A relic from the past. A Buffalo icon. A fun dive bar like no other. I've been wanting to go back to Nietzsche's for a long time. So glad that on the spur of my girlfriend invited me to go to hear some jazz piano on a Sunday night. Great way to end the weekend! Small group of silver-haired patrons. They look like relics themselves! The music was great. That atmosphere couldn't be beat. I'm coming back for more fun. Comedy, Celtic music, cartoons and bloody Mary's! I ordered the hummus and veggie plate. I needed a little something to go with my cocktail. I wouldn't come here for dinner, just for the vibe and the music. The bartenders are super friendly. 5 stars! read more

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As it stands, in the sad old year of 2025, Nietzche's is among the last few GREAT institutions of Allentown. These are dark, dark times indeed...but somehow, Nietzsche's is a little beacon of light down at the end of Allen Street. From the exterior, it isn't hard to surmise that Nietzche's is a dive bar. Very much coated outside and in with writing on the walls, old photographs, weird relics that have been around for longer than I've been alive, you immediately forget what the sun looks like if you're going in in the daytime. But, that's okay. The people of Allentown will tell you that the dark is comforting...and you wouldn't want to see a place like this properly lit up ANYWAY... But don't get it twisted, what might come off as "rough around the edges" to some, this bar is absolutely one of the coziest, comforting dives and I'm always ecstatic whenever I get the chance to come here. They have a pretty decent variety as far as beverages go. Mostly tap beers, but they have a fridge with plenty of other canned stuff; my go-to is a cider, of course. A cheap PBR is my husband's drink of choice and has been for most of his adult life - and that's what we love about this place! The consistency!! Live music daily. Yes, daily. They literally have a calendar inside that will tell you every musician that has booked a spot that day. Sometimes it's just a solo guy playing in the front of the house, other times there's a full band in the back. Either way, you're going to get a totally unique music experience here, no matter what day you pick or what time you get there! I think they have snacks here?? I can't remember. After The Pink burned down we went to Nietzsche's the next day and they were serving up bagels and cream cheese. Totally unique experience. But I have eaten in this establishment before. However, this place isn't known for it's food, so I wouldn't rely on it. Instead, might I recommend the Jim's SteakOut down the street? Nietzsche's is owned by some pretty good people now, who are putting their heart and soul into keeping the business good and the music flowing for years to come. And I can't wait to go back. Rock on y'all. read more

Nietzsche's is a local legend and a great place to catch a show (capacity maybe 200 tops, with lots of places to sit/stand around the stage). Vibe is straight vintage dive bar, with what appears to be several deacades of promotional stuff sticking around atop the stylings of a building that looks at least 100 years old. The acoustics and sound tech are pretty good. If you like old and funky, it's a place you ought to check out. There are all sorts of "split" evenings in which you can get in free for open mics and lesser known shows before cover starts later. The bar is a little bare-bones, but the prices are reasonable. There's no food, like a number of concert venues in Bufflao, which I believe is illegal, but nobody ever seems to enforce it. (They'll cite bars in a heartbeat if someone complains about a dog being there, on the other hand, but I digress.) My principle caveat emptor about NIetzsche's is the really annoying cash-only policy. This would be better, of course, if they bothered to have an ATM on-site, but nope, that's also too much trouble (despite the fact that they're pretty much free to have installed). It's 2023. Let's stop expecting people to carry cash, a thing most of us haven't done regularly in at least 20 years, or make an extra stop elsewhere in order to go to your bar. read more

Still a great hang at Nietzsches. Post covid has brought a few nice changes to the beer menu you can get a Miller or rolling rock pony for $2! It's nice to have a short beer sometimes. Always great music 7 days a week. At this time you must show proof of vax to enter . read more

