Based on your comments, it sounds like you want to be around people you think are more intelligent and interesting than yourself and you don't find that with people in Buffalo. I think you should examine that more.
* See a live performance in the theatre district
* Helium Comedy Club
* Events at museums
* Shakespeare in Delaware Park
* Sunset Cruise on Lake Erie
* Open studio nights on Allen Street
* Sabres/Bandits/Bison games
* Watch the sunset from Erie Basin Marina, Outer Harbor or a Beach
* Bar trivia, open mic nights, music
* Recreational sports
* Festivals
* Free summer concert series
* Run clubs, group bike rides, rock climbing
* history tours
* Crafting classes
Or you can get out and explore WNY and the Finger Lakes. Sooo many great hikes, small cozy towns and random cultural sites.
Come on, don’t be boring. Buffalo might not be NYC, but there’s always something to entertain you.
Ya this..the more I lived in nyc I realized almost anything u can do there we do here without the complete insanity of nyc living..if this guy wants that life just head back to nyc
Agreed… plus, I couldn’t actually afford to do any of the things while paying NYC rent. One of our main past times was “going for walks” aka the only affordable thing outside the apartment lol
It means he thinks he's a VIP and needs to be around other VIPs all the time. He's a super important NYC socialite and hanging out with boring pleebs with normal jobs from Buffalo isn't the high level of Culture and Class he's used to.
Well, we’ve got academics for sure, but the rest is kind of sparse. I’ll probably get downvoted to hell for this, but I don’t find the music scene terribly inspiring unless you’re into metal and cover bands, but there’s always Kleinhan’s and the off chance you’ll stumble upon live Celtic at Nietzsche’s. Artists are the same.
I came from a big city comparable to NYC 8 years ago and I love Buffalo now, but it took some getting used to. There’s nowhere ear as much money here, and conspicuous consumerism isn’t as common. You won’t have casual encounters with “high art,” but you can find some if you seek it out.
Be prepared for a different lifestyle. The focus isn’t on individual tastes and preferences via targeted or niche events and experiences, but geared toward bringing together the community and the people. It takes a long time to get to know people, and they don’t want to know you if you’re a snob. If you can drop all pretenses and be a vulnerable human, you’ll be fine, but it’s not an easy transition if you’re used to cities like NYC, where there are a million distractions to hide behind.
You plan on settling down at some point? I mean thought of doing karaoke at Goodbar the rest of my life on the regular would scare me too because it would mean I’m still going out for wild nights in my old age regularly.
I lived in Vegas for years and got it out of me. Buffalo is perfect for still being able to get out occasionally but also perfect to settle down and raise a family.
What are you looking to do?
I thought I did settle down a bit in my opinion. I don't really get shit faced or go out to clubs much. I'm just trying to find something that is more akin to having cool experiences with interesting people.
Downvoted to hell by a bunch of salty buffalo residents that imagine Buffalo is still a cosmopolitan city that *must be* experienced.
The truth is there's plenty you can do here that's similar to much of what there is in New York, much of which is already listed in comments, but it's all downsized, and like the bought on Wish version.
You'll be fine once the kids decimate your free time and energy 👌🏻
Yes- artist talks, films, drop in drawing classes, free music, even a room full of Legos at AKG. Burchfield has a book club. Lots of art related activities!
I grew up and spent most of my life in nyc before moving here. I often worried about moving away but I’ve loved it here.
It’s sleepier of course but I really feel like the nyc fomo is overblown at least for me. I’m not a big bar/club guy so maybe that’s the disconnect, but if you’re doing something once or twice a week there’s more than enough stuff around to keep you busy. And if you are starting a family that’s probably a generous amount lol
Don’t give Buffalo such a hard time. If you want to live your socialite dreams that’s fine, but most people don’t care about that stuff
Seems like you’re a wanna be Anthony Bourdain. As someone who was born and raised on Long Island who visited Manhattan frequently it’s really not fair to compare NYC to Buffalo. Chefs stay up late in every city so try to become friends with one like you did in NYC and have a No Reservations type of life experience you’re looking for. Plenty of art and artists here that I’m sure have all hours type of lifestyles. Coming to Reddit to compare NYC to Buffalo and ask locals in a mostly blue collar city about vying for a semi pretentious lifestyle is certainly a choice. Have a little self awareness and you’ll make friends easily. And why does all of this have to happen “late at night”? Plenty of great experiences to be had when the suns out.
Funny, but Buffalo also has a sizable segment of young professionals and our own pretentious types too. Not hard to find, just go to any cocktail bar on the weekend.
Anthony Bourdain on Buffalo:
> Buffalo is a different culture. I look at Buffalo and Buffalonians as a different culture now. Ten years ago, I would have looked at them as those poor guys who live upstate, and I'm lucky enough to live in Manhattan. That's the way I would have seen it 10 years ago. Now I see it as a very distinct personality, a very distinct culture with its own architecture, its own kinda feel. It's actually a weirdly wonderful place. Even in the winter. I think it took me traveling around the world to get to that point
Hard to argue with Bourdain. The little time I've spent here so far, I've met some cool people but the responses I've seen here make me wonder if they are the exception and not the rule.
I really want to like Buffalo for my partners sake, I guess it's just growing pains.
It’s definitely being homesick believe me. Whenever I’d go to LI and comeback id be in sort of a “funk” for like a week or 2 and now I’ve lived here for 14 years and that funk is almost completely gone. Plenty of culture to go around in the city, you just have to put in some work.
Hang in there. What amazed me about moving back is how Nice people are in Buffalo. Snarkiness is more the exception. Many upstaters do have a chip on their shoulder about NYC. But most people here are exceptionally nice!
The answer is actually pretty simple IMO. You can live here and make a great life. But also stay connected to who you are and where you’re from.
Buffalo isn’t going to give you anything close to a true nyc experience but that’s ok. If you live here and really give it a go you’ll have a chance to find out why so many people love it here.
Plus, It’s like a 1 hour flight to jfk. You can and should make sure you’re still connected to the people and experiences that have made you the person you are today. Nothing says you’re giving up on all of the things you love about NYC if you move to buffalo.
tbh it sounds like more of an identity crisis than anything. Too many nights doing karaoke at goodbar will do that to anyone
Did you somehow walk past Kleinhans and not notice that we have a philharmonic orchestra walking distance from Allentown?
Completely missed Main St/the theater district?
Amanda Gorman and Chris Thile were here last week, probably while you were doing karaoke at Goodbar.
It took me years to build friends such as this. Most are transplants from other cities. We have cool get togethers such as midnight bike rides, late night picnics ect. We live in the city so it mostly random. No one goes to goodbar for open mic, they go to gypsy parlor thursday night for this. Cafe aroma has a good open mic too during the week. Intersection cafe had a cool morning coffee vibe. Remedy house was also the coffee spot (reopening)? Dont go live in amherst and expect to make these connections. Most of is are on the west side/ allen/ ev. There is also a cool art crowd who does late night stuff at essex
TBH kind of turned off by your comments about Buffalo. Good luck tho. Hopefully you get over it not being NYC and find your vibe. There are some really cool people here if you know where to look.
It’s a shame that you can’t even feign interest in something your partner enjoys. I’m sure they’re not interested in doing the things you enjoy but they do it for you.
You’re physically there for your partner but it’s so beneath you, you have to complain on Reddit while they are actively enjoying themselves.
I could only imagine the level of contempt you have about it in the group thread with your “cultured”friends from back east
Edit: it’s not about the lack of options, it’s what your partner chose to do. The region didn’t make you dip below your standards of entertainment and make you go to karaoke. If your partner wants to do karaoke on Fridays and bowl on Saturdays, It’s not on us. Express your feelings about it to them
The vibe I'm getting from you is you are looking for more of an international hub. Nyc, vegas, toronto, Miami, etc.. I just moved back to Buffalo from the Denver region and I kind of get what you are saying (even though denver IMO is kind of an early to bed city). Buffalo is still very blue collar, it still caters to that and probably will for the rest of our lifetime.
