Feel like I fulfilled some rite of passage by watching the last presidential debate here. Nice crowd that was, except for one obnoxious table in the corner, quite engaged with the debate. About 8 beers on tap including Southern Tier IPA, Sam Adams Octoberfest, and McSorley's. Had the Philly Cheese Steak sandwich. It's not the shaved steak you might except, but sirloin tips grilled to perfection. Bummer that they don't have a fryer - ruffles with your sandwich just isn't the same, though $8 for a really tasty real steak sandwich is a bargain. Yes there is free food, BUT, the nachos always taste stale and the cheese is super thin. That said, I still eat piles of the stuff when I'm there. read more

Founding Fathers is - without a doubt - my favorite bar in Buffalo. I always make it a point to hang out with my friends here when I visit home. There's a pretty wide beer selection, and the food is great - delicious burgers! I'm sure that part of my allegiance is that we came here almost every Thursday in college, but It's definitely more than that. It's Mike, the best bartender with the most American history knowledge around. It's the friendly waiters (who you get to know pretty well over the years). It's the decor (AMERICA!). It's the free nachos and popcorn. And it's its location on Edward (away from all the other crazy bars). Honestly, I could go here every night and be happy. read more

Hands down one of my favorite places in Buffalo. I spent my 20s in Milwaukee, and learned to love a good, unpretentious bar. This is exactly what FF is. You don't come expecting gourmet cuisine or craft beer, but a cold one, some free nachos and watching your friends roll through the door. The staff is awesome (Shout out to Gilbert!) and the place never disappoints. They actually have two vegetarian options: a boca burger which you can customize into any of their specialty burgers, and a mushroom-spinach-cheese special thing that's really good. And nachos. Come on. Nachos! read more

Walked in and immediately looked around to try and figure out who was smoking! No one, but the place smelled like a giant ashtray! Had a ruben, don't know how anyone could fail at that, but ugg! Decor is just not enough to save the place! There was a tall step ladder next to the ice machine for no apparent reason. I didn't dare help myself to popcorn, musty dusty place! read more

I went here for the first time on Monday. It was absolutely great and I am recommending the bar to my friends. The owner of the bar is fantastic and the bar tenders are really friendly (and are not shy with making drinks strong!). Not only will you have a great time here but you'll probably learn something too. Be sure to sit at the bar and ask the owner for some trivia questions. Definitely will come back. read more

Definitely a great bar for the professional and semi-professional scene in the Buff. I haven't noticed the hipster quotient...but my bar for hipster is WAY higher than most, so if someone is sort of quasi-hip in a not terribly ironic way? Meh. So, um. They have free nachos. With the fake melty cheese and jalapeno peppers that make you poop for weeks. OMFG, did I just type that? Free popcorn too! The drinks are good and strong and cheap and they have the requisite sambuca shots. read more

This is a bar only review. I ate no food, but the free food. And yes, they really do have free food. I had heard great things about this place. When we first walked in, it was a bit early in the evening, and we were surrounded by disappointment. The place was pretty empty. I was too timid to ask about the free nachos and popcorn. And the server, although sweet, was not what I had heard about. But then, oh man and then, the owner/server/trivia master showed up, and the fun began. The place is covered in presidential pics and memorabilia, but to me this place didn't shine until I was getting trivia fired at me every few minutes. I loved it. And then after watching the regulars serve themselves nachos and popcorn, I had the (liquid) courage to do the same. The drinks were reasonable $4 beers & $5/6 for bottom tier (non-well) liquors. I can't wait to take out of town guests here, but I will definitely only come when the trivia man is working since he makes the place awesome. read more

Love Mike and this place. Try to stump him with your own trivia question, it's tough. Over-run by underage canisus students during school sessions. All the employees are thoughtful and interesting. Oh watch out for that roach.... read more

One of my favorite hidden bars in America. Great historic atmosphere and a great bar owner who knows how to make a drink. I have gone years without going into the bar and Mike always remembers my name. Kind of shocking really, in a world were we all use psuedonyms and communicate via this inter-web. Great greasy bar food perfect for late at night and good stiff drinks. The kind that put hair on your chest. So be careful ladies. read more

