My favorite "dive" bar in all of Buffalo. It's always so chill and fun here. Love the eclectic drink menu, jam sessions are always my go-to. The food menu is simple, but super good, always reliable / consistent, and it's perfect snacking food for sitting at the bar that will fill you up for sure. I'm not even a veg/an, but I always get their vegetarian sausage, it's just that good. Mac and cheese is super legit, too. Like, yes, amaze.

Awesome little spot for lunch, even during a pandemic. The sausages were to die for and the sides equally appetizing. I can eat a lot and the portions still filled me! Great old-town vibe with excellent drink selection. Love to stop for lunch, and can’t wait for things to open up more and ore-game here.

One of my favorite cocktail bars. Their menu is made to original specs which means you are going to get egg whites and lemon juice in your whiskey sour. The food menu rotates but the mac and cheese is fantastic. Pretty fantastic liquor selection and the bartenders are great at recommendations if you are interested in trying something new. There is no air conditioning, but the patio gets a great breeze.

One of my favorite spots in Buffalo. Awesome food and drinks. The Old Maid cocktail is one of my favorites. The links are excellent but don’t forget about the mac n cheese! It’s SO good. Great summer patio and nice inside, too.

My review from 3 months ago: Awesome new bar! It's a truly unique take on your typical bar! They have something for everyone. The ladies will love the "jam sessions"- drinks made with jam- my favorite is the blackberry stout and rum! A delicious treat! The "carbon-a-teas" are great too- orange blossom and cognac is a refreshing spring drink. They have a diverse selection of beers too. The kitchen makes these amazing homemade sausages - my husband had the short round link which was great- I ate half of his! I had the steak house link which had this delicious garlic parm spread on it- he stole half of mine too! Reasonable prices, great decor and buffalo's newest great find! My review from 12/22/14: Another delicious meal at Ballyhoo! This place is evolving into supreme deliciousness! The steakhouse link was so good I should have ordered two! The chili was thick and flavorful! The orange blossom tea was awesome. Don't miss this place!

Really great dog friendly place. Staff are incredibly friendly. We got the Mac n cheese, which is awesome and the veggie dog is super good too!

Reggie Veggie was Delicious and the Mac and cheese was fantastic. Ballyhoo was cozy and comfortable. The staff was friendly. I will definitely go back. Two thumbs up!

Ballyhoo nails every need and want along the way- phenomenal food, great cocktails, and attentive staff. Can’t ask for anything more!

A cute little spot! Good food, good folks, and good drinks! The bartenders and cooks all seemed like really nice people. It's not explicitly a gay bar but it's nice to see a spot like this that is as welcoming to queer folks as a gay bar - they're a rare breed these days! As a Marylander, it was nice to have a happy helping of Old Bay on the chips that came with the hotdog!

Ballyhoo is one of the best spots in town! Amazing food, amazing drinks, and amazing atmosphere. The food and the jelly mix drinks. Wow!!!

One of my absolute favorite bars to hit up in Buffalo. Staff are so knowledgeable and really enjoy interacting with customers when making high-quality cocktails. It's affordable and has a really groovy vibe.

Unexpectedly good food and cocktails. Cool outdoor seating.

Let me tell you this places rocks loved to he service great drink menu and the food, out of this world great birthday dinner 🍽️

Incredible sausage, great drinks, and great outdoor space. Mac and cheese is to die for too.

Absolutely love it here :) great patio and awesome bartenders with a great veggie sausage :)