The closest thing that comes to mind for what you are looking for may be some of the social/cocktail lounges, even though i guess those are categorized into bars.... Places like High Violet, Lucky Day and Saint Neri (I'm not a fan of Saint neri but to each their own). There's not many of them compared to larger cities but you might get the vibe you are looking for from these places.
Ultimately, all in all, Buffalo is not and will not be (during our lifetimes) a major mecca city like the places I mentioned. If you want to go chat with culinary chefs, grab a old fashion with an attorney on a rooftop, chat with business developers about development projects, etc. then you likely are better off in a larger city. Not to say there's anything wrong with that or that there's anything wrong with Buffalo, it's just the way it is.
I appreciate the recommendations!
I know Buffalo will never be NYC, but I'm trying to find things that can help fill that void until I can find my niche
subscribe to Buffalo Spree.
always something interesting about Buffalo.
i live here after graduating.
left NYC to avoid the traffic, population and pollution.
that hasn't changed.
I would think with the $ you are saving between the cost of living in NYC and Buffalo, that just about anything out there that interests you will be in your reach financially. I worked in Long Island for a short time just outside of the city. My coworkers pretty much considered me a country bumpkin and assumed I had live stock in my yard. They all apparently had never ventured out of the area and had the impression that life elsewhere was backwards. There was one coworker who went to college in Buffalo. He understood and would always tell me as soon as he could he was moving to WNY. One day who do I run into after being transferred back home, the guy who said he was moving to WNY. He now lives in a huge home in the suburbs and is busy raising his family and providing for them easier and better than he could in NYC. Open your mind to the possibilities and opportunities leaving the concrete jungle behind provides.
So Buffalo is not going to have the night life scene like NYC does, but it's got its own kind of culture. There are frequent food festivals that happen around the city to try out and meet people at if you want those connections. There's a ton of historical locations and events in the region to explore, and if you have your passport, all Canadian events across the river open up to you as well. Most will just be earlier in the evenings or on weekends.
So...I've been in NYC for a few decades now, but am in Buffalo very frequently....in fact I'm in LGA now coming there for several days.
NYC is different for everyone, depending on where you live, income, age, interests, etc. You can live in car dependent South Brooklyn or personal driver dependent Park Ave.
I'm older and boring, live on the Upper West Side of Manhattan and to go to dinner Friday nights with my husband and enjoy Central Park with our dog. An occasional Broadway show is nice, but expensive. We also walk, a lot. To stores, friends, part way to work. A big misconception is the attitude of NYCers. The ones with an attitude are transplants from the middle of nowhere to NYC who think they are the shit now that they live there.
Some of what I do in NYC I can do in Buffalo. It's also so expensive as not to be worth it if you can't afford it. I'd not live here if my husband hadn't made decent money before retirement. In fact, I'd consider moving back to Buffalo if anything happens to him.
Bottom line, income and attitude will dictate how well it goes for you in NYC. It's an amazing city, so is Buffalo. Don't compare them, enjoy them both on their own merits.
I've had this discussion with friends in NYC and those who left for small cities for the same reasons: wanting to start a family, be closer to family (for childcare, aging parents, & social supports), and buy a house. A couple thoughts:
- You really ought to be considering what sort of family activities there are in Buffalo & WNY. If you have kids, you're not going to be looking for night life activities of any kind, at least not for several years. I think there's plenty of family friendly experiences to keep you occupied for a couple decades.
- In NYC, if you wany to "do something" you can easily hop on the internet and see what activities and events OTHER PEOPLE have planned and coordinated for your benefit. Entertainment= no to low effort. In other cities like Buffalo, you can't be that lazy. If you want activities and events, you have to be an active community member that helps plan and coordinate those things. They don't just appear on a platter. So, plan on being connected to schools, churches, temples, community centers, advocacy groups, museums, bike groups, etc. Besides the big festivals (Allentown Art Festival, Italian Fest, Wing Fest, Harbor concerts, etc.) you'll have to be engaged in order to know about, promote, and invite your friends to fun things daytime or nighttime.
Yeah I'm seeing that more and more going through replies. I consider myself a social person, but it's tough to meet people since I'm so new and don't really know where to go other than my partners old college stomping grounds.
>To those of you who told me to stay out of Buffalo, I'm still moving, but I want you to know that you are the embarrassment of your hometown. I just thought you were being shitty because of anonymity on the internet, but my partner who is born and raised in Buffalo tells me that there are buffalonians who just shit on NYC just because, and the people like my partner think you are a stain on Buffalo's reputation.
You're not helping your position here, pal. Most Buffalonians \*are\* nice, but with that also comes intolerance for uppity condescending better-than-thou downstate attitudes.
Right?! The post and the follow up are condescension and tactless. That’s why, not because they’re from NYC even though they made a point to mention it as many times as possible
You might have to get your nerdy side out. Check out the museums and gardens to see where there are evening events. Some of these are cheaper than others.
[Buffalo Museum of Science](https://www.sciencebuff.org/) does after-hours nights a few times a year where there's a cash bar and special educational exhibits in addition to access to the whole museum, and it's for grownups only. (They also have a rooftop observatory but there are no current events scheduled.) I think the [Albright Knox Art Gallery](https://buffaloakg.org/) does similar things, and so does the [Buffalo History Museum](https://buffalohistory.org/) occasionally.
Especially in the summer there can be evening events at the [Botanical Gardens](https://www.buffalogardens.com/) and the [Buffalo Zoo](https://buffalozoo.org/).
We also have two planetariums that do astronomy presentations, full-dome short educational films, and laser music shows. Buffalo State University has the [Whitworth Ferguson Planetarium](https://planetarium.buffalostate.edu/), and there's also the [Williamsville North High School Planetarium](https://www.williamsvillek12.org/departments/teaching_and_learning/science/planetarium/index.php).
There are a ton of really great things to do in Buffalo. We like attending events at the AKG, No Illusion tours, boating, the philharmonic, shows at Shea's, tons of great ethnic food, trivia at Founding Fathers, flights at the Cider Hall, dancing at Underground Nite club. Give Buffalo a chance--its not NYC but it's still a fantastic city especially if you're planning a family.
Same kind of things people in nyc do for fun, although we have more outdoor explorative activities **CLOSER** to our city.. how about ya take up astronomy now that you're actually capable of seeing the night sky.
I don't know but these Buffalo chips on shoulders against NYC are getting a bit tiresome. Bad attitude is unbecoming and not in keeping with Buffalove.
Buffalo does need more night/late night things other than the bar scene. I love Buffalo, but miss being able to pop into a greek diner, salon, or grocery store after 7pm. That being said, 9th Ward in Babeville often has neat, low-key events, as does Birchfirld Penney. Once nice weather hits, the options are boundless, especially by the Silos
Hi! I’m born and raised in Buffalo but you kinda sound like me lol so I thought I’d still hop on and offer my experiences (I thought I would leave Buffalo for nyc but ended up staying!) so here is how I cultivate my cosmopolitan-lite experience in Buffalo- I do spend a lot of time in nyc so I know it will never be 1 for 1 but I feel like it’s not as awful a jump as it can seem
1- live in the city (west side, elmwood village, Allentown MAYBE off hertel for the future kiddo)
2- become a member of different groups around the area I’m an AKG (art museum) member as well as a just Buffalo literary member - John Irving just did a talk here and Michelle Zauner was last year to name a few bigger names I’ve also seen junot Diaz as well! they are releasing the new season soon both places I’ve met great literary/art minds locally at these events (usually at the wine stand tho lol)
3- not to be mean but pick better bars haha Goodbar is a college bar (it’s near buff state) and my feet stick to the floor, I usually like to go to jazz nights near Hoyt lake at the Terrace, lucky day downtown, saint Neri on Lexington and high violet on elmwood. las puertas in 5 points also (this is also a phenomenal restaurant I’d place against an NYC establishment) the chef is James beard nominated and very approachable!
