August 2014 Openings
Our mission: Construct a monthly list of restaurants, food trucks, cafes, pubs and breweries, etc. that have opened in the previous month. Instead of undertaking the nearly impossible task of predicting which restaurants will actually open in the upcoming month, we decided this strategy would be more valuable for everyone involved. With bureaucrats, bankers and bean counters, unpredictable weather and contractors involved, it’s hard to say when a restaurant is opening until it is already, in fact open.
Disclaimer: We recommend you call ahead to be sure you’ll find an open restaurant upon your arrival. Good Luck! Drop us a line at [email protected] if we missed any August openings.
OPENED
Curried Chicken Gourmet Stuffed Potato @ HandleBar
HandleBar Pub
Neighborhood: Downtown Business District
Opened: 8/11/14
The HandleBar might seem like a lonely, unattached outpost caught between revitalizing neighborhoods in downtown Buffalo, but it’s the perfect way-station for urban explorers, on bike or otherwise. Equipped with draft beer, gourmet stuffed potatoes, flatbread pizzas and a pedal powered phone charger, this gastropub is off-beat and ready to be explored itself.
Buffalo Proper
Neighborhood: Downtown Business District
Opened: 8/15/14
Thanks to their highly regarded chef and bartender, Buffalo Proper was one of the most anticipated openings of 2014. The restaurant was originally made to be named Blood and Sand, but after a run-in with a twin, the name Buffalo Proper was born. Expect high quality craft cocktails and delicious plates from Karel & Forster respectively.
Small Charcuterie plate @ Billybar – Chorizo, Sopressata, Finnocchiona, Pancetta, Prosciutto, Capicola, Pork Terrine and toasted bread slices
Billybar
Neighborhood: Williamsville
Opened: Mid August
This new tapas style bar offers some of the finest charcuterie in town compliments of Tabree Chef Bruce Wieszala. You’ll also find different varieties of oysters depending on what’s available. In the tapas tradition of small plates, this spot is perfect for a light meal, a pre-dinner appetizer, or sharing with a group.
The Black Sheep
Neighborhood: West Side
367 Connecticut Street Buffalo, NY | (716) 884-1100
Opened: 8/21/14
Now open on Connecticut St. on Buffalo’s West Side just a hop, skip and a jump from the Horsefeathers Market, The Black Sheep is the work of Ellen and Steve Gedera. They closed Bistro Europa on Elmwood in March to get started on their new digs. There’s much on the menu to be excited about.
Oshun Oysters
Oshun
Neighborhood: Downtown Business District
5 E. Huron St., Buffalo, New York | (716) 848-4500
Opened: 8/25/14
This spacious art-deco seafood house in Downtown Buffalo is the work of Shango owner, Jim Guarino. The frequently changing, sea inspired menu will pull from Caribbean influences, North African influences, and Asian influences including Indian and Japanese.
Mineo & Sapio Street Eats
Neighborhood: Comes from Mineo & Sapio
Food Truck – It moves
Opened: 8/25/14
Street Eats is a Sausage themed food truck coming from Mineo & Sapio. They’ve combined traditional Italian sausage menu items with interesting takes on other cuisines using Mineo & Sapio products to create a pretty cool menu.
EVOLUTION
Bourbon & Butter
Neighborhood: Downtown Business District
391 Washington St Buffalo, New York | (716) 253-6453
Opened: 8/25/14
Bourbon & Butter is the evolution of Mike A’s at The Lafayette. Gone is the super fine dining in a dark, formal room. You’ll find Bourbon & Butter in the space formerly used as the bar room for Mike A’s. Drop by in whatever you’re wearing for what promises to be the same high quality from the Mike A days at a lower price point and in a more cas atmosphere.
MOVED
Arriba Tortilla New Location
Neighborhood: East Aurora
Re-opened: 8/6/14
Arriba Tortilla has finally made the move to their new location behind Taste. You’ll recognize the decorations and menu from their Main Street location. New are the long bar featured in the front, and patio in the back.
MORE July Openings