If I ever move away from Buffalo, I will miss only two bars. The Pink and Founding Fathers. Not only does Founding Fathers have a great location (the decorations are worth a trip alone), a great crowd (college kids who don't like doing shots) but they have the most entertaining bartender in Buffalo and a great burger. Not to mention free popcorn and nachos with cheese and chili. Sure it's nothing special but when you've had a couple drinks, they taste amazing and did I mention its FREE? If it's a slower night, Mike will ask you trivia questions spanning all of US History and perhaps dance behind the bar and even throw your drink in the air. Their beer selection isn't anything special (a couple seasonals, McSorely's always on tap) but they have some interesting drinks for the ladies (a S'mores shot). If you plan on sitting at a table, don't place an order at the bar since the waitress usually keeps track of your tab. If you are looking for a chill night, this is hands down the place to go. read more

Stopped in for lunch. It's a very small venue but I wasn't expecting much. The sauce (?) encrusted table cloth (paper) at the table across from us was more than a little nauseating. I ordered the special, a barbeque bacon cheeseburger, which was served with chips (they don't have fries) and a pickle spear ($15 with tip). I ordered the burger medium and it came out very well-done. The chips were off-brand ruffles, nothing house-made here. The burger was fine for being a charred, dry lump of meat. Service was extremely slow since the waitress was also the bartender who was too busy chatting it up at the bar to notice empty drinking glasses. I have to assume that it gets better in the evening when there is a crowd, but I just don't see the sense in wasting my money to find out. read more

Founding Father's, the site of my mis-spent 20's. Mike Driscoll opened this bar back in 1985 and it became a staple for me and my co-workers on the second day it was open. We all went back last night for a mini-company reunion and it was like walking back into 1985 - the place looks exactly the same! Same presidents plus a few, a few more flags but still fantastic. As one of the other reviewers noted, Mike will do trivia with you all night but be warned, he's very good and he'll be the sober one so don't put any money on the game! I hadn't been here in a very long time and I'd forgotten how much I loved hanging out here. Will definitely try to make it back soon! read more

Founding Fathers is a classic pub atmosphere, where noise volumes are low and lights are up - making it a perfect place to have conversations over some free nachos, free popcorn, and a delicious (albeit small) number of draft beers. McSorely's, in particular, is a beer I do not often find on tap - making this place a shining star among others. The bar changes nightly, with different crowds coming in throughout the night. I've been there when I'm the only table, when it is packed to the brim (a historically themed bar on election night = shoulder to shoulder, but awesome), and all inbetween. On quiet nights, it's perfect for reading and relaxing. On busy nights, the noise level never gets too loud, you never have to shout. Mike, the owner, is a trivia master and will quiz you while you're at the bar. The rest of the wait staff are wonderful, each with a lot of personality and all very attentive. While the food options are limited, especially for vegetarians, I would recommend the Boca Burger - or just going crazy with the free nachos, including black beans, jalepenos, cheese, and salsa. read more

Went here with a friend to grab some drinks after work on a Friday. Once we sat down we were greeted by the female bartender and taken care of right away. Second time around...she was busy chit chatting at the other end with patrons. I was honestly waving around my credit card for 5-8 minutes trying to get her attention.We didn't get any free nachos, but we did get some odd conversation with the bartender asking me what mascoto is... Eh I'd go again to give it another try. read more

Wait, free, unlimited nachos with cheese and chili? Yes please! My friend and I dined here late on a Saturday night and I was very surprised! The place is small, kind of dive bar-ish but clean. We got a pitcher of Blue Moon for $13.00, which I thought was super cheap. We both had the steak sandwich and we both really enjoyed it. Its served with chips. The only downfall was our waiter. He was very nice, just took forever to get the bill to us. I tried to flag him down a few times but he was busy on his phone, but other wise I'm sure ill be back. read more

