Buffalorising has been redesigned.

Another affirmation of what enthusiasm and creativity can do for old and tired spaces. Kudos to Michael P. for seeing the possibilities.
Welcome.

Let's hope that winter will not stop other entrepreneurs ready to break out and save tired/underutilized/vacant commercial spaces.

Now if only City Hall would get creative and break out of the same-same mind set to actively market abandoned/under-utilized properties to qualified developers at nominal amounts, the City would fast(er)-track turnaround of commercial -- and residential -- neighborhoods (i.e., Bailey, Grant, Forest....).

This place is awesome! We went there last night and will defintiely be going back sometimes soon.

The decor and music defintiely sets the perfect atmosphere. I one point I felt like I was at a roadside Inn on the way from Vienna to Budapest.

Kudos to Mike for turning a nasty Subway into this very special, intimate gem. Every little detail adds up to a wonderful dining experience.

Oh, and I forgot to mention the most important part: The food was great!

peeking through the covered windows while work was in progress and seeing what was being done made me file that away as a must do dinner one night, truly amazing space!

what are the hours? lunch too or just dinner?

He sure did alot of work to turn an antiseptic Subway into a homey, comfy bistro. That bar is a great feature!

Does anyone know who the architect was?

I went for lunch on tuesday and had a wonderful meal. The service and food were both excellent. the atmosphere is great.

i will be back

are you sure this isn't a picture of Louie's?

fabulous dinner tonight, rindsrouladen and risotto and potato pancakes...great service....the music there is the best, I didn't want to leave. I was transported to someplace in Europe.

hektor liked it too!!

Thumper (and Hektor),
You rock! How about some reviews???

In August while walking on Elmwood, we met Chef/Owner Michael Pijanowski as he was painting the storefront of 484 Elmwood Avenue. When asked what he was doing, he told us he was opening a restaurant called Bistro Europa, serving Eastern European food. Ever since we have been waiting for the place to open. Every day, walking by, driving by and finally Thanksgiving week the doors open. Friday after Thanksgiving we stop in for lunch. Walking into this once Subway shop, we find a beautifully transformed warm, cozy, welcoming place rich with color and fabulous music. We were greeted by Megan, a sweet young lady who was as happy to see us as we were to be there. We were seated, and poured wine which we had brought (no wine list yet) and given menus. So hard to choose when you want everything. We shared the Fondu for two, it was delicious. We also orderd Rindsrouladen, tender beef with bacon and saurkraut, excellent. As well as Cassoulet, a stew of beans with duck, sausage and pork. This dish I have had many times, for many years, in many places, and I must say hear at Europa it was wonderful. Rich smooth beans with tender sausage and pork and moist velvety luscious duck meat. The food is one of a kind here, and so is this little jem of a place with the music and ambiance. We can not wait to go back. Congratulations Michael, and thank you. You have a real winner!

Hours seems to be 11-11.

I enjoyed lunch here today--Spanish Chickpea Soup with chorizo, potato pancakes, and a smoorsboard (? sandwich). Most delightful were Russian tea cake cookies, exactly like my grandmother's. While the sign on the door said "BYOB", Michael appeared to be placing a wine order while we were there. I will definitely return for a glass of wine some evening, too, to take in that lovely, cozy room at night.

This place is an original! Color, sound and taste all are spot on - the decor is warm - with a touch of hip.People can actually hear themselves - and talk with each other in a comfortable atmosphere. The music places you well on your way to Europe. The food finishes the job. And finally an original menu. Finally an alternative to the same-old-same-old... Check out the beautiful photographs, take throughout Europe. And take time to read the postcards. We were invited to send cards in and spread the word to friends traveling Europe to do the same.

Back to the food - Cassoulet, Risotto, Potato Pancakes - I could go on...

Check it out. Tell friends. Most of all - reward the proprietor - Michael - for the guts to open a restaurant that is truly different.

Would you please share comments on menu prices? I'm not wealthy but will happily pay good $ for good $, which this places sounds like it surely has. I want to give a friend the heads up before we visit for lunch. Or perhaps there's an online menu? Do dish, please! Thanks.

Check out:

www.geocities.com/EuropaBistro/go

I was sent there recently - they list menu highlights - no prices. They serve "SMALL DISHES" and "LARGE DISHES" - and prices range from $6 to $14. They have a really nice wine and beer selectiion too. Before you web folks diss the site - I understand it is a temporary measure while the full site is being developed.

So I say stop by and see the menu posted on the door, call them up or just go!

I was also informed of NEW YEAR'S plans - they are taking reservation for a prix fixe dinner. I may go and will report if so...

I'm going to go next week! Thanks.

Fan-tastic! Best lentil soup, huge bowl. Polish bread soup was on the menu also; companions enjoyed red snapper nicoise and potato pancakes.

European eateries, now that's fresh air. Better than another Greek hot dog joint or sub sandwich place. Now they just need to turn the old Aud into a European Market, a la St. Lawrence, or the Boqueria in Barcelona. So many old cities in Europe are kept alive by their thriving markets. We have... Bailey? It looks like a survivor's swap meet our of Mad Max.
An upscale European style market would make Buffalo a destination... look at Seattle and LA's Farmer's market.
Come on already.

Be sure NOT to miss the market in Budapest if you are ever there. I may go back again this year.

http://www.budapest-tourist-guide.com/great-market-hall.html