Saint Neri, An Opulent New Cocktail Bar & Lounge Brings Old-World Glamour to Buffalo, New York
Photography by Michael P. H. Clifford
The striking 70-seat, candle-lit Saint Neri is lavish, with a quirky and playful touch; draped curtains made from 17th-century Venetian fabrics line the interior, and walls gilded entirely with 24-carat gold leafing, further enchant the space. Leopard print carpet runs throughout the space, matching 15 bar stools. The bar itself is adorned in an eye-catching tortoiseshell print, while stunning Murano glass fixtures fill the room with a sexy, dimly-lit glow. Black laquer tables provide space for an additional 50+ seats, with black lacquer continuing through to the countertops in the bathrooms. Amoia has also created a bespoke scent for the room, with warm and herbaceous notes reminiscent of Palo Santo. Hosts dressed in white tuxedos and 1920s flapper-style dresses add another layer of glamour, while a genre-hopping soundtrack plays hits from Aretha Franklin through to 90s hip-hop. Saint Neri is named after the patron saint of joy and good times and this is evident in every detail of the bar experience.
Photography by Michael P. H. Clifford
“Saint Neri truly is a love letter to the city my business partner, Mike, and I grew up in as best friends. It takes everything we love about the city, our memories, and combines it with our passion for beautiful design and world-class hospitality. We are beyond grateful to work with such a talented team, such as Chef Gedra, who approach hospitality in the same way. Saint Neri represents the heart of Buffalo with global influences. Guests can feel like they are part of an old-world private club in Europe while eating my grandma’s homemade lasagne and sipping a cocktail named after the haunts of our childhood. This is a world-class cocktail bar in a place that means the world to us."
– Samuel Amioia
Photography by Michael P. H. Clifford
The Saint Neri kitchen is helmed by renowned local chef, and James Beard Award nominee Steven Gedra (The Black Sheep Restaurant and Bar), who has crafted a menu of elegant bar bites and nostalgic Southern-Italian mains that will be served through to midnight. Appetizers include Cacio e Pepe Arancini, packed with cauliflower, fonduta, Parmesan Reggiano, and Tellicherry pepper; Short Rib Stuffed Peppers, served with gremolata, toast and Calabrian chile; and panzerotti - traditional Italian turnovers filled with mozzarella, marinara and basil. There’s also a luxe selection of caviar, accompanied by house-made Saratoga chips, créme fraîche, and dill. Nostalgic, Southern-Italian style mains include Grandma’s Lasagne, based on the Amoia family’s recipe, layered with béchamel, bolognese, and cheese; and Spaghetti alla Chitarra, tricked up with clams, bottarga, agrodolce, and Calabrian chili.
Photography by Michael P. H. Clifford
The cocktail menu is by Head Bartender Megan May who is a native Buffalonian. The drinks line-up includes a rotating list of classics and signature seasonal drinks. Each ingredient is sourced from local farms and each cocktail is inspired by local Buffalo haunts or childhood memories that Amoia and Woltz associate with the city. There’s The Miss Ward, made with rum, bay leaf, lime, ginger; The Calumet, a combination of agave, guajillo peppers, lime, chocolate bitters; and The Crocodile, featuring amari, mulled pineapple, and citrus.
Photography by Michael P. H. Clifford
Visit:
Saint Neri
220 Lexington Ave
Buffalo, NY 14222
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