It’s not a phase—it’s a business model.
Karma Smallback’s love for the macabre, like so many before her, came from the poetry of Edgar Allan Poe.
“I would spend my babysitting money on these horror comic books and just become obsessed with them,” says the co-owner and visionary of Hertel Avenue library bar The Merry Shelley.
And when it came time to name her establishment, there was a clear choice: a play on the name of the author of the classic gothic horror novel, “Frankenstein.”
“Mary Shelley was ahead of her time; we consider her to be the goth mother,” Karma explains. “[As] a women-owned business and literary fiend … it had to be named after her.”
Originally conceptualized in 2020 as a wine bar, Buffalo’s already flourishing scene inspired Karma to get more creative. Drawn to absinthe’s storied mythos, she curated a specialty collection for the bar and served up the strong, herb-infused spirit in historically accurate glasses, complete with sugar cubes and a matchstick holder.
People are also reading…
Unlike most bars, you won’t find any old reliables like a gin and tonic or vodka soda.
“Our drink menu is specifically curated in order to push people out of their comfort zone,” Karma explains.
The Merry Shelley’s “potions” are cocktails collaboratively concocted by Karma and her team, lovingly inspired by horror classics and seasonal flavors. The menu also boasts high-quality wines, sake and rare 12% ABV beers.
Upon entering the bar, hand-painted walls depicting a moonlit night envelop you, complemented by plush parlor chairs and vintage glassware, culminating into a homey but fantastical ambiance. “I wanted the bar to be cozy and dark,” Karma affirms. “We don’t decorate for Halloween—It’s always like this.”
Further paying homage to its literary roots, at the Merry Shelly, patrons can also enjoy the bar’s free library collection.
“There’s two coffin-shaped bookshelves on the wall stuffed with books,” Karma says. “Anyone is welcome to take the books off of the shelves to read at the bar or to take home with them.”
This Halloween season, the Merry Shelley is teaming up for a third year with fellow women-owned businesses, Revolution Gallery and Hot Mama’s Canteen, for an evening of frightful fun. On Oct. 26, each hotspot will have a DJ and costume party with a shuttle bus running between them. Tickets can be purchased at any of the locations.
“[October] is kind of our month—people just get excited to go experience spooky things, so we get to lean into that,” Karma says.
Throughout the year, the bar also hosts bazaars with local vendors, weekly tarot readings, themed music nights, burlesque performances and more.
Next time you find yourself upon a midnight dreary, stop into The Merry Shelley for a scary good time.
Potent potables at the Merry Shelley
House Absinthe: Mata Hari Absinthe
Austrian absinthe made in Vienna from a 125-year-old family recipe, with mellow notes of anise and flavored with violet, clove and cinnamon.
Vampire’s Kiss
PX Sherry is bittered up with red vermouth. Named after Nicolas Cage’s method-acted vampire film, where you’re not sure if he’s crazy or actually a vampire.
The Witching Hour: Red Chai Tea and Krupnik
An alcoholic honey shot is dropped into hot red chai tea, warming the body and the mind.
