After almost not coming here for my birthday dinner due to reading these reviews, I had to post one just to explain how mothers went beyond and above our expectations. When we arrived the place was packed! Our reservation was for 8pm and we came about ten minutes late. We were immediately greeted by the hostess who told us our table would be ready soon. Soon ended up being a half an hour later, this was the only downfall of the night. The hostess came over to our table apologizing for the wait and that the first round of drinks were on the house. I've been to places that have made us wait well over 45 minutes and they hardly even offer an a apology so our table really appreciated the gesture. The drinks were great and were made promptly. The food we ordered was so tasty that most of us cleaned our plates. The Thai mussels were to die for, as well as the scallop dish. Three others at the table had the fish and they loved it! Most of these bad reviews are over service but have to say our waitress was a big reason I'm giving mothers five stars. She was always there when we need something even though we could tell she was swamped with tables. She was energetic and fun through out our entire dining experience. I just wish I could remember her name! All in all I can't wait for my next meal at mothers! read more

My mom and I came here for dinner the other night before seeing a show at Shea's. We were so excited because neither of us had eaten here before but heard really good things about it. We had an early reservation for five and the place was empty (not complaining). We were seated by a nice gentleman who pulled our chairs out for us, made light conversation, and offered to take our jackets. He gave us two menus, their normal everyday menu and also their specials menu for just that day. The specials menu was just as big as the regular menu! Although the specials all sounded really good, my mom and I both ended up ordering off of the regular menu. We started with the brie and artichoke dip. It was ok...the flavors were good but it was a little watery for my liking. I would have much rather started with the stuffed banana peppers, calamari, oysters, or muscles as an app but my mom is picky and hates seafood. sigh. For my entrée, I ordered the black linguine with scallops. It was spectacular. The scallops were cooked perfectly and were tender and the sauce over the pasta was so rich and creamy. I really enjoyed the dish. My mom, as per usual, ordered the steak. I was not impressed, nor was she. It lacked flavor, although was cooked perfectly to her liking. Her sides, which were mashed potatoes and snow peas were blah. They also lacked seasoning and flavor. It was a very bland dish. We ordered the NY cheesecake for dessert. We asked if it came with berries on top and our waiter told us that it normally doesn't but they can accommodate for us make a strawberry/blueberry topping. That was really nice and definitely added flavor to the cheesecake, which it needed. Although the restaurant was smaller than I had pictured, the atmosphere is elegant and romantic. The lighting inside is very dim but each table has a candle. Our waiter was very friendly and gave us just the right amount of time in between courses, that way we didn't feel rushed to eat our food. I like that their specials are constantly changing and that they serve dinner until 4 am. Its the perfect spot for a late dinner. The prices are also very reasonable I thought. And although I really enjoyed my dish (a lot), the rest of the food I was not impressed with for hearing such amazing reviews. I would like to come back and try more of the menu and maybe then I can give it more than three stars. read more

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I was severely disappointed by this place :( after many people told me to go, me and my two friends decided to do it. However, we waited 1hr 20min for our food that ended up being removed from our bill. Frozen green beans, cold lamb chops, rubbery gnocchi... the list goes on. read more

We arrived in Buffalo late and the concierge recommended Mother's. We ordered calamari, stuffed portabello mushroom and a cup of cream of broccoli soup. The calimari was so fresh and tender. We loved the food and the ambience that we came back the next night. We ordered the same dishes, but added clams. read more

Mother's Restaurant - Stuffed portabello mushroom with Italian sausage. - New American Near Me - Buffalo, New York

I used to like this place. Hadn't been there in a while. We walked in with a party of three and waited for about 10 minutes; no one seemed to notice or greet us, let alone seat us. It was like we were invisible. We then tracked down someone. There were many empty tables, we asked to be seated at a table, he ruffled some papers and said, confused, "oh I'll check". We clearly were wasting his time by wanting to eat here. We asked for a table outside, he seemed to think it was full. (It was mostly empty) We asked why nobody noticed a party waiting at the door, the answer was "this place is confusing. " We walked out. Sorry Mother's. read more