If ever there was a bar that I wish I could take with me to whatever city I may be in, Founding Fathers is it. The place has a great atmosphere, tiny, but not too cramped, awesomely unique decor, and overall is just one of the most comfortable bars you've ever walked into. I have a love affair with fake cheese, and they offer free nachos with plenty of it!! As well as peppers, salsa, and beans. Free popcorn, too. The most tasty chicken ceasar salad I've ever had was at FF, and their burgers aren't too bad either. The staff is great as well. The owner hosts trivia night the first Tuesday of every month (which I witnessed once, and let me tell you, that was a hardcore group to compete with), and on any other given night if he is working he will practice by asking patrons questions. I felt especially smart one night when I got four answers correct in a row. The drinks are not pricey, and they are not weak. The perfect balance. This has become my new favorite place to sit on a bar stool and drink whiskey. read more

This is a great bar with great staff, ambiance and food. It is a favorite of mine after hitting some of the livelier bars on Allen Street. The inside is decked with flags with low-light making it a relaxing place to be. The bar itself has an old wood feel to it and the bar staff are very attentive. Of course, everyone loves the free nachos and popcorn but I've eaten here twice and have to say that the ordered food is delicious. They really know what they're doing here. Go here at the start of the night or the end of the night and expect a friendly atmosphere. If you are some one who doesn't like the regular bar scene too much (me!) you shouldn't count this one out as it is one of those secret places in Buffalo that will really rock your world. read more

Love this place at happy hour free popcorn and nachos. I liked all of the presidential memorabilia and flags plastered everywhere. Just went there to get drinks after work and loved the fact that they had a Virgin Islands flag on the wall. The bartender had a good sense of humor and was really friendly. I would definitely go back sometime soon. read more

Founding Fathers is a Buffalo establishment. History-themed with presidents and other political memorabilia fill the walls. On a slow Saturday night, it's a lot of fun to grab some beers, sit at a table, enjoy some free nachos and popcorn, and have a great time. The draught selection is nothing impressive by any means, but there usually carry some decent seasonal beers. If it's a slow night, the bartender/owner/quizmaster comes over and asks you trivia questions. He quizzed us quite a bit last night on the presidents and geography, making for a fun group experience. The free nachos and popcorn are awesome to pair with beer. Food wise, I've only eaten once but I did enjoy it. Nothing special or amazing, but tasty pub food nonetheless. Definitely an awesome bar to check out. I'd love to come back for trivia night on Tuesday some time! read more

From the moment I walked in until the moment I left, I couldn't stop thinking, I've always wanted to be a regular a neighborhood bar, and this is exactly what I would want it to be like. I had just taken the NY bar exam in a foreign land. Relieved, feeling celebratory, I got together with some people I had just met and we walked down the street in the freezing night to come to Founding Fathers. It's a cozy little space with really fun decor, in the form of frames, place mats, flags, you name it. The beer selection is great, and I decided i had to try this one called Eurotrash Pilz. Not disappointing at all. Finished off the night with some whisky gingers and a few helpings of free nachos. Overall just a fun, relaxed atmosphere with friendly people, affordable drinks, and now a bit of nostalgia. Thanks for a fitting last night in Buffalo. Hope to be back some day soon! read more

Superb atmosphere driven by its owner! What a great place to have a drink while learning about history in a fun way. Very nice venue while Mike the owner is a best in class example of keeping customers happy, he interacts with everyone by asking them Trivia questions. read more

Free nacho heaven!!!!! I love this place, from the great, low-cost food, free snacks, and strong cheap drinks to the friendly, prompt service and funky themed decor. Such a great hole-in-the-wall-but-not-scary-or-crusty Buffalo staple. One of my favorite places to get a little sloppy *ahem* and have a pig out session with my boys. Check out their portabello mushroom or buffalo chicken sammies, tortellini salad and rotating specials. Great, relaxed place to come early for food or hit up later when the bar is CRAZY to get drinks. A cool, mixed crowd. No dude-bro action like Chippewa but less hipster than the west end of Allen. read more

This place is very cool. People are right about the food just being OK. but the staff, bar and atmosphere make up for it. I am usually a beer & wine kinda guy but for some reason I felt the urge to tell the bartender to "Release the Kraken." LOL, I've been dying to say that without people staring at me all weird like. After taming that beast, The Fluffer Nutter shot was an absolute must have in my book. Loved it!! read more

