not what I consider to be a paced, romantic dining experience. Overall, I give it a D."

[a] Korea House Restaurant.
402 Evans Rd. (Pierce Arrow Plaza), Amherst.
626-5980.

Given 3½ (out of 4) stars by Janice Okun, Buffalo News restaurant reviewer.

[WHN, 12/05] says: "We have eaten here a number of times over the last several years, and found the food to be very good, especially the Korean barbecue. We usually ordered a variety of meats—chicken, pork, and beef—then cooked it ourselves at one of the tables with a built-in barbecue pit. The servers had always been pleasant and helpful—describing the side dishes, asking if we knew how make the wraps, bringing extra rice, side dishes, sauces, and lettuce for the barbecue wraps, etc. However, on our last (and I do mean last) visit, when my wife asked our waiter what some of the side dishes were, he replied: "It's all edible". It was downhill from there, with the staff either ignoring us, or giving us looks that suggested we were intruding on their personal agendas. Even the woman who, I think, is one of the owners, or at least the manager, acted as if we weren't welcome and they would like us to leave. (It was only around 8:00 PM when we finished our meal and left). We felt like they no longer wanted non-Korean customers. As far as we are concerned, they will get their wish. All in all, an unpleasant experience that spoiled an otherwise good meal."

[CJH, 3/05] says: "Prices are a little high for Buffalo area. Nice environment, and service is OK and could be better. Food is good, and, with two orders or more grilled food, you get to grill your own dishes. Tastes great and always walk out happy. A must try. I give it a 2 out of 4 stars."

[HPK, 12/03] says: "I have now been to Korea House twice, and both times it has been extremely enjoyable! The latest time, I ventured in to the Authentic Korean Barbecue. Now, yes, there are Korean specialties such as Cow Stomach that I stayed away from, but we did try the Chicken and Steak options. Absolutely delicious. Plus, it's a lot of fun to cook your own food. Go and enjoy—and if you have been afraid to try Korean food, don't be. They have an extensive menu. The tables could have been cleared throughout the meal better, and don't ask for too much of a description of some foods, as the waiters don't know all the answers. But I will go back many times."

[EC, 12/02] says: "I went to Korea House for the first time last night for a work-related party. Being a relative neophyte in Korean cuisine (the only other Korean food I've had has been at UB's ), I wasn't sure what to expect. I was in for a very pleasant surprise. The atmosphere was clean & friendly, and the service was excellent. The menu was very extensive. Our waiter was extremely patient & sensitive to the Americans in our group. He made sure we knew about our orders (if they included raw fish, super spicy sauce, etc.). Although our order was big (about 10 people), the food was brought out very quickly. The array of sauces, side dishes, vegetables, and soups was wonderful. The food was delicious. I ordered the Bulgogi (marinated beef), & the portion was surprisingly big (not to mention delicious!). Everything was reasonably priced, too. For our big group, the total was $150. I recommend this restaurant highly for everyone who's in the mood for something special & esoteric."

[RJMcC, 9/98] says: "The Korea House Restaurant has become one of my favorite restaurants in Western New York. The dining area is very brightly lit, and blends tasteful decorative touches (wood, plants, earth tones) with less subtle elements (a full-length wall mirror, silent TV sets with karaoke text on screens, poster art featuring the likes of Magic Johnson, Las Vegas, etc.). Try to get one of the longer tables at either side of the dining room, because immediately after sitting down you will be served several small bowls of kim chee and other foods (ranging from marinated bean sprouts to dried anchovies) that may be consumed before and during the meal. The menu has scores of items on it and thus can be overwhelming, but my partner and I always order two or three dishes we already know, and a third or fourth dish that is new to us. Some of the standard items to order include bulgoki (put some of this marinated, cooked beef onto one of the fresh lettuce leaves you get, add some bean paste and kim chee, roll up and enjoy!), manduguk (pot-sticker-like dumplings in broth), scallion pancake (a huge and delicious treat), and spicy beef noodle soup. If you choose to sit at a longer table on the north end of the floor, you may BBQ your own bulgoki (also commonly called Korean Barbecue). We love the way the kitchen cooks the bulgoki (tender and juicy), however. The service is usually attentive and, if you're trying to navigate the menu, helpful. This is truly a fabulous restaurant."

