Here’s another restaurant that I can say that I’ve seen a hundred times, but never ventured through the door. It’s places like Marotto’s that I wish I knew about earlier for all of the times that I scratched my head when asked where I wanted to go for lunch. Here is a fantastic club-style eatery where the waitresses even wear ‘waitress whites’. Micropark Jay and I stopped in for lunch earlier today, and in hindsight I could not have gone with a more well-informed person. He told me about ‘The Roundtable’ where judicial types meet to enjoy food in the morning before attending to their court hearings. He referred to the long wooden bar where lawyers meet up to discuss cases, and he talked of the times that he had enjoyed eating quality meals within the restaurant’s doors.
Mr. Marotto was working today – a guy who was cool enough to take a couple seconds to come over and say hello. Not only has he owned the place since 1959, he’s worked there the whole time too. Marotto’s is the type of place where the waitresses shout the drink orders to the bartender, which in many places would be obnoxious, but there you barely even notice. The interior has a dark Tudor-style look to it. There are beams along the low ceilings, and the wood tables and chairs hint that there were a lot of smoky meetings that took place there over the years. The walls are covered with Buffalo memorabilia, much of which is fascinating to look at if you take the time to walk around.
Another fascinating thing about Marotto’s is the location. The place resides on the little section of Niagara Street that no one knows is actually Niagara Street. Since that block has been so broken up over the years not many people can really tell you what street it is. The menu is one that you would hope to find at a gentleman’s club. Of course there are items like club sandwiches, pasta dishes, burgers and fries… Jay really enjoyed his burger, but it was hard to get him to mention anything other than the history and the people. I ordered the grilled capicola, provolone and hot pepper sandwich that came out toasty and hot with dripping cheese. The toasted sesame seeds were very tasty and the chips added that club-like addition to the meal. “It’s like getting two sandwiches,” my waitress told me. “You want another Coke?” I answered, “Yes, but with no ice”. She yelled out, “The kid wants another coke… WITH NO ICE!” That’s when I knew I really liked the joint.
The bar was packed with a whole bunch of lawyer-looking types, and there were people eating here and there around the room. There must be a hundred seats in Marotto’s, so you shouldn’t have any trouble finding a spot to sit. At Marotto’s you come for the atmosphere, the food, and the people. If you order the turkey, then know that it is roasted and hand-carved on the premise. The service is efficient and friendly, and the ceiling fans make the scene feel like someone’s filming a movie.
Marotto’s & Du Bois Restaurant is located at 58 Niagara Street in Buffalo. 716-855-8729