Allendale Theater

Allendale Theater

The Allendale Theater was built in 1913. The unique neighborhood theater featured silent films and later live theater. The neo-classical revival styled theater had all the gilded attributes of the great theaters of the early 1900's. The 900 seat cinema was filled with leaded glass, carved ornamentation illuminated by modern incandescent lighting.

   Unfortunately, the Allendale went the way of a great many theaters of the last century, slipping into obscurity and facing demolition by the 1980s. Fortunately, through the efforts of private and public entities, the building was saved and revived as the treasure it is. Following an extensive restoration, the Allen Street building, that had laid dorment for so long, reopened in 2000 as the Theater of Youth.

http://www.theatreofyouth.org/

Coatsworth House

Coatsworth House

The Coatsworth House, at 49 Cottage, is one of the city's great hidden homes. Built in 1869 by Thomas Coatsworth for his wife Electra, the house is now a 6000+ sq. ft. multi- family dwelling, which has also served in the past as a home for Carmelite nuns. Coatsworth had made his fortune being in the right place at the right time. 1800's Buffalo was that place and time. The giant Second Empire style house dwarfs its tiny neighbors in this old cozy area of the city at the edge of Allentown.

Spittin' Wisdom

Mural off Allen Street

Let"s talk about the transvaluation of values...Or not. How many 19th century German philosophers have a bar named after them?
More than you think, but we like this one best.

Hamlin House, Post # 665

The Historic Hamlin House

The historic Hamlin House was built in 1865 on what was then know as Tuscarora Street. American Legion Post #665, a/k/a Hamlin House, was named for the house's first owner, Cicero Hamlin, sugar magnate and glucose manufacturer, which was big business in 1800s Buffalo. The Italianate Villa style mansion also became a Post for the American Legion, which it still is, as well as a restaurant and banquet facility. Located on Franklin Street in Allentown, the Post is a big gathering spot during St. Patrick's Day, The Arts Festival, and Halloween to name a few events. Hamlin House is open to the public as a full service restaurant.

www.hamlinhouse.com

Allen and Elmwood

Allen and Elmwood

The sun sets on Allen Street and on the final days of summer. Sunday night and nobody shows signs of letting go.
The sidewalk patios are full with voices and laughter filling the warm night air. We've had a pretty good run and this week promises more of the same. Have a great week in the City of Good Neighbors.

Nietzsche's

Ceiling @ Nietzsche's

There's music every night of the week at this no frills, down to earth birthplace of bands you may know and others long forgotten. The music remains and so do the signatures of those that have passed through on their artistic journey. Look up between the little antique chandeliers and see the scribblings of the musicians who have been part of this musical legacy since 1982. At the ass end of Allen Street Nietzsche's sits sentinel to Buffalo's rich local music scene, as well as those acts that want to play a real venue when they come to town. In the afternoon it plays the role of shadowy neighborhood gin joint,  resting up for the wee small hours of the morning.  

As Friedrich said, " Without music, life would be a mistake."

http://nietzsches.com

Betty's

Betty's

Passed by Betty's today. The interesting looking building at the corner of Virginia and Cottage has been a number of things over the years, from shoe repair, a juice company, a grocer and a hardware store to a string of delis. Since 2004 it's been Betty's and even on a closed Monday they are far from closed. They have been winning hearts and stomachs all these years because of their work ethic and that special ingredient. Yes, it's love. The team was hard at work inside keeping up with their reputation. They have been anchoring this residential neighborhood on the edge of Allentown for 12 years and consistently delivering. A combo of feel good and health conscious treats has kept them thriving, with no sign of slowing. Personally, we're in pursuit of Betty's legendary Veggie Burger. This one's the real deal for vegans. Supposedly this burger is no poser. I hear that it's so good it will make you want to apologize to the next cow you meet. Speaking of meat, they have that too, and word on the street is that it is pristine. This makes Betty's the perfect spot for a family of blended eating philosophies. So,  prep on, Monday makers of eclectic delicacies, prep on.

http://www.bettysbuffalo.com/

https://foursquare.com/top-places/buffalo/best-places-veggie-burgers