Duende is a bar that has some ambition to be a restaurant as well. Most of all, it's a live music/event venue located in the middle of nowhere, I mean, in Silo City. Silo City is an extraordinary and unique place, popular with artists, performers and those seeking a muse that could inspire them. Please, read more about this historical site, it's truly worth visiting. Just find a reason to be there, or take a tour. ... or just go to Duende. It's one of the most interesting bars around the Buffalo area. Don't hesitate. I recently spent a very pleasant evening there, listening to live music, relaxing, and just being outside. It was one of those summer days when the weather was perfect and there were no mosquitoes, as people have complained about in various reviews - only good vibes. Being surrounded by massive concrete grain silos creates a specific, exclusive atmosphere, which elevates the whole experience to a different level. Next time, I'll try something from the food menu. It's limited and rather basic, but Silo Nachos looked good, and it's perfect for sharing. read more

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enjoyed the live music, even tho it was louder than i like (I seem to have sensitive ears); companion thought the volume was fine. Most folks either stayed seated or stood at the rear so our view of the trio wasn't blocked, which we appreciated: polite crowd! we ordered the pretzel bites which were good, but not hot, barely warm. Wine was fine, can of dark beer (took a photo of it, but can't find it), a brand i was unfamiliar with, was really good and inexpensive. Wear something warm, at least for the BIN space, b/c until it filled with people, it was chilly up there. We love that Duende offers both classical and other music, all for free! No cover charge, no minimum for food or drink. We'll return, for sure. read more

What a vibe! It's weird being underneath a bunch of grain silos. And the layout is something - one outdoor/barn garage bar surrounded by a beer garden + sound stage. Inside was really nice. My first visit included not one but two events happening. Everyone appeared to be having a great time under the beautiful Buffalo summer weather. Staff was wonderful. Drinks options were top notch. Nice blend of local craft and classics. I can't wait to try the food next time. read more

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Checked this out place with a Meetup group, the Young Black Professionals of WNY and really ended up enjoying the experience. It didn't hurt that the weather was beautiful either and we were in the outside bar. I ordered the Pulled Pork bomber which came with chips and small portion of potato salad. It was definitely a tasty sandwich though I expected it to be more saucy. I also had a two different cocktails, the Watu Mai Tai and Long Island Ice Tea. Both were well-made and I "felt" them. There was both an indoor and an "outdoor" bar which offerdd a limited selection since it doesn't have tap lines. They also have outdoor space with tables as well as a small stage where there happened to be a musical quintet performing that day. read more

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Great atmosphere with live music venues, lovely outdoor space for all and fun bartenders!

Cool & unique space. Service is great. Awesome outdoor area in the summer as well!!!!

AMAZING vibes at Duende! This is a hidden gem tucked into the silos, down a quiet bumpy little road that looks like a service vehicle only street. Enter, and you're welcomed into a vast, yet warm & cozy bar with lots of space for social distancing, loads of delicious, uniquely crafted cocktails, and a simple, well-edited food menu. The cantina in the rear is like visiting a friends rustic cabin or tiny house, which offers an intimate listening room. Rear doors of the cantina lead to a wonderland of an outdoor area, with seating, great views of some of the epically historical silo city, little pathways & both highly visible & hidden works of art. read more

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I wish I got some pictures of the space, because that was the highlight of this bar/restaurant/music venue in silo city . I met a friend here last night for exactly those 3 things . Upon entering , I knew this would be her kind of place . Hipster staff , windows with quotes on them , cool skylights and decor . The first cocktail I got was a fruity one with tequila , raspberry , lime. I liked it . We split 3 small plates . The apple walnut salad was the best of the 3 , then the grilled cheese with their specialty soup, a shrimp and corn bisque (which I really enjoyed too ) . The weak link was the chicken nuggets with Mac and cheese . No , this wasn't off the kids menu - it was a special for the night , so I was thinking homemade nuggets . Nope , they were the kind you get at Aldi . The mac and cheese was a baked variety which wasn't bad but could have fresher / hotter . I ended the night with a Blue barn Sunseeker cider. The staff was friendly , not super attentive but didn't keep us waiting too much either . I'd go back mainly for the vibe , music and cocktails . read more

Duende at Silo City - Restaurants Near Me - Buffalo, New York

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Came here at night to meet some friends. There's totally a creepy vibe at night. They have a mix of outdoor and indoor seating. Outside there were a few tables and sets of chairs setup in front of a stage. They had a variety of beer, wines, and cocktails, but I wasn't in the mood for any of those, so I got a mocktail. The bartender made me a delicious one! With pineapple, lime, mint, sprite, and not sure what else - but it was fantastic!! The only downside was that they close at 9 pm on Saturdays. read more

