Drink

Meet Buffalo’s Thriving Brewing and Distilling Culture

Buffalo has so much to offer in its beverage scene – from craft breweries and distilleries to tasty mocktails and cozy coffee shops, as well as gorgeous and nationally-recognized wine trails. Upon your arrival, make sure to drink it all in!

Buffalo is home to over 50 craft breweries, making local favorites and experimenting with single-batch specialties. Try out Hayburner IPA from Big Ditch Brewing or Pressure Drop Brewing for some West Coast-influence. Our independent-restaurant culture also offers so many corner taverns, dive bars, and neighborhood favorites. The Swannie House in the Cobblestone District is Buffalo’s longest running bar – pouring beer for over 120 years.

If it’s a cocktail night instead, you’ll find a spirited collection of bourbon, gin, whiskey, and vodka when you stop in for a tour or tasting at Tommyrotter Distillery, Hartman’s Distilling Company, and Buffalo Distilling Co., to name just a few. Ballyhoo is a great spot for a jam cocktail, along with different mixes from Billy Club on Allen Street and a mojito bar Mint on Niagara Street.

The vineyards of the Buffalo Niagara region are plentiful and beautiful, as well. Start at Becker Farms and work your way through Niagara County for delicious tastings – the region is known for its Concord grape wines. You can also hit the Southern Tier and Chautauqua County for an abundance of grape farms and an amazing palate journey.

Breweries

Closing time for bars in Erie County

Best St. Patrick's Day parade

-Wallet Hub

Need Drink Ideas?

Here’s a list of the top 25 places for a craft cocktail, compiled on Step Out Buffalo’s website, a local blog telling Buffalo’s story!

Buffalo Niagara Relocation Guide

We’re more than just chicken wings. Find your perfect neighborhood, favorite museum, go-to beach or bike trail, and closest craft brewery. (Ok, the wings are pretty good here, too).

 

POD: Pressure Drop Brewing

It’s not just the beverage that’s great in Buffalo, it’s also the distiller, brewer, and bartender. Listen to this podcast with Karl Kolbe, who moved from California to Buffalo to start Pressure Drop Brewing.

Pair That Drink With A Meal

Buffalo is a foodie’s paradise – there’s no shortage of amazing restaurants so it can be tough to decide where to go out to dinner each night. Check out our full page on food for all there is to offer.

Nightlife in Buffalo

Buffalo sure knows how to have a good time. Each of these city destinations is home to several restaurants, bars, breweries, and clubs offering something fun no matter what vibe you’re planning on. Local tip: Our bars stay open until 4am in Erie County and the City of Buffalo.
Allen Street -​ Just north of the Central Business District is the perfect place to barhop, with dozens of bars playing an eclectic mix of music genres. Don’t miss the late-night food spots.
Hertel Avenue –​ Check out this North Buffalo district for new bars, long-time neighborhood staples, and popular soccer-watching spot, Més Que.
W. Chippewa Street –​ The “Chip Strip” is lined with a variety of bars for a variety of tastes. A favorite for the younger crowd as well as theatergoers and those seeking a nightcap, you can find clubs, burger joints or a higher end wine bar all within strolling distance.
Elmwood Avenue –​ Bars, breweries, and coffee shops dot the map along Elmwood Avenue all the way up to Cole’s, a classic Buffalo beer-and-burger joint.