BRO Reader Submission by Scott Washburn:
Buffalonians have their share of traditions, especially when it comes to holidays and food, and my favorite tradition for St. Pat’s is to find a good plate of corned beef and cabbage. It’s something my mom always made (not just for St. Pat’s), and as an adult we make to this day. Well friends, if you haven’t been to Charlie O’Brien’s yet, you’re missing out.
We arrived around four o’clock just after the First Ward parade to find that the bar was packed wall to wall and the dining room was filling up quickly. Despite the crowd, we had no trouble getting seated right away by the owner, Dino Pinelli, himself. Happily, our order went in within minutes and we were eating before we knew it. The corned beef was cooked to perfection – sided with exquisite cabbage, salt potatoes, carrots and fresh rye bread (baked on premises). The bread was so good I could have eaten a whole loaf. The establishment even served Buffalo’s very own Rusty Chain, which was the perfect compliment to my plate.
I don’t think I’ve enjoyed corned beef and cabbage as much as I did at Charlie’s… ever! Other guests at my table enjoyed the beef on ‘weck and seafood chowder, while the Reuben was found to be equally pleasing. For anyone who may be on a tight budget these days, I must say that the bill was the next best thing when it came to our visit. Incredibly, four of us ate and drank to our heart’s content, with desserts, for a little over $60. FOUR PEOPLE!! There are not a lot of places where one can do that and leave as happy as we did.
Charlie O’Brien’s is located at 865 Elk Street in Buffalo, just off of the Seneca Street exit of the 190 south. It’s ‘old-timey’ in a good way, and clean and very comfortable. Again, the service was excellent and even though they had a limited menu for St Patrick’s Day, there were lots of choices and everything was great. I’m not in the habit of writing reviews of restaurants – in fact I’ve never written a review or felt compelled to do so, but having been to Charlie O’ Brien’s I feel strongly about getting the word out. They’ll be seeing more of me and my friends there, and I hope to see you there as well.
Charlie O’Brien’s on the Buffalo River
865 Elk St
Buffalo, NY 14210
(716) 823-0068