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Buffalo Billiards
Categories: Nightlife Pool Halls Restaurants American (Traditional) Pool Halls, American (Traditional) [Edit]
116 Chestnut StPhiladelphia, PA 19106
Neighborhood: Olde City
(215) 574-7665
- Hours:
Mon-Tue 12 pm - 2 am
Wed-Fri 4 pm - 2 am
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Music:
- Juke Box
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Thu, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
63 reviews for Buffalo Billiards
Review Highlights
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"Pool, skee-ball, flat screens, and music makes time fly by." In 7 reviews -
"Plus, they have Big Buck Hunter." In 5 reviews -
"Probably the best Happy Hour in Philly on a Tuesday..." In 12 reviews
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63 reviews in English
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Review from Parker S.
5/25/2012 1 Check-in Here
Fun bar in Old City with one of the best happy hours in not just Old City but Philadelphia in general.
The best part of their happy hour is the timing...6 to 8pm Monday-Friday. $3 Drafts, $3 Wells, and half price appetizers. The draft list is pretty good...about 10 different craft beers, and not all local standards. In fact, last time I was there they had Kona's Coconut Brown Ale on draft, which is a Hawaiian beer that I haven't seen on draft anywhere else in the city.
I can't comment on the food...in fact I can't even say for sure that they have food. I imagine they do because I believe there is a kitchen in the back, but it doesnt seem like many people are there to eat.
The bar has about 5 pool tables, a few shuffle board tables, and some skee ball machines. I think they run specials for playing the games during certains times which could enable you to play pool for cheap. They also had a skee ball league going on while I was there last week.
The bar itself is fairly dark, and a semi-dive, but that is to be expected from a pool hall style bar. Overall its a fun bar with good activities and a well-timed, excellently priced happy hour. -
Review from Stephen K.
Levittown, PA
5/25/2012 1 Check-in Here
Nice place to go with friends or co-workers. Great happy hour... AND they have skee-ball tournaments!!!
Went with a co-worker on a Thursday. The place is big for it's location.
Pool Tables:
Have about 5 tables. I never understand why they charge you more for multiple people. Only one person can play at a time. It should be a flat price per hour.
Happy Hour: very good
$3 drafts and 1/2 price apps AND it goes till 8pm!!!
Food: Mixed feelings
spinach artichoke dip - very creamy and good, could use some salt. the tortilla chips had no salt on them.
old bay fries with side of cheese - good fries, BUT way to salty. The fries were covered in salt AND then covered in old bay. Had to order some waters to get rid of the taste.
Overall: Decent and would go back. -
Review from Alie A.
4/13/2012
Are you that person sitting on the couch on a Friday night will a bud light can in your hand rolling your head back and complaining that you are tired of doing the same old thing every night out drinking?
Then Buffalo Billiards is the place for you.
The crowd never disappoints..and I mean any night of the week. I thought I saw Christopher Walken last time I was there (I was wrong). Anyway, a great alternative to the same old. Play some some other oldie but goodie games, have a few drinks..you're golden! Enjoyable, though it's really an "I'm in the mood to play shuffle board" kind of place in my eyes. -
Review from Ashley W.
Norristown, PA
5/19/2012
For me, this place is the perfect weekend afternoon chill spot to get with friends for a few rounds of pool and some drinks/food. Not sure how the late nights get, it could possibly get louder and busier, but when I went on a Sunday afternoon it was pretty quiet.
Service is friendly. Food - I've only eaten their quesodillas which were actually probably close to the best I've had. -
Review from Daniel H.
3/24/2012
So maybe it doesn't have the coolest name (in fact, my girlfriend and I fantasize about buying the spot and renaming it), but this place is an incredible find for anyone not looking for a raunchy dance party.
Let's review what I feel are the key factors for a good drinking hole:
Good beer with a good selection: check
Full bar with all necessary liquors: check
Edible eats to go with the drinks: check
Lots of space so that I'm not humping my neighbor: check check
Enough TVs to watch my favorite team (WE ARE...): check check check
Entertainment options beyond TV for a good time: check (darts), check (shuffle board), check (pool), and my personal favorite... check (Big Buck Hunter)
This is not the kind of place you go to pick up the ladies, but it IS the kind of place you come with your friends, hang out, do your thing, and laugh about life. That's my kind of place.