[AN] says:

[1/98] "My favourite place is the Korean barbeque place in Williamsville. I love the food, especially the barbeque, which is fun, too, because you can fry your own meat, and the side dishes are delicious (and you will be served seconds of them if you clean up everything)."

[4/97] "Has changed owners = no liquor licence, but even more delicious samples of side-dishes—still one of my favourite restaurants."

[a+] Korean Express.
UB Commons.
688-6816.

[FR, 1/03] says: "I get the shakes when I think about K.E.'s Dae Ji Bulgolgi. It might be my favorite food. I finished my undergrad at UB last semester and problably ate it 4x per week. Also good are the teriyakis and the seafood stew (Winter only). This is not only the best fast food at UB, maybe all of WNY. GO."

[MEL, 9/99] says: "A small Korean stand, definitely an improvement over the rest of the places at UB Commons (like Young Chow and Burger King). I had some 'spicy chicken' which was pretty fatty but tasted OK (so, if you're worried about your diet, you might as well either go vegetarian or give up and get the beef). Don't miss the red bean dumplings, a sweet and nice dessert."

[RJMcC, 9/98] says: "Korean Express is a small fast-food-style restaurant on the UB-North Campus, and it is undoubtedly the place on campus to get a meal. The food at Korea House (off campus in Amherst) has a greater variety of choices as well as dishes of higher quality, but the food at Korean Express is good, and some of the dishes—especially the Bibimbop--are very good. Sometimes the kitchen will throw in a side of kim chee or soba noodles if you order an à la carte dish, but not always. It's about time that UB has pulled itself out of the burger/sub/wings/pizza/pasta rut and embraced the delicious cuisine of Korea. Now, will someone kindly open a sushi bar or Indian restaurant on campus?"

One of [SCS, 8/98]'s favorites on campus.

Koreana.
1010 Niagara Falls Blvd. (at Sheridan), Tonawanda.
836-5858.

[ECB, 2/08] says: "Dropped in for lunch at this little Korean place near the corner of NFB and Sheridan because I had heard wonderful things about their Kimchee Stew and discovered that it was well worth the trip. Hearty and spicy, served bubbling hot in a nice ceramic bowl on a plastic holder, it was perfect for a cold-weather lunch. The broth was wonderfully rich and aromatic, and it was filled with cabbage, green onions, pork rib on the bone, tofu, and even a bit of Spam. Half the stew demanded chopsticks, after which I switched to a spoon to gather up the remaining broth. It was served with a bowl of sticky rice, a side of kimchee, and three small sides of seaweed and sprouts with a mild dressing. Fine homestyle cooking."

Kostas Family Restaurant.
1561 Hertel Ave. (east of North Park Theater, which shows foreign films), Buffalo.
836-9944.

Greek.

[MZ, 4/07] says: "While I left Bflo. many decades ago, whenever I visit relatives, which is several times a year, Kostas is a must. Especially since they remodeled a number of years ago and have a "patio" capability overlooking Hertel; it's just the nicest place to sit and watch the world go by, people watch, and have truly good food at a great price. I especially love (or rather only know) Kostas for breakfast, served until fairly late in the A.M., where anything from the omelettes (homemade kaseri cheese is just great inside the generous three eggs; sausage patties are also very good, not your Jimmy Dean fare) to the pancakes (with real maple syrup) or deeply-crevassed waffles will satisfy anyone for an embarrassingly low price. Fried potatoes are done to perfection, not always the case elsewhere. Order real rye bread with caraway instead of white or whole wheat; good bread is hard to find, and this toasts up and butters to even a picky eater's taste. Oh, lest I forget, the coffee is excellent, always freshest and never weak, and bottomless. Waitstaff are really nice people, as are buspeople. Tip them kindly; they deserve it. Only thing missing is the newsstand that used to be on the corner where you could get the NY Times. Maybe Walgreen's across the street now stocks it; don't know. But speaking of, don't park there, though it's tempting, with little street parking available on Hertel. Walgreen's does indeed ticket and tow."

[JJBy, 1/07] says that Kostas is good for breakfasts: "Love the souvlaki and their home fries."