Great service! Mac and cheese is top notch

I recently had the pleasure of visiting Ballyhoo in Buffalo, and I must say, it was an experience I won't soon forget. From the moment I walked in, I was struck by the unique atmosphere that perfectly balances a cozy vibe with a touch of sophistication. The highlight of my visit, without a doubt, was the exceptional quality of both the drinks and the sausages. The drinks at Ballyhoo are simply top-notch. Whether you're a fan of draft beers, bourbons, or liqueurs, there's something for everyone. Each beverage is carefully crafted to ensure a memorable experience, and the attention to detail is evident with every sip. It's clear that they put a lot of thought and expertise into their drink selection, catering to both casual drinkers and connoisseurs alike. Now, let's talk about the sausages. Ballyhoo offers a creative take on this classic dish, elevating it to a whole new level. The flavors are bold and satisfying, making it the perfect comfort food with a gourmet twist. It's not just about the quality of the ingredients, which is impeccable, but also about the inventive combinations and preparations that make each bite a delight. Overall, my visit to Ballyhoo was nothing short of fantastic. The combination of top-notch drinks, exceptional sausages, and the warm, welcoming atmosphere makes it a must-visit spot in Buffalo. It's clear that Ballyhoo is more than just a restaurant or bar; it's an experience, one that I look forward to repeating on my next visit to the area. For anyone interested in exploring the unique offerings of Ballyhoo, I highly recommend checking out their official website for the latest on their menu and offerings

Amazing sausages with great cocktails and a huge drink menu. Cannot recommend it enough! Updating the review to shout out Warren! He was awesome at making sure my friends who are getting married got fantastic service!

Fantastic craft Jam drinks and some of the best sausages in town. Highly recommend the Mac and cheese. They also have a giant ice cream sandwich for dessert.

Come on now! This place absolutely just rocks in every way possible. I’ve been coming here almost weekly for couple years now usually for pick up. They are the coolest, friendliest, and funniest people. Mac n cheese is hands down best in Buffalo no contest. Has such a perfect spice. Their sausages are ridiculously good. House made chips and pickles compliment it so well. If your allowing some room to indulge you won’t regret their ice cream sandwich. It’s perfection! Haven’t even gotten to how good their cocktails are… you get the picture. Go enjoy in person or even pick up and thank me later. Good day!

Went to Ballyhoo on Memorial Day and even though it was crazy busy our bartenders, Shelby and Danny, were still incredibly friendly and attentive. Our food took no time at all and it was delicious. Great times as usual.

One of the best cocktail bar in Buffalo. Sausages made in house are killer, particularly the Korean short rib.

Great vibes, excellent staff and drink menu that could be a college course assignment in that it's so interesting, informative and detailed. We really enjoyed the "classic" mixed drinks we tried, and hope to get back to try more, as well as the sausages and cookies that looked soooooo good! I don't think this place is quite as it was when my grandparents used to go on dates here (it was The Malamute then) but I bet they would give it two thumbs up now too.

Fun place. The ice cream sandwiches were fantastic.

Stopped by during a trip and was highly impressed by the kind bartenders and fun environment. They recommended places for us to visit, unafraid to suggest competing bars as well. Gave stellar food recommendations and were very welcoming! Would visit again for sure

I don't like sausage but I dream about the steak house sausage from Ballyhoo. I also think the gin and sour cherry jam cocktail is my favorite cocktail in the city for it's simplicity and locally sourced Dragonfly jam. It is BUSY here on a concert/sport weekend, but there is a nice outdoor space and great, fun bartenders, so it's for sure worth a visit everytime.

Ballyhoo has been a favorite spot of mine from day one. This is the place to go for a well made cocktail without a hint of pretentiousness or inflated cost. Service from the bar is always quick whether it's dead or packed. They nailed a perfect vibe of warm, friendly neighborhood tavern with a punk rock twist (always impressed with the music selection and the volume is just at the right level so you can hear it clearly but you don't need to shout to talk with your friends. Oh and the food menu is simple but delicious. Do not skip the Mac and Cheese, the pickles or the ice cream sandwich.

cool, chill vibe. friendly bartenders. excellent play list going when we were there. the "jam session" cocktails are unique and very tasty.

Fantastic bar! The bartenders are great, the food is amazing. The pickles are perfect! Shout out to Shelby for being awesome. We stop here every time we come to buffalo now and it’s a must. 10/10

So happy to have found this small, hidden gem while in Buffalo. Drinks are beautifully prepared and reasonably priced. Interior is interesting. And bartenders are fast, friendly, and skilled.

Great cocktails presented with flair! I missed the patio in the summer but that would be the perfect compliment to this Buffalo standout.

