The BANQ Cocktails and Lounge — Restaurant in Town of Ellicottville

Jon Taffer would go nuts here. Bizarre. Hostess stand at entry but not manned. Seat yourself awkwardly. Full Friday night but no one to greet you. One server and one bartender. Sever didn't welcome us or say her name Obviously overwhelmed. Saw two table leave before acknowledged. Had to get my own cocktail menu. It lists bottles but doesn't suggest very many drinks/combos. Maybe I am used to Velvet Tango Room in CLE. Wonderful bank vault that could be used as tasting room or private reservation room but not. Asked waitress and she basically said yea it's there. No use. Like an afterthought. If your name is the Banq maybe it should be a feature. Two weird bathrooms divided by a semi wall. Kinda have to see it. Would be better if draped or curtained. Wonderful back room with fireplace and pool table but marked off limits by a private sign. Second armored door to rear obviously used for old bank. Would have made a great speak-easy entrance from alley. Ordered a martini dry with twist. Got it with two olives. Ordered a bite from the list. No silverware or napkins. No cocktail napkins with drinks either. Owned by Dina's and not sure they know what to do with it or how to use it. Open long enough for this to not be forgiven. Strange place but...

BANQ is a chic cocktail lounge (used to be M&T bank). It is a historic building and they kept many of the features, from the vault to the high ceilings. It is a great place to come and relax. A great mix of cocktails and in a swank, classy environment. Clean restroom facilities.

There are seating areas by the front window for small groups. and scattered high tops for those desiring a more intimate, romantic setting. Drinks prices are higher than some adjacent locations, but you are paying for the atmosphere and quality. We will definitely be back. The BANQ is certainly worth a stop!

UPDATE: We returned for Mardi Gras weekend again and apparently it's no longer a secret of how cool the Banq is, as it was packed. We did a little more exploring and noted a private room that is available for functions. We were allowed to use the space as overflow due to the number of people and the parade that was happening out front. Check it out (pics added with pool table -...

All-around incredible experience here at The Banq. We came for the cocktails and the atmosphere, which did not disappoint, but we were absolutely blown away by the service and quality of the food offered. Our server was extremely personable among the busy crowds of Wine & Beer Festival and gave us all the time we needed to enjoy our time while it was clear that other couples were waiting for a seat. The appetizer we ordered was delivered hastily and featured a level of culinary excellence that we were not expecting when having a cocktail prior to our dinner reservation down the street. Thank you, Banq service staff...