I have no idea why this place was not on my radar, especially with a well-deserved 4.8 rating. First impression walking in? It smells fantastic. The layout is cozy and intimate with seating around the bar and several leather chairs and sofas throughout. Show posters throughout, some signed. The drink menu is extensive. I loved the lemon berry bourbon. They also have a large selection of absinthe, as well as beer and wine lists. Great service. The bathrooms are great. They even have lint rollers. read more

See all

What a hidden gem. Well, maybe it's not, but I had no idea it's been on Main Street for 7 years now. Cozy and eclectic decor with playbills from various performances hanging on the walls. The staff was wonderful and so detailed with crafting our cocktails. They have a Wednesday deal where you get a draft beer, a shot, and the pizza of the day for only $20. All the other drink prices were very reasonable as well. The pizza was delicious. I believe it was mushroom truffle and jalapeño. We opted for no pepperoni. It was made to order, crisp and delicious. This will now be one of our stops whenever we go downtown. read more

See all

Went with the Young Black Professionals of WNY Meetup group for happy hour and despite our large group, we all have excellent service from the staff. Enjoyed the overall vibe and aesthetic of this being a bar in the theater district which was cool. I got the Wednesday special which was $20 for the pizza of the week, beer, and a house shot. Overall a really great value and the pizza was really yummy. I also tried two different cocktails to get a sense of their crafting. One was simple and just bourbon with apple cider which you can get hot or cold, and the Matinee mule which the bartender indicated was their most popular cocktail. Both were well made and tasted great. Overall, this was a really great spot and definitely look forward to going again in the future! read more

See all

has been going here since it opened, the guys behind the pine are some of the best in Buffalo, always warm and Smiling and they learn your name and talk to you. they remember you when you come back too. love the inside too, the playbill posters really add to the Vibe inside. read more

This is such a great post show hangout! Free popcorn while supplies last and signature drinks good and strong with a nice ambiance to boot! Bartenders were great and we really had a great time! We'll be back! read more

See all

Matinee is an interesting bar in Buffalo. It is extremely comfortable, which is something you don't really feel going into most bars. They only offer beer and wine but the amount of different kinds they offer is amazing. You will spend some time reading and asking questions for sure, but you will try something new and have a great experience. They also offer you popcorn when you order! Nice little t read more

See all

What a cool spot to hang out! Nice staff, good drinks, free popcorn, comfy seats. I just wish it was open more.

I advise you go here on Wednesdays, for obvious reasons. The vibes are hella nice and the bartender is cool af, and the za was delic. I also suggest you try the flight of whiskey... word of advice, the numbers next to the whiskey are the proof, not the price (judge me all you want). read more

I love this little place. The guys are so genuinely welcoming, the atmosphere is cool, and it's just a short stroll down Main St. from the theaters I frequent, so it's become sort of a tradition to stop in after a show. The wine selection is limited, but so what, when there are about 100 carefully selected beers to choose from. A Scotch ale, fresh popcorn, a comfortable bar stool and I'm a happy girl. read more

Matinee - YUM! - Beer Bar Near Me - Buffalo, New York

what a great place to go to!! great drinks and delicious food with a very affordable price!! The owners are extremely friendly with great sense of humor and make suggestions for drinks. Our food was scrumptious. They make a pizza of the night . sit at the bar or a beautiful lounge area with comfy seating surrounded by huge windows. loved the experience!! read more

Really enjoy the atmosphere of this new beer/wine bar in the Theatre district. The space is beautiful and is the perfect relaxing atmosphere for a drink. There is a large variety of bottled beer and wines by the bottle or glass. Food options are really limited; hummus, chicken wing and dip and "charcuterie," with just basic cheeses. Service is friendly and the vibe is fantastic. Laid back with a projector behind the bar often playing old silent movies. Plenty of couches to lounge around in and relax before a show. Matinee is the perfect place to bring a date right before a show, if you're not too hungry. The hummus + chicken wing dips are delicious, but of course you'll need to go elsewhere for a full meal. read more

I really liked this place. Awesome ambiance, comfortable and roomy, fast and friendly service, and easy to locate. My friend had his birthday party here and it was a perfect place for seating and variety for guests. Drinks came quick and the workers were attentive. read more

Matinee - Beer Bar Near Me - Buffalo, New York

See all

As a lover of beer, good service and film - my hats are off to these chap-lins. Pun intended. These native western New Yorkers have gone under the radar for far too long. I was really shocked that they've been open for years and I was only introduced to them a few months back because of a coworker's fundraising event. Kevin & Rex are hustlin'. Former roadies, these hometown boys decided to throw some roots down in an art space within a stones throw of Shea's and opened up a beer bar (serves wine & Gluten free options for beer & cider too) catering to the music & arts scene in the heart of Buffalo's revitalizing downtown. Currently, they run the show literally and figuratively. They literally are there to give you some good pointers on an amazing local and otherwise craft beer selection, just the two of them - no additional staff. But if you're not up for getting to know these friendly young bucks - you can sit silently and comfortably away from the bar and take in the early silent films they show on an overhead projection screen above the bar. Don't quote me on this but I think I recall Buffalo as having the very first picture show in America on this same exact drag. It's a great spot paying homage to WNY heritage, oh and I forgot to add that these lads have decorated the place with vestiges of a once booming theater district. However, I do feel these boys deserve a proper marquis to let Main St know who they are. It can be a challenge to spot the establishment even while walking past the building. read more