Duende at Silo City - Outdoors - Restaurants Near Me - Buffalo, New York

I'm grateful this place exists and miss the full potential of it during COVID times. While the food is typical bar food, what really stands out is the lively atmosphere and culture of the "first ward" neighborhood. While this bar tailors more toward the hipster crowd than the traditional blue collar workers, it's a fun place to get some drinks, marvel at the silo's and industrial history of Buffalo and enjoy live music (post-COVID hopefully) again. I've had some fun nights here, listening to music at their sister barn and playing some great games of chess with the bartender while he's running around serving others drinks. I can't wait until the pandemic ends and I can come here for a live show again. Thank you for existing, Duende...and I hope you weather the storm. #ThankYouThursday read more

We love this place. It just has such a cool vibe. Love the mixoloijist. Go back again and again

We stopped in for a beverage, and stayed for food and music. A beautiful Sunday afternoon, outside , in the back "yard", was surprisingly fun and "easy". Comfortable picnic setting, plenty of parking, silo city's great views of the industry buildings and the promise of more to come. Smoked chicken sliders, Smoked brisket sliders, nachos and soft pretzel bites were all delicious and comforting. One needs to order and pick up beverages and food at the bar , and requested to clean up after, bussing dirty dish ware and garbage in appropriate bins. Not a problem , easy to do outside. It's a fine gravel ground to walk on, some grass, no steps up or down unless you choose to go into the main bar/restaurant in front. Many people rode over on bicycles. Bring your own chair, or sit at high top tables, or lower tables too. Just a fun venue! read more

A few weeks ago my boyfriend and I were supposed to stop here to hear his friend play some music, but we didn't end up making it. Fast forward and we finally able to spend some time at this great place. It was around 7pm on a Saturday and the group of us nestled into the corner of the building that had a couch and some chairs. It was private from the rest of the bar, but a great place to catch up with friends and have a good time. The drinks were delicious. The atmosphere was even better. There is ample outdoor space and so much space indoors. It is a mix between bohemian and swank. I was digging the vibes so much. Definitely stop here to sip on some cocktails and enjoy the scenery. This is a hidden gem. The construction of the Michigan St. bridge and Silo City is a little annoying to navigate around, but it is well worth the detour to arrive at this destination. read more

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We went for live music and had a great time ! The indoor space is so cool and the location in silo city makes it so unique, they have light pub food and a great drink selection. would highly recommend ! read more

I swung by on a weekday just after covid lockdown. Had a couple of ciders, enjoyed the outdoor patio and lights. It gives off a great vibe. The bartenders are nice. There is only one restroom per gender so that might get busy on weekends. The parking lot also seemed small (fits maybe 10 cars). read more

This place is super cool, I can't wait to check it out during the summer. They have two different buildings, the main building is a bar where they serve food. I haven't tried the food, but the small menu sounds great. The back building is real cool and chill and a little hippie place. The two times I've been there were both to see live music. Driving there is a little creepy because it's dark and surrounded by silos. Definitely a cool and unique place, nothing quite like it in Buffalo. read more

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Duende is an interesting name for a bar but given the location it seems appropriate. You'll have to look up the translation because there are a lot of different ones. In any case, if you don't get lost and do find your way you won't regret it. It is definitely a unique spot and you might feel as if you've left the B-lo and entered the Twilight Zone. The bar is all right, they have a couple decent wines in each category. I don't know about beer/cocktails as I only had wine to drink. There are snacks available which are well cooked and delicious, if a bit overpriced. The service was friendly and the establishment is clean. There are some outdoor areas, as well. If you wish to get away from the city bars without going to far Duende could be your spot. read more

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Duende. Duende is an exclusive speakeasy- so exclusive no one even knows about it, our little secret okay?- name the movie reference..Zoolander ‍(This bar is open to the public). Duende is a bar tucked away in the grain silos of Buffalo. It is full of rusty charm just like the city it resides in. If you are brave enough to pass through the chain linked gates that surround the sur-roads that leads you to this place, then you belong here. I tried the signature gin cocktail and chatted with the bartender on how this place came to be. The aesthetic is inviting and leaves you wanting more. They are also open on Sundays for light brunch and old times music read more

Duende at Silo City - Gin martini - Restaurants Near Me - Buffalo, New York

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I was kicked out of Duende at silo city on Friday, May 3 due to having my service dog with me who was doing nothing wrong. The owner was extremely rude and told me I had to leave despite not knowing any of the ADA regulations and my service dog being completely trained to the highest AKC certification. Rick is an asshole. read more

