The stretch of Elmwood Avenue in Buffalo between Utica and Bryant streets used to be a go-to for drinking and dining, but this part of the Elmwood Village has been through an identity crisis in recent years.
Hopefully, that changes with the recent opening of Buffalo Kitchen Club. Owned and operated by hospitality veterans Raelean McGee, Shawn McGee and Stanley Booker, the new restaurant brings a mature party vibe that adds to the other nearby bars and restaurants, which include Uncle Jumbo’s Distilling, Thin Man Brewery and Saigon Café.
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Over just a few short months, Buffalo Kitchen Club quickly became a destination for karaoke on Thursday nights and Bills games on (mostly) Sundays. It also regularly hosts “Recess Happy Hours” on Fridays, celebrating local teachers with drink specials and a live DJ. Special holiday events have included a Dope Sweater Party for Christmas and New Year’s Eve bash.
But Buffalo Kitchen Club is really all about what’s coming out of the kitchen: elevated takes on modern American fare from chef Dwight Land III. Appetizers like truffle fries ($10), drunken garlic shrimp ($17) and chicken wings ($17) let you scratch that munchies itch. If you’re looking for something a bit more substantial there are fried chicken sandwiches ($17), lobster rolls ($23), cheeseburgers ($17) and veggie burgers ($15). Showstopper specialties include clams linguine ($26) and the Spanish classic paella ($52).
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The full bar features a number of signature house cocktails. The Silly Illy ($14) features rum, pineapple juice and grenadine, while the Chuckyfinster ($12) has bourbon, lemon, and cucumber flavors. If you’re into the classics, there’s also palomas ($12), Moscow mules ($14) and dirty martinis ($14). The bar also has a number of bottled beers, wines and soft drinks.
Taken together, the food, drinks and vibes are a perfect fit for a lively night out. But it’s also open during the day, for lunch during the week and for brunch on weekends. During these times, the restaurant has more of a family-friendly vibe that’s perfect for the surrounding Elmwood Village neighborhood. All in all, it’s a great addition to the area that feeds into an ongoing revitalization.
Hours at time of publishing (Subject to change): Wednesday to Saturday 11 a.m. – 11 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. – 8 p.m., Monday and Tuesday CLOSED
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