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On the day before America's birthday I decided to visit an Elmwood bar to grab a Guinness - hoping to find the best pour in WNY. But that bar was closed and plan B for the night - the old Pink had burned about a month before so I decided to visit another Allentown stalwart - Nietzsche's. While not known for their drafts, I decided it was worth a stop in. I ordered a Guinness and watched two guys jamming on their accordions and failed to see if the bartender if she had done a proper two-minute pour. The beer was poured in a proper pint glass and it was a fair price of $7. The bar was quiet and there were chairs outside. Since summers are so short, drinking outside is a premium. I was sipping the black gold when someone who had nothing better to do said glass was not allowed outside. I ignored him at first and finally I went and got a plastic glass. Whatever I thought to myself. I went back in for a second pint of the G and watched carefully as the bartender did do a proper two minute pour. I could relax knowing that critical detail in my pursuit of the best Guinness out there. Would I go back - I was on the older side of the patronage so maybe, maybe not. Either way - it was a nice night to grab a Guinness at a Allen Street institution! read more

Great live music, excellent drinks, and super dope atmosphere! Excellent service at the bar, bartenders are attentive to the customers, which definitely adds to the welcoming vibe. And when you go, don't forget to look up and note all the amazing artists who have had the privilege to sign the ceiling!!!! If you are in the city of Buffalo visiting or live in the WNY area and haven't been, it's a must to visit Nietzsche's!! Good vibes only!!! read more

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Nietzsche's has been on my Buffalo bucket list for quite some time now, and I was super excited to be able to go for New Year's Eve to see one of my favorite local bands. It hits all my criteria for a great dive bar, super eclectic on the inside, "affordable," sort of sticky in the best way possible. The cover was only $5, which was shockingly cheap for New Year's, and the drinks weren't bad either, the most I paid for a mixed drink was $4. The space wasn't overly crowded considering it was a holiday, and we had ample space to sit or stand and hang. The bar itself was sort of hectic and it was a little rough trying to squeeze my way in to order, but all in all it was a good time. I wish they served food here. That would make this place an absolute perfect place to catch a show. read more

Nietzsche's - happy new year's! - Bars Near Me - Buffalo, New York

WHAT TO KNOW: - Great acoustics for a show - Cash only, only thing served here are drinks...no food. - Cover is often around $5 - Can get crowded, but usually enough room near stage to stand/maneuver comfortably, even if a popular show. ~~ From the perspective of someone who doesn't drink at all: Nietzsche's is a fun, albeit sometimes crowded place to see a show. The bar can be chaotic (and I think it's cash only), but from what I observed the bartenders are pretty apt at managing a large number of people. The venue itself inspires a fun, bohemian, hipster vibe. This place has been around before "hipster" was a social construct and identity -- so the design and ambiance seems authentic, dark, broody and cool. Nietzsche's thrives on the entertainment it hosts, so be sure to check the lineup and schedule. Everything from Open Mic to burlesque shows to a recent Johnny Cash birthday bash (super fun -- once a year, make sure to go!). The venue is a staple of Allentown and its nightlife, so be sure to scope it out if there is something going on. If you enjoy live music, dancing and people -- you'll have a good time (even if you don't drink). read more

Buffalo is surprising. The wings are fantastic. The hockey is decent. And Nietzsche's is one of the best bohemian-esque bars that I have found here or in any other city for that matter. But what would you expect for a bar named after a German philosopher? This is a gathering place for drinkers, poets, musicians, and comedians alike. An old wooden bar greets you as enter. The décor is eclectic and fun, with art and found-art (read "stuff") found on the walls. There are promotional stickers from bands all over the place and the washrooms are adorned with graffiti tags so numerous you could kill an evening reading them, and wondering for some how on God's green was someone able to write something all the way up there? There is a stage across from the bar in the front where solo and acoustic acts as well as poetry reads carry on. At the back, a very elevated stage for larger bands and Tuesday night stand-up comedy exists. The layout of the back room is interesting for both the performer and audience alike. The crowd below the stage is quite far below the performer, and those in the balcony area that flanks either side of the stage are eye-level with the performer. Certainly splits the attention. As for the staff, the run of taps, and the cost? Fantastic. I dig, man. read more

