The bar was very little and crowded to say the least. I got up at one point to do something, and I had to say excuse me to two people at least to get through the room . There’s no way a wheelchair could ever get through that bar. Just saying. There was so many things to look at on the walls and room, which was kind of neat.They only accept cash, and will not accept any other form of payment. That is kind of problematic if you’re not expecting it. My husband‘s bank card did not work in the ATM so had to regroup and use my card. Thank God it worked or we would’ve had to leave. As for the waitress and the staff they were very nice. The food was really good too. Also, there is no substitution for not liking the sides. You can only get more french fries…. which I thought was a bad thing I don’t like coleslaw or macaroni salad or whatever that is offered on the side.. so they offered me more french fries so all I had was a piece of fish and french fries, which I feel like it cost so much money and I can’t even have a vegetable or salad or something other than more french fries, and then some more french fries. The french fries are really good thank goodness they had the skins on them and I liked that. I guess what I’m trying to say is you should be aware that you cannot substitute anything, you have to have cash and it’s very crowded if you are OK with all of that then you will enjoy a loud fun evening out. The staff and the food was very good.Wheelchair accessibility: I know there’s a space outside to smoke it looks like, but I see absolutely no way that somebody could go into this establishment with a wheelchair.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Fish Fry and French Fries
Zack Schneider
Swannie House, located in Buffalo, NY, is one of the city's oldest and most iconic taverns, embodying a rich tapestry of history that intertwines with the development of Buffalo itself. Established in 1886, it has served as a testament to the city's evolving social and economic landscapes, playing host to a myriad of stories from its inception to the present day.Situated at the corner of Michigan Avenue and Ohio Street, Swannie House sits in the shadow of grain elevators and the Buffalo River, placing it at a strategic point in Buffalo's historic First Ward. This neighborhood has long been associated with the city's working-class roots, particularly those working in the shipping, grain, and steel industries that once dominated the area.The tavern's inception dates back to a time when Buffalo was a booming industrial city, benefitting from its position as a critical node in the Great Lakes shipping network. The Swannie House initially served as a haven for laborers, offering refreshment and respite from the demanding physical work associated with the nearby docks and grain elevators.Over the years, Swannie House has maintained its reputation as a gathering place for locals and visitors alike, preserving its traditional ambiance while adapting to the changing dynamics of the neighborhood. Its proximity to the Buffalo River and Lake Erie has made it a favorite spot for those looking to experience the city's waterfront renaissance, which has seen significant investment in public spaces and amenities, revitalizing the area's historic charm and economic vitality.The interior of Swannie House reflects its storied past, adorned with memorabilia and photographs that chronicle the life and times of Buffalo's waterfront and its workers. The menu, too, pays homage to the city's heritage, featuring classic Buffalo fare alongside a selection of local beers, making it a culinary landmark in its own right.Swannie House's enduring appeal lies not just in its longevity but in its ability to embody the spirit of Buffalo. It stands as a living museum, a place where stories of the past are preserved and shared, contributing to the city's identity and sense of community. Its resilience and adaptability mirror those of Buffalo itself, making Swannie House a beloved landmark that continues to attract generations of patrons, drawn by its history, character, and the warmth of its welcome.While specific details and events can enrich the history of Swannie House, the essence of its story is a testament to the enduring bond between a city and one of its most cherished institutions.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Fish Fry and French Fries, Chicken Wings Mild & Medium Order, Beef on Weck
Stas Balanevsky
An absolute institution in Buffalo. Quality food, plentiful drinks.If you are looking for fussy food and drink, look elsewhere.You will not find dry aged filet accompanied by truffle fries cooked in duck fat paired with a Bordeaux.What you will find is a Labatt blue and some wings followed by another Labatt blue with a shot of Crown and another Labatt blue.Cash only. Enjoy…
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Fish Fry and French Fries, Chicken Wings Mild & Medium Order, Beef on Weck
Doran Miller-Rosenberg
If you dinnae mind of or member yer granny’s living room and her Barry delicious fishious chippus then I pity ye but no fears theirs Swannie fer ye the perfect
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Mark Cottone
Great food. And friendly service.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Beef on Weck
Karen Tiberi
Go see Debee the bartender! She awesome! The wings were delicious!
Claire S.
For what it is, Swannie is great. I expected it to be mediocre. So it met my expectations! Great place to go before comedy or sporting event. I went on a Thursday evening before the Sabres game. They had a specified menu for game day which is understandable. It was busy in there. We got there around 515 and got sat pretty quickly and ordered. We didn't get our food until 615 which was a little disappointing. The people at the table next to us came after and got their food before us. I think there was a mix up and the food sat a while because my grilled cheese and fries were cold. It was also burnt. The wings were decent - we got the Cajun dry rub. My boyfriend really enjoyed the fried bologna sandwich and said it was really good! We got a couple beers as well and then walked over to Key bank center for the game. Don't forget it's cash only.
Joe D.
Beer selection really sucks ass. But the bartenders are friendly. Kinda cramped in there
Dave Mallon
A real pease of buffalo's waterfront history, had a reuben, fries and a beer, excellent.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Beef on Weck
LaTeha Summers
A group of ladies and I went here after a poetry jam and Joe was amazing. The wings were great the fries were awesome and my drinks were perfect. We will definitely be back soon thanks Joe.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chicken Wings Mild & Medium Order
I have been enjoying fish fries in Buffalo for over 30 years. It was without a doubt the worst piece of fish ever served to me. It was petrified Tough as shoe leather I would not recommend that restaurant.For eating fish. Bad luck or just my luck.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 1
Francesco Grottola
Bar food, nice staff, good pricing
katie 987
Great fish fry. The New England clam chowder was excellent. Good drinks. Friendly waitress. Neighborhood bar atmosphere.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Luke Coulter
Get the beef on
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Beef on Weck
Carla W
Best Fish in the ruffbuff!! So much food and all was soooo good!!!! And FYI..All homemade.
The bar was very little and crowded to say the least. I got up at one point to do something, and I had to say excuse me to two people at least to get through the room . There’s no way a wheelchair could ever get through that bar. Just saying. There was so many things to look at on the walls and room, which was kind of neat.They only accept cash, and will not accept any other form of payment. That is kind of problematic if you’re not expecting it. My husband‘s bank card did not work in the ATM so had to regroup and use my card. Thank God it worked or we would’ve had to leave. As for the waitress and the staff they were very nice. The food was really good too. Also, there is no substitution for not liking the sides. You can only get more french fries…. which I thought was a bad thing I don’t like coleslaw or macaroni salad or whatever that is offered on the side.. so they offered me more french fries so all I had was a piece of fish and french fries, which I feel like it cost so much money and I can’t even have a vegetable or salad or something other than more french fries, and then some more french fries. The french fries are really good thank goodness they had the skins on them and I liked that. I guess what I’m trying to say is you should be aware that you cannot substitute anything, you have to have cash and it’s very crowded if you are OK with all of that then you will enjoy a loud fun evening out. The staff and the food was very good.Wheelchair accessibility: I know there’s a space outside to smoke it looks like, but I see absolutely no way that somebody could go into this establishment with a wheelchair.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Fish Fry and French Fries
Swannie House, located in Buffalo, NY, is one of the city's oldest and most iconic taverns, embodying a rich tapestry of history that intertwines with the development of Buffalo itself. Established in 1886, it has served as a testament to the city's evolving social and economic landscapes, playing host to a myriad of stories from its inception to the present day.Situated at the corner of Michigan Avenue and Ohio Street, Swannie House sits in the shadow of grain elevators and the Buffalo River, placing it at a strategic point in Buffalo's historic First Ward. This neighborhood has long been associated with the city's working-class roots, particularly those working in the shipping, grain, and steel industries that once dominated the area.The tavern's inception dates back to a time when Buffalo was a booming industrial city, benefitting from its position as a critical node in the Great Lakes shipping network. The Swannie House initially served as a haven for laborers, offering refreshment and respite from the demanding physical work associated with the nearby docks and grain elevators.Over the years, Swannie House has maintained its reputation as a gathering place for locals and visitors alike, preserving its traditional ambiance while adapting to the changing dynamics of the neighborhood. Its proximity to the Buffalo River and Lake Erie has made it a favorite spot for those looking to experience the city's waterfront renaissance, which has seen significant investment in public spaces and amenities, revitalizing the area's historic charm and economic vitality.The interior of Swannie House reflects its storied past, adorned with memorabilia and photographs that chronicle the life and times of Buffalo's waterfront and its workers. The menu, too, pays homage to the city's heritage, featuring classic Buffalo fare alongside a selection of local beers, making it a culinary landmark in its own right.Swannie House's enduring appeal lies not just in its longevity but in its ability to embody the spirit of Buffalo. It stands as a living museum, a place where stories of the past are preserved and shared, contributing to the city's identity and sense of community. Its resilience and adaptability mirror those of Buffalo itself, making Swannie House a beloved landmark that continues to attract generations of patrons, drawn by its history, character, and the warmth of its welcome.While specific details and events can enrich the history of Swannie House, the essence of its story is a testament to the enduring bond between a city and one of its most cherished institutions.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Fish Fry and French Fries, Chicken Wings Mild & Medium Order, Beef on Weck
An absolute institution in Buffalo. Quality food, plentiful drinks.If you are looking for fussy food and drink, look elsewhere.You will not find dry aged filet accompanied by truffle fries cooked in duck fat paired with a Bordeaux.What you will find is a Labatt blue and some wings followed by another Labatt blue with a shot of Crown and another Labatt blue.Cash only. Enjoy…
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Fish Fry and French Fries, Chicken Wings Mild & Medium Order, Beef on Weck
If you dinnae mind of or member yer granny’s living room and her Barry delicious fishious chippus then I pity ye but no fears theirs Swannie fer ye the perfect
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great food. And friendly service.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Beef on Weck
Go see Debee the bartender! She awesome! The wings were delicious!
For what it is, Swannie is great. I expected it to be mediocre. So it met my expectations! Great place to go before comedy or sporting event. I went on a Thursday evening before the Sabres game. They had a specified menu for game day which is understandable. It was busy in there. We got there around 515 and got sat pretty quickly and ordered. We didn't get our food until 615 which was a little disappointing. The people at the table next to us came after and got their food before us. I think there was a mix up and the food sat a while because my grilled cheese and fries were cold. It was also burnt. The wings were decent - we got the Cajun dry rub. My boyfriend really enjoyed the fried bologna sandwich and said it was really good! We got a couple beers as well and then walked over to Key bank center for the game. Don't forget it's cash only.
Beer selection really sucks ass. But the bartenders are friendly. Kinda cramped in there
A real pease of buffalo's waterfront history, had a reuben, fries and a beer, excellent.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Beef on Weck
A group of ladies and I went here after a poetry jam and Joe was amazing. The wings were great the fries were awesome and my drinks were perfect. We will definitely be back soon thanks Joe.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chicken Wings Mild & Medium Order
Restaurantji Recommends
I have been enjoying fish fries in Buffalo for over 30 years. It was without a doubt the worst piece of fish ever served to me. It was petrified Tough as shoe leather I would not recommend that restaurant.For eating fish. Bad luck or just my luck.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 1
Bar food, nice staff, good pricing
Great fish fry. The New England clam chowder was excellent. Good drinks. Friendly waitress. Neighborhood bar atmosphere.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Get the beef on
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Beef on Weck
Best Fish in the ruffbuff!! So much food and all was soooo good!!!! And FYI..All homemade.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 5