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31 Club Reviews List
31 Club
Seated at the corner of South Elmwood and North Johnson Park, the 31 Club is the latest in fine dining in Downtown Buffalo. From the swanky bar, to the spacious dining and banquet rooms, a classic name made famous in the 1940s returns to its original, rightful home with a fresh, fashionable face.
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59 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.4
/
5
Rating Breakdown 59 reviews
5 stars
(31)
4 stars
(20)
3 stars
(6)
2 stars
(2)
1 star
(0)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- special occasion(43)
- romantic(42)
- fit for foodies(30)
- neighborhood gem(23)
- vibrant bar scene(17)
- notable wine list(16)
31 Club Reviews List
Review 1 for 31 Club
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Lovely Meal
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"This was our first visit to 31 Club, and I can't wait to return! The food was excellent, service was wonderful, and I loved the beautiful ambiance and decor. This is a great restaurant to celebrate a special occasion or simply take in a very enjoyable meal. I was very impressed!"
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 2 for 31 Club
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Unhappy Mother's Day
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Heard many things about this restaurant. Decided to take my parents there for Mother's Day. I'm not sure what the normal Sunday brunch price is but it was $29.99/person on this day. I thought, Wow! This buffet it's going to be awesome! Scratch that. This buffet was awful. We had a noon reservation. Food was picked over, some burnt, most the bottom of the barrel. Food stations were minimal. For a grand total of $126 including tip for 3 people i expected wedding food. Not the garbage we got."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 3 for 31 Club
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Mothers Day Brunch
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We truly enjoyed the food, atmosphere and the staff. Our waiter upstairs was the best....really attentive, very sweet.n"
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, vibrant bar scene, great for outdoor dining, great for brunch, kid-friendly, romantic, late-night find, neighborhood gem, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 4 for 31 Club
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Lousy service, but tasty food
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We made a reservation on a Friday at 5:00, waited for 15 minutes and were seated at a table in the bar area that had been empty the whole time rather than the nicer, quiet dining area. At least it was early enough that the bar had not gotten loud yet. Our waiter was ok, but kind of had an attitude and blew off a question we had about the menu. When our food finally came, it was very tasty, however it took well over an hour (no starters, salads, etc. just 70 minutes to cook some pasta and a steak in a nearly empty restaurant.) And my date's steak was under-cooked. We thought about asking them to put it on longer, but after the wait that we had, we were just barely going to make our theater time as it was. Overall, not worth the price."
Dined on 5/11/2013
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Review 5 for 31 Club
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great food, lengthy wait
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The food was spectacular. My wife enjoyed the Day Boat Scallop Pasta while I devoured the Australian Rack of Lamb, cooked perfectly to my liking. However, it took way too long for our meals to arrive especially considering it wasn't busy during our visit. We had tickets to an evening concert and sat down with an hour and a half to spare. Neither of us ordered a starter or salad and it took nearly an hour for our entrees to come out. Fortunately, our server was aware of the clock ticking and brought us our bill as we finished just in time."
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 6 for 31 Club
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Anniversary
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"My husband and I went there Sat to celebrate our wedding anniversary. We did not enjoy our experience as we usually do. We were seated at a table right behind the bar wall and the noise was too high we couldnt even hear ourselves talk. Although our food was good, my Rack of Lamb was cold. Our server Chris was scarce so I couldnt send it back.
We enjoy going there but will next time ask for a different table and hopefully service will be better."
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: romantic, special occasion
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Review 7 for 31 Club
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Good Experience at 31 Club
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Overall we had a good experience at the 31 Club, out table was ready when we arrived and our server was there just a few moments later to introduce himself. The food was very good and they were able to honor my special request about the meal I ordered. The wine list was well done and the prices were not too exorbitant (about 2X retail). The only problem we ran into was that we ordered additional glasses of wine before our meals arrived which didn't show up till well after we had finished our food. Still we would go back and we would recommend a visit to our friends."