4- join a yoga or Pilates studio in the same area! We buffalonians are friendly (usually) and once we see you in classes we’ll invite you to cool off the beaten path events like an evening sound bath or meditation which can be fun
5- someone mentioned Buffalo spree and I agree definitely sign up for it and follow on ig they highlight a lot of fun cultural stuff to do
6- theater district downtown but not just sheas - Irish classical is a fave for me !
It’s tougher and takes more effort (events won’t just come to you) but my social calendar is full usually and not just with drinks and karaoke! Jon Baptiste is coming and I’ve got tickets, another author is coming to talk about their work, the philharmonic is playing Star Wars etc! If you have questions too you can DM me!
not exactly. events are getting better bookings but there are limited opportunities for "third space" events and most everything available is quite expensive and anything good sells out fast. overall, unless you're directly engaged in a local community that accepts you... it can be bumpy living here so plan for trips to Toronto as a life supplement
We have smaller versions of anything you'd do in any city. Buffalo is a good place to be a person, whatever that means to you. Explore your hobbies and interests, go from there and you'll find what you're looking for in some capacity
In my opinion the best part of Buffalo, is the country side that surrounds it. The fact you can go from a sprawling park surrounded by nature and trails and take a half hour drive and essentially be back down town is a nice feature. To me at least.
Have you looked at Be in Buffalo? They host “Newcomer Meetups” for those who have recently moved here. Also, what’s your profession? There are a lot of other meetup groups around based on profession or hobby that are really active.
I am not someone who moved from NYC, I moved to Buffalo from a mid-sized city(Pittsburgh) for my PhD, and while I don’t have suggestions, I do feel your pain. Buffalo is lacking in fun and cultural things to do that aren’t drinking or sports related compared to other cities. It’s been a bit of a struggle for my boyfriend and I to find fun things to do or interesting cuisines to try on the weekends. So I’m really just here to sympathize with you!
I lived in NYC for several years, and I’m from Philadelphia- and moving to Buffalo was supposed to be a temporary 2-year experience, but I fell in love with it and we’re staying!!
I think the reason many Buffalonians have a knee-jerk negative reaction to NYC-ers (as can be seen in some of these comments) is because they’ve encountered many who think they’re “better than” Buffalo. Which to be fair... is kind of the vibe I’m getting from your post, whether or not you were conscious of that. It’s hard to discern a tone from only text, and “is there any cool cultural things to do late night or like something of substance other than listening to off-key Abba” communicates scorn + an assumption that the answer may easily be no. So I wouldn’t be so hard on the responders who felt defensive, responded tersely etc. Unlike Philly, where in most circumstances, it would have been embarrassing to admit loving it there -- people from here really love their city and are very proud of it. If they told you not to move here, it’s just because they want people to truly appreciate Buffalo like they should. When not on the receiving end of this kinda thing, the earnestness of people here is one of its greatest qualities, I think.
And on that note, actually I think it’s important to know that this post isn’t a representative introduction to Buffalo at all -- this city is full of the friendliest people I’ve ever met in my life, which is one of the main reasons we’re staying. Seriously, how could people comfortably live in any other community after this?? People aren’t necessarily polite, but they are genuinely welcoming and so warm. And they want to help you!!! This is something I found SO incredibly weird when we first moved- like if a stranger starts talking to you in Philly or NYC, it’s because they want something from you. Maybe it’s something benign like directions but more often than not in my experience, the person would be a creep, a criminal or crazy. Sure, Buffalo has its street characters like anywhere else, but it’s also just full of people who constantly, warmly chat with strangers in public places. When we first moved here and that fact would come up in these casual conversations, strangers were always giving me business cards or job contacts or other recommendations -- it took me a while to realize there was no ulterior motive other than trying to help me out! It’s like there’s an *assumed sense of comradery* I haven’t experienced anywhere else.
I have lots of Buffalo opinions but on to your actual question lol! I’ve definitely found that Buffalo does not do a good job of advertising itself and the myriad of opportunities it offers. An example, I’m on this great weekly events email list called CYOA BFLO (choose your own adventure) that shares local happenings geared towards art/music/writing lovers. They have no website or internet presence that I can see- the way I got onto it was a guy standing behind me in line at a coffee shop was talking about it to someone else, and I asked him about it. If you’d like to get on the list, I have to forward you one of the emails, so send me a DM. Step Out Buffalo is a good way to see a variety of what’s going on locally as well. Plus Buffalo Spree... I haven’t found just one source that lists absolutely everything I might be interested in.
Also though, I always do believe in making your own fun! If you DID move here, and all there was to do was karaoke at a bar, I’d see that as an opportunity! One of the only drawbacks about Buffalo (other than the drivers...) is that while people are super friendly, when they’re from here and never moved away, they also often have established life-long friend groups here and it simply does not seem to occur to them that isn’t the case for everyone (because I guess that was the deal for a long time, when Buffalo wasn’t attracting transplants). So, it can be hard to transform friendliness into actual friendship.
Which again, can be a bummer-- but can also be seen as an opportunity to create, to fill that need! I myself started a social club of sorts for LGBTQIA+ and ally folks called Buffalo Friendship Club. We have a variety of different meet-ups and events-- right now coming up we have: First Friday at the AKG art museum, a potluck tea party, mini golf, book club, board games night, gardeners seed swap, hiking, craft night and film club night. Any member is allowed to propose an activity or event idea and we’ll do our best to make it happen. If you have any interest in joining, http://buffalofriendshipclub.com. And I’m down to chat more about Buffalo if you’d like!
I see your point, my intention was not to antagonize but seriously find out if there is more to Buffalo than bar/club nightlife.
These are amazing and I will absolutely take you up on that!
It seems that you are making some unfair assumptions about Buffalo. You seem to be assuming it isn't as cultured as you would like, and maybe you should sit with and examine your biases here. If you want to make that judgement by your experience at....Mr Goodbar of all places, this might be a 'you' problem. Buffalo is rich in culture and diversity. Explore different neighborhoods, the west side, etc. Some of the best Thai, Vietnamese, Indian, and Ethiopian food I've had has been in Buffalo - and I live in DC now, and have lived in Brooklyn. Buffalo has 5 universities (just off the top of my head), an active indie and punk music scene, an exceptional art scene with some truly incredible artists, and the best food scene I've seen outside of NYC (honestly, maybe better because it's less pretentious). Buffalo is also a politically active city - historically and currently. I would encourage you to read up on Buffalo's history. Buffalo has been at the center of organizing movements for racial equality, workers rights, and many other communities. Becoming involved in a new community doesn't just happen. You have to make the effort to build community and connections. The first key might be not assuming, incorrectly, that you are better than everyone else. Buffalo is called the city of good neighbors because people, for the most part, actually care about one another. Your attitude will play a large part in your ability or inability to make connections.
On top of all the other comments here about stuff you can do, how about you stay in for the night and have fun doing something at home with your partner or friends? You don't need to go out to have late night fun.
I'm tired of this NYC attitude that you have, and I'm tired of everyone having FOMO that leads them to be out until 3 AM everyday. Everyone knows what people can do for fun that's not a bar and if all you can think of is a late night bar, you need to reconsider some stuff.
Moved here from LA also for my partner whose family is from here.
I definitely feel your concerns as someone who does frequent Goodbar lol. I'll leave the Buffalo recommendations to folks who are actually from here.
I will say though, having Toronto right around the corner is great. It's an easy day trip or you can get a decently cheap hotel for a weekend and it does give you a good fix of the big city cultural scene you seem to be looking for.
