The Stillwater on The Midway
If you had asked me how long the Lord Chumley's Restaurant location would have sat empty, I would have said a few years. If you had asked why I would have told you that it was an overwhelming location that few people would be able to take on. And if they did, would they do it right? How much would someone change it? How much would they keep of the original integrity? Would it be an upscale dining establishment still - dress code and the likes? Or would it be toned down to accommodate anyone that wanted to stop in for a drink, or a bite to eat?
I figured that the best person to answer those questions was the new owner of The Stillwater, Justin Cassata. "The Stillwater is still filled with four floors of beautiful dining areas," Justin told me. "I wanted to keep the beautiful features of Lord Chumley's intact... but I wanted to change it up at the same time. The Stillwater now welcomes a customer that wants to come in and enjoy a burger. But we kept the fine dining aspects too." The restaurant is still one of the most spectacular spaces anywhere. The first floor bar area has been converted into a stylish hangout perfect for the late-night crowd. Justin is researching hip live-entertainment and hopes that people will come down to dance, while enjoying snacks and the fiber-optic stars that sparkle overhead. An undisclosed investor recently purchased a series of the Midway Row Houses, which enabled Justin to fulfill his dream of operating The Stillwater. Look for the interview in the upcoming article featured in Buffalo Rising Magazine. In the meantime, enjoy the slideshow... or stop in and see for yourself @ 481 Delaware Avenue.
I'm glad there is a post on this.I was wondring what was going on in there since I saw people eating and drinking in there when I walked by. I looked for a sign but didn't see one. Is there one or is it a small sign(or am I missing the obvious)? Also glad to see that the flock of "For Sale" signs that took residence on almost every Midway building lawn this summer has been reduced to 1. What's happening with The Snooty Fox.?There are 6 different building permits pasted on the front door, with an August, 2006 date for the most recent.
I would love to see the type of entertainment the Left Bank used to have on Saturday nights. Great local Dj's with modern beats, so we could dance the night away. This is truly a great space for a night club/ restaurant.
Thanks a lot for this article. It answered my questions in a most timely way. I've been out of town since Christmas. While walking up Delaware last night (I live around the corner from the restaurant), I was surprised to see lights on the pole in front of the restaurant. I thought that it was unusual for an empty location to be decorated for Christmas until I walked further and saw that it was indeed open and occupied. I could see diners in the first floor dining room and further on I could see a bartender in the barroom. I could not see a name. I did actually occur to me that perhaps Buffalo Rising will have some information on this..........et voila !!!
does this guy advertize? or is he keeping this a secret? i have not heard anything about it soo far.
The sign is coming soon, and advertisements should start appearing soon in Artvoice, Buffalo Spree, etc. . . .
Great to have believers like Justin around town. "Change" is good, if only to shake things up a bit. You know we need it.
I never went to Lord Chumleys, but I will definitely check out Stillwater.
I've always felt transported (to NYC, Boston, or Philly) just looking at the Midway Row Houses, but happy to be in Buffalo: A little bit of everything for everyone.
Snooty Fox is opening Mid March, and it is looking amazing inside, people will be blown away...think Mother's on design steroids! PS all those building permits, and permits to have a permit have held up some build out, but they are taking it slow and in no particular rush to open.
Commercial Guy: Thanks for the info on the Snooty Fox. I thought all those permits might have slowed down the project. As a matter of fact, here's a good question: Is the permitting process now easier and less costly with a shorter waiting period under Tobe or is the process still the McGurn maze?
The process is no easier, for sure. It is equally as time consuming...it's like u need a permit to get a permit. I mean the space is only about 2000sf and he needed 6 permits!!! Imagine a large development!!???@#$ The inspectors are still the same, very McGurn like...and you dont deal directly with Tobe, but rather his cronies. All in all though the permits were still issued.
Im glad that we have younger professional people living in downtown. I know that Justin Cassata recently moved back from florida to open "The Stillwater". It seems that people like himself with private money is what this city needs to have a future because nothing as far as city or government money will ever happen. He knows that the restaurant is a work in progress and that he needs a sign out front but he asks the public to give him time due to the permits and licenses he needs to put up a sign. Lets welcome new talent in the city and not rush to criticize. Those buildings are too beautiful to be empty.
