Pearl Street Brewery in Buffalo, NY, stands as a testament to the city’s vibrant history and thriving craft beer scene. Located at 76 Pearl Street, this iconic brewpub has been a cornerstone of downtown Buffalo since its establishment in 1997. However, the story of Pearl Street Brewery is deeply intertwined with the history of its building, which dates back to 1870.
Originally constructed in 1870, the building at 76 Pearl Street was first owned by Mrs. George Palmer, a local dressmaker. For nearly half a century, it served as a dressmaking business, transitioning to H.O. Putnam in 1891, another dressmaker, before ceasing dressmaking operations in 1919. The R.C. Neal Co. then took over, transforming the space into a hardware store that operated for an impressive 60 years until 1982. Interestingly, even during its hardware store days, the building hosted a restaurant in its basement. Mac Garry’s restaurant was a local fixture from 1927 to 1963, until street changes due to expressway construction unfortunately led to its closure. Garcia’s Irish Pub revived the building’s restaurant tradition in 1983, remaining the sole business until 1996.
The modern era of 76 Pearl Street began in 1997 with the birth of Pearl Street Grill & Brewery. Founded through a partnership between local investors and Denver’s Wynkoop Brewing Company, Pearl Street Brewery quickly established itself as a premier brewpub destination. Just two years later, in 1999, local investors acquired Wynkoop’s share, solidifying local ownership and allowing for further development of this Buffalo landmark. Over the years, Pearl Street Brewery has expanded dramatically, renovating and opening multiple floors to accommodate restaurants and banquet facilities.
Today, Pearl Street Brewery Buffalo boasts an impressive multi-level establishment spanning four floors and a basement. It features nine bars and a vast array of tap handles, all serving craft beers brewed in-house from basement holding tanks. Adding to its unique charm, Pearl Street Brewery is known for its New Orleans style wrap-around patios, complete with copper roofs, hanging baskets, and stunning views of Lake Erie sunsets, the cityscape, and the waterfront. Located at 76 Pearl Street, Buffalo, NY 14202, Pearl Street Brewery offers not just exceptional craft beer but also a rich historical experience in the heart of downtown Buffalo.
