Buffalo’s cocktail scene has come a long way in the past decade. So many fantastic cocktail programs have launched and thrived, serving thoughtful concoctions made with quality ingredients and inspired by god knows what (in a good way). If you’re feeling fancy and want to set up your drinking game, you’ve come to the right place.
To aid in your search for the best cocktails in Western New York and/or your neighborhood, we polled our social media followers to bring you a list of the best around town. Pro-tip: save this post for future reference.
Let’s get into the guide – in order to pull the following list together, we asked our Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram followers where to find the best cocktails in Buffalo and WNY. They answered with their top picks and we’ve included the full list of reader recommendations below. If it was mentioned, it’s listed below.
Because we received hundreds of comments resulting in tons of recommendations, there are options all across WNY, all worth recommending according to Western New Yorkers.
While many recommendations were mentioned more than once, there were certain places mentioned over and over (and over) again. It’s safe to say these are our readers’ top picks for cocktails in Buffalo & WNY – in order! Keep scrolling for the full list of mentions.
Check out the comments on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for menu item recommendations and specific info you can’t get anywhere else, out of the mouths of customers! Plus explore more guides with recommendations according to Western New Yorkers.
Guide to Best Bars & Restaurants for Cocktails in Buffalo & WNY According to Western New Yorkers
189 is a celebration of American tradition. Founded in 2014, this whiskey and music emporium prides itself in exploring and showcasing the finest of both ...
800 Maple Rd Williamsville, New York 14221 • $$$$$
North Towns
800 Maple is Williamsville's homegrown destination for the best prime steaks, chops and fresh seafood. The wood-fired grill assures perfection. Authentic ...
When you're ready to relax for the day, come to Amber Lantern Brewing Company for tasty craft beer and delicious pub food. We offer a rotating selection ...
211 South Park Ave Buffalo, New York 14204 • $$$$$
Buffalo
SOB Says: A Cobblestone District favorite, Ballyhoo is as nice inside as it is homely on the outside. They offer housemade sausages and sides, craft cocktails ...
Throwback style tavern, featuring classic cocktails, local beers & sodas, comfort sandwiches & snacks with as much local flavor as possible. Friendly, ...
Billy Club is a full service restaurant and whiskey bar located in the historical Allentown district of Buffalo, New York.
In addition to good wine, ...
5611 Main St Williamsville, New York 14221 • $$$$$
North Towns
Located in an 1800's blacksmith shop in Williamsville, NY, BriteSmith Brewing takes its name from the subset of Blacksmiths known as 'Brite Smiths'. Just ...
At Buffalo Distilling Company, we take pride in making our spirits with 100% local grains, fruits, and honey sourced from small farms around Western New ...
Cafe 59 offers fair-trade, gourmet coffee, espresso, and a variety of other hot and cold drinks. Our menu of freshly made soups, salads and sandwiches ...
In Summer 2021 Casa Azul moved from their original Genesee St. location to the corner of Allen & Elmwood (formerly Cantina Loco).
Casa Azul is about ...
Step Out's 2 cents:
Who doesn't love a rotating bar...at least at first. This super swank downtown restaurant (part of the Curtiss Hotel) is beautiful ...
Coco's oozes 'relax and enjoy the evening'. This charming neighborhood spot has everything but a neighborhood. We love the vibe, and the Coq au vin almost ...
CRāVing is located in the heart of North Buffalo in Hertel’s shopping district, one block from the North Park Theatre. If you are looking for a delicious ...
Step Out's 2 cents:
Curly's has undergone a lot of transformations over the years. Famous for their Jerk Chicken and Black Bean soup for years, but ...
1469 Niagara Street, West Village Buffalo, New York 14207 • $$$$$
North Buffalo
Friendly neighborhood place for food and drinks.
Step Out says:
If you want to go out to watch the Bills, Sabres or any other team play, most corner ...
There are a lot of fast-casual restaurants popping up these days. Our aim is to stand out from the crowd. At Fresh Catch, we believe our poke is more than ...
5507 Main St Williamsville, New York 14221 • $$$$$
North Towns
Glen Park Tavern says:
Glen Park Tavern, which is located at 5507 Main Street in Williamsville, New York; is the place to be when you are looking for ...
At Hartman's Distilling Company, we're turning back the clock to an age when summer days were long, sunsets were never long enough, and family and friends ...
Located down a blind alley in the Elmwood Village, High Violet is a big city cocktail bar that transports guests to another place, maybe another time. ...
The Hydraulic Hearth Restaurant and Brewery, located in the historic Larkin District, is a happy hour, dinner, and brunch destination. Our menu is focused ...
BARBERSHOP | SALON | COCKTAIL BAR | CLOTHIER
Modern-day cocktail bar & lounge serving craft cocktails, beer, and wine. Featuring seasonal small plates ...
3785 South Park Ave Blasdell, New York 14219 • $$$$$
South Towns
Dine in the ambience of Tuscany with hand-painted murals of Ilio s hometown of Introdacqua, Italy and decor that celebrates his pro wrestling career, as ...
Salvatore's says:
Since 1967, Salvatore's Italian Gardens was has been known known for Steaks, Fresh Seafood refined Italian and a Wine Spectator award ...
110 Pearl Street (The Dun Building) Buffalo, NY 14202 • $$$$$
Buffalo
South East Asian Restaurant Located at 110 Pearl Street in the heart of the City of Buffalo, within the historic Dun Building, currently only open for ...