[BL, 3/06] says: "We love Kostas too and have enjoyed many meals over the years. Personally, I like the decor and new exterior. It's fun, and we walk the sidewalk easily enough. It is good to spruce up all neighborhoods now and then. The new interior certainly beats the old one with its uneven floors, if I remember correctly. As for meals, we also recommend Sunday breakfast. Place is usually jammed, and, if interested, you may spot local newscasters or politicians who frequent the place. Prices...hmm, I think they could reduce the one chicken dish portion size and bring down the price, and that would be a good idea—simply way too much food (can't remember the name—just remember a lot of chicken!). On the other hand, easy leftovers for the next day. If you plan a Mother's or Father's Day, expect a bit of a wait. It's a fun neighborhood locale. Hertel is a great place with great restaurants."

[RDM, 3/06] says: "I find I always order the same thing at Kostas, but that is because their open chicken souvlaki is always delicious. This visit was no different. The lettuce, chicken, and feta cheese all tasted fresh. The service was prompt and friendly. My husband also really enjoyed his dish, the Beefteki."

[KATS, 11/05] says: "I normally enjoy a quick dinner at Kostas, but last night was the exception to the rule. I ordered the Greek 1/4 chicken, which came with Greek potatoes and some canned green beans in a mushy tomato sauce. Maybe the tomato sauce is a Greek thing, but the whole vegetable came out as a pile of mush. "Greek potatoes" means "soaked in oil" and baked. There was no seasoning or feta cheese, like at Ambrosia. My chicken was on the dry side, but I didn't eat the skin. My companion's Mediterranean 1/2 chicken was beyond enormous. Stuffed with spinach, feta, and another cheese, it was enormous and tastier than mine. The highlight of the meal was the Greek salad that comes with the entree. Next time, I'll stick with souvlaki or gyro."

[GB, 11/03] says: "Ever since the [...] owner put the Abomination (i.e., the added room that doubles as a pedestrian obstacle) on the sidewalk—a supposed temporary structure—I have boycotted the place, due to their complete lack of concern for the aesthetics of the neighborhood and the street of Hertel, as well as the safety of pedestrian traffic—it even hides the Chinese restaurant next door from view—but I was talked into going there again by some hungry friends. Well, as it turned out, I wasn't missing anything. The food was cold and bland. The service was slow and rude. The prices were as if we were eating at Oliver's—a very nice, pricy, 4-star restaurant, by the way—the food was not cooked to order at all: over-easy eggs were hard, rare meat was well done. Save your money, and don't go here."

[MEL, 5/99] says: "A Greek place with good fish, of all things. I would go here again."

Kristin's Fine Cuisine and Catering.
30 Wellington, St. Catherines, ON, CANADA.
905-682-5022.

[AMM, 4/03] says: "Love your website...it has introduced me to many great places to eat in and around Buffalo. My husband and I discovered a great place in St. Catharines and noticed it was not listed on your website. This restuarant is moderately priced and a great meal for your money. There are maybe twenty tables—many just for two in a small dining area. The service was great, and the atmosphere casual, relaxed, and comfortable. The food was excellent. I'll try to describe what we had with as much accuracy as I can. Kristin's has a nice menu and also a blackboard in the dining room with daily specials. Tuesday is two-for-one pasta...I think that would be worth checking out! We dined on a Saturday night. My husband started with a bacon crepe. The bacon was delicious...finely sliced Canadian bacon that was as tender as prosciutto. Many of the menu selections included crepes—and the crepes are done wonderfully...thin and light. The appetizer crepe had a light cream sauce with mushrooms. Although it was basically cream and bacon, the effect was very light and smooth. (In fact, there seemed to be a lot of "heart healthy" choices on this menu...a lot of lactose and gluten-free choices—this would be a great place for the health concious or allergy-plagued diner to check out.) My husband had one of the specials listed on the large chalk board. It was an Asian spice crusted pork presented in a tower with Yukon gold potatoes and mushrooms. The pork was tender, and the crust was just enough to give a light crisp to the edges of the meat without any of it being dried. The spice was not overwhelming, either. It was absolutely delicious. I had a menu item. It was a crepe with salmon, crabmeat, porcini mushrooms, and wild rice. The plate contained two crepes sitting in a light tomato basil sauce. The crepes were light and wonderful, as was the sauce. The sauce was not a red tomato sauce...more of a rose or blush sauce and it was very smooth. We paired our meal with a half litre of Lailey Riesling. The wine list had local Niagara region wines...and, if we had wanted to, we could have stopped by the vinyard on our way home and picked up a bottle. I think that is a nice touch. The food was fresh, the wine was local, the service was wonderful. To reference it in terms of Buffalo establishments...this place gives the Left Bank a run for its money. Although St. Catharines is a bit out of the way for us, the next time I'm stuck on the QEW...well, I'm going to have to get off at exit 44 and have a fine meal at this restaurant. Thanks for publishing your website. As an enthusiastic diner, you've given me lots of ways to branch out. I hope you get a chance to visit this place. I bet you'll have a wonderful meal."

