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Buffalo Chophouse
Category: Restaurants Steakhouses Steakhouses [Edit]
297 Franklin StBuffalo, NY 14202
Neighbourhood: Downtown
(716) 842-6900
- Price Range:
-
$$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot, Valet
- Attire:
- Formal (Jacket Required)
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
25 reviews for Buffalo Chophouse
Review Highlights
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"Indulged in a Medium Rare Porterhouse "Oscar." In 4 reviews -
"ONCE AGAIN ** Perfection." In 3 reviews
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"...for me along with a twice baked potatoe made for a great..." In 3 reviews
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25 reviews in English
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Review from Kim D.
3/27/2012
I'm not a "fine dining" gal; but I really enjoyed dinner here tonight indulging with friends (I wasn't planning on yelping a review, so I'm disappointed I don't remember the details of dinner, but I'll do my best.)
Our server was very nice and knew the menu in and out. He reviewed the restaurant week choices and explained that the regular menu is "family style dining" steaks are meant to be shared, as well as the sides. I didn't feel like sharing, so I went with a Restaurant Week Special for $20.12:
Soup: Lobster Bisque - Deliciously, buttery, creamy, and lobstery. I was impressed.
Main Course: 8 oz Fillet Mignon - after some debate, I opted for Rare and was pleased with my choice. Dark Pink, almost cool center, and so tender, that I didn't need a knife to cut through; came with mashed potatoes (that were dry and bland) and broccoli (also bland and too crunchy) - but I didn't come to the "Chop House" for mashed potatoes and broccoli so lack luster sides is "acceptable"
Desert: Bananas Foster (this I shared with my friend) We both agreed, good choice. And HUMONGOUS, portion.
As it was a group meal, we shared a bottle of wine, all the details I remember it was a Red, Full Bodied and tasted amazing - no idea about the cost, but the wine connoisseur at the table (he lived in Italy for 4 years, so I think he gets this title by default) said that the wine selection was lengthy and worldly.
Our group appetizers were a dozen oysters on the half shell and 6 strips of Apple Wood Smoked Bacon. I forgot the name of the Oysters, but they were from Washington State, delicately sweet and served with some type of cucumber sauce. I didn't have any of the bacon - but come on, it's bacon - you can't screw up bacon...
My friend enjoyed the exact same special I did. He ordered his steak Medium and it was spot on; he also agreed the potatoes were, "meh potatoes" and doesn't eat broccoli so took my word for it being "lack luster"
My other friends both ordered the Seared Tuna and ate all 16 ounces of it. They said it was absolutely amazing! Both were cooked to the exact temperature they asked for. The also ate their Asian themed sides....
No one else ordered deserts, but we did order a round of lemon-cello. This was served in wine glasses and needed to be 5 degrees colder.
Both my coworkers order decaf espresso's (ironic) - and slurped them down without complaint.
Dinner was served with a warmed bread basket full of wheat and white rolls, sparkling or still water, and a small dish of feta cheese, olives and banana peppers.
I'll be back - although I will say, I don't like sharing! They should have at least a few portions that are 4 or 6 ounces. -
Review from KAT t.
Buffalo, NY
5/18/2012
Went here for my husband's birthday dinner on Saturday. Good restaurant but dated menu, decor & atmosphere. They have probably been serving the same menu since the restaurant was opened.
The good: service, location, steaks cooked properly & good portions.
The downside: decor dated, sides dated, menu could use an overhaul. Not exactly $9 French fries. The mint jelly that was served w the lamb went out of style w Julia Childs in the 1970s. Gordon Ramsey would probably bounce that off the wall if he got his hands on it.
Overall I'd come again... If my boss were paying next time. -
Review from Nicole L.
Buffalo, NY
5/10/2012
I went here with a coworker after hearing good things...only to be disappointed!
We were seated on the banqet and i felt like i was sitting with strangers next to me. The steaks were marinated and disgusting. Also the sides were ala carte and we had to agree on the same sides because they were large portions and pricey.
the server was very uptight and it was uncomfortable to make conversation or ask questions about the menu.
I would of rather gone to EB Greens down the street where the valet is free and the steaks are better and include a salad and a side!
this was a dissapointing trip and not worth the price -
Review from Tom M.
