Now that the warm weather is here and downtowners are once again making daily treks down to the Erie Basin Marina, there is a pit stop along the way that should make those walks even more enjoyable (see original post). Situated on the Seneca Street side of Pearl Street Grill and Brewery is Brawler’s Back Alley Deli – a place to grab a gigantic “Real Egg” breakfast sandwich to go ($3.50), or an equally impressive brawler-sized pastrami on rye ($9.50) – tax included with orders and smaller “Girlie” sizes are available for $7.50.
What is most impressive about Brawler’s is the finished deli that thinks it’s a bar that thinks it’s a café. I stopped in this morning before breakfast was served to order a couple of sandwiches and talked to the staff about the future of the business (that just got off the ground). Brawler’s opens at 7am with coffee, croissants and muffins, breakfast sandwiches, corn beef hash, potato pancakes, bagels, etc. From there the lunch menu kicks into gear with pizzas, hot and cold sandwiches, and specialty sandwiches with names like The Lake Effect Man BLT (half pound of bacon with lettuce, tomato and mayo), The Pearlie Girl (slow roasted turkey, topped with coleslaw, and Swiss served on toasted wheat berry bread) and The Roundhouse (shaved rib eye with sautéed onions, peppers and cheese on an 8′ hoagie roll with special sauce). There are some healthier choices for those looking for soups, salads and sides.
The pub-style atmosphere includes plenty of booths, a bar (open for events) and an old world decor featuring endless wood and brick. Eventually the bar area will be transformed into a coffee bar with barista and specialty coffee drinks. At that point, the beer and wine will also, be served during non-event hours, but for now customers can get that type of service from any one of the other house bars. Customers can choose to eat at Brawler’s, or they can grab a tray and head up to one of the Pearl Street patios. For those on the go, curbside service is available up until closing time at 3pm – why not pick up a lunch and head over to Erie Hills Park with a picnic blanket? Or for those boating on the weekdays, it’s a quick trip from the lake.
At this point, Brawler’s is experimenting with as many local products as possible in order to find the best quality culinary delights. If the customers approve, then the list of breads, condiments, meats, etc. will take on more of a local flavor. With the playoffs ahead, management has ordered four 50″ TVs that will be installed so that Brawler’s fans can enjoy all of this quality food during extended hours. Brawler’s also features WiFi for anyone looking to eat and get some work done. Stop on in and make yourself at home, or grab some food for the office – whatever your pleasure, Brawler’s aims to please!
Brawler’s Back Alley Deli
76 1/2 Pearl Street (on the Seneca Side)
Buffalo NY 14202
716-939-3670
www.PearlStreetGrill.com