Buffalo Nightlife Guide: Complete Guide
Experience the best bars, clubs, live music venues, and entertainment after dark. Discover the best nightlife experiences in Buffalo.
Welcome to the ultimate nightlife guide for Buffalo! Experience the best bars, clubs, live music venues, and entertainment after dark. This comprehensive guide will help you discover the very best nightlife experiences that Buffalo has to offer, from popular hotspots to hidden local favorites. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, you'll find insider tips, detailed recommendations, and everything you need to make the most of your nightlife adventure in Buffalo. Our carefully curated selection ensures you won't miss any of the must-see spots while also discovering unique experiences that most tourists overlook.
Key Takeaways
- Buffalo offers over 96 exceptional nightlife experiences
- Best time to visit varies by activity - check individual listings for optimal timing
- Many experiences require advance booking, especially during peak season
- Local guides and experts provide invaluable insights and access
- Prices range from budget-friendly to premium, with options for every preference
Top Bars & Cocktail Lounges
Craft cocktail bars, rooftop lounges, and unique drinking establishments with great atmospheres.
The Gypsy Parlor
Highly rated Restaurant in Buffalo with 4.6 stars from 1154 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 376 Grant St, Buffalo, NY 14213, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Budget-friendly prices
Founding Fathers Pub
Highly rated American in Buffalo with 4.6 stars from 697 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 75 Edward St, Buffalo, NY 14202, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Budget-friendly prices
- 🌃Authentic American cuisine
Jack Rabbit
Highly rated American in Buffalo with 4.6 stars from 1018 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 1010 Elmwood Ave, Buffalo, NY 14222, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic American cuisine
Ballyhoo
Highly rated Bar in Buffalo with 4.5 stars from 1177 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 211 South Park Ave, Buffalo, NY 14204, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Nowhere Lounge
Highly rated Bar in Buffalo with 4.6 stars from 151 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 3115 Delaware Ave, Buffalo, NY 14217, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Vice Restaurant
Highly rated Bar in Buffalo with 4.7 stars from 3503 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 500 Pearl St, Buffalo, NY 14202, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Mr. Goodbar
Highly rated Bar in Buffalo with 4.4 stars from 809 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 1110 Elmwood Ave, Buffalo, NY 14222, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Budget-friendly prices
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
House Of Charm
Highly rated Bar in Buffalo with 4.4 stars from 196 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 517 Washington St, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Pearl Street Grill & Brewery
Highly rated Bar in Buffalo with 4.2 stars from 2033 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 76 Pearl St, Buffalo, NY 14202, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Tudor Lounge
Highly rated Bar in Buffalo with 4.5 stars from 341 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 335 Franklin St, Buffalo, NY 14202, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Budget-friendly prices
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Free Street Tavern
Highly rated Bar in Buffalo with 4.8 stars from 165 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 1469 Niagara St, Buffalo, NY 14213, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Budget-friendly prices
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
High Violet
Highly rated Bar in Buffalo with 4.4 stars from 136 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 710 Elmwood Ave, Buffalo, NY 14222, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Budget-friendly prices
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Nightclubs & Dance Venues
Popular nightclubs, dance clubs, and venues featuring top DJs and live performances.
Bottoms Up
Highly rated Bar in Buffalo with 3.5 stars from 183 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 69 W Chippewa St, Buffalo, NY 14202, USA
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
VENU
Highly rated Bar in Buffalo with 3.4 stars from 331 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 75 W Chippewa St, Buffalo, NY 14202, USA
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
26
Highly rated Bar in Buffalo with 4.5 stars from 149 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 26 Allen St, Buffalo, NY 14202, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
The Gypsy Parlor
Highly rated Restaurant in Buffalo with 4.6 stars from 1154 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 376 Grant St, Buffalo, NY 14213, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Budget-friendly prices
Helium Comedy Club
Highly rated Bar in Buffalo with 4.3 stars from 2055 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 30 Mississippi St, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Patrick's Rooftop
Highly rated Bar in Buffalo with 3.9 stars from 132 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 500 Pearl St Suite 1300, Buffalo, NY 14202, USA
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
67 West
Highly rated Bar in Buffalo with 4 stars from 22 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 67 W Chippewa St Suite 1, Buffalo, NY 14202, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Nietzsche's
Highly rated Bar in Buffalo with 4.4 stars from 660 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 248 Allen St, Buffalo, NY 14201, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Budget-friendly prices
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
The Buffalo Club
Highly rated Bar in Buffalo with 4.6 stars from 193 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 388 Delaware Ave, Buffalo, NY 14202, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Banshee Events (Formerly LiFT Nightclub)
Highly rated International in Buffalo with 3.1 stars from 8 reviews.
