Mohawk Place is back, and after finally stopping in during its reopening weekend, I can happily say the place still has all the charm that makes it a Buffalo favorite. The new management seems to be off to a great start, and the combination of live music, dive bar atmosphere, and friendly vibes makes it the kind of spot that's easy to spend an entire evening in. We grabbed a couple of cocktails and settled in before going to a comedy show at Key Bank Center. Food-wise, we ordered a sampler featuring their steak sandwich with caramelized onions, house-made chips, 3 wings, and potato salad. I don't know if this will be offered in the future or if it was more for their soft opening. The steak sandwich was the standout for me. It came with a piece of strip steak that may not have been the fanciest cut, but it was flavorful and hit the spot. The chips were perfectly crunchy and dangerously addictive. I honestly could've eaten an entire bag of them. The potato salad was another pleasant surprise, creamy and flavorful without being overloaded with onions like so many versions are. If the reopening weekend is any indication, Mohawk Place is a great bar to grab a drink, and enjoy some surprisingly good food. read more

See all

A fun, friendly, dive kinda bar with live music. My bartender and the other patrons were very friendly and we engaged in conversation the entire visit. Drink pricing and selection were very reasonable. I arrived around 6 on a Saturday, and just missed their cover charge. I was told the band did not start until at least 8, and while I appreciate a good dive and live music, I would be hard pressed to pay a cover here. Some patrons said that it is too loud to enjoy socially when a band is playing, which I can see given the size of the place. The bathroom graffiti was definitely more creative than most! (Yes, I'm weird guys lol) It's definitely a place I would return again if bar hopping, but not somewhere I'd be comfortable going alone at night (speaking of the location, not the establishment itself) read more

Mohawk Place - Bars Near Me - Buffalo, New York

Bathroom dirty, door guy was rude, music was awesome. But be ready to get treated bad by a guy who CLEARLY doesn't want to do his job.

Turned people away who paid and drove hours, not allowed to dance, not allowed to go outside if you're not 21+ absolutely horrible, will never be returning read more

Probably a top music venue in downtown Buffalo, right up there with Nietzsche's! My friends play in a band (The CPX, if you've heard of them) and while they only play a couple of times a year, I'd say about half of the time they can be found under the Mohawk Place roof. And, since it's a golden rule to never miss a CPX show, safe to say I've been here a few times! MP is very divey, with old walls and ceilings, string lights, framed photos, borderline tacky decor. But I never feel uncomfortable when I'm in here (I always go with friends though), the bathrooms are fairly clean, and the music is always well-supported. They've got a pretty great sound system here, an awesome stage toward the back, and plenty of room to fill in front of the stage, so what more could you ask for? I don't drink when I'm out seeing live music, but I've noticed they serve canned beers here like Bud and PBR, and they have their usual alcohol mixers. Being a non-drinker, my favorite thing about this place is that they have an orange water cooler on the bar with plastic cups, as a self-serve cooler so I don't have to keep asking the bartender to fill up a cup of water for me. Bonus points! Looking forward to the next visit here for sure. read more

Mohawk Place - Bars Near Me - Buffalo, New York

See all

bouncers are rude kicked us out of a all ages show gaslight us saying they would never have an all age show. guy stamping was yelling had a attitude and loves to roll his eyes. read more

I've only been here once (a few weekends ago - 3/5/11) to see Jonathan Richman and I had a blast. The place is a perfect small live music venue, and other than the fact that they had no wine (beer and mixed drinks only), and the ladies room was pretty scary, I loved it. read more

Mohawk Place - Bars Near Me - Buffalo, New York

See all

I've been coming here since I was 13 and it is still the same. Great live music, great cheap dive bar drinks, and great slightly gross bathrooms. read more

Great little dive for a concert. Love seeing shows here. The flip side for me though is every single time I have gone to an event , not a concert, it has been overpriced, underwhelming, and overall disappointing. I've left every event I've gone to here early, not something I've done at other venues so I'm not sure what's up with that. Definitely done with events at Mohawk but will 100% be back for concerts. read more

This is the Mohawk Place what is there to say about it? If you want that dirty grunge bar vibe then I would say go here. the place is dank and dirty and they have some awesome shows. Never had a problem with any of the employees and as long as you aren't going to put your mouth on anything in there you are good to go! if you are going for a dance party dress lite because they don't have air conditioning. And if you have to go to the bathroom a lot, well I don't know what to tell you because the bathrooms are disgusting. read more

