The long-awaited opening of The Buffalo Kitchen Club has finally arrived. This past Saturday, Raelean McGee, her husband Shawn, and brother-in-law Stanley Booker, opened the doors to the establishment that is a culmination of their careers in the restaurant industry, and their love of “feel-good Buffalo food.”
It turns out that my initial visit – last evening – was karaoke night, which takes place every Thursday. To say that the place was hopping would be an understatement. There was a large birthday table in one corner, another celebration in another corner, with people popping in and out to try their hands at the mic.
The bar was also lively, with a spirited clientele that was out to have a good time, sample some food offerings, and toast to the good fortune of this new corner bar and eatery.
At one point, I ran into Raelean and Shawn, who were over the moon about being open. They told me that that they were excited to be part of the Elmwood experience, and that Buffalo Kitchen Club is everything that they imagined that it would be.
For me, this is a place that is within direct walking distance from my house. I was excited to see a place finally open, after sitting vacant for a while. But more than that, it was nice to see a mix of people, coming together to enjoy themselves with good food, drink, and song.
At one point, chef Dwight Land III walked out of the kitchen to observe what was going on. He walked up to me at the bar and asked if I was enjoying myself. He said that cheffing at Buffalo Kitchen Club was a dream job for him, and that he was very proud of the menu, which includes spicy fried cheese curds, grilled shrimp pasta, fish tacos, cheeseburger (and veggie burger), a couple of salads and a kid’s menu.
Buffalo Kitchen Club has a fun and relaxed vibe, with approachable food, and is family friendly. It’s a nice addition to the Elmwood Village, for brunch, lunch, and dinner. As for karaoke-lovers, you just can’t beat it, whether you’re a novice or a pro. Just know that there’s some real talent at this place, which makes Thursdays enjoyable for those participating on stage, or for those (like me) simply watching from afar.
If you’re in the mood for something different, you’ve come to the right place.
Buffalo Kitchen Club
431 Elmwood Ave, Buffalo, NY 14222 | (716) 909-4447
Wed-Sat 11-11pm & Sundays 11-8pm
The post Buffalo Kitchen Club Opens to Lively Fanfare appeared first on Buffalo Rising.