Brick by Brick: a champion in the Cobblestone District

            Unless you're a die-hard Sabres fan, what lies beyond First Niagara Center remains unknown much like the dark side of the moon. In an area practically forsaken by the city, nestled between the General Mills plant and nearby Naval Park is the German-themed restaurant, Lagerhaus 95. 

Mississippi St.

            The restaurant is one cell to the larger organ that is the Cobblestone Lofts (formerly the Benlin warehouse). It was the creative genius of owner Sam Savarino, who in 2009 turned the building from drab abandoned warehouse to the bright, modern mixed-use facility it is today. The building has several offices and five luxury apartments—one of which Savarino resides in. Though it may be located near the arena, this is not the home of devout Sabres fans.

            “When we opened... [we] had no intention of being a hockey bar,” said Jeff Lang, the manager at Lagerhaus. “People don’t flock here to watch away games. If you open for the Sabres, it’s a bad idea. You can’t depend on them.”

            During the NHL lockout, Lagerhaus was one of the few businesses that didn’t suffer heavy losses.

           

            Lagerhaus is one of the many new and growing venues in the Cobblestone district, a stone’s throw from the growing Canaside waterfront district. True to its name, it boasts an extensive selection of fine European beers (in addition to some North American ones). From the menu you can partake in German favorites including reubens, schnitzel and the ”Best of the Wurst.” The restaurant and stube features an array if curious decorations ranging from old license plates to German posters. The overall effect makes you feel like you’ve wandered in off the streets in Berlin.

An event room that can be sectioned off for private parties.

            “Everyone is pretty cool here, it’s got a great vibe. We get regulars from the offices around here.” said Erica, a bartender.  “Some nights it gets busy enough that we bump into each other behind the bar.”

           

            Of all the types of restaurants you could build, why go German?

            “Savarino chose a German beer theme to be different. He had been to Europe many times.” Lang said. “When you think of it, how many places in Buffalo serve German food?”

A view of the main dining area.

           

            It’s been more than a year since Lagerhaus opened in September of 2011, and it has thrived on its steady flow of customers. The obvious advantages of its location is of course flow from the Sabres on game day, but Lang suspects that growth and development in the area is what will ensure Lagerhaus‘ vitality. This summer, the Seneca Niagara Casino is rumored to be completed between June and July along with the reflecting pool/ ice rink next to First Niagara Center.  There is one major disadvantage to being on the wayside of downtown: the neighborhood.

            “People think it’s a ghetto. This area has a bad reputation for being on ‘the bad side of town.’” Lang said.

            After years of neglect, the Canalside/Cobblestone District area is being rejuvenated to attract tourist and locals alike. With so many projects from developers under way, Lagerhaus 95 is ready to ride the ensuing wave of opportunity. Lang hopes to see a host of hotels and even welcome the prospect of competing restaurants. He believes that in the near future people will become more adventurous and discover there’s more to the Cobblestone District than abandoned grain mills.

The bar features several imported beers from Europe.

            “Anything you can think of can be built down here. It’s sort of like ‘If you build it they will come.’” Lang said.

A poster near the restrooms called "Europe According to Germans."