I have to wonder...have any of the reviewers who compare this to a rooftop in NYC ever been to a rooftop bar in NYC? Because, no, it's not. Well, in some respects it is. Drinks are expensive, so you order them by the $78 pitchers in NYC. Here, well, I didn't think they were expensive. Service tends to be somewhat uncordial because it's a douchebag scene. Tick! That's NYC too. What's not NYC? The decor, the view, the experience. I love Buffalo and rooftops and patios but this is not NYC, this bar in not NYC, it's like tacky Long Island NYC but not hip High Line or downtown NYC. read more

Beware of added gratuity on the bill. We went for happy hour with a group of 6 and had over a $300 tab. The venue was fine, drinks were a little over priced but again fine. However, there was gratuity added on the bill and it wasn't disclosed on the menu or by the server. While I definitely wish I double checked the bill before adding an additional 20%, I wouldn't go back because of the shady waitress. Definitely not a good way to ensure recurring business. Plenty of other businesses in Buffalo to support that would be more honest and forthcoming about additional charges to an already large bill. read more

Fancy place, looks good on the outside. You'd think the drinks would be good, due to prices. The bartender is probably new and never made a drink before. Whiskey sour is a basic drink to make. My girlfriend and I got one each and both were terrible. First drink she served, had a fly in it. And I asked her to change it. She took it back, and served me the same one as THE SAME DAMN FLY IS STILL IN THE DRINK. The bartender's colleague said this to me after "it's protein." No thanks, you can keep your proteins for yourself guys. -Edits- After returning the 2nd drink with the bug, the bartender said it was because the fruit flies are attracted to the lime juice. And I ordered a whiskey sour so it had lime juice in it like it was my fault for ordering that drink. Well, okay, Sky bar doesn't have flies in their whiskey sour. So, what's your excuse? She then offered me another drink. I got a bottled beer this time. Lastly, another friend of ours got red wine and she FOUND ANOTHER BUG NEAR THE END OF HER DRINK. We were so done by then. Couldn't even be bothered to complain and we left. Honestly if their customer service wasn't so bad, I would have let it slide. It was not even that packed. But there was ZERO apologies throughout and she made me feel like I was making a mountain out of a molehill. This was the lady with tattoos working the bar tonight 9.1.2017. read more

Vue Rooftop Lounge - 2nd drink with the same bug in it. Disappointing. - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Buffalo, New York

Here is the question: why open if you are not ready? Why risk your reputation for the sake of a few extra weeks? Came here early (tonite) on a Friday for drinks with co-workers. From the expensive cars in the front lot, to the decor in the lobby, things started off well. Bartender at lobby bar ( revolving) very customer focused and friendly: offered to create a drink if we wanted. $ 10 for Titos and soda average-no complaints. We knew Vue opened at 5, but we're told we could take our drinks upstairs so off we went. Then things went downhill. Did they run out of money? The elevator had wires taped to the ceiling! Wires coming out of the black painted side panels? I felt like I was in a freight elevator! Up to the roof we went. It was before 5 so place was empty. Nice view of the lake and city . ample seating in various areas . 3 bars -2 outside one in. The rest of our group arrived and it was now 5:10. I went to the inside bar and asked fir drinks. 3 staff members- one slicing lemons, 2 behind bar, but they said they had no cash drawer so suggested I go to the outside bar. Off I went and realized there were 8 other people at THAT bar waiting to order because , guess what ... no drawer . No offer to start a tab, no offer to send any of the staff down to first floor to get drinks, so our friends had to trudge downstairs to the first floor, in the freight elevator, to get their drinks. Certain details started standing out : the wire hanging out the back of the fire pit, the blue tape around the railings .. little things that really should be addressed by a punch list or staff or management ..prior to opening. Now the place was filling up: good mix of ages and groups: there is a business casual dress code ( but apparently no building code ) Another member of our party went to the bar ( the drawers finally arrived) and waited a good 10 minutes to be served. We did notice servers appeared around 7:00 pm.. I think they would have been much better off keeping the downstairs bar open and just waiting til the upstairs was 100% before opening as VUE does not meet the standard being set by downstairs. And please fix the freight elevator ! Update: July 2018: still gorgeous views, place looks great... but.. came here with a group of 15 people fir a work related after hours. There were 2 functions going on, and people already at bar. Ample staff which was a good sign. But it became apparent to my ( and several other co workers who stayed the same), that if you were not male, you would be ignored by the female bar staff. This happened multiple times, to multiple people, regardless of age. The director of our group/ organization was waiting to order, and up walked a male member who was immediately asked what he wanted . Female director told him to wait and called out the female bartender. Wow. I then watched the same happen to another group . The drinks we did receive were weak , free pours, and after being dissed like that, left a bitter taste read more