Nietzsche's - Nietzsche's - Bars Near Me - Buffalo, New York

Ah Nietzsche's; you were my first. I knew you before I moved to Buffalo because at the time, you hosted the only open mic for new comedians. The drinks are cheap, the bathrooms are questionable and the entertainment is never-ending. Nietzsche's is the not only home to the birth of my comedy career, but many others as well, including countless musicians to grace their stage and more recently, burlesque artists and poets. Nietz offers live music every night and sometimes, some additional entertainment which could be the crowd you find hanging on the patio! If you are visiting the city and looking for a live performance or, if you are yourself an aspiring performance artist, this is your go-to place in Buffalo. NOTE: Cash only. Drinks only. No food. read more

Everyone was ranting and raving about this place. I don't get it. Personally, it's not my kind of ho-down. It's a huge space and I've seen a crazy amount of different kinds of things there from acoustic acts to huge bands. For entertainment, the place is great. But the bar is a tad bit inconvenient. It's a cash only bar and there's no ATM. So, you need to walk to the convenience store if you're only carrying a card. The drinks are made okay and the decor is divey. I don't hate the place and I've gone there a few times now. And maybe catering to the customers might ruin some of it's charm that attracts so many. read more

Nietzsche's - I dunno what this is. - Bars Near Me - Buffalo, New York

One of my favorite music clubs in all of Western New York! Many famous musicians have and do frequent this venue. Launched many careers. Staff is very selective about who hangs around. Historical interior and exterior architecture. Near Kleinhans Music Hall/ uptown. Cant go wrong!!!!!!! read more

Intimate Music Dive Pros: Small and Divey Cool music venue Dark Cheap Drinks Cons: Hipsterish Artsy I can't write a proper review because I was drunk when I entered the establishment. However I did get lucky and caught a Terry Bozzio show that night. This place is small, divey, music venue with cheap drinks. Thanks read more

they gave and continue on to give original bands a chance to stretch out

A well-worn and well-loved local venue, with decent sound and sightlines, and a few good beers. It fills the void between free dives and ticketed concerts, with plentiful live & local entertainment on tap for a cover fee, usually under $10. I'm pretty sure everyone's gone to see a friend's band here, and to stand around while everyone you know comes through the door. Just a few pro tips: - Cash only. - If you care about seeing the band, go early so you can snag one of the raised tables on either side of the stage. Other than that, it's a pretty user-friendly place. I've never had a bad time here, though I have lamented paying the cover fee when I just wanted to go in and have a beer. read more

"Meh" is a great rating for this place. I know most born'n'bred types love this place and I may just be missing the nostalgia and I know it is THE hip place for music and hanging out, but the few times I've been I was very unimpressed. The service was not exceptional (some of the bartenders were just okay, others were downright rude), the drinks are weak and overpriced, the place overall is divey in a "trying too hard to stay authentic" sort of way (i.e. they think being artsy means not cleaning or updating anything, to the point that parts of the place are disgusting for no reason) whilst at the same time charging ridiculous cover for events (for this area anyway). All of these things can be avoided simply by going to any of the gay/mixed bars on the other end of Allen where drinks are cheap and strong, bartenders are usually pretty nice and the hipster vibe is at a minimum. I admit they get an interesting mix of music, but if the atmosphere sucks I'm not going to enjoy the concert anyway. They also let WAY more people than they should in for big events, especially with a stage area that bottle necks pretty badly back into the bar area. Have fun getting out if someone drops a cigarette in the wrong place. read more

Nietzsche's is a classic Buffalo bar, with great live music on two stages and a decent beer selection (cash only). The crowd is as eclectic as the decor in this turn-of-the-century building with decades of graffiti, band stickers, and found objects covering every inch of the walls and up across the entire 15-foot ceiling. There's live music almost every night, featuring a mix of local, regional, and national bands--mostly in the Americana/jam/world genres but punctuated with some good, solid rock, punk, and blues. read more

Nietzsche's - Bars Near Me - Buffalo, New York

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Went to Nietzsche's on Tuesday for an amazing open mic comedy experience. The comedy was entertaining. I was served by an amazing bartender Dana. Drinks were on point. The only detractor is the men's bathroom reeked but that's the dive bar experience right. Not worse bathroom on the strip. Trust me. read more

