Buffalo Iron Works

Came here for a happy hour and had a great experience! We were with a group and the bartender was…read moresuper attentive and quick to get us drinks. The drink menu has a good variety of drinks with reasonable prices. Atmosphere is cool too.

Dive bar vibe, but the pink lights give it a fun, unique twist . My friend especially loved the…read moreaesthetic. The drinks were solid, and the bartenders were super friendly which made the whole experience feel really welcoming. They also offer small snacks and a few dishes if you're feeling hungry and a pool table in the back. Would definitely come back again. Good spot to come with friends for a drink especially if you're looking for something lowkey but still a little different from the usual downtown bars.

Very cool bar

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Buffalo Tap House

4.1(106 reviews)

First time here and we had a ball!…read more Place was open late, great food and nice beers on tap. The staff was friendly n cool, service was good as well The ambiance is your usual bar, loud music and people talking and having a good time. Def will go back

Excellent food. Service was great. Ambiance and decor is fresh and relaxed. The bartenders were…read morereally funny and personable. You are welcomed as soon as you walk in and they make you feel like family right away. More than 30 unique sauces for your wings and chicken fingers. Ended up staying for several hours. Great conversation and you can tell the regulars that come here keep coming for a reason. The location is right in the heart of downtown Buffalo and plenty of on street parking. The music was good and the atmosphere is great. Prices are significantly better than most every other place I've been to, and the options are plentiful and unique. Highly recommend this place for drinks and food. A+! Check it out guys. You won't regret it.

Tap House Burger , waffle fries

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Vue Rooftop Lounge

3.0(70 reviews)

•$$$

We came on a cold wintry night so the bar wasn't very busy, but my husband said he'd totally hang…read moreout at the fire pit if it was open. Weirdly, the fire was still on even though the pit was surrounded by a foot of snow. It was an interesting aesthetic. There's a narrow dining area on an enclosed patio with color changing lights, but we sat at the bar. The unique seasonal drink menu is the same as the revolving bar on the ground floor. I had the Jack Frost, which paired coconut liquor and blue curacao with, of all things, peppermint - and it totally works. All the flavors play off each other well without being obnoxious. Great service. I definitely want to come back to enjoy the outside patio and try whatever magical concoctions they offer in other seasons.

Honestly was not as impressed as I thought I would be with this spot. The view was spectacular but…read morewe just stopped for a drink and the pink martini I had wasn't that great. It was extra sour and not really palatable. I thought for sure since it's such a high class bar that the cocktail menu would have been a little more tuned in.

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Sidelines Sports Bar and Grill

4.2(220 reviews)

A friend recommended this spot for solid bar food, and I was especially tempted by the fried dill…read morepickle spears. It was a hot weekday evening, and the bar wasn't too busy, just a few regulars holding down their usual spots. The bartender came over right away, introduced herself, and asked for my name, which she used throughout my visit--a nice personal touch. I ordered the Stormin' Norman sandwich to go with the pickles. The fried pickle spears came out first, fresh from the fryer. Once they cooled a bit, they were everything I hoped for: crispy on the outside, juicy inside, with a great dipping sauce. A pickle lover's dream. The sandwich was also a hit, hearty and flavorful. The only letdown was the side of chips, which were stale, but I hadn't planned on eating them, so it didn't bother me much. The bartender checked in regularly and kept the drinks coming without hovering. Attentive service, good food, and a relaxed atmosphere. I'd definitely come back next time I'm in town.

Order takeout from Sidelines got the barbecue chicken sandwich with hand cut french fries. The…read morechicken was barbecued perfect had some good grill flavor to it.Hand cut fries we're excellent as always.

Turkey Wrap!!!

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Rum and coke ($1 off for happy hour)

Bada Bing

3.8(254 reviews)

When I ordered this burger I think I overlooked that it was a double which is definitely nothing to…read morecomplain about. It came with fries on the side which were good. The burger had a ton of flavor and was made very well. It only came with meat and cheese tho. I thought it may of came with lettuce and tomato like burgers usually do but that didn't bother me. I added some ketchup and it was perfect for me. So good that I actually ate the entire thing and I NEVER finish my food. I think the flavor was just that good and it was cooked perfectly. For me personally this place is a bit on the pricier side but thankfully my friend paid for me without me even knowing. I was very appreciative for that. But I do think I would go back as long as I had the money. Service was great. We sat at the bar and our food came out in under 10 minutes. The place has a lot of seating as well. There's an upstairs with additional seating if you don't wanna be downstairs.