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I brought my girlfriend here last Friday night for happy hour as a change of pace from our usual Elmwood hangouts. I saw an ad that talked up the beautiful lake view and cocktails. There's lots of potential but they failed to deliver. Firstly there is no happy hour and there isn't even a cocktail menu. The newbie behind the bar struggled to make a simple Margarita with the result being tequila and pure lime juice. It was my dates and undrinkable. Next was the view, or lack of it. You're mostly looking at parking lots unless your lucky enough to sit one of the two tables in the corner. Too many other options in the area. read more

Most overpriced, worst service bar in Buffalo. View isn't worth it now that Patrick's is open at 500 Pearl. $45 for a mezcal on the rocks. What a joke. The resurgence in Buffalo is amazing but this is just insanity. If I could give zero stars I would. Asked for a list of cocktails and was laughed at. They don't have one. Nothing like a bartender charging whatever they want. Great way to discourage out of towners read more

Wine down Wednesday is a fun break to the week Great view and recent live music is nice.

This place reinforced the fact that Buffalo has become the city I always dreamed it could be. It's absolutely gorgeous up there.... with a swanky setting and an even better view. Cocktails and a limited menu..... and a fire pit for chilly evenings. It's a great place for locals and visitors alike. Come for the sunset.... and stay for the view of the city lights. read more

Just went there for the umpteenth time with a dear friend. I love the ambience here! Fantastic rooftop bar with great views. Service can be slow at times, I've had to wait 15 minutes one time to place a drink order. Today was pretty good and my friend and I enjoyed a couple glasses of wine. As it got cooler and the sun was setting, they lit up the fire pit. I'm definitely a regular here and have introduced this place to a bunch of friends! read more

Vue Rooftop Lounge - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Buffalo, New York

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The Vue Rooftop Lounge is modern and a great place to view the City of Buffalo on a clear summer night. It wasn't so great this time of year, as it really was far too cold to go out on the patio, even with all the heaters trying to warm it up. It would be great on a summer evening, overlooking Buffalo, sitting outside with a soft breeze and a cocktail in hand. The service is great and the bar is cool, lit from underneath. read more

I read the negative reviews on here and was worried, but I actually really enjoyed my two visits here. Sure the drinks are more expensive than Buffalo is used to but $9 for a strong and good quality gin and tonic is not bad in a nice venue. They currently do not have a kitchen but are allegedly working on it, and you can order food from the downstairs hotel restaurant to be brought up. Loved the modern chiq vibe and the giant circular firepit. Can't beat the views, especially at sunset with a glimpse of both the lake and city hall. Overall love this addition to downtown Buffalo. Sometimes they do seem a bit understaffed but I think with time they'll work out the kinks. read more

Vue Rooftop Lounge - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Buffalo, New York

This is my first review ever. The reviews are as bad as they say. My gf dirty martini was fruity...the manager told me she agreed and would replace it. Thirty min later..nothing. Guys....they view isn't that good.....lol read more

Vue Rooftop Lounge - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Buffalo, New York