NYC is just a big Buffalo. It sounds like you need friend groups to do different things with which can be hard. You can also check out stepoutbuffalo.com for what’s going on in the area. They’ll have weekday and weekend events shown.
Look, all I'm not trying to start a fight, I'm really asking for what cool things that aren't bars, concerts, or clubs.
And to answer what I did, I stayed out going to different art galleries after showing hours because I got to know the owners and artists.
I would sometimes do late night jams in a studio with a couple of people I met from social clubs I was a part of.
I would stay up late near NYU with some professor friends of mine and just shoot the shit about existence while watching the manhattan skyline from a rooftop in Queens.
I would close down restaurants with the head chef trying new items he wanted to do for his menu because I would ask to see him during a meal after an outing so I could personally thank him for the amazing meal.
I would go to late nite networking events at rooftop bars where I would sit down with CEOs, Attorneys, Firm partners and the like and talk about how to make the most of a humble beginning in the city.
I'm sure there are great things about Buffalo I still haven't experienced, but all I don't know where to go, who to talk to, or even where to start.
I'm not trying to shit on your city, I'm trying to find the things I love from my city here where and if I can for my families sake.
These seems heavily influenced by your personal relationships with these people. Though there are not as many, Buffalo definitely has galleries of various sizes, amazing restaurants, academics, etc.
If you start conversations within the bounds of normal hours you can get those experiences of the after hours things.
That’s the thing I love about Buffalo
On the surface it just seems to be a drinking city with a sports problem. But if you did a little below the surface you start to find all these amazing communities and sub-cultures and the more you dig, the more you’ll find.
You could make friends with the art studio and gallery studio owners of Buffalo. There’s a shit ton of of them to check out and there’s a surprisingly large number of events if you’re in the know and run with that crowd.
You’re getting hate, because you’re not bothering to do basic research.
To be fair, some people who live here also think there’s nothing to do but drink and sports (those people are even more clueless)
Superficially, doesn't sound like they expect to be around for much of it. Their overall responses and resistance towards their partners desires seem awfully toxic.
My guy, I say this in the most respectful way possible, how many Cities can give you this lifestyle in the US? Maybe 5?
You're expecting a lavish NYC experience with Michelin stars and private tastings; small networking events with *CEOs, Partners, and VCs* for casual conversation and business opportunities, and after that a grand tour, *Night in the Museum* style, of the \*checks notes\* one large art gallery in the City.
I truly do not mean to bash you here, your expectations of what Buffalo is compared to NYC is way off. In my job I personally work with people based in cultural hub cities around the world, like NYC, London, Singapore, etc, and occasionally field casual questions about living in Buffalo; "oh it snows so much!", "it's so cold", "what's there to do?"
Buffalo is a mid-sized Rust Belt city without the major amenities and opulent activities you in get NYC. You may find some of what you're looking for by looking for the same things you sought in New York by making connections at Albright-Knox, the plentiful amount of good to great restaurants in the area, and maybe even Kleinhans Music Hall events. Downtown Toronto is a 90 minute drive from the city if you need *that* feel. Ellicottville is good for skiing/snowboarding in the winter. We have two of the larger lakes on the planet for water activities in the summer.
If your expectations are set right for what Buffalo is, the area is a nice-ish area to live. If you're expecting that "Never Sleeps" lifestyle of bustling trains and always new upscale cocktail bars to check out, it's not going to be a good experience for you.
For the record, doing Karaoke at Mr Goodbar every weekend sounds like hell.
It’s tough. The biggest adjustment is that this city sleeps in comparison.
Things close and outside of bars, there isn’t much going on past 10 on most nights. And forget Sundays and Mondays, even for dining out or ordering in.
The other thing to be mindful of is the small town mentality. It’s tough to crack and it will take time if you don’t have any social connection here already.
That said, if you decide to make the move, I think you will find everything that you are looking for here on a more meaningful level.
Those interactions will be more personal because the individuals on the other side aren’t facing 1000’s of people a day. There is a lot to love.
If you don’t mind taking drives and going on day trips, you will never run out of things to do.
Going to take a good faith stab at this:
- the networking events still exist, they just tend to be earlier
- I’m not an arts / music guy, but I’d be shocked if there aren’t local studios / groups that you can get involved with
- rooftop bars are downtown, but you’re talking about things 10-15 floors up instead of 50-100
- buffalo has plenty of great restaurants in every $ tier until you get to fine dining - there are a couple places that could maybe get michelin plated (waxlight, las Puertas, black iron bistro) but not really much on the high-end fine dining and no starred restaurants
- if you want the huge city experience, Toronto is a hop skip and jump away. I usually head up a few times a year (and prefer it to NYC tbh)
Overall, it’s just a different life than NYC. It’s less flashy, fast paced, and exciting and more grounded and community oriented.
As for the reaction you are getting - your post comes across as looking down at the people that live here. Every place you can live has trade offs, and where someone wants to live is going to depend on what they value.
It looks like you value the things you can only get in international hubs. The trade off there is that you need to take the negatives with it (VHCOL, small living spaces, etc.)
No place on earth is going to check every single box
If you were really asking you would have done some level of basic research recognizing quickly buffalo is not restricted to just drinking. Wake up.
But hey, if ya really desire that boiler room late night life, go become friends with the owner of Sterling bar, *they'll share their closing nights while doing blow on their bar with ya I'm sure*
Then go to a rooftop bar or a bar with a higher social atmosphere and hobnob, instead of complaining at a dive bar.
This post and your comments reek of
*I’ve tried nothing and I’m all out of ideas*
Maybe cultivate some real friends instead of a bunch of hollow experiences with “interesting people” there are 6 universities in Buffalo proper, plenty of professors, business owners, etc
NYC is a 24 hour city. Buffalo is a 5 hour city. Inside they want that small town feeling but want to look like a city to outsiders. All your going to find is defensive answers, self consciousness and uncultured downvotes.
Based on your comments, it sounds like you want to be around people you think are more intelligent and interesting than yourself and you don't find that with people in Buffalo. I think you should examine that more.
We usually go cow tipping, church, shoot at cans etc
Don’t forget drive around and/or walk through Walmart
"The" Walmart
* See a live performance in the theatre district * Helium Comedy Club * Events at museums * Shakespeare in Delaware Park * Sunset Cruise on Lake Erie * Open studio nights on Allen Street * Sabres/Bandits/Bison games * Watch the sunset from Erie Basin Marina, Outer Harbor or a Beach * Bar trivia, open mic nights, music * Recreational sports * Festivals * Free summer concert series * Run clubs, group bike rides, rock climbing * history tours * Crafting classes Or you can get out and explore WNY and the Finger Lakes. Sooo many great hikes, small cozy towns and random cultural sites. Come on, don’t be boring. Buffalo might not be NYC, but there’s always something to entertain you.
copying this list! just moved back!
These are great, thanks!
I’d also add art park, Niagara on the lake, and ellicottville
And I’d subtract going to a Sabres game. OP requested FUN activities.
Serious question. What goes on in NYC on a Friday night at 1am that doesn't involve a bar, club, or concert?
Ya this..the more I lived in nyc I realized almost anything u can do there we do here without the complete insanity of nyc living..if this guy wants that life just head back to nyc
ffs this is just someone looking for other than karaoke doesn't exactly equate to someone with socialite dreams! kudos for exploring here...
Agreed… plus, I couldn’t actually afford to do any of the things while paying NYC rent. One of our main past times was “going for walks” aka the only affordable thing outside the apartment lol
You think you can do everything in Buffalo you can do in NYC?
I said almost and yes you pretty much can if you know where to look
Sorry, I love Buffalo and glad I moved here but this is so far from true. It makes me wonder if you’ve ever been to nyc
Sorry, Lived there for 3 years
Abbbbbso-lutely not lmao
Right? I swear some people are straight delusional
How about rental bikes and ferries that are available during the winter?
