Larkinville and summertime seem synonymous, thanks to events like Live at Larkin and Food Truck Tuesdays. But as the weather cools down, the neighborhood still has plenty to offer in the way of shopping, eating and drinking.
Hydraulic Hearth – specializing in wood-fired pizzas and craft beer and cocktails – has been a Larkinville cornerstone for nearly a decade, opening in 2014 around the same time as Flying Bison Brewing Co. (840 Seneca St.). At the time, they were the only two businesses in the area staying open into the evening hours.
Harry Zemsky, Hydraulic Hearth owner and operator, says it’s been great to see the neighborhood nightlife evolve around them, citing retailers such as Magic Bear Beer Cellar (799 Seneca St.) and the recently opened Bratts Hill by Chef Darian, an upscale Jamaican fusion restaurant in Larkin Square (719 Seneca St.).
“When we first opened, it felt like we were on an island in the evenings,” he says. “It doesn’t feel like that anymore – with more daytime and evening options, the neighborhood is really rounding into shape.”
Zemsky calls Hydraulic Hearth’s vibe “elevated casual.” There are no servers and no reservations; instead, the focus is on top-notch food and drinks in a warm, comfortable atmosphere. Brick walls and exposed ceilings give an industrial feel, warmed up by the wood flooring, fun-yet-understated decor and sun-soaked lounge area featuring comfy seating and a garden of houseplants.
The wood-fired pizzas the restaurant is known for include standards like margherita and cup-and-char pepperoni, but also unique options like burrata (garlic cream, mozzarella, marinated tomato, basil, balsamic, crisped prosciutto) and hot honey (red sauce, pepperoni, fontina, poblano pepper, ricotta, hot honey).
Fall specials featuring flavors of the season are being unveiled this week and include things like the walnut pizza with sage, bechamel and prosciuttini. Vegan and gluten-free options are also available.
The bar features 12 rotating beers on tap and one of the top cocktail programs in the area, which changes seasonally. Patrons can also order wine by the glass or bottle.
Fearing you’ll miss out on the full Hydraulic Hearth experience with the spot’s famous patio out of commission because of colder temperatures? Zemsky promises you won’t miss it … at least not until the hint of spring returns to the air.
“We are still bustling.” he says. “We’re an all-season restaurant, and it’s just a great, warm atmosphere inside for fall and winter. We’re always improving, but our core tenet remains the same: providing a great product for good value with great service.”
Take a Fall Stroll around Larkinville
Saturday, Sept. 30, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Come celebrate the walkable, autumnal fun Larkinville has in store during the neighborhood’s Fall Stroll.
With some businesses opening earlier and closing later than usual to participate, it’s a great way to experience all the new retailers, restaurants and other businesses the neighborhood has to offer. Many participants will be offering one-day-only pop-ups, special deals and new product launches.
Here’s some highlights:
Fall Fitness Fest 2023: Flying Bison Brewery will be hosting a fitness expo and free fitness activities from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.: Rockpile Athletics Bootcamp, Neighborhood Barre Class, Yoga Class from YI and Urban Run.
Stroll through History: At 1 p.m., the Campaign for Greater Buffalo will be offering a free, guided “Stroll through the History and Architecture of Larkinville.” Meet by the rock pile in Larkin Square, no advance reservation needed.
New restaurant pop-ups: Larkinville newcomers D.A. Taste and Meet & Eat Charcuterie, both opening new locations along Seneca Street this fall, will be manning pop-ups showcasing some of what their brick-and-mortar locations will feature, such as build-your-own charcuterie cups and next-level tacos.
Details? Visit larkinsquare.com/fall.