Saint Louis, MO
5/22/2012
Old fashioned steak house with older decor, good wine list but with high markups. The night we were there, a slow night, the service was slow and not of the calibre or at least efficiency that you would expect for the prices which are steep. I had the bone in ribeye which was very good while my companion had the lamb chops which she said were excellent. Creamed spinach was just ok to me(but I am not a huge fan of it), and mashed potatoes were just mashed potatoes. The ribeye was pretty heavily seasoned with a peppery coating which was good but also pretty heavily salted. Desserts were decent if unspectacular. Overall food was good but too not good enough to justify the prices. Be aware steak sizes are large but my preference would be smaller sizes, lower prices.
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Review from Mark B.
Buffalo, NY
1/30/2012
The decor is interesting. My wife thought it resembled an unused set from Moulin Rouge. I thought it resembled more a replica of some restaurant at Disney World. They're cheeky about it and play around with the faux "old steakhouse" lookb (You've seen paintings of dogs playing poker, but do you know they also play chess and pool?).
The service was really attentive. But it was a bit forced and rote, like the staff was walking in their sleep. The food was about the same. They're not trying to dazzle you with culinary art here.
What they dazzle you with is the bill. If someone owes you dinner and you want to bring the hurt to their wallet, go here. Otherwise, you can spend this much and get more (or spend less and get the same) in plenty of other places in Buffalo. -
Review from Penny K.
Buffalo, NY
3/26/2012
You won't find a better steak anywhere in Buffalo, period. You pay for what you get!
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Review from Melissa C.
Buffalo, NY
5/1/2011
Amaaaaazing steak!!! I've been to many steakhouses now, in NYC, LA, SF, etc and the steak here def blows away some of the places I've been to (even Mastro's in Bev Hills).
We started out with the Steamed Middleneck Clams which were delicious and good sized portion to split among 4 people. I had the filet mignon, medium rare, which was made to perfection.
The service was also top notch as well. They were particularly attentive and had excellent recommendations. -
Review from Shari S.
Lancaster, NY
12/2/2011
This place was so overpriced, we almost left after our first look at the menu. But, we stayed, as we had a babysitter booked and we were hungry and figured it was too much trouble to find another restaurant so late in the evening. The food was mediocre. The service was not great. The decor is interesting. The place just seems to need to get over itself. Not really that great, frankly. The prices--- laughable! I've had (much) better meals in NYC and SF for far cheaper. I have no plans to return to the Chop House. Ever.
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Review from Da W.
Somerville, MA
10/20/2010
I went to the chophouse for restaurant week on a double date and our experience was shockingly bad. The food was ok (our steaks were salty and overcooked--definitely stick with medium or lower here), the mashed potatoes were great, but the service was APPALLING.
1. Upon our arrival I went to check in with the hostess, only to discover that the reservation I made was never put into the system, leading us to wait 30+ minutes for our table.
2. Bartenders were just generally rude--for those who don't know, they don't have any beer on tap and they get pissed off when you ask.
3. Our waiter gets the gold star for jack-assery. He was talking about us with the other servers--within earshot-- throughout our meal, he rolled his eyes at us when we declined to have dessert, and practically sat on top of us while we figured out or bill (we got to hear the servers' comments all night, as we were sitting near their station, and we were privy to a whole litany of swearing and racial slurs. Fun.).
Ok, so it's restaurant week and the servers at this place get a cut in tips. But part of the reason upscale restaurants take part in rest. week is to show people that their establishments are worth the price. From what we saw, they're NOT.
I could have gotten better customer service at Wendy's. -
Review from Christian L.
10/30/2011
This a really great steakhouse...just wish I went more often to Buffalo.
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Review from RJ H.
Portland, OR
12/23/2010
Old school, "quintessential" steakhouse serving exactly the type of dishes you'd expect from a restaurant called "Buffalo Chop House." Very high-status decor with rich woods and colors, expensive looking china, white tablecloths and dimmed lighting. Lovely business professionals sit at the bar, talking business and drinking business-like cocktails... You get the picture.
