DrinkBarDowntown

Ulrich's 1868 Tavern

Buffalo's oldest continuously operating bar was once appended to the back of the Phoenix Brewery, slaking the thirst of the German-American community that had settled in the neighborhood then called Hospital Hill. Appropriately enough, the bar half of the operation does a better job nowadays than the restaurant half at carrying forward that Teutonic heritage, with a halfway decent selection of German imports on tap along with some local craft brews.

Address: 674 Ellicott St
Getting there: Metro Rail: Allen-Medical Campus
Website: ulrichstavern.com (opens in a new tab)

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Listing from Wikivoyage: Buffalo/Downtown, CC BY-SA 4.0.

Also listed in Overture Maps open data.

Updated 28 Sept 2026. Something wrong? Tell us.

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EatDowntown
Ulrich's 1868 Tavern
Buffalo's oldest continuously operating restaurant dates back to the era when the Medical Corridor was a thriving German enclave, and its decor certainly pays tribute to its history — the ambience is fittingly dim and dated, with old photos and memorabilia on the barroom walls. Sadly, those in search of authentic Teutonic cuisine will be disappointed: specialties like schnitzel, knockwurst (served either in a sandwich or as part of the "Oktoberfest" sausage platter), and house-recipe potato pancakes are scattered widely among a menu that's otherwise characterized by hearty, old-school American fare. Food and service are both inconsistent in quality, but portions are generous.
Mon-Fri 11AM-10PM, Sat noon-10PM$15-40
DrinkBar
Ullrich's Tavern
674 Ellicott Street
Closed · opens 3 pm tomorrowBuilt 1868
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EatSandwich shopAllentown and the Delaware District
Roly Poly Sandwich Shop
The only Western New York location of this little-known but delightful national chain serves a delicious assortment of hot and cold wrap sandwiches, salads and other light fare in the historic Granite Works buildings on Main Street at the east edge of Allentown. Though the food here gets decidedly mixed reviews (some have complained of unpleasant temperature contrasts in the filling of the hot sandwiches, which are stored chilled and heated after assembly, and many find the chicken to be bland and flavorless), the options are creative and gluten-free versions of everything are available on request (for no upcharge!), prices are decent, and the friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable service is a point in their favor.
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