This gets two stars instead of one thanks to the apology from one bartender, a conversation with the manager, and great service at the downstairs bar (Much more knowledgeable and friendly). I came here on the 4th of July. I anticipated it to be packed, but it actually wasn't that busy. There were three bartenders behind the pine, and the had to handle I'd say 50 people who came in and out of the bar. I waited patiently, but once I noticed that bartenders would serve men who just approached the bar instead of me, I tried to not read into any prejudice. Finally, who I think was the bar manager (a female) told one of the bartenders that I was waiting a long time. She came to me and I asked about the advertised special (Wed-Sunday $15 bottles of wine). She said it didn't exist. I was confused because I just looked at my phone to see it, but thought given the holiday it could possibly be unavailable. So instead, I bought two glasses of Prosecco for myself and my girlfriend. When we sat down (There were plenty of places to sit and stand to view the fireworks, it was that slow) I reviewed their website to make sure the bartender was right. I saw no notification of the holiday that the special wouldn't be available so I decided to go back to the bar and ask for clarification. I waited for twenty minutes for someone to even talk to me. Again, trying to give the benefit of the doubt that the staff wasn't racist or sexist. I moved to three different spots on the bar to maybe get noticed until the only bartender who seemed to have the most knowledge of the specials and of cocktails approached me. However, she needed her manager to tell her so. I explained the situation, and she apologized and agreed with me that the special was eligible but they only had a few wines to choose from compared to the full list. Luckily they had the Prosecco I wanted, so I bought that. The bartender offered me a shot because I waited, but I told her that wasn't necessary I just wanted to explain the poor service from the other bartender. She explained that she is knew and is learning to tend the bar properly After reviewing previous reviews it seems as if there's always a new bartender. Since we had a bottle it made it a more enjoyable night. There's a great view up there and the space is pretty clean with a nice fire pit in the middle of the floor. The hotel itself is beautiful and I can see how it is trying to match the NYC feel. They have a lot of work to do on service, but I did have a great conversation with Mario, the hotel manager I assume. He was very apologetic and told me the next time I came in to mention his name. When we left the rooftop part of the hotel, we noticed their downstairs bar was empty and the male bartender seemed friendlier. He was prompt and very kind with his service, and he was the one I asked when requesting a manager. He heard my complaints and also echoed the same thing the previous bartender had stated. At least there was a universal explanation and I wasn't given the runaround. I'm unsure if I would choose this place again to have a few drinks. I've heard such good things but I think its the view that draws the appeal not the service. I did see Mario talk to the bartenders on the rooftop so I'm hopeful for some change in process. Three bartenders is a lot. Most times in a packed bar on Allen there are only one to two people and they are very efficient. So, what's Vue's excuse? read more

Worst service I have ever experienced, I have been a bartender/server I understand the stress but I was aggressively yelled at by a bartender and not paid attention to or served after sitting at a table for 20 mins- go somewhere else read more

Alex up at the Vue was exceptional....I celebrated my birthday last night there and he was professional and personable....not to mention he makes a excellent martini. Kudos to you Alex!!!!!! read more

Great views! Great space. Classy feel. Two for one happy hour deals (well drinks and beer) if your timing is right. But the service wasn't great. The kind of not great that means good luck getting a drink. Hopefully it's not always like this but from people I've spoken to who have been a few times before, I guess it kinda is. Good thing the space is fun. read more

Nice view... Zero, absolutely zero, service. Really a shame. Where are the waitresses ?

The entire staff of the hotel are rude and uptight. They have an extremely strict dress code. The drinks are expensive and average. It's a pretentious hotel and bar with a decent view.. Gave this place 2 chances but will not come back read more

My husband and I were excited to meet some friends out for a few drinks at this classy new place downtown. I'm thinking laid back and knowledgeable bartenders with some killer craft cocktails. WRONG. The roof top bar is absolutely no different than downtown's sky bar. Dim witted and rude young, female bartenders in teeny, tiny black dresses who don't give you the time of day. When we asked for a cocktail menu she was all too pleased to snap back. "we don't have that up here. You can go downstairs, or I can give you a mixed drink". Disappointed, we paid for our lousy $9 vodka sodas and hit the fireplace (THAT I do have to say was stunning). Point being, if you're a horny, dance club lovin' college student willing to pay $$ for a crap mixed drink from your typical high and mighty teenage bartender, this is your place! On the other hand, if you're a laid back, only out until 10pm cause the kids are at grandma's kinda person, spend your time and money on some incredible craft cocktails down the road at Buffalo Proper. By the way, if you're scared of spiders, don't look up! They are EVERYWHERE. I mean 25 of them within a 2 foot diameter along the walls inches above your head. read more

Fun place to go if you want to get dressed up and pretend to be classy for a night. Prices are what you'd expect. Some of the views are great but then you look to one side and are reminded your in Buffalo when you see the beautiful parking garage next door :) The ambiance was spot on and the massive fire place kept us warm. The main bar area looked like it was missing tables or maybe that's the point? I look forward to checking in out during happy hour soon. read more

I've been wanting to check out the rooftop bar at the Curtis for quite some time. The rooftop doesn't do cocktails (??) so we grabbed a maple old fashioned and original old fashioned from the rotating bar. The rooftop still feels half completed and unfortunately infested with spiders. I know this is Buffalo spider season, but it didn't seem like they hadn't been cleared for a while. And the drinks? Terrible. I've never had an old fashioned with a scoop full of ice in it and the maple variety tasted like pure sugar. We talked to the rooftop bar about just getting a beer and giving the drinks back. Bar tenders response? "I think you should go back to whoever made the drink for you and talk to them" and promptly turned away, end of conversation. It's just bad taste to send a customer all the way down to the lobby for such an easy fix. Overpriced drinks, poor customer service, and spiders. read more