Not a fan? That's fine. The rest of us will enjoy the scene while you drink your neighbor's sweat at just about every other place in Old City.Listed in: Philly Bar Scene
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Review from Matt G.
3/15/2012 1 Check-in Here
This place is as you read the name....classic and done right for a billards. Plenty of tables...but not going to lie they have two shuffle board tables that we played..so clutch.
Good music, drinks are cold and games for anyone. -
Review from Kimberly S.
Philadelphia, PA
11/1/2011
Buffalo Billiards is a great place for _________.
A. Happy Hour (especially convenient after 5-7 hh's since theirs is 6-8)
B. Wings served crispy in a mild sweet and spicy sauce (my fav. wings in the city!)
C. Bar activities ("So many activities!") like Buck Hunter, skeeball, darts, pool, and shuffleboard
D. Watching games (many HD TV's and it never gets overly crowded)
E. Good beer (one of the few places that often has Breckenridge Vanilla Porter on tap)
F. Groups (servers don't get sassy about splitting up checks and are quite attentive)
G. All of the above
If you chose G, you are correct! -
Review from Wil S.
Philadelphia, PA
1/11/2012
awhile back I decided to have my company(Confrontational Clothing) holiday party here. I was a little hesitant because of some of the rumors from friends I grew up with in the area.
Boy were they wrong !!! The staff was very accommodating for my small holiday party of 10. Our cocktail server was always there when we needed her as well as the manager coming down to check on us a few times.
Loved the atmosphere we heard good music played pool and had a great bar buffet menu. The decor reminded us we were in a bar and not too upscale which is what we were looking for. Not bad in the women's department either, definitely a few to stare at and wish haha.... I would def recommend going if you just want a laid back bar atmosphere. My only gripe is Old City Philadelphia parking sucks lol -
Review from Kara S.
Phoenixville, PA
10/22/2011
Happy hour here is from 6-8pm. If you're like me and want to be entertained while drinking, this is the place to go. Pool, skee-ball, flat screens, and music makes time fly by. Also, stuff is pretty cheap here. Well drinks and beer are $3 each and appetizers are half-off. Pool (when split between a few people) is also very reasonable.
Last but not least, street parking on weeknights is great around this area. If you can't find it you aren't looking... 4 stars for Buffalo Billards! -
Review from Franz K.
Fort Lauderdale, FL
7/21/2011 1 Check-in Here
Probably the best Happy Hour in Philly on a Tuesday afternoon. $3 well drinks, half of appetizers, bar games, pool tables, skee ball, TV's . . . I mean what more can you ask for? Bomb hours from 6-8 . . . most spots are 4-6 or 5-7 . . . perfect hours for our walking tour that started at 7:30 2 blocks down. Drinks were good, wings were bomb . . .it is a little dark in here and you may have to flag down the bartender but that is a minor inconvenience to the value this place offers. Not too crowded but I can only imagine a Philies game.
Definitely recommend, especially during Happy Hour. -
Review from Danielle S.
Philadelphia, PA
2/6/2012 1 Check-in Here
My organization did a happy hour in their upstairs bar and they were great, accommodating and easy to work with. The added novelty of the pool tables made for a fun night. Will work with them again!
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Review from Thalie A.
9/1/2011
I should've written this review earlier but kept forgetting...lol
Anyway, went here to meet a group & have a some food, drink & games. Now, I'm rubbish at pool but they have a good amount of tables there, all well maintained, skee ball & some other good stuff.
The space downstairs is good, a little snug for multiple teams on the pool but everyone was pleasant & accomodating to each other.
I didn't eat but told the food was yummy. I did drink & can tell you the service was good & the vodka tonics are strong (probably why I was crap at the pool)
Good place to meet up afterwork or on a Saturday early evening with friends to have a good laugh. Good location too. -
Review from Jeanne M.
