Amazing vibes, great drinks, wonderful staff and amazing food. If you’re ever in the elmwood village High Violet is a must
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Alexis Nowasell
I reserved the Jungle Room for my birthday celebration, but last minute we went from 7 to 12 people. They were so quick and accommodating, moving us to the Red Room without any hassle. The vibe was absolutely perfect, it felt like a little slice of a fancy NYC spot, tucked away in this Buffalo speakeasy. It truly brought my vision for the day to life: friendly staff, an incredible atmosphere, and great drink prices with amazing flavors. I couldn’t have asked for a better place to celebrate.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
J
Best drinks
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Stefani Schmidt
We had Amira as our server and she was a doll!! Very sweet and accommodating to our table and recommended some great options to us! We will be returning to High violet in the future!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Lori Brown
A little small but tasty apps & cocktails!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Charcuterie Board
maddy adams
Delicious but very expensive
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Charcuterie Board
Heather S
High Violet - A High Disappointment
I had high expectations for High Violet based on the glowing reviews, but our experience was nothing short of frustrating. From the moment we arrived, the service was disorganized, inattentive, and downright unprofessional.
When we attempted to order food at 9:20 PM, the server casually informed us that the kitchen had closed at 9 PM—something she never bothered to mention earlier. A heads-up would have been basic customer service, yet she completely failed us there.
We had an 8:45 PM reservation and arrived early at 8:30 PM, expecting to enjoy a well run cocktail bar with food. Instead, we were met with a neglectful server who got us our first round of drinks but then seemingly disappeared. When we finally managed to order a second round, 30 minutes passed with no drinks in sight. When she eventually returned—empty-handed—she seemed utterly clueless that we were still waiting. Ten minutes later (after telling her we were still waiting on our drinks), our drinks finally arrived, but by that point, our patience had worn thin.
As if the terrible service wasn’t enough, the final insult came with the bill. They charged us for eight drinks when we only had five. When we pointed it out, the staff was dismissive, unapologetic, and acted like we were trying to scam them. We were tempted to tell them to roll the security footage just to prove a point.
Having worked in the service industry myself, I understand how challenging the job can be—but this was beyond pitiful. The lack of attention, communication, and basic hospitality made for a truly miserable experience. I will never go back, and I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone. What a disappointment.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 1
T. Denny
Cool, and relaxed vibes here.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jenna Bichler
I recently had a small private cocktail party at High Violet and it was impeccable. The staff were accommodating and helpful. The setting and venue were gorgeous and the food and drinks were remarkable.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jen G
It is hit and miss with High Violet. The first time I went, it was absolutely amazing! Drinks, food, service, and the decor were all absolutely amazing! The second time I went, they were out of almost everything, limiting food and drink quite a bit. The third time, was absolutely amazing! I had a fantastic coffee/coconut cocktail that I don't mind saying was one of the best cocktails I've ever had!! The fourth time, tonight, was such a disappointment again. I asked about a Japanese Roku gin, one which I have at home but was looking for something different, something I couldn't easily make at home. The bartender seemed genuinely uninterested in my asking if he could make something with it. He offered a French 75 or Negroni, seemingly begrudgingly. I said yes to the French 75 and it was served with a bubble-less flat prosecco/champagne (probably prosecco). I will add that it was myself, my husband, and only one other person at the bar when this was requested/served (I don't make a habit of asking questions or for anything special when a place is very busy). We were then ignored for quite a while, finally ordering a Fernet and requesting our check. The check was forgotten about, as were we again. We then request our check a second time, finally getting it.
It's such a disappointment, honestly. I love a good cocktail bar and Buffalo certainly has them, but HV has missed the mark on more than one occasion.
Had the absolute best time here, amazing service, amazing atmosphere, great music and the drinks are top notch!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
R C
Came here because we heard it has "speakeasy" vibes. While the atmosphere is for sure unique amongst other Buffalo bars, I wouldn't really say it' like a speakeasy. The decoration seems more 1970s. The cocktails offered all seemed very intricate and had lots of ingredients and mixed alcohols. Many included vanilla. We got the Saturn and Pickaxe. The Saturn was very sour, and the Pickaxe was very bitter. The prices were quite high, but you are paying for the ambiance of your experience. The waitress was super attentive and cheerful, and you could also eat outside on the patio that is shared with No Fun.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Carrie Owczarczak
We made a reservation in advance, and the hostess made a weirdly big deal about being able to find us a table and make room for us. The drinks were fine, but quite overpriced.
James McLeod
People will sometimes ask you
"Hey man can I borrow a smoke?"
Like, how TF can you borrow a smoke bruh? It's the same thing that applies to the drinks that you gave a High Violet.
"Hey can I borrow some of your drink"
Sis....No.. you'll have to get your own bc I am enjoying mine WAAAYAAAYYY too much.
People come here for the cosmopolitan vibe but they stay for the drinks. You should too.
The ones we tried were the Jungle Bird and the Taipei Tadpole. The Jungle Bird is one of the most popular drinks on the menu. Is a fruity start and "rummy" finish
The tadpole has an almost bubble tea with a kick experience.
No matter what you order you'll be happy!
When you come be sure to mention that St. James sent you!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Margaret
Drinks were on point. No Vodka/Cran or Rum and Cokes here. you come here for the atmosphere and the delicious craft cocktails. Don't come here if you just want to get wasted and scream at your friends all night because of the loud a$$ music in the bar. Come here if you want to have some delicious cocktails with your friends while having a nice conversation in a relaxed environment. Each area is uniquely named and all have unique characteristics and something to offer. the drinks are pricey sure....but they aren't just pouring a Gin and Tonic....each cocktail was researched and tested to be unique and taste great. Step outside your comfort zone and try something new!
Vegetarian options: Guac was delicious! I expect the hummus will be just as good.
Amazing vibes, great drinks, wonderful staff and amazing food. If you’re ever in the elmwood village High Violet is a must
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I reserved the Jungle Room for my birthday celebration, but last minute we went from 7 to 12 people. They were so quick and accommodating, moving us to the Red Room without any hassle. The vibe was absolutely perfect, it felt like a little slice of a fancy NYC spot, tucked away in this Buffalo speakeasy. It truly brought my vision for the day to life: friendly staff, an incredible atmosphere, and great drink prices with amazing flavors. I couldn’t have asked for a better place to celebrate.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Best drinks
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We had Amira as our server and she was a doll!! Very sweet and accommodating to our table and recommended some great options to us! We will be returning to High violet in the future!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
A little small but tasty apps & cocktails!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Charcuterie Board
Delicious but very expensive
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Charcuterie Board
High Violet - A High Disappointment
I had high expectations for High Violet based on the glowing reviews, but our experience was nothing short of frustrating. From the moment we arrived, the service was disorganized, inattentive, and downright unprofessional.
When we attempted to order food at 9:20 PM, the server casually informed us that the kitchen had closed at 9 PM—something she never bothered to mention earlier. A heads-up would have been basic customer service, yet she completely failed us there.
We had an 8:45 PM reservation and arrived early at 8:30 PM, expecting to enjoy a well run cocktail bar with food. Instead, we were met with a neglectful server who got us our first round of drinks but then seemingly disappeared. When we finally managed to order a second round, 30 minutes passed with no drinks in sight. When she eventually returned—empty-handed—she seemed utterly clueless that we were still waiting. Ten minutes later (after telling her we were still waiting on our drinks), our drinks finally arrived, but by that point, our patience had worn thin.
As if the terrible service wasn’t enough, the final insult came with the bill. They charged us for eight drinks when we only had five. When we pointed it out, the staff was dismissive, unapologetic, and acted like we were trying to scam them. We were tempted to tell them to roll the security footage just to prove a point.
Having worked in the service industry myself, I understand how challenging the job can be—but this was beyond pitiful. The lack of attention, communication, and basic hospitality made for a truly miserable experience. I will never go back, and I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone. What a disappointment.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 1
Cool, and relaxed vibes here.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I recently had a small private cocktail party at High Violet and it was impeccable. The staff were accommodating and helpful. The setting and venue were gorgeous and the food and drinks were remarkable.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
It is hit and miss with High Violet. The first time I went, it was absolutely amazing! Drinks, food, service, and the decor were all absolutely amazing!
The second time I went, they were out of almost everything, limiting food and drink quite a bit.
The third time, was absolutely amazing! I had a fantastic coffee/coconut cocktail that I don't mind saying was one of the best cocktails I've ever had!!
The fourth time, tonight, was such a disappointment again. I asked about a Japanese Roku gin, one which I have at home but was looking for something different, something I couldn't easily make at home. The bartender seemed genuinely uninterested in my asking if he could make something with it. He offered a French 75 or Negroni, seemingly begrudgingly. I said yes to the French 75 and it was served with a bubble-less flat prosecco/champagne (probably prosecco). I will add that it was myself, my husband, and only one other person at the bar when this was requested/served (I don't make a habit of asking questions or for anything special when a place is very busy).
We were then ignored for quite a while, finally ordering a Fernet and requesting our check.
The check was forgotten about, as were we again. We then request our check a second time, finally getting it.
It's such a disappointment, honestly.
I love a good cocktail bar and Buffalo certainly has them, but HV has missed the mark on more than one occasion.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 3
Restaurantji Recommends
Had the absolute best time here, amazing service, amazing atmosphere, great music and the drinks are top notch!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Came here because we heard it has "speakeasy" vibes. While the atmosphere is for sure unique amongst other Buffalo bars, I wouldn't really say it' like a speakeasy. The decoration seems more 1970s. The cocktails offered all seemed very intricate and had lots of ingredients and mixed alcohols. Many included vanilla. We got the Saturn and Pickaxe. The Saturn was very sour, and the Pickaxe was very bitter. The prices were quite high, but you are paying for the ambiance of your experience. The waitress was super attentive and cheerful, and you could also eat outside on the patio that is shared with No Fun.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
We made a reservation in advance, and the hostess made a weirdly big deal about being able to find us a table and make room for us. The drinks were fine, but quite overpriced.
People will sometimes ask you
"Hey man can I borrow a smoke?"
Like, how TF can you borrow a smoke bruh? It's the same thing that applies to the drinks that you gave a High Violet.
"Hey can I borrow some of your drink"
Sis....No.. you'll have to get your own bc I am enjoying mine WAAAYAAAYYY too much.
People come here for the cosmopolitan vibe but they stay for the drinks. You should too.
The ones we tried were the Jungle Bird and the Taipei Tadpole. The Jungle Bird is one of the most popular drinks on the menu. Is a fruity start and "rummy" finish
The tadpole has an almost bubble tea with a kick experience.
No matter what you order you'll be happy!
When you come be sure to mention that St. James sent you!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Drinks were on point. No Vodka/Cran or Rum and Cokes here. you come here for the atmosphere and the delicious craft cocktails. Don't come here if you just want to get wasted and scream at your friends all night because of the loud a$$ music in the bar. Come here if you want to have some delicious cocktails with your friends while having a nice conversation in a relaxed environment.
Each area is uniquely named and all have unique characteristics and something to offer.
the drinks are pricey sure....but they aren't just pouring a Gin and Tonic....each cocktail was researched and tested to be unique and taste great. Step outside your comfort zone and try something new!
Vegetarian options: Guac was delicious! I expect the hummus will be just as good.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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