Adolf's Old First Ward. Buffalo, New York.

555 South Park Avenue

Guinness Tag: $8.00 | Overall Rating: 7.00

Today's Dedicated Pint: Rob Kramer

Before heading to Buffalo, I asked a few people where I should go in regard to either a good Irish Pub, wings, or both. Nobody told me about the Banshee, which blew me away! However, more than one person told me about Adolf's, and after looking at its storefront through pictures I figured it looked like a fun spot. It's certainly a fun spot, especially if you're looking to watch the Bills, eat crispy wings, and have likable locals (Buffalonians?) to converse with. Asking for anything more than that simply just makes you picky, but hey, it's ok to be picky with how you spend your God given time and hard-earned money.

A lot of Pubs fall into the category of, "It's a great spot, but it's not something I'm going to write home about." I say that about Adolf's as I sit here, quite literally writing home about it. Just for Pete's sake, I'll tell you what makes the Banshee (downtown Buffalo/theatre district) a much better Pub than Adolf's when comparing the two side by side. Did anybody ask for this comparison? No, but you can only imagine the number of times I get asked by locals from any particular area, "How could you rate this place better than that one? I've been going there for years and it's great." So again, Adolf's IS a GOOD Pub, it's just not worthy of being high on the Totem Pole when placing it side by side. It indisputably has a lot of history and a committed base of regulars who have been supporting the place for decades. Anyhow, let's get on with it.

Has a library with a fireplace, dim lighting, and comfy seating.

The Banshee: Yes.

Adolf's: No.

Bar itself came directly from Ireland.

The Banshee: Yes.

Adolf's: No.

Offers wings.

The Banshee: Yes.

Adolf's: Yes.

Offers 150+ whiskeys.

The Banshee: Yes.

Adolf's: Hell no.

Has wall decor that looks like it came directly from Hobby Lobby.

The Banshee: No.

Adolf's: Yes.

Noteworthy craftsmanship and upholstered barstools.

The Banshee: Yes.

Adolf's: No.

The Banshee also opens its doors earlier and closes them later, it's currently being ran by an Irish native, the bar is a horseshoe that holds about 25 asses, and the patina hits harder. This article isn't about The Banshee, though, so that's enough of that. (Now, if any of you guys in the Buffalo area ask me why I prefer one over the other, well, that's why).

Adolf's has great touches to it, such as the bathroom in disguise of a telephone booth, great natural lighting, old school cereal boxes and other tchotchkes, a perfect "neighborhood bar" vibe, and moderate prices. I was finally able to cross off a bucket list item here at Adolf's, which was to eat a chicken wing here in the Buffalo city limits. The sauce was better than any "medium buffalo sauce" I've had anywhere else, and the wings had a perfect crisp on the outside with a tender, steamy inside. The wings here are phenomenal.

For me, once you have a perfectly executed smoked wing (Oak Tavern | Cincinnati), it's hard to go back to deep fried wings. However, when it comes to wings on an NFL Sunday, I don't care if you fry'em, bake'm, smoke'm, or heat them up in an air fryer: just keep feeding me more. I'm jealous of those who get to devour 20+ wings under this roof as they watch the Bills kick the Patriot's ass. In that scenario: move aside Guinness, give me a Miller Highlife (bottle). Speaking of the Bills, we stopped at the new Highmark Stadium on our way over here and DAMN is it big. It's an exciting season for Bills fans, but I can't veer away from my Bengals.

Our bartender today was a nice lady, and she seemed to care about us enjoying our short stay. She knows how to pour a worthy pint (she put a shamrock in the head which is always a fun, unasked for, and unexpected treat here in the States), she shared her smile with everyone, and she was even polite enough to direct me toward the can. You'll find engraved shamrocks in the furniture as you look around, and you'll notice nicely colored crown molding, ceiling tiles, and other attributes.

Shamrocks inside a Guinness head. Let me be clear, here. There's a time and place for them here in the States. Sometimes it can be gimmicky and unnecessary, depending on what kind of establishment you're in. If you're at a fun neighborhood spot like Adolf's, where people are here to have a good time and be reminded about Ireland's fun little touches in life, then it's always an enjoyable attribute to the pint. If you're in an upscale, super proper Pub, paying $12+ each pour, it can be a little tacky. However, anyone who complains about a shamrock in their beer, especially here in America, can rightfully kick rocks in my book. Think about it, if you received a cowboy hat on every domestic beer given to you, would you be upset about it? I wouldn't be, and I especially wouldn't be if I ordered a Budweiser somewhere across the pond and they put something American on the head of my beer, as it would give me a little reminder of home. (Some people knock on shamrocks on Guinness pours).

There's not a whole lot to Adolf's. I think it's safe to say it's more appreciated by the locals rather than out of towners (I could be wrong). It'll hit the spot if you're looking to lay low and avoid the big crowds, though, and that's a win if you ask me.

Thanks for the memorable time, Adolf's! I'm happy I stopped in, and I hope you continue pouring shamrocks in beers long after I'm dead! I loved the wings! Slainte.