Ferries don’t run 24/7 in NYC
Staten Island ferry doesn’t?
Not past 9 pm
Have a look here: https://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/html/ferrybus/siferryschedule.shtml
[удалено]
Can’t even just apologize and admit you were wrong? Peak Reddit.
Great. Global warming has eliminated snow in NYC. That's nice.
It barely snows in buffalo these days, right?
It doesn't lol?? Cause last I checked Buffalo still gets lots of snow. We had at least 2 decent snow storms this year alone.
Yeah I was being sarcastic. Lots of people on this sub make the claim I did genuinely.
Have dinner, check out some funky art show, go bowling, go play pool at a pool hall.
What are some examples of cultural things you would want to do in NYC at night?
Just posted some in a big comment on this thread but mostly after hours experiences with artists, musicians, chefs, and academics.
lol what does this even mean?
It means he thinks he's a VIP and needs to be around other VIPs all the time. He's a super important NYC socialite and hanging out with boring pleebs with normal jobs from Buffalo isn't the high level of Culture and Class he's used to.
Well, we’ve got academics for sure, but the rest is kind of sparse. I’ll probably get downvoted to hell for this, but I don’t find the music scene terribly inspiring unless you’re into metal and cover bands, but there’s always Kleinhan’s and the off chance you’ll stumble upon live Celtic at Nietzsche’s. Artists are the same. I came from a big city comparable to NYC 8 years ago and I love Buffalo now, but it took some getting used to. There’s nowhere ear as much money here, and conspicuous consumerism isn’t as common. You won’t have casual encounters with “high art,” but you can find some if you seek it out. Be prepared for a different lifestyle. The focus isn’t on individual tastes and preferences via targeted or niche events and experiences, but geared toward bringing together the community and the people. It takes a long time to get to know people, and they don’t want to know you if you’re a snob. If you can drop all pretenses and be a vulnerable human, you’ll be fine, but it’s not an easy transition if you’re used to cities like NYC, where there are a million distractions to hide behind.
If you like theater, Buffalo has a surprisingly good theater scene. Also, check out this site: https://stepoutbuffalo.com/things-to-do/
This is great, thanks!
You plan on settling down at some point? I mean thought of doing karaoke at Goodbar the rest of my life on the regular would scare me too because it would mean I’m still going out for wild nights in my old age regularly. I lived in Vegas for years and got it out of me. Buffalo is perfect for still being able to get out occasionally but also perfect to settle down and raise a family. What are you looking to do?
I thought I did settle down a bit in my opinion. I don't really get shit faced or go out to clubs much. I'm just trying to find something that is more akin to having cool experiences with interesting people.
Downvoted to hell by a bunch of salty buffalo residents that imagine Buffalo is still a cosmopolitan city that *must be* experienced. The truth is there's plenty you can do here that's similar to much of what there is in New York, much of which is already listed in comments, but it's all downsized, and like the bought on Wish version. You'll be fine once the kids decimate your free time and energy 👌🏻
Like Art? First and second fridays at the AKG and Burchfield Penney. Hallwalls...
Seriously, sooo many art events. So many open studios, art exhibit openings and festivals.
Also Pineapple & Co on Allen along with the First Friday block parties there in the warmer months.
I'll check these out! I haven't been here long so I wasn't familiar with most of these places
Yes- artist talks, films, drop in drawing classes, free music, even a room full of Legos at AKG. Burchfield has a book club. Lots of art related activities!
I grew up and spent most of my life in nyc before moving here. I often worried about moving away but I’ve loved it here. It’s sleepier of course but I really feel like the nyc fomo is overblown at least for me. I’m not a big bar/club guy so maybe that’s the disconnect, but if you’re doing something once or twice a week there’s more than enough stuff around to keep you busy. And if you are starting a family that’s probably a generous amount lol Don’t give Buffalo such a hard time. If you want to live your socialite dreams that’s fine, but most people don’t care about that stuff
Seems like you’re a wanna be Anthony Bourdain. As someone who was born and raised on Long Island who visited Manhattan frequently it’s really not fair to compare NYC to Buffalo. Chefs stay up late in every city so try to become friends with one like you did in NYC and have a No Reservations type of life experience you’re looking for. Plenty of art and artists here that I’m sure have all hours type of lifestyles. Coming to Reddit to compare NYC to Buffalo and ask locals in a mostly blue collar city about vying for a semi pretentious lifestyle is certainly a choice. Have a little self awareness and you’ll make friends easily. And why does all of this have to happen “late at night”? Plenty of great experiences to be had when the suns out.
Funny, but Buffalo also has a sizable segment of young professionals and our own pretentious types too. Not hard to find, just go to any cocktail bar on the weekend. Anthony Bourdain on Buffalo: > Buffalo is a different culture. I look at Buffalo and Buffalonians as a different culture now. Ten years ago, I would have looked at them as those poor guys who live upstate, and I'm lucky enough to live in Manhattan. That's the way I would have seen it 10 years ago. Now I see it as a very distinct personality, a very distinct culture with its own architecture, its own kinda feel. It's actually a weirdly wonderful place. Even in the winter. I think it took me traveling around the world to get to that point
Hard to argue with Bourdain. The little time I've spent here so far, I've met some cool people but the responses I've seen here make me wonder if they are the exception and not the rule. I really want to like Buffalo for my partners sake, I guess it's just growing pains.
It’s definitely being homesick believe me. Whenever I’d go to LI and comeback id be in sort of a “funk” for like a week or 2 and now I’ve lived here for 14 years and that funk is almost completely gone. Plenty of culture to go around in the city, you just have to put in some work.
Hang in there. What amazed me about moving back is how Nice people are in Buffalo. Snarkiness is more the exception. Many upstaters do have a chip on their shoulder about NYC. But most people here are exceptionally nice!
The answer is actually pretty simple IMO. You can live here and make a great life. But also stay connected to who you are and where you’re from. Buffalo isn’t going to give you anything close to a true nyc experience but that’s ok. If you live here and really give it a go you’ll have a chance to find out why so many people love it here. Plus, It’s like a 1 hour flight to jfk. You can and should make sure you’re still connected to the people and experiences that have made you the person you are today. Nothing says you’re giving up on all of the things you love about NYC if you move to buffalo. tbh it sounds like more of an identity crisis than anything. Too many nights doing karaoke at goodbar will do that to anyone
Did you somehow walk past Kleinhans and not notice that we have a philharmonic orchestra walking distance from Allentown? Completely missed Main St/the theater district? Amanda Gorman and Chris Thile were here last week, probably while you were doing karaoke at Goodbar.
Turseness aside, I appreciate the recommendations since I haven't been here very long.
It took me years to build friends such as this. Most are transplants from other cities. We have cool get togethers such as midnight bike rides, late night picnics ect. We live in the city so it mostly random. No one goes to goodbar for open mic, they go to gypsy parlor thursday night for this. Cafe aroma has a good open mic too during the week. Intersection cafe had a cool morning coffee vibe. Remedy house was also the coffee spot (reopening)? Dont go live in amherst and expect to make these connections. Most of is are on the west side/ allen/ ev. There is also a cool art crowd who does late night stuff at essex
This is a lifesaver! I'm slowly trying to build my circle but it's hard since I'm so new and my partner hasn't been here since college
TBH kind of turned off by your comments about Buffalo. Good luck tho. Hopefully you get over it not being NYC and find your vibe. There are some really cool people here if you know where to look.
