Exploring Lewiston, NY
New England Seafood, Hot Sauce, Baked Goods, Frozen Custard, and Coffee
Most folks are probably most familiar with Lewiston, NY as the home to Artpark, WNY’s premier concert destination. I’m here to tell you there is a lot more to do, see, and taste in Lewiston, particularly along the mile long Center Street in the village of Lewiston.
Before I get into those details, I want to thank everyone for being here, supporting this blog. On June 1st, Open Till Four turned 4 years old! At this point, I need to acknowledge that I don’t always have something new to write about every week. Rather than force a less than interesting post, there may be weeks that I skip posting, as has happened in the past month. I hope you will continue to read, subscribe, and/or follow.
Hibbard’s Original Frozen Custard: 105 Portage Road
Just off of Center Street on Portage Road, Hibbard’s is one of the first businesses that welcomes you to the village. Hibbard’s has been serving their custom frozen custard blend since 1939. The core four flavors offered daily are chocolate, vanilla, black raspberry, and pistachio. Additional specialty flavors rotate daily.
The main difference between frozen custard and ice cream is that frozen custard is made with egg yolks and ice cream is not, giving the former a richer flavor and mouthfeel. [Source: https://www.foodnetwork.com/how-to/packages/food-network-essentials/frozen-custard-vs-ice-cream]
Olcott Lobster Company-Lewiston: 755 Center Street
Before we could get ice cream, we needed [a late] lunch. Last month, Olcott Lobster Company of Olcott, NY, opened a location in Lewiston. Featuring a menu of New England favorites, Jeff’s palette would be a true test as a former New Englander. All my life I have dated men that do not like seafood. I’m finally with someone who loves seafood but is ultra critical on sourcing.
I assured him that the lobsters were from Maine, but he rejected the idea of trying the clam chowder because he claims to have never had a good one in WNY. I ordered the soup anyways and the lobster roll flight to share. The flight included a sampling of New England and Connecticut rolls as well as their house roll, the Olcott Fire Roll, served with Calabrian chili butter.
We enjoyed all of the rolls but the show stopper was the New England clam chowder. Thicker than most, but still with soup consistency, it was the best I have ever personally sampled and the best Jeff has found locally.
Orange Cat Coffee Co: 703 Center Street
The real inspiration for our Lewiston day trip were two gift cards that my mother gifted us for Christmas 2024. I was already familiar with Orange Cat Coffee Co, as my personal favorite coffee house in WNY. The eclectic vibe reminds me of cherished times spent hanging out in coffee houses of the 90’s. During nice weather, the seating on their outdoor patio is the perfect stop along Center street for a break from exploring.
In addition to coffee and espresso drinks, Orange Cat typically offers vegan baked goods and a small, rotating lunch menu. You can also shop for whole bean or ground coffee.
Sgt. Pepper's Hot Sauces Etc.: 444 Center St Side Unit 4
I don’t recall how this business landed on my to-try list, but somebody must have given me a heads up at some point. Primarily a purveyor of literally hundreds of hot sauces, the shop also sells a variety of jams/jellies, BBQ sauces and rubs. They also carry a selection of cheeses and packaged sausages.
The proprietor was super hospitable, offering us tiny samples of sauces. We didn’t end up buying any hot sauce but did take home a rub. The great thing about the rubs are that each one has a sample jar that you can open and smell to imagine paired with your favorite veg or protein. If you cook with or eat any of the products mentioned here, I definitely recommend checking this place out.
The Village Bake Shoppe: 417 Center Street
My mom loves the cookies here and that was the reason for the gift card. We did bring some home but have yet to try them. First, we needed to indulge in the triple berry pie, packed with tart berries in a flaky, buttery crust. We enjoyed that last night with some vanilla ice cream.
The Village Bake Shop offers a variety of treats beyond cookies and pie however. There was also an assortment of cheesecakes available along with other desserts such as cannoli, fruit bars, brownies, bread pudding, cupcakes and quiches. They also offer several panini.
The Silo Restaurant: 115 N Water Street
Down the hill and to the end of Center Street will find you at the Niagara River. Turn left to visit the Lewiston location of Griffon Brewery and Gastropub. Turn to the right to experience The Silo Restaurant, a casual eatery with a tranquil view all around. The menu features burgers, hot dogs, fries, onion rings, chicken and sausage options, as well as salads.
If you are not looking to eat and just want to relax, there are plenty of places to sit and enjoy the view between the two restaurants.
We go to Cape Cod every year. Sesuit Harbor Cafe in Dennis has some great Lobster Rolls that are available in the morning when they open. I have tried lobster rolls from The Maine Bite food truck in East Aurora. I thought they were small and that the Olcott Lobster company's were much better. I enjoyed those in Olcott last year. They do some great cake decorating at The Village Bakery. I got a lovely cake for my mother in law's birthday once. I tried their cassata cake and it was just o.k.