Great location. It was about time something a bit more permanent showed up at Silo City. Unfortunately I can't quite figure out what this place is trying to be. It just doesn't seem to fit in with its surroundings. I am much more a fan of the shed in the back, but the drink selection out there is super limited. But I like that's it's open air for the summer and there is a nice grass area for lawn games, and a bunch of people were around watching the World Cup. It had a backyard BBQ vibe to it that was fun. But it felt like a completely different space compared to the interior, which while nice, felt generic and like every other "rustic chic" space you've seen. I have to admit the tables are unique and fun, but the prevailing emotion I had here was confusion over the space as a whole. They do have a few food items available, but I didn't try anything during this trip. My "specialty" drink (Children of the Corn) was basically a 7/7 and there was nothing interesting about it. The Silo City Slammer was much better. Beer selection was uninspired. Parking was easy. No competition around these parts. Bottom line: Its a bar. There is nothing unique or memorable about this place outside of its surroundings. Silo City deserves a bar with character, and I just wasn't feeling it. At least not yet anyway. read more

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Awesome venue but more bartenders would be nice., especially when bands are playing. More seating is needed also.

Great ambiance and super cool location by the old grain silos. Thoughtful delicious craft cocktails, experienced bartenders, and great music. read more

nice indoor and outdoor areas. Full bar, draft as well as cans and bottles for beer, some wine, and cocktails. A little out of the way to get to, you have to go down a road that looks blocked off for grain silo conversion construction but once there it's worth it. read more

I've loved coming here since it opened and it's been nice to see it grow over the years. I like that it's family friendly during the day but also there are shows and friends' bands playing some nights. Saturday afternoons are great for the older crowd. I'd like to take my mom there sometime. The cocktails are good, and the bartenders know how to lay it down. The food is mostly bar snacks, sándwiches, and platters. As for the service, I want to thank them for dealing with my stoned ass every time I'm there. It's the best place to chill after having some THC but I always get forgetful and don't know what I want but they take care of me. ;) P.S. THEY NEED TO BRING BACK THE EGGPLANT WINGS. read more

I'm hesitant to review this place because I want it to stay a secret. We stopped in this past weekend for the pints for progress happy hour. It is so chill and has tons of different and unique options but also didn't break the bank. Every employee was EXTREMELY friendly and knowledgeable. Levi was great and very helpful. We will definitely be biking back here. read more

Duende at Silo City - Bar area. - Restaurants Near Me - Buffalo, New York

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Looking for a bar in one of the most bizarre, unique locations in Western New York? Look no further. This bar is located in the Silo City complex (a FAR less commercial iteration of Riverworks that is centered around the old grain elevators). A very rustic interior with a small, but decent beer list. This bar also has a full liquor license and some eclectic food options. The location can't be beat. Nestled between the towering, abandoned and ultimately eerie grain silos, it truly feels like a step back in time. I would recommend doing the Silo City tour and stopping in here at the end. They even had a sub $3 beer option, which is quite rare these days! read more

Duende at Silo City - Bar. There were a lot of people wearing cowboy hats during this visit. Lol. - Restaurants Near Me - Buffalo, New York

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Awesome/unique space, friendly bartenders, and great drinks. Overall, an amazing bar! read more

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What a great place to "stumble upon" while visiting Buffalo. At first I was a little concerned that we had made a wrong turn, or Siri was taking us into some Buffalo crime scene Podcast. Old grain silos everywhere, lots of orange cones on the road. Then we saw it glowing in front of us. This place was wonderful. A great jazz group was playing when we arrived. Had a couple of fantastic cocktails. Everyone was having a good time. While we were not very hungry, we did want to get something to eat, so we shared an "ancient grain wrap." (Yes, you read that correctly.) It was fantastic. Great flavor, perfect texture, amazing. Can't wait to get back to Buffalo to visit here again. read more

Had the most delightful time here! Really amazed at this little oasis hidden down a deserted industrial road. There are two bars here, each amazing and unique in their own right. The cantina feels like a step through time to the Wild West, with a cozy stove in the corner and open barn doors. The bartender was wonderful: extremely hospitable and friendly. He recommended some truly fantastic beers that are served in cans in the cantina. Behind the cantina is a nice lawn with some soccer nets, chairs, and not to mention the amazing view of the old silos. I really marveled at the backdrop, as I have never enjoyed a beer in such a unique setting. The bar in the main building is vastly different than the cantina but no less enjoyable. Here you can choose from a wide variety of draft beers and ciders, as well as food (but feel free to take your drafts and your food to the cantina too!). We had the eggplant wings which lived up to their reputation: they were amazing!! I'm not a big fan of eggplant yet these were cooked so perfectly. Not mushy like some eggplant can be. They were crisp and friend just right, with tasty sauce. The blue cheese dipping was extra good - not sure where it was from but definitely did not taste like your standard blue cheese from the store. Looking forward to returning! read more

