indian falls log cabin restaurant

Friends since childhood and now business partners, Donald Dylag Jr. and Curtis Gallagher say they see nothing but potential at the Indian Falls Log Cabin Restaurant, the landmark eatery perched above Tonawanda Creek in Indian Falls. 

“This is the nicest piece of real estate in Genesee County, with the waterfall,” Dylag told The Batavian. “He’s got an eye for food. I’ve got an eye for buildings. We want to make the building and the food match the view and the property.”

The business's ownership is split between the partners in a unique way. Both Gallagher and Dylag purchased the property at 1227 Gilmore Road. Dylag owns the bar and grill, and Gallagher serves as general manager.

Dylag grew up just around the corner in Indian Falls and still lives in the house where he was raised. 

“I’ve been coming here my whole life,” he said. “It was always the first stop and the last stop on a motorcycle. We always came here for lunch after work.”

Gallagher, who’s lived in Genesee County most of his life, brings experience from his own property services business and a long history in construction, maintenance, and real estate. He also loves food, loves to cook, and will supervise the kitchen and the menu.

“We’ve both thought this place was special for years,” Gallagher said. “It’s already a landmark. People come just to take pictures of the falls.”

The partners say their goal is to elevate every aspect of the business, starting with the menu. 

“We’re going to bring better quality food,” Gallagher said. “We want to cover everything from a roast beef sandwich or burger to seafood pasta and steaks.

We want it to be a destination for a Sunday drive or a special occasion.

Recent specials have included surf and turf, mussels bucatini, and chicken Florentine. 

“We’ve hired two new chefs who have worked at top places,” Gallagher said. “We’re aiming for country club-worthy food, but in a casual, comfortable setting.”

Upgrades to the building are also in the works. 

“We want to clear out the brush and expand the view of the creek, put in new floors, bathrooms, and bars, and build a deck that wraps around for outdoor seating,” Dylag said. “In the winter, maybe even snow globes outside.”

The partners say many of the improvements will be behind the scenes at first, updating systems and infrastructure. 

“A lot of the upgrades are things people won’t see, but they’re important,” Gallagher said. “We’re putting the money back into the business.”

They’ve kept the restaurant open since taking over about two months ago, maintaining a staff of about 20 with plans to grow to 30. 

“Most of our employees are local, and they really care about this place,” Gallagher said. “Business is good, a lot of new faces, and a lot of people we know personally.”

For Dylag, owning the Log Cabin is about honoring its legacy and realizing its promise. 

“I wanted to see it go to its fullest potential,” he said. “Watching it not do that was one of the motivating factors. I could see the potential this place had.”

Built in 1946, the Indian Falls Log Cabin Restaurant has served generations of locals and travelers, offering classic American fare, live music, and a view of the 20-foot waterfall on Tonawanda Creek -- a view that remains a draw for visitors from across Western New York.

The partners say they’re just getting started. 

“Sky’s the limit,” Gallagher said.

The restaurant will celebrate its new ownership with a party on Saturday from 4 to 6 p.m., featuring liquor, seltzer, cider, and dispensary tastings from local businesses. At 9 p.m., the Dave Viterna Band will take the stage.

A caller to dispatch reports four male juveniles are in the falls behind Indian Falls Log Cabin Restaurant. One appears to be having some difficulty, but none are said to be "distressed." However, none appear to be able to reach an embankment and hoist themselves out of the water.

Pembroke and Indian Falls fire departments are responding along with Mercy medics and the city's Water Rescue Team #14.

UPDATE 3:45 p.m.: There were three young males in the water, not four, when rescuers arrived on scene. They were each given a life jacket and a rope was deployed. Now there are two out of the water and two remain in the water.

UPDATE 3:48 p.m.: Pembroke command tells first responders to assemble at the far eastern side of the parking lot. And the Rope Rescue Team is also called to stand by at the county Emergency Management Office.

UPDATE 3:50 p.m.: All four males are out of the water and on shore now. Three are fine; one will need medical attention.

UPDATE 3:52 p.m.: The rescue teams are cancelled.

UPDATE 4:16 p.m.: The assignment is back in service.

A caller to dispatch reports 20 people ("two-zero") are jumping in the falls by the Indian Falls Log Cabin Restaurant. The dispatcher relayed this complaint to a Sheriff's deputy who asked: "I thought were weren't responding to those (calls) anymore?"

After a moment, the dispatcher clarified that law enforcement is to respond to complaints at the site that involve parking violations or trespassing, not just jumping in the falls.

"I will check the roadway to see if anyone needs a ticket," replied the officer.

The location is 1227 Gilmore Road, Corfu.

UPDATE 5:03 p.m. (By Howard): We asked Sheriff William Sheron to clarify the policy and he responded, "we do respond to these calls and enforce violations of the penal law where appropriate. Typically trespass charges for crossing the property of the adjacent landowners. Also, issue tickets for parking violations in the area."