14 most favorite Live Music Bars in Buffalo
"Live Music Bars in Buffalo" are a vibrant part of the city's nightlife scene. These establishments showcase local and touring musicians, providing a platform for artistic expression and entertainment. patrons can enjoy a variety of genres, from rock and jazz to blues and folk, in intimate and energetic settings. "Live Music Bars in Buffalo" are a must-visit for music lovers and an essential component of Buffalo's cultural identity.
1. Nietzsche's
Focus on academic and philosophical texts

On Saturday, I visited Exham Priory for the first time to watch a game. The bar's decor was unique and eye-catching, with famous signatures covering the ceiling. The staff was welcoming and the drink prices were reasonable for the area.
During our three-night stay in Buffalo, we made a point to stop by Nietzsche's twice. Both nights, there was excellent live music featuring various forms of rock. The beer selection was varied and impressive. While the interior was a bit run-down, it added to the old-school charm of the establishment. I would highly recommend a visit to Nietzsche's for a fun and enjoyable night out.
TOPICS
- Celebrations
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
2. Buffalo Iron Works
Historic venue that combines industrial charm with modern amenities

After attending a Sabres game, a spontaneous decision led us to search for live music in Buffalo. We discovered Buffalo Iron Works, a sizable venue known for its music performances.
3. Town Ballroom
Historic theater with stunning architecture and atmosphere

This venue is an excellent place to watch live music with a cozy atmosphere and great sound system. It offers a close-up view of the stage, making it a favorite among music lovers. The venue attracts a variety of bands, including well-known Canadian rock groups.
The venue is admired for its intimate atmosphere, where audiences can enjoy up-close performances. It has been a popular spot for music enthusiasts for many years, offering a range of Canadian rock bands. However, the venue lacks seating arrangements, so visitors should be prepared to stand for several hours. Despite this, it remains a top choice for those who prefer a loud and lively music experience.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Corporate Events
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
4. Rec Room
A unique destination for entertainment and socializing, blending technology with traditional recreational activities.

The Rec Room, a popular venue for hosting various music events, faces criticism for its poor sound quality. This issue has affected performances of different genres, including alternative, indie, punk, metal, hip-hop, EDM, and country music. Two concerts of the Old 97's band, for instance, were marred by terrible sound.
The Rec Room is a versatile venue, opening its doors to a wide range of music genres, from alternative and indie to punk, metal, hip-hop, EDM, and country. Despite its admirable inclusivity, the venue's sound quality has become a significant concern for performers and audiences alike. The Old 97's are just one example of acts that have experienced the venue's less-than-desirable acoustics, highlighting the need for improvement in this area.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Affordable Nightlife
- Downtown Spots
5. Mr. Goodbar
A popular spot for craft beer lovers and trivia enthusiasts in Buffalo, NY

Mr. Goodbar, located on the Elmwood Strip in Buffalo, NY, has been a cornerstone of the local entertainment scene since 196
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Mid-Range
6. The Cave

The Cave is a versatile venue for various performances, including comedy and intimate shows. It has been hosting acts from Sportsmen's to introduce different crowds to the new location. The size of the space is surprisingly large, and it attracts great acts.
Upon visiting The Cave, one might wonder about its activities. However, it boasts a friendly staff, particularly the bartenders, and offers top-notch live music. The venue has been hosting acts from other places to diversify its crowd and introduce them to the new performance space.
7. PAUSA art house
A cultural hub for showcasing local and international artists in Buffalo

PAUSA art house is a live music venue and art space located in Buffalo, New York's Historic District of Allentown. It attracts patrons looking for an intimate concert or art exhibit experience, all while enjoying a glass of wine and tapas in a relaxed atmosphere.
The venue has received high praise from visitors. One customer expressed their love for PAUSA art house, describing it as having a wonderful atmosphere with amazing music. They have even gone so far as to beg their husband to bring them to the venue as often as possible, and if they lived closer, they would spend all of their weekends there.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Affordable Nightlife
- Hidden Gems
8. The Gypsy Parlor
A unique bohemian atmosphere that combines the vibes of a speakeasy and a European bistro