Philadelphia, PA
6/24/2011 1 Check-in Here
I didn't even know this place existed until we went with a group of friends for a late night round of pool and drinks.
After a round of rum shots (we're some wild and crazy kids), we finally got a spot at a table (they will take your name and let you know when one is ready).
For our group of 4, our lovely host paid only $16 for the pool table for an entire hour, and even though boy and I lost (quite graciously, I might add), it was a really good night. -
Review from Shirley Y.
Marlton, NJ
8/12/2011
I would give 3 1/2 stars if I could. Standard bar food and beer, but lots of games around to keep you entertained :)
Shuffle board, pool, skeeball, darts, and others! Games and drinks go great together! Space is a little tight around the games so playing pool can be slightly challenging.
Waitresses were very attentive and kept checking back to see if you needed anything else. Foodwise, I like the wings and mac & cheese. -
Review from Henry P.
5/3/2011 1 Check-in Here
Came here to catch the Bruins and Flyers while I was here during a quick trip from Boston
Awesome atmosphere, crowded with people playing pool, skeeball, drinking and just watching the game.
Comfy booths, fantastic beer and awesome HD flat screens spread out all over the establishment broadcasting the game.
Awesome place to come eat, drink and swear at the TV.
There's somethings in life that money can't buy and The atmosphere at Buffalo Billiards is definitely something amazing. -
Review from Vinny P.
3/10/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I've been here a few times and on nights that it's not packed, it's actually a very decent place.
Their tables might not be in the best of shape but they have a good sized bar and a pretty good set of tables. I think the tables here are 8', maybe 8.5'. That's ok in my opinion though I do prefer playing on 9' tables.
The draft selection here is very respectable for being a pool hall in Olde City. Last night I tasted both the Breckenridge Vanilla Porter and the Dogfishhead 60 Min IPA. Both respectable beers albeit a bit on the high side in price at this establishment.
If pool is your game then you can play at an hourly rate here which is nice. No dealing with coins. The tables could be in slightly better shape and the sticks could be less wobbly. I think they take a lot of abuse from the weekend crowd.
I typically avoid it on weekends but last night, after the Wordpress meetup, our traveling geek convention found Buffalo Billiards to be nice cozy spot to saddle up for a few pints.Listed in: Pool (Billiards)
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Review from John R.
Spring House, PA
12/29/2011
A chill spot with great people. Loads of pool tables, great music and cheap drinks. Try the house made corn dogs...*mouth waters*
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Review from Colleen M.
Philadelphia, PA
5/15/2011
I like this place... a lot. I know it's a chain and I've been to other locations (DC) but they fail to measure up to this spot.
Usually end up here for drunken mess-fests with coworkers. It's ideal for bringing together those mixed crowds from work who might not have a whole lot in common. Skee Ball, pool and foosball are terrific ice breakers and the beer here is great. There's a good selection and the bartenders are great. When you pull up to the bar you get a real "Cheers" feeling.
The food is pretty standard bar fare -- but there's a reason such things are "standard"... it's because they work. Peirogies and poppers are great drunk food and it's 1/2 price during happy hour as well as any beer on Tap. Love this!
The only reason this place isn't a 4 star is because my favorite bartender here has left and I am not sure he can be properly replaced. :(
Otherwise, great times and great beers. -
Review from Brian L.
3/17/2011
Lots of stuff to do if you want to be in old city but not in a loud bar. Pool tables, darts, BIG BUCK HUNTER, foosball, skeeball, shuffleboard...stuff you can do. Wait can get long, but just drink and talk!
Very roomy. $20/hour for tables. Enjoy. Brawler on tap...HUGE. -
Review from Al S.
Philadelphia, PA
4/23/2011
I have enjoyed myself here during various circumstances: stumbled in on a fuzzy-headed Saturday night, parted on a reserved second floor for a work event, stopped in on for a game of pool, etc.
