For our newest Buffalo Foodie we got a hold of DJ Dstar, arguably one of Buffalo’s most popular and established DJ’s. A veteran in the Buffalo downtown scene, he worked his way up from hosting his own parties to DJing at Buffalo’s hottest bars and night clubs. Known for his versatility, you can find his remixes online for artists like Cut Copy, Lil Wayne, Daft Punk and even Lady Gaga.
He has garnered some national attention too, being mentioned in the Washington Post, featured in Elle Girl Magazine and can be found all over Hype Machine (one of my favorite websites). Currently living in Connecticut, Dstar still makes the trip back to Buffalo for a set, but has also shown off his skills across the country.
I got in touch with DJ Dstar via email and here is what he had to say about his favorite places to eat in Buffalo.
What are some of your favorite restaurants in Buffalo?
Dstar: My current favorite restaurant right now in Buffalo is Seabar, hands down. I wasn’t super big into them at their old location, but being a complete sushi addict I find myself going there every time I come home now. Loved the Fish Tacos (Great sushi influence on them), and the sashimi is quite possibly the freshest in Buffalo. You can catch me taking my girlfriend there every time I’m home to DJ, we both love it there. As far as grabbing sushi fast, it’s Wasabi take-out for me… great but I eat a ton of sushi so it really takes something special for me to love a place.
Another spot I’m sure to hit on a visit back home to Buffalo is Bar-Bill, all the way out in my hometown of East Aurora. Buttery BBQ wings, certainly the best in Western New York. It’s a small spot so if it’s busy expect to wait, however it’s unbelievably worth it and almost adds to the novelty. I love wings from the Anchor Bar and Duff’s as well, but Bar-Bill is by far the spot to go and surprise your friends who think they have had every great wing spot in the area. I guarantee you’ll surprise them!
Amongst the honorable mentions…the best “American Chinese” food goes to Chang’s Garden in West Seneca (across from the best family diner, Pappas’), make sure you grab the Crispy Prawns with Walnuts. Unreal! It’s essentially huge shrimp in an incredible sweet sauce. Honorable mention goes to Gin Gin’s up in the Northtowns, they’re more “authentic Chinese”. I’m not much for Mighty Taco, but if I’m eating at a chain back home, I’ll be at Salsarita’s on Chippewa. Best fast lunch that money can buy!
Where do you like to grab a drink in Buffalo?
Dstar: Well I don’t drink (unusual for a 25 year old DJ, I know) but if I end up taking my friends out somewhere, we’ll usually meet up wherever’s close. I’m not really one to catch out at a bar…but I’m always trying to support my DJ friends, so on an weekend night that I’m off I might be hanging out at Snooty Fox with my buddy DJ Heat, or seeing one of the other locals spinning at night. A lot of new kids in the game recently so I’ll try and check whoever’s out and show some support.
What kinds of food did you grow up on while living in Buffalo?
Dstar: Being a little guy, my dad used to take me to ALL the freshest spots. I was spoiled on that tip and I never really appreciated it until I moved out and had to seek everything out on my own, trying to act like my dad used to, having to convince people to try new things. We rarely went to the same restaurant twice unless they really killed it. Favorite childhood spots, Ted’s – who remembers the Teddy Bars? Chocolate, caramel, and peanuts in ice cream bars. Why did they have to go?? Old Mighty Taco – I still vividly remember the day my dad took me there after his work day and the food quality just bombed. Trying to stay away from criticism on here but I’m still heartbroken over that one guys! I guess in today’s day and age I understand why change had to happen however. For all the youngins that love Mighty…when I was little it was 10 times better! We also used to go on the Lake a lot by the Ford plant to one of the smaller hot dog stands, but it’s been gone for years. That’s kind of sad now that I think about it, haven’t been there in ages. Most of my childhood classics are hot dogs and fast food that’s bad for you…ha. We went to great restaurants too, but what kid remembers that?
Since you now live in Connecticut and have traveled over the country, what kinds of food would you like to see in Buffalo?
Dstar: Hopefully I’m not off on a few of these, but moving to CT (and traveling for gigs) has built a little wish list of things I would love to see back home. Bubble Tea NEEDS to happen in a hip location (remember Bubble Tea Cafe, UB students and many auto enthusiasts know the deal)…it’s the best dessert/snack ever and I miss it so much as it’s not good in CT either. It’s a sugary, fruity tea drink with solid Tapioca balls floating throughout. Sounds weird, but trust me on this one! There’s a few spots, but no place is really “hip” and I dare to say even comfortable/inviting to go into. All you can eat Sushi, doesn’t seem like there’s a great spot for that in Buffalo either. Out here in CT there’s a killer spot (I used to flood Twitter every time I go with pics) where during a weekday 18 dollars will get you as much as you could possibly eat, and the food is quite decent. Fish Tacos are a number one favorite when I go out west (same with In-N-Out burger but that’ll never happen). I don’t really have a great place for burgers back home either, we have a great bar spot a few minutes from my apartment here that has amazing gourmet burgers and a lengthy beer menu for decent prices. Someone should open a Five Guys Burgers (saw your article, I go there now and then here in CT!) Although I hardly go out for steak any more, I have to mention the fact I don’t hear about restaurants serving “dry aged” steak back home…highly recommended! New England pizza sucks for the most part, but I live next to a spot that offers “clam pizza” – and it’s probably the best non-Buffalo pizza ever. As far as being away from home, I really miss Sahlen’s Hot Dogs, Wegman’s and great wings at nearly every corner. Can you tell I’m a carnivore yet?
If you were taking a friend out in Buffalo for a good time, where would you go?
Dstar: Anchor Bar for dinner just on principle, Allentown to hang and jive out, then maybe show them how odd the club scene is in Buffalo (I am betting my out of town friends would likely be some DJ on tour haha).
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I’d like to say a big thank you to DJ Dstar for answering our questions and giving some great answers. I highly suggest you check out his website or twitter account for his latest news, or subscribe to his podcast (definitely helps a work day go by faster). At the very least keep a look out for his next appearance at a club in Buffalo, that is, if you enjoy getting your dance on.