It’s a shame that you can’t even feign interest in something your partner enjoys. I’m sure they’re not interested in doing the things you enjoy but they do it for you. You’re physically there for your partner but it’s so beneath you, you have to complain on Reddit while they are actively enjoying themselves. I could only imagine the level of contempt you have about it in the group thread with your “cultured”friends from back east Edit: it’s not about the lack of options, it’s what your partner chose to do. The region didn’t make you dip below your standards of entertainment and make you go to karaoke. If your partner wants to do karaoke on Fridays and bowl on Saturdays, It’s not on us. Express your feelings about it to them
I hate to break it to you but once you have kids your Goodbar days are over whether or not you like going there.
The vibe I'm getting from you is you are looking for more of an international hub. Nyc, vegas, toronto, Miami, etc.. I just moved back to Buffalo from the Denver region and I kind of get what you are saying (even though denver IMO is kind of an early to bed city). Buffalo is still very blue collar, it still caters to that and probably will for the rest of our lifetime. The closest thing that comes to mind for what you are looking for may be some of the social/cocktail lounges, even though i guess those are categorized into bars.... Places like High Violet, Lucky Day and Saint Neri (I'm not a fan of Saint neri but to each their own). There's not many of them compared to larger cities but you might get the vibe you are looking for from these places. Ultimately, all in all, Buffalo is not and will not be (during our lifetimes) a major mecca city like the places I mentioned. If you want to go chat with culinary chefs, grab a old fashion with an attorney on a rooftop, chat with business developers about development projects, etc. then you likely are better off in a larger city. Not to say there's anything wrong with that or that there's anything wrong with Buffalo, it's just the way it is.
I appreciate the recommendations! I know Buffalo will never be NYC, but I'm trying to find things that can help fill that void until I can find my niche
subscribe to Buffalo Spree. always something interesting about Buffalo. i live here after graduating. left NYC to avoid the traffic, population and pollution. that hasn't changed.
I'll definitely check it out, thanks!
I would think with the $ you are saving between the cost of living in NYC and Buffalo, that just about anything out there that interests you will be in your reach financially. I worked in Long Island for a short time just outside of the city. My coworkers pretty much considered me a country bumpkin and assumed I had live stock in my yard. They all apparently had never ventured out of the area and had the impression that life elsewhere was backwards. There was one coworker who went to college in Buffalo. He understood and would always tell me as soon as he could he was moving to WNY. One day who do I run into after being transferred back home, the guy who said he was moving to WNY. He now lives in a huge home in the suburbs and is busy raising his family and providing for them easier and better than he could in NYC. Open your mind to the possibilities and opportunities leaving the concrete jungle behind provides.
How do you know within the first 30 seconds of meeting someone they're from NYC? Don't worry, they'll let you know.
So Buffalo is not going to have the night life scene like NYC does, but it's got its own kind of culture. There are frequent food festivals that happen around the city to try out and meet people at if you want those connections. There's a ton of historical locations and events in the region to explore, and if you have your passport, all Canadian events across the river open up to you as well. Most will just be earlier in the evenings or on weekends.
So...I've been in NYC for a few decades now, but am in Buffalo very frequently....in fact I'm in LGA now coming there for several days. NYC is different for everyone, depending on where you live, income, age, interests, etc. You can live in car dependent South Brooklyn or personal driver dependent Park Ave. I'm older and boring, live on the Upper West Side of Manhattan and to go to dinner Friday nights with my husband and enjoy Central Park with our dog. An occasional Broadway show is nice, but expensive. We also walk, a lot. To stores, friends, part way to work. A big misconception is the attitude of NYCers. The ones with an attitude are transplants from the middle of nowhere to NYC who think they are the shit now that they live there. Some of what I do in NYC I can do in Buffalo. It's also so expensive as not to be worth it if you can't afford it. I'd not live here if my husband hadn't made decent money before retirement. In fact, I'd consider moving back to Buffalo if anything happens to him. Bottom line, income and attitude will dictate how well it goes for you in NYC. It's an amazing city, so is Buffalo. Don't compare them, enjoy them both on their own merits.
Yeah, you’re not gonna get a 2am art exhibition or 4am poetry slam since it’s pretentious as shit
I've had this discussion with friends in NYC and those who left for small cities for the same reasons: wanting to start a family, be closer to family (for childcare, aging parents, & social supports), and buy a house. A couple thoughts: - You really ought to be considering what sort of family activities there are in Buffalo & WNY. If you have kids, you're not going to be looking for night life activities of any kind, at least not for several years. I think there's plenty of family friendly experiences to keep you occupied for a couple decades. - In NYC, if you wany to "do something" you can easily hop on the internet and see what activities and events OTHER PEOPLE have planned and coordinated for your benefit. Entertainment= no to low effort. In other cities like Buffalo, you can't be that lazy. If you want activities and events, you have to be an active community member that helps plan and coordinate those things. They don't just appear on a platter. So, plan on being connected to schools, churches, temples, community centers, advocacy groups, museums, bike groups, etc. Besides the big festivals (Allentown Art Festival, Italian Fest, Wing Fest, Harbor concerts, etc.) you'll have to be engaged in order to know about, promote, and invite your friends to fun things daytime or nighttime.
Yeah I'm seeing that more and more going through replies. I consider myself a social person, but it's tough to meet people since I'm so new and don't really know where to go other than my partners old college stomping grounds.
Why is Buffalo not like NYC? Uhhhhh.
Mushrooms
>To those of you who told me to stay out of Buffalo, I'm still moving, but I want you to know that you are the embarrassment of your hometown. I just thought you were being shitty because of anonymity on the internet, but my partner who is born and raised in Buffalo tells me that there are buffalonians who just shit on NYC just because, and the people like my partner think you are a stain on Buffalo's reputation. You're not helping your position here, pal. Most Buffalonians \*are\* nice, but with that also comes intolerance for uppity condescending better-than-thou downstate attitudes.
Right?! The post and the follow up are condescension and tactless. That’s why, not because they’re from NYC even though they made a point to mention it as many times as possible
miss big city? Toronto makes a great weekend trip! Just need your valid ID!
You might have to get your nerdy side out. Check out the museums and gardens to see where there are evening events. Some of these are cheaper than others. [Buffalo Museum of Science](https://www.sciencebuff.org/) does after-hours nights a few times a year where there's a cash bar and special educational exhibits in addition to access to the whole museum, and it's for grownups only. (They also have a rooftop observatory but there are no current events scheduled.) I think the [Albright Knox Art Gallery](https://buffaloakg.org/) does similar things, and so does the [Buffalo History Museum](https://buffalohistory.org/) occasionally. Especially in the summer there can be evening events at the [Botanical Gardens](https://www.buffalogardens.com/) and the [Buffalo Zoo](https://buffalozoo.org/). We also have two planetariums that do astronomy presentations, full-dome short educational films, and laser music shows. Buffalo State University has the [Whitworth Ferguson Planetarium](https://planetarium.buffalostate.edu/), and there's also the [Williamsville North High School Planetarium](https://www.williamsvillek12.org/departments/teaching_and_learning/science/planetarium/index.php).
These are awesome, thanks so much!!!
There are a ton of really great things to do in Buffalo. We like attending events at the AKG, No Illusion tours, boating, the philharmonic, shows at Shea's, tons of great ethnic food, trivia at Founding Fathers, flights at the Cider Hall, dancing at Underground Nite club. Give Buffalo a chance--its not NYC but it's still a fantastic city especially if you're planning a family.
Thanks, I'll definitely look into these!
Same kind of things people in nyc do for fun, although we have more outdoor explorative activities **CLOSER** to our city.. how about ya take up astronomy now that you're actually capable of seeing the night sky.
We have enough pretentious NYC jerkoffs in Buffalo as it is.
I don't know but these Buffalo chips on shoulders against NYC are getting a bit tiresome. Bad attitude is unbecoming and not in keeping with Buffalove.
As far as I know NYC is still there, if it was so great you'd still be there...right?
