4 Stops for an Amherst Street Bar Crawl
You probably know all about Buffalo’s most popular destinations for knocking back cocktails. There’s Chippewa – the original entertainment district – if you’re looking for a dance party, the Elmwood Village if you need something a little more low-key, and Allentown if you want to hang out with the hippest crowd in town. Look, there’s no wrong answer here. Pick any one of these hot spots and you’re going to have a good time. But if you’re looking to change-it up a little bit, there are plenty of other crawl worthy strips, streets and avenues to suds it up here in the Queen City.
One of the best might be Amherst Street. This runway of fun (funway?) stretches from Elmwood Avenue all the way to Military Road. It’s peppered with bars and restaurants up and down both sides of the street. On a recent Sunday, I grabbed a couple friends and did the hard work of figuring out exactly how to tackle this boulevard of boisterousness. Here now is your roadmap to success:
Photo courtesy of Hot Mama’s Canteen
Hot Mama’s Canteen, 12 Military Rd. (at Amherst):
Start at this former speakeasy that’s doing everything it can to live up to its name and its history including hosting a monthly burlesque show and sprinkling cayenne and red pepper on the complimentary popcorn. This place is oozing with character. There’s real dart boards, a shuffle board, a ghost in the basement, and throw a party to celebrate the end of Prohibition.
Sportsmen’s Tavern, 326 Amherst St.:
If Amherst Street has an anchor, this is it. Sportsmen’s Tavern is well known among the locals for its live music. Touring artists and bands from all over the country swing through to play a show on the Sportsmen’s stage. Climb the stairs to the second floor for a bird’s eye view of the nightly performances.
Photo courtesy of Dapper Goose
The Dapper Goose, 491 Amherst St.:
If you’re more “craft cocktail” than “shot and a beer,” the Dapper Goose is the spot for you. It hits all the millennial high notes with a killer brunch menu, farm-to-table dishes, locally sourced booze, and a patio that rivals the best in the city.
Photo courtesy of Rohall’s Corner
Rohall’s Corner, 540 Amherst St.:
Rohall’s is an old school bar tucked neatly into the Black Rock neighborhood. The interior features a glass block wall in the entry way and a retro collection of branded barware and signs including a Utica Club neon in the front window. There’s a long list of European beers on tap and in half liter bottles. You’ll find beers from the Ukraine and Croatia on the list as well as local and regional favorites.
So, there you have it. Next time you’re in need of new scenery head to Amherst Street, where there’s a watering hole for everyone.
