While driving down Abbott Road yesterday, I received the nicest surprise in the form of “new” restaurant signage, spotted out of the corner of my eye, indicating an unanticipated update of sorts.
Passing by what was once one of my favorite restaurants in the city, my head turned to look, solely out of habit, not really expecting to see anything new, knowing that the place closed up shop back in May.
Well, it seems that the owners of Conlon’s have had a welcome change of heart because they are back!
Dan Conlon decided to reopen his cherished established, yet with limited hours, with service starting at 3pm Thursdays and Fridays, only. They started this limited service back in November, but with all of the holiday chaos, I am only now picking up on this exciting piece of news.
At the time of closing, there was such a massive outpouring from the community that Dan and his wife Emily decided that they could not leave their devoted customers hanging. While they had been looking forward to a semi-retirement of sorts, they opted to remain in the game.
Reopening, even on a limited basis, was not an easy decision to come to. To start, they used their building for catered events, and also cooked at various summer festivals, then offered limited take out pop ups (at the restaurant) featuring customer favorites and requests throughout late summer and fall.
Eight and a half years is a great run for anyone familiar with the restaurant industry. It’s so heartwarming to see this from two different perspectives – the loyal customer base that did not want to say goodbye to their beloved beer mugs, pot roast sandwiches, Reubens, fish frys, and their special, specific, and revered take on “Buffalo” chicken wing sauces.
And then to see it from the operator’s passion and attachment to providing their community with one of the best scratch menus in the city. Everything that comes out of Dan’s kitchen does so with the mark of a chef that truly gets it – yes, talent wise, but also in putting so much more into a plate of food than just the ingredients at hand. That is why this is such welcome news for the community and the city as a whole.
Welcome back Conlon’s, we’ve missed you and will see you soon!
Conlon’s Bar & Grill | 382 Abbott Road | Buffalo, NY 14220 | 716 725 6072 | Facebook
Thursdays 3pm-12am | Fridays 3pm-2am