Kuni's To Go.
226 Lexington Ave. (between Allentown and Buff State), Buffalo.
881-3800.

[4/07] Listed as one of Buffalo's "27 Best Restaurants" by Buffalo Spree magazine.

[AG, 11/06] says: "Kuni's back, takeout only. What many consider the best sushi in Buffalo is now available again, though you'll have to leave the place to feed your face. Download the order form and fax it in, or call in your order. The nice people in the General Store next door will let you eat your sushi there, if you ask politely."

Kyoto Japanese Restaurant.
4060 Maple Rd., Amherst.
836-6688.

[THT, 5/08] says: "I went to Kyoto on the grand opening day. [Editor's note: Never a good idea!] First look at this restaurant was good. The place is very bright and well organized. We had a group of 9, so we waited a while before we were seated. Everything seems fine. My girlfriend and I ordered omekase (Chief's Special Selection). We asked the waitress how much it was, but she didn't know the price. As a result, she had to ask the manager for the pricing. After about 20 to 30 minutes, the waitress came back and said that the minimum price was $30. Hoping that the food will be good, we requested for a $100 omekase for 2 people. While ordering food, the waitress was very impatient with my friend who couldn't decide on what he wanted to eat. She raised her voice when taking his order. When our omekase arrived, I was shocked. The sashimi was horrible, as if it had been left in the open for weeks. The portion was very small. There were only 4-5 different types of fish. We were very disappointed at the food. Our friend at the other table ordered Love Boat. The number of sushi was not evenly distributed (usually the sushi are an even number and sashimi are an odd number), making it hard for our friends to share between 2 people. Not only that, we found bones in our salmon sashimi (not 1 bone, but many bones). After the meal, those who ate sashimi had a serious stomachache. (I personally went to the bathroom for 4 times after the meal.) Overall Rating: Food decoration: 2/10 for omekase, 7/10 for Love Boat (the boat looked really nice), 5/10 for rolls. Food taste: 0/10 for omekase, 2/10 for Love Boat, 5/10 for rolls. Restaurant environment: 8/10. Summary: We will not return to this horrible restaurant. With the amount of money I am paying, I would rather cross the border and visit Taki in Canada. This should be the number one restaurant to be blacklisted in Buffalo. Go to Wasabi, as it is still the best Japanese restaurant in Buffalo."

[SCS, 5/08] informs me that Kyoto offers Shogun-like hibachi grills, regular dining, and a sushi bar. He had the sushi, liked it, and intends to return.

[HPK, 5/08] offers a "sort of" review: "In my never ending quest to eat at every Asian restaurant in WNY, I decided to take my family to Koyto. To answer the question you posted [see Editor's Note, below], this is a Japanese steak house, therefore the "surf and turf". I say "sort-of", as we did not stay. They do not have their liquor license yet, but even more strange, all they had was water. Not even soda. We decided not to stay. The inside looked nice. The outside though was disturbing. There were weeds a good foot high all around the building. I know that has nothing to do with the food; it just is weird not to have it taken care of. It gives a potential diner an uneasy feeling. All that being said, one day I will try the food."

[XW, 5/08] says: "I went there with 7 of my friends to celebrate my birthday. My friend and I had the filet mignon and lobster tail ($28.00), and the total came out to be $202.46. We left the restaurant hungry and got some food from Wendy's. We spoke to the manager about the amount of food they serve, and he said there is nothing he can do, and gave us a whole bunch of $5-dollars-off coupons for the next visit. Very dissapointed. Students beware!!! Graduation is coming up soon; don't take your parents there."
[Editor's note: I discussed this review with one of my colleagues, and we were puzzled about two things: First, why would anyone order surf and turf in a Japanese restaurant? Second, why would a Japanese restaurant serve surf and turf?]