As an iPhone and iPad owner, I absolutely love the Today’s Beer app. Their pictures look gorgeous, I’m constantly learning about a new beer and the company behind it (early-humans) are comprised of four Buffalo dudes (Matthew, Caleb, Kyle and Chris). Back in February I did a small profile of the app just a couple weeks after its release, since then they have been continuing to post a new beer each day. At the moment the app is actually FREE until October 7th and is available in BOTH the App Store and Google Play.
We got a hold of the team and asked them our usual list of questions about their favorite places to eat/drink in Buffalo, here’s what they had to say as a group….
Right now, where are your favorite places to eat in Western New York?
TB: We all enjoy the fare at Pizza Plant. The idea for Today’s Beer was born there on a loopy Friday night. Pods are great. Beer is always good. The Blue Monk impresses as well. They have a great selection as far as marrying beers with food. Love going there for a liquid lunch. I’ve enjoyed Johnny’s Pizzeria on Union when I want a good slice or some wings, but to be honest I haven’t found a really good place to get a thin crust pie. Can’t forget Brennan’s, as well. I really enjoy their fall fare. The pot pie is a great comfort food with a heavy beer.
Where are some of your places to grab a drink on the weekend with some friends?
TB: Some of us are out in the suburbs. When we’re all getting together there, we like good variety in beer. Santoras has a good selection of beers and the last time we were there they had the Otter Creek Stovepipe Porter, which I love. I think they had 30+ taps there at the newer location on Transit. Macgregors on Maple is also not too far and they have some beers that I usually can’t find on tap at other places. Last time I was there they had a Brooklyn Reserve on tap, Mary’s Maple Porter. I had it at the Brooklyn Brewery a month prior to that and was pleased to see it on tap around here. If you’re looking for a nice selection of all kinds of beer, I’d suggest that place.
When were downtown, the Blue Monk is the spot. Great selection. The only place I know to get Delirium Tremens on tap in Buffalo [Buffalo Eats edit: you can also find it at Aurora Brew Works]. Great atmosphere. Nice place to hang on a warm night. I’d also give some Kudos to Coles. Good place to eat, but they have a sneaky good selection of bottles. I was surprised to find Wells Banana Bread Beer there and Youngs Double Chocolate Stout there. They had some Southern Tier selections as well.
I’m very open to trying different places out around here though. I’m sure this list is nothing new to craft beer drinkers.
If you had someone visiting from out of town, where would you take them for a good “Buffalo” time?
TB: Bills tailgate, for sure, provided the season is correct. There are few places that are like the Ralph on a Sunday morning. The best part about that is seeing all the amateur food creations around. The love for a singular thing. I love to get friends and family from out of town involved in local events. I try to be a positive PR guy for Buffalo.
When we’re outside of football season, I like taking folks down to Elmwood. Much more low key then the conventional party areas of the city, but were not in our early 20s anymore. The bodies don’t recover as quickly as they used to.
When you look at it, living here is about good food, good drinks and good friends. We have plenty to offer here and we shouldn’t forget that. Having a great meal at any one of the hundreds of establishments in the city and drinks on the town is the foundation for any good “Buffalo” night. When the Patriots lose, it also helps.
What are some food memories you have from your childhood?
TB: I have two distinct memories when I was little. The first is of Charlie the Butcher. My family used to own a sporting goods store and back then there was a Charlie the Butcher food truck. Once a week or so, I’d have lunch off the truck and it was always a treat. At my age of 5 or so, it was insane to have a restaurant on wheels. Much has changed since then with the increase in mobile good food. I’ll occasionally visit the restaurant on Wehrle and Cayuga and it takes me back for sure. It’s like taking a step back in time.
The second memory I have is from Old Man River. Once in awhile my mother would take my sister and I to get hot dogs down by the water there. It was almost like an amusement park, the way the place was decorated. I haven’t been there in years and I don’t know if its even still open [Buffalo Eats edit: it is, and is still awesome, but will close for the winter soon], but it was always a treat.
What would you like to see (food wise) in Buffalo?
TB: Well I’m waiting for the Dinosaur BBQ to open. We really have a ton of selection here. We’re rather blessed. I suppose I’d like more restaurants that specialize in seafood. I wouldn’t call them readily available to those that live in certain areas of the city. I’m the kind of guy that will eat just about anything that comes out of the ocean. Mussels, clams, oysters. Give me it all. And, like I stated above, a good place to get a crispy crust, thin pizza. Maybe that’s already around and please let me know if it is! [Buffalo Eats edit: There are a few options for NY style pizza; Zetti's, Joe's (by Buff State) and Gino's (on Elmwood)]
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We’d like to thank the guys at early-humans for taking some time of our their day to answer our questions. If you haven’t picked the app, do it now! It’s free for only a couple more days (Oct 7th), so pick it up while you can!! Otherwise follow Today’s Beer on twitter and facebook so you can keep up with the latest updates.