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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Review 8 for 31 Club
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great Experience
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The outside dining on the covered patio was perfect, wait staff was fantastic and attentive to special requests. Bartender JJ was very personable and made the experience fun. Food was great with excellent presentation. Cannoils for desert a must..:-)"
Dined on 5/02/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, romantic, special occasion
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Review 9 for 31 Club
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
great food
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"great food in a beautiful setting, luxury"
Dined on 4/29/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, romantic, notable wine list
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Review 10 for 31 Club
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
It was wonderful! Food was
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"It was wonderful! Food was great! So glad we decided to try Club 31! We highly recommend it!"
Dined on 04/26/2013
2012
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 11 for 31 Club
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Nice but not wow
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"A few friends recommended this restaurant to me so I decided to give it a try during restaurant week. It's very nice inside - very clean and staff was very professional and courteous. We sat at the bar for a drink and we were seated early, which was nice. Food came very quick. The food was very basic but did have some nice touches and unique flavors. I wasn't blown away by the food and I felt the portions were rather small. Although it is a beautiful place inside with good staff, I can't say I would go back and spend the usual $30-50 an entrée."
Dined on 04/27/2013
2013
Special Features: romantic
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Review 12 for 31 Club
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
went for restaurant week and
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"went for restaurant week and thought the menu was more limited than the last time 31 club had restaurant week, so ordered off the main menu. only choice for beef was manicotti and meatballs which I thought was a strange choice given that I would not typically go to a place like 31 club for meatballs.
had the lamb chops and husband had the filet. both were fantastic: delicious and cooked to perfect ordered temps."
had the lamb chops and husband had the filet. both were fantastic: delicious and cooked to perfect ordered temps."
Dined on 04/24/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 13 for 31 Club
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Fabulous lobster bisque...probably
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Fabulous lobster bisque...probably to the most amazing soup I have ever had! My husband thought the strip steak was delicious...so did I! We loved our cocktails too! I believe I had the Very Berry martini. Was so tasty I ordered two! The critiques I had...very noisy, but expected. Second...too many tables crammed into the dining area! The servers kept bumping into chairs and people. Third...I did not like my entree...Eggplant Napoleon. Very salty and the sauce was rather acidic. I just prefer a sweeter marinara. I would suggest to diners to have the sauce served on the side. We would go back in a heartbeat and I am dying to try the Seafood Tower!"
Dined on 04/20/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, great for brunch, late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 14 for 31 Club
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The restaurant was a pleasant
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The restaurant was a pleasant surprise, the food and staff were just right for a anniversary dinner, the groupon was a bonus."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2013
Special Features: special occasion
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Review 15 for 31 Club
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food is always on point at
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Food is always on point at this place. Usually dependable and consistent. Service was very good. We had a party of 6 in the bar area and the noise level was great. Bar was great. Would definitely go back again and again."
Dined on 03/23/2013
2006
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups, late-night find, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 16 for 31 Club
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Steak was a bit overcooked
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Steak was a bit overcooked for a medium rare and that's the only reason this place gets three stars instead of five. The duck fries are crack, oysters were wonderfully fresh, lobster bisque was mouthwatering and our server was outstanding. Just wish the steak was of the same five star quality!"
Dined on 03/23/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, neighborhood gem, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 17 for 31 Club
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
It was a very enjoyable evening
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"It was a very enjoyable evening with great food and ambiance! Service was great too, by Lauren!"
Dined on 03/16/2013
2010
Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 18 for 31 Club
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great food and service shuttle
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Great food and service shuttle to Kleinhans is awesome"
Dined on 03/09/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 19 for 31 Club
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The food was excellent,served
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The food was excellent,served at the right temperature with a nice presentation.The evening started out in a quiet atmosphere but turned into a loud environment when a party of twelve turned up and sat near us.The server was knowledgable,courteous but attention was taken away after the larger party showed up.We came to enjoy a quiet dinner. But, we will return to try again."
