New York Nightlife

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.

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]]

Like any good sports bar, 97 Lake glows with the light of high-definition TVs—28, to be exact—and an 108-inch big screen while serving ample portions of pub food and beer. There, diners can see major sporting events throughout the week to complement their drinks and dishes named after sports personalities. However, 97 Lake stands out from the pack in a key way: it couples the fresh, never-frozen regular menu, which is chock-full of half-pound burgers and sauce-slathered wings, with a gluten-free version for both kids and adults. The owner has celiac disease, so he knows how eating out can be a frustrating experience for those with gluten sensitivity. To make his eatery a welcoming and tasty outing for everyone, the kitchen staff is trained to prepare a wide variety of gluten-free food, including pulled-pork sandwiches and lobster mac and cheese.

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.

Known as the “Stuffed Hot Pepper King,” Nicky G's Sports Bar and Restaurant churns out pizzas, calzones, and subs crowned with stuffed peppers, but they also concoct milder choices, such as 8-ounce Black Angus cheeseburgers, steak-and-cheese subs, and even freshly made crab cakes. From 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., the wait staff shuffles food to tables inside the restaurant and bar area or to patrons on the patio. On Sunday nights, guests can enjoy entertainment with their meal, as wannabe singers tray their hand at karaoke and wannabe football players tackle barstools.

Chef Miguel was born in Sao Paulo, Brazil, where he lived for six years before moving with his mother to Belize. In both locations, he absorbed knowledge of local spices, agricultural practices, and fishing communities. When he arrived in the United States as a young man, Miguel's early childhood passion for cooking—ignited by the diverse cuisines of Brazil and Belize—prompted him to pursue an education at the Culinary Institute of America. His restaurant endeavors have led him up and down the East Coast, from New York to South Florida and finally back to Karma Lounge in Ossining.

Called "a hidden beauty" by the New York Times and named one of the 31 best bars in the county by Westchester Magazine, Karma Lounge mixes upscale American fare with influences from around the world. Brick columns line the dining room entrance, leading guests through a dimly lit corridor that culminates in a stone fireplace. Evenings bring performances by jazz musicians, live bands, and DJs, who underscore meals and cocktails with their musical stylings, often playing three ominous notes when a diner has forgotten his reading glasses.