So, I rolled into Buffalo, N.Y., around 6:30 p.m. this evening, checked into my hotel, then looked for some action with fellow attendees of the Congress for the New Urbanism. I ran into fellow Richmonder Andy Boenau during a guided tour of the city’s historical canal district, we got hungry and we decided to get something to eat. Not knowing diddly squat about the local culinary scene — other than the fact, according to my taxi driver, that “Buffalo wild wings” originated in the city of Buffalo — we stopped in the first interesting restaurant we saw: the Pearl Street Grill & Brewery. The original structure was built in 1841. Brick walls, wooden floors, lots of rooms, lots of atmosphere — like Richmond’s Tobacco Company, but with a big patio out back. The outdoor scenery left something to be desired — we overlooked a lot of freeways and ugly boxy buildings — but the sun was setting, which bathed the city in a warm glow, so we didn’t care. The beer probably helped.
Speaking of beer… On the way to our seats, we encountered the guys in the photo above, who had a giant container of beer — billed as “The Annihilator” — set on their table. The container had little taps so everyone could pour their own suds. Now, that’s something we could use in Richmond! I’m surprised this innovation hasn’t gone universal.
Buffalo is serious about beer. According to Mayor Byron Brown Labatt Brewing Company relocated its headquarters because western New York consumes more of its beer than any other region — little surprise, given that the bars are not required to close until 4:00 p.m. — and the city is home to numerous boutique breweries. Not only do the inhabitants imbibe vast quantities of brew, they soak their pot roast in it. I ate the pot roast for dinner. Yum. Very tender and tasty.
First impression: Buffalo is a fun city. It could use some work in the downtown revitalization department — more details tomorrow morning — but it’s a fun city.
Update: Bingo! I nailed it. The day after I posted this item, WalletHub ranked Buffalo as the No. 1 Best metro in the country go on a “staycation” based on access to recreation and activities, food and entertainment, rest & relaxation and weather. That’s what you’d expect from a city that gave the world Buffalo Wild Wings and 180-ounce servings of beer!
— JAB
