Rocco
Buffalo, New York, is an eclectic metropolitan situated on one side of Lake Erie. It is the state’s second-largest city, and many visitors pass through to view Niagara Falls and experience the town’s culture and arts scene.
Buffalo also offers a rich food and drink scene. From cocktail lounges to casual diver bars, there are various places visitors or residents can find a comfortable seat and a cold beer.
Founding Fathers Pub
75 Edward St, Buffalo, NY 14202
Phone: (716) 855-8944
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Founding Fathers Pub is a laid-back pub with United States historical decor. The bar has games like darts, and the bar hosts regular trivia nights.
The bar is near the West Village Historic District. I enjoyed a pitcher of Guinness and the chicken cordon bleu. The bar is a great dive bar for a quick drink.
Billy Club
228 Allen St, Buffalo, NY 14201
Phone: (716) 331-3047
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Billy Club is centrally located between downtown Buffalo and the Bryant community. The bar serves New American cuisine and cocktails. On the weekend, guests can stop by for brunch.
When I visited, I enjoyed the Act of Grace cocktail with vodka, lemon, sambuca, and wasabi, as well as the Buck Wild with bourbon, loganberry, lemon, and ginger beer.
The Old Pink
223 Allen St, Buffalo, NY 14201
Phone: (716) 884-4338
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The Old Pink is a dive bar with a great steak sandwich! The Old Pink is located near the Kleinhans Music Hall and the Allen Street Bar and Grill.
The bar is open until 4:00 am daily. Look for a standard beer selection and no-frills mixed drinks.
lloyd Taco Factory
1503 Hertel Ave, Buffalo, NY 14216
Phone: (716) 863-9781
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Lloyd Taco Factory is near the Buffalo Zoo and the University of Buffalo’s South Campus. Try the Paloma with mezcal, grapefruit lime, and grapefruit.
I also enjoyed the Tricked Out Nachos with grilled chicken, queso, pickled red onions, brined jalapenos, Mexican crema, and cilantro.
Mr. Goodbar
1110 Elmwood Ave, Buffalo, NY 14222
Phone: (716) 882-4000
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Mr. Goodbar offers a vast selection of craft beer. Often the bar hosts live music acts or comedy nights. Mr. Goodbar also has an outdoor patio and a few pool tables.
It is adjacent to SUNY Buffalo State College. Try the Rogue Cold Brew IPA and ask for a chilled pint glass.
Town Ballroom
681 Main St, Buffalo, NY 14203
Phone: (716) 852-3900
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Town Ballroom is located near Downtown Buffalo. The venue has been restored to its 1940s glory days. Back then, famous performers like Sinatra and Coltrane played in the space.
Bars are conveniently located throughout the area, so you can grab a drink between songs and have a fantastic time!
Lucky Day Whiskey Bar
320 Pearl St, Buffalo, NY 14202
Phone: (716) 322-0547
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Lucky Day Whiskey Bar is Downtown by the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center. It is a trendy bar with an amiable, historic vibe that serves an extensive selection of whiskey and bourbon.
My favorite cocktail at the bar is the Orange Blossom Whip with bourbon, orange, cream soda syrup, lime, and egg white.
Gene McCarthy’s Old First Ward Brewing Company
73 Hamburg St, Buffalo, NY 14204
Phone: (716) 855-8948
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Gene McCarthy’s Old First Ward Brewing Company is located adjacent to the Mutual Waterfront Park. The upbeat bar often has live music or trivia nights.
The grill serves house-brewed ales, and the venue has a dog-friendly beer garden. Try the fried cheese curds, the Streaker IPA or another beer brewed on-site.
Ballyhoo
211 South Park Ave, Buffalo, NY 14204
Phone: (716) 240-9901
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Ballyhoo is in the Perry neighborhood near the Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino. It is a pleasant, old-fashioned tavern that serves classy cocktails and house-made sausages.
The bar has a large selection of rotating craft beers. My favorite cocktails are The Last Word or the Mai Tai, but be sure to try at least one type of sausage!
