Full disclosure: my brother DJs a monthly event here, so my experiences have been mostly shaped by his soundtrack and his buddies, all local 20somethings who come here for the cheap booze, the pool tables, the friendly bartenders and the chicken sandwiches. Over time, I've come to realize that this place, known more commonly as The Old Pink or just "The Pink," isn't so much a dive as it is a living performance art piece evoking the The Idea of The Dive. It's self-aware about being the kind of place that serves PBR in a can and tasty steak sandwiches at 3am, without being too painfully self-conscious or self-righteous about it. The Pink has been reviewed in glossy magazines and boasts giant green flames down the side, yet it still remains fairly under-the-radar, at least among non-locals (and even locals, if they're over 40). You'll almost never head here intentionally before 11pm, but you'll rarely end a proper night out in Buffalo without a beer here, either, at least if you're with the right people. read more

Great weekend music Power pop and indie rock Eric Van Rysdam Lined up at the trough White powder on a car key Can't you smell that smell? read more

The Pink Flamingo. The Old Pink. Allen Street Bar and Grill. The place formerly known as "The Pink." Or my personal favorite, The Stink. When those doors swing open and a waft of beer, sweat and vomit hit those nostrils, you'll know. You've arrived. To call this place a dive bar would be an understatement. It is the prototype for which all dive bars should aspire to be. It is glorious. I once heard about the Pink, "everything you've heard is true." I loved it. It's true one typically doesn't venture into this establishment before say 1am, however anytime you go there will be folks there and amazing food. Yes, I said it, amazing food (for us carnivores). I always made fun of the people who ate there until I tried the steak sandwich and cheeseburger (not at the same time). Changed my life. My mouth is watering thinking about that cheeseburger right now. There is also a terrific and eclectic mix of patrons and music always playing as well as an array of games including darts and pool. Beer and food, cheap and good. You can probably find ANYTHING you want or need in that joint. This is the place to end the night. Bonus: Due to past incidents they're uber-strict with IDs so there's not any (conspicuous) annoying under-agers andddddd The ladies bathroom never has a line or runs out of toilet paper. read more

Man you gotta love The Old Pink, as it is dive bar perfection at its best. I mean it has been a mainstay in Allentown for years and hasn't changed a bit. I've finished up countless nights of drinking here and always run into a random someone I know but haven't seen in awhile when I do. Holiday times allows you to also meet your friends who are back visiting as they also are drawn to this buffalo staple for the last couple of hours of drinking when in town. Last night might have been the first time I was here before the 1-2am mark and was only time I ate there. Went for the first ever Buffalo Yelp happy hour and they made for gracious hosts. The burger was amazing mainly due to it being cooked to perfection and then topped off with the most delicious onions and mushrooms (which the bartender was kind enough to let me know was due to them being soaked in Guinness in a slow cooker for 4-5 hours) They are famed for their steak sandwich, which after the burger I will make a point to go out of my way to try. Thanks Yelp, I knew this was a great place to drink, but now know the food kicks ass as well. read more

This place is not for everyone. I find it dirty and somewhat smelly. Each time I have been the bathroom has been atrocious. One time there was a woman in there flashing people -- I didn't see it myself, but was told by a friend who went in. Other times, the floor was wet. The Old Pink is a dive bar. I'm just not a divey person, and if you aren't, either, I would definitely stay away. I feel this review pretty much sums things up: http://www.yelp.com/biz/old-pink-buffalo#hrid:duP133KmuQRR3kIbFHHjhg Whether it's five stars or one really just depends on who you are. read more

The Old Pink (223 Allen Street) is the best damn bar in America. The End. OK, I'll elaborate. This one time, single lane bowling alley, is a dark, smelly hole in the wall where you can get the best steak you've ever had in your life. There's usually 70s punk rock (the good stuff, pre-new-wave) playing. And the bartenders, Drew, Brian, Joey and Jay are the best in the business. Well, maybe not, but they're great guys, every last one of 'em. Post 2 am (Buffalo bars are open until 4 am, after all) the place turns into an odd, drunken, meat market. It's usually pretty crowded. Personally, I like it a little earlier, when you can chill out and chat with the staff. I miss this bar more than any other thing in Western New York except for my family that's there. The cheap but tough cocktails, the best Steak sandwich on all the planet, great music, super cool staff, and flirty punk rock girl customers make it exactly what my lead in said. This is the best bar in these United States. read more

