The recent opening of BestCellar Book Bar in Clarence hammered home a point that has been rattling around my brain for months: Western New York is home to quite a few establishments that offer two different, but usually connected, concepts under one roof.
Many of these, of course, are something “and a bar” (and as a beer drinker, this pleases me). In the case of BestCellar, located at 9560 Main St., two of my personal favorites—books and drinks, both alcoholic and non—have united for a relaxed, utterly chill experience.
That calm, casual feeling was the goal, says Devon Powers. The nurse practitioner co-owns BestCellar with her father, Pete Powers, a retired attorney.
“I wanted a place where I could be surrounded by books, but that is not only about the books, or about drinking,” she explains. “It's just a place where both come together. I view it more as a community space where you could be alone on the couch or at the bar and reading, or come in with friends.”
People are also reading…
“The concept and design is Devon’s,” says Pete, who describes a development process that took much time and energy due to the complexities of combining two different ideas. “We took it step by step and got help along the way.”
There was also some luck involved; he points out that the rather stunning bookcases lining the space were purchased from the now-closed Hollister store at the Boulevard Mall. The result of their work is a bookstore and bar that also offers some food options and plays host to book clubs and events, with more, including live music, on the way.
Devon says the creation of BestCellar taught her “to not be afraid to dive into something that's scary and unknown. We think that this is the best outcome of our idea that we could have had. We just love it.”
The BestCellar concept can be found in other cities, and the same is true of BrandBar, located at 8420 Transit Road in Williamsville. Owner Anna Mullett has lived and worked in New York City and saw that some stores there would offer cocktails to shoppers. This was lacking, however, in WNY.
BrandBar (shopbrandbar.com) in Williamsville pairs boutique shopping with cocktails.
“I loved that concept of creating a retail space that could not only act as a shopping experience for women but also a social one; a store featuring trendy fashion, accessories, footwear and beauty products seamlessly integrated with a stylish cocktail lounge where customers can enjoy handcrafted drinks while they shop,” she says. “Women can come together to shop with friends and family, enjoy a drink and socialize at the same time.”
Anna says the uniqueness of BrandBar has made it a hit.
“The concept has been very well received. Women have really enjoyed having a drink and sitting at the bar while they catch up with a friend and then shop afterwards,” she says. “Men have enjoyed this as well—they can enjoy a drink while their wife shops.”
Meanwhile, Hounds & Hops, located in Seneca One in downtown Buffalo, offers dog and cat grooming. After previously serving craft beer on site, visitors are now encouraged to visit Other Half Brewing next door for a “yappy hour” while waiting.
This summer, a Village of Hamburg location will open offering grooming and craft beer together in one spot, and a new downtown location planned for next year will feature grooming, daycare, an indoor dog park and a beer garden.
Animal behaviorist Jarod Miller co-owns Hounds & Hops with Bob Manley. Jarod says his experience as a producer of a TV series about dog adoption and the relationship between humans and their canines demonstrated the need for a new, more social approach to grooming, daycare, training and boarding.
“There’s an increasing demand for pet care, and why not make it fun?” he says. “Especially here in Buffalo, this concept is the perfect fit. We love our dogs, great craft beverages and new ways to socialize. Also, the marketplace is shifting to many younger customers treating their pups like their children and integrating them into as many activities as possible.”
No matter the combo, fans of these spots will attest that two is most certainly better than one.
Doubling up
When developing a list of WNY two-for-one spots, there were a few ground rules.
Spots that offer something as an “add-on” are neat, but do not quite fit. For example, Hi-Fi Hits is a record store in Williamsville that also happens to have a small bar offering beer. Also out are places that have multiple options for visitors that all fall under the entertainment category, such as Pocketeer Billiards on Clinton Street (pool plus “Pinball Alley”). In addition, we are focused only on locally-owned spots—no national chains. (Sorry, Whole Foods/Bar 1818.)
With that in mind, here are a few of Western New York’s noteworthy combination spots:
Books + Liège waffles
Re-opening in spring at 1462 Main St., Buffalo
Golf simulators + sports bar
4309 Transit Road, Williamsville
Ham and other meats + gold-buying (!).
12 Michael Road, West Seneca
Dog park, daycare and boarding + bar
2866 Pleasant Ave., Hamburg
Restaurant and bar + Japan-inspired arcade
521 Main St., Buffalo
Ice cream + comic books and toys
56 E. Spring St., Williamsville
Motorcycle merchandise + coffee shop
1434 Hertel Ave., Buffalo