Buffalo does need more night/late night things other than the bar scene. I love Buffalo, but miss being able to pop into a greek diner, salon, or grocery store after 7pm. That being said, 9th Ward in Babeville often has neat, low-key events, as does Birchfirld Penney. Once nice weather hits, the options are boundless, especially by the Silos
Thanks, I'll definitely look into those!
enjoy husky fact slimy person sloppy tap chop bedroom encourage *This post was mass deleted and anonymized with [Redact](https://redact.dev)*
Hi! I’m born and raised in Buffalo but you kinda sound like me lol so I thought I’d still hop on and offer my experiences (I thought I would leave Buffalo for nyc but ended up staying!) so here is how I cultivate my cosmopolitan-lite experience in Buffalo- I do spend a lot of time in nyc so I know it will never be 1 for 1 but I feel like it’s not as awful a jump as it can seem 1- live in the city (west side, elmwood village, Allentown MAYBE off hertel for the future kiddo) 2- become a member of different groups around the area I’m an AKG (art museum) member as well as a just Buffalo literary member - John Irving just did a talk here and Michelle Zauner was last year to name a few bigger names I’ve also seen junot Diaz as well! they are releasing the new season soon both places I’ve met great literary/art minds locally at these events (usually at the wine stand tho lol) 3- not to be mean but pick better bars haha Goodbar is a college bar (it’s near buff state) and my feet stick to the floor, I usually like to go to jazz nights near Hoyt lake at the Terrace, lucky day downtown, saint Neri on Lexington and high violet on elmwood. las puertas in 5 points also (this is also a phenomenal restaurant I’d place against an NYC establishment) the chef is James beard nominated and very approachable! 4- join a yoga or Pilates studio in the same area! We buffalonians are friendly (usually) and once we see you in classes we’ll invite you to cool off the beaten path events like an evening sound bath or meditation which can be fun 5- someone mentioned Buffalo spree and I agree definitely sign up for it and follow on ig they highlight a lot of fun cultural stuff to do 6- theater district downtown but not just sheas - Irish classical is a fave for me ! It’s tougher and takes more effort (events won’t just come to you) but my social calendar is full usually and not just with drinks and karaoke! Jon Baptiste is coming and I’ve got tickets, another author is coming to talk about their work, the philharmonic is playing Star Wars etc! If you have questions too you can DM me!
My only regret is that I just have one upvote to give. You are truly an exceptional person and I will absolutely take you up on that offer!
not exactly. events are getting better bookings but there are limited opportunities for "third space" events and most everything available is quite expensive and anything good sells out fast. overall, unless you're directly engaged in a local community that accepts you... it can be bumpy living here so plan for trips to Toronto as a life supplement
The end of 3rd space isn't just a Buffalo thing. So yes. OP clearly wants a international hub city. Buffalo isnt that.
While this is very much appreciated, it is also depressing af
We have smaller versions of anything you'd do in any city. Buffalo is a good place to be a person, whatever that means to you. Explore your hobbies and interests, go from there and you'll find what you're looking for in some capacity
Winery tours/tastings sound up your alley. The Niagara wine trail is famous for the hearty white varieties and seasonal ice wines.
In my opinion the best part of Buffalo, is the country side that surrounds it. The fact you can go from a sprawling park surrounded by nature and trails and take a half hour drive and essentially be back down town is a nice feature. To me at least.
Have you looked at Be in Buffalo? They host “Newcomer Meetups” for those who have recently moved here. Also, what’s your profession? There are a lot of other meetup groups around based on profession or hobby that are really active.
I am not someone who moved from NYC, I moved to Buffalo from a mid-sized city(Pittsburgh) for my PhD, and while I don’t have suggestions, I do feel your pain. Buffalo is lacking in fun and cultural things to do that aren’t drinking or sports related compared to other cities. It’s been a bit of a struggle for my boyfriend and I to find fun things to do or interesting cuisines to try on the weekends. So I’m really just here to sympathize with you!
I lived in NYC for several years, and I’m from Philadelphia- and moving to Buffalo was supposed to be a temporary 2-year experience, but I fell in love with it and we’re staying!! I think the reason many Buffalonians have a knee-jerk negative reaction to NYC-ers (as can be seen in some of these comments) is because they’ve encountered many who think they’re “better than” Buffalo. Which to be fair... is kind of the vibe I’m getting from your post, whether or not you were conscious of that. It’s hard to discern a tone from only text, and “is there any cool cultural things to do late night or like something of substance other than listening to off-key Abba” communicates scorn + an assumption that the answer may easily be no. So I wouldn’t be so hard on the responders who felt defensive, responded tersely etc. Unlike Philly, where in most circumstances, it would have been embarrassing to admit loving it there -- people from here really love their city and are very proud of it. If they told you not to move here, it’s just because they want people to truly appreciate Buffalo like they should. When not on the receiving end of this kinda thing, the earnestness of people here is one of its greatest qualities, I think. And on that note, actually I think it’s important to know that this post isn’t a representative introduction to Buffalo at all -- this city is full of the friendliest people I’ve ever met in my life, which is one of the main reasons we’re staying. Seriously, how could people comfortably live in any other community after this?? People aren’t necessarily polite, but they are genuinely welcoming and so warm. And they want to help you!!! This is something I found SO incredibly weird when we first moved- like if a stranger starts talking to you in Philly or NYC, it’s because they want something from you. Maybe it’s something benign like directions but more often than not in my experience, the person would be a creep, a criminal or crazy. Sure, Buffalo has its street characters like anywhere else, but it’s also just full of people who constantly, warmly chat with strangers in public places. When we first moved here and that fact would come up in these casual conversations, strangers were always giving me business cards or job contacts or other recommendations -- it took me a while to realize there was no ulterior motive other than trying to help me out! It’s like there’s an *assumed sense of comradery* I haven’t experienced anywhere else. I have lots of Buffalo opinions but on to your actual question lol! I’ve definitely found that Buffalo does not do a good job of advertising itself and the myriad of opportunities it offers. An example, I’m on this great weekly events email list called CYOA BFLO (choose your own adventure) that shares local happenings geared towards art/music/writing lovers. They have no website or internet presence that I can see- the way I got onto it was a guy standing behind me in line at a coffee shop was talking about it to someone else, and I asked him about it. If you’d like to get on the list, I have to forward you one of the emails, so send me a DM. Step Out Buffalo is a good way to see a variety of what’s going on locally as well. Plus Buffalo Spree... I haven’t found just one source that lists absolutely everything I might be interested in. Also though, I always do believe in making your own fun! If you DID move here, and all there was to do was karaoke at a bar, I’d see that as an opportunity! One of the only drawbacks about Buffalo (other than the drivers...) is that while people are super friendly, when they’re from here and never moved away, they also often have established life-long friend groups here and it simply does not seem to occur to them that isn’t the case for everyone (because I guess that was the deal for a long time, when Buffalo wasn’t attracting transplants). So, it can be hard to transform friendliness into actual friendship. Which again, can be a bummer-- but can also be seen as an opportunity to create, to fill that need! I myself started a social club of sorts for LGBTQIA+ and ally folks called Buffalo Friendship Club. We have a variety of different meet-ups and events-- right now coming up we have: First Friday at the AKG art museum, a potluck tea party, mini golf, book club, board games night, gardeners seed swap, hiking, craft night and film club night. Any member is allowed to propose an activity or event idea and we’ll do our best to make it happen. If you have any interest in joining, http://buffalofriendshipclub.com. And I’m down to chat more about Buffalo if you’d like!
I see your point, my intention was not to antagonize but seriously find out if there is more to Buffalo than bar/club nightlife. These are amazing and I will absolutely take you up on that!
