Balloons Restaurant & Night Club

20 Monroe St, Ellicottville, NY 14731, USA

Address:	20 Monroe St, Ellicottville, NY 14731, USA
Phone:	+1 716-699-4162
Site:	balloonsrestaurant.com
Rating:	3.6

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 11

John Krytus

There are basically only three places to hear live music in Ellicottville and this is one of them. Ive been eating, drinking, and dancing here for 25 years. My 7 and 10 year old daughters have been eating dinner and dancing to live music since they were old enough to walk. So that is the lens through which I now view Balloons. The last few years have brought some changes. Some good and some not so good. My review is precipitated on my evening out at Balloons during the weekend of the Ellicottville Jazz Festival. Theyve rearranged the bar layout to make it more band friendly and thats a good thing. The tables around the bar are elevated so that even on the other side of the room you have good views of the band (even with a full house). They put an addition on the back for dining away from the bar and it is really nice. Its a great layout with a really comfortable feel. On most weekends, if you want to dance to top 40, this is the place to go after 9pm. Before 9 on a typical Saturday night, youll get a classic rock cover band. Occasionally a decent blues band. This being Jazz & Blues weekend, we were here for the music ....and dinner. It was suggested by the waitress that we might be more comfortable in the back on the patio "with the kids and all". We took the hint. Partially because we kind of wanted to check out the new space anyways and figured we could come hang out with music afterwards. Our waitress was busting her butt, but there were only two of them and the place was basically at 100% full. No bus staff. We ordered drinks. The first three beers we asked for were out. ...seriously. Phin and Matts, Sam Adams, and something else that I cant remember right now. All out. Before the new ownership took over a few years ago, Balloons was known for their gumbo. Today I would definitely not recommend it. It is not made with the care that gumbo requires. They no longer serve it with corn bread and the sweet potato fries are offered with catsup instead of the honey and butter concoction they use to serve (although you can get plain honey if you ask for it). I ordered the Angus Burger which I swear was kind of like eating a hockey puck. My daughters grilled cheese was not even browned and the cheese was not melted. The fries were tough and dense (almost like theyd been microwaved). If you want honey on your sweet potato fries, you have to ask. In the last two years it has never been offered. What else would you put on sweet potato fries? My other daughter had no complaints about her ruben. And my wifes salad apparently was acceptable. There was a silver haired group of folks sitting near us around the fire pit. They had asked for service and were told that it would be a minute. They asked a second time, and then easily more than an hour later a third time. This time the manager (openly muttering under his breath as he walked past our table) told them that there was no service at the fire pit! The waitress asked how everything was. I told her (with my honest to God best smile face) that she was wonderful but the food left something to be desired. She looked at my mostly empty plate and said, "well it looks like it must have been terrible". I told her that I wasnt worried about my because I was starving, but my daughter wouldnt eat her meal. Anyhow she credited me for the sandwich, we paid and went out front to watch the music. We lucked out by finding a comfortable spot right up in front. The gentlemen next to me at the bar, gave my daughter his seat. My wife and daughters immediately took to the open dance floor. We were just into the third song when that short miserable manager (who might be the owner) approached my wife to tell her that they really dont allow kids in the bar after 9pm. Up until then it had not occurred to me that we just spent 2 1/2 hours to get our dinner. But that was it. He had just told us that after all these years, we were not welcome in his establishment. So we left.

David Matia

Live music on the weekends is great; however, bring your wallet for every thing else. I have been frequenting this place of two decades and its great if money is no object. It has some of the best wings in WNY. The rest of the bar food menu is generally very good. On the last visit my wife ordered a draft of Stella. $8 for a draft of Stella! If you are going to charge that much for draft beer, at least list the prices somewhere where one can make a more informed decision.

Blair Lewis

First time in this nice town, went tubing with my wife. Decided to grab a bite so we stopped at balloons. Proceeded to the bar only to have a very rude lady bartender ask us, "is there something I can help you with?" ina demeaning manner. Food is basic and not unique and along with the rude barter, we decided to leave. Go to VILLAGIO Italian instead. Theyre very nice.

Ashley Gossett

Want true advice go to Ellicottville brewing company instead even if theres a wait itll be better than this place. Waited half an hour for food, that was mediocre at best and then 15 mins for the check. After watching the staff wait on three other tables, fulfill thier requests and then disappear. Staff was not friendly and improperly trained. Just go elsewhere.

Carolyn Mathis

SKIP THIS PLACE! $5 for ONE bottle of beer. Seriously? It was only a michelob ultra. Three beers and an appetizer that included 6 small soft pretzels sticks, bill was $30. Left to find a meal and drink that was more affordable. EBC and Cadillac jacks ... cheaper and better ... and within less 30 feet from this place.

Melissa Block

Dont go for monday wing night. The wings may be 25 cents but when the tap water costs more than the wings theres definitely a problem! One star for the fact wings were tasty. Rude unattentive waitress. Its a huge turnoff when you see staff lick fingers that got into your food. No thanks!

Aaron Moscoe

Best wings Ive had in a long time. PS-Mondays are 25¢ wing night. Kid friendly if no live music. A great spot for live music, apres ski or to watch a game. Good food, reasonably priced with very friendly service.

Wendy Felt

We waited 30 minutes for a table @ 1:30- then waited 45 minutes for food - server was less than apologetic- manager claimed they had been backed up since noon - with a party of 6 & a 3 yr old - we left-

Sean micheal

Love there .25 cent wing nite, on Mondays but charges for carrots and another charge for celery and for blue cheese I understand, dont ask for a water or a separate check the waitress Nazi will get mad

Inferno Studios Tattoo

it was a great place to grab some lunch great prices and large portions you left there feeling satisfied the staff where great and the owner was made you feel right at home

Cody Berdine

Music, area to dance, back patio, dive bar. Great service, friendly, quick, and professional. One of the few places in Ellicotville to let loose.