Much like someone who hasn't read the book before seeing movie, I went into the new Anchor Bar on East Avenue with no preconceived notions or expectations of what it should be. The newest offshoot of the original Buffalo location - reportedly the birthplace of the Buffalo chicken wing - offers a pleasant reprieve from the typically 20something bars in that stretch of the East End.
As my partner in crime and I arrived at the Anchor Bar on a Saturday evening, I swear I could smell the tangy scent of chicken wing sauce from the street. When you enter the place you feel a familiarity and laid-back atmosphere only a neighborhood bar can offer. Despite its hard-wood interior with brass fixtures, the bar is surprisingly bright and airy thanks to the high ceilings and arched windows that wrap around the front and side of the building. The bar area is tastefully decorated, but not overly so, with street signs and various other pub-style decorations, which give the place a warm, Cheers-like quality. The possible exceptions are the two custom motorcycles, one parked over the main entrance and one tucked in the corner of the bar area, but even those add a certain charm to the place.
The bar itself set in the middle and slightly to the back of the room, leaving plenty of space for patrons to move around freely. Upstairs the Anchor Bar offers a dining area for those who prefer a little more quiet while watching the game and enjoying your tasty pub treats. (I prefer mine at the bar, but that's me.)
Quickly forgetting any of the previous, somewhat pretentious nightlife spots that occupied that location before Anchor moved (such as Hush and The Chocolate Bar), we spotted a couple of open spots at the far end of the bar. We wound our way through the busy but not too crowded bar area (we had more than enough elbow room) to a keen spot with full view of the room. As we sat down we noticed there were televisions mounted above us on the inside of the bar area. No more contorting yourself around the person next to you to see that pop fly, or squinting to see that field goal from across the room. We were in clear view of at least four flat-screens, and in full view of a few more plastered through out the room. (I actually hoped to find a television in the bathroom too, but no such luck.)
We didn't have to wait long before a friendly staffer greeted us and asked if we cared for a beverage. The Anchor Bar offers a variety of beers on tap, including Bass, Michelob Ultra, as well as Labatts and Genny products, which come by the pint or by the pitcher. If beer isn't your fancy, Anchor Bar offers a well rounded selection of wine and spirits. After our pints of Magic Hat No. 9 and Sam Adams Octoberfest arrived, my companion and I ordered wings - it was the Anchor Bar, after all. The chicken wings range in intensity from mild to "suicidal" (I wouldn't stand next to the guy who orders those). Also on the menu was a burger called "The Rochesterian," which comes topped with American cheese, onions, and hot sauce (probably the same guy; step away).
As I looked around room from my comfortable perch at the bar, I noticed a table of off-duty firemen sitting next a group of leather-clad bikers stopping in for drink. Across from them a family gnawing on chicken wings sat along side a group of jocks there to watch a game, who were in turn standing next to a bunch of Armani suited-businessmen. This is definitely a place where everyone can feel comfortable. The whole time we were there, the Anchor Bar was busy but never felt crowded. It seemed as if the patrons were there with only one goal in mind: eat wings, have a few drinks, watch a game, and have a good time.
The Anchor Bar is located at 355 East Avenue and is open daily 11 a.m.-2 a.m. For more information call 861-6475 or visit anchorbar.com.
Upcoming event
ONE Restaurant and Lounge located at 1 Ryan Alley is holding a cigar dinner on Monday, September 21. Dinner will include a two-course meal, plus dessert; after dinner there will be a cigar and spirits pairing, all for $60. Cigars featured are freshly hand-rolled locally, provided by Don Cisso Cigar Club. For more information call 546-1010 or visit oneryan.com.