How You Spend Your Nights

No matter what struggles we contend with in the light of day here in Buffalo, once that evening sun goes down there’s no shortage of destinations to take us away from all that. Whether we crave the highbrow satisfaction of an urbane martini, or the lowbrow thrill of a boilermaker at the bowling alley, we can quench either thirst right here. Here in our 4am town, the nighttime is the right time for just about anything.

When people punch out of work at five, they like to get happy. Fortunately, they can stop into a number of establishments known for their happy hours—like Cozumel, Soho, or Bar Louie. Some people prefer the wide selection of beers available at those next-door neighbors on the Elmwood strip, Mr. Goodbar and Cole’s.

Many of our readers like to dance, and when they do they gravitate to Bottoms Up, Encore, or the exotic Club Marcella. Others prefer to get their grooves on at Pure or Bayou. As dancing can lead to other things, it’s not surprising that Pure, Encore, and Bayou also landed top five nominations in the Best Hookup Joint category.

Sometimes you wanna go where everybody knows your name. If that’s your style, our readers recommend Cole’s and Founding Father’s—where you can mix your drinks with popular trivia questions. Other favorites are the friendly Sterling Place and the Essex Street Pub—where your cozy atmosphere comes with a cool rock-and-roll edge, plus darts and pool.

If you’ve been hibernating through the long winter, it’s time you made it out to some of the new hotspots in town. These include Barcelona, City Tavern, Rohall’s Corner, and the much anticipated and widely appreciated Blue Monk. DBGB’s, in the heart of Allentown, has quickly built a reputation as a jumping live music spot.

What would a sports town like Buffalo be without its favorite haunts to watch a game? Fans cite the Pearl Street Grill and Brewery, Thirsty Buffalo, Bada Bing, and the Aud Sports Bar in the city. Suburban sports nuts like the Amherst Pizza and Ale House.

If live music’s your bag, you’re in luck in Buffalo. Nietzsche’s, Mohawk Place, and the Sportsmen’s Tavern will have something cool happening any night of the week, while bigger shows acts make a point of stopping at the Town Ballroom—a theater and bar rolled into one. Papaya is popular on the Chip strip.

—buck quigley

Nominees listed in no particular order. Winners will be announced at the Artvoice Best of Buffalo Party, Monday, May 9, 6-9pm, at Town Ballroom.

Best of Buffalo 2011 Nominees Our City, Our People The Fine Arts Music Dining Out Shops & Services Nightlife & Drinking The 2011 Winners List