📍 257 Franklin St, Buffalo, NY 14202, USA
- 🌃Quality ingredients and preparation
- 🌃Welcoming atmosphere
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Live Music Venues
Concert halls, jazz clubs, and venues showcasing local and international musical talent.
Buffalo Iron Works
Highly rated Bar in Buffalo with 4.6 stars from 1112 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 49 Illinois St, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Town Ballroom
Highly rated International in Buffalo with 4.6 stars from 1873 reviews.
📍 681 Main St, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Babeville
Highly rated International in Buffalo with 4.8 stars from 684 reviews.
📍 341 Delaware Ave, Buffalo, NY 14202, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Mohawk Place Buffalo
Highly rated Bar in Buffalo with 4.5 stars from 612 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 47 E Mohawk St, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Sportsmen's Tavern
Highly rated Bar in Buffalo with 4.8 stars from 1027 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 326 Amherst St, Buffalo, NY 14207, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Budget-friendly prices
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
The Cave
Highly rated International in Buffalo with 4.7 stars from 186 reviews.
📍 71 Military Rd, Buffalo, NY 14207, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
The Caz
Highly rated Bar in Buffalo with 4.5 stars from 149 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 2221 Seneca St, Buffalo, NY 14210, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Kleinhans Music Hall
Highly rated International in Buffalo with 4.7 stars from 1971 reviews.
📍 3 Symphony Cir, Buffalo, NY 14201, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Late-Night Dining
Restaurants and eateries open late for post-party meals and midnight cravings.
Vice Restaurant
Highly rated Bar in Buffalo with 4.7 stars from 3503 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 500 Pearl St, Buffalo, NY 14202, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Mothers Restaurant
Highly rated American in Buffalo with 4.5 stars from 1528 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 33 Virginia Pl, Buffalo, NY 14202, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Upscale dining experience
- 🌃Authentic American cuisine
Panorama on Seven
Highly rated Restaurant in Buffalo with 4.4 stars from 729 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 95 Main St, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Gabriel's Gate
Highly rated American in Buffalo with 4.2 stars from 3692 reviews.
📍 145 Allen St, Buffalo, NY 14201, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic American cuisine
Colter Bay
Highly rated American in Buffalo with 4.4 stars from 609 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 561 Delaware Ave, Buffalo, NY 14202, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic American cuisine
Vintage Room
Highly rated American in Buffalo with 4.8 stars from 8 reviews.
📍 88 W Chippewa St, Buffalo, NY 14202, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Authentic American cuisine
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
The Blackthorn Restaurant & Pub
Highly rated Bar in Buffalo with 4.4 stars from 1956 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 2134 Seneca St, Buffalo, NY 14210, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Dog and Pony Saloon
Highly rated American in Buffalo with 4.8 stars from 135 reviews.
📍 2115 Seneca St, Buffalo, NY 14210, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic American cuisine
Entertainment & Shows
Comedy clubs, theaters, and entertainment venues offering nighttime performances.
Helium Comedy Club
Experience world-class theatrical performances at this Buffalo venue, featuring talented actors and captivating productions.
- •Book tickets in advance for popular shows
- •Arrive 15-20 minutes before curtain time
- •Dress code varies - check venue requirements
- •Turn off mobile phones during performance
- •Check for student or group discounts
Rob's Comedy Playhouse
Laugh the night away at this popular Buffalo comedy venue, showcasing both local and touring comedians.
- •Arrive early for best seating
- •Two-drink minimum often required
- •Be prepared to interact with performers
- •Check age restrictions (often 18+ or 21+)
- •Avoid sitting in front row if you don't want attention
Buffalo Comedy Collective
Experience world-class theatrical performances at this Buffalo venue, featuring talented actors and captivating productions.
- •Book tickets in advance for popular shows
- •Arrive 15-20 minutes before curtain time
- •Dress code varies - check venue requirements
- •Turn off mobile phones during performance
- •Check for student or group discounts
Shea's Buffalo Theatre
Experience world-class theatrical performances at this Buffalo venue, featuring talented actors and captivating productions.
- •Book tickets in advance for popular shows
- •Arrive 15-20 minutes before curtain time
- •Dress code varies - check venue requirements
- •Turn off mobile phones during performance
- •Check for student or group discounts
Road Less Traveled Productions
Experience world-class theatrical performances at this Buffalo venue, featuring talented actors and captivating productions.
