Buffalo

New York State’s second largest city, Buffalo has an unexpectedly beautiful skyline. It’s also an interesting place for architecture buffs, as 80 of its buildings, including many of its classic skyscrapers, are National Historic Landmarks or on the National Register of Historic Places. Most major architects of the 19th and 20th century built masterpieces in Buffalo, and many are still standing. If you’re into art-deco design, you’ll be in heaven here.

Niagara Falls is the long-standing big tourist attraction around here, right at the border with Canada.

The Buffalo gay community is compact, with a half dozen establishments, mostly around the area of Main Street between Allen and Chippewa. Things keep going quite late at night, as bars here don’t close until 4 am. Buffalo Pride is held in June.

Getting here

The modern Buffalo Niagara International Airport is the region’s main gateway. Amtrak Maple Leaf trains stop here on the way between New York City and Toronto, and back.

Getting around

You might want a car to get around the city, but NFTA-Metro has buses, trains, and tolley-buses that cover Buffalo, Lockport and Niagara Falls.

Local Media and Resources

Outcome is Buffalo’s gay newspaper. It has news and features on western New York. BuffaloGayBars is a well updated website with local listings. The Pride Center of Western New York has info on the local scene. For local arts events and listings, and restaurant reviews, see Artvoice website. Buffalo Rising is another useful general listings site.

An online magazine for Upstate NY, Diversity Rules just launched, hoping to have a print version soon.

Nightlife

Adonias Lounge (20 Allen St) mostly women, Allentown neighborhood bar, open to all, juke box, big patio and dance floor.

Cathode Ray (26 Allen St) mostly men's bar and video lounge, pool and darts, outdoor patio, Sunday football on TV.

Fugazi (503 Franklin St) upscale cocktail lounge.

Marcella Club (622 Main St) drag show party bar and lounge, dancing, pageants, old school and alternative performances, theme parties, Saturday Strip Down, diverse 18+ mix.

OHM (948 Main St) occasional gay special party events venue.

Q (44 Allen St) warm and comfortable, upscale Allentown neighborhood bar.

Roxy's (884 Main St) women's club, men welcome.

Underground (270 Delaware Ave) easy to meet, neighborhood bar, late night dancing, karaoke Mondays, big Saturday nights. 

Niagara Accommodations

Oasis Niagara (4266 Elgin St; 905-353-0223; Oasisniagara.com) Niagara's only gay men's guesthouse; affordable, from $70/night, clothing optional, year-round tropical sun room, lush garden, steps from Niagara River. Enjoy bike rides, Shaw Festival at Niagara-on-the-Lake, Niagara Falls.