As they say, this is not a fancy joint, but it’s still fantastic. Cheap but tasty cocktails. I had the Paper Plane. I had already eaten so I didn’t taste their Links. Next time for sure!

One of my favorite places to get a drink in the city! Love the casual atmosphere paired with a high quality craft cocktail menu! Definitely get the mac n cheese!!

Great food on a limited menu. All ya need abd the Bar Tenders are slanging drinks to Perfection.

I love the place for getting a couple of drinks with friends. The vibe of the place can range from a low key peaceful local bar to a sports bar with loads of people cheering their favorite team depending on the day and time you visit. Great cocktails and service and the only bar where you get a really good vegetarian dish as well. There have been times where I have gone just to eat the Reggie veggie rather than to drink.

I only recently discovered this place when a friend of mine started working here. So far I've enjoyed the experience each time ive visited. The staff is friendly and the drinks are expertly prepared. For food, they only have a very short menu. 5 sausage options, 4 sides and 1 dessert. So far I've tried 2 different sausages and 2 different sides. Ive been very impressed each time!

Their motto is "Not that fancy", but man, the cocktails here are great. Just classics mostly, but they are done so well. And the cocktail menu is long, so many choices. And the house made sausage links are awesome.

Great vibe the food and drinks are amazing. It’s open seven days a week and the kitchen is open late.

I got the steak house sausage, the Mac n cheese, and a jam session with the seasonal mango hibiscus jam and Tanduay. The sausage was superb. The mixed drink was tasty. The Mac n cheese had a great texture but mild flavor which I was indifferent to but my partner loves. The bartender with the lampshade mustache was incredibly skilled, knowledgeable, and professional, and the food runners were polite. Definitely recommend!

It’s cool you have to go! Very cool vibe and great drinks. Fun to watch the bartenders mixing and shaking the drinks. Food is great too. Any sandwich will do. Make sure you get extra pickles with your side.

Amazing place for a bite and a good drink. Mac n cheese is the best I ever had. Sausages are insanely good too. Great spot if you're in the area

Bar has a calming vibe. The drinks are unique and there are so many of them. The spirits have a menu of its own. The mac and cheese is amazing. The only thing is they only allow less than 10 choices of Food.

Our bartender was so wonderful. Our drinks were so good and refreshing!

Yum....all food made in house. I had very cheesy macaroni and cheese and a delicious vegetarian sausage (Reggie Veggie). To drink I had a sazerac that was wonderful! The bartenders are top notch. I have also had their coleslaw and a Short Round (Korean short rib) and both were delicious!

The korean bbq sausage with a side of mac n cheese is the best meal in all of buffalo. Unfortunately, it is also getting very, very pricy that I can rarely go. But, still, the food is outstanding.

I'm reviving my old 5 star review with another 5 star review. I honestly don't think I've had better service at a small bar before. Staff was great, attentive, courteous. Food and drinks were phenomenal. It's the perfect little bar for a quick stop in or before a game or what not. Zero complains. It's clean. Great vibes. Great atmosphere.

Ballyhoo is such a fun bar to visit. The sausages are made in house and delicious. Solid beer selections between their rotating taps and canned options. Cocktail list is extensive.

I alway enjoy whatever cocktail I get from Ballyhoo, and my last visit there was no different. One of the best bars in town in my opinion with very reasonably priced drinks and excellent customer service. Not a very large bar space, but definitely worth checking out. They do serve a limited food menu as well, but I have not tried any yet.

A great little “dive” bar in Buffalo and a must go to if you’re in the area. My wife and I stumbled upon this spot while looking for parking along the waterfront. It was a spot recommended to us by relatives but we hadn’t really planned to stop but we were glad we did. Our bartender was a blast. Drinks were great and she even made us a Painkiller for my wife’s birthday. Sausages are made in-house and are very good (and I’m picky about that stuff). We had the chicken sausage which was really good and juicy.