The kind of place you want to have in your neighborhood... Legit bar with the right amount of dinginess, good craft beer, excellent security/staff, a owner who picks up the phone - even on a big night, and a real stage. Really enjoy this place... Let's support it and the diversity that is the new Buffalo. Now... Add more craft beer! :-) read more

Mohawk Place - Freddie Gibbs - 4/27. Killing ' it! - Bars Near Me - Buffalo, New York

One of my favorite bars in Buffalo, for the following reasons: 1) I love dive bars. This is the epitome of a dive bar. Grungey, stickers on the walls, concrete floors. Feels like home to me. 2) They always host grand bands/DJs resulting in really fun shows that draw interesting groups of people. You really won't have a boring night if you end up stopping here. 3) (Semi-related to reason #1) Super affordable! Depending on the night and what band is playing, the cover charge isn't bad. Well drinks are $3-4 and beers can be even cheaper. You really can't beat it. My only gripe is that it's always sort of cold in there? I get it, it's an old building, not much they can do. You're not living if you don't spend some time at Mohawk Place. It's my favorite place to catch a show in Buffalo! read more

I just had drinks and listened to a band, it was nice. If you like music and beer. Come here. I can't speak to the food, but the band was nice and the beer selection nice. The staff was great and very friendly. I forgot to mention they are only open for special events and such. Check the website. I also forgot to say this is the 11 th day they have been open. (Reopened) Is now Thursday, this place is a gold mine for these guys. There's another band (s) and the place is packed. It's fun. Come here and be early, really. This is day 2 here for me. Cool and fun. read more

Mohawk Place - At the mohawk place. Nice band - Bars Near Me - Buffalo, New York

See all

Buddies brought me here for my first time, absolutely loved it! Thought it was going to just be a hole in the wall via the location and size, but it was a deep hole haha, and really nice inside. I was not expecting to walk into a small venue by all means, the band was killing it that night. Bartenders were excellent, drinks were perfect! Bring me back!!!! read more

Mohawk Place - Bars Near Me - Buffalo, New York

Went for Hip-Hop Karaoke a couple months back and tgat was my first time there. It was good spot with a great little stage area, perfect for all the local bands that are performing there nearly every day. The drinks were well priced and the bartenders friendly. Enjoyed the show I was there for as well. read more

Saturday night was my first venture to Mohawk Place since relocating to Buffalo a year and a half back. I don't really know anyone who lives here that's really into punk and hardcore so my attendance at shows has been at an all time low. When Buried Alive announced that they would be playing here I was not left the option to stay home, I definitely needed to come out for that. Upon walking in I felt at home with the small, tight, vibe that the place was giving out. The stage is only a few feet off the ground and it felt like a place that hardcore and punk bands should be playing. I only managed to catch Buried Alive thanks to being held up at the border, but the sound was good, the room was small and perfect, and the place even had its own bar. Overall, I would definitely come back here for more shows in the future, super cool place! read more

I went here to see my friend's band, Tropidelic. It was a great show and I had a lot of fun. This place is definitely a hole in the wall music venue, but it's exactly the kind of place that's perfect to see your favorite band that hasn't made it huge yet. They have plenty of beer on tap and in the can. The drinks are quite cheap and there was never a line for the bathroom which was fantastic. The only problem with this place is how hot it got when the band started playing. I wish there had been some type of fan or outside door open near the stage. As I went to the bathroom towards the end there was actually someone that went down likely because of the heat. The staff did a good job controlling the crowd and caring for the person until EMS arrived. read more

Goodbye Mohawk. It occurs to me that this will be the final review of this venerable Buffalo icon. Today, January 12th, the final show will be put on. The building will be, most likely, condemned. When the old timers talk of he old days, Mohawk will be part of the conversation...and for good reason. It's one in the morning. I'm just getting back. I watched amazing bands play. I looked around the room, seeing faces that looked so familiar...yet older. Time had taken a toll on all of us. Kids today may not believe it (have I really gotten this old?) but at one time, Buffalo was a hotbed of music. Perhaps it was the fact that we never caught onto grunge. Perhaps it was the lack of local support. For whatever reasons, the glory days of Buffalo music will be of an earlier decade. No matter. Nostalgia is virtue for the dying, and a vice for those who dream of the future. Let us pour out a drink to the Mohawk, but remember it represented an earlier age. the future awaits. Buffalo, create a new scene. The old scene is dead. read more