Nietzsche's - Things are always happening at Nietzsche's! Tuesday night comedy open mic is the best! - Bars Near Me - Buffalo, New York

The space itself is decent... just your average dive bar with a not-TOO-terrible beer selection, occasionally great live music, and disgusting bathrooms. Pretty much what you'd expect from an Allen Street bar. That being said, I rarely hit up this spot because the service is beyond awful. The bartenders, while slightly better than they used to be, are both inefficient AND rude. As a former bartender myself, (both here in Buffalo as well as in much larger cities), I can relate to being extremely busy behind a bar and understand that in a very crowded place, you will of course be waiting to order a drink! What I CANNOT understand is being short with customers, mediocre at your chosen profession, and more concerned with dancing/flirting with your co-workers than getting drinks to customers which of course would equal more tips! In the past, I have gone only for the music, to support friends & local bands. This is THE only reason to go, and for me personally, not enough anymore. Adios, Nietzsche's. I'd rather be almost anywhere else than within those shitty, pretentious walls. read more

Love this place! Have had far too many nights as a young man doing damage in here. Although it's been many years. read more

The favorite old standby, Nietzsche's (pronounced Nee-chee's) offers live music every night and for their New Years Eve Extravaganza had four bands and an acoustic entertainer, Andrew Reimers during intermission. We missed Vessel but a $5 cover provided noisemakers and confetti and the rest of the night's entertainment. Also not serving Killian's I tried a suggested draft of Bass and after asking my friend to try it we agreed it was definitely flat. So you know you are in a good place on New Years Eve when the waitress tells you her name is Hope. She suggested a bottle of Howl and, although absolutely interesting, full of flavor and body, I know future visits will be preceeded with a couple calls to the local venues to see if they have my Killian's. :-) The Queen City Station Band rocked us right to New Years with loud energetic rock. The countdown to New Years was loud and shortly after the Incredibles came on stage. With the crowd bopping balloons back and forth and finally people moving and jumping up and down the entire band and patrons joined together to sing Harvey Danger's Flagpole, leaving the troubles of last year far behind with the waitress Hope leading us into the year 2010. read more

Nietzsche's is a bit of a local legend. This bar has had many bands who have gone onto big things pass through its doors and continues to be a popular venue for live music. Nietzsche's has been one of my favorite bars on Allen, or really within Buffalo in total, for a few reasons. 1) Cousin - the man works well with blocks of wood and is a true original on our bar scene. Last time I went down I didn't see him - is he okay? 2) Beer prices - not bad. 3) Nietzsche's, along with maybe Mohawk, are two places in Buffalo that local musicians hold near and dear to their hearts... I for one can't ignore the places the musicians like best. 4) Quirkiness - this bar, with the sum of its parts, is just simply unique in a way that makes it beloved by many people. A word about the bartenders. They can be annoying and shitty which is why Nietzsche's is not a 5-star in my book. One of them in particular is probably the worst bartender in Buffalo and a tool (a word I hate but it's the only one that's appropriate) - I actually saw this guy tell a customer to go ask another bartender for a drink while he was hitting on a girl at the bar. Haha - seriously? I couldn't help but laugh at that schmuck. Even at a place like Zeitgeist in San Fran, a bar that has bartenders who would eat up and shit out guys like this and has FAR better beer, there's no such stupidity. The bartenders in general are aloof and not "Buffalo" friendly... so if you're looking for a friend you would definitely be in the wrong place. This is an aspect of Nietzsche's that only bothers me so often but if you haven't been to Nietzsche's before, I think you should probably know that their bartenders are not like what you would find at a typical Buffalo neighborhood bar. read more

Nietzsche's wins for its non-pretentious atmosphere. I feel like this is how Allentown is meant to be. Local musicians, poets, artists and eccentrics. I've been to many shows here over the years and it's never obnoxious. Just a good crowd having a good time. The decor is kinda scary with the lights on and it's rumored to be haunted, but it's all part of the charm. read more

