food: buffalo may be hurting in many areas, but food is not a problem:
gut buster yet oddly addictive "mexican" food: mighty taco (many locations)
awesome pizza: bob + johns on Hertel (+ about 45034563945 other places..)
tasty semi-casual semi upscale soups/sandwiches/entrees:
- brodos on elmwood. metro on elmwood.
stunningly tasty asian fusion, hip and cool: papaya on chippewa
uber-tasty "tapas bar"/ hip restaurant/bar: toro on elmwood.
hip/cheap coffee house: spot coffee on corner of delaware and chippewa. (across from the evil starbucks)
veggie/vegan friendly diner/coffeehouse/breakfast: common grounds on elmwood.
super casual delicious greek/diner: Kostas on Hertel. 24 hour: panos on elmwood.
ultra southern (NYC/rich red sauce, bread n butter) italian: Chef's on Swan st.
other italian: theres about 10 places on Hertel, all good.
$$ but frickin amazing dining - upscale yet casual: Hutch's on Delaware (call for reservations on weekend fo sho)
edit: also, hit up the new era flagship store on delaware (near chippewa, not too far from arena) if youre into crazy caps.