Finally, we have our local divey venue back. I've visited here countless times under prior management and was kind of nervous of going back to check out the improvements. They didn't overdo anything here - they did the needed improvements and didn't change anything too much. THEY TAKE CARDS NOW! I'm glad that the new owner went the route of taking cards. It's much easier for me to spend more money at a business knowing that I am not limited to the cash I brought with me. The (women's) bathrooms have locks on the stalls now. I'm disappointed though that the new owner didn't go so far as to replace the mirror in there that was broken years ago. If it's any consolation, there is a giant mirror in a semi well lit area of the bar elsewhere for all my fellow narcissists. The beer selection is great too. They have included a local brew from Resurgence Brewery and are still offering old favorites such as PBR. The drafts are a bit pricier than old Mohawk Place but I would rather pay more for drinks than to not have the venue open. I was happy to learn that the ceiling also wouldn't be dripping on me the next time I go to see a band. I'm very appreciative that someone with money took an interest in this to reopen it. read more

Came here Saturday night to watch my friend's band play and really didn't know what to expect. The bar was kind of dirty, paper menus, stained with previous guest's god only knows what and ripped in the corners. The glasses they give for beers on tap are plastic. They have an OK selection, but for the atmosphere and cleanliness of the bar as a whole, the drinks were too expensive. I need a reason to come back to this bar like watching a band, wouldn't come here just to hang. read more

I was really skeptical when my friend's band chose Mohawk' place to play, especially after reading the reviews! However, I was very pleasantly surprised after checking it out myself. Disclaimer though, I only went for music and drinks so no idea how their food is like! I was expecting a dingy bar where everything sticks and plastic cups. Not that I have a problem with either, because I like my dingy places. By from previous reviews, that's what I thought I was going to. However, it was a very clean and friendly local bar and I would definitely go again. $5 cover charge for underground bands that play. All drinks except water was served in a nice glass. They offer a fair amount of beer on tap, well drinks and even a few wine selections, all costing anywhere between $4-6. $10 minimum for all card transactions. Plenty of street parking but there is also a parking garage across the street. Bathroom was very clean and I got a kick off how if you wanted to bring your drink in with you, there's room at the sink for that too! All in all, a very pleasant find! read more

I stumbled into Mohawk Place after I went to a few other bars with some close friends... I had gotten there after all the shows were over. We eneded up being the last people in the bar, and the bartender (or bouncer) ended up sticking around and chilling with us until we finally left. They entertained my friends alcohol antics and seemed to be good company. I don't know what they say about the shows.... But I would for sure go back to the bar :) read more

A great venue to see a band. Just saw the Felice Brothers there last night and witnessed one of the best shows I've seen. It is a small space that allows for an intimate performance. It is a grimy interior that echoes the urban decay of the surrounding area. The bathroom looked like someone "upperdecked" the toilet. The only real downfall of the joint was the beer selection. Other than that, I really liked the setup. The guys who run it seem to know how to book a good show. read more

There is definitely that dirty, smelly, rock show atmosphere here. I actually find it to be more crowded during transmission dance parties (and more pretentious, and not nearly as fun) then it is during actual shows here... It can be kind of hit or miss. Sometimes, it's awesome to see a little (almost) no name band here who will get off the stage and make conversation with fans and maybe invite you to hang out after the show.. but other times it just feels like we're trying to convince ourselves that this place is actually a good venue when it's really not. Well, if nothing else, it IS Buffalo... and I HAVE had some good memories and seen some amazing bands here live. I guess I'll take what I can get, I'd rather have the Mohawk then nothing. read more

Excellent dive venue for underground metal bands, and variants of other musical genres. How often do you think they go to the grocery to stock up on the cheap beer? and WTF is up with all the plastic cups, they should institute bring your own mug, so long it has a handle, and isn't ceramic or glass. read more

