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Photos by Bill
Wippert/Buffalo News
Above, from left, Kristin Isaksen, Donald
Norton and Rhonda Walsh enjoy a Sabres game in Curry's on a recent
Friday night. At left, Dan Ingersoll pours drafts behind the bar.
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"A few "oohs' and
'aahs' could occasionally be heard as about half the bar patrons
steadily followed the game action."
Curry's
864 Kenmore Ave.
447-0502
Scene: Friendly, neighborhood gathering spot
Music: Plays on the stereo system
Dress Code: Casual
Curry's is back. This popular North Buffalo spot on Kenmore Avenue
(across from St. Joe's Collegiate Institute) went dark for six weeks
recently and changed hands during that transition.
New owners Pat and Molly Curry are actually the original
proprietors, returning after a three-year absence. They have given the
place an updated look, with freshly painted walls, new flooring, cozy
bar stools and two (soon to be three) gorgeous high-definition,
flat-screen televisions. The changes to this neighborhood hangout are
immediately apparent to regulars.
We arrived at the bar just as a Sabres game started on a recent
Friday night, and the place was packed, including some folks waiting to
eat in the restaurant side. The bar's 10 comfortable, tall chairs are a
thoughtful touch. All seats were filled, and about 50 other people
stood three deep. Three small tables across from the bar seat two
people each and were busy all night long. In fact, the crowd didn't
thin out until midway through the third period of the game, when it was
almost over.
A mixed-age clientele was apparent as twentysomethings mingled
easily with more mature customers. Kristin, in her 20s, wore a Sabres
jersey, with the original sword logo, bearing the name and number of
former captain Pat LaFontaine. On this night, Kristin was parked right
in front of one of the TVs and focused on the game. She later conversed
with buddy Vic, also appearing to be in his 20s, who was celebrating a
promotion at the local bank where he works. Both agreed this could be
the year the Sabres go all the way to the Stanley Cup.
A few "oohs" and "aahs" could occasionally be
heard as about half the bar patrons steadily followed the game action.
Others were intensely involved in conversation with friends - not a bad
way to wind down from the work week.
Our favorite bartender/waitress was Shannon, a multitasker
extraordinaire. She deftly opened a Michelob Ultra bottle, climbed a
stool to reach the top-shelf liquor, poured a glass of white wine and
cashed out a take-out customer without missing a beat. She's a UB
student, majoring in psychology, and began working at the place a month
before the Currys sold out.
"I am in my last semester - yeah!" she said. "But
don't worry, I'll still be here after I graduate."
Curry's has 10 beers on tap, with domestic brands running $2.75 a
pint and imported brews such as Guinness, Harp and Bass selling for
$3.50. There are also 13 bottled varieties, from Heinekein to
Budweiser, selling for $3 to $3.50. Mixed drinks range in price from $3
to $5.
"We want people to feel right at home here," Molly Curry
explained.
And indeed, a night at this friendly spot feels as comfortable and
welcoming as walking in your front door.
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