- •Book tickets in advance for popular shows
- •Arrive 15-20 minutes before curtain time
- •Dress code varies - check venue requirements
- •Turn off mobile phones during performance
- •Check for student or group discounts
The Dinner Detective True Crime Murder Mystery Dinner Show - Buffalo, NY
Experience world-class theatrical performances at this Buffalo venue, featuring talented actors and captivating productions.
- •Book tickets in advance for popular shows
- •Arrive 15-20 minutes before curtain time
- •Dress code varies - check venue requirements
- •Turn off mobile phones during performance
- •Check for student or group discounts
Nightlife Districts
Popular neighborhoods and areas known for vibrant nightlife and bar-hopping.
Bottoms Up
Explore Buffalo's vibrant nightlife in this popular district, known for its diverse bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.
- •Start early to explore multiple venues
- •Use ride-sharing or public transit
- •Keep valuables secure
- •Check dress codes for upscale venues
- •Stay in groups for safety
The Gypsy Parlor
Explore Buffalo's vibrant nightlife in this popular district, known for its diverse bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.
- •Start early to explore multiple venues
- •Use ride-sharing or public transit
- •Keep valuables secure
- •Check dress codes for upscale venues
- •Stay in groups for safety
VENU
Explore Buffalo's vibrant nightlife in this popular district, known for its diverse bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.
- •Start early to explore multiple venues
- •Use ride-sharing or public transit
- •Keep valuables secure
- •Check dress codes for upscale venues
- •Stay in groups for safety
Patrick's Rooftop
Explore Buffalo's vibrant nightlife in this popular district, known for its diverse bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.
- •Start early to explore multiple venues
- •Use ride-sharing or public transit
- •Keep valuables secure
- •Check dress codes for upscale venues
- •Stay in groups for safety
Rec Room
Explore Buffalo's vibrant nightlife in this popular district, known for its diverse bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.
- •Start early to explore multiple venues
- •Use ride-sharing or public transit
- •Keep valuables secure
- •Check dress codes for upscale venues
- •Stay in groups for safety
26
Explore Buffalo's vibrant nightlife in this popular district, known for its diverse bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.
- •Start early to explore multiple venues
- •Use ride-sharing or public transit
- •Keep valuables secure
- •Check dress codes for upscale venues
- •Stay in groups for safety
Essential Tips
- 🌃Check dress codes before heading out
- 🌃Arrive early to avoid long lines at popular venues
- 🌃Use ride-sharing apps for safe transportation
- 🌃Keep valuables secure and stay aware of surroundings
- 🌃Pace yourself and stay hydrated
- 🌃Research cover charges and drink prices
- 🌃Make reservations for popular venues
- 🌃Bring valid ID - many places are strict about checking
- 🌃Start early - some venues close earlier than expected
- 🌃Ask locals for current hotspots and hidden gems
Practical Information
Best Time to Visit
The best time for nightlife experiences in Buffalo varies by activity and season. Generally, spring and fall offer ideal conditions with pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Summer is peak season with the most options but also the highest prices and largest crowds. Winter can offer unique experiences and better deals, though some activities may be limited.
Average Price
Prices for nightlife experiences in Buffalo range widely depending on the activity and level of service. Budget options start around $20-50, mid-range experiences typically cost $75-150, while premium and exclusive options can range from $200-500+. Many activities offer group discounts and package deals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Buffalo offers many excellent nightlife experiences, each with its own unique character. The best choice depends on your preferences, budget, and schedule, but our guide highlights the top-rated options that consistently deliver exceptional experiences.
Timing varies by activity, but generally spring and fall offer ideal conditions. Summer is peak season with the most options but larger crowds. Check individual listings for specific timing recommendations and seasonal considerations.
For popular experiences, especially during peak season, advance booking is highly recommended. Some activities have limited capacity and sell out quickly. Booking ahead also often provides better rates and ensures availability.
Requirements vary by activity, but generally bring comfortable clothing, appropriate footwear, sun protection, water, and any specific gear mentioned in activity descriptions. Check individual listings for detailed requirements.
Many nightlife experiences in Buffalo cater to all skill levels, from beginners to experts. Check individual listings for difficulty levels and requirements. Many operators offer instruction and guidance for newcomers.
Costs vary widely depending on the type of experience and level of service. Budget options start around $20-50, mid-range experiences typically cost $75-150, while premium options can range from $200-500+. Group discounts and packages are often available.
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