Stone City Saloon does not have swinging doors – actually even most western saloons have normal doors these days.
There was a time when swinging doors were practical. They provided easy access, cut down the dust from the outside, and allowed people to see who was coming in, while shielded the morally suspect goings-ons in the saloon from the “proper ladies” who might be passing by. While those days are long gone, the spirit of the saloon lives on at Stone City Saloon, 220 Lexington Avenue.
When I last met with Kevin Kirby, the owner of the “saloon” (see May article), he told me that the bar would be open at the end of August. I thought to myself, OK – that means the end of November. It seemed like an aggressive plan based on the improvements he wanted to make… and the fact that he had/has a full time job. So, opening in September is a pleasant and welcome surprise. He credits his father, who recently retired, and his team for helping him open, almost as planned.
It just so happens that I get my hair cut at Relle Organic Salon (next door), which means that I have been keeping tabs on the progress of the saloon. And finally, we’re almost at the finish line – Stone City looks great!
Fresh. Chuck Tingley, one of my favorite Buffalo NY artists, along with Weeze Klaws (another heavy hitter), teamed up and transformed the western wall into a thing of beauty.
As for interior reconfigurations go, the bar has been extended and the kitchen area opened.
Stone City is a bar that serves menu items such as carved turkey and roast beef sandwiches, Chicago/Italian beef sandwiches, smoked wings, vegan burgers, soups, and appetizers. Mike Cutler (aka DJ Cutler) will be the chief drink-slinger, although Kevin plans to spend some time behind the pine as well. Jessi Miccichi is the kitchen manager.
I asked Kevin to describe his vision of Stone City Saloon in one sentence – “We are a cool, corner, rock & roll bar that serves great drinks and food.”
If the place functions as well as it looks, and I know that it will considering all of the top notch talents, Buffalo will have another clutch establishment in its already brimming arsenal of quality bars and restaurants.
The doors to Stone City – a modern day saloon – open this coming Thursday. I reckon I’ll see ya there!
Stone City Saloon
220 Lexington Avenue | Buffalo, New York
Monday-Thursday 4 pm – 12 am
Friday & Saturday 4 pm -2 am
Sunday 1pm – 10 pm during Bills games