385 Rhode Island St Buffalo, New York 14213 • $$$$$
Buffalo
Las Puertas is a 35 seat intimate restaurant that features Mexican food with a modern blend with classic french techniques.
SOB Says: The menu at Las ...
We are the first taco truck to serve the great city of Buffalo, NY. Our mission is to bring legitimate street food to Buffalo by offering affordable yet ...
5933 Main St Williamsville, New York 14221 • $$$$$
North Towns
From the first taco truck to serve the great city of Buffalo, to now two brick and mortar restaurants. Their mission is to bring legitimate street food ...
41 Columbia Street Buffalo, New York 14204 • $$$$$
Buffalo
Lockhouse Bar specializes in, but is not limited to, cocktails made with spirits produced on the other side of the wall at Lockhouse Distillery. Conveniently ...
This is quality, 'honest' food served in a pleasant, casual atmosphere. The concise menu covers all the right bases and preparation is unpretentious. The ...
1420 Hertel Avenue Buffalo, New York 14202 • $$$$$
Buffalo
SOB Says: We grabbed an intimate table near the front of the restaurant (the bar was full) and were greeted by a friendly server immediately. There is ...
We are a small cocktail lounge with a comfortable 70s vibe (think your grandpas basement bar). Our mission is to keep it seating room only so we can give ...
Enjoy the best views of Buffalo, Lake Erie and Canalside while serving prohibition style cocktails and perusing a Southern European and local Buffalo ...
2 Russell Street, Buffalo, NY, United States Buffalo, New York 14214 • $$$$$
North Buffalo
The Parkside Meadow says:
Owners Nancy Abramo and Len Mattie have lived in the Parkside area, with its kind-hearted neighbors and genuine camaraderie, ...
500, Pearl Street, Downtown Buffalo, New York 14202 • $$$$$
Buffalo
Patrick's Rooftop is the cherry on top at 500 Pearl. With awe-inspiring views of Downtown Buffalo and Lake Erie, Buffalo's highest rooftop bar is a must ...
Prescott's Provisions offers an elevated dining experience along the historic Erie Canal. Our restaurant is open to everyone, including boaters and cyclists, ...
490 Rhode Island St Buffalo, New York 14213 • $$$$$
Buffalo
Providence Social does a great job with a brunch menu that is very creative and not dependent on the same ole' same ole'. With that said you can order ...
Rick's on Main is known for its delectable entrees, warm atmosphere and friendly, knowledgeable staff.
Welcome to our two-story dining room, complete ...
Walking into Roost, you might doubt that you're in Buffalo, or on Niagara St. You're reminded of the raw beauty of our post-industrial city and, seriously, ...
5590 Main St Williamsville, New York 14221 • $$$$$
North Towns
FOOD IS BETTER SHARED
Guests at Share Kitchen $ Bar Room are encouraged to share their experience with those they know as well as those they don't; both ...
Located just off the Four Corners of Medina, NY, the Shirt Factory has been operating as a successful cafe since opening in 2006. In 2018, four Medina ...
4475 Transit Rd Williamsville, New York 14221 • $$$$$
North Towns
Sto Lat Bar is a restaurant and bar, serving authentic Polish cuisine, signature cocktails, local draft beers, and much more! Located in the new BFLO District ...
1448, Hertel Avenue, North Park Buffalo, New York 14216 • $$$$$
North Buffalo
If you've ever spent time in the kitchen, you'll know that every dish needs seasoning. We're about that seasoned spirit too: we like to think a restaurant ...
Tappo, Italian for cork, is proud to welcome our guests to downtown Buffalo to enjoy great American Italian cuisine, wines in an urban chic atmosphere.
See ...
1849 Grand Island Boulevard Grand Island, NY 14072 • $$$$$
North Towns
Taquito Lindo to bring traditional Mexican cuisine to Grand Island and beyond
From SOB: It’s a muggy Monday afternoon after a long weekend of drinking, ...
9 E Washington St Ellicottville, New York 14731 • $$$$$
Southern Tier
The Banq Cocktails and Lounge offers craft cocktails and small plates. Inspired by the space we wanted to bring back touches of the bank within her decor ...
Step Out Says:
The first thing you notice upon walking into The Dapper Goose is its Turn of the Century supper club feel. Dubbed 'classic French cottage' ...
SOB Says: Whether you're religious or not, we're willing to bet you'll be shouting on Hallelujah from the rooftops (probably only figuratively) after one ...
Step Out's 2 cents: In our opinion Toutant is among the best restaurants in the city, joining the Buffalo stalwarts and a few 2014 startups, shuffling ...
At the Curtis Hotel, enjoy a cocktail and take in the breathtaking panoramic views of downtown Buffalo, Lake Erie, and the Canadian shoreline.
VUE is ...
Waxlight Bar à Vin is a modern, wine-focused restaurant in the Black Rock neighborhood of Buffalo. We're led by a team of owner-operator sommeliers ...
23 Washington Street Ellicottville, New York 14731 • $$$$$
Southern Tier
West Rose blends together all of the elements the kitchen team believes in: responsible farming, ingredient-driven cooking, and flavorful food. The restaurant ...
SOB Says:
Winfield's Pub is one of our favorite restaurants in town. Friendly, unassuming, great service and great food. We send all our friends there.
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