Lot of the time there's a cover you have to pay because there's usually some type of live music or readings that are going on. I went to see my friend Mark's stand-up comedy here and it was a fun time. I've been here during Halloween as well and was dressed up for it too by the way! Mardi Gras gets pretty busy here as well as most bars on Allen though. This place is pretty dark, the night could go either way for you depending on who you are with, and how long you are willing to wait for drinks at times...I remember walking out of here with the person I was with because I waited over 15 minutes to get a drink, and they still didn't acknowledge me. PS: Cash only folks, keep that in mind....not like it's 2012 or anything though, right? :) read more

Love the atmosphere here. It's a very nice feeling to walk in to live music and an accordion player right at the door. The bartender was a sweetheart and I cannot wait to come back. read more

A standout member of Buffalo's vibrant Allentown bar scene, Nietzsche's is THE spot to throw back a few beers and catch a local band. Read my review in full at: http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/7768210/review_of_nietzsches_bar_in_buffalo.html?cat=22 read more

Almost anything and everything happens at Nietzsche's. Do you want to listen to a talented band on a given night? Do you want to see the up and coming local comics performing stand up? Do you want to relax with a beer, chat with a friend while listening to an acoustic session? Craving a burlesque show? Well you're in luck, because on any given night, at least one of these events is occurring at Nietzsche's. My cousin is in a local band (The Albright's) and they have played here many, many times over the years, which is what originally brought me in here. At first I was a skeptic of the place. There are no 'frills and thrills' when it comes to Nietzsche's. It's the epitome of a grungy, dive, hipster bar located in prime Allentown. For a newbie, the exterior deems an unapproachable vibe. Had my cousin and other family members/friends not been inside on my initial trip (5 or so years ago), I would have probably ran in the opposite direction. It may be a little dark, it may be a little scary, and you may have no clue what you're going to get inside, but do it - show your ID, pay a cover, and get inside! There is real, local, talent beyond that grungy door. What keeps me coming back from time to time is my favorite event that happens at Nietzsche's: Tuesday Night Comedy. For a small fee ($5) you can see 10-15 different comedy acts on stage for about 5 minutes each. Some are brand new and can use a little more experience, but some are good, REALLY good. As in I go back to see them because they are so funny. The headliner of the night is always a hit. If you arrive early enough, you can grab a seat on the upper balcony area. It's something different and something you rarely find throughout Buffalo. On my latest trip this past Tuesday, I was able to catch 3 of the aforementioned entertainment acts. It started with comedy at 8-8:30pm and then when that ended, Joe Donahue had an acoustic set up front near the bar. I thought the entertainment was over, until the bartender made a last call and cleared the bar off. Then before my eyes, half naked women were walking on top of the bar for a burlesque show (The Strip teasers). Who knew you could catch this entertainment outside of a strip club? I left shortly after so I'm not sure if there was anymore entertainment after that. Needless to say, there is something at Nietzsche's for everyone. FYI: -CASH ONLY -Takes a little while to get a drink -Bathrooms - ick! -Remember to not go in with high expectations and you won't be disappointed. This is not Vera folks; if you're here it is for the entertainment within those walls, forget everything else. And lastly, my 4 stars are a reflection of what this place delivers entertainment wise - so don't jump down my throat for giving a place of this caliber 4 stars!! read more

Used to go to Nietzsche's back in my post Punk days when I lived in Buffalo in the early 80's. I saw several good bands there including Goo-goo Dolls and 10000 Maniacs. Glad to see it has kept up the vibe. read more

Everytime I go here I hear really good music. The only problem is the bar tenders are border line confrontational and the drinks cost way more than I feel they should. Also, if you know the band you want to see is going on later.. come later because the cost at the door usually decreases as the night goes along. Never show up early because the shows always go later than scheduled and they are scheduled late to begin with. Avoid unless you have to. Its no Mohawk place... read more