What a quaint place to unwind our prep for a show in our theater district of Buffalo NY. There's such a great selection of wine and beer here it can please any crowd. Sit at the bar or relax on a couch and marvel at the vintage posters and stage blueprints to take you back to simpler time of our Queen City. Theater is in our blood married with the blue color lifestyle this town holds dear. Drink up, and enjoy the show. (Great beers from sour, dark ales, pilsners and stouts Wines: mostly blends and medium body reds with Classic whites) Friends from Rochester, no worries there's genny :) read more

When I found out about this lovely small place in the middle of the theater district, I knew I had to try it. Their beer selection was out of this world! We also had the chicken wing dip which was absolutely delicious! My only complaint is why isn't it open on Thursdays?? That's when we always go to Shae's. This would have been the perfect place to spend some time right before the show. The bartenders were very polite and quick to service. We will be back soon! (P.S. No dogs allowed -no patio) read more

"Buffalo's living room" . "Netflix for beer". This is the best place to chill and try new beers in Buffalo. Great music, great beer, great movies, great decorations, great bartenders. The bartenders know how to pick good beers and always offer suggestions. Located in the theater district. Plenty to do near by after a couple good beers at Matinee. read more

Matinee - Beer Bar Near Me - Buffalo, New York

Nice beer selection. All bottles. A bit expensive in my opinion. My wife got wine, and they don't seem to have wine glasses. We came on a Friday night and there weren't many people here. It's an interesting place to grab a drink. Comfortable couches. I'd recommend they turn the lights down and rethink all of the theater posters on the wall. They seem to be trying to appeal to the theater crowd only, and that's a mistake I think. read more

This is my favorite bar in Buffalo. Rex and Kevin are awesome and always remember and greet us. Maintee has a great selection of beers and ciders and their food plates are sizable. We come here 2-3 times a month and it's always a really nice crowd. The bar has old movies playing on a screen in black and white and there's sometimes entertainment like trivia night, magicians and even live music. The seating away from the bar is super comfy and its a great place for socializing as a group or a private conversation. read more

Matinee - Beer Bar Near Me - Buffalo, New York

See all

we are here just relaxing and having a coffee, strange at a bar I know, but my husband and I really like it here. The bartender is a real sweetheart and very attentive. There is so much to look at as there are large pictures and posters of old plays past. It is conveniently located next to Shaes, the Irish Theatre and several other theatres, concert halls and bars. They have an impressive local list of beers and wines. We were a bit hungry so we got a Buffalo Wing Dip and the bartender informed us of a cheesecake and cannoli dip that sounded amazing. It is located right off the subways above ground area so it is great for those who use the subway as well. I know if in the area I will be coming back! read more

Matinee - Such a cozy intimate atmosphere. Is a must go before a show! - Beer Bar Near Me - Buffalo, New York

Matinee is incredible. Fell in love with this bar. Very classy and the look of the place, atmosphere just wow's you. Has a very artsy feel, which is perfect to stop in before or after a show at Shea's Buffalo. They have an incredible craft beer selection and the bartenders are extremely welcoming. Instantly became my favorite bar to go to in Buffalo. read more

Matinee is the best place in downtown Buffalo to relax and grab a beer or wine between dinner and a show. Rex and Kev are probably the classiest and warmest bartenders in the city and will pick the perfect beer for your palate at any given moment. The space is super comfortable and even with the lack of liqour, hours can slip by without you noticing. The crowd here is always different but definitely slightly upscale when there's a big show going on in the theater district. However, the vibe is casual and inviting and you never feel out of place. The camaraderie on magic show nights and just in general is pretty unique. If you're in the mood for a beer and light apps before a show or heading somewhere to turn up, this is the place you want. read more

I have frequented this place of late, as it has become a destination of choice for actors downtown. It's awesome when it's not too crowded; great for quiet conversation. The decor is great - filled with theater posters and theater props. They have a great beer selection, and popcorn as well!!! (Along with some other small plate items for hungry actors post show) The bartenders are the owners and they are super friendly and upbeat. I'd recommend to anyone who wants to hob nob with their favorite local actors. read more

The service here was memorable. The staff was very friendly indeed and very quick to respond to guest requests. I really enjoyed the atmosphere here as well. It was almost like a happy mix between a Gentlemen's themed bar for decore, with relaxed feeling of a coffee house, that meets a Modern day Cheers. They make a seriously awesome chicken wing dip here that I highly recommend to anyone that comes. It's inexpensive and delicious. The other thing I liked was the large selection of Microbrews. If you are about to enjoy a production in the Theater district, this business is a great place to start. read more

