source: pinkbflo.com
UPDATE: We’ve been back many many times since this article was published and we finally got a better picture of the steak sandwich.
The Old Pink (aka Allen St. Bar and Grill aka 223 Allen St.) isn’t a restaurant, instead it’s one of Buffalo’s oldest bars and maybe our greatest dive bar. They don’t have an “extensive” menu. From what I’ve gathered over years of visits they only have 2, maybe 3, menu items. The only two I’ve ever ordered have been the infamous Steak Sandwich (~ $10) and the Grilled Bologna Sandwich (~ $7), both served on Constanzo Rolls. They don’t really advertise this menu, it’s almost on a “you need to know” basis. Except for the occasional flame sparking up from their tiny grill behind the bar, you might never know they serve amazing food.
I’ve only known about the sandwich for a couple years and it took Nelson Starr’s No Reservation submission tape to open my eyes to this delicious sandwich. It honestly might be one of Buffalo’s great “unknown” food spots. While the initial impression of walking into the Old Pink might not make you think “let’s eat here,” follow the advice of myself and thousands of other people who love this sandwich and just go for it.
Luckily, I live across the street from the Pink and I was able to order a sandwich to go and bring it home. I snapped some photos back in our kitchen, so for those who’ve eaten this gem, but have never seen the sandwich with bright lighting, this is for you too.
To be honest, this is the first time I’ve actually seen or cared what the steak sandwich really looked like. Normally, I’ve had several beers by the time I order it and the dim lighting inside the Pink makes it hard to see what exactly I’m eating. While it’s maybe not the most aesthetically pleasing sandwich, the taste is makes up for it. What’s great about their steak is they don’t overdo anything, they just let the 12 ounce center cut strip steak speak for itself. With some seasoning of what I assume is salt and pepper, that’s really it. You can top your sandwich with cheese (what we chose) and peppers and onions. Add in the toasted bun and you are good to go. Absolutely delicious.
We also ordered it medium, which our bartender (the same guy that’s in Nelson’s video) cooked to perfection. Alli and I love our meat bloody and he did a wonderful job of cooking our steak. I realize the Old Pink isn’t for everyone and I definitely don’t consider myself a regular; I’ve only eaten this sandwich a handful of times. But, honestly, every time I’ve eaten it I’ve loved it, sober or drunk.
Just a warning: it can be a little bit of a wait; it takes about 15+ minutes to fully prep all together. So order a beer with it and have a drink with your friends while you’re waiting, it is well worth it.
Hah. I’ve never seen it in the light either. It looks even better than I thought it would.
Awesome.
Our “menu” is:
Steak Sandwich -$10
Chicken Sandwich (Either BBQ or Hot) – $6
Fried Bologna Sandwich – $6
Hamburger – $6
All sandwiches are available with cheese (provolone) and peppers and onions.
Thanks for the write up!
Love,
The Old Pink
thank you for the menu! I’m actually dying to try a hamburger now.
i can say Ive eaten hundreds of these sandwiches , during my run in buffalo , and looking at this made me actually taste it for a second … I’m gonna visit in a fees months and stop .by for sure.. ps MO was my favorite cook / bar tender at the time
um..this place is a living bacterial slide.
who in their right mind would actually eat something cooked here?????
this has to be a joke kinda thing…right?
it’s just the dirtiest place and it smells like bile and feet..
U MAD!