Today I finally got a chance to stop in for lunch at HandleBar at The Hub, Downtown Buffalo’s bike-themed pub. Not only is HandleBar a beautiful cycling destination, it’s also got some delicious attributes that appeal to just about everyone.

First off, HandleBar is a “pub”, which means that it’s only fitting to imbibe in a pint upon arrival. Today I was in a Community Beer Works mood so I settled down to a draught “Whale”. As I sipped the beer, my friend and I decided that we wanted to try out the ingenious magnetic games that are built into the tabletops. The bartender handed us a couple of magnetic wands, and soon we found ourselves manipulating bike chain (under glass) into different shapes, and guiding bottle caps through what appeared to be a never-ending maze. HandleBar co-owner Sarah Schneider invented the tabletop games, and has even applied for a patent.

After our minds were satiated, we ventured over to the bar to order our food (there is no table service). The menu at the pub is not overly extensive, why is actually fine because it makes formulating a quick decision fairly easy. Neither one of us were in a “meat” mood, so we both opted for veggie/vegan flatbread pizzas. We heard that the dough was made fresh over at Merge, which was a great selling point. For meat eaters there is a curried chicken, a BBQ pulled pork, and of course variations of the flatbread. The gourmet stuffed potatoes (fueling up the cyclists) piqued my interest… I will have to try one of those next time. There’s also a kale salad for those looking for something lighter.

The choice of flatbreads proved to be the right decision. My Thai peanut with tempeh and blue cheese (photo below) was cooked to perfection and super tasty (gluten free crust is also available). It’s amazing what a place like this can do without a full kitchen, especially when it has access to an established sister eatery. My friend’s custom vegan creation (after much manipulating of the menu ingredients) was also a winner. She told me that the soy cheese was hearty without being heavy, and grooved on the vodkas sauce that accompanied it.

By the time we were finished, we were both completely full. My friend had a final piece of her flatbread wrapped to go, but she actually ended up eating it before we walked out the door (that’s how much she loved it). As much as I loved my food and my beer, the only suggestion that I can make is to offer some creative health drinks to go along with the rest of the bike-friendly formula. As much as people will sometimes be interested in having a beer, wine or cocktail for lunch, this place screams for some fun healthy drinks (pressed juice, smoothie, or craft virgin cocktails).

HandleBar at The Hub is a breath of fresh air in Downtown Buffalo. I’m a big fan of the wide-openess of the place, the library-style ladder behind the bar, the stationary bicycle that you can ride to charge your cell phone, the lofted ceilings, the public art (outside) by Sarah Fonzi, and the fishbowl windows that let all of the natural light in (will be beautiful when the snow flies). There’s even a new patio for those who want to sit outside.

This is was the third time that I paid a visit to the pub. Each time I found something new that made the trip worth while. The food is solid, the craft beer is plentiful, and the bike decor is a lot of fun to check out. Cycle over if you can, or take the car if you have to. No matter how you get there you are guaranteed to be happy upon your arrival.

HandleBar at The Hub | 149 Swan Street | Buffalo, New York 14203 | (716) 259-9632 | Facebook