Best bar in Buffalo. They always have new beers. They owners are great! Whenever I mention a beer that I like, they have it in stock the next time I visit. You are missing out if you have not been to this bar. read more

See all

I really like this place. The first time I heard about it was in a small business class that I was taking, the two guys that run it were there and seemed pretty excited about opening. as luck would have it, Yelp hosted an event just down the road at the Irish Classical Theatre and we met here before hand for some drinks and snacks. I have been back three times since. They have a very large selection of drinks, especially for the size of the bar. If you are looking for a new beer to try, this would certainly be the place to expand your options. in addition to drinks you can get some appetizers. The buffalo chicken wing dip is surprisingly good. The hummus is really good as well. they have bands that come in on a somewhat regular basis from what I understand. Lastly, this may be a weird thing to add in... But my wife was blown away with the bathroom area. It was very clean and super spacious and I guess that's important to her :-) We will be back when we are in the area. read more

The kind of place that's so relaxed, you don't want too many people to know about it. But, I doubt it'll ever change. And, it shouldn't. The guys who run it are so kind and knowledgeable about their inventory. I've tried so much variety here and always find something new to love. If you're a beer or wine drinker and chill environments, this is your go to. read more

Stopped in here yesterday after 710 Main Theatre performance. The owners Ryan (Rex?) and Kevin are super friendly and knowledgeable. Ordered a large, scrumptuous cheese plate and a beer that tasted like ice cream (Ben and Jerry's)! It's so nice to have a drink and be able to talk to each other and other's sitting at the bar without yelling over loud music. Even if you don't drink, this is an awesome place to stop after the theatre. This will be out regular post-theatre stop! read more

Loved this place! The owners work the bar themselves and were happy to answer all of our questions about the bar and city. Tons of beer options including several local brews. The buffalo chicken dip was delicious. Ambience was thoughtful and cozy including multiple types of seating options, old books, and of course, theater references read more

Kev and Rex have a amazing knowledge and selection of beers, that coupled with the chill atmosphere makes this place the prefect for a night cap or just a relaxed beer tasting session. read more

I met some friends here on a Tuesday night. Definitely only go here if you are in the mood for beer. The bartender was nice, but that isn't good enough for me to come back. The wine list was sub par and included white zinfandel. Need I say more? read more

My favorite bar in Buffalo. Rex and Kevin in my opinion are the best bartenders in the area and have put together a unique, welcoming experience for everyone. Unique beers that rotate all the time, and always a great time! read more

Matinee is perfect for a happy hour with a group, as well as drinks before or after an event downtown with a date. Currently only have bottled and canned beer, but they have one of the best selections downtown for craft beer. For food, I tried all four dips that were on the menu, and all were excellent. My favorites were the chicken wing dip (tasted like my mom's), and the cannoli dip. read more

Visited Matinee numerous times and the owners are wonderful. Large selection of beer and wine. Cozy atmosphere and great snacks. Could not think of any place better to relax. read more

Such a great experience every time we are in Buffalo. Great selection of craft beer with knowledgeable owners bar tenders that will advise you down a path to deliciousness. read more

Met a friend for drinks at Matinee last Friday. The space is warm and inviting and so is the staff. Wish I was a beer drinker because there were so many choices. However, the wine selection was good and we had a nice relaxing time. The owner stopped over to give us the rundown of where all the eclectic décor came from. They were also very proactive in telling everyone to stay out of the lot next door or they would get booted. Again, great atmosphere! Definitely a great place to stop before or after a theater event. read more

Don't be confused by the name: Matinee is only open in the evening, and there's no better place to have a drink after a show. I should probably only give it 4 stars because it lacks some things, but what it does have earns 6. Whenever I'm going to have a beer at a bar or restaurant, I always prefer draft to bottled. Matinee doesn't serve draft beer -- but they have easily 100 brands at any time, and I've discovered some new favorites. So much for not having taps. No liquor here: just beer, wine, and soft drinks. The other important "minus" in my book is that the menu is limited to just a few items: pita & humus, a cheese tray, that kind of thing. If you need a meal or a sandwich or wings, you're out of luck. A HUGE plus, though, is the atmosphere: VERY chill. There are stools at the bar, some tables and chairs, and some stuffed furniture, too. It's a great place to have a conversation without having to shout. It's becoming a favorite spot for actors when the show goes down: what do you really need but a place to have a cold drink and hang with friends? AND the owners, Rex and Kevin, who are always behind the bar -- a couple of great guys... and they keep bringing out the fresh-popped popcorn. My favorite place after a show BY FAR. read more

BY FAR my favorite bar in buffalo. They have style, class and a very beautifully handcrafted bar. Not to mention the 100's of craft and regular beers along with incredible chicken wing dip and much more to offer. The owners are actually the bartenders and they're the most down to earth people you'll ever meet. I love this place. Definitely a must go if you're a visitor or a Buffalonian!! I walk in the door and they have my specific beer poured each time. Couldn't ask for better service and environment! read more