The Merry Shelley — Restaurant in Buffalo

I read about this place on Step Out Buffalo and it sounded interesting. We have so far been here twice, and both times we had a wonderful time.

I will say this first, this type of bar might not be to everyone's taste. If you don't enjoy dark lighting, occult or goth style images, the quiet sounds of bands like The Cure playing in the background. Does not have a full bar, and limited food options. Then maybe you would enjoy a more traditional bar down the road. But you should still think about giving it a try

Now that is out of the way and you are not scared off, then I must recommend you stop by this establishment. You do not need to be dressed in black clothes, dark lipstick and eyeliner to feel welcomed inside. You can show up in regular clothes, someone else's clothes, costume, whatever your feeling and I am sure they will still be happy to have you. My wife and I own enough black shirts with Halloween/Spooky theming to stuff a dresser. It is nice to have somewhere to wear them outside of Sept/Oct and not feel weird.

The space is small, with about a dozen stools at the bar, and chairs and small tables to seat a couple dozen more people. But it does not feel cramped or tight to move There is also a few seats out front if you wanted some fresh air. The space inside is beautifully decorated with wall murals, decorations, prints and pictures. Coffin shaped bookshelves full of books line one wall, you can sit and read as you sip on a cider, or take them home to finish at your leisure.

The bar offers a selection of wines, ciders, seltzers, meads, ipa/craft/sour beers, and Absinthe. This is not a full bar, so if you enjoy a Bud Light or Margaritas then they might not have what you like. We both enjoy ciders and sours, so we find plenty to drink. There is a small selection of food, but it is more snack style foods like cheese and crackers, nuts, dried fruits, etc. Something to pick at while to chat and drink.

The atmosphere is quiet, so it is easy to talk to the staff and fellow patrons. We both are not good at socializing, but both times we found it easy to have conversations with the staff and others. No blasting music or sports game on a tv to distract you from having a pleasant evening. They are accepting of all lifestyles.

I know we will be visiting The Merry Shelley many more times, if we could walk there we would probably be there even more haha. Hopefully you will give them a try. It is nice to have a place that is not your typical sports bar, or hole in the wall gin joint. It may be dark inside, but still feels warm and inviting.

UPDATE 3/2023 My wife and I still very much frequent The Merry Shelley. And we love it even more.

We have made friends with the staff and owners. My wife attends their monthly horrific bookclub. We dressed up for Krampus night in December. And listened DJ Servo play a variety of music on select nights. And so much more.

They also have more of a rotating selection of foods from Chef Claire. Most of her dishes are vegetarian or vegan takes on popular small plate meals. Don't let the vegetarian thing scare you off, I also enjoy my meats. But I just had one of her meatless Cubano sandwiches, and it was to die for. I never had a bad dish from her.

So if you haven't gone the The Shelley yet, what are you waiting for? Step outside your comfort zone give it a try.

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By far one of the coolest bars in Buffalo! I’ve been wanting to stop by for awhile and was thrilled to finally be in the area and have some free time. I was pleased to find a tiny gothic literary themed spot with amazing and interesting drinks. You might have to be patient when ordering or getting a seat but it’s well worth the it. This spot is decorated to the nines with Halloween-ish, gothic, spooky stuff and it’s fun to check it all out. We tried the tepache which was alcohol made from a fermented pineapple and the watchdog cocktail. The tepache was super interesting and new to us. Was very sweet and pineapple-y. The watchdog was perfect for a cold dark night. It warmed me up and had hints of orange. Lots of neat and different kinds of drinks here and some bar snacks as well if you are hungry. Bartender was friendly and helpful with menu questions. They also serve absinthe and it’s fun to watch them put it together.

I also learned that this place serves as a community library. There are books all over and you are welcome to take or borrow some to read. They also make it clear they are LGBTQ+ friendly so all are welcome to...

The Merry Shelley has very quickly become my all-time favorite bar; I am constantly trying to convince people to come out and hang with the spooky kids.

The staff truly make this place, and I have adored hanging out at the bar and chatting with Carly and Crow.

It has an incredible atmosphere and is not too loud or crazy most nights, which appeals to my neurodivergent self. There are books, games, and plenty to occupy your evening while you hang out and have a few drinks.

They aren't a traditional "cocktail" bar, and you can only order off their menu, but it is honestly a non-issue with the extensive selection they have, especially if you aren't afraid to get a little adventurous. When the kitchen is open, they have delicious bar snacks or small meals, including tons of vegan options!

While the Merry Shelley is not technically an LGBTQ bar, it is so welcoming and clearly highly patronized and staffed by queer people.

If you are thinking about going and aren't sure, do it! Even if you aren't "goth," there is a welcoming space...