The food was precisely what I expected it to be: rich, saucy, well executed and abundant. The steak was great and so was the wine I had with it. The service was safe, slightly stuffy yet educated and kind, although not incredibly personable. Their thorough wine list boasts quite a bit of variety and style.
Bring your grandpa or rich uncle who wants to pick up the bill and get a good dose of butter and animal blood. You can't go wrong. -
Review from Hungry A.
Buffalo, NY
Updated - 8/9/2009
**ONCE AGAIN ** Perfection!
Fine Dining In Buffalo NY. Defined By The Buffalo Chophouse.
Excellent Service-Steak Cooked Perfectly
**Indulged in a Medium Rare Porterhouse "Oscar" !
Oscar = Asparagus+Pulled Crab+Bernaise
Difficult to mess up that combination....
**Had a wonderful experience here on a random Wednesday night (work related) - Enjoyed a couple of choice bottles of wine as well as amazing cuisine. Good company amplifies the experience.
Worth The Splurge !2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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1/3/2009
**Have been back 2X's since initial review in October 08.
Excellent All The Way Around.
Pricey But… Read more »
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Review from James S.
Manlius, NY
9/21/2010
Great decor and atmosphere - typical big city steak house (e.g., dark woods, white table cloths, great chair coverings, lots on the walls. The staff was excellent. Seated immediately without reservations (jacket definitely not required - in fact I was in jeans and a sport shirt).
Waiter was informative, and gave honest opinions about appetizers when asked, recommended good wine choices from their by-the-glass list - their by-the-bottle list was fabulous, including a Grange for about $250, but I wasn't buying expensive bottles tonight.
My wife ordered the filet and I ordered the strip steak, both medium rare. Both were cooked more medium than medium rare, but that was fine. Side-by-side the strip had more slightly more flavor and texture, the filet was much more tender and still very flavorful. I preferred the filet, and with the crust it was terrific. And the 10 oz portion was still a huge steak. The only think I wasn't a fan of was finishing it in butter. A lot of steak houses do this, and this preparation was excellent, but I admit I prefer Morton's, which doesn't finish in butter. Ruths Chris finishes their steaks the same way and if you like them then you'll love the Chop House steaks. The twice-baked potato was fine, but I wouldn't bother with it again. The wild mushrooms were very good.
But the prices...well, ouch. I've payed less in DC, NYC and Chicago steakhouses. Menu's and prices are online so check it out. -
Review from Jill C.
I went here after reviewing all the restaurants in the buffalo area serving thanksgiving dinner and this one seemed to have the best reviews overall.
Our waiter was very friendly and and described the turkey dinner so perfectly, it felt good because it made me think even more we have come to the right place for thanksgiving dinner.
The portions were huge and delicious! Lots of turkey and it came with all the fixings. Stuffing, potatoes, squash, yam, asparagus, and cranberry sauce. It defiantly beat last years thanksgiving dinner which was a buffet at the Crowne Plaza.
We travel every year from Toronto for our thanksgiving dinner, can't wait to come back for it next year! -
Review from Michael E.
Asheville, NC
8/7/2008
This is a quintessential steak house and one of Buffalo nicest eateries - but that isn't saying much in this city that is falling part in many aspects.
Valet parking started off this experience...free as opposed to cities like Chicago which you have to pay....smaller/lesser cities do have their pluses believe it or not.
The building is an old renovated structure and of course is decorated in the traditional male style of dark wood, brass, and lots of paintings of dogs, countrysides and traditional hunter/gatherer type imagery.*wink*
Pricing here is comparable to steakhouses in Chicago. In fact, some items were even more! Considering that Forbes magazine just labled Buffalo one of America's fastest declining cities I'm a bit surprised with the pricing?!?!
Service was almost top notch, but at those prices I expect nothing less than the best. I felt the waiter was a bit slow in coming back to the table...expect when delivering the check.
A few cocktails and some general conversations with my fellow diners, we proceeded to order off the "per item menu" which is typical of such steakhouses. A 14 oz Filet for me along with a twice baked potatoe made for a great meal. Paired with a fine South American red wine the dinner was excellent.
If you are looking for top notch in Buffalo, New York this is one of the few places I'd consider as you won't find many more in Buffalo, NY. -
Review from William B.
