Buffalo's hardcore scene thrives in some of the most unexpected places.
In a city known for its grit and passion, the 716 chapter of hardcore punk has been able to flourish and expand in venues that don’t even operate as performing spots full-time. Whether it’s a restaurant, cafe, or even a bingo hall, these unconventional and makeshift spaces are brought to life with the help of the palpable energy and raw emotion produced during hardcore gigs.
While the locations on this list may lack the big stages, flashy lights and the fancy sound systems that you might find in the Rec Room or Buffalo Riverworks, what they offer instead more than makes up for it. The passion of the performers and fans create an atmosphere and a level of authenticity that eliminates the need for elaborate productions.
The shows that take place in these venues are more than just a concert, they serve as meeting grounds for people from all walks of life. All of whom are connected through their shared appreciation and spirit for the hardcore culture, creating a world where music and energy coalesce in the most genuine way possible.
Each of the following spots contributes to the unique flavor of the Buffalo hardcore sphere, embodying the DIY ethos and tight-knit spirit that defines what it means to be a part of the scene. For those living in or around the 716 who want to experience it while supporting local artists, here’s a guide to some of the most prominent hardcore venues in the area that are keeping the scene alive.
Amy’s Place (A.k.a AREA 54): 3234 Main Street
Located right by the University at Buffalo South Campus, Amy’s Place is a low-key vegan restaurant with a twist; its bonus room, known separately as Area 54, operates as a makeshift hardcore, art and open mic venue.
Amy’s is known to host numerous shows within short timeframes, often hosting multiple events per week. This has earned them a reputation among fans and bands alike, establishing the venue as a local hotspot for not just the hardcore scene, but for various other performances such as improv or poetry reading.
The venue’s involvement in the hardcore community began in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, where like most small businesses, Amy’s Place struggled; facing serious risk of shutting its doors. That’s when the owner, Greg Kempf, came up with the idea to completely redo the concept of his restaurant.
Although Kempf explained that he had previously hosted DIY shows there “every two-to-three months just for fun,” the pandemic pushed him to transform the restaurant into something more permanent. “I closed down Amy’s Place for probably seven months,” he said. “That’s when I renovated [the space], and started hosting shows.”
Although the performance room of Area 54 is small and narrow compared to other locations, it allows the bands/performers a closer connection between the crowd and the band. The intimate setting not only enhances the liveliness of the fans, but also elevates the atmosphere; allowing mosh pits to erupt and draw everyone into the frenzy of the music. The closeness blurs the line between performer and fan, as there is no set stage; the band and observers– apart from the drum kit – are on the same floor level. This creates a setup where the energy that is made from the music can move freely through the entire space, making every moment of every show feel raw and unfiltered.
Kempf knows how much his space means to the scene and its bands. “They’re all well connected and very supportive of each other,” he said. “The community is super strong.”
To ensure the sense of belonging and community within the culture, he makes it a point to host all-ages shows at his space; keeping the hardcore realm open to the younger generations. “ I know a lot of venues don’t [do all-ages shows],” he explains. “I take a lot of those on [...] just to make it available to everybody.”
Through the countless shows and commitment to inclusivity, Amy’s Place stands as the marker of resilience within the Buffalo hardcore scene. If you ever get a chance to attend a show there, buy some food. I’d personally recommend their grilled cheese, with the vegan cheese, of course, as the hardcore purists intended.
Further information on events at Amy’s can be found on their Instagram.
Casa di Francesca’s: 2022 Seneca Street
Casa di Francesca’s is another unassuming location for a venue.
Found in the West Side of Buffalo, the Italian restaurant has “always done shows” but has only been hosting hardcore gigs for “maybe a couple years” as owner Steven Marchione describes it. In similar fashion to Amy’s, the restaurant also features its own bonus room that doubles as a venue; but with much more room to accommodate a bigger crowd. This larger capacity allows for more attendees while still maintaining the intimate atmosphere that hardcore is known for. With the ability to host larger shows, Casa di Francesca’s allows for a much larger celebration of Buffalo hardcore.
The space has quickly earned a positive reputation among Buffalonian punks following a string of shows that featured popular local and touring groups such as Gel, SPACED, Bad Blood, Selfish Act, and more. Marchione notes that other bands often send their peers to perform there, highlighting the venue's growing status within the community.
“I don’t have anything to do with who we choose to play here,” Marchione said. “Bands are referred to by other bands[...] and there’s never a problem!” This word-of-mouth approach has helped establish Marchione’s restaurant as a welcoming spot for any bands looking to perform.
With its vibrant atmosphere and enthusiastic crowds, Francesca’s has become a favorite among fans. Although there are currently no hardcore shows scheduled there as of this writing, you can surely expect another unforgettable night when a new gig is announced.
AMVETS Medallion Post 13: 25 Review Place
SPACED performing at Post 13- Photos courtesy of Finn Mingle (@othersideofthe.mirror)
Like the other entries on this guide, AMVETS Medallion Post 13 would not be the first place most people would expect to find a thriving hardcore scene, but that’s exactly what makes it a hidden gem in Buffalo’s punk landscape.
Known primarily for being a veterans’ organization, bar and bingo hall, Post 13 has had a long history with the Buffalo scene. Having just recently returned to hosting hardcore concerts this past August after a 15-year hiatus, they are now at the forefront of some of the most hard-hitting shows that the city has to offer.
Several events at Post 13 have been recently announced, with the biggest one being a show that took place on Oct. 18. The set featured seven different bands, including a reunion of hardcore powerhouses Rhinoceros as well as surprise appearances from Fatal Visions and legendary vocalist Scott Vogel (frontman for Terror & Bad Blood).
All of the acts were from Buffalo, showcasing the strength and diversity of the local scene. The fan response to the show’s announcement had caused the venue to move the show into their larger hall due to the high demand of presale tickets, demonstrating how much Post 13 has quickly reestablished itself as a major asset to the Buffalo hardcore community even after the lengthy lull. The enthusiasm surrounding the return just goes to show how much the people care about nurturing and preserving their scene as much as possible.
The resurgence of Post 13 as a venue for shows signals more than just a revival of the genre in Buffalo, but a deeper commitment to the city’s roots in hardcore punk.
Whether you’re an experienced hardcore fan or a newcomer wanting to get involved, the venues outlined in this guide are the backbone of Buffalo hardcore. These spots are more than just places for fans to go see a show, they are the lifeblood of a community that comes together to appreciate and cultivate a growing niche. Buffalo’s scene has and will continue to thrive in these unique spaces and more. Catch a show when you can.
More information on upcoming hardcore shows can be found on @buffalohardcore716 on Instagram.
Rodrigo Feijão is the senior sports editor and can be reached at rodrigo.feijao@ubspectrum.com
Photo: Ryan Hagen | UB Athletics