Soooo money! The lamb curry sausage, the jam drinks, my all time recommendation is gin and grapefruit jam. It’s a must and their Mac and Cheese is also so good. I would also recommend their mint julep during derby season.

+2

Stopped after the sabres game on 10/28. Great drinks and met some new friends. Shout out to Tess and colleagues from Swan Diner.

Loved this bar. Food was amazing - we tried the Short rib and Lamb option and did a side of Mac & Cheese. We also tried the jam preserve cocktail. Overall great experience.

A sports bar with some delicious food, located near KeyBank center, which makes it a perfect pit stop before a Sabres or Bandits game - or even a destination in and of itself. Sausages come with seasoned potato chips and some housemade pickles, but there are other sides you can order as well. The sausage options are all top notch and they're seriously loaded with toppings.

It’s all about the vibe and the house made sausages. Also, good beer and cocktails too. Patio is dog friendly too

David Finch

Awesome sausage, uniquely delicious cocktails made with preserves, with Millennial rock anthems playing all night!

Melissa Fratello

I live in Tucson now but when I'm in Buffalo this is the first thing on my mind: the korean short rib sausage. Not my family and friends, but this sausage. So good.

steve c

Well well well. Just impressive Mac and cheese. An operation that knows Al dente. And grasps its supreme importance when it comes to Mac and cheese. Truly spectacular. The gin blueberry drink I had was precious as well. I will definitely be making a special trip back to ballyhoo.

Kate Rutigliano

i bring everyone who visits me from outside of buffalo here. sausages are so so good. when it’s busy they announce the orders on a microphone it’s pretty cool

R C

This is a popular spot for drinks and cocktails. They also have good non-alcoholic beers. They have a great outdoor patio area, also with a TV. It is a perfect place to hang out at in the summer. Unfortunately, this place is not handicapped accessible as you have to walk up stairs to get in.

jillian klotzbir

Wow—my sister-in-law raved about this place, and we finally went to check it out… and let me just say, it did not disappoint! I’ve passed by so many times without realizing that this spot is a true hidden gem right here in Buffalo. It’s in the perfect location, totally walkable if you’re in the mood to bar hop and explore the neighborhood. The food? Fresh and absolutely delicious. The drinks? Incredible. They truly redefine versatility anything you can dream up, they’ve got it, and they do it right. How delightful… with a side of happy! Can’t wait to come back again. This place has earned a top spot on my go-to list!

Kayla Kalbfell

Ballyhoo is a solid spot if you're looking for great food, a chill atmosphere, and a place to hang with friends. The creamy shell mac & cheese was super comforting, and the TJ Dawg (a chorizo, pork, and bacon sausage topped with pico, crema, cotija, and avocado) was packed with flavor--definitely a standout. We grabbed a table on the patio, watched the Bandits game, brought our own card games, and just hung out for a few hours. It was relaxed and fun, perfect for a weekend evening. The cocktails were great, but the jam cocktails were next level--sweet, unique, and dangerously easy to drink. Also, the ice cream sandwich? Absolutely massive. Like, split-with-a-friend big. Overall, highly recommend if you're looking for good eats, good drinks, and a low-key place to enjoy both.

+1

B G

OK, didn't know this was a thing here in Buffalo. Amazing cocktails (and menu to guide your choice) made by true professionals. And HOME MADE SAUSAGE artisan style - so good! Easy, comfortable, conversational space. Love it!

+3

Juliana Chapman

The staff is welcoming, the food and cocktails are top notch and the atmosphere is great. Will definitely be returning soon!!!

Alexis Holmok

Idk what it is, but these are literally the only sausages I eat, every one of them is delicious. My only grievance is I want to choose every single side but can only realistically eat 1-2. If it's your first time, get the mac and cheese! The food and cocktails are top tier ✨

Ana G

We tried to go on a Friday night for a bite to eat, but ended up moving on. Too crowded and loud, not much seating except at the bar, and at the time we went, there wasn’t any there. Good for them! Came back for lunch cause we had to try those sausages and I’m glad we did. Try one of their jam cocktails, they are lovely.

