Cheektowaga, NY

Buffalo's friendly neighbor with Polish heritage and suburban charm

Things to know

Discover Cheektowaga.

Polish Heritage & Dining

Food

Experience authentic Polish culture at the Broadway Market, a historic public market operating since 1888. Savor pierogi, kielbasa, and paczki while soaking in generations of tradition, especially vibrant during Easter season.

Aviation History at the Iron Island Museum

Culture

Explore local history at the Iron Island Museum, housed in a former funeral home with reported paranormal activity. The museum preserves Cheektowaga's past, including its connection to the tragic Flight 3407 crash memorial.

Stiglmeier Park

Nature

Enjoy 164 acres of natural recreation at this beloved county park. Walk the trails around the pond, visit the small zoo with native animals, or have a family picnic in this peaceful green space.

Local Taverns & Polish Pubs

Nightlife

Discover neighborhood camaraderie at classic spots like Adam's Rib or Polish Village. These are where locals gather for a drink, hearty meals, and to catch a Bills or Sabres game in a no-frills, authentic setting.

Walden Galleria

Shopping

Shop Western New York's largest mall, featuring over 200 stores from Apple to Macy's. This retail hub draws shoppers from across the region and is a cornerstone of the local economy.

Cheektowaga Town Park & Recreation

Sports

Get active at the town's recreational hub, featuring an ice rink, swimming pool, sports fields, and walking paths. It's the heart of local youth sports and community fitness programs.

things to do

Things to Do in Cheektowaga

While primarily a residential suburb, Cheektowaga offers unique local attractions centered on heritage, community, and convenient access to Buffalo's amenities.

Visit the Broadway Market

Culture

Immerse yourself in Buffalo's Polish heritage at this historic public market. Especially famous for its Easter celebrations, it's a year-round destination for traditional foods, baked goods, and seasonal events.

Walk the trails at Stiglmeier Park

Nature

Explore this scenic county park with paved trails perfect for walking, running, or biking. Don't miss the small animal exhibits featuring deer, bison, and birds of prey native to New York.

Catch a game at the Cheektowaga Ice Rink

Sports

Watch local youth hockey or public skating sessions at this community facility. It's a hub for winter sports and home to various leagues and learn-to-skate programs.

Spend a day at Walden Galleria

Shopping

Browse Western New York's premier shopping destination. Beyond shopping, the mall features a food court, movie theater, and seasonal events like holiday visits with Santa.

Enjoy a Polish feast

Food

Dine at authentic spots like Polish Villa or Potts Deli for stuffed cabbage, pierogi, and kielbasa. Many restaurants have been family-owned for decades, preserving old-world recipes.

Explore local history and lore

History

Visit the Iron Island Museum to learn about Cheektowaga's past, including its aviation history and the stories that earned it a reputation as one of America's most haunted places.

neighborhoods

Neighborhoods to Explore

Cheektowaga is a collection of distinct residential areas, each with its own character, from mid-century subdivisions to bustling commercial corridors.

Cheektowaga Central

Historic Core

The original village area around Broadway and Union Road, featuring older homes, the historic town hall, and classic neighborhood businesses. This is where you'll find the deepest roots and most established community feel.

Walden Galleria Area

Retail Hub

Centered around the massive mall, this is Cheektowaga's commercial engine. The surrounding streets are lined with chain restaurants, big-box stores, and hotels catering to regional shoppers.

Cleveland Hill

Residential

A well-regarded residential neighborhood with highly-rated schools, parks, and a strong sense of community. Features a mix of post-war homes and more recent developments, popular with families.

Forks / Maryvale

Suburban

Quiet, primarily residential areas in the northern part of town with good access to highways. Characterized by ranch-style homes, cul-de-sacs, and proximity to the Buffalo Niagara International Airport.

Union Road Corridor

Convenience

A bustling commercial strip running north-south through town, packed with practical shopping, restaurants, and services. It's the everyday go-to for locals running errands or grabbing a quick meal.

Browse by category