We didn't have reservations since we got rush tickets for Shea's, they sat us upstairs, the place…read morewas packed but great service. We started with the app Taste of the Bing. It was 2 stuffed banana peppers, 2 meatballs with red sauce and garlic toast. All good and the peppers did have a little kick that I love. We split a sandwich. Ordered Antonio Bing. It was a chicken cutlet with stuffed hot pepper, melted mozzarella on a garlic roll in the shape of a hogie roll. It came with one side so we chose the macaroni salad, very good and added a Caesar salad. Now for the best part of any meal ...dessert! We chose the peanut butter cookie sundae. It was a real peanut butter buttery cookie on the bottom topped with vanilla ice cream surrounded by whipped cream & drizzled with chocolate sauce so yummy

Medium flavor wings

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Razzy Rita-Tini

The Banshee Irish Pub

4.1(73 reviews)

Another Friday, another fish (&chips) fry. Banshee had a…read moreclassic Buffalo fish fry but I went for the Irish favorite fish & chips. They have both on their regular menu so you don't need to wait for Friday. The dish was fresh and delicious, the beer batter light and crunchy. The chips though are the highlight for me. I love their crispy flatness. The service was excellent even for a very busy St. Patrick's weekend early evening when Riverdance is playing just up the street. Keep in mind bar area can be raucous if there's sports on, but you can get a quiet table if you reserve in advance. But, sure have a pint of the dark stuff with your dinner.

We came here for lunch and ordered the shepherds pie. It was decent, but it was all mashed potatoes…read moreand cheese with little of the meat filling. We were the only ones here for lunch, yet it took a while to get drinks and place an order.

Top notch Irish cream ale was perfect

Go Bills

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Fireplace made the late January day warm.

Fattey Beer

4.6(51 reviews)

Nice place on Roosevelt square. Outdoor seating, dog friendly, fun beers. What more do you need?…read more There's a small menu but I've never tried any of the food. I blew out a pop top and the counter person allowed me to grab a new can. I could have shot gunned it, but it's not that kind of place lol

We decided to go for a winter city walk to get some fresh air and ended up at Fattey's. We took our…read more7 year old who was so pleased with her juice, snacks, and the board games that we played. I had the blueberry crumble sour which I loved, and my partner had a mango beer which was also very good. This is easily a place that you can spend hours in. They play great music, have larger tables for games or big parties, and they have a great selection of local beer and wine that you can take home. I live close by and it was my first time here. Excited to have a great brewery nearby!

Dogs getting lots of attention.

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Lucky Day Whiskey Bar

4.4(294 reviews)

My favorite whiskey bar, great food and a vast selection of whiskey and bourbon, also serving other…read morecocktails as well, they always have a band on the weekends too Highly recommend

We walked over on a beautiful winter evening for a drink and dinner, not expecting to love it as…read moremuch as we did. I made reservations that morning for an early dinner (happy hour daily from 4-6pm!). We grabbed a drink at the bar and brought it to our upstairs table overlooking the expansive whiskey library. I got the strawberry lemonade with tequila, my partner got a mule. Both drinks were truly excellent, crafted with quality and fresh ingredients/mixers. They went down very easy. I got the filet, cooked perfectly. My partner got the chicken which was so juicy and flavorful. We shared plates and loved every bite. The service was great. Lucky Day made for a fantastic start to a date night and I know for certain that we'll be back!

Bar area

Oysters

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Happy hour old fashioned

Bella Ciao

4.4(136 reviews)

Came here last night for my birthday dinner and it was 10/10! From service to the food, everything…read morewas prompt and professional. We had Anina as our server and she was attentive and very friendly! The cocktails were delicious and the food was flavorful and tasty! The ambiance is very clean and bright, as it is located within the first floor of a hotel. The menu has gluten free options (pasta and pizza)! Highly recommend!

**** We visited…read moreBella Ciao at the Embassy Suites in Buffalo around 7:00 p.m. as a party of five, including two children with special needs. We were in town attending a large national conference for families affected by their condition, and many conference attendees were also staying at the hotel. When we arrived, the restaurant appeared to be about 80% empty. Our children mentioned to the waitress that they were hungry and tired, and the first response we received was, "Do you have a reservation?" She explained that they couldn't seat us because they were expecting a large party. Instead of being seated at a regular table, we were directed to the bar area, where the bartender kindly took care of us despite the fact that our group included two minors. We stayed for over an hour, and during that time, the large party never arrived. Meanwhile, we watched other guests without reservations get seated at tables without any apparent issue. The experience left us feeling singled out and, ultimately, discriminated against. Whether that was the intention or not, it reflected a disappointing lack of empathy and inclusion--especially considering that so many families with children with disabilities were staying at the hotel for the conference. I'm giving Bella Ciao three stars because the food was decent, the portions were generous, and the bartender provided good service. Unfortunately, the way we were treated upon arrival overshadowed what could have been an enjoyable dining experience.

Spinach & Artichoke Dip

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Three Cord Sweetie and a glass of Prosecco

Big Ditch Brewing

4.2(916 reviews)

After Explore Buffalo's Happy Hour Downtown Tour, we ended up here with a free drink ticket for…read moreeach participant. To go with my beer, I ordered their fried sprouts. I'd first had these at taste of buffalo last year and was wow'd by them, so wanted to enjoy them again. I ordered the version with balsamic and goat cheese, and was not disappointed. A good sized serving made for a hearty appetizer! We were able to sit at an outside table so the noise level inside was not an issue; it was easy for the 4 of us to carry on conversation.

This was our last stop of the day for a brewery tour of Buffalo, there were 4 breweries before this…read moreone so we were fairly beered out and just ordered food (I have had beers here before and they make some solid styles) Service was a bit slow but when we did place our order the food came out fast. We ordered chicken fingers and a roast beef on weck (Buffalo staple). The chicken tenders were very thin and more breading than chicken (definitely a frozen product). The beef on weck was not very hot and the fries were not either. I was disappointed because I do like their beers.

Back Beer Hall

(Fried) Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich, fries w/Excavator BBQ sauce: The cilantro sour cream slices the heat from the hot honey nicely

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Old fashioned

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14 reviews that are not currently recommended

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Josh H.

1007

1 year ago

Buffalo Iron Works is hands down one of the best live music venues in Buffalo! From the moment you step inside, you can feel the energy--an intimate yet electric atmosphere that makes every show unforgettable. The venue has hosted an insane lineup of talent, from Sabrina Carpenter and Billy Bob Thornton to The Struts, Scott Stapp, Buckethead, and so many more, making it a go-to spot for music lovers of all genres. The sound quality is top-tier, the staff is friendly and efficient, and the drink selection is excellent, with a great variety of beer, wine, and cocktails. The outdoor patio is a perfect place to chill before or after a show, and if you're heading to an event at KeyBank Center or Canalside, Iron Works is the ultimate pre- and post-party destination. Whether you're catching a nationally touring act, discovering a new favorite band, or just stopping in for a drink, Buffalo Iron Works delivers an unbeatable experience every time. It's more than just a venue--it's a cornerstone of Buffalo's live music scene. If you haven't been yet, you're seriously missing out! read more

John A.

12 years ago

Well, based on what I witnessed of the so-called short pudgy "bar manager," I won't be returning to the Buffalo Iron Works any time soon. I wonder if the "bar owner" knows what this idiot is doing to his rather new business???? If he doesn't, he better get a clue pretty fast if he hopes to keep his business running for very long. He needs to fire this jerk, like yesterday. A "bar manager" should never treat the entertainment as despicable as this jerk did. He demanded the band exit immediately after they brought their CD release party business there Oct. 25. Aqueous did not deserve to be treated in this despicable manner, nor any other music entertainment that fills the seats. One only has to check out Iron Works Oct. 25, 2014 posts to see there was a good crowd there. If this guy isn't fired shortly, Iron Works will just be another bar that went belly up statistic. Musicians.... don't subject yourself to this rude treatment, there are plenty other venues to play, until the owner of this venue cleans house! read more

Jd S.

2 years ago

I've been to several shows here, at least a dozen but whose counting. This place gets it. Amazing and friendly bar staff with quick service. Good prices. I've also been lucky enough to play there with my band Dead End Highway. Grace and Josh the owners are super friendly and some of the nicest people. Kevin the manager made us feel like family the whole night. Also their sound engineer (I forget his name) was awesome. Super friendly and easy to work with and just an all around great guy. He made sure our sound was great the whole night. Whether you are in town to check out the music scene, or heading their to see your favorite band I highly recommend Buffalo Iron Works. read more

Richard C.

13 years ago

ummm...nope. this place is like the Applebees of music venues..is it even a music venue? we heard some mediocre kid playing dave matthews covers on his acoustic guitar...and some of the worst overhead tunes once the set was done. NO ATMOSPHERE!!! they should stop playing music and just serve french fries and beer. i think if this place wasn't inches from the hockey arena, they'd be out of business in a few weeks. read more

Jonathan A.

11 years ago

Great place to see a band. Josh the manager couldn't be any more professional and generous. The Struts were sold out and he made sure he took care of us! Random acts of kindness are always the best! PLUS no cover for Sabres fans after a beating by Montreal took the sting away Class act.Class establishment! See you Monday! read more

Jack J.

12 years ago

We were here for a show and our tour manager was robbed. Robbed. In the green room. It's the craziest/worst thing ever. The food was terrible, the atmosphere was nonexistent, and all the staff was grumpy and unapproachable. Play somewhere else, this place doesn't deserve it. read more

Marley S.

302

2 years ago

Now you have even made things worse by giving out a ficticious email address. I guess we won't be making up ? What are you thinking kook ? Must be high like all the useless deadbeats now. Wtf read more

Sue H.

12 years ago

Expensive beer, plastic cups, saw a rat, kitchen was closed, no band, commercials were playing over the speakers, saw some kids smoking grass on the "patio", will never come back. read more

Kane B.

2 years ago

One of the best venues in town, great sound, clean atmosphere, and great food at good prices. Been here as patron and performer many times cant wait to be back read more

Mark B.

2 years ago

Great atmosphere, decor and most importantly they have a wet welcoming and outgoing, accommodating staff!! Great times!! read more

jo t.

2 years ago

Simply the best! Go here! You won't regret it. This is about the experience too! This is the lace to be. read more

Mikhail N.

7 months ago

great place. great selection of beers and solid crowd. service was on point even throuh it was busy!

Elise S.

473

13 years ago

Finally! They've added Sierra Nevada! Keep the better beers comin' folks.

Devi D.

11 years ago

omg best. fries. ever! best fries ever.

Buffalo Iron Works - bars - Updated July 2026

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On winter Friday nights, the hipster illuminati infuse the joint with a Mos Eisley Cantina vibe…read more I'll nurse Red Labels neat waiting for something extraordinary to happen, but as the night wastes on nothing ever does. Outside it's Buffalo and beautifully snowing. Inside snug and evil with possibilities. I'll be back of course.

A relic from the past. A Buffalo icon. A fun dive bar like no other. I've been wanting to go back…read moreto Nietzsche's for a long time. So glad that on the spur of my girlfriend invited me to go to hear some jazz piano on a Sunday night. Great way to end the weekend! Small group of silver-haired patrons. They look like relics themselves! The music was great. That atmosphere couldn't be beat. I'm coming back for more fun. Comedy, Celtic music, cartoons and bloody Mary's! I ordered the hummus and veggie plate. I needed a little something to go with my cocktail. I wouldn't come here for dinner, just for the vibe and the music. The bartenders are super friendly. 5 stars!

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Great people & great bands. The environment is always welcoming. Staff is always friendly…read more You can often find some of the top talent in Buffalo stopping in for a drink or two here.

came in for probably the 4th time ever and this time by far will deter me from ever coming in…read moreagain. we put $14 into the jukebox. we heard our first song, the next song was played by another customer and the bartender decided she didn't like it so she skipped it. the next 3 songs were songs I played and they too got skipped immediately. my friend went and asked why she was skipping our songs as well as another customer who's songs were skipped. she said she don't care she didn't like them. somehow a fight started to break out between customers. It didn't get too far but the one bartender repeatedly called the customers bitches and whores and told everyone to knock off their shit becuase she was in charge of the music selection. I don't know what her name was short long dark hair and very ignorant and disrespectful to customers. I've been a bartender for many years. When people play thejuke box you DONT skip their songs that they paid money for! the 6 of us will never return to this bar again. Jillian i think was one of their names. ALSO I had purchased one beer on my own tab but was charged for 3!

Mohawk Place

3.8

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One of my favorite bars in Buffalo, for the following reasons:…read more 1) I love dive bars. This is the epitome of a dive bar. Grungey, stickers on the walls, concrete floors. Feels like home to me. 2) They always host grand bands/DJs resulting in really fun shows that draw interesting groups of people. You really won't have a boring night if you end up stopping here. 3) (Semi-related to reason #1) Super affordable! Depending on the night and what band is playing, the cover charge isn't bad. Well drinks are $3-4 and beers can be even cheaper. You really can't beat it. My only gripe is that it's always sort of cold in there? I get it, it's an old building, not much they can do. You're not living if you don't spend some time at Mohawk Place. It's my favorite place to catch a show in Buffalo!

A fun, friendly, dive kinda bar with live music. My bartender and the other patrons were very…read morefriendly and we engaged in conversation the entire visit. Drink pricing and selection were very reasonable. I arrived around 6 on a Saturday, and just missed their cover charge. I was told the band did not start until at least 8, and while I appreciate a good dive and live music, I would be hard pressed to pay a cover here. Some patrons said that it is too loud to enjoy socially when a band is playing, which I can see given the size of the place. The bathroom graffiti was definitely more creative than most! (Yes, I'm weird guys lol) It's definitely a place I would return again if bar hopping, but not somewhere I'd be comfortable going alone at night (speaking of the location, not the establishment itself)

Town Ballroom

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Great concert venue…read more We arrived shortly after doors for Lights last night and easily secured a great spot behind the railing of yhe first elevated tier. The set up is the ground surrounded by a few higher tiers so there's not a bad spot in the building. My husband had no problems coming and going for drinks, which were inexpensive, especially for a concert venue. Great sound and screens on either side but you should have a good view even in the back. Great service, too.

My sister-in-law wanted to go to Emo night at this venue and she decided to ask my husband and I to…read morego with her. I haven't been to many shows since covid and I was super excited to get out and have a blast. It did not disappoint. The show was great and we all a great time. I was pleasantly surprised to see that when I went to use the restroom there was an attendant there with a table full of basic necessities. I've traveled a lot and I've seen this type of service before but I was surprised to see it at Town Ballroom (in the best way possible). It's a nice touch especially when there's a million things you forget when you go out to the bar and don't want to have to carry a million things. Overall it was a great night. There weren't a ton of people there so it getting drinks at the bar was easy. The bar out front is great and the drinks are always on point. It's really cool the way they have giant pictures of a lot of the artists that have performed there over the years. The bar in the back is ok. The bartender seemed annoyed and was damn near inconvenienced by us standing at the bar but I just ignored his ass and enjoyed my night. It was a great night and I look forward to more shows.

Tudor Lounge

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Jess made the best old-fashioned i ever had & bloody mary's with the works on sunday are…read moreincredible!!

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enjoyed the live music, even tho it was louder than i like (I seem to have sensitive ears);…read morecompanion thought the volume was fine. Most folks either stayed seated or stood at the rear so our view of the trio wasn't blocked, which we appreciated: polite crowd! we ordered the pretzel bites which were good, but not hot, barely warm. Wine was fine, can of dark beer (took a photo of it, but can't find it), a brand i was unfamiliar with, was really good and inexpensive. Wear something warm, at least for the BIN space, b/c until it filled with people, it was chilly up there. We love that Duende offers both classical and other music, all for free! No cover charge, no minimum for food or drink. We'll return, for sure.

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