The Appearance: The venue looks a thousand times better than it did with the previous management. Significantly cleaner, and has more of a theme to the interior. The shotgun style of the building allows you to see the stage right as you walk in. There is a small section off to the side with bar stools for those who want to separate from the main floor. The Bar: Nothing to complain about here. Service was quick. The bartenders were nice. And booze prices are on par with the area. The Experience: The venue can get crowded very quickly. Unfortunately once the main dance floor fills up there are few places with a good view of the stage. While it is still great to listen to your favorite band play live it is a bummer to be caught in the back of the crowd without a view. Bring stilts if you are short! For Bands: The sound crew at Mohawk Place is nothing short of amazing. Everything is on point: from the lighting, to the sound balance, and even the fog machine. It is highly recommended you arrive early to get a proper sound check. You won't regret it once you hear the end result. The best place to store your instrument cases are stage right in the back room. If that happens to be full there is more floor space stage left, although it is more exposed. The Verdict: This venue is a must for anyone looking for an intimate show in downtown Buffalo. My advice would be to show up at least 30 mins early. This would allow you to find free parking at the end of E Mohawk St, and get a nice spot inside the venue. read more

Terrible security! The venue would be pretty good if they got a new security team. They're on an absolute power trip!

It's still the dive you love but with less weird mold dripping on your head! It's much clean since re-opening which is really fantastic. Don't get me wrong, it's still divey and not too clean, it's just cleaner than before. The drinks are very cheap. I think it was $4 for a vodka soda. The bands are very LOUD. If you have hearing problems, I highly suggest bringing ear plugs. The sound is pretty decent overall though. read more

The band pictures on the wall establish the history of the Mohawk Place. Any national indie worth its weight that stops (on their way to Toronto or NYC) in Buffalo, has stepped on this stage. Two rooms, a bar and stage area, exist for maximum intoxication and foul play. The beers are cheap and only slight hints of pretentiousness are apparent. This is not NYC. The main room can't fit more than 75-120 people, so local western New Yorkers have been privileged enough to see bands like the White Stripes and the Walkmen in such an intimate settings. See, there are some perks to living in Buffalo after all. read more

Saw MMJ back in the aughts... Only question is why does some shitty band pop up when I go try to go to their website? read more

I liked it a lot better before they got super strict about ins and outs and stage diving. You can't control the actions of kids at shows, so why punish everyone? read more

What can be said about Mohawk Place? It's a music venue that hosts everything from terrible to great local performers in the middle of downtown. On the right night, you could have a good time here. That said, if this backwards nation had strict health code laws invariably enforced, Mohawk Place would be shut down in two winks of a Welsh coal miner's eye. It's dirty, sticky, and trashy (as in actual trash littered throughout---and I mean from opening before the show as I arrived early) and the bathrooms were really gross. Come here if there's a good show but don't wear your finest shoes and clothing and wash yourself thoroughly when you get home. read more

I've seen a variety of shows here and I've been to many of their dance parties. The "Transmission" dance parties are always a blast. They're 18+ so the majority of the dance party goers are barely legal but it's still a good time. The music is generally 80s new wave, electronic, dance music. The bar itself is interesting. On busy nights, I've seen cash, cases of beer, and liquor bottles in disarray behind the bar. They do not serve wine because who drinks wine at a punk show? It is a great place to see live music though. I've seen small shows inside and out front in the summer. I've seen sold out shows. The sound is usually on point, the selection is usually punk, rock, sometimes local bands performing. Yes the bathrooms are absolutely atrocious. read more

Lot of history in this place from a lot of different bands that have played here over the years. I guess you can call this place the poor mans Continental, but even that's not even accurate. This place is just too small, and not to mention the place is almost run down more than the old pink, but not in a good way. This place isn't a bad place but it's just not really for me. I know a lot of people that come here and have a blast all the time and that's what it's all about! read more

Stopped here last night. Bloody marvellous time. I was in Buffalo for three nights on holiday ( touring around USA ). Wasn't planning on going in here but glad I did. Friendly staff and patrons - top juke box (4 song per dollar). Lovely real ales and a few cheeky vodkas. Spent a few hours in there and loved it. Try it out. Looks a bit rough around the edges - but it was a real pub. read more

Mohawk's Bomb. Bar's cool, sounds great, bands are usually very good. Waaaaay better than Nietches.

I've been going here for many years now and it is still one of my favorite venues/bars. Big enough to see some well known bands, but small enough that you can see the band from anywhere, or even drink with them before the show. It's rough, it's raw, it's cheap and it is classic. read more