Dined on 03/06/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 20 for 31 Club
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
31ub has it all great good
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"31ub has it all great good and ambiance We are never disappointed"
Dined on 03/02/2013
2012
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, notable wine list, romantic, hot spot
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Review 21 for 31 Club
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
WOW - cannot believe we have
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"WOW - cannot believe we have never been here before and cannot wait to go back. Great food, great service. Three adventuresome diners and 1 vegetarian – everyone was happy. Usually the vegetarian ends up with a plate of noodles with butter – this was an inventive, balanced offering. Nice sized rooms – about 12 people total in our room – so that you could hear yourself talk. They offer a shuttle to downtown venues which was a plus although we didn’t use it this time. Reasonable priced for the quality, service and ambiance."
Dined on 02/23/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 22 for 31 Club
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great night out
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Had an over great expierence. Went for dinner started with the lobster bisque, had the duck for dinner and creme burlee for dessert. Everything was delicious! The staff was great and very accommodating. Stayed for a coupke glasws of wine and enjoyed their entertainment in the bar area."
Dined on 02/23/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 23 for 31 Club
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We wanted to try something
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We wanted to try something different before going to Shea's. 31 Club was a lot bigger then I thought. The food was fantastic! We did a pre fix menu for $35 which included soup/salad, entree and dessert. Best of all, if you ask ahead of time, they offer a free shuttle ride to and from Shea's. Not having to deal with parking, traffic and walking through the snow was the cherry on top! I will definitely be going back there again!"
Dined on 02/20/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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Review 24 for 31 Club
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Nice Evening for Birthday Dinner
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Made reservations for a special birthday dinner night out. Greeted warmly and seated upon arrival. Attentive service and good food."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2011
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 25 for 31 Club
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
One of our favorite Buffalo
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"One of our favorite Buffalo restaurants - never a bad night."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, late-night find, neighborhood gem, romantic, hot spot
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Review 26 for 31 Club
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Delicious brunch!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Amazing brunch options. Had the polenta and eggs. Delicious! Will go back for seconds. Love the design and decor. Wonderful photo artwork of the original time period. Looks like a great place for a small event. Have already recommended for brunch."
Dined on 02/10/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 27 for 31 Club
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
We started with the lollipop
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We started with the lollipop lamb app. Absolutely wonderful. The lobster bisque I feel could have used more chunks of lobster. The Manicotti was as always perfect. The Halibut was a bit overcooked but the whole experience was well worth the trip. Wait staff was very friendly and went out of their way to make sure we had a nice time."
Dined on 02/01/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic
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Review 28 for 31 Club
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Downtown lunch options
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We had a very nice lunch for three here recently. The table and chairs are very comfortable. Our food was good, service was terrific. This is a nice place for a nice white tablecloth lunch. Easy parking. Great location."
Dined on 02/01/2013
2013
Special Features: special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 29 for 31 Club
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We always enjoy the 31 Club.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We always enjoy the 31 Club. Everything is always great! It's a perfect setting for a night out with friends."
Dined on 02/01/2013
2010
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 30 for 31 Club
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Lovely place- food just OK.
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"It's such a beautiful place but our experience was just the opposite. We were a group of 5- my delmonico steak was ok- one of the other dishes was served almost cold- had to go back to reheat. The bill was incorrect- twice. Server was ok but somewhat condescending when it came to complaint about one of the seafood dishes not being prepared as described. All in all, I wouldn't waste your money because it is pricey and totally not worth the cost. This was my second time there and I was hoping it would be better than the first- but no luck. It's really too bad because it's lovely inside. I eat out often and would recommend Hutches, Tempo or EB Greenes. They are consistantly good."
Dined on 01/25/2013
2010
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, romantic
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Ratings-Only Reviews for 31 Club
Based on the average of (29) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.5
/
5
1 out of 1 recommend this product
Food
(Outstanding)
4.6
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.6
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate