If you haven’t paid a visit to The Crocodile Bar, summer is the perfect time to do it!

Two gentleman, who happen to be Buffalo natives, recognized the 13 year-old venue’s potential and recently took it over. They also added a few perks for regulars & newcomers.

Thursday in the Square fans on a quest for ‘post-square’ performances will be able to listen to live music at the Croc on Thursday evenings ($3 cover charge at the door). Live bands will also perform on Friday & Sunday ($3 cover). Expect to see guest musical artists like The Strictly Hip and the blues-influenced Mick Hayes Band.

In addition to featuring live music throughout the week, The Croc Bar will host a DJ every Saturday. Drinks specials will also be plentiful throughout the week including 2/1 drafts & cocktails on Biker Wednesday and Friday Happy Hour drink specials w/ complimentary food spreads.

For updates on music events & calendar listings, visit www.crocodilebar.com (The Crocodile Bar, 88 W. Chippewa Street, Buffalo, 716-853-2762).

Tealeaves

Shopping for teas, tea leaves, tea-oriented gifts, or tea-time accessories? Head to TeaLeafs (499 West Klein, Suite D, Williamsville, 716-688-8022).

TeaLeafs has over 120 varieties of loose leaf teas & boxed teas to choose from including assortments from Harney & Sons, Harrisons & Crosfield, Village Tea Company, and Ahmad Tea of London.

Feeling Zen? Try organic green tea or an herbal tisane. Need a caffeine boost?  Black tea like Flower of Hawaii can perk you right up. Want to soothe an upset stomach? Camomile Mint or Ginger Sun may do the trick. Craving sweet tea? Try Vanilla Cream, Blueberry, Pomegranate, or Chai. Feeling fruity? Blackberry, Strawberry Kiwi, or Orange Spice can satiate a sweet tooth. Going green? try Sencha or Jasmine w/ Flowers. If you’re in the mood for exotic or specialty teas, try Moraccan Madness, Indian Night, or South African Rooibos. 

TeaLeafs also sells accessories including Japanese tea pots, steeping mechanisms, specialty sweets, and natural sweeteners (i.e. honey sticks, honey beads, and honey powder). Gift baskets & Gift cards are available. Stay tuned for updates on tea-tasting classes…

Mark your calendars. The Cigar Lieutenants smoking society’s second annual charity pig roast is September 19^th. Tickets include expertly slow-roasted pig, barbeque chicken, full picnic spread, 6 premium cigars, live blues and jazz, four whole hours of free beer and wine, a Cigar Lieutenants travel bag, and a chance to win a travel humidor and other great prizes. Volleyball, horseshoes, darts, and shuffleboard will also be available for the ambitious and athletic among all you BBQ-loving sippers and smokers.

Event proceeds will benefit the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and Aspire of Western New York . Cigars and prizes are being donated by Nice Ash Cigars and Lounge and the Tinder Box.

The pig roast will be held from 2-6pm at the Lamm Post Grove, 962 Wehrle Drive, Williamsville.

You can check out Photos from last year’s roast via the