Mr. Goodbar — Restaurant in Buffalo

Mr. Goodbar, located in Buffalo, NY, is a well-known local establishment, favored for its relaxed atmosphere, extensive selection of craft beers, and live music events. Open since 1968, it has become a staple in the Buffalo bar scene, particularly recognized among residents and visitors for its commitment to showcasing a variety of local and regional craft beers.

Situated on Elmwood Avenue, a vibrant area known for its bustling nightlife, eclectic shops, and dining options, Mr. Goodbar offers a welcoming environment for a diverse crowd, ranging from college students to seasoned locals. The venue is split into two main areas: the lower level, which hosts the bar and seating areas for casual dining and drinking, and the upper level, often used for private events, live performances, and weekly trivia nights.

One of the key attractions of Mr. Goodbar is its impressive beer selection, which includes rotating taps featuring the latest in craft beer from around Buffalo and beyond. They are known for their commitment to supporting local breweries, giving patrons the chance to explore a wide range of beer styles and flavors.

In addition to the beverages, Mr. Goodbar also offers a menu of pub-style food, with options ranging from classic bar snacks to heartier meals, all designed to complement the beer selection.

The establishment also places a strong emphasis on community involvement and entertainment. It frequently hosts events ranging from live music nights featuring local bands to seasonal celebrations and beer tastings. The upstairs space, known as "The Attic," provides a more intimate setting for these gatherings, making it a popular spot for both public and private events.

While the specific details of their events, beer lists, and menu offerings might vary over time, the essence of Mr. Goodbar as a community-centric spot that celebrates good beer, good music, and good company remains constant. It's a place where friends can gather, new connections can be made, and the local culture of Buffalo is...

My wife and I visited this bar because she used to go to college in Buffalo and lived on Elmwood. We were slightly unprepared for how out of place two 40-year-olds felt. Don't get me wrong, we're both young at heart, but we are fooling ourselves.

If you're looking to relive your college days, this is the perfect bar for you. However, if you're seeking a more relaxed environment, I would recommend finding another bar. The clientele is mostly college-aged folks looking to have a good time and potentially find love. My wife and I couldn't help but feel very old and laughed at how out of place we were. I'm not saying you can't have fun there. I'm just saying that a dark, loud college bar filled with 20-somethings is no longer appealing to us.

While I do suggest going somewhere else if you're not into the college scene, the drinks were cheap and no one really cared that we were there. But hey, if you're 20 years older and looking for a good spot to meet up with friends and enjoy some cheap drinks, this bar might be for you. And if you want something even more happening, the place next door seemed to be the hot spot...

After hearing a lot of good things about Mr. Goodbar, I finally got to visit with friends on 2/20/2021. It was lively but tables were spaced out generously to allow for good physical distancing. The bar also looked to be well spaced. As expected, the draft list was generous and diverse enough that everyone in our group could find something they wanted to drink.

Also, due to the current requirement of having a food item with a drink purchase, they are offering a 'Dollar Menu' of snacks. We got really generous portions of fries and tater tots with our drinks and had a ton leftover. The only criticism our group had was there were only 1 or 2 sweet snacks on it.

We also appreciated that the music was at a volume that allowed you to enjoy it but also have a conversation with the people you were with.

We had a great experience and hope to make it back the next time...