Nietzsche’s
248 Allen St, Buffalo, NY 14201
Phone: (716) 886-8539
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Nietzsche’s is in the Allentown community. The bar is known for being an incredible entertainment venue with touring musicians, comedy acts, and other shows.
Find the perfect performance or act, then purchase tickets, usually $10 to $20. Be sure to bring cash for alcohol purchases.
Pearl Street Grill & Brewery
76 Pearl St, Buffalo, NY 14202
Phone: (716) 856-2337
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Pearl Street Grill & Brewery is adjacent to Sahlen Field. It is in a historic warehouse, and the venue offers billiards and many televisions for airing various sports games.
Order the stuffed banana pepper with chorizo. I also enjoyed the Street Brawler Oatmeal Stout and the Sabres Edge Double IPA.
Thin Man Brewery
492 Elmwood Ave, Buffalo, NY 14222
Phone: (716) 923-4100
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The Thin Man Brewery is in the Bryant community. The brewery has five core beers; my favorite is the raspberry sour. I also recommend Hamster Wheel New England IPA.
Check out the website to see what events the brewery is hosting. The brewery is a great place to hang out with friends.
Matinee
700 Main St, Buffalo, NY 14202
Phone: (716) 202-0224
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Matinee is near the West Village Historic District. I enjoyed the Maduro Brown, English Brown Ale, and Chai Cider.
The bar has more than 100 different types of beer and cider, so you can find exactly what you want. It is a fun place to visit with a group of friends.
Pour Taproom Buffalo
490 Pearl St, Buffalo, NY 14202
Phone: (716) 768-5008
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Pour Taproom Buffalo is near the West Village Historic Village. I enjoyed the Chicken Wing Dip from the food menu.
The experience at Pour is unique because you get a glass and sample as many beers as you want. Ultimately, you pay your tab by the ounce. You even get to use a beer tap!
IL MULINO – Cocktail Bar – Downtown
465 Washington St, Buffalo, NY 14203
Phone: (716) 954-2981
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Il Mulino is located in downtown Buffalo and is open between Wednesday and Saturday. I recommend the Aperol Tropic cocktail with white rum, pineapple, Aperol, and simple syrup.
Another popular drink is The Slickback Negroni. The bar is a classy spot for a pre-dinner drink or a late-night cocktail.
Free Street Tavern
1469 Niagara St, Buffalo, NY 14213
Phone: (716) 424-1022
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Free Street Tavern is situated in the Forest community near the river. The exposed brick wall and wood bar create a warm and comfortable atmosphere.
Try the stuffed banana pepper grilled cheese. I also enjoyed Jimmy’s Famous Mojito with rum, lime, and mint. Try ginger limeade if you want to enjoy a non-alcoholic beverage.
The Banshee Irish Pub
257 Franklin St, Buffalo, NY 14202
Phone: (716) 783-9003
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The Banshee Irish Pub is a fun venue to grab a Guinness and relax. It is located near Downtown Buffalo. The Reuben sandwich is a great meal option; many visitors enjoy the Irish smoked salmon starter.
At the bar, order a half and half, a layered beer with Harp and Guinness. It is exciting to watch the bartender pour the two beers together!
Final Thoughts
Buffalo, New York, offers visitors a variety of entertainment and culinary experiences. After exploring all Buffalo has to offer, stop by one of these great bars for a refreshing beverage.
Did we leave one of your favorites out of this list? Let us know in the comments.
Best Bars in Buffalo
- Founding Fathers Pub
- Billy Club
- The Old Pink
- lloyd Taco Factory
- Mr. Goodbar
- Town Ballroom
- Lucky Day Whiskey Bar
- Gene McCarthy’s Old First Ward Brewing Company
- Ballyhoo
- Nietzsche’s
- Pearl Street Grill & Brewery
- Thin Man Brewery
- Matinee
- Pour Taproom Buffalo
- IL MULINO – Cocktail Bar – Downtown
- Free Street Tavern
- The Banshee Irish Pub
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