Sidebar

I used to frequent Sidebar more when a friend of mine worked there but sadly she moved away to follow her dreams. I have recently come back where i still enjoyed my drinks and the staff. Greg who i have met from my previous visits is polite and attentive when you are in need of a drink.
The bar is very large and wraps around so there are two sides. This place has plenty of lounge seating and is more of a «lounge» styled bar. I would say this is a good place is you’re looking for somewhere to have a good one on one conversation.
Prices are very reasonable and they have a good selection of beers on tap. Greg made me a specific cocktail that i used to get when my friend worked there, obviously it wasn’t the same as she used to make it but i still enjoyed it!
they do have bands (there is a stage) and i know there are DJs from time to time as well.
Certainly recommend this place for drinks as they do not serve food.

I often hear people putting Sidebar down like the unfortunate reviewer below me — «it’s so outdated and old fashioned, keep up with the times GUYS».
Yeah, ok, but Sidebar isn’t for you. It’s for the constant stream of regulars that live and frequent Hertel Ave. Just because a Mac’s opened up beside them doesn’t mean they need to «keep up» or even change. We all know that Hertel is starting to blossom and grow (blloooom and growwww forever!) — it’s evident by all the new places and the crazier traffic.
There are bars that are meant to be higher priced and nice — this isn’t one of them. There are literally 5 bartenders. I can name all of them. They are our neighbors and friends (well, maybe not friends for all of you). Beers are cheap and a smile goes a long way.
Just sayin’.

Went in for a cocktail, this bar looks like it fell out of the 1980s. With all the improvements going on in the Buffalo bar and restaurant scene, I’m floored that a place this poorly designed and run is still open.

This is really unfortunate because I see that there are other great reviews for Sidebar. My boyfriend and I tried going here last week during the playoff games. He had heard it was a cool place and we had been at Goodbar for hours in need of a change of scenery. We walked in and were greeted with an aggressive «WE’RE CLOSED.» My boyfriend asked why (the doors were open, lights were on, there were a group of guys in there drinking, and it was during a playoff game!) and the same man shouted «because I said so.» Uhm, alright? We gladly left, but «theres a private party» or anything else would have been fine. With that attitude, why would we want to come back?

Sidebar is the best bar in Buffalo. The bartenders are beyond friendly and the drinks are extremely reasonably priced. The atmosphere is perfect, the patio is fantastic in the summer, and they have jazz music the first Friday of every month. I debated giving this only one star just so people won’t want to come here. I’m selfish and want to keep this place a secret. But it’s too good not to share.
I love this place and the bartenders so much, I made a comic strip about it.
Did I mention that young sorority girl hoes and frat boy douchebags do not know this bar exists? Yeah. I think that’s the best reason of all.
Ps. They play 80s music and always have local sports games on.
Sidebar really is the shit.

I enjoy this bar on Hertel for a few simple reasons: the drinks are inexpensive, there is a patio, plenty if indoor space, bartenders are nice, and shuffleboard! I’m like a big kid so when you put games into a bar I’m pretty excited. I think this is a good spot to meet some friends for drinks… Especially compared to some of the other dives nearby.

My favorite bar in Buffalo! Nice patio, plenty of places to sit, never obnoxiously crowded, easygoing bartenders, and a shuffleboard table. I spend way too much time at Sidebar.

Always awesome bartenders. Very awesome beer selection. Needs a dart board and pool table.

I like the place! The bartender is super nice unlike the other abrupt ones. they played all 80s songs when I was there! I loved that! A teeny bit expensive than other places! But there was that zing that was missing. can’t quite put my finger on it…

Always a good size crowd on a weekend night, but not too crazy that you have to fight your way to the bar.
The shuffleboard table is always fun.
Lots of room to spread out and cushioned seats if you want to sit and talk.
One of the best bars in buffalo.