Let me tell you, I have a real barbecue addiction. Yes, there’s some rumbling amongst the professional “inner sanctum” of the barbecue elite regarding the “correct” spelling of the term (BBQ, barbecue and barbeque). However, it would be difficult to find anyone griping about the actual product produced by the technique and the flavors that accompany it.
This far north of its homeland, you would expect barbecue to be hard to find, but that isn’t the case. Of course, nothing beats the thrill of perfecting your own sauce and preparation techniques, but that isn’t a challenge that the average barbecue lover tends to meet head on. Here in the city, there is always a good selection of vendors that offer smokey meats at the local festivals, Fat Bob’s is one of the longest standing barbecue spots in town, Chippewa features the Buffalo Smokehouse, and both Lee’s Barbeque and Donnie’s BBQ on the East Side would give any good southern joint a run for its money.
Over the course of the winter, Buffalo gave birth to another barbecue restaurant, called Buffalo Barbecue & Brew. Located on Elmwood between Amherst and Hertel (across from the Pierce Arrow building), it offers guests hearty eats and cool brews.
The sunny weather beckons for outdoor eating, but on our visit the curbside patio was bare. After we tucked into our dinner though, we forgot all about that.
Buffalo Barbecue and Brew has a pretty good-sized menu, though it isn’t nearly as large as the portions it advertises. Starters are available, though I honestly can’t imagine making room for one in addition to my entrée. The appetizer offerings were certainly developed with the beer drinker in mind; chili fries topped with housemade brisket chili ($4.95), charbroiled barbecue chicken wings ($6.95/per doz.) and the “hot pepper rollup” made with hot pepper sausage, cheese and banana peppers rolled in a tortilla ($6.95) are just a few of the items on this portion of the menu.
Though salad was not on my list of must-haves at this establishment, it’s pretty much all that my 5 year old will eat, so we ordered the meatless version, called the “Big” Salad. You can see from the picture above that it was enough salad to easily feed a family of four. Loaded with garbanzo beans, cukes, tomatoes, red onion, carrots, hot pepper rings, shredded cheese and croutons, with its side of cornbread it is more than a bargain at only $5.95. For those with a more sturdy salad in mind, any of Buffalo Barbecue’s meats can be added for a very reasonable upcharge.
Sandwiches and platters comprise the “mains”. In the sandwich department Buffalo Barbecue offers pulled pork, brisket, pulled chicken, smoked turkey breast and a fish sandwich ($4.95 - $8.95). The platters offered give guests the opportunity to really sink their teeth in. St. Louis-style ribs, quartered or half chickens, smoked turkey breast, pulled pork, brisket and giant beef ribs are all available ($7.95 - $23.95).
The ribs were good and my pulled pork was more than adequate. Next time I’ll definitely go for the brisket, as it is a true testament to the chef/smoker’s ability.
The sandwiches and platters both come with cornbread and sides, the sandwiches with one, the platters with two. Sides can also be ordered on their own, a bonus to those of us with a penchant for comfort food. We had a plethora of them at our table- coleslaw, potato salad, fries, salt potatoes and mac and cheese were present. All were good, but the hand cut fries and mac and cheese were both especially notable. The mac was different from most that I’ve had, but obviously made from scratch and really flavorful, thick and creamy. Other sides include macaroni salad, bbq beans, smashed potatoes, and brisket chili. Sides run about $2 each.
The beer selection is nice; there are a good number of regional offerings that stand up for themselves quite well against the big guys.
The building itself appears to have a large “sideyard”, and I’m hoping that they intend to turn that into an outdoor eating area. Buffalo Barbecue & Brew is a nice place to have a little summertime chow with the family or even just by yourself at the bar. If you’re looking for some barbecue and a homey atmosphere, it’s well worth the visit.
Buffalo Barbecue & Brew, 1680 Elmwood, 14207, 362.2602, call for hours