Across Washington Street from the Ellicott Square Building sits the appropriately named Washington Square- a popular lunch and happy hour spot for downtown workers, and a great destination for sports fans.
A few of us at Buffalo Rising recently trekked a few blocks to dine here for lunch. From the outside it looks like a small nook, but the interior is deceptively large. The atmosphere is that of a typical old-fashioned pub, with low ceilings, dim lights, and signs advertising beer and specials lining the walls.
Our server, Mike, was pleasant, engaging and attentive. He readily offered his sincere opinions on various dishes, despite being a relatively new employee of only a few weeks.
In search of a hearty meal to appease the large appetite I had at the time, I ordered the Spinach and Mushroom Burger ($5.25). This classic was prepared well; the sautéed spinach and mushrooms were obviously fresh, and the burger cooked perfectly to my specification. I was unable to finish the sandwich despite my hunger, which is a testament to the portion size.
I differed with the opinions of a couple of my lunch buddies on the quality of the coleslaw (served as a side with the sandwiches). It wasn’t to their liking, but I found it to be more crisp and less soupy than most, and enjoyed it.
Among the other dishes ordered were a Char-Broiled Chicken Cordon Bleu sandwich (6 oz. marinated chicken breast served with ham and Swiss cheese, lettuce and mayonnaise- $6.50) and a Classic Cobb Salad (turkey, black olives, bacon, tomatoes, green peppers, crumbled bleu cheese, and egg on top of a bed of chopped lettuce and spinach- $6.95). Both servings were large and enjoyed by my fellow diners.
The “can’t miss” meal at this establishment is certainly the Beef on Weck ($5.95), at a station located in the dining room. A few of the other sandwiches available include the Hot Roast Beef and Gravy sandwich ($6.95) and the Grilled Salami with Mozzarella sandwich ($4.75).
A good variety of salads are presented on the menu- in addition to the Cobb Salad, there is a Buffalo Chicken Salad ($6.95) and a Chicken Cashew Salad (sliced chicken fingers with roasted cashews over chef salad with honey mustard dressing- $6.95).
On Fridays, an assortment of fish entrees are offered (the fish fry goes for $8.75). Daily specials include classic comfort foods like meatloaf with gravy.
Although Sabres season is over, this long-standing business (since 1886!) is still going strong. It’s a fine choice for a Buffalo-style meal, an after-work drink, or as a place to catch a sports game with friends. With only two items on the regular menu over $8 (20 wings are $11.95, and a dozen Clams Casino are $8.95), it’s certainly worth the trip.
Washington Square Bar & Grill, 295 Washington, 14203, 849.0619, call for hours
Photo by Christa Glennie Seychew