No one likes a friend who can’t keep secrets, but some rules are meant to be broken! Buffalo is home to so many awesome attractions, it’s easy for some to fall under the radar. It’s time to spill the beans: here are the 9 best-kept secret places in Buffalo.
1. Karpeles Manuscript Library Museums (220 North Street & 453 Porter Avenue)
The Karpeles Manuscript Library holds the largest private collection of original manuscripts and documents in the world! If you're into looking at original documents and reading interesting pieces, you need to check this secret place out.
2. The Nine-Eleven Tavern (9-11 Bloomfield Avenue)
Nine-Eleven Tavern has been voted to be the best-kept secret in Buffalo. Who are we to disagree with our fellow Buffalonians? Check this place out for delicious wings and a friendly atmosphere!
3. Japanese Garden (1 Museum Court)
The Japanese Garden is one of our favorite spots in Buffalo, but it's a secret place many Buffalonians have yet to discover. Make a date this spring to check it out firsthand!
4. Mark Twain Room at the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library - Central Library (1 Lafayette Square)
The Buffalo Public Library is home to over 500 Mark Twain items and collectibles. A room this notable shouldn't be kept secret. All bibliophiles should add this place to their Buffalo bucket list!
5. Whitworth Ferguson Planetarium (Buffalo State College, Buckham Hall, Wing D)
The Whitworth Ferguson Planetarium is currently under construction, with a brand new home coming soon! In the meantime, you can still check out amazing exhibits at this secret place, located within an inflatable dome on the Buffalo State Campus.
6. Museum of Neuroanatomy (UB South Campus, 360 Biomedical Education Building, 3435 Main Street)
Calling all brainiacs! The Museum of Neuroanatomy (less formally known as the "Brain Museum") is an interesting exhibit on UB's South Campus. The museum showcases over 80 brain specimens, perfect for learning more about human anatomy!
7. AK Cafe at the Albright-Knox Art Gallery (1285 Elmwood Avenue)
The AK Cafe is located within the Albright-Knox Art Gallery, and this secret place is worthy of a visit! Dine on fresh soups, salads, sandwiches, and more surrounded by beautiful works of art. In the warmer months, you can even dine outside in the Sculpture Garden. Delicious food and beautiful surroundings? It's a win-win!
8. Westside Stories Used Books (205 Grant Street)
Buffalo is home to several wonderful used bookstores. Westside Stories is one of our favorites, located on Grant Street. The store recently received a bright new facade, thanks to Casey William Milbrand, and there's always something new to discover on their packed bookshelves inside!
9. Blue Sky Mausoleum at Forest Lawn Cemetery (1411 Delaware Avenue)
We can't not include this Frank Lloyd Wright design in our list of secret places. This is one of the lesser known FLW works in Buffalo, often standing in the shadows of the Darwin Martin House and Fontana Boathouse. Pay a visit to the mausoleum inside Forest Lawn Cemetery and you'll see why this secret place is begging to be discovered by more Buffalonians!
What are some of your favorite secret places in Buffalo? Share them with us in the comments below so more people can experience them firsthand!
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