For years, city dwellers have been clamoring for a Pizza Plant to open in an urban setting. That day has finally come, as owners Robert and Dan Syracuse have staked their claim at Canalside, joining Phillips Lytle and the 102-room Courtyard by Marriott.

Last night my wife and I ventured down to check out the new operation, since Pizza Plant was always high on our list of casual places to eat. After we figured out where to park (next time we’re taking the Metro Rail), we strolled inside and were immediately overcome with a sense of nostalgia… and relief that the day had finally arrived. We moseyed right on over to the bar, and began to scope out our surroundings.

It didn’t take long for us to settle right in. We loved the extensive tap system that is flanked by a giant hand hewn keg! We also liked the projection TV, which made viewing the Sabres’ game a lot of fun. When the projector is not showing games, it broadcasts local beer images (both moving and static), which is pretty clever. I also like the way the rest of the flatscreen TVs were inset, with other ornamental design objects obscuring their presence so that we didn’t feel as if we were in NASA headquarters. The only really prominent flatscreen in the joint highlights the ample beer menu.

The shelled peanuts in baskets on the bar was also a nice touch. I can’t remember the last time that I saw something as simple and immediately gratifying. As a customer to the left of me dove into the basket of nuts, we struck up a conversation with the owners who were both on hand. They pointed out that one of the square columns behind us was fashioned from discarded bricks from the demolished Simon Pure Brewery. How sad and cool at the same time. They directed our attention to a number of other historic accents that contributed to the build out. They also said that they salvaged a lot of of the nostalgic Pizza Plant memorabilia from the former Walker Center location. There seemed to be a story behind almost everything in the bar, which was pretty neat.

Last night was the first time that I ever had an extended conversation with either of the owners (inset L-R: Dan and Robert). I must say that they are two of the nicest, funniest, and honestly genuine guys around. They care about their food, their beer, their bar and their city. They are super excited to be a part of the growth of Canalside. They’ve also done a bang-up job with the decor of the pub. Between splashes of tin ceiling illuminated with red lights, and that various seating vignettes, Pizza Plant is immediately comfortable and well thought out. My only complaint was the mishmash of music selections which I am told they are currently ironing out. It’s tough to watch a hockey game as Rod Stewart is signing a ballad in the background.

In the near future, Pizza Plant will be opening its Superette to-go station. At that time, customers will be able to ‘grab and go’ some of the restaurant’s best sellers. The owners are also in the process of stocking a higher end wine selection to complement the full bar. “We’re changing some things up in our new location,” Robert told me. “We’re seeing faces that we’ve never seen before. We want to make sure that everyone feels welcome, so we’re introducing new food and beverage ideas to accommodate the downtown crowd.”

If you’ve never visited a Pizza Plant, you have to add this to your “must do” list. This is a wonderful addition to Downtown Buffalo and the waterfront. It’s the perfect place to enjoy an upscale pub atmosphere without getting too fancy schmancy. Pizza Plant boasts 4100 sq.’ of space, which means that you can belly up to the bar, or find a far corner to suit your mood. In the end, it’s all about the pods and the beer, which Robert and Dan nailed down many moons ago. Today is their third day operating at Canalside. I don’t think it’s going to take long before this business is the talk of the town.

Pizza Plant | One Canalside at the foot of Main Street | 125 Main Street | Suite 110 | Buffalo, New York | (716) 626-5566 | Facebook | See menu

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