A new store dedicated to breweriana has opened on Hertel Avenue. It’s called Man Cave Outfitters of Buffalo, and it deals with the number one man cave essential – vintage beer and bar items. The place is chock full of old beer signs, bottle openers, steins… everything and anything that you can think of when it comes to the fine art of beersmanship.
Shop owner Jonathan Gill has spent much of his life collecting and selling vintage beer and bar memorabilia at the Clarence Flea Market, but recently decided to team up with the owner of House of Jacob – a shop dedicated to vintage, lovingly used musical instruments. To add interest to the retail shop, a third operator is also located within the store’s footprint – a jeweler has carved out a small space in the back, where he works on his craft each morning. Altogether, the three businesses operate as a small cooperative of sorts, each helping to tend the store, while selling each other’s goods.
I stopped into Man Cave Outfitters on Small Business Saturday to check the place out. If you know someone who has an interest in beer, this place is where you want to shop for the holidays. I picked up some great beer glasses for an extremely reasonable price. As I browsed around, I was amazed at how many Iroquois items that I came across, including some very rare pieces. Apparently Eddie Brady (owner of Eddie Brady’s) relies on Jonathan for many of his Iroquois collectables – something that shows the quality and extent of the items in the shop.
This is one of the more unique shopping experiences in the city. There’s so much to look at, it’s dizzying. It’s a place where music and beer lovers unite, coming together to celebrate the history of two artisans world’s colliding.
Man Cave Outfitters of Buffalo | 1453 Hertel Avenue | Buffalo, New York | (716) 830-3984 | Facebook