This is the best bar in buffalo for the 21-32 crowd. It's very casual and friendly. It's not pretentious as most Delaware/Elmwood places are. It's a great place to start your night or end your night. The bartender/owner is very friendly as long as you're friendly to him. Oh, did I mention FREE popcorn and nachos!!! Who cares how long it's been in the warmers. It's free and it's awesome. Rest of the menu isn't impressive....you go there for drinks though. I wish I lived closer to this place. read more

Great pub! Full of history, good beers, good food, and friendly staff/bartenders. We've used this place for meals, nights out, and social gatherings. We'll continue to use it in the future. Minor downside is the amount of space inside- it's not great. However, that is easily overlooked by the free nachos; hot cheese, salsa, and peppers included. Go there. read more

After picking up my friend from the airport we came here for a pint while trying to figure out where we wanted to go to give him his first true Buffalo Wing experience. This bar has a great decor and theme and I can see why it's a local favourite. There is free nachos and popcorn but also a full menu. While the nacho station didn't look that appetizing you can't really complain about free. I went with a pint of Blue Moon which is generally my go-to beer when I'm in the US since we can't get it in Canada and it's a really darn good beer. While waiting for our drinks we ended up in a conversation about American history. With me being a Canadian and my friend being a Canadian ex-pat it was interesting to try to fill in the holes of what we couldn't remember based on our place-mats of presidents and the various things on the walls. About half way through our pints the server came back and we hit her up for her opinion of where to go for wings. She gave us the answers for where tourists go and where locals hide out. We grilled her a little more on each and decided to go the tourist route. She was really quite helpful. read more

Was looking for a "new" lunch spot within walking distance from the office, and found this joint online. I walked in and was promptly and very kindly greeted by the barkeep -who I will venture to guess is also the proprieter... a smiling man with the gift of Trivia knowledge that kept me entertained my entire stay. My lunch was, in a word: Fantastic - the Philly was *nothing* like I anticipated but so much better.... I'm going back to try something different very soon! The ambience and decor of this place is so special and unique.... I look forward to my next visit - OUTSIDE of working hours. read more

This place is great! They don't have a fryer so no wings or french fries but they have one of the top 5 burgers in Buffalo! Even better they have FREE NACHOS and FREE POPCORN. They also have great beers on tap or in bottle. I could eat here everyday and die a happy (but heavier) man! read more

Founding Fathers Pub - American Near Me - Buffalo, New York

This is a pretty cool, almost dive-ish bar. Service was great and the prices were excellent. A number of nice beers on tap. Very comfortable bar area and tables. They have a number of TVs around. It's worth a stop in and if I were back in the area would defintely stop in for at least a beer. Fun place! read more

FREE NACHOS! Did I get your attention? If not, then try this: free popcorn, great selection of craft beer, great ambiance and unpretentious hang-out. As a Canadian, I know very little about the founding fathers, except for the major presidents. But after spending one evening at Founding Fathers Pub, I know a little bit more. As one Yelper said in their review: it is VERY "patriotic to the max", which makes this place different. And, it's also comfortable, relaxed, and unpretentious. It was very packed when our group (8 people) arrived and we were about to leave to go somewhere else. Luckily, we stayed and we were able to find a table for all of us. Yay us! The drinks were great. I had an IPA which had a punch--sorry, I don't remember the name but it was a draft beer. I also had a few of the Blue Moon, which was great. Having access to free food was a bonus. When you drink, you need to eat, and it was great that the bar offers complimentary food like popcorn and nachos. I wonder what the rest of the menu is like. Like I said, this place was booming which made me wonder if this was the 'it' spot for anyone in Buffalo. I was proven right: my friend ran into two of her friends visiting from Toronto at Founding Fathers! See, even us Canadians know that this place is the best in Buffalo. read more

What an awesome bar concept. I wish we got to be quizzed at the bar by Mike but alas, luck was not in our favor. The bar was fairly busy (there were not seats at the bar) so we didn't stay, but I wish we did. This is a gem. read more

