A nightlife guide for buffalo

The nightlife in Buffalo, New York is a far underestimated hub of music, dance, and artistic possibility. Whether you’re a straight up bar person, an artsy intellectual, or lover of live music you can and will find something to appease your nightlife interests. Because Buffalo is best known for its torrential winters, the summer months are usually most active, but don’t underestimate the satisfaction gained from venturing out into the city despite the snowball you car might look like.

For those looking to catch an original band there are a variety of live music clubs scattered throughout the city. For more indie-rock oriented people, check out Mohawk Place (47 East Mohawk Street). They have a packed schedule of rock and roll throughout the week but the weekends feature the premier bands and they often couple out of town headliners with supporting local acts so you’re bound to dig some of the tunes. Covers stay pretty low but almost all shows are 18+ - check out the signed press photos displayed throughout the bar – Mohawk has been a classic of Buffalo music since the heyday of the 60s!

For the gothic clubbers, or those more interested in metal, hardcore, or alternative live music, check out the Continental (212 Franklin St). Downstairs features regular live music acts ranging from local to mainstream groups and the cover ranges from $2 - $15 and is 18+ for most shows. Don’t let the dreaded, pierced, tattooed bouncer scare you off. Head upstairs if you want to dance your pants off – it’s a DJ run Industrial/Gothic dance club extremely popular with the “vampire” scene. Remember, Buffalo bars close at 4 am, so take your drinks slow and be safe.

Buffalo is one of the most gay-friendly cities and its nightlife well-represents its strong embrace of every lifestyle. If you’re interested in gay-oriented nightlife you must not miss a night at Club Marcella (622 Main St). Marcella’s features great DJs every night and has a dance floor big enough for you and your 60 closest friends. Hit up a Wednesday or Sunday evening to catch the drag shows (or “female impersonators”) and every Friday is heterosexual couple’s night. The owner and the staff are all Buffalo natives and gentlemen in their own way so it makes Marcella’s one of the premier clubs in Buffalo.

Head upstairs from Club Marcella to find the Tralfamadore Café (also 622 Main St.). A hip club with a smoky jazz theater ambience the Tralf features an A-list of local, national and international musicians. Evolving from its jazz roots, the Tralf features pop, folk, blues, rock and funk and caters to all ages. With a good selection of drinks and small tables around the interior, the Tralf is versatile in its clientele – perfect for a classy evening of jazz and drinks, or a rock and roll, beer and peanuts type of party, it’s your choice.

For a nice dining experience, you must not miss Fiddle Heads at 62 Allen St. Featuring a seasonally eclectic menu of regional vegetables, tastes and wines, Fiddle Heads is a cozy restaurant in the depths of downtown Buffalo. Well-loved by its city neighbors, Fiddle Heads has hearty, filling salads, seafoods cleverly seasoned and pastas with original sauces. Reservations are recommended at this trendy eatery, but make sure you set aside an evening meal before making your way further into the city’s nightlife.

For the more traditional of heart, Hutch’s (1375 Delaware Ave) features clever blends of Asian, Italian and American cuisines that satisfy the palate and soul. Dishes are creative touches on traditional dishes of halibut, steak and pasta, and don’t pass on dessert! No need to rush through dinner since the bars and clubs are open so late, so take your time absorbing the ambience of this little city secret. Dress up a little for your dinner here, and make sure you’ve made reservations.

For all of you after-bar eaters, Jim’s Steak Out is where you need to be. Open late into the night Jim’s is well-known for its steak hoagies and fries and chicken finger subs. A Buffalo-owned and operated chain, Jim’s satisfies anyone’s hunger for late-night stomach-filling, greasy-food-goodness. With 6 locations throughout the greater Buffalo area, just be on the look out for the bright red, illuminated awning and the bustling interior.

Finally, if you’re just looking for an easy night out with friends and coffee, Spot Coffee is where to head. Located at either 227 Delaware Ave or 765 Elmwood Ave, Spot is a well-loved favorite of the local hip/urban crowd. Open ‘til midnight on Friday and Saturday nights, and 11 on weeknights, Spot features an extensive drink and food menu, as well as local artist’s work on the walls, comfy couches and regular poetry and music nights. Adjacent to the Elmwood Ave. Spot is New World Records, one of Buffalo’s independent music stores filled with local and national discs, merchandise and those crazy Jesus figurines sweeping the indie scene. While you’re at Spot grab an “Artvoice” to find out more info on what’s going on for the week, as well as political, insightful, and useful articles about life in B-lo – it will let you in on all the secrets of the city – more on where to go, what to do and who to see.