On a daily basis, we are tempted by all of the delicious dining options in Genesee County. With so many restaurants to choose from, we often struggle to decide, "What's for lunch!" Today, we are focusing on a sampling of some of the family-owned and operated favorites that our staff can’t get enough of in West Batavia. As you read, you’ll learn what we love about each spot and our recommended must-have dishes! Bon appétit!
Alex's Place: For over 25 years, the award-winning Alex's Place has been serving delicious char-grilled favorites along with a wonderful blend of American steakhouse specialties and Italian classics. From the Chamber office down the street, to visitors coming from out-of-state, it's no wonder Alex's is a west end favorite! Our office is a huge fan of their six-for-$6 lunches. Choose from six options and create a great tasting lunch (we won't tell if you choose more than one - how could you possibly decide between grilled shrimp with coleslaw & fries and a pulled pork slider with coleslaw?!)! If you're hosting a lunch meeting, Alex's is a great place to go. Their casual and relaxing atmosphere, classic décor and warm wood accents makes for the perfect spot to bring a business guest for a memorable and tasty meal.
Fab Fajita & Pita: Just today, we were looking for something good and filling. One of our staff members received an email saying "We miss you! Here's a discount to come back." Fab Fajita & Pita is one of our favorite places for guilty pleasures and indulgent lunch dishes, so here we are. Their menu is filled with mouth-watering choices from (you guessed it) fajitas and pitas, wraps, salads, and the most generous portion of fresh and crispy French fries this side of the Mississippi. Speaking of French fries, take your pick of six French fry creations to satisfy the craving you didn’t know you had until just now. Try one of our favorite fry plates, the Southwest Fries! A mountain of fries covered with homemade chili and cheese, enough to share (although you won’t want to). Did you know you can make any fajita into a pita or vice versa? One of our favorites is “The Philly,” piled high with sirloin steak onions and peppers grilled to perfection smothered with shredded cheese... Serious yum! If you're looking for something light, they have salads and even a build-your-own salad option. Stop in and grab a bite to eat- this family owned and operated business will welcome you like a regular, that’s how they welcome everyone! Soon enough you'll actually be a one. Hey, we may see you there sometime.
Peking & China Chef Buffets: Being centrally located between two major cities, as well as being situated on a major interstate, Batavia is a popular stop for tour buses headed to and from Niagara Falls. These tours are very popular with international travelers, especially from China. Asian cuisine, specifically the buffets, are a quick and familiar stop for these groups, as they are typically on a tight schedule. While Peking Buffet and China Chef both see many buses on a weekly basis, they are also a hit with the locals! At Peking Buffet, the food is fresh, the service attentive and the atmosphere has a traditional oriental flair. While the buffet is a popular lunch option, our favorite thing about Peking is their Mongolian Bar - the only in the county! Choose from a variety of fresh ingredients and sauces, and watch as the chef prepares your truly unique creation. China Chef has an expansive lunch and dinner buffet, but if you’re looking form something fast and on-the-go, you can quickly pack a take-out box to enjoy on the road.
Settlers Family Restaurant: Settler’s is another family-owned and operated restaurant where Greek specialties are their specialty. As much as we love Settler’s Greek souvlakis, salads, and gyros and their tasty take on Greek dressing, we've got another must-try to mention this time - their indulgent mac & cheeses and their wide selection of homemade soups! Settler’s soup game is strong, with as many as six soup options daily! You can find their daily soups on cute little signs above their front counter. With a bowl of soup at only a few bucks, go ahead and slurp your heart out! As for the mac & cheese, there are eight varieties on the menu, that’s right- we said eight. If you have a hard time making decisions when it comes to ooey gooey goodness you may need to go in with a game plan and some willpower. What do we recommend? We recommend that you keep going back to Settler’s until you’ve tried them all at least once! You’re welcome in advance.
Sport of Kings: Greek dressing so delicious they bottle it up for you in advance… well it’s for sale, but you’ll be glad because their homemade Greek dressing is the best and you'll want to take some home! Sporto’s is one of our favorite family restaurants for a quick, delicious, homemade meal. The must-have dish at Sporto’s should come as no surprise, we are crazy for their souvlaki! Of the several delicious wraps they offer, their souvlaki is what we consider to be one of the stars. With a choice of marinated chicken or beef and stuffed with fresh lettuce, tomato, onion, feta cheese and of course, their homemade Greek dressing, you will not be disappointed! Pair your souvlaki with one of their homemade soups on special for a meal fit for a king.
That Taco Place: Since 1978 their menu has reflected this single principle: Keep it simple and consistent. Known by the locals as “Taco Joe’s” a trip to That Taco Place is a must! Serving a variety of Mexican favorites for lunch and dinner, your taste buds are sure to be satisfied. Our office favorites include beef enchiladas, chicken fajitas with extra guac or good ol’ fashioned bean burrito. In a hurry? You’re in luck - That Taco Place has a convenient drive-through window available. But be sure you have cash – they don’t accept credit or debit cards.
Yume Asian Bistro: Best described as “Asian Fusion” and offering a wide array of dishes, Yume is one of our go-to spots for lunch. We can order online and schedule a pick up time that works for us, it's close to the office, and their Bento Boxes are the perfect size! The array of food you get in that box will fuel you straight through the rest of your day. We also love their Thai Basil Fried Rice and fresh, made-to-order sushi rolls, and we are suckers for their noodles, like their Yaki Soba- delish! No matter what you order, it will come out looking like a piece of art and will taste even better!
Now you have a pretty good idea of why we struggle to make a decision on where to eat! With so many restaurants to choose from in Genesee County, we're sure you'll find something to satisfy your taste buds too. Of course, there are tons of other options and local eateries that will fill you up with the goodness that makes up their menu. Be on the lookout for the next "Staff Picks" article on our Favorite Food Spots in Genesee County! For a full listing of our diverse dining scene, click HERE!
Our list above features some of our favorite “mom & pops” but we also encourage you to check out these great Chamber member restaurants that are also located on the West side of Batavia:
