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    Buffalo Traders Lounge

    4.4 (84 reviews)
    PriceyBars
    Closed 4:00 pm - 10:00 PM
    Updated a few days ago

    Buffalo Traders Lounge Photos

    Business Info

    BUFFALO TRADERS LOUNGE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Hipster
    Trendy
    Intimate
    Romantic

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    Recommended Reviews - Buffalo Traders Lounge

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    Olivia A.

    100% love the vibes of this place! The Interior is 10/10! I love the blues and greens and leathers and woods... it's just so fun to look around and be in there. The drinks are 11/10! Anytime I've had a beverage here it's been made well and tastes fantastic! Highly recommend! Service is 9/10! Very friendly people here! Also in the summer love the tiny patio they have in the back! Just so fun to be with friends or a date!

    Winter B.

    Went here with a few friends on a Friday night to catch up. The place wasn't too busy and the decor reminded me of cocktail lounges in New York. I got the bartenders choice drink and asked for something spicy and smoky. My drink was amazing! You could tell the bartender put a lot of thought into it. I definitely recommend if you want a quality cocktail and upscale lounge experience.

    Karsen L.

    Buffalo Traders lounge is a total VIBE. It's definitely how you think of how a cocktail bar ought to be. Maximalist design, dark and moody - leather couches and stiff drinks under candlelight. The cocktails are so creative and curated, the service was friendly and fast for a Friday night. The hole in the wall bar boasts a cute back patio, and a glass door that connects it to a natural wine bar "Post Off." I would love to see some better snack offerings. But if you catch them on the right day, they host local pop ups with local chefs and curators in the area. HOT!!! The rundown: Have I had better cocktails at a lower price? Yes. Do I appreciate the work of the staff at BT's? Absolutely. Will I visit again? Of course.

    Bri B.

    Cool atmosphere. Fun and cozy. Games to play, including darts and pool. Cocktails are approximately $15 and good tasting. Service was swift and friendly.

    Back patio area
    Katy C.

    Buffalo Traders Lounge is still a great go-to cocktail bar in the Midtown area. We recently stopped in to grab a drink and I loved the back patio, which is dreamy and secluded. I could see it being a great spot to hang out on a summer evening. I'm super happy they have stayed open this long. It's definitely a great addition to this neighborhood as it's the only bar in the immediate area. The menu is large and quite varied, with something for everyone, including beer, non-alcoholic options, and all types of drinks. Our server told us that the rabbit hole is the current best-seller, and he recommended the Barbie for me when I told him I wanted something fruity and refreshing. They also have a "dealer's choice" option where a bartender will come up with something for you based on your preferences, which I think is really cool. Our drinks were pretty strong and not overly sweet, and they were presented nicely. I am curious to see how their menu changes in a couple of weeks as they start doing more fall drinks. I like it when cocktail bars switch things up! Our server said that only the old fashioned and espresso martini would be staying and everything else will rotate out. There's paid street parking available but on busy evenings you may have to park in some adjacent neighborhoods and walk a bit as they don't have a designated parking lot.

    The service was absolutely wonderful, a great set of gentlemen. Unfortunately the drink menu of house drinks was in the process of being remixed. However the bartender was very willing and happy to make almost anything. Small but wow the trendy sophisticated style with great music added to the laidback atmosphere.

    Drink
    Tony K.

    8.2832 out of 10. Solid knowledgeable staff. Cool vi es and music. Difficult to get a seat sometimes, but well worth the wait.

    Austin G.

    Out of the cocktails I've enjoyed in Grand Rapids, among the best are at Buffalo Traders Lounge. The bartenders carefully curate the menu, organizing drinks between $14 classic cocktails and $15 specialty cocktails from the staff. There's also a $15 bartender's choice. My drinks were good, but the best I've had. No. If you're from a larger city like New York, L.A., Chicago, etc., set expectations. My first drink (the bartender's choice) was too sweet and unbalanced. The appletini was also not mixed super well. Both tasted good, but not to the level of a NYC. The atmosphere is great, though. There's plenty of space with a beautiful bar. They do play loud music so if you're sensitive to that, keep it mind.

    Spearmaiden
    Joseph H.

    I have many friends who all say this is their favorite bar. I finally decided that I had to try it considering that it's not far from the house. We went on a weekday at 8pm, and it was packed. We got lucky and there were 2 seats left at the bar so we swooped. We sat and admired all the amazing art while waiting for the bar tender to get us a menu. Lots of nostalgic pop culture on every wall. We ordered a few drinks, and found every one to be delicious. The bartender made some good recommendations, and really seemed to know what he was doing. We really enjoyed our evening, and can also highly recommend this place to anyone who is looking for an amazingly mixed cocktail. Place has a trendy, hipster vibe, and very popular on the weekends for the younger crowd according to the bartender. We noticed that over half the people in the bar were wearing overly large and unique hats. I guess that's the new hip thing. Watch your face, if you encounter this new phenomena, and you're walking through the brimmed crowd.

    Joeita M.

    Ever since watching "Drink Masters" on Netflix, I have a new appreciation for local bars and cocktail spots, and the art of mixology. Buffalo Traders Lounge has never disappointed for a classic cocktail, or something more fun and unique off their updated menus. They craft their drinks like an art! I have also had friends just ask their waiter for something off-menu that hasn't been created yet, and they always follow through. The lounge is on the smaller end, which makes it cozier and more intimate. However, even when I have gone in smaller or larger groups, we usually haven't had trouble finding a spot to sit. But even during the times I have had to wait, the wait was really not too long.

    Gee R.

    Really nice spot to grab drinks in east town. The ambiance is similar to a speakeasy. Bartenders know their drinks and are super friendly. Definitely will come back, especially when the patio opens for the season! Overall a great experience.

    Bourbon Smash
    Steve B.

    Cool chill place. Pretty low key joint with some pretty eclectic decor. Good selection of bourbon and craft cocktails. Total for our two drinks was over 30 bucks, but you immerse yourself in the old school/shabby chic atmosphere and it seems worth the price. We perched ourselves on a little leather chair and sofa. Could have stayed and relaxed for hours. Also, buy the giftcard "coins" for your friends. VERY COOL!

    Menu
    Theodore B.

    Buffalo Traders Lounge is an exquisite hole in the wall bar with exceptional decor and service. They do not serve food and ever since they changed the menu the drinks are now subpar. I would recommend with caution as prices are astronomical and the menu is limited.

    Lime fizz.... was amazing if you like limey (is that a word?), sweet,  refreshing, and tropical!

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    2 months ago

    Super cool vibe and real mixoligists that know there stuff. Love the surprise me menu item (just pick spirit of choice).

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    2 years ago

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    2 years ago

    You cannot beat the vibes in here! The space is so cozy and chic - it's a great place to start date night or end a GNO!

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    2 years ago

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    1 year ago

    Great place to grab a drink. Cool loungey vibes. Wonderful cocktails and non-alcoholic options. Recommend going with the dealer's choice.

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    4 years ago

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    7 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Great customer serviceL. Fantastic wings! Great sauces to go with the wings.p and they even have carryout available...

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    2 years ago

    Drinks and service were great. Isn't cheap by any means but you don't feel ripped off when you get a cocktail here.

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    9 years ago

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    2 years ago

    SO good! The people are amazing! Atmosphere is great. A great place to hang with friends

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    4 years ago

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    2 years ago

    fantastic Ambiance. excellent service. amazing drinks. you gotta get in here!! love love LOVE IT!

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    3 years ago

    Extensive selection of bourbons, whiskeys, and other liquors. Very cool atmosphere. Staff was great and onowledgeable.

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    2 years ago

    Awesome vibe. Love the decor, I came for one of their patio pop up menus and the food was amazing! Michael Segard's food was incredible

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    House Rules

    House Rules

    4.9(54 reviews)
    1.3 mi

    My husband and I met some friends at House Rules. This is a great place where you can have a bite…read moreto eat, grab a drink, and play a game in a relaxed atmosphere. You pay for your table by the hour. You can pick from a wide range of games from their game library. You can also bring your own games or purchase one at the establishment. We played Chameleon while enjoying sandwiches and chicken tenders. The food was pretty good and made with local ingredients. You can order from a QR code on the table and the food is brought to your table. For dessert we ordered a cookie skillet. We had a good time at Hose Rules and highly recommend it.

    In terms of things to do in Grand Rapids, visiting House Rules nears the top of my list. I'm not a…read morebig beer drinker, so I had my doubts, but in addition to a half dozen fridges full of beer, they had plenty of non alcoholic drinks, as well as hard ciders, seltzers, and canned cocktails. Many brands were local that I'd never heard of before, and it was fun to experiment and try new things. Their food menu honestly shocked me with how tasty everything was. For a board game bar, I usually expect food to take a back seat or be phoned in, but everything was delicious! I had to try the elote deviled eggs, which was a combo I had never considered but I'm so glad someone did! I also got the truffle mac and cheese and a house salad. Both were excellent! The board game selection was extensive, with old favorites and hidden gems. If I'm ever back in the area, I'll be sure to stop in again!

    Photos
    House Rules
    House Rules
    House Rules - Seating area

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    Seating area

    General Wood Shop - Soft opening cocktails - Stifler's Mom and Let's Smash

    General Wood Shop

    4.6(25 reviews)
    1.9 mi
    $$

    General Wood Shop is such a fun spot on Bridge Street. They are LGBTQ owned and have tons of events…read moreall throughout the week, like drag shows, watch parties, dance parties, etc. I think the vibe is more "party" on weekends and evenings, but the times I've gone earlier in the day have been more my speed. Nate and I recently stopped in to try some of their new food menu and seasonal drinks. The new drink menu is Japanese themed, so we were excited since we went to Japan earlier this year. I got the alpenglow and Nate got the spicy margarita. Both were delicious and beautiful. We also got some happy hour snacks - the dijon sesame salad and the savory cream cheese wontons. Their happy hour is a great deal and I'd love to come back soon for that again. The salad was fresh and a big portion to share. The raw diced onion wasn't my favorite addition to the salad, but I did love the overall flavors. The savory cream cheese wontons were absolutely delicious - definitely very savory and crispy. I'd get these every time! The vibe inside at happy hour was pretty quiet but it can get packed as it's not a huge space. I am so glad that General Wood Shop is here and I'm looking forward to my next visit.

