A Creative Expansion On Allen
The back room will be a place to get away from the two bustling front bars. It's going to be a cozy addition... brick on one wall, clapboard on another. That's because the addition is being built in-between the Hardware building and the brick structure in back. It's an unusual idea, but when you run out of room to expand, then you must be creative. This will be the third expansion that Mark and Charlie have set out to do. The first was the addition of the former Storehouse 22 gallery. That expansion allowed for live music to become part of standard operations. It also livened up the place so that the second expansion towards the rear of the space was necessary. It also allowed the owners to connect the two main spaces at the back of the building by hallway.
As the business grew... so did the noise. Between the crowd and the live music, Mark and Charlie wanted a place where people could go to get away from the noise and the crowd. This addition will give them a lounge of sorts... a cozy, atmospheric getaway. The addition will be complete in approximately three weeks.
Allen St Hardware Store Café
245 Allen St. | Buffalo, NY 14201 | (716) 882-8843
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Comment Options
Martin
What a great and creative idea. Any problem from preservation on this one?
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sbrof
The best part about going to Hardware was relaxed quiet. Unfortunately I haven't been back very often since they started having live music. I love live music but the ambiance of that place lends itself to a more socializing atmosphere and you can't socialize when you need to yell to get heard. If i wanted that I would go to Chippewa.
This expansion is perfect for their needs and would definitely help to bring in those people who want something a little quieter..
Are the rumors true that Pat works there now?
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sbrof
If it doesn't impact the facade of the building and they are not asking for federal historic preservation money, they can do whatever they want.
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parkstreetwoman
This is great news. I love Hardware, but it can be a touch loud -- a cozy room will really help me convince parkstreetman to go even more often.
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InformedOne
Hardware rocks, it has such an urban feel. It is tough to carry on a conversation if music is happening. Which in and of itself isn't a bad thing because there are always socially inclined urban visions of female beauties looking for dance partners on any given night. Though trying to advance the proposition is often tough void of a place to continue the conversation. So the back lounge area could prove helpful in this regard and it is always nice to see the owner enjoying himself at the venue also.
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Martin
Parkstreetman is always to busy cooking parkstreetwomen dinner...
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InformedOne
Seeing Easter is rapidly approaching I have to ask, who's Pat? Pat the Bunny?
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Martin
I think Pat is a butter lamb
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simcoe
I used to love Hardware until I found out parkstreetwoman went there. Anyhow, "kudos" to the Goldman's, those two are never given enough credit.
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LightoftheMoon
I have to agree about the music... we love Hardware, but we love it even more when we can carry on a conversation (while enjoying a Louis Martini and the baked brie & fruit plate! mmm). The atmosphere is so cozy & inviting... unfortunately because it is so small, some of the bands that play there are just too loud to be able to enjoy. I'd love it if they stuck with softer styles like jazz or acoustic as opposed to some of the rock/blues they bring in--it's just not the venue for it.
anyway I'm excited about the addition & can't wait to claim our spot at the bar when it's done!
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Elbowgrease
Yes, sbrof, it's true. Pat, of Laughlin's fame, is working there. The addition is great news, the space has become far too crowded to be enjoyable. Now if they could just get the city to allow them the side patio to make a reappearance...sigh...
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vgs
"free drink Pat" from yaya and laughlins?
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Celia
I also enjoy Hardware when it is quiet. I've often gone there to see music, as some of the best acts are booked there, but I often feel it is difficult to concentrate on enjoying the music due to the level of conversation. Hopefully, the expanded space will allow the music crowd to get a little space from the socializing sector, so all can enjoy the place and all it has to offer.
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sbrof
thank Elbow.. I now have a new favorite hang out!!! :)
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ArkoWillie
I agree totally with Parkstreetwoman; and despite the very real concerns expressed by Martin, my wife and I will try to coax both of them both to Mark and Charlie's new back room bar as often as possible. It seems like the perfect complement to what the Hardware Cafe already has going . . .
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