Buffalo, NY
1/17/2011
If you want excellent service (although the waiters' presentations could be stepped down a notch), very well prepared steaks and chops, and an interesting decor, then you will find it here. There's a reason this restaurant is generally busy - people like it.
It is expensive, but what good steakhouse isn't. You will get plenty of food to eat and take home. I eat here for special events a few times a year. It's worth a visit. -
Review from john t.
North Tonawanda, NY
11/5/2011
its gone way down hill. i went a couple years ago it became my favorite. but now to date i have had cocky waiters, slow service, and the icing on the cake went with a party of five, 3 ordered the one pound lobster tail (which use ot be the besttttttt) when served it was 2 8 oz tails, no explanation. Now I think we should have been told this when ordering. If good I may have over looked it but they were not. The waiter sucked also. Anyway i emailed chop house 2 times no response. I have a 100 gift card I will be using and then we are done, never again. Like I said way way down hill. Prices high for the service and quality now. Shame on them, I wonder how long before they go under!
Don't waist your money, seriously -
Review from Ben K.
8/18/2008
If you happen to like exceedingly large portions and prices, this would be a great place - but if you want really good food, I'd suggest something else. The problem is, you're in Buffalo. There are a few half decent places, I would suggest Papaya as an option - but choices are limited.
All that said, this place isn't bad, it just isn't any good. The staff does their best, are very amenable, and do try to make a nice experience. But I'm sorry, when the special is 24 ounces of steak - that is a pound an a half - this is not a good sign.
All in all, one could do worse, but I won't be making a point of coming back, just not my type of place. -
Review from Jen W.
Los Angeles, CA
11/13/2007
NO reviews for one of Croce's fine establishments?
I went here many times... maybe once a month or every other month? I guess you could say it was or is the number one steakhouse in Buffalo but there weren't many other steakhouses. Unless you count the Outback on every corner. After eating steaks from Mortons and Cityhall, I recognize once again, since there weren't many higher class eating establishments in Buffalo, the best of the best wasn't usually the best. I love steak either way, so I was never disappointed. But if I went back today, I probably would be.
But hey, Dita always got a steak when we went and she enjoyed it! (She was my dog)
Another thing, that always bothered me and still does to this day ... So Chophouse isn't soley responsible for my annoyance... is that just because a young looking couple or group comes into your "high end" establishment doesn't mean we can't afford your meat or a tip for your below par service. Get over yourself... you are a waiter in Buffalo and you are forty. -
Review from Adam M.
9/27/2009
High quality steak and sides. The wine was subpar. Prices are way too expensive for Buffalo (exceeding many NYC restaurants even).
Still, all in all a great place to dine if you have the cash. The old-time backdrop is really cool, so if you can't afford dinner, at least go for a drink and an appetizer at the bar.
NB Buying a gift certificate on http://restaurant.com will at least put a small dent in the massive bill, which will be $75 per person or so if everyone drinks, orders an entree, and shares in some appetizers. -
Review from Joseph K.
Los Angeles, CA
3/28/2009
great atmosphere, amazing interior design, so so wine selection ( not much California wine too much over rated French and Italian wine)
Good service but I ended up with little weird waiter who did not get the order right.
One best meat I ever had ( get them MEDIUM or less)
Once again amazing interior, everything old old but kept up great. -
Review from chun l.
New York, NY
8/9/2009
The cascade and grandeur rendered upon Buffalo Chop House is that of notable honorary mention. For the locals, the Chop House represents a harmonious gluttony of Steak and an abundance of happiness amongst the dining party. Patrons of the infamous Buffalo Chop House are there to dine in their most respectable garb, while enjoying the finest cuts of meat Buffalo has to offer. With that in mind, I was off to dinner at this legendary Buffalo notable.
