Waxlight Bar à Vin is a modern, wine-focused restaurant in the Black Rock neighborhood of Buffalo. We’re led by a team of owner-operator sommeliers and chefs who have dedicated their lives to creating food and drink experiences. Join us for casual snacks and cocktails, workaday dinners, date night, or a blowout meal with beverage pairings selected by our certified wine professionals. We offer a wide selection of spirits, wine, and beer and an ever-changing menu of cravable, technique-driven dishes you won’t find anywhere else. With plenty of walk-in availability at our bar and lounge, tables on reserve in our dining room, and an always-welcoming atmosphere, Waxlight can accommodate any need or dining occasion.
Christina Corfield
Incredible food in chic surroundings with friendly and knowledgeable staff. We had the crab rarebit and roast chicken house made chips which were amazing, but I would highly recommend you get the chips with the spinach dip because the favors were unbelievable! The steak and the duck confirm were likewise cooked perfectly and flavorful – I choose the duck for the rye speztle and they did not disappoint! Excellent cocktails and delicious, creamy and rich basque cheesecake. Highly, highly recommend.
Good parking in the back. Only downside is that the lighting is very dim which made the vibe lovely but reading the menu tricky.
… moreJoshua Mika
Waxlight is easily one of the best establishments in Buffalo. The food and drink menus are unique and everything is always on point. The atmosphere is very chill – a great option for date night and to celebrate special occasions. The bar is also a nice spot for happy hour. Very highly recommended.
… moreMaria Gaca
We had a wonderful evening with friends celebrating an engagement. Upon making a reservation for 5, I emailed with Lauren who was extremely helpful. She even suggested a round of bubbly to cheers to for our recently engaged friend! Such a great touch. There is a $50 per person charge for larger parties which is applied to your total as a gift card when you close out. We were running late to our reservation and they don’t have a house phone to call. Thankfully, I still had Lauren’s number and also emailed her and she was very responsive and understanding. But I can see how this could be a challenge for others trying to arrange a reservation. Or maybe I’m just getting old.
The staff was wonderful; attentive, knowledgeable and patient with our many questions. If I were to go back, it would likely be just for drinks as the food didn’t hit the mark for us. The presentation on everything was stunning which gave us high hopes! But everything was either over salted or under salted, which I know is a preference…everything just tasted like it wasn’t complete, like it was missing something. For $100 a person with a reservation deposit, I think we went in with high hopes and were disappointed with the food.
However, this is a great place for drinks! And try the food if you’re up for it!
… moreHow it is Liz
Waxlight Bar à Vin is a unique gem tucked away in Buffalo’s Black Rock neighborhood!
With an ever evolving, eclectic menu of food and cocktails, every visit feels like a culinary adventure! The ownership team is made up of seasoned chefs and knowledgeable sommeliers, bringing unmatched expertise to the table. Their commitment to detail and service shines from the moment you walk in. It’s no surprise they’ve received three James Beard nominations!
The space itself is just as imaginative as the food. Sleek, modern, velvet textures and sultry lighting, it strikes the perfect balance between elegant and inviting.
Once you find Waxlight, you’ll be hooked! A must-visit for anyone who loves trying new flavors with great wine and cocktail pairings.
… moreMatthew Murphy
I’ve returned to Waxlight over two dozen times since they opened. The food is consistently innovative and surprising – but even with an usual menu, the staff/owners are so friendly they keep it far from pretentious. The cocktails are always surprising, balanced and changing. The kitchen knows their way around every protein (scallops, swordfish, duck, ribeye, pork belly, and on and on). Most recently I enjoyed their January tasting menu – every dish was a hit. If you’re interested in learning more about wine, Waxlight makes it comfortable to ask questions and explore new regions. The ambience is chic and trends casual or upscale, depending on your vibe. In any other city I’ve lived, you would need a reservation two weeks out for a restaurant of this caliber – a Buffalo gem.
… moreLisa Zhang
I cannot say enough about this place! My husband and I went here for a personal celebration and we were blown away! I would give this place 10 stars if i could! The cocktails were some of the best I’ve ever had. The service was top-notch and truly made our night that much more special. Our server, Lauren, from the moment we said hello until the end of our visit was beyond outstanding. She took time to explain different ingredients and flavor profiles of various dishes. She answered all of our questions with a breadth of knowledge, all while being kind and personable. She was just absolutely incredible from start to finish. The food? Omg OUT OF THIS WORLD DELICIOUS!!!!! Honestly I had some expectations but even those were blown away when I tasted the beef ribs, pork belly, pasta (pasta is made in house and you absolutely can tell that it is!) and hangar steak. You can taste the incredible attention that is put into the food at this restaurant and it’s hands down probably the most impressive restaurant I’ve ever been to in Buffalo. I simply cannot recommend this restaurant enough. Just the food alone makes it one of the best (actually it was my favorite place I’ve been to in a very very long time and I’d say it has to be my favorite fine dining spot now) but the gorgeous atmosphere of this place (interior design is exceptional), the service beyond phenomenal, the overall experience struck a chord and has left a lasting impression. This place really is that amazing- I don’t know that my review can even do it justice. We will be back with my in-laws and my sister and her husband as well. I honestly cannot wait to go here again!!!
… moreElise Addeo
The drinks here are incredible and the staff was very helpful and kind. Amazing mocktails + loved the small bites.
The ambiance would be great for a nicer date. The seating arrangements and bar are inviting and comfortable, and you can surely stay here a while!
Make a reservation and don’t miss it. 🙂
x Elise
… moreMurphy McConnell
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Food was FANTASTIC, the cocktails were super cool and the atmosphere was amazing. We’ll certainly be back and often!
… moreMichelle C
Our favorite restaurant, by far! Great service and exciting menu items. We love that they are always experimenting with different flavors and ingredients. We have never had a bad experience here.
… moreAnna DiNoto
First time here and definitely not the last! The ambience of the restaurant was awesome and such a cool vibe. Service was absolutely amazing and food was fantastic! Went with a group of 6 and we got a bunch of different apps on top of entrees. Everything was coursed out perfectly and the desserts were perfect! An awesome evening with not a single complaint definitely one of my new favorite spots!! Loved it
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