Well, maybe not as good as it gets but close...I would give a 4 1/2 but not an option. Mother's was recommended by a local merchant and it didn't dissappoint. My entree' was a delightful duck breast with a touch of berry in the sauce...the only thing that was less than stellar was the wild rice medley which was overcooked and bland. Mark's salmon was a sizeable cut, well cooked, and his potatoes were reallllly tasty...and I am not a potato gal. The wine was lovely and the markup was very reasonable...try the Black Stallion Cabernet 2008 and be prepared to smile. We arrived early in the evening and were asked if we had reservations...as we looked at the empty dining room and vacant patio...blink, blink, blink...but we were promptly seated on the patio and the air was delightfully filled with soft music. We were the only ones on the patio for at least 45 mins but I imagine that later in the evening and certainly on weekends the space is packed. If we go back again we will call ahead. The service was just right, not too overbearing but there when we needed him...our waiter was very professional. They were doing a good bar business as that was pretty full when we arrived. People looked like they were having a good time. read more

I really don't know how people can hate on this place. You need to order- Shrimp Fritters... Its definitely a place that is better on the inside than out...(but that is common here). Its definitely small so if your eating at normal meal-times get a reservation. It also has a bar area that apparently is open really late but I've never partaken. We love to have a nice romantic anniversary or special dinner here. Its quiet and classy and sweet. read more

Enjoyed the Special Menu tonight, had an absolutely delicious Sea Bass Fillet with gulf shrimp, andouille, artichokes, peas, lemon butter sauce and micro green salad. FABULOUS!! Was joined by the wife who decided on the Dijon Peppercorn Tournadoes of Tenderloin, served in a ragout of wild mushrooms, veal stock and red zinfandel. Superb. Service was impeccable. Steve, our server was extremely knowledgeable and efficent. Very enjoyable night out and will be sure to return again. read more

Mother's Restaurant - My girl enjoying our Christmas Eve dinner. - New American Near Me - Buffalo, New York

We've never had a bad experience at Mothers. The menu of the day always offers fresh new options, the servers are genuine and prompt, the environment is welcoming and cozy. The only negative is larking, but overall is truely a Buffalo staple. read more

One of Buffalo, NY's hidden jewels. If you want to take your significant other out for a nice dinner and she hasn't been here, this is where you go. It's very nice, elegant, and inexpensive. Great patio in the summer months as well. Or if you just go out of work and have afewco workers that want to meet up for a drink....great bar! read more

The scallops and squid was very fresh and the sauce was creamy. The goat cheese croquet was crispy and airy. The gnocchi was served at the perfect temperature. read more

Went last night and it was absolutely delicious! My boyfriend has been there prior and I've been wanting to go. I was definitely not let down at all. The prices of the items are very reasonable and the taste is exceptional. I will definitely be back again! I am very surprised based on the reviews because we had no issues with service or the food. read more

Mother's Restaurant - New American Near Me - Buffalo, New York

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I was expecting the most amazing experience/food here because of all the reviews... And it was just okay. It is definitely a classy environment, although since we came in the afternoon, half of the place felt romantic from the dim lighting and lit candles, and the other half was lit up (due to the sunroof). FOOD: + The loaded meclun salad was not that great and smaller in portion compared to the other items. It came with fried onions, beets, mushrooms, and cheese (I think). I'd hate to see what the unloaded meclun salad would be like because it did not seem like it'd be filling at all. + The meatloaf was good. It came with veggies and mashed potatoes. And by veggies, I mean a bunch of snap peas and ONE carrot (odd). This is a large portion, so be prepared to share or take some home! + The chocolate cappuccino mousse cake was AMAZING. A must get if you come here. It was rich, yet fluffy and light. I pretty much finished the entire slice without breathing or sharing. read more

Have eaten here many times with 2 people and with 10 and service food drinks always great it one of our go too with out of state guests they always enjoy it read more

