The Swannie House
Here's a true blue Buffalo eatery for you... the Swannie House. Located amidst the city's hulking grain elevators, stepping into the Swannie is like stepping back into history. If you have never been to the Swannie House, finding it can be a small chore, but that can also be half the fun as well. Part of the charm of the eatery is the drive (or bike) there. Head behind the HSBC, pass the DL&W Train Terminal, drive along the Cobblestone District, veer off before the Elk Street Terminal Lofts, head for the looming General Mills elevator and take a left at the Edward M. Cotter fireboat (situated on Buffalo River) and you have found yourself in the parking lot of the Swannie House. Look for the name of the joint on a street sign attached to the outside of a beautiful redbrick building that is situated on a corner lot.
Nothing much has changed at the eatery over the years, and once again, that's a good thing. A couple of us walked into the pub earlier today to grab a bite to eat, and were immediately welcomed by the sound of the jukebox playing. Counting Crows, Grateful Dead, Lowest of the Low and Neil Young were in the house, so we grabbed a couple of seats and talked about the history/charm of the area.
The Swannie House reminds me of the type of restaurant one might expect to find in a Scottish fishing village. The layout is simple... a few tables line one side of the room and a nice wood bar occupies the other side. A variety of beer signs hang from the walls as does a TV set (playing basketball today), a big fish (with a beer in its mouth) and a red-neon Swannie House sign. The only disappointing feature is the electronic dartboard. I really expect a place like the Swannie to have a real English board, but maybe these days it's too much of a liability issue.
The food at the Swannie is your standard pub-style fare. Menu choices range from hamburgers and fries to soup and salad. On this day the soup was fish chowder, so we ordered a couple bowls along with a mushroom burger, grilled cheese, fries and a salad. The portions are fairly large, so bring a healthy appetite with you. Also bring your camera, because the sites down along the Buffalo River are fantastic. One of my companions (new to Buffalo from Australia) could not believe her luck upon finding this eatery nestled between what she considers one of Buffalois biggest assets. She told me, iThis city should be marketing these grain elevatorsOe I guess I had heard of them, but I had no idea how fantastic there were until now.i All rightOe another convert!
Swannie House 170 Ohio Street Buffalo, NY (716) 847-2898
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bobby
Most people are not aware of this, but Swannie House serves the best chicken wings!! Better than Duffs or Anchor Bar!
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PDXpat
I used to frequent the Swannie 15 years ago as a Marine Midland employee and was addicted to the fries with gravy (and I don't even LIKE gravy). Great spot!
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C. Byrd
This is where I go for pre and post Sabres games......
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Nansie
In the summertime, one of our favorite things to do is take a bicycle ride out along the waterfront (yes, there IS a waterfront!) and stop at the Swannie to eat outside on their fantastic patio. Favorite meal?? Greek chicken salad and a Guinness!
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Rob
The upstairs dining area has a huge picture of the lift bridge disaster from the 50's when a barge ran into the bridge. It was slightly before my time so I'm not 100% sure about the details of the accident. Interesting photo though.
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Mike
Great call on the wings Bobby, huge wings,cooked to crispy perfection. Take a short walk up the block to the "Malamute" Another great hole-in-the-wall.
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Rockhound
Last year transient boat docks were added (during boating season) across Ohio street by some dedicated boaters. This affords easy access by boaters from the Buffalo River to this area. I am not a boater, but this is a great addition to this area and will only help Swannie House and other businesses. I have been to numerous public information meetings on the waterfront and the boaters that spoke out stressed that small boats need easy access to areas along the Buffalo River and Lake Erie. From what I remember, this has been incorporated into the plans for the Erie Canal Harbor Area by lowering the bulkhead to allow small boat access. Also, if Bass Pro goes in this will make the Swannie House even more popular, hopefully without loosing its current atmosphere.
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Dawn
I can't believe Tim's infamous fish made it into the article. Gotta love the Swannie
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Frank McCory
Is that Dawn the Bartender...shes Gorgeous
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