Interesting that one would be able to count the number of permits an establishment has in their window. The Snooty Fox will be opening soon and it will be one of the many awesome places located on the beautiful historical Delaware Avenue. I can't wait !!!!
I failed to mention that I am looking forward to going to Stillwater and wish Justin the best of luck as well as anyone else that tries to do anything in a city that makes it very difiicult not only to get permits but just to see a bigger picture with a brighter future in our wonderful little city
I failed to mention that I am looking forward to going to Stillwater and wish Justin the best of luck as well as anyone else that tries to do anything in a city that makes it very difiicult not only to get permits but just to see a bigger picture with a brighter future in our wonderful little city
I dined at The Stillwater this past Friday and the food was very good. I ordered the butterfish (one of the specials) and it was prepared flawlessly. I then ordered the Hot Fudge Saturdae (and no that is not a spelling error). The dessert was out of this world. My only critique is of the calamari appetizer: the breading was a bit too salty. However, the dipping sauce and bean/olive salad were perfect accompaniments. Mr. Cassata bid my table adieu and was the most gracious host. I highly recommend this restaurant, especially on a cold night, where you can sit comfortably in the dining room next to a cozy, warm fire.
Planning lunch on Friday. Now that the sign is up on the sidewalk, I have to think there will be crowds. Thank you Liz for the revue. Please, please, please everyone who writes, visit the wonderful restaurants and theaters downtown. Nothing helps the city grow more than people who are enjoying it, and spending thier dollars here.
to sohipithurts- why would you take a great and unique space like Stillwater and walmart it with a dj like any stripmall restaurant anywhere in the u.s.? gypsy jazz group babik has a unique style and had some dancers on the floor for their music friday night. how about more live dance music such as swing, latin, and r & b combos for some real sophistication? i wouldn't expect a better restaurant to serve canned veggies, or to serve canned music either. djs might be cheap, but they're cheap.
to sohipithurts- why would you take a great and unique space like Stillwater and walmart it with a dj like any stripmall restaurant anywhere in the u.s.? gypsy jazz group babik has a unique style and had some dancers on the floor for their music friday night. how about more live dance music such as swing, latin, and r & b combos for some real sophistication? i wouldn't expect a better restaurant to serve canned veggies, or to serve canned music either. djs might be cheap, but they're cheap.
to sohipithurts- why would you take a great and unique space like Stillwater and walmart it with a dj like any stripmall restaurant anywhere in the u.s.? gypsy jazz group babik has a unique style and had some dancers on the floor for their music friday night. how about more live dance music such as swing, latin, and r & b combos for some real sophistication? i wouldn't expect a better restaurant to serve canned veggies, or to serve canned music either. djs might be cheap, but they're cheap.
to sohipithurts- why would you take a great and unique space like Stillwater and walmart it with a dj like any stripmall restaurant anywhere in the u.s.? gypsy jazz group babik has a unique style and had some dancers on the floor for their music friday night. how about more live dance music such as swing, latin, and r & b combos for some real sophistication? i wouldn't expect a better restaurant to serve canned veggies, or to serve canned music either. djs might be cheap, but they're cheap.
The Stillwater is one of a kind restaurant. My husband and I enjoyed everything from the live music to the excellent menu. Justin Cassata is doing a fantastic job...thanks for bringing life to downtown Buffalo!!
Wow... Is all I got to say! I saw this article a few weeks back and I was intrigued. I had never been to Lord Chum's so I was out with somes friends last night and we decied to check it . If you have never been here before, the pictures do not do it justice. This place is amazing!! It was crazy cold last night and the multiple warm fireplaces were awesome! I was so impresed I was talking how I would get married in this place its so cool. I have even made reservations for next saturday. Check it out for dinner or late night drinks, a great hip crowd emeraged and there was a decent trio playing some great tunes on the balcony. People for real do not miss out on this place. I have not even eaten here and this place is already on the top of my list for Buffalo "Hot spots" make sure this place never ever again goes dark!