Decent food, slightly over-priced, and definitely not vegetarian friendly. We came here for my wife's birthday. There was not a single vegetarian entree on the regular menu or the daily specials menu. So, I ordered two appetizers. As a table we ordered the warm brie and artichoke dip appetizer which was the best dish of the night. My two appetizers for dinner were not as good. The stuffed banana peppers were filled with what seemed like a sticky, over-bready slime. It was nevertheless a good portion size. The white bean hummus, my other appetizer, was decent, but simple and in a small portion. My wife had one of the salmon dishes, which she described as "really buttery" but generally good. Ultimately, I liked the artichoke dip and the restaurant had a fully stocked bar, but due to the quality of food for the price and the appalling lack of vegetarian options, I won't be back. read more

Mothers is really a fantastic restaurant. Great atmosphere inside and a beautiful patio outside. They have a very small permanent menu but have a generous specials menu that's different every day. The food is very fresh and elegant. The sides and sauces they make are excellent as well. Unfortunately they only have ONE specific wine they serve by the glass each day but have a decent selection of bottles. Also it's a bit noisy because of the bar but not to bad. It's nice to be able to get something different every time you go. It's never the same menu which I love because it shows how talented the chef is. He or she can clearly make anything with what they have. I recommend Mothers to anyone who's up for spending a little extra cash for a great meal and great service. Great for people who are heading downtown too. And if you go when it's warm out you have to check out the patio, very enjoyable. read more

Went here for a family dinner while we were in town visiting my parents. It was a Tuesday night and we were about one of eight tables. The specials menu sounded good but most of us went with items off the usual menu. We had the shrimp fritters for appetizer and they were really good- nice and crispy but fluffy on the inside. I had the blue cheese stuffed pork chop with braised cabbage. It was fantastic- I'm talking best-I've-ever-had fantastic. The rest of my family also really enjoyed their meals. They had a nice wine special going on, $6/glass for a nice Syrah. Everyone in our party was really impressed. Great dinner! read more

I just finished my meal in their heated tent. I've probably been here 3x total, it's been about a year since the last visit. This visit was probably the worst experience I've had. Their stuffed peppers (coming from a stuffed pepper connoisseur) were extremely bland and dry... a 1.5/10 at best. Amanda, our server, oh my gosh... she was as bland as the peppers. No personality, not friendly, she was just miserable from the start. The clams did have some flavor, I'll give those a 6.5. My significant other got the cheeseburger which was dryer than the Sierra dessert, he did like the French fries though. 2/10 burger 7/10 fries. We only came because with Covid there are few places with outdoor eating in Erie county. If you want to get out of your house for some air, here ya go. read more

I'm conflicted about Mother's. I've had great experiences here, but I've also had bad experiences. The food is good and consistent. As others have mentioned on here, my evenings hinged on the service I received. Awhile ago my boyfriend and I went here on a double date with some friends, telling them how good the food was, how nice the restaurant was, etc. Well. We had a good dinner, with ok service, until we got the bill. Two people in our party had exchanged their dinner salad, which came with the meal, in favor of a Caesar salad. We noticed on the bill that they were charged for a full priced Caesar salad. Normally a restaurant adds on a few extra dollars for an exchanged salad...they don't charge you for a whole new one! When we asked about it, the host just said, "uh...that's what we do here." No apology, or justification of any kind. If I'd known ahead of time, I would have asked for the dinner salad in a doggie bag--after all, we paid for it! Then, we asked if they could split the check. The waiter said, "I could do that" in a really reluctant voice and then stood there looking at me, holding the check out to him. Like if he waited long enough I'd change my mind. It's not like I was just asking out of benign curiosity. It was a really odd experience, and I felt like an idiot in front of my friends, after hyping the place so much. I hate to say it, but I think this restaurant is a little snobby--kind of like their bar crowd. My boyfriend and I stopped in for dinner there last week, and we had a lovely meal. I guess you just have to go in knowing you might end up with subpar service. And for goodness' sake, don't switch salads! read more