My most recent visit was on a lazy Sunday afternoon with a half-dozen friends. The bar was nearly empty so we pretty much had our run of the place. We snacked on mediocre but satisfying bar food munchies while playing pool, darts, and shuffleboard. There was a quick round of Skee Ball. No one would necessarily come here for the beer, but the draft list was respectable. The service was plenty attentive without being overbearingly suffocating.
We ended up having a fun afternoon for a slightly hefty but decent price. While I tend to avoid this place during its busy periods, I would definitely come back here to pass another lazy weekend afternoon. -
Review from Bill M.
4/16/2008
While Philly offers plenty of spots for pool (Both Mom's, Las Vegas Lounge, Charlie's, etc.) none of them are obvious choices to people who don't initially go on Yelp or hear about them through word of mouth. That's the only reason I can see this spot making any money, because compared to those hot spots this place is pretty laughable at best.
It's at least a good idea on paper. a Pool hall where you can drink, shoot darts, and play pool by an hour rate. And the table's are regulation size, at least on equal standards to the table in the makeshift hall in my house (yeah we own a table. That's just how McThrill and company roll.). But this place is nothing compared to playing a game while listening to the jukebox selection at Tattooed Mom's. And throw in the fact that the other places don't bring in the annoying Old City crowd that this spot does and your looking at more reasons to go elsewhere. Throw in the overpriced drinks and food that this spot dishes out and damn is it hurting. I'll see you at Mom's.Listed in: The Highlight Reel, The Worst!!, Designated D List
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Review from Kyle H.
1/14/2009
Had a great time at Buffalo Billiards years ago! Played pool for hours (mostly because we were so drunk we couldn't sink anything), got free drinks all night, plugged their awesome jukebox, watched fellow conventioners on Spring Break makeout, and generally had a blast!
I know my drunken 5-star review would be tempered by a 1-star review if I were anywhere near sober, 3 stars for Buffalo Billiards! I now laugh whenever I see this chain, as I recently did in Austin on 6th street.Listed in: It's Always Sunny in…
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Review from Mark N.
Philadelphia, PA
4/25/2011
No Air Conditioning :( and it's only April.
What's it going to be like in July ? -
Review from lee c.
Malvern, PA
6/4/2008
I don't play pool a lot, so this place came off as simple, fun and intimidating. I went with several friends on a Tuesday night, so the crowd was like the atmosphere, cool and laid back. They have a bunch of pool tables, 3 dart boards, a domed hockey game, a buck hunter arcade game, and (drumroll please) a Ms. Pacman/Galaga machine. For a fun after-dinner hangout spot, I was in heaven. There were also a lot of screens with sport and I was really getting into the leather faux west rte 69-ish feel.
But I would be wary of the place on an on night, it could get too trendy and "bro" oriented for the likes of me.Listed in: Ms. Pac Man
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Review from Dan R.
8/19/2010
When I heard we were going to a place with shuffleboard, I got very excited. When I learned that they'd be charging $20 per hour to play - not as excited. Sure, it's only five bucks per person, but really, it's the principle. I understand Buffalo Billiards is a pool hall and that some people come here to game, and others come here to drink. We were here to do both.
The shuffleboard itself was in need of some lovin' - it was under-sanded, yet somehow too fast, and had some unexpected curvature where you'd expect it to be level. Regardless, it was a shuffleboard - and any place with shuffleboard in the first place goes a long way in my book.
Buffalo Billiards has more than its fair share of leg room in order to house all it has to offer - pool tables, Skee-Ball, Foosball, darts, video games, TVs, booths, and a central bar. Most people order cans, and mostly Rolling Rock. Naturally, it being a guys' bar, the bartenders are attractive and there are waitresses to fetch your drinks while you're busy gaming.
All in all, this is a good spot to start the night with the bros, but nothing more really. I'm thinkin' maybe the $20 an hour on the shuffleboard buys you all the time you need here. Just don't wear out your welcome before it gets too late - the rest of your evening is waiting. -
Review from Lene P.
