Girls weekend in Buffalo

[tartytatin]

I'm planning a girls weekend in Buffalo for late September and looking for a restaurant for dinner on the Saturday night. Something with a good wine list and great food. We all live in downtown Toronto and eat out often. Any suggestions?

[bflocat]

My friends and I are early-mid 30s and we do our Girls Nights at Tempo, Left Bank, and Hutch's. We used to do Mother's regularly, but Saturday nights can get so crowded and loud at the bar (which spills into the indoor dining area). Now we just head there after dinner for drinks, especially when the patio is open.

There's a new place that recently opened on Elmwood called Tabree. I've only been once thus far, and they had a pretty solid wine list and very good food, but it's tiny, so only go there if it's warm enough to sit out back on their divine covered deck (supposedly they are getting heaters...).

[tartytatin]

Yes, I should have given more specific information! Okay, it's definitely a "women's night out." We are all in and around 40. As far as scene goes, something lively and hip would be nice. Not too loud though. A patio sounds like a good plan if the weather is nice. (Thanks for the recos bflocat.) Cuisine could be Bistro, French, Italian, Asian Contemporary. In Toronto we often go to Terroni, The Swan, Foxly, Delux, The Drake, if anyone is familiar. We will likely be staying near Elmwood village.

Thanks to everyone who responded, If you have any further suggestions, please keep them coming!

[houdini]

Rue Franklin. You'll love it!!!

[rkaene]

Coles- casual, great "Buffalo" food, and great menu! Don't miss sponge candy at the many candy stores on elmwood!

[bflocat]

Rue Franklin has great food, but it always strikes me as a little stuffy. Their patio is beautiful though...

Coles is my favorite spot for burgers and beer - they have the best taps in the city - but if you're looking for a good wine list and a more upscale spot, this is not it.

[rkaene]

Great for lunch while shopping on Elmwood. If you have time try to hit Premier ( wine, gourmet stuff), before you leave.

[houdini]

Somehow, "We are all in and around 40" doesn't suggest a college beer joint to me - which is what I think of when I think of Coles. Maybe, but maybe not, eh?

[bflocat]

Yeah, I completely agree. I was responding to rkaene's suggestion of Cole's...and although I do love it (not tryin' to hate on Cole's here), I don't think it's a spot for a special dinner...or even an afternoon lunch. Does anyone else really wish they'd update their decor?!? I think exactly the same as it was in the late 80s...

[bryndle]

tara/bryan...tabree loves the drake hotel, we're sorry we missed the film festival..good times Im sure, anyway tabree offers french fare with french flare wine and beer only, but carefully chosen. try us

[jerryc123]

Another recommendation for Left Bank.

Ummm... without asking your age - Is this girl's night out, or women's night out?
What type of 'scene' and cuisine do you have in mind?

[srudnicki1]

When we lived in Buffalo, my wife was always a big fine of Left Bank. Mother's is another favorite. Not sure what type of scene you are looking for, but both are smaller, great food, great wine list type place with a small but lively bar area. If you are looking for something different, let us know.

[houdini]

Good wine list and great food, huh. Well, I'd suggest you take a look at http://www.cse.buffalo.edu/restaurant...
and see if you can't decide on a cuisine and maybe pick a location near where you are staying - you aren't planning on driving afterward, are you?
Being of the male persuasion, I really can't come up with a good girl's night out place, but there are a lot of very good choices. Daniel's in Hamburg is about the best restaurant in the area and has an exceptional wine list. You certainly wouldn't be disappointed there.

[Marge]

My favorite girls night in Buffalo restaurant...
http://www.leftbankrestaurant.com/ind...