We were treated to a festive, fun night at Mother's. First time visitor to Buffalo, I am seriously considering a move there. Why? The people, the food, the community and the culture to name a few. One such person that exemplifies this is Risa, our server at Mother's. Risa steered us through a fantastic evening's experience with her own warmth, grace and serious food knowledge. When not sure on the choice I sought for for whiskey as opposed to reeling off the ones she knew, she verified. That yielded a sale of two Woodford Reserves, one for me and one for my dining mate. Care equals increased sales and increased commission (tips:) for anyone looking to learn how to improve their bottom line. With the exception of the shrimp fritters - our own choice and a tad larger and crunchier than I sought although accompanied by a fantastic red pepper aioli - all else on the menu was fabulous. Fabulous! The spaghetti squash app, Risa's recommendation, interwoven with delicate proscuitto and Italian cheese; The Caesar salad, a whole heart of romain, achieved subtle levels of all the elements a Caesar needs right down to what I would deem a toast point as the cruton. Awesome; My white bean and ham soup was the proper consistency and mercifully not smokey nor too meaty - both deal breakers when it comes to that particular soup.The richly textured beef/venison (maybe veal, sorry I am not recalling here) in a perfectly balanced gravy; mashed potatoes not too creamy nor too rich; my dining mate's fish was prepared at the right cooking level and with nicely accentuating sauce. Vegetables were snow-cap peas and carrots, not often enough combo dining outt. The banana creme pie was ecstasy whereas the key lime pie was absolutely and without question nirvana. I'll be back whether to live, visit or dine no doubt. The vibe at Mother's was hopping, the atmosphere inside was boisterous and the energy on a warm night on the patio was equally festive and social. read more

Mother's is a romantic, candle lit, yummy restaurant to visit- even at 3am in the morning. Mothers has a full menu Monday-Sunday from 4pm-4am which is amazing (especially if you're a night owl). I have eaten at mothers 3 times and am satisfied every time. Great for date night or dinner with girlfriends. There is an outside patio too. Moderately expensive but worth it! I got the steak my boyfriend got the scallops with black fettucinni. Also we tried the artichoke and Brie dip- so good! Gourmet, romantic and open late! read more

Mother's Restaurant - Black fettuccini with scallops and steak from mothers - New American Near Me - Buffalo, New York

This is our first time to Mothers. The food was delicious, we had the calamari which is so soft and tender as our appetizer, and then I ordered the sears scallops with black linguine and boyfriend ordered the NY strips steak. We also had chocolate cake and carrot cake for our dessert. We enjoyed our dinner very much and the whole setting was excellent with the music and atmosphere around us. Will definitely visit again! read more

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I was hoping for so much more, as I have heard so many great reviews of this restaurant. The waiter was fairly slow and it became frustrating at times. I was disappointed to see that they didn't have a drink menu beyond their wine list. The restaurant was so noisy that I could barely hear those people I went to dinner with. With that being said, my entree was decent. I got the black linguine with seared scallops, and I was pleasantly surprised with the scallops but the pasta left a bit to be desired. read more

Are you looking for a romantic dinner venue? This one is it (if they turn down the volume on the music). With a grotto-like interior, soft lighting, and candles, Mother's ambience will encourage whatever nascent love is lurking between two people. My fried calamari were perfect: completely crisp, ungreasy, and tender. They were served over a chunky red sauce. Sriracha on the side. My friend's swordfish was delicious, with sides of slightly spicy rice and super fresh snow peas. Our server, James, was one of the best I have ever had in Buffalo. Cheerful and incredibly accommodating. read more

I've enjoyed their food a few times in the past year and the food has always been quality every time I have visited. Their steaks are beautifully prepared. I usually order some sort of steak meal and it's always spot on. The location is nice because it's in close proximity to other bars downtown. Also a very nice place for a date! The lighting is dim and it's usually a bit loud if it's a weekend. The summer is where this restaurant shines. The outdoor dining environment is beautiful!! Very romantic because of the lighting. They usually have great music playing to accompany your meal. I'm really looking forward to visiting this coming summer. I've always had great experiences at Mothers and will most certainly be back for some more dope steak and wine! read more

Nice spot to stop in after a hockey game. Good crowd and even better bartenders. Well done.

