Having been established in 2002, the Buffalo Chop House has quickly become a favorite in Buffalo NY.
Nestled in the back of parking lot at 242 Franklin St. with only a bright neon sign to tell you you’ve arrived, is the city’s number one restaurant for prime aged steaks. With how expensive this restaurant is, I was slightly disappointed that the “Chop” in the “Buffalo Chop House” sign was out and not visible from the street. However I quickly got over it as I was greeted by a host standing in the freezing cold directing people where to enter. The grand gothic oak doors invite you in to a era I thought was forgotten. Dripping with red velvet and dark wood you immediately get the sense that if this were 1940, Frank Sinatra would be a staple here.
With three floors of tables; I asked that my party be seated on the second level. Upon ascending to the second level, your eyes immediately fix on a wrought iron spiral stair case leading up to the third level. The industrial looking chandelier, which hangs over a wide opening for sweeping views of the first level, looks like a prop out of the movie Hugo. A fair warning to those with poor eye sight; the lighting is extremely dim and when asked if the track lights could be turned up just a little, a quick response of “NO” left me squinting at the menu.
Prices run deep, with a menu that is completely “a la carte.” The appetizers have a staggering range; from $6.00 up to platters for 4 at $58.00. We opted for the garlic spinach ($8.50) which is considered a “side” not an appetizer, the french onion soup ($9.50) and a salad ($9.50) large enough to feed three people.
Although sides are ordered separately, I was impressed that my grilled salmon ($32.00) was accompanied by an array of steamed vegetables, free of charge and covered in a buttery dill sauce (served dairy free, but does contain butter). When asked I was told that the vegetables could be served plain if needed. The salmon was cooked perfectly, delicate and flaky. The enormous Porter House steak ($44.00) and the Filet Mignon (10 oz $38.00 or 14oz $44.00) were aged to perfection and cooked to perfection. With the first bite these steaks melt in your mouth and are delicately seasoned so as not to take away from what can only be described as carnivore heaven. The lamb chop ($32.00) which presents well and has terrific flavor, contains much more fat then meat. Not a dish that someone with gallbladder problems should consider. And for the price it didn’t make my “favorite hits” list.
From the service to the decor; from the superb wine to the menu selections, this restaurant offers something for everyone…but be expected to pay the price.
With dressings for the salad that come gluten free and dairy free, entrees that serve both the carnivore and digestive sensitive alike to desserts for the lactose intolerant (options like sorbet); this restaurant and it’s food will leave you begging for more.
