MenuToEat Journal
Slice of Buffalo Life: Extra Extra Pizza and Lafayette Square Serendipity
A perfect pizza joint discovered while exploring downtown Buffalo. Extra Extra Pizza is more than a meal; it's a taste of the city's vibrant character.
Written By
Elaine Mercer
A seasoned hobby foodie with a calm, polished voice and a habit of noticing hospitality, pacing, and neighborhood context.
Feature File
Extra Extra Pizza
549 W Utica St, Buffalo, NY 14213
From The Story
“A perfect pizza joint discovered while exploring downtown Buffalo. Extra Extra Pizza is more than a meal; it's a taste of the city's vibrant character.”
Feature Story
A day built around one meal
I found myself in Buffalo the other day, mostly running errands near Lafayette Square. It's a lovely area to stroll through, especially after a visit to the Erie County Botanical Gardens – always a treat for the senses. My stomach started to rumble, so I decided to find a place for a late lunch, and that's when I stumbled upon Extra Extra Pizza.
Right away, the atmosphere drew me in. It wasn't fancy, just comfortable and welcoming, with a steady stream of locals popping in for a slice or a whole pie. The menu, displayed above the counter, was straightforward and appealing. I opted for a couple of slices to sample their offerings.
The first, from their "Old Signature Pizzas", was the classic Red Sauce. Simple, yes, but beautifully executed. The sauce had a bright, tangy flavor that really popped. My other slice was the fresh mozz, meatball, onion. At first bite, the fresh, creamy mozzarella was prominent, melding beautifully with the savory meatballs and sweet onions. Both slices were generously sized and priced just right – around the $4 range, I believe. The dough was perfectly crisp on the bottom with a satisfying chew, a clear sign of a pizza place that knows its craft.
While I ate, I watched the staff interact with customers. It was clear many were regulars, greeted by name and treated like family. That kind of neighborhood vibe is something you can't manufacture, and it really adds to the experience. I also noticed their drink menu; several cocktails were enticing with simple ingredients that were made to compliment their pizzas. The "Easy Drinking" section called to me, the "gin or tequila, centerb" sounded refreshing and the other, "vodka, passionfruit" for only a few dollars, seemed like a must for a perfect pizza experience.
Before heading back to my car, I took a detour toward Canalside. It’s always nice to see the revitalized waterfront, buzzing with activity. I thought about how Extra Extra Pizza fit into the fabric of this area – a casual, reliable spot for a good meal, the kind of place that keeps a neighborhood humming.
If you're ever in Buffalo and find yourself near Lafayette Square, do yourself a favor and stop into Extra Extra Pizza. It's not just pizza; it's a little taste of Buffalo hospitality. You won't be disappointed.