Philadelphia, PA
7/13/2008
I've always had fun here. I never paid for a table since I SUCK at pool and I only play because people urge me to hit a few balls. I've spent time upstairs and downstairs and I haven't had a problem. I love the diversity in the music played on the jukebox and the patrons all seem to be really nice. My favorite table is the one closest by the window upstairs. There are also comfortable chairs to sit on. I guess I did have a complaint in that one time I was there, the bartender upstairs gave us weak drinks.
I've gone here on a weeknight and a Friday night and it wasn't a racuous experience. No complaints, recommended if you want to play pool and drink!Listed in: Olde City
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Review from Beth K.
11/7/2010
On a weekend it's hard to play a real game because the tables are close together, and not really segregated from the other areas. Lots of interruptions, lots of asking people to move and/or working around whatever is in your way. Some of the pockets were disconnected, and the balls kept falling out and rolling under the table. I searched all over the first floor and could not find a bridge. For $14 an hour (their weekend rate for 2 people), I expected more.
However, I enjoy the non-billiards attractions here. They have multiple dart boards and 2 shuffleboard tables. They also have a lot of well-placed flatscreen tv's for game watching. Plus their bar food is decent and cheap too - nothing fancy, just basics like burgers, mozerella sticks, chicken fingers, etc.
In the neighborhood, it's a nice low key option. And fine if you want to pass the time by knocking the pool balls around while you drink. But it doesn't feel like a serious pool hall. It's a bar, that happens to have a bunch of tables in it. -
Review from Nicole R.
PA
2/15/2007
I was on this pool jag for a little while. I suck but I had a vision of me morphing into a pool shark for the sole purpose of beating this one friend of mine who always seems to win at games. I wanted to beat him badly. But the fact of the matter is I still suck. Part of my pool jag was spent at Buffalo Billiards which has 1/2 priced pool upstairs on Wednesdays along with good drink specials. Their beer menu isn't award-winning, nor is their food, but it's fair enough for a pool hall.
The bar is pretty cool too, it's big, dark in a good way and has the feel of being a real venue for serious pool sharking. -
Review from Susan G.
6/19/2007
So maybe I'm biased because a friend works here....but I like it. It's great to watch games at! Two huge projection screens and a ton of pool tables. It gets a bit crowded...but they do have great drink specials...the food is pub food. It's not great, but it's a bar really a dressy sort of pool hall.
Now upstairs is a bit more loungy than downstairs...over all I like it. -
Review from Dave H.
4/22/2008 5 photos
Buffalo Billiards is a relaxed pool hall and bar in Old City. There's an abundance of TV sets in-house, and a few projectors will show the latest sports game on the walls. There's a few arcade machines and random bar-appropriate games.
I met with friends during their happy hour and we took full advantage of their half-off appetizer special (I think that's what it was). Don't EVER come to Buffalo Billiards for Irish car bombs. For pool, yes, for shots of SoCo ($5/shot), yes, for their decent wings (with a variety of sauces), yes. I got raped with the outrageous prices for their Irish car bombs - $10/shot!
Last, but not least, our cool server (Kristen) was fine, and available when we screamed. It's not a horrible spot, but not exactly my scene (and the price for car bombs is high, even for Old City). Your mileage may vary. -
Review from Mo C.
9/25/2008
Drink here, DO NOT eat here!
So, they have lots of cool beers on tap. I particularly liked the Walt Whitman that was a tasty wheat beer. Hung out here for a few brews before heading over to Cavanaugh's for some dancing.
Didn't play pool. The music wasn't particularly annoying, but not memorable either. The decor is cute pool-hally stuff. The barstools could definitely use some maintenance.
Ordered the buffalo chicken quesadilla and it was terrible. How the hell can you screw up a quesadilla? It had no flavor at all. How is that possible with buffalo chicken? My assumption is, if they screwed up a quesadilla this bad, I wouldn't even attempt to try anything else on their menu. Go here for the cocktails, only. -
Review from matt h.
Philadelphia, PA
10/4/2009
Buffalo Billiards is a nice change of pace from what one is used to when going to Old City. Downstairs is a humongous open area with pool tables, fusball, dart boards, video games, a couch set up and best of of all - shuffle board tables. Upstairs if very similar with lots of pool tables and more couch set ups. The downstairs bar has your typical beers on tap and they offer specials for happy hours and phls/eagles games.
