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Schwabl’s Tom & Jerry / Photo courtesy of Schwabl’s
Originally published December 2018 | Updated November 2020
Maybe it’s the foamy crown. Maybe it’s the seasonal spices. Maybe it’s all hype. Either way, the Tom & Jerry is a classic cocktail choice come Christmastime, especially for those of us drinking in Buffalo. This milk-based drink is sweet, hot, and festive. Think warm sugar cookie in a glass.
If you’re Tom & Jerry obsessed, you’ll be happy to hear you can find your favorite boozy beverage at many bars around Buffalo. Here’s the guide you need in your life! Friendly reminder that these drinks are served around the holidays – call before visiting to find out exactly when they will be on the menu.
Did we miss one? Email us at editorial@stepoutbuffalo.com!
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1. The Place
229 Lexington Avenue, Buffalo
Drinking a Tom & Jerry at The Place is tradition, and has been since 1941. Over the years, it has become the restaurant’s most iconic drink. But really, regulars and not-so-regulars look forward to its seasonal release year after year. But really, they have their own trademarked recipe.
Cole’s Tom & Jerry / Photo courtesy of Cole’s
2. Cole’s
1104 Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo
Cole’s always goes all out with holiday decorations, so drinking a seasonal beverage here just feels right. Keep warm and cozy with an extra frothy Tom & Jerry. If you love a lot of meringue, this variation of the bevvy is most definitely for you.
3. Rohall’s Corner
540 Amherst Street, Buffalo
This place might look like your average dive bar from the outside, but many consider it a Tom & Jerry hidden gem. Crafting is smaller batches pays off for these folks, and the dark rum helps, too. When it comes to freshness, Rohall’s does not disappoint.
Resurgence Brewery’s Tom & Beery / Photo courtesy of Resurgence
4. Resurgence Brewing
1250 Niagara Street, Buffalo
Now, this one is slightly different than all the others. The Tom & Beery is exactly what it sounds like. A twist on the classic: beer edition. You’ll get the milkshakey goodness you know and love, but in this case it’s thanks to an Imperial Sponge Candy Stout. Don’t worry, there’s still a generous splash of rum!
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5. Boomerang’s Bar & Grill
995 Niagara Street, Buffalo
If you prefer your Tom & Jerry a bit more boozy, head to the Westside. Some call it more refined aka less sweet than others. What’s their secret? You can ask, but we hear they’re super secretive when it comes to questions about their T&J batter.
6. CRaVing
1472 Hertel Avenue, Buffalo
Call it old fashioned, but this North Buffalo bar follows the original recipe written by Jerry Thomas himself back in 1862. When it comes time to serve, they add a spoonful of batter, an ounce of cognac and an ounce of Jamaican rum, then top everything off with hot milk and fresh grated nutmeg. (Friday & Saturday only)
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7. McPartlan’s Corner
669 Wehrle Drive, Cheektowaga
This cute and cozy Irish pub is a longtime community staple. They opened back in 1955 and are one of the first places known for serving this Christmastime cocktail. If you’re all about celebrating the classics, come here to cheers!
8. Glen Park Tavern
5507 Main Street, Williamsville
Expect a large coffee mug and a cinnamon stick for stirring when you order your Tom & Jerry here. This tavern, in the heart of the village, has been serving the wintertime cocktail extra thick for many years now.
Creekview’s Tom & Jerry / Photo courtesy of Creekview
9. Creekview Restaurant
5629 Main Street, Williamsville
Not far down the street from Glen Park Tavern, you’ll find another spot to get your T&J fix. Think one’s less foamy and more battery. Creekview has quite the view overlooking the falls of Ellicott Creek. It’s no wonder the dining destination has been a village favorite for years.
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Schwabl’s Tom & Jerry / Photo courtesy of Schwabl’s
10. Schwabl’s Restaurant
789 Center Road, West Seneca
This seasonal drink has a special spot on this restaurant’s list of libations from now through St. Patrick’s Day. you’ll feel like you’re back in the 1930s as you sip from your old fashioned Tom & Jerry mug at this joint in West Seneca.
Bonus!
We asked and you answered! Here are some of your favorite spots to get a Tom & Jerry!
11. Eden Pub
8557 N Main St, Eden, NY 14057
12. The Delaware
3410 Delaware Ave, Kenmore, NY 14217
13. The Shirt Factory
115 W Center St, Medina, NY 14103
Graylynn’s Tom & Jerry / Photo courtesy of Graylynn
14. Graylynn
537 Main St, Buffalo, NY 14203
15. Hoak’s
4100 Lake Shore Rd, Hamburg, NY 14075
16. The Garage Cafe & Lounge
1127 Hertel Ave, Buffalo, NY 14216
17. Waxlight Bar á Vin
27 Chandler St, Buffalo, NY 14207
Did we miss your favorite spot to order a Tom & Jerry? Sharing is caring, when it comes to booze news we can all use. Send us a message at editorial@stepoutbuffalo.com and we’ll update our list!