Did you ever wonder what happened to the old Third Room on Chippewa in Buffalo’s Entertainment District. I mean after it closed, what became of the space? When the Third Room turned out the lights, it opened up an incredible opportunity for its neighbor, Bacchus, to expand. Over the past few months the new addition, along with much of the existing restaurant, has been undergoing a significant transformation that will ultimately position Bacchus as a fine dining and banquet destination in what was once the city’s red light district. As you can see (lead image), the renovated private dining room (formerly Third Room) features lush wall to wall carpet, dark wood ceiling beams and long red curtains. “We’ve added a private dining space next door for approximately 80 guests (sit down) and come spring we will be building an absolutely gorgeous courtyard,” owner Steve Calvaneso told me.
For those who remember Third Room, you will recall that there was access to a gigantic courtyard. That outdoor area was also where Bacchus used to to show popular movies. Come summer the courtyard will be back, but it will be enclosed and tucked away from the late night Chippewa madness. The movie series will continue and diners will be able to have free reign without the constraints of a noisy adjoining bar. There is no doubt that all of these fresh features will draw wedding parties, corporate retreats, etc.
Not that Bacchus hasn’t already been holding its own. Saturday night was packed with diners, and those without a reservation were out of luck. The bar was just as crowded, filled with people who were waiting tables to open. If anyone has shown that Chippewa is not just a place for young partiers, it’s Steve Calvaneso. These are the types of investments that will lead the way for others to reexamine the street in a different, brighter light.