10 Best Places for Cocktails In Buffalo, NY
Buffalo, New York is known for its amazing food. But what else are Buffalonians supposed to do in the winter? Have cocktails, of course!
With all of the incredible restaurants in Buffalo, it should come as no surprise that most of them feature incredible drink menus.
What most people don’t realize is that Buffalo is on the up and up… meaning in the past few years, Buffalo restored much of its beloved downtown and did some major renovations on the waterfront. A lot of those major upgrades came in the form of some fantastic dining and drinking establishments!
You can find great food almost anywhere in Buffalo so in this post, I’m going to focus on the drinking! I’ve compiled a few of my favorite spots to grab a drink. There are many, maybe even too many! If you have a favorite cocktail place in Buffalo, feel free to leave a comment with any suggestions.
Cheers!
Table of Contents
1. High Violet – 710 Elmwood Ave, Buffalo, NY 14222
High Violet is where the cocktails are as bold as the conversations. This bar doesn’t just serve drinks; it serves experiences in a glass. The atmosphere is as lively as it gets, with a vibe that encourages you to let loose and enjoy.
Drink Recommendation: Try the “Lavender Empress” – it’s a gin-based marvel with a hint of lavender that’s as regal as it sounds. It’s the perfect drink to toast to the good life, with a floral twist that’ll make you feel like spring, regardless of the Buffalo weather outside.
2. Britesmith Brewing – 5611 Main St, Williamsville, NY 14221
Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Brewery? I thought we were talking about cocktails!” But hear me out. Britesmith Brewery may be known for its craft beer, but its cocktail game is equally strong. Set in a converted blacksmith shop, this place combines industrial grit with artisanal finesse. They recently opened a second location at 1250 Niagara.
Drink Recommendation: Order the “Britesmith Old Fashioned.” It’s a testament to their ability to nail a classic, with a twist – using a house-made syrup that complements the bourbon like a dream. Perfect for those who appreciate craftsmanship in their cocktails.
3. Tappo – 338 Ellicott St
Tappo is a local favorite for good reason. Not only is the Italian food delicious, but this restaurant is known for its $16 bottles of wine and the great view from the rooftop patio. (Some locals consider this an even better view than the Curtiss Hotel.) One thing is for sure, you can’t beat this price, especially with 40 bottles to choose from.
4. Ballyhoo – 211 South Park Ave.
This place nails the balance between laid-back neighborhood bar and serious craft cocktail spot, where every drink feels like it was mixed by someone who actually cares (shocking, I know). The bartenders aren’t just slinging drinks; they’re creating little works of art that somehow taste even better than they look, and the vibe is effortlessly cool without trying too hard. It’s the kind of spot where you can settle in, sip something perfectly balanced, and immediately wonder why you don’t live closer.
5. Liberty Hound – 1 N Park Ave
Liberty Hound is located right on Buffalo’s beloved Canalside and is another local favorite. This casual dining spot features a large patio overlooking the water, microbrews, specialty cocktails, and a decent wine list. It’s the perfect spot to hang during a day at Canalside during the warmer weather months.
6. Patina 250 – 250 Delaware Ave
While Patina 250 happens to be another one of my favorite brunch spots, thanks to the bottomless Bellinis that come with the prix fixe, it is mostly known as being one of the hottest and newest upscale restaurants in town. They have an outdoor patio, but honestly, the environment inside is so lovely that I’d rather stay inside. The bar is gorgeous and I can never resist indulging in their Portobello fries and Margarita Reyes.
7. Duende – 85 Silo City Row
Tucked in the shadow of those massive industrial silos, the place leans into its history with reclaimed-wood accents, rugged steel, and a bar that looks handcrafted from the bones of the site itself. Their cocktail list is just as thoughtful — drinks like the Valerie White, Gandy Dancer, or a Pickle Brine Margarita show they aren’t afraid to play with flavors. Add in live music, the warehouse-meets-lounge atmosphere, and the feeling that you’re somewhere off the beaten path (because you kind of are), and it becomes one of those bars where time slows and every sip feels earned.
8. Remington Tavern – 184 Sweeney St.
Overlooking the scenic Erie Canal, Remington Tavern is the go-to spot for those who appreciate a side of history with their drinks. This place has mastered the art of combining a rustic, old-world charm with the sophistication of modern mixology. In addition to great cocktails they have the best oysters in town.
Drink Recommendation: Dive into the “Canal Side Mule” – a refreshing twist on the classic Moscow Mule, amped up with a splash of locally sourced apple cider. It’s as refreshing as a brisk walk along the canal itself, and twice as intoxicating.
9. VUE Rooftop Lounge at the Curtiss Hotel – 210 Franklin St
The views of Buffalo from this rooftop bar are incredible… hence the name VUE. You get a full panoramic view of Buffalo in this posh lounge while sipping cocktails. VUE is definitely the hot place to be right now. Fun fact: Mikka had her Covid wedding here!
10. Founding Fathers – 75 Edward St
Founding Fathers isn’t just a bar; it’s a Buffalo institution. Famed for its patriotic decor and an encyclopedic knowledge of American history, this place offers an education with every sip. The ambiance is unapologetically Americana, and the drinks are as strong as the country’s forefathers intended.
Drink Recommendation: You can’t go wrong with the “Liberty Bell Ringer.” It’s a gin cocktail that’s as bold and revolutionary as it sounds, garnished with a slice of American history (and apple). It’s the kind of drink that makes you want to debate the finer points of the Constitution, or at least pretend to.
11. Lucky Day Whiskey Bar – 320 Pearl St, Buffalo
If you want a cocktails-and-whiskey cocktail bar that feels like somewhere worth lingering, Lucky Day Whiskey Bar in Buffalo absolutely delivers. Housed in a dramatic, historic former Masonic lodge (built in 1904) in downtown, it’s got that dark-wood, moody vibe that whispers “stay awhile.” Their whiskey library is nothing to scoff at — over 650 bottles with rarities and crowd-pleasers alike — so whether you’re “just” here for a cocktail or deep diving into spirits, they’ve got you covered. And it’s not all serious: the bar leans into hospitality with a local, seasonal menu, mezzanine cocktail service in the late evening, and happy hour to get the night started right. It’s exactly the sort of place where your drink tastes better just because the room feels earned.
12. Graylynn – 537 Main St, Buffalo
If you want a cocktail experience that feels a little elevated and a lot unique, Graylynn is the spot. Positioned right downtown, this gin-focused bar and European-style bistro takes its spirits seriously, with a lineup that spans the globe and introduces you to bottles you didn’t even know you needed in your life. The cocktails aren’t just drinks—they’re carefully crafted experiments that balance botanicals, smoke, and unexpected flavor twists in ways that keep you guessing (and sipping). Add in the warm, stylish atmosphere that manages to feel both modern and timeless, and you’ve got one of the best cocktail destinations in Buffalo.
So there you have it, the definitive guide to Buffalo’s cocktail bar scene from a woman who loves a good drink and a better story. Whether you’re in the mood for something floral, fruity, classic, or craft, Buffalo’s bars have got you covered. Just remember, the best stories never start with “that one time I ate a salad” – they start with cocktails. Cheers!