On a weekend, when every Old City place is packed full of douchers, BB has a nice average sized crowd. If you have a big group of people this is the place to relax and hang. If I had to complain about anything, the ratio of males to females seems to be higher than most places and the rate for shuffle-board is much higher than I expected (I cant remember exactly how much it was but i was a tad shocked when paying - although it IS worth it...most fun I've had in a long time playing bar games.) -
Review from Megan D.
Philadelphia, PA
7/27/2010
I've been to Buffalo Billiards countless times, so I guess it's about time to write a review.
This is such a great place to meet with friends and have a laid back night. The game prices are somewhat high, but better than a D&B. Saturday was disgustingly hot in Philadelphia so we decided to do a pub crawl, this was stop 7. They have pool tables, skee-ball, lots of Megatouchs, Buck Hunter, darts and quads.
The menu is pretty small and I have ordered food in the past that didn't wow me but wasn't offensive. Honestly, it's pub food and I've never gone there just to eat.
I'm sure I'll be back, it's a great time and I would recommend it for groups or for a date! -
Review from April S.
Philadelphia, PA
8/9/2010
Went here for happy hour with an out of town friend on a Friday night. First of all I choose Buffalo Billiads because the happy hour specials are pretty fantastic. $3 draughts (including some great microbrews), $3 well cocktails and 1/2 priced apps.
Plenty of TVs to watch the phillies, and of course pool tables. Lot of things to grab my attention. I likey.
The service was pretty good. Nice waitress, but she seemed to get really busy at one point and we couldn't find her when we needed her. I think they only had 2 servers on that night, which is strange considering it's a Friday night!
Food was decent. I think the portions might have been downsized for happy hour, but it was cheap so I didn't mind.
All in all, great atmosphere for hanging with friends u haven't seen in awhile, or to meet some new ones! -
Review from Annie A.
5/25/2011 2 Check-ins Here
This is a good spot to watch the game and enjoy happy hour with friends. Nothing fancy, what you see is what you get.
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Review from Valerie S.
Riverside, CA
7/13/2011 1 Check-in Here
A good place to have a drink, watch a game, or play pool. Nothing too special about it.
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Review from Yelena Y.
Philadelphia, PA
6/4/2011
Good place to come watch whatever game is on and really close to the blue line. Three dollar drafts during happy hour and half price appetizers. As for the fish tacos, well either you love 'em or you don't.
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Review from Christopher R.
Philadelphia, PA
5/31/2011
I had heard about this place awhile back but it wasn't until this Flyer's playoff season that I finally ended up going there. While they were playing Buffalo I went here to watch every game. Their Happy Hour special is pretty good and they have some decent beers on tap. The taco special they have is so dope, especially the fish tacos which are really great. I am not quite sure what the exact rate for the pool tables are but all I know is that we played for awhile and it was pretty cheap, I also like how you have to put your name on a waiting list to get on the tables. The place actually has two floors, the first is real big and the second is more loungy and pretty large as well. If you're looking for some cheap beers and a place to hang out with lots of friends to watch a game I'd say come here.
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Review from Courtney H.
Philadelphia, PA
4/1/2009
The other day after hitting an early happy hour in Old City we ended up landing at Buffalo Billiards. We we got there we were greeted instantly by the bartender and I asked what their specials were. The bartender informed me they had all droughts for $3 and 1/2 priced appetizers until 8pm! We had arrived a little before 7pm and to our surprise we could now continue our outing until 8pm and still drink on the cheap! AND we could eat! So if you get off work later then most and can't make the usual happy hour time (5-7) then head to Buffalo- their happy hour lasts until 8pm Monday- Friday.
PS- They have delicious wings and fries! -
Review from Jane F.
Folsom, PA
2/11/2011
BB nice, fun place to catch up with friends. Not for the serious pool players maybe, but good cold beer, decent bar food. Meet at BB for a few drinks then head down the street to Han Dynasty. Great night out.
