This intimate, black box theater is located on the 3rd floor of the Great Arrow Industrial complex, once the manufacturing facility of the Pierce Arrow luxury car. The theater, which was founded by Amy and Lou Taravella in 2007, is home to the New Alt Performance Group. Amy is the artistic director, co-director and choreographer, while Lou serves as executive director. The theater won the Artvoice Award in 2008 for best new art/performance space. Performances usually take place on the weekends; there are also professional comedians who perform on Mondays. - Christine A. Smyczynski

A 50-year tradition in the area, this ice cream parlor/restaurant is definitely on the diner side of things with delights such as beef on kimmelweck, and ham and turkey sandwiches. But the frozen custard and homemade hard ice cream is the reason most people pay this North Buffalo site a visit. Little wonder they sell more than 4,000 custard cones a week! One of nine locations in Buffalo and surrounding suburbs, the restaurant prides itself on quality food, cleanliness and fast and friendly service.

Gordon's is one of the finest eateries in the neighborhood of North Delaware. The restaurant offers famous delicious local fare which is a treat to the taste buds. However, one of the main reasons for the fame of this restaurant is its sports bar which finds the place full to the capacity. You can watch an exciting match as you sip onto the drinks during happy hours. If good food and great drinks does not satisfy your happiness quotient, there are regular events and live musical performances that are sure to engross you. If it is a complete entertainment package that you are looking for, Gordon's is the place to go.

Located close the the Chippewa Strip, Club W is a lively place to socialize and make friends. The interiors are impressively done with cozy leather couches, a large stage and a dance floor. Bands like the 'Deep Blue Dream', 'Sonic Garden' and 'Jackdaw' have performed at this venue. Titled as the "Best Dance Club of 2007" by the Buffalo Music Awards, this club is a venue for many unforgettable live performances. With Buffalo's biggest 360 bar, the VIP lounge and facilities like wireless internet connection and flat screen TVs, it is one of the best places to host any kind of corporate or social events.

Located in the University Heights area near the Buffalo Niagara International Airport, this bar has been presenting some of the best live music in Western New York for more than 25 years. The ambience is cool and laid-back, making it perfect for an evening out with friends who want to have a drink or two while listening to music. Thursday night is hip-hop time. Tickets for all shows are only available at the door, and there is no reserved seating. Most shows begin at 11p. Open from Monday to Saturday from 3pm and Sunday from 1pm.

The Montante Cultural Center was actually a church till it was renovated and converted into a 515-seater multi-use auditorium and performance venue. The center has several events and performances by the Canisius College Chorale, Jazz Ensemble, Concert Band and Chamber Orchestra. The Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra also perform here regularly. The auditorium hosts several eminent politicians, activists and thinkers for speeches. Call up to find out more about the events.

Not your usual stuffy steak joint, this University Heights restaurant not far from the University at Buffalo South Campus combines inexpensive steak and barbecue with nightly specials. The atmosphere is rousing and sometimes even raucous, the wait staff is friendly, and there's live music Wednesday nights. The menu includes classic pub fare such as roast beef on weck, Black Angus burger, and New York strip steak. The Montana Room, a second dining area, is available for parties, banquets and other bashes.

Subversive Theater has proved to be a platform, quite literally for much talent. This theater claims itself to have a democratic nature by staging the works of the common man. As the name suggests, the aim of the theater is to subvert or debunk the conventional notion of the theater and make it more accessible to both the classes and the masses. Many aspiring scriptwriters find their stories taking the stage here and many actors, both upcoming and established have staged performances here as well. Plays based on the exploitation and problems of the common man are much encouraged. There is also a Manny Fried Playhouse that has emerged as as a major performance venue from the earlier warehouse it used to be. With state-of-the-art seats and equipment, this black box style venue is quite popular, and surely not to be given a miss if you happen to be in this side of town.

This single-screen theater, with classical exteriors and decor, is located in the North Park neighborhood. It opened in the 1920s as the Sheas North Park Theatre; now part of the Dipson chain, it showcases the talents of independent movie directors. There is disabled access, but currently this establishment does not accept credit cards. For film times, ticket prices and further information please call, or see their website.

This New Orleans-inspired bistro is named after the voodoo god of thunder, with a menu that features authentic Cajun and Creole cuisine. Start out with a salad, perhaps a spring green salad with apples and walnuts, a spinach salad with mushrooms, or maybe a Caesar salad. Appetizers include chicken and sausage gumbo, avocado spring rolls and fried calamari. Entrees include Creole bouillabaisse, blackened pork chops, Creole meatloaf and more. For dessert, try their house specialty, bananas foster, or maybe a slice of pecan pie or a bowl of New Orleans bread pudding. Wine is available by the glass or bottle. -Christine A. Smyczynski