Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - After nearly two years of work to transform Wilkeson Pointe along the Buffalo Outer Harbor, officials at the state, county and city level gathered Friday to cut the ribbon and re-open the new and improved 7-acre site.
The project at Wilkeson Pointe was an $11 million investment that brings improvements to the area between water’s edge and the nearby Fuhrmann Boulevard entrance. It saw a renovation to expand access to the waterfront site, while enhancing the visitor experience.
In addition, a new restaurant, operated by the team behind South Buffalo’s popular Dog & Pony Saloon, is coming soon with a relaxing beer garden featuring sand seating areas, as well as a patio deck and gorgeous views of the water. The restaurant, to be known as "Perro & Poni" will open soon at Buffalo’s Outer Harbor.
"Wilkeson Pointe has been one of Buffalo’s top spots for relaxation and recreation for more than a decade," said New York Gov. Kathy Hochul on Friday during a ceremony. "Now, whether you’re meeting up with friends, enjoying an outdoor stroll or taking in the sunset, this new restaurant and expanded waterfront access, make Wilkeson Pointe an unparalleled outdoor destination."
With the opening of Wilkeson Pointe, Perro & Poni will feature a menu offering bold, Tex-Mex flavors and dishes served fresh at the lakeside counter-service eatery. Perfect for a quick bite for visitors, Perro & Poni also will have a full bar with selections including signature tequila, frozen and beer cocktails, a rotating selection of local craft beers, and refreshing non-alcoholic options. See the menu here.
"Wilkeson Pointe has become one of Buffalo’s most iconic waterfront destinations, and these new upgrades represent a major step forward in our city’s waterfront transformation," said Buffalo's Acting Mayor Chris Scanlon on Friday. "We’re giving residents and visitors even more reasons to explore and enjoy the Outer Harbor. With enhanced recreational amenities, natural landscaping, and the exciting addition of Perro & Poni, this project reflects our shared vision of a vibrant, inclusive, and accessible waterfront that celebrates Buffalo’s natural beauty and economic resurgence."
In addition to the new food service building, the improvements made to the site include:
- Visitor safety measures, such as relocated parking areas at a distance from the water and from the site’s pedestrian trail;
- Restrooms and storage for the operations management team;
- A new outdoor seating area;
- Relocated and elevated trails near the water’s edge;
- Improved landscaping, integrating of natural species and creating meadows, grasslands, and pollinator fields.
"Through the last decade, and with effectual state leadership, we’ve taken great strides in reconnecting Buffalo communities with our waterfront, and the transformation of Wilkeson Pointe stands out as a shining example of what thoughtful, community-focused investment can achieve," said State Assemblyman Jon Rivera on Friday. "These improvements not only expand public access and enhance safety, but they also reimagine the Outer Harbor as a dynamic destination for recreation, relaxation, and small business. With these additions and improvements, visitors now have even more reason to gather, explore, and enjoy all that this remarkable shoreline has to offer."
Announced by Gov. Hochul in 2022 as one of several significant waterfront projects being accelerated for completion in Buffalo, the Wilkeson Pointe renovations began in September 2023.
Recreational activities have also returned to the park with volleyball courts, an open lawn area, and a new park golf location, as well as kayak and bicycle rentals and programming throughout the summer.
Buffalo Waterfront coordinated a full activities calendar including volleyball games, fitness events, and a live music series in addition to the day-to-day amenities in the park, that will complement Perro & Poni’s arrival.
More information can be found at www.buffalowaterfront.com.
Also while in Buffalo on Friday, Gov. Hochul announced that Victory Cruise Lines, Inc., which operates two 200-passenger ships on the Great Lakes, has sent a commitment letter to the state stating it intends to include Buffalo in its 2027 and beyond cruise itineraries.
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Victory Cruise Lines’ commitment is pending the completion of the terminal facilities in Buffalo, as well as satisfactory terms concerning Victory Cruise Line’s use of the seawall mooring.
At a June 2025 Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation board meeting, the board approved a $1.65 million contract for architectural and engineering design and construction administration for a terminal on the Outer Harbor. Construction work on the new cruise ship terminal is set to begin by early next year and completed by mid-2027.