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Located in the former American Malting Company office building where Childs Street meets Silo City. This place is definitely off the beaten path and smack in the middle of the grain elevators. All of the silos have private owners and three of them collaborated to create this business. It's not completely finished, but the bottom floor is complete and is all constructed from repurposed materials from the silos. The upstairs looks like a restaurant / event space and there is an cool outdoor area with a pseudo beer garden and additional bar. Great bartender and friendly owners. More to come with this place, but so nice to see a business operating in the middle of Silo City. read more

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Never a dull moment in the Watu Cantina! Always excellent bands & music. The bartenders make some interesting and wonderful beverages. Truly a gem. read more

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Love it here. Off the beaten path... literally. Very interesting history. The staff is very friendly and it is a great prohibition style ambience. Drinks are well made with a great selection of liquor. Owner often stops in and always sell hello to the patrons. Perfect Buffalo feel. Definitely recommend a Silo City tour as well! read more

Duende at Silo City - Restaurants Near Me - Buffalo, New York

Their vegan (vegetarian?) ratatouille sandwich was very good, and the silos next door was humongous and really interesting to see. All kinds of people were chatting and congregating. A really fun spot. read more

I finally downloaded Yelp just to leave a review at how terrible this place is. Location is definitely cool and place is set up in a very unique fashion. It should be a great time there...should be. Everyone working there was extremely rude and condesending and the owner was the worst of all. I wouldn't go back to this place if it was free. This is Buffalo NY where the bars almost outnumber people. Good luck staying in business when you treat your customers like trash. read more

The place looks awesome! That's where this good experience ends. The bartender/"manager" as he called himself, A.K.A. Kevin, is completely rude and condescending, And enjoys taking to paying customers like children. Apparently letting out a laugh is frowned upon in this establishment. My wife and two others were having a pleasant conversation (at a normal talking level) when We were asked to keep it down bc of a laugh. Not once but twice. (Different occasion) Just walking around silo city is great. I happened to have my dog with me, but you must know this "manager" is on the prowl. Just seeing my dog IN MY CAR he felt the need to come outside and say "no dogs" with a wave of his hand and then just kept walking. This guy missed the bus to charm school, but I think more importantly failed at just being polite, Which is a red flag for the customer service industry. Go somewhere else if you want to have a good time. read more

Unique location, need a better beer selection and wine and mixed drinks were not to our standards. Will try again and give it another shot. This time will check out the food! Will update. read more

I would come here as a local all the time. Levi makes the cantina rock and we so enjoy his bar tending. Rick the owner is amazing and it it both a soccer bar and a friendly place to hang out. read more

Duende at Silo City - Love this place - keep coming back to see Levi in the cantena- he is so fun! His personality makes this place a destination. :) - Restaurants Near Me - Buffalo, New York

Wow, what a find. What an absolutely wonderful space. A warm and welcoming interior design constructed of materials reclaimed from the site, seeped in the history of the grain silos that surround it. Funky barkeep in his snazzy hat and sweater vest. Nice selection of local beers and spirits. The wife tried a cucumber cream ale with the aroma of melon. Crisp and fresh. We had the eggplant wings which were as close to real chicken wings as you could possibly get. Amazing. We also had the cheese and meat platter, nice selection of tasty cheeses and meats served with an apple chutney that tasted like fresh homemade apple buy. This place is kind of out of our way but I can see making the effort to get here more often. Definitely worth the trip. Plenty more items on the menu that sound pretty tasty. Second time. Live music. People dancing. Same inviting atmosphere. Outdoor space now open. Another order of eggplant chicken wings, s cucumber cream ale for the wife and a doubleIPA for myself. Wish this place was closer. read more

The food was pretty good for a bar, and the servers were super accommodating and made an nonalcoholic drink on request. The ambiance and decoration of this bar is amazing, and the silos are super cool. read more

Food was tasty and food came very quickly. Very limited food options but food stuff to snack on while having a drink. No taps, but several local beers in cans and specialty cocktails. Space is spartan but makes nice reuse of some elements of the property. Went on a Sunday early afternoon and it was pretty empty. Not sure many people know about it. read more