Skiers and snowboarders always keep one eye on Ellicottville during the winter, and while the ski resorts have been trying to cope with historically low snowfalls in recent years, the expanding drinking and dining options are becoming a draw on their own.
One of the newest places to open its doors is 12 Gates of EVL, which is a satellite location of 12 Gates Brewing Company in Williamsville. The brewery’s original taproom, located in an industrial park, is fit for purpose, but hardly a full-blown hospitality experience. The new 12 Gates of EVL is a chance for the brewery to truly flex its hospitality muscle.
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A full bar with wines and spirits complements the brewery’s popular beers. There’s also a small menu with flatbreads, sandwiches and pub grub. Families will be happy to know there’s also a kid’s menu. Just like at the original location, the new 12 Gates of EVL has regular live music. That’s critical given the longstanding connection between craft beer and live music.
But if you’re going down to Ellicottville during ski season, the most important thing to ask is: Can my party get a table? For now, the answer is — probably.
“People are just kind of discovering us at the moment. So, we almost always have a table or two available on a Friday or Saturday night,” says general manager Audrey Snow, an Ellicottville native. “Also, our kitchen is open until 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday nights. I know there are always hungry people coming off the slopes late, and not many kitchens are open past 10 p.m.”
Faced with shrinking year-over-year snowfalls, businesses in Ellicottville have been pushing to make the village a year-round destination, and Audrey says it’s been paying off.
“For years, it’s been feast or famine for the businesses around here. I have noticed that summers are getting better. It’s taken a bit of a turn and Holiday Valley has worked really hard to be a four-season resort.”
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That observation seems to coincide with the ongoing growth of hospitality options in the village. Earlier this month, a “tiny home village” of 11 small cabins opened at the base of Holimont Ski Club. Called Basecamp, this very modern lodging option is even more evidence that Ellicottville is becoming a major year-round destination.
“Oh my gosh!” Audrey says when asked about the ever-expanding options in her hometown. “There are so many new places and so many great established places. The Gin Mill just did their huge expansion and Ellicottville Brewing Company has expanded over the years.
“I just think we’re a nice addition what’s been going on. I’ve had a lot of people come in and say that it’s nice to have another brewery in here, so they can do a little brewery hopping.”
Hours at time of publishing (Subject to change): Thursday 4 p.m. – 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday 12 p.m. – 11 p.m., Sunday 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.
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