Not to be cliche, but I love the free nachos and popcorn! Drinks are reasonably priced and the food is your average bar fare. Mike, the owner really livens up the place. The other staff members are alright, he is the best! Whether you're a local or visiting Buffalo, make sure you check this place out. read more

I loveeee this place. I've never eaten here (except for the free nachos and popcorn), so I can't speak for the food, but it's one of those bars I feel like I must visit anytime I'm in Buffalo. Drinks are good and service friendly. The atmosphere and decor is right up my alley. I love all the historic memorabilia that covers this bar from head to toe and on my last visit, the owner was hosting bar trivia. He was very friendly and his trivia had everyone sitting at the bar participating. I just really love the vibe here..and of course the free nachos. If I lived in Buffalo, I would definitely be a regular. read more

One of my favorite bars in Buffalo. Great staff, fantastic atmosphere. Free popcorn to the left, free nachos to the right. Many folks have mentioned the trivia. I can say I've never partaken in the trivia itself, but on the less busy evenings, I have heard many a discussion on many topics pertaining to American history, most often led by the owner. What is nice is that the conversation fits the bar atmosphere. It's fun. Informative, but never didactic. The passion for the US and its history shows through loud and clear; this is a guy who loves American history and has found a great way to share that passion with the city. If you're coming for food, it should be noted that the pub doesn't have a fryer. So you won't find fried foods (read: french fries) on the menu. They do serve chips with their burgers and sandwiches, though, so you don't get a bare plate by any means. It's only really a gripe if you REALLY wanted fries with that. read more

Went here for a few drinks with my brother in law, at his recommendation. I love my history and this place was oozing. Presidential themed, you could come in here a night a week and it'd take you a few years to see everything they have hanging on the walls. Colorful clientele, service at the bar was great. I only got beer, but my brother in law got food. He seemed satisfied and it smelled great. The main guy behind the bar is the star of the show. Apparently he is a history buff and when you get him going on trivia he really gets fired up. Also performs some tricks with customers beer glasses that are super impressive, I still don't know how he was pulling them off. I got one of his questions right and the other stumped me. Anyway I wish I had spent more time here it was a very cool place. Good beer selection, too! read more

My fiancé and I went here for dinner, and it's a good place to unwind from a long week. We shared some stuffed peppers which were just shy of ok, but the beers were cold and the dinners were good. I had a pastrami Reuben which was solid, and my fiancé's portabello sandwich was a good balance. Also, the entertainment around us was great! The historic American ambiance really gave it an old pub feel, and the lady going crazy a few tables away from us only added to the laid-back mentality. A great place for happy hour and a bite to eat, but I'd keep the families away on a Friday night. read more

Founding Fathers Pub - Reasonably priced - American Near Me - Buffalo, New York

Warm friendly atmosphere. Quiet, aside from the rumble of people having conversations, which is a refreshing contrast to a roaring sea of bars blasting music that typically renders this impossible. This place also has personality, and personality goes a long way. Trivia, historical decor, bar food, snacks, and the like. Always a good time. read more

I love this place. Plain and simple. I sat at the bar and ate a pastrami sandwich and drank a beer and could have just lived in that moment for the rest of the night. Perfect little bar, wonderful atmosphere, great bartender/owner. Will be back again and again read more

Hey, free popcorn ? That works. Decent bar food. I've been a few times after work. Steak Sand is a winner! read more

Two words: Free popcorn! Bars in Raleigh, NC take note!! This was not the first place I experienced this incredible delight in Buffalo, but any bar with it gets bonus points from me. Founding Fathers also offers free nachos (chips and cheese, nothing fancy). A couple of friends were staying nearby and mentioned they had been there the night before and liked it so we decided to try it out. It was late and we were just out for drinks. We came from a place closer to where we were staying which had a similar atmosphere, but was much more, um, lively. Founding Fathers was more what we wanted: a casual, laid back, neighborhood bar. I kind of wanted to try some of the food, but was pretty full from the wedding reception we had been at earlier in the evening. If I lived in Buffalo this is definitely a place I would frequent. read more