I've been coming to Mothers for years....it will forever be one of my favorite places! Nice patio to sit outside on summer evenings! Great place for happy hour, that usually extends much later due to the fact that drinks keep on coming! I've showed up after 3 am in the morning and had them make me dinner! read more

The 18 oz ribeye was great!!!! The potatoes and the fried onions were wonderful! They aren't stingy with their liquor either! I only needed one cocktail and I had to water it down myself. The only thing I wasn't impressed with was the shrimp cocktail. They were huge, but there was only three. Other than that....great! Sorry, no pic. We dove right in. read more

I used to like this place. I brought there out-of-town, somewhat formal guests here. When I made the reservation I was told that they needed the table by 8 and we should be there by 6 sharp so they can ensure that they would be ready for the next party. Given it's a Friday night perhaps it is understandable. It turned out our waitress didn't get the memo. By the time we got our drinks it was 6:20. She disappeared for long periods of time, forgot our drinks, and didn't follow instructions on how to divide the check. When we finally got our check back to sign, it was 8:20. At 8:21 (no joke) the manager showed up, loudly announcing to the entire table, that she had told me ("IM SORRY SIR, I TOLD YOU") that we had to be out by 8. I told her we literally just signed the check, and her waitress had been nowhere to be seen. On top of it she divided the check erroneously, but not to make a fuss, we paid as is. The manager apologized and offered us a drink at the bar. No thanks, you've done enough damage. Was it so hard for you to tap on my shoulder to get my attention? Was it really so hard to show a bit more tact? My last time there, no more. (Bartender is a good guy though, sorry man.) read more

Mother's is more lounge than restaurant. I only recently ate dinner there, but I used to go late night for drinks more frequently. The good: they have never had much of a beer selection, but they make up for this with excellent mixed drinks. I had a Hendrick's martini which was as good as I've had anywhere. And whether for happy hour or late night, there is always a good crowd. The bad: Mother's was mediocre as a restaurant. I had a steak that was recommended by the waiter. It was a little overdone, and tasted no better than a meal I'd make on my own grill, and was served with a big stalk of broccoli. I was underwhelmed. The service was adequate, but slow, probably because the kitchen was unable to keep up with the crowd. We were there socially, so did not mind a 3 hour dinner that night. Overall, the food was not bad, but not worthy of the price or Mother's stellar reputation. read more

Well the appetizer we ordered was the shrimp fritters. These were exactly what the menu boasted. The salad we had with our entrees was also well made. My fiancee's fish special also was well put together. My entree was not so decadent it was not what the menu had stated. I ordered the pork shank in a reduction with sweet potatoes pureed, and streamed green beans. This was not what I received to the table though the pork was not savory nor did it come in a reduction. It came in a watery broth and the pork was just that it was barely seasoned. My fiancee ordered the chocolate cake which I tried a piece of the next morning and that was wonderful. Side note unless you are a hipster at heart and like loud acid jazz then steer clear of this joint. We were sat a table next to a table of obnoxious women that were swaking about their lack lust love lives, about ten decibels over what was comfortable. Then just when you think your in the clear you hear the ugliest chicken head in the bunch belt out "I can't believe he wanted a three-some". Then to kill my senses from the ridiculousness that has stunned my ear I see with my eyes that the lamps seem to be a resting place for all the dead flys in Buffalo. I was waiting for Piggy from Lord of the Flies to rush in and give me survival tactics. Then I snap back to reality and notice that I am speaking super load as if I'm engaged in a gun fight. PS Mother's please turn down you jams to my blood pressure remains stable so I don't have to yell my conversation across the table at my loved one. read more

I love the classy yet relaxed atmosphere at Mother's. Everything from the stone-sided dining room to classic standards playing overhead brings back a bygone era. Well-made cocktails and a mid-century aesthetic make you feel like you're on the set of 'Mad Men.' The food is excellent and reasonably priced. I tried the scallop pasta which was very tasty. Come here for a boozy (or not) escape. Highly recommend. read more

Quaint restaurant, wonderful polite friendly staff. Table settings were odd mismatch but appropriate given name of restaurant I suppose.. the tall lit candles were wonderful. Touch. Music horrid, loud, stressful.. Did not match ambiance or any particular genre; I thought other reviewers were being petty-- they were not, we couldn't wait to leave (our waitress agreed). Wine list seemed nice, but what they had in stock didn't match list.. Disappointing but very fair price. Appetizers very good, mussels and ribs. Entree, again oddly did not match menu, salmon was prepared as the swordfish was listed. Salmon, snap peas and rice were all Saturated in a vegetable type oil, literally upset my stomach. I'd like to think the chef on staff last night was either not the usual or was having a bad day. But I won't be returning to find out. read more

