Buffalo Rising Online

Mar 14th 2007, 2:14pm By Dave Staba

When thousands of hungry, thirsty basketball fans pour into the streets outside HSBC Arena on Thursday afternoon with just 90 minutes to find satisfaction, some will walk up Washington Street to Dunn Tire Park, where Pettibone’s is serving a buffet and the concession stands will open for those in search of a simple burger or hot dog.

Volunteers will point the out-of-town fans in the direction of dozens of downtown restaurants, part of an effort designed to avoid the long waits and empty stomachs that resulted the last time the NCAA Tournament was in town.

Some will fill places like The Irish Times across the street from the ballpark, or the Washington Square Grill and Bar a little farther north.

Some will wander over to one of the establishments on Main Street, or even further to the Pearl Street Grill.

Some will get on the restaurant shuttles provided by the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority, which will offer riders a choice of the multitude of eateries on Elmwood Avenue.

The truly adventurous, though, will stray from the northbound migration and head east along Perry Street, turning right on Michigan Avenue and walking a couple more blocks, where they’ll find a living time capsule on the block between South Park Avenue and Ohio Street.

The two taverns there, the Malamute and the Swannie House, recall the long-gone days when Buffalo was a thriving port city.

The Malamute opens at 8 a.m., a lingering tribute to the sailors, longshoremen and late-shift workers who used to fill the place after a long night’s work. Jake works the early shift, giving way to Anita by mid-day.

In addition to the standard pub fare like burgers, beef on weck and fried bologna, the Malamute serves specials such as meatloaf and spaghetti, along with a full selection of domestic and imported beers.

Richard Pyszczek Sr. has owned the place since 1965, moving the business across Michigan Avenue to its present location in 1977.

You can see a picture of the original building on the way out the back door to the Swannie House.

With a view of the Buffalo River and the grain elevators that used to provide many of the customers for both places, the Swannie House features a rock-solid menu and an eclectic jukebox.

Each would also make an outstanding choice for fans looking to kill some time on Friday, a day off for the basketball action at HSBC Arena, soaking up the atmosphere and watching the first-round games in other cities. For those who want to experience Buffalo's rabid hockey culture, both joints will also be showing the Sabres’ road games Thursday night against the Florida Panthers on Friday against the Tampa Bay Lightning.

And after the last basketball game ends early Saturday evening, the Malamute and Swannie House both figure to be packed with St. Patrick’s Day celebrants, given the proximity to the Old First Ward’s parade earlier in the day.

Getting to either place, getting served and getting back to the arena in an hour and a half is very doable. But if your tastes run to heartily authentic taverns, you should pencil in a stroll for Friday or Saturday, as well, because 90 minutes won’t seem nearly long enough.