If you want somewhere that has great ambiance and a swanky setting, VUE is the place for you. The views are certainly amazing and at sunset is great. I am however, not ever impressed with the drinks here. Service itself is not terrible, but everything is measured and all over priced for what you're getting. If you do not mind forking our $9.75 for a drink that's elsewhere would be $7 tops then ignore any of this. I just wish the prices reflect what you're getting in return. read more

I was highly anticipating this place and the Curtis Hotel in general. We met 8 friends out for drinks at Vue and to start the views were excellent. The bar tops aren't finished but I'm not holding that against them. The ambiance in this area is going to be great. When it's all finished. Those are the reasons for even earning a star. The drinks at this establishment are not good. I don't mind spending money on drinks ($10-$15 craft cocktails) but having bartenders who don't know the difference between a manhattan and an old fashioned is unacceptable. On 3 different occasions we were given the wrong drinks and it wasn't because they were made for someone else. When we spoke to the manager he apologized and said they had new people bartending. My recommendation would be to hire experienced bartenders even if it costs a little more to work at what could be a great place. read more

Absolutely phenomenal. I had the pleasure of living on Long Island, frequenting the Big Apple as much as I could. I often crave going back to the city. Last night that thirst was finally quenched. This rooftop lounge takes you out of buffalo and makes you feel like you're in NYC. The beautiful decor, the dress code, the people. Impeccable. I cannot wait to go back. read more

Came to the Curtiss for the Staycation and went to Vue after dinner. No complaints on the staycation just on Vue. Very disappointed from the start. When we arrived to the bar I asked the bartender for a drink menu and she looked at me like I had 10 heads and said "there is no menu", i reiterated asking "you don't have a drink menu...?" and she said "no". I follow Curtiss and Vue on social media and always see new drinks posted, so I commented on Instagram asking "why is there no drink menu?" to which I was replied "there is one just ask!" I am unsure why I was denied one. The bartender then proceeded to seem annoyed when I did not know what I wanted (usually I look at a menu and decide). I worked in hospitality for a long time and felt very unwelcomed. Probably will not be returning. read more

Really nice atmosphere and great view of the city. Bartenders are quick and know a lot of the drinks you could want

Worst service I have ever had in my entire life. I've been here multiple times all with terrible service but this last time was the last time I will ever go back. I was out with a few of my girl friends and we sat at a table. It wasn't very busy but it took our waitress (I think her name was Emily) 20 mins just to come over and take our drink order and then another 20 to bring our drinks back. Upon returning with our drinks, she spilled the entire tray of them on me and walked away without even apologizing. Some other workers came over to wipe up the floor and I said "how about you give me a towel so I can wipe myself off" my entire dress and hair was soaked. She comes back with our new drinks and we immediately asked for the bill. When we received it, nothing had been taken off and still no apology. We asked to see the manager. He came over and said he'd give us 20% off. We were nice about it considering the circumstances but we were still not happy with that. As we were discussing with this manager, another guy came over claiming he was the manager. He was short with reddish hair. He came over and told us we all had to leave. I asked him why and he said bc we were causing a scene. EXCUSE ME?!! Your rude waitress spilled multiple drinks on me without helping me dry off or simply apologizing and you're kicking us out?? He then threatened to have me arrested. We were LIVID. I tell everyone I know this horrific story and will NEVER return to this horrendous place ever again. I encourage anyone reading this to do the same. Aside from the terrible service (worst I have ever experienced every time I go), the view is terrible and the environment is dirty. There is nothing enticing about this joke of a place. read more

Went to Vue the other night. The restaurant advertises on their web site 15 wines for $15 each. When we sat at the bar, I asked the bartender for a bottle of Malbec. She indicated they didn't have it, so I asked for another bottle of red wine. She said the supply was limited since they were phasing out the special. She said that Malbec wasn't even on the menu. I brought up the website and showed her. She wanted me to go down to the Bar manager and talk to her about it because she just worked here and couldn't do anything about it. The bartender was rude and inappropriate. My husband and I left without spending a dime. The place is absolutely beautiful but we will never go there again. We walked down the street to a great restaurant with wonderful service and food. read more

VUE is one of the most upscale bars in Buffalo with hands down the best view of the city. The atmosphere on a sunny day, or warm evening, or even in the winter is not comparable to anywhere else. The service is great, fast, and the cocktails are great. read more