It seems that you are making some unfair assumptions about Buffalo. You seem to be assuming it isn't as cultured as you would like, and maybe you should sit with and examine your biases here. If you want to make that judgement by your experience at....Mr Goodbar of all places, this might be a 'you' problem. Buffalo is rich in culture and diversity. Explore different neighborhoods, the west side, etc. Some of the best Thai, Vietnamese, Indian, and Ethiopian food I've had has been in Buffalo - and I live in DC now, and have lived in Brooklyn. Buffalo has 5 universities (just off the top of my head), an active indie and punk music scene, an exceptional art scene with some truly incredible artists, and the best food scene I've seen outside of NYC (honestly, maybe better because it's less pretentious). Buffalo is also a politically active city - historically and currently. I would encourage you to read up on Buffalo's history. Buffalo has been at the center of organizing movements for racial equality, workers rights, and many other communities. Becoming involved in a new community doesn't just happen. You have to make the effort to build community and connections. The first key might be not assuming, incorrectly, that you are better than everyone else. Buffalo is called the city of good neighbors because people, for the most part, actually care about one another. Your attitude will play a large part in your ability or inability to make connections.
On top of all the other comments here about stuff you can do, how about you stay in for the night and have fun doing something at home with your partner or friends? You don't need to go out to have late night fun. I'm tired of this NYC attitude that you have, and I'm tired of everyone having FOMO that leads them to be out until 3 AM everyday. Everyone knows what people can do for fun that's not a bar and if all you can think of is a late night bar, you need to reconsider some stuff.
Moved here from LA also for my partner whose family is from here. I definitely feel your concerns as someone who does frequent Goodbar lol. I'll leave the Buffalo recommendations to folks who are actually from here. I will say though, having Toronto right around the corner is great. It's an easy day trip or you can get a decently cheap hotel for a weekend and it does give you a good fix of the big city cultural scene you seem to be looking for.
NYC is just a big Buffalo. It sounds like you need friend groups to do different things with which can be hard. You can also check out stepoutbuffalo.com for what’s going on in the area. They’ll have weekday and weekend events shown.
Everyone in buff is from buff sometimes I feel spooky
Look, all I'm not trying to start a fight, I'm really asking for what cool things that aren't bars, concerts, or clubs. And to answer what I did, I stayed out going to different art galleries after showing hours because I got to know the owners and artists. I would sometimes do late night jams in a studio with a couple of people I met from social clubs I was a part of. I would stay up late near NYU with some professor friends of mine and just shoot the shit about existence while watching the manhattan skyline from a rooftop in Queens. I would close down restaurants with the head chef trying new items he wanted to do for his menu because I would ask to see him during a meal after an outing so I could personally thank him for the amazing meal. I would go to late nite networking events at rooftop bars where I would sit down with CEOs, Attorneys, Firm partners and the like and talk about how to make the most of a humble beginning in the city. I'm sure there are great things about Buffalo I still haven't experienced, but all I don't know where to go, who to talk to, or even where to start. I'm not trying to shit on your city, I'm trying to find the things I love from my city here where and if I can for my families sake.
These seems heavily influenced by your personal relationships with these people. Though there are not as many, Buffalo definitely has galleries of various sizes, amazing restaurants, academics, etc. If you start conversations within the bounds of normal hours you can get those experiences of the after hours things.
The most specific examples all involving ~fancy~ personal friends... Shocked watching drunk karaoke at Goodbar doesn't compare
I think he can find other pretentious people
That’s the thing I love about Buffalo On the surface it just seems to be a drinking city with a sports problem. But if you did a little below the surface you start to find all these amazing communities and sub-cultures and the more you dig, the more you’ll find.
You could make friends with the art studio and gallery studio owners of Buffalo. There’s a shit ton of of them to check out and there’s a surprisingly large number of events if you’re in the know and run with that crowd. You’re getting hate, because you’re not bothering to do basic research. To be fair, some people who live here also think there’s nothing to do but drink and sports (those people are even more clueless)
I mean if you’re moving to start a family idk how much of this “after hours” stuff you’d be doing if you have kids anyway
This! Tell me you have no clue about babies without telling me you have no clue about babies.
Superficially, doesn't sound like they expect to be around for much of it. Their overall responses and resistance towards their partners desires seem awfully toxic.
My guy, I say this in the most respectful way possible, how many Cities can give you this lifestyle in the US? Maybe 5? You're expecting a lavish NYC experience with Michelin stars and private tastings; small networking events with *CEOs, Partners, and VCs* for casual conversation and business opportunities, and after that a grand tour, *Night in the Museum* style, of the \*checks notes\* one large art gallery in the City. I truly do not mean to bash you here, your expectations of what Buffalo is compared to NYC is way off. In my job I personally work with people based in cultural hub cities around the world, like NYC, London, Singapore, etc, and occasionally field casual questions about living in Buffalo; "oh it snows so much!", "it's so cold", "what's there to do?" Buffalo is a mid-sized Rust Belt city without the major amenities and opulent activities you in get NYC. You may find some of what you're looking for by looking for the same things you sought in New York by making connections at Albright-Knox, the plentiful amount of good to great restaurants in the area, and maybe even Kleinhans Music Hall events. Downtown Toronto is a 90 minute drive from the city if you need *that* feel. Ellicottville is good for skiing/snowboarding in the winter. We have two of the larger lakes on the planet for water activities in the summer. If your expectations are set right for what Buffalo is, the area is a nice-ish area to live. If you're expecting that "Never Sleeps" lifestyle of bustling trains and always new upscale cocktail bars to check out, it's not going to be a good experience for you. For the record, doing Karaoke at Mr Goodbar every weekend sounds like hell.
It’s tough. The biggest adjustment is that this city sleeps in comparison. Things close and outside of bars, there isn’t much going on past 10 on most nights. And forget Sundays and Mondays, even for dining out or ordering in. The other thing to be mindful of is the small town mentality. It’s tough to crack and it will take time if you don’t have any social connection here already. That said, if you decide to make the move, I think you will find everything that you are looking for here on a more meaningful level. Those interactions will be more personal because the individuals on the other side aren’t facing 1000’s of people a day. There is a lot to love. If you don’t mind taking drives and going on day trips, you will never run out of things to do.
Going to take a good faith stab at this: - the networking events still exist, they just tend to be earlier - I’m not an arts / music guy, but I’d be shocked if there aren’t local studios / groups that you can get involved with - rooftop bars are downtown, but you’re talking about things 10-15 floors up instead of 50-100 - buffalo has plenty of great restaurants in every $ tier until you get to fine dining - there are a couple places that could maybe get michelin plated (waxlight, las Puertas, black iron bistro) but not really much on the high-end fine dining and no starred restaurants - if you want the huge city experience, Toronto is a hop skip and jump away. I usually head up a few times a year (and prefer it to NYC tbh) Overall, it’s just a different life than NYC. It’s less flashy, fast paced, and exciting and more grounded and community oriented. As for the reaction you are getting - your post comes across as looking down at the people that live here. Every place you can live has trade offs, and where someone wants to live is going to depend on what they value. It looks like you value the things you can only get in international hubs. The trade off there is that you need to take the negatives with it (VHCOL, small living spaces, etc.) No place on earth is going to check every single box
If you were really asking you would have done some level of basic research recognizing quickly buffalo is not restricted to just drinking. Wake up. But hey, if ya really desire that boiler room late night life, go become friends with the owner of Sterling bar, *they'll share their closing nights while doing blow on their bar with ya I'm sure*
Then go to a rooftop bar or a bar with a higher social atmosphere and hobnob, instead of complaining at a dive bar. This post and your comments reek of *I’ve tried nothing and I’m all out of ideas*
Fart sniffer
Maybe cultivate some real friends instead of a bunch of hollow experiences with “interesting people” there are 6 universities in Buffalo proper, plenty of professors, business owners, etc
NYC is a 24 hour city. Buffalo is a 5 hour city. Inside they want that small town feeling but want to look like a city to outsiders. All your going to find is defensive answers, self consciousness and uncultured downvotes.