"Bohemian" is probably the best word to describe Nietzsche's because "hipster" is too narrow and "eclectic" isn't cool enough. You probably have to harbor an inner appreciation for artsy dives to really take a liking to this place. Full of personality - lumps, bumps, crevices and creaks - Nietzsche's heaves on Allen Street, and things would never be *quite* the same if it disappeared. I particularly enjoy the Saturday night Irish sessions from 4-7pm. From talented regulars to sporadic revelers, this session is full of people who are welcoming and festive. They play several well-known trad tunes and there are a few singers who add some spirited craic to the mix. Guinness isn't bad, and it's free to those who perform. If you've got a craving for something just a little off-the-wall and vintage, head here. There's always live music (both good and bad) and a chatty crowd to boot. read more

There's nothing like it. I've lived in New York spent time in many other cities and this place doesn't have anything to do with any specific crowd. Everyone is welcome and they come. The music is as eclectic as the crowd. Big bang for your buck. For those people who said they don't get it ...maybe Prozac will help. read more

A lot of my musician friends like this place so I sometimes come along but Nietzsche's isn't a place I would seek out on my own. I'm not a huge fan of live bands so if you're like me I wouldn't recommend this spot. I find the place hot, dark, & stuffy and I'd rather not have to pay a cover on weeknights. If you go you need to bring cash. To my knowledge there is always a cover at the door, usually $5. It's also an all cash bar but the drinks are reasonably priced. It's is important that you wear layers because It gets really hot and stuffy inside. Even on the coldest winter night its tank top weather inside. During the winter you end up carrying your coat or taking a risk my leaving it on some chair so keep that in mind. The atmosphere inside is divey and casual. You can wear comfortable shoes and leave the heels at home. They host some cool events like the Johnny Cash Birthday Party that are worth checking out. read more

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I usually come here for a comedy show. The show is usually pretty good and the local comics are pretty funny. The downside is the place is filthy. My wife doesn't really like going because she doesn't want to use the bathroom. They get some good acts but should really hire a cleaning person. read more

Have caught some great shows here over the years, and some not so great ones, but hey at least they have live local music virtually every night. Definitely a good place if you like the dive scene too. read more

@Elisa M - "Had to pay a cover. I don't really see the need for that when the bands aren't getting any money and we're buying drinks." Not true at all, my band has played here multiple times, and they always treat us well with a cut from the bar sales, and the door charge is split between the bands playing that night. Good people, good vibes, good times, every time I've been here. I wouldn't go to any other bar in Buffalo. - Chris read more

The seating in this place is cool for watching bands. your average kinda club for bands.

Well upon entering this place it looked pretty rad. I will say that this place has potential but the way it is right now it is a total dump. First, who does not accept credit cards when drinks are that expensive. It is a dive bar but seriously, everyone accepts credit cards. The bartenders were straight up rude. They were too busy chatting with their friends than to follow a simple line at the bar to get drinks. I am mostly referring to the viking looking lady. The large tattooed man was seriously picking his nose and serving drinks. Once again, dive bar but still I have been to dirtier bars than this and no one would ever pick there nose and serve drinks without washing their hands. It is gross. 2 stars is generous only because the music is pretty good at this place. I did not get the hipster vibe as there are a lot of different people there. Bathrooms are typical of a place like this. read more

Was here the other night as my friend knew some people doing a show here. It's a divey hippie bar. As a bar its only OK. As a venue for music its not a bad setup at all though. Definitely worth checking out some bands at. Some complaints about bartenders not being the most attentive can be helped by just sticking to the decent beer list on tap. read more

Val is awesome, the Saturday evening live Irish music is amazing. Enough said.

This is my go-to bar for live music in an intimate setting. It's a crusty, rusty dive bar, and it hasn't changed for as long as I have been going there (20 years). It's as straight forward as a dive bar can be. The bar tenders are fantastic, and accommodating. I have seen too many great shows to even mention. The men's bathroom is one major drawback. It is by far the most pungent, sharp smelling bathroom I have ever been in. They put ice in the urinal as some quick fix solution to dilute whatever evil is emanating from there, but it doesn't cut the mustard gas. I have pissed in developing countries, and have never smelled anything as putrid as this joint's men's bathroom. Otherwise, this place is a gem. read more