Blackthornne — Review by Food Network
Buffalo, United States — Irish pub / Buffalo classics
Blackthornne is a legendary Irish neighborhood pub on Buffalo's south side with a touching family story: taken over by Pat and his brother-in-law Larry after the original co-owner Kevin passed away in 2002. The restaurant faithfully maintains its traditions while serving iconic Buffalo dishes like beef on weck and wings, made fresh daily by head chef Max who produces around 20,000 beef on weck sandwiches annually.
What was great: Beef on weck sandwich with perfectly tender meat and flavorful au jus, South Buffalo wings, Irish beer cheddar soup with abundant beer and creamy texture, 30-year-old family recipes, strong sense of tradition and community
What could improve: Nothing mentioned
The Dishes
Blackthornne showcases classic Buffalo cuisine executed with precision and tradition. The standout beef on weck sandwich features roasted Angus top round slow-cooked for three hours at 300 degrees until perfectly medium-rare, then sliced and served on a caraway and salt-topped weck roll dipped in rich au jus made from pan drippings and vegetables. The meat is incredibly tender with no gristle, and the salt and caraway seed combination provides an authentic Buffalo experience. The South Buffalo wings arrive perfectly done, crispy and flavorful. The Irish beer cheddar and potato soup is a remarkable creation, notable for the extraordinary amount of Irish beer incorporated into the base - far more than typical cheddar beer soups. The soup is creamy, rich, and deeply flavored with a pronounced beer aroma, served with saltine crackers and hot sauce on the side. The restaurant goes through approximately 20 gallons of this soup weekly, a testament to its popularity.
The Experience
The atmosphere is quintessentially Irish pub, serving as a gathering place for local firefighters and police officers, who are known to favor the best neighborhood establishments. The firehouse crew has claimed their own table where they regularly convene. Pat and his brother-in-law Larry maintain the welcoming, community-oriented vibe that has made this establishment a cornerstone of the south Buffalo Irish neighborhood. The restaurant has remained virtually unchanged since 1977, with only minor tweaks to the menu while keeping all the classic items intact.
Value and Pricing
Pricing details were not discussed in the review, though the generous portions and quality of ingredients suggest fair value for Buffalo favorites.
Notable Moments
Could only probably eat about a thousand of those.
No snizzle on the grizzle - that's how they say it around here.
Cops and firemen always know the best place to eat.
The beef on weck preparation was particularly memorable, with Guy observing the traditional dipping technique and marveling at how the meat stays so tender after slow-roasting.
The Verdict
Blackthornne represents the best of neighborhood Buffalo dining, a place where tradition is honored without compromise. The beef on weck alone is worth the visit, but the entire experience of eating at this family-run establishment captures something special about Buffalo culture. This restaurant is perfect for anyone seeking authentic Buffalo classics, Irish pub atmosphere, and a genuine connection to the neighborhood's heritage.