    The General Woodshop, you will ALWAYS be famous…read more This bar is near and dear to my heart, when it first opened last year I made an effort to bring anyone with me that would come along. As a queer person, we have to protect our spaces by supporting them. The care that the staff lures into this place truly shows. The rotating menu, the affordable drink options, the ambiance and the way they truly take suggestions from their patrons. They have a new patio addition which has made the smaller spot feel larger aswell. Last fall, I came in on a whim by myself. Callie was my bartender (love), and they were deciding what to do with some Sloe Gin. Thus the "Femme Fatale" was born, there's something magical about watching a craft cocktail come together. Something even more magical about being able to NAME a cocktail at your favorite watering hole. GW is truly a beautiful addition to GR.

    Photos
    General Wood Shop - Panko chicken bao

    Panko chicken bao

    General Wood Shop - Pork belly bao

    Pork belly bao

    General Wood Shop - Grand opening July 28, 2023

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    Grand opening July 28, 2023

    One Twenty Three Tavern

    One Twenty Three Tavern

    4.3(346 reviews)
    1.3 mi
    $$
    Outdoor seating
    Locally owned & operated

    We came in on Saturday night, 7/25/26 around 5:30pm before going to a concert at Acrisure. We…read moredidn't have a reservation but fortunately there was room at the bar - which is our preferred seating spot anyway. I was surprised at how long it took for the 2 hosts to greet us - as we were standing directly in front of them. They were talking to one another, and it was probably work related, but to just stand there staring at them for a couple minutes while they ignored us was awkward. When they finally talked to us they weren't very friendly. Anyway, we made our way to the bar and it was full except for 3 seats. I think the bartender waiting on us was new. He seemed like he was pretty overwhelmed/in the weeds. He greeted us quickly and brought us waters when he did, which I appreciated. I ordered a Blackeberry Bourbon Sour and my Mr had Paloma Nuestra. We both enjoyed our drinks they were refreshing and well crafted. For dinner I had a really hard time deciding! I wanted to try so many things! Our bartender said his favorite thing in the menu is the chicken and rice bowl. That was something I was considering and decided to go with that. Excellent recommendation! The chicken was flavorful and so tender. The hot peppers were a nice touch. There was a lot of food too! I couldn't finish it all. Mr had the hanger steak that was served with mushroom and asparagus risotto. He said the risotto was the best he's ever had, and I agree. The asparagus was perfectly cooked and so was the steak. The space is really nice, felt intimate without being overcrowded. We are looking forward to coming back!

    Studio Park positions itself as a premium spot for event nights at Acrisure Amphitheater, so maybe…read moreput some effort into making the "Party on the Piazza" an actual event. What a disappointment, but not nearly as much as our experience at 123 Tavern. We came in at 4:15PM before the Brandi Carlile show needing a table for a party of 8-10. The place was fully booked (but only half full at that time) except the bar (first-come, first-served). Fair enough -- but from the moment we walked up, the manager at the host stand couldn't have cared less. She quoted a two-hour wait, shut down my question about sitting outside with a flat no, and pointed us toward the bar. No sense of customer service at all. Like zero. The three of us who were there took the last open seats at the bar. Then came the real show: one bartender for the entire restaurant AND bar. He ignored us for ten minutes. My wife and friend got their beers quickly -- but my bourbon sat finished at the service station for another seven minutes while I watched the large ice cube melting as it marinated there. When I finally asked where my drink was, I got "I'm working on it." When he did finally bring it, he pushed it across the bar at me -- no apology, no eye contact, his attention on anything but me. I'll be honest about what I can't prove: I've worked in this industry a long time, and the whole thing read like my service got intentionally slow-walked. My drink held back while everyone around me was taken care of. Maybe the front manager said something after our rocky start at the host stand. Maybe they're just all bad at their jobs. I can't tell you which. I can only tell you how obvious it felt from the barstool. Everything after was the same; menus, ordering, closing out, all a slog. I had to hunt down that same manager for our check so we could get to the show, and she was all attitude, zero help. We only escaped because my wife flagged a server who found a another manager. His response to hearing all this? "I'm sorry." Nothing else. No attempt to make it right. For the first time in my life, I left $0 on a $100 tab. I'm a 25%+ tipper. That's how badly this went. Here's the thing, 123 Tavern: if you're going to bill yourself as a place to gather before events, staff the place and train your managers to act like they want customers there. Until then, I'll spend my money somewhere that values it.

    Photos
    One Twenty Three Tavern
    One Twenty Three Tavern
    One Twenty Three Tavern

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    Buffalo Traders Lounge - bars - Updated August 2026

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