Andre’s Restaurant and Lounge
836 Niagara St, Buffalo.
by Michael Niman and Laura McClusky
Buffalo Gazette Culinary Arts Critics.

If you’ve never stopped in at Andre’s, you’re missing out on one of the best little restaurant’s this city has to offer. Andre’s is a small "neighborhood" restaurant with a reputation for great food. And that reputation is well deserved! For a special treat order the Fava beans ($3.50). You’ll get a big appetizer to share with the whole table, and they’ll all be asking for seconds. If you’re not familiar with Favas, treat yourself. They’re large earthy beans, served in a garlic, butter and olive oil sauce. We can’t get enough of ‘em, especially at Andre’s where they serve an excellent Italian bread, crispy on the outside and soft and sweet on the inside -- great for dipping into the Fava sauce.

Like many Buffalonians, we go to Andre’s for their fish. We’re talking crisp -- two pieces of delicately battered deep fried haddock that’s light and tender ($5.50) -- absolutely delicious! We’re also talking about grilled haddock, spiced with a peppery mix and a touch of butter ($6.25) that will keep you coming back for more! Superb!

They also serve the grilled fish with dandelions and mozzarella cheese for a special treat ($8.25). Andre’s cooks are generous, offering you a sizable portion of fish and two sides. You have your choice of French fries, potato salad, German potato salad (a tasty sweet and sour salad with flavorful bites of bacon throughout), macaroni salad or coleslaw (a sweet tangy almost citrusy flavor). The cole slaw is truly some of the best around. You won’t walk away hungry!

Though primarly known for their fish, the folks at Andre’s also offer a host of other Italian dishes worth trying such as the Steak and Dandelion pizza. It’s pizza topped with slices of sirloin steak, sauteed dandelion greens, onions and mushrooms. They make a personal pizza for ($4.00), a medium for ($9.50) and a Large for ($11.95). They do a great white pizza also, topped with olive oil, onions, fresh tomatoes, and romano and mozzarella cheeses. It’s ($3.50) for the personal pizza, ($7.15) for the medium and ($9.50) for the large. A wonderful meal! Andre’s serves subs and big meaty wings as well.

The combination of good food, reasonable prices and a comfortable atmosphere where everyone feels at home makes Andre’s a sure bet for a great dinner out. There’s sometimes a wait at dinnertime on Friday nights, but the bar is cozy, the beer is cold and the aroma of good food fills the air. So enjoy!