Nightlife in Lancaster

Williamsville, NY. The early 20th century. A man guides his family’s horse-drawn carriage through the flurries of snow sweeping across their circular driveway before coming to a halt in front of a striking two-story home. The ride was long and chilly, but inside, homey warmth awaits. Today, teleportation discs may have replaced the horse and buggy, but travelers still traverse the same driveway in search of a warm welcome. Now the home of Parings Wine Bar, the turn-of-the-century house reflects the goal that owner Shelia Paolini shared with the Amherst Bee’s Jessica Finch: “We want it to feel like you are coming into a living room, that you are at home, not at a bar.”

As soon as guests push open the bright-red front door, they enter a space that combines the comfort of a lived-in family room with the gourmet flavors found at traditional wine bars. Lit by flat-screen TVs and a cozy fireplace, guests peruse Chef Scott Martin’s ever-changing menu, which often features mediterranean nachos, lobster mac 'n' cheese, and horseradish beef tenderloin. Resident sommelier Alphonso DiMono’s wine list, which culls vintages from global wineries from Australia to France to California, perfectly complements the chef's creations. The bar’s mixologists also shake up more than 20 martinis infused with treats such has espresso vodka, Godiva white-chocolate liqueur, and pumpkin puree. As they sip and eat, guests can also join in special event nights that include art shows, live music, and happy hours that feature 20 types of wine for just $20 per bottle.

The House of Comedy's stage plays host to a hilarity-spreading horde of comics drawn from across North America. Jokesters gracing the stage might include David Coulier of Full House fame, Saved by the Bell's Dustin Diamond, and soap-opera star Walt Willey. Simultaneous feasts let guests alternately chortle and tear into succulent chicken and stashing away half-eaten rolls to leave threateningly in wheat fields that haven’t paid their protection money.

Situated at the long wooden bar, visitors to Vino Lounge browse a list of more than 30 wines by the bottle and 15 by the glass, each displayed along tall racks before their eyes. On the quiet patio, they dine and drink al fresco, perhaps pairing house-made sangria with food from sister business Marvin Mozzeroni's, which occupies the building's main level. The Messenger Post wrote that the semi-subterranean room "begs for visitors to sit down, relax and melt the work week away" by tossing their briefcases into the fireplace, while bartenders help even novice wine-drinkers "no longer fear wine."

The sound of honking horns, chattering pedestrians, and singing puppets fades away when diners duck into Wine on Third’s dimly lit dining rooms. Here, the din of Third Street is replaced with soft music and tinkling wine glasses. Diners perch along a lengthy wooden bar sipping red, white, and sparkling selections from the eatery’s comprehensive wine list, which was awarded the Award of Distinction from Wine Enthusiast Magazine. Small plates of tuna sashimi, assorted cheeses, and greek dips flood tables throughout a spacious dining area flanked by vibrant local artwork where guests linger over last bites of New York–style cheesecake and final sips of sweet martinis. Branching out beyond satiating taste buds, the elegant eatery plays host to special events including art shows and live music throughout the month.

Family-owned and operated for more than 40 years, Mitchell's Tavern draws diners with beer, spirits, and a lengthy menu of freshly cooked pub fare. Its historic brick building, which is more than 70 years old, housed both a deli and the local fire department before transforming into the neighborhood tavern it is today. An outdoor patio shades rows of tabletops with umbrellas; inside, sports memorabilia and photographs crowd the walls as complimentary popcorn erupts from kettles and hearty roast beef sandwiches, hamburgers, and fried fish mingle with mugs of draft beer and mixed drinks. Happy hours and drink specials give wallets a break throughout the week—Mondays, for instance, bring half-priced bottles of Bud, and ladies night every Saturday treats ladies and gorillas in convincing cashmere gowns to $2 drinks and $4 cosmopolitans.: m]]

Nathaniel's Pub’s menu of classic pub fare is complemented by a sports-themed dining room dotted with big-screen televisions and neon beer signs. Chefs bustle about the kitchen frying and grilling up hearty eats ranging from 10-ounce slabs of delmonico steak to half-pound burgers and crisp salads. Open until 2 a.m. nightly, the spacious pub hosts pre- and post-game parties for Blue Cross Arena events and keeps customers’ eyes diverted with a range of sports broadcasts, including boxing, UFC, and competitive coin flipping. To bolster guests’ cheers, the pub’s bartenders pour shaken libations and drink specials from the full bar late into the night.