The setting: With a respectable dress code labeled as "Jacket Required", the burdensome feat of having to "dress up" for a gluttonous dinner was not well accepted. Of course, certain restaurants have certain mandates, thus, the suit was donned. At first entrée, patrons will discover that there is a slight claustrophobic feel. With a petite host/hostess station that's overshadowed by the ascending stairs in the background, patrons might be inclined to downplay the prestige of this establishment. Upon passing the hostess station, the restaurant can be viewed in full force. After immediate entry, diners can view the bar area for which is heavily occupied by post work customers seeking a cocktail prior to their dinner or return to their humbled abode. We were immediately escorted upstairs to the dining area where our table awaited our presence. At first glance, our table dictated the "Jacket Required" concept. A rich white cloth set the foundation of out dining setting. Rich velvety (yet firm chairs) gave the illustration of importance during the dining event. One note on the velvet of the chairs, they had absorbed the abundant steak smell of the restaurant. Sitting in the chairs meant sitting on what you were about to consume. Although this feat might be viewed as welcoming, the dry cleaning bill was not.
The Steak - Kansas City Bone-In Strip Steak ($46.00): 20 oz, Medium Rare. From first reception, it was deemed that the cooking method of the steak was that of grilled, rather than broiled. The first cut into the steak revealed that the meat was slightly overcooked, with a temperature resembling that of Medium / Medium Well. At first bite, it was revealed that the excessive seasoning used in the application tainted the natural meatiness of the Strip Steak. The burdensome amount of Salt, Pepper, and Garlic were evident with every bite, where the steak texture of the meat was secondary in the application. Furthermore, the grainy texture due to the overcooking of the steak, did not help to mellowing out the excessive seasoning in the application. Overall, the flavors of the steak were subdued, if not mercifully tainted, by the abundance of seasoning used in the application. Furthermore, the lack of marbling in the steak failed to given the consumable it's natural juiciness that's come to be known for a steak of this caliber. Perhaps the overcooking could've eliminated the steak's meatiness, but the dry texture leads one to believed that the marbling might not have been evident.
Traditional Creamed Spinach ($9.50): One word... Runny! The creamed spinach contained an abundance of water residual that hindered the butter and cream flavors in the application. Simply put, the side dish resembled that of sautéed spinach with a mild coat of butter and cream sauce. The application lacked the heartiness and burdensome corpulence that's known from a well-executed rendition of this classic Steakhouse staple.
Given the excessive price tag for a subpar performance, the Chop House is hard pressed to compete against the notable steakhouses of New York, Chicago, or Kansas.
Notes:
- Just one... EXPENSIVE! After spending about $30 more at Buffalo Chop House, I found that the experience was more worthwhile at either Peter Luger's in New York or Joe's Seafood & Steak in Chicago. -
Review from Darrell Z.
Buffalo, NY
8/2/2008
I really have an issue with this place. I understand this place is high class and I really dug the atmosphere, but my wife and I steaks were actually salty! I had to scrape what tasted like that crappy Montreal seasoning off. Cooking 101: A good steak should never have anything more then a little salt and pepper on it. We also ordered a $7 baked potato, which was basically a plain potato on a white plate. I was really shocked at the lack of imagination of the plating and menu. I usually don't care, but when I'm dropping 150 bones on a meal you got to impress me. I'm baffled to why this place has such a good rep for their food, it's pretty crappy.
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Review from Jon R.
Somerville, MA
1/7/2009
This place is pricey, there's no doubt about it. If you go here expecting to spend $15-$20 on a steak dinner, you'll be disappointed. It's not a neighborhood steak house for a casual dinner. This place is an upscale (read: expensive) steak house, along the lines of Capital Grille, Smith & Wollensky, Sullivan's, or The Palm. And like all of those places, the bar can get very noisy on weekends, so come early, or go during the week.
The steaks themselves are huge, and the side orders are served family style, so a single side order serves 2-3 people. You absolutely have to have the creamed corn. Yes, I know that sounds weird, but it is the most delicious thing ever. It's completely homemade, and is slightly sweet and very creamy, nothing like the crap you were served in the cafeteria in school. Everything else is delicious too, other people in my party loved the Kona-crusted filet, but I'm not a fan of that style. The porterhouse is huge, and all the meet is cooked perfectly to order. However, they use slightly different criteria for rare, medium, etc, so be sure to describe how you want the steak done (ie: warm red center, warm pink center, etc) -
Review from Alisa S.
Buffalo, NY
2/19/2008
I've never had a bad meal here. Atmosphere is first class. Can't wait to go back!
