Buffalo

Housed behind one of Buffalo’s late-Victorian mansions, Mothers Restaurant offers big-city fare at small-town prices. Under the direction of chef Matt Conroy, the inventive hand-written menu features a plethora of flavors and a wealth of ingredients. Though the menu changes often, favorites include scallops over black fettuccine with spinach, red peppers, and a saffron cream sauce; duck and sausage cassoulet with white beans and pork sausage; center-cut pork chop with blue cheese–walnut stuffing and port glaze; and grilled swordfish with orange-ginger butter. The wine list is long and offerings are inexpensive, and as a bonus, the restaurant serves until 3 a.m. Plus, there’s an outdoor patio for warm summer evenings.