My girlfriend and her friend took me here, which is one of their local hangout spots. The bartenders, Sammy, Skinny, Michelle and JJ welcomed me with open arms and provided some of the best service I've ever had. Their soft shell crab was fantastic and I cant wait to come back. read more

Mothers is a great place to take a date! There menu is excellent! The appetizers are a meal in itself and very tasty! There bar is great and they always have the Sabres or Bills on TV! And there are always plenty of beautiful women there too! Salut'! read more

I had heard such good things about this place, I cannot believe the disappointment. The food was bad. Tournedos were incredibly salty, and the chicken delivered with the romaine lettuce was a microwaved piece of previously frozen chicken. The St. Louis ribs were partially carbonized. Best the hostess could do? The phone number of the owner included with the bill. Too many restaurants to choose from, never this one again. read more

Visited Buffalo and went here for dinner on the recommendation of a friend who had never been but "heard good things." We dressed up, as we were celebrating a special occasion, but there were men there wearing cargo shorts and flip flops, so it didn't seem like an over formal, stuffy place. Nice decor and music playing. Loved the huge "specials" menu. Everything looked good. We shared an appetizer of pork cheek with potato gnocchi and tomato sauce. So so good. I wanted to lick the plate. Then for the main I went with an Asian inspired salmon dish, and BF had striped bass. He said it was good, but I thought the salmon dish had too many "sides" (pickled ginger, a heaping pile of fish eggs, and pickled jalapeno). Then we shared a delicious dessert of cheesecake and blueberries. I imagine that with the "specials menu" they only use things that are in season, so I'd like to see what the menu looks like in winter. Only 3 stars though because I thought the service was pretty bad for how much the dinner cost. When we arrived, we waited for 5 minutes until the hostess came by. There was no stand or clear waiting place, so we stood awkwardly around in front of the door wondering if we had come in the right door. Even the bartender noticed us and said, "Don't worry, you're in the right place... the hostess should be here soon." Finally, she came by and said it would be a little bit while they got the table ready, but we could get drinks at the bar. There were many tables open, yet we waited about 10 mins at the bar. Meanwhile, the bartenders never came over to get our drink order... even though the bar was mostly empty. Instead they cleaned glasses and refilled the bar stock. Finally, we were seated with our drinks (no draft beers) and the rest of the night went smoothly. One other thing that bothered me was that they didn't clean the tables up after customers had left, until they needed the table for someone else who just walked in (hence the long wait). Weird to see the dirty napkins, glasses, and tablecloths left for so long. Not sure if we would go again if we lived in the area. Good food, but that was about it. read more

will NEVER go to Mother's Restaurant on 33 Virginia Place EVER AGAIN! They used the number I gave them for my reservation to call me (private) after my dinner to ask why a tip wasn't left for the waiter... I didn't pay, so I don't care! I only seen the waiter twice and he never said what his name was! They told me, I was no longer allowed to dine there. Please believe me, I won't. I've been trying to contact their manager but they are playing games. If gratuity was not included, guess what... It's up to the customer's discretion if they CHOOSE to tip! I'll find out who did it! Believe that! The disrespect is abysmal... The food was ok... I needed plenty of steak sauce for the steak. It wasn't the worst or the best. The cream of crab soup wasn't too good either. read more

Let me start by saying I understand that more upscale restaurants have set times for reservations. I guess I could have clarified a little bit better when I called. However "Bruce" who answered the phone was extremely rude. I asked if they had the ability to seat a larger party. Without hesitation, he said you need to call back tomorrow and hung up the phone. Didn't wait for me to respond, give any information about seating or anything. Which is sad because we've been here before and liked going. read more

If you want a restaurant that respects their customers and treats everyone fairly, go to Chef's. There food is good here but their hospitality is terrible. :( read more