The Gypsy Parlor is a historic corner bar in Buffalo’s West Side that serves as a restaurant and venue for live local music, occasionally transforming into a lively spot for dancing with DJ sets. It has a welcoming atmosphere that makes it an excellent choice for both early and late night dining. The kitchen remains open until midnight, a rarity amongst other dining establishments.
Located on the opposite side of the bar is a spacious area dedicated to dancing, adding to the venue’s vibrant energy. The Gypsy Parlor is highly recommended for a night out on any day of the week or weekend, offering a unique and enjoyable experience for all visitors. With a kitchen that stays open until late and a dedicated space for dancing, the Gypsy Parlor is a standout choice for food, music, and socializing.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
9. Tudor Lounge
A hidden gem with a speakeasy vibe in the heart of Buffalo's theatre district

Tudor Lounge is a casual and friendly dive bar, as recommended by a bartender at a nearby establishment. The bar features loud music, which may be a deterrent for some, but the friendly staff and welcoming atmosphere make it worth a visit. It's a great spot to stop in for a drink, although it can get quite lively when the music is playing.
With an impressive rating of 4.44 out of 5 based on 107 guest reviews, Tudor Lounge is a popular spot among visitors. According to the reviews, guests have enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere, friendly service, and reasonable prices. Some have even commented on the unique and quirky decor, which adds to the overall charm of the establishment. Overall, Tudor Lounge appears to be a great spot to unwind and enjoy a drink in a laid-back and friendly environment.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Happy Hours
- Downtown Spots
10. Sportsmen's Tavern
Rich history and traditional Irish decor

Sportsmen's Tavern in Buffalo is known for its unique and lively atmosphere, attracting a friendly and outgoing crowd. The venue offers excellent live music, making it a popular spot among sports fans and music enthusiasts alike. (June 2024)
In addition to the main stage, Sportsmen's Tavern features an upstairs viewing area with an outdoor patio, providing patrons with an additional space to enjoy the music and soak up the lively atmosphere. (May 2023)
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Affordable Nightlife
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
11. Buffalo's Mohawk Place
Historic venue with a unique and gritty atmosphere

Mohawk Place in Buffalo is a well-known dive bar, known for its welcoming atmosphere and live music. It attracts a diverse crowd, and offers a range of cold beers along with reasonable drink prices. The bar often books a variety of great live acts, making it a popular spot for music lovers.
The staff at Mohawk Place are friendly and efficient, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for patrons. Whether you're a beer enthusiast or just looking for a fun night out, Mohawk Place has something for everyone. With its diverse selection of music and drinks, it's no wonder that the bar remains a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
12. The Garage Bar & Restaurant
Combines industrial garage aesthetic with cozy, welcoming ambiance

The Garage Bar & Restaurant offers brunch to the public on weekends, providing two opportunities to enjoy a great brunch experience. The menu features classic options like waffles, French toast, and hearty breakfast sandwiches, along with the restaurant's famous cinnamon buns. Brunch cocktails are also available, including Bloody Marys, mimosas, and boozy coffee.
The Garage Bar & Restaurant is a popular choice for brunch, featuring a garage-themed decor with tall ceilings that create a spacious atmosphere. Friendly servers provide excellent and timely service, and the food includes unique twists on classic American fare, such as their standout fries and biscuits and gravy. The only downside is that the room can get lively, potentially making conversation difficult. However, the overall positive aspects of the experience outweigh this minor inconvenience.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
13. Cobblestone
Historic building with a speakeasy vibe

Cobblestone is a popular live music venue in Buffalo known for its lively atmosphere and top-notch bands. The venue is renowned for its intimate setting and excellent sound quality, making it a favorite spot for music enthusiasts.
Whether you're looking to enjoy some good tunes or grab a drink, Cobblestone is the perfect place to be. With its intimate setting and high-quality sound, it's always a fun night out. The venue's energy is contagious, making it a great place to experience live music in Buffalo.
14. Milkie's
Offers unique and traditional Taiwanese dessert options in Buffalo

Milkie's on Elmwood is a restaurant, bar, and entertainment venue located in Buffalo's Elmwood Village at Utica St. Established by Mike Milke, the venue has become a staple in the community, hosting live music, open mic nights, and other events. In 2024, Milkie's underwent renovations, resulting in an updated menu featuring vegan options and scratch-made bar food prepared in-house.
Milkie's on Elmwood pays homage to Mike Milke's legacy and his tradition of providing excellent cuisine and live music throughout Western New York. The venue has been a platform for local talent and a gathering place for music enthusiasts, offering a unique and enjoyable experience to its patrons. With its revamped menu and commitment to quality, Milkie's on Elmwood continues to be a beloved establishment in the Elmwood Village.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Gluten-Free
- Hidden Gems
- Lunch