211 South Park Ave, Buffalo, New York
New links & drinks establishment brings unique food and beverage concept to Buffalo
With more than 22 years of experience in owning and operating several bars and restaurants in many prestigious cities, it’s no wonder that Tim Stevens, owner of the new Ballyhoo Links & Drinks, knows his stuff.
Ballyhoo Links & Drinks, located at 211 South Park Ave., Buffalo, is your premiere choice for a simple (but yet not so simple) meal and drink. Stevens and his wife, Morgan, purchased the old Malamute Tavern that was around for 50 years and molded it into their very own. I was invited to visit with the very friendly and personable owners last week and boy, was I in for a treat!
The atmosphere.
The bar, while on the smaller side, is kept very neat, organized, and tidy. It definitely gives patrons an opportunity to chill out and watch the game without feeling like they are being sucked into the snootiness of an upscale atmosphere. The bartenders, who are dressed in plaid shirts and jeans, are also very friendly and welcome each guest with a smile.
“I just wanted to make it more comfortable and approachable for people,” said Stevens. “That way when you walk in, you already feel like we aren’t coming at you too hard.”
The menu.
The TJ Dawg!
Made of pork and bacon, smashed avocado, pico de gallo, crema, and cotija cheese, this sausage link is like nothing you’ve ever had before. No wonder I felt my taste buds watering before I even took my first bite! The TJ Dawg is served hot on a delicious roll with a side of seasoned chips and a pickle. And at only $8, it won’t break your wallet. But I must warn you; you might have yourself ordering two because it’s just that good!
Now when I said simple meal before, I did not mean it as a lack of fine food. Nate the cook has a tremendous amount of experience as a chef. Stevens says that all he has to do is throw an idea at him and Nate concocts a masterpiece. When you walk in and sit down at Ballyhoo, you are given a small menu and a pencil. You write down your name on the menu and check off what you want to order and the staff takes care of the rest. Simple right?
The menu features several delicious house-made sausages.
- The Short Round: Korean short rib, fresh ginger, scallion and garlic beef sausage topped with pickled vegetable and kimchi salad, and sambal aioli.
- The Chicken Picnic: Fresh herb and chicken sausage, whole grain mustard, celery and apple slaw, and old bay.
- The Curry Lamb Bam: Curry seasoned fresh ground lamb shank, harrisa, raita, and tabouli.
- The Steak House: Seasoned beef sausage with roasted garlic, creamed spinach, arugula and pickled shallot, Parmesan crisp, and cracked black pepper.
“I wanted to keep it very specifically controlled,” said Stevens. “Everything has to be regulated for consistency. We grind it, season it, and link it here. It’s a take on having a nice meal on a night out, but in a more easy, approachable manner.”
There’s also a nice selection of soup, salad, cole slaw, pasta salad, and soup that changes every week. Now let’s shift over to the part that I know you’re really interested in.
The drinks.
After talking with Stevens, this business owner isn’t messing around. His drink menu includes cocktails that are made to appeal to those who love the fine taste of liquor without all of the hustle and bustle. By including a few main ingredients and keeping his drinks consistent, Tim hopes to keep customers coming back for more.
“I want to be able to pour a boilmaker, just a shot and a beer, and I also want to be able to make you a great cocktail and have that be just a surprise moment. Just your every day bar that kind of goes above and beyond,” said Stevens.
Ballyhoo offers unique alcoholic teas with house tea syrups that are carbonated and specialty flavored right at the bar. They’re called Carbo-A-Teas and the menu includes Hibiscus & Tequila, Earl Grey & Rye, Chamomile & Gin, Green & Scotch, Orange Blossom & Cognac. The bar also features Jam Sessions, which is shaken with English Jams. Not to mention they serve craft beer that has been hand selected for all of you Buffalonians to drink during the games!
So what are you waiting for? Go check out Ballyhoo Links & Drinks right away to get your link and drink on! It’s the perfect place to hang out after a concert at First Niagara or perhaps wind down after winning at the Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino. I know I’ll definitely be coming back for more! For additional inform ation, visit Ballyhoo Links & Drinks on Facebook or buffaloballyhoo.com.
Ballyhoo Details
211 South Park Ave
Buffalo, New York
Hours:
Mon – Thu: 12:00 pm – 12:00 am
Fri – Sat: 12:00 pm – 2:00 am
Sun: 12:00 pm – 12:00 am