The Pink is an Allen St. institution and is one of the great dive bars of America. This place has always been a late night bar destination and the crowd is diverse - guys in suits to guys with mohawks. This bar is dark, dank and crammed from corner to corner with stickers and Elvis paraphernalia. The bar area smells and the bathrooms are only slightly upgraded from Trainspotting territory. Lots of late night drunken humor scribbled on the walls. Drop something during a late night visit to the Pink and that shit is gone forever, say no more - I would only go after large bills and car keys. Still though, they do have some of the most amazing bar food. There is something odd and magical about the grill in the Pink - they do churn out one of the best steak sandwiches you'll ever find, not to mention hand cut grilled bologna sandwiches. Bartenders are cool and good at what they do. Music tends to lean towards punk but also they play a lot of indie - I've always dug what they play. Drinks are not unreasonably priced. You haven't been out late night in Buffalo if at some point you haven't been through the Pink's doors. read more

Tbe best dive bar in America, not just Buffalo. A hidden gem. Great food, drinks, music, relaxed atmosphere and a place where you can have a quiet conversation or a game of pool/darts. Legend has it this is the longest bar in Buffalo. A comfortable place to go with friends or by yourself. Great vibe. read more

Dive bar heaven! Well the outside looks like something straight out of scary satanic carnival ride at an amusement park or traveling gypsy circus. The inside can be dark and dingy and it's very likely you will be stumbling in the door when you arrive and then out the door when you leave here.....or most likely due to the cheap drinks. The bar itself is one of the longest end to end I've ever encountered in Buffalo, and the red lighting above it gives it that perfect divey feel....kind if like being in a Submarine diving deeper and deeper into a dark abyss. The place and crowd can be just as diverse as its music selection. And with all the Elvis pics and busts behind the bar, I'm a little surprised I haven't heard the King jamming away on any of my visits. I brought some first timer suburbanite friends on a Allen Street bar hopping session the other night. I previewed the steak sandwich picture from Yelp and they immediately ordered up the famous steak sandwich (grill is open until 3 AM!). Every last bite was consumed by all with glorious delight, followed by two thumbs up and ear to ear smiles around the bar. read more

Old Pink - Bar - Dive Bars Near Me - Buffalo, New York

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Top shelf dive bar in the heart of Buffalo. Cheap beer, cool vibe, everything you want out of a dive bar. It's dark, the bartender also has the grill going right behind the bar... Check it out, right after some wings at Gabriel's Gate read more

Now, I'd definitely been to The Pink before the Yelp happy hour. But usually I'd roll in, after having a few drinks, with a posse of friends around 2-3am. Wandering in here at 6pm just seemed weird but I was so excited to try the food that everyone raves about. To be honest, this is not a place I'd order food from unless I got a recommendation. But the grill in there is 20 years old or something and the whole place smells of its charred delightfulness. I got a burger with cheese (regret not getting the peppers & onions) and it was damn good. I was so sad when I ate the last bite. Even though there were some drink specials for the event, the regular happy hour prices were the bomb. Now I know where I'll be coming if I find myself in Allentown craving some meaty goodness off an awesome grill. read more

Old pink is probably the best dive bar in Buffalo, NY hands down. This place is always a fun time with wacky people of different social groups. From Hipster to Gangster you see all types of people. What brings all these people together and get along? The answers easy...The atmosphere and history of the Pink. Drinks at great prices and is on the top of a large number of top 10 hook up bars in the city. This place can get wild and there's a lot of things you wish you didn't see that you will see, i'll leave you to discover what that means ;). The General Manager (Matt) gets his hands in the mix when his staff is busy on the weekends. He's a great guy to know and will treat you well. The rest of the staff is just as nice, as well as attentive to the large crowds. This bar is rarely dead, even on weekends. They also serve some pretty decent food here if you start getting the drunk munchies from the powerful drinks they give you. The place can fill up and you still don't feel the need to leave, you just stay and enjoy the show (or be a part of it). There's a DJ there on the weekends and the funny thing about Buffalo is that the jukebox has been broke for quite some time, and Buffalonians love this place so much they still voted it in for a nomination for "Best Jukebox in Buffalo" , it goes to show you the loyalty of their customer base when you can pull that off! If you can get your hands on the pool table, it's a nice little area to play some pool with your friends or significant other. Basically, if you go to Buffalo this is the place to check out, one of the older well known treasures of Buffalo's drinking fame right here. Cheers and if you go tell Matt, that Mat said hi! :) read more

"Dive Bar" just doesn't do the Old Pink justice. It's so much more than that. I've been a patron since 1988. They play a lot of the same music from that era, with the best mix of newer tunes. No pretensions, no illusions. The steak sandwich is outstanding, but I've been vegetarian since 1990, so I've mostly just smelled them. The bartenders know how to pour. You can walk in wearing everything from tuxes and gowns to ripped cargo shorts, and you'll feel at home. read more

Even though I know I've royally increased my chances of catching an STD just by walking into this place, and I never really want to go, I still find myself there and never cease to have a good time. It's the dive of all dives. I've shut the place down, I've day drank there (THAT'S a sight), I've brought out-of-town friends there as part of my personal Buffalo tour, and I always run into a mix of good friends and scumbags. All under one roof. This is the type of place where, if you spend too much time there, you might find yourself contemplating what direction your life is going. But you'll always have an entertaining night. read more

The Old Pink is where its at for Happy Hour on Wednesdays. The steak sandwich is amazing. If you're feeling adventurous...try some fried bologna. Be nice to the bartenders and they will be nice to you. This is the spot to be at 4 AM on friday or saturday (or any other day) if you are lonely and looking to canoodle. Its not an epic evening unless you end up at The Pink. read more

For a place to get some drinks reaaaaaally late on a Friday/Saturday night, it's the best. It has what Moe's from The Simpsons has: "The Dank". The DJ plays better music than anywhere else in the city; old punk and newer indie stuff alike. There's another side to The Pink: the steak sandwich. I didn't believe my friend when be told me that they had good food; the place is old and grungy in the best kind of way. Time and time again though, I've had the best steak sandwich in my life...at the pink. Check it out. read more

Ah, the legendary ol' pink, pretty much the core of the Allentown district's (even the entire of city of buffalo maybe?) night life. It's appeal is a mix of genuine divey simplicity and the irony of how gritty and unglamorous it is physically. It almost makes perfect sense for Buffalo, the most "happenin" drinking establishment isn't some high flauntin' dance club, but a modest, cheap older dive bar that technically doesn't even have a name on the front of it. The set-up of the place is pretty decent not very spacious but managable- a few areas to chill outside the long strip adjacent to the bar, including a couple sections for darts, pool, and a couple of other virtual games. The beer selection is very good, they have a large range of types of beer and the prices aren't bad at all. The bathrooms are atrocious; the urinals in the dudes' room is essentially just a giant old sink that a bunch of guys can fit to pee in; the stall doesn't have a door on it. The music is usually always great, there is a DJ who takes requests but in general the bar seems pretty heavy on making it's mainstay alternative 70s/80s music (think a lot of Squeeze, Talking Heads, Velvet Underground)- which is not a bad thing. Basically the bar doesn't get crowded until 12-1, and from there until closing time at 4 just has wasted people spilling in from all over the city. Sometimes it can be a bit too crowded for my taste but it's tolerable. Every time I'm there, everyone seems so drunk it's almost like anything including the most ridiculous things goes on here and it doesn't seem abnormal- it's almost like some weird vacation, fantasy world for a few hours where everything gets tolerated. And even better, I've never noticed much animosity or fighting despite people's states and the sometimes large crowd, everyone seems to have a good time. The scene could seem a bit jarring to non-regulars. Being still in college I felt pretty young and not used to a bar not dominated by people my own age (i.e, Steer or Slick Willie's)- it seems the average age of the crowd is mid 20s-early 30s, with obviously some people being younger and some people in their 50s and 60s still hanging. And it seems a bit cliquey, everyone kind of has their own group and it can seem a bit intimidating to try to approach new people. But don't be- everyone I've ever tried talking to there was friendly. The Pink really is a good time all around. I'd recommend it for anyone stopping in Buffalo. Ideally I'd give it a 4.5. read more

PBR and trash. If that's what you want that's what you'll get. It is the truth of Buffalo. If you wanna dress up the downtown with the 'class' of the suburbs around the city then fine. But if you want the real real... This is it. It ain't comfortable but it's cheap and authentic. read more

This place is an institution. It's awful and crowded and disgusting but magical and wonderful all at once. Everyone ends up here between 3-4am. I could have a great time, just kicking it in the bathroom, and have on many a night, because that's a party in itself. It's so dark and dank in here, it's like its own world, like the lion, the witch and the wardrobe. I love the summer nights when everyone gets kicked out at closing time but the party gets continued outside. The one bartender hooks drinks up for me because he likes my hair. read more

A true buffalo staple with the best steak sandwich in town (it doesn't hurt that I usually get it after midnight I'm sure, but it is phenomenal every time) - not to mention it is made by the bartenders which is so cool to me - Jordan is a standout to me behind the pine- always on top of his game (as they all are ) and willing to do a shot. The music is unique and always has me wondering who it is. Always a diverse crowd, a testament to our diverse city in my opinion... This is why I always send out of town guests here for a true buffalo experience with a warning that looks are deceiving - Who would think to order food here? But I have never been disappointed. Thanks for all you do there fellas, I'll be seeing you soon. read more

The old pink, the stinky pinky, or just the pink. Where else can you get pbr cans, and have some tall guy dressed like Elvis grab your girlfriends hand as she walks out of the bathroom and kisses it? It is just a classic place with its dust covered vinyl records, low rise ceiling, and of course steak sandwiches. It's always an adventure to the pink. Just remember to not sit on the toilet girls. read more

The Old Pink, (as opposed to the New Pink, which no longer exists, kind of the like the New Coke if you think about it), is the epitome of the dive bar; kind of scary, kind of dirty, but a place you ultimately feel warm fuzzies about stumbling into at 3 in the morning. I was terrified the first time I went there, but afterwards couldn't get there enough. You will mysteriously loose hours in this place but it won't matter. This place is awesome. You can't buy the character this place has. Oh, and the Steak Sandwich! OMG, you would never expect it, in fact the thought of eating food here might blow your mind, but trust me, its heaven on earth. read more

Best dive bar. We sat in complete darkness and ate a hot dog on white bread that we couldn't even see. Had some good conversation with the couple near us and LOVED the total bill! $14 for two hot dogs and 4 beers! read more

Best bar on Earth. Buffalo is cooler than you think and you will find some fine examples here. Fun to show up at close when things get a little goofy but also fun any time they are open. Best bar on Earth. Fact. read more

Three things that Pink has going for it, right off the bat: 1) A phone booth, that works, and has a phone book. Where do you ever see that nowadays? 2) Delicious burgers. Seriously, that is probably one of the greatest burgers I have ever eaten. Had I not been so full I would have also tried the steak sandwich (it's a steak on bread--literally a steak sandwich). 3)The tunes were great. I'm a sucker for dive bars. There is something about a dimly lit spot with loud music and questionable characters that make my little heart happy. Regulars planted solidly on their stools, chitchat with the bartenders, sports on the tv and pool being played over your shoulder. Dive bars are my cup o' tea. The Pink does not disappoint at all. Reasonably priced drinks, good food, pleasant company. The only downside to this spot is that it's on Allen, which means parking can be poop. But if that is my only complaint? Then obviously they're doing alright. read more

According to Artvoice's Best of Buffalo: consistently voted Buffalo's Best Dive Bar AND Best Hook-up Joint (with that later part being slightly disturbing), this is, in my opinion, THE quintessential dive bar of our city. And while it certainty doesn't look like a place that you'd want to eat, you definitely do. It's a matter of taste. Do you love dive bars or hate them? The company will be eclectic and it gets really packed late nights but is pretty chill in the earlier part of the evening. Everyone raves about the steak sandwich but personally, I can't resist their burgers topped with cheese, onions & peppers. They offer a fried baloney sandwich as well. The drinks are cheap and the service, always solid. Decked out in graffiti and bumper stickers, taped up chairs/stools, a warped bar, and 'interesting' bathrooms, this place draws everyone, young and old, dawning mohawks to business suits. It goes by a new name these days but to the locals, this place will always be the Old Pink and holds (I suspect) a certain nostalgia for anyone who ever frequented Allen Street. read more

It's the epitome of a dive bar, but the sandwiches are excellent. That's really all that needs to be said.

In it's category (dive bars), this would be a 4 star dive. It's dark. It's dirty. It has a giant grill in front of your eyes, and the drink prices are listed according to shot, straight, rocks, double. This tells you people come here on a mission, and I was surrounded by folks completely meeting that goal. I was there earlier in the night so it was a calm and mostly quiet place to enjoy a drink in your favorite dive atmosphere, whilst surrounded by both regulars and young kids occasionally hooting and hollering. I will return when needed to scratch the dive bar itch. Ah yes, and I hear their sandwiches/burgers are amazing. Not sure if that's a drunk amazing or a sober amazing. We shall see. read more

Great bartender who made one of the best hamburgers we've ever had, and a great steak sandwich, an 8oz steak with grilled peppers and onions, on a toasted sub roll. He apologized for the price of the steak (I think $12). Quiet on the Saturday afternoon when we went, A couple bartender friends on the way to work, and 2 gentlemen from Belgium who were touring US architecture and had read about Old Pink on the internet. We sat at the bar and watched the US open. Divey in a college town sort of way early afternoon ...... read more

Stopped in for a quick afternoon beer and had heard about the steak sandwich served here-my friend and I were not disappointed! The steak was thick, juicy and easy to eat. Incredibly delicious, and our bartender was great. Would absolutely return for another. read more

S'okay, I guess. Took my out of town buddy out here for a little drink-aroo and the crowd was nice. A little hipster and one lady I held the door for said "Thanks, girl". Last time I was called "girl" it ended with "you'll be a woman soon" and then somebody named Vincent Vega came at me with a really big needle. Everything went black after that. The bartender than night looked like a tired Conan O'Brien, so that was a perk! Otherwise, the crowd was nice, not TOO out of control and the place had enough room so you don't feel like your playing elbow hockey with everyone else. Two Blue Moons were $8 which is okay and parking on a weekend is a nightmare. Make sure you wear your most comfortable Cha-cha heels for the hike between the car, the bar, and Jim's Steakout down the street. read more

I make it my duty to go to as many dive bars across the states, and I'm glad I added this one to the list. Dirty, dark, cheap, great. Bartender ruled and gave us a whole bunch of free booze. I tend to ignore most of the other people that are in bars, but I found it weird that there was some type of bachelorette party going on in there - my memory is ridiculously horrible from that night - but I remember that my bf was getting a little creeped out. I'll definitely be back. read more

Ok, so I've probably been here like 5 times in my life after I have had a couple drinks. If vampires were real (which they are) they would come here. It's dark and dirty. But 2 of my boys tell me they have the best steak burgers and regular burgers ever!! So I walk into this place ready to give it a try and I walked out twice. Today I finally did it. They make the food right in front of you and the steak burger was pretty good. I kinda like the pot roast burger from Coles better tho. I do plan on giving this place another shot or two to try the regular burgers. read more

This place is a little different.....Dark and a bit of a dive bar, but the bartender was super nice, chatted us up while we grabbed a beer and then we went on our way.....The only reason I knocked it a star is the "regulars" that were in there, TRASHED (and thats putting it lightly) were just loud and yelling at each other....Couldn't even make out what they were saying!! I was surprised how dead it was on a Sat evening (like 5pm) for as well rated as it is on Yelp! read more

Jeez, why aren't there MORE reviews of this place??? A dingy, dusty, cruddy old place where they play GREAT music (I heard Jane's Addiction there one night, Three Days & Then She Did... both in a row!!), make decent sandwiches & the service is fast! And, like the other reviewer said, the men's room has a trough. And the men's room is pretty atrocious anyway. You could say it's part of the charm of the place... Had the grilled chicken sandwich one night & it was DELICIOUS. I hear the steak sand is even better. read more

OK- what's with the stupid new name? I wouldn't enter this place now without rubber gloves, antiseptic wipes and non-skid shoes.... and couldn't stay long enough to risk using the facilities. That said, when I was 17 (legal age 21) and Mohawks were in only their first come-back- this place was where it was at, Now - I go to bed at 11pm and only drink in establishments that have children's menus. read more

Dive bar with a great steak sandwich!! You MUST try the steak sandwich when you're here. It's a little dark in here but what the hell its a dive bar what do you want read more

The Old Pink is as good as it gets for a dive bar. This is where I first heard Nirvana, and ate the best Steak Sandwich I have ever had. If you want to hang out, drink beer and listen to good music, start or end your night here. read more

I've been here a few times, and every time the service was pretty poor. The bartenders would be rude but as the night went on they would get a little better. Food was great and atmosphere was nice, which is why I returned. Tonight I experienced the worst service I've ever received at a bar. After asking a simple question, I had the bartender flip out and yell at me, saying how the hell would he know. The manager/owner also defended him when I explained what was going on, but the same bartender interrupted the manager/bartender yelling again. I am extremely disappointed because I will never return here again. read more

Walked in at 2:50am and tried to order two beers and two steak sandwiches to go. Was told the sandwiches were not available to go after 3am, though it was only 2:50. Safe to say, they lost our business on the beers and the sandwiches. read more