+3

Renée Mines

Wow!! I’m so happy I finally got a chance to get down here. Don’t be fooled by the address, this location is as every bit of downtown as possibly can be. I ordered: - The Short Round -Side of Slaw -Side of Mac (to go) - (2) Frostbite (cocktails POUR-a-good cause) This gem is situated nicely on the corner of South Park & Michigan Ave. Parking is okay, not great, but that’s downtown for ya. The bar staff were incredibly helpful and attentive. I saw on SNS that the special drink was going to have $1 donated to a charitable organization (Feed More WNY) and really loved that concept. The sausage was cooked well and loaded with toppings and the slaw was extraordinary! I will absolutely be returning! Thanks for a great time Ballyhoo!

+4

Brian Smith

Phenomenal. I'm sad I waited so long to try this place. I ordered the short rib sausage, which was delicious and had that crunch of crisp in every bite. Their chips were tasty too. I'm looking forward to trying their cocktails.

Stephanie O'Callaghan

Great drinks. Love the jam session where the bartender makes something for you based on a spirit and jam flavor you choose. And the short rib dog and Mac n cheese are insanely delicious. The veggie dog is really good too! Great option for vegetarians or anyone! Love this spot

Came here literally for the cocktails. If I was rating just the drinks, this place would get 5 stars but, was pretty hungry so ordered some food as well. The Mac and cheese was not as amazing as other people reviewed it, and the sausages could've been more flavorful. I'd come back here for a quick bite if If I didn't have the option for another place BUT if I wanted some good drinks, this place would be one of my top choices.

Food was good with the limited menu but the sausage was a tad dry. The macaroni and cheese on the other hand was amazing! The drinks we had were interesting but I would repeat for the drinks versus the food.

Love it here!! Awesome mac and cheese and the short rib sausage slaps. -1 star for iffy service on the last three visits. It’s been kind of a nightmare to get the attention of a bartender lately 🫠

I didn't eat this time. I have before. For a simple menu, what they do they do well. However, if you want a good craft cocktail, the bartenders are some of the best in Buffalo. They know drinks you've never heard of and are good. I tried to stump them with the Army and Navy. No dice. They knew what it was and made a fantastic one. Will be back for drinks.

Staff is great. Cocktails and selection are great. Short food menu but pretty good for what seems like a spot focused on the bar more than food. Love coming here after Sabres games. Again, staff great, cocktails pretty good and love the little outdoor patio area.

We stopped by on a day trip. Jason at the bar was awesome. The Mac and cheese was worth the trip.

+3

The food and drinks were delicious, we got the mac and cheese with some spritzers. I'd say the pricing was fair for the quality, it was nice being out in the patio, the staff were friendly. Only reason for the 4 stars is the music was just so overbearing we had to shout at each other to talk which wasnt super pleasant.

Lynda Tomkinson

Food was delicious. Good portion sizes. I guess because we were not having alcohol no one ever checked on us even though we were sitting at the bar.

MaryAnn Behrens

Ordered on-line take out. The ordering was really easy and straightforward. Had their Reggie Veggie sausage. It was OUTSTANDING! One of the best meals I’ve had in a long time. Highly recommend.

Jonathan Swanson

Stopped in here before a concert for a bite and a drink. Food was delicious and worth the wait, even with the small menu. Drinks were exotic and well-made. Staff was friendly and helpful. Only miss was the price tags - everything was a bit expensive per person; otherwise wonderful experience!

Live Luv SAIL

My daughter and I went here for a drink after her appointment at Roswell Nice little celebration I had the chili which was very good and she had the vegetable sausage with chips. The drinks were extremely good we had the gin old maids 12.00 each. There is outdoor seating we sat at the bar and there was no wait when we arrived approximately 5:00. They have a private parking lot that you can pull in and park with no effort. There are stairs going up to the second floor where you order your food so I would not say this is an easily accessible place for handicap patrons

+2

So the beer is cheap and the drinks are good as well as having a good overall atmosphere but don’t go in the middle of the summer… you’ll be sweating!!! There isn’t an ac unit at all in here and very limited outdoor seating. I understand that it’s cold for a lot of the year here but gheez just spend a few bucks on a window unit for those couple of scorching hot months please! I would have stayed for longer had I not been sweating my butt off.

The atmosphere here was good. The food was OK (as others have mentioned, the mac n cheese is a standout) and the liquor and drink options are extensive. The service left much to be desired, however. Orders are submitted to the bartenders, and after waiting over 45 minutes and then asking about the status of our order, the bartender said he "could see it" and that it would be ready shortly. Turns out the order wasn't even put in until we asked about it, leaving us well behind schedule for the event we were attending that evening. Another 30 minutes were lost just trying to pay and get our order to go. I realize that things happen, but the lax customer service and dismissive attitude of the staff were disappointing. A better response would have made us repeat customers.

Went here for drinks because of the reviews. Drinks were good, enjoyed the Jam drinks. Barmaid prepared a refreshing drink with cucumber...reminded of something fresh. Well worth the visit!

The food and cocktails were great. The service was subpar. We sat on the patio. My friend had her pup with her. They tout a “dog friendly” space. We barely saw any staff to check in and inquire if we needed anything. I had no issue with putting our order in at the bar, but seriously? We put down nearly $100 at this establishment. The patio is still your responsibility.

Brandon R.

Food was good, drinks were good. A little spendy. The restrooms were trashy. Tasteless Graffiti, full of hate messages. I thought at first the owner can’t help it but he could easy get a cane of brake clean and a towel to clean it off. That was my only complaint. Not sure it would be wheelchair accessible either.

Discriminatory sign that says you cannot patronize their restaurant if you were coming from a Buffalo Pedal Tour. How is this allowed? Missed out on $300-400 from a huge group. Must be someone from the pedal tours was having an affair with Ballyhoos owners wife or something. Lost potential customers for life.

$12 for a Tito's and soda. Insulting is an understatement. Heard lots of great things about this place, but I have no idea what they were talking about. The place is small, with uncomfortable chairs and way overpriced drinks. The menu is pathetically small and overpriced. Additionally they had a "security guard" at the door, which was very off putting. Never ever going to spend another penny here. Move on to places that actually care

A man denied me entry because I walked in With a pedal tour group. I was not part of the group but they happened to walk in with me. I tried to explain I was meeting a date but he was not hearing it.

My friends and I went into ballyhoo on Labor Day. We walked to ballyhoo from river works to get some food. We ordered sausages and pickles and a couple craft cocktails. We ordered 4 jam drinks and the Bartender only made four. She had black hair and a septum piercing. She forgot to make my pineapple tequila jam, rolled her eyes and demanded a card for the tab which we provided. We drank the drinks and when we went in to order more we were suddenly “inebriated”. She delivered our food in a to go bag. She was extremely unpleasant and singled out my friends and I for no reason at all. I am not one to complain but this was ridiculous. We were talking to some frequent customers outside and they said this doesn’t happen and were surprised. I would never return just because of the service.

Such a disappointing place. Dirty, run down, hectic, VERY poor service, and overpriced to top it all off. Far better downtown options for a drink or quick bite.

I went here based on the recommendation of a family member who talked it up. Myself and 8 others who were part of a Bachelorette weekend were talked to so rudely and disrespectful by the bouncer before we even got to the door. Our id's were being checked and the poor service continued. Needless to say we walked in and walked right out the other door. We will never be back.

Kellie Imes

Walked over from Helium comedy club to grab a drink and a sausage after the show because we have been before and know the food and drinks are great usually. We were "greeted" by the rudest women I have ever encountered! Screamed at us as we walked up that no outside drinks, mind you I was drinking a bottle of water and would have gladly got rid of if she would just told me nicely. We asked why she needed to be so rude to us and all she had to do was ask us to get rid of the drink? She said I ain't rude, we said we were going to leave and she said okay leave bye! Not sure how a business stays open when you treat people like that. Very disappointing because again we have had the food and drinks and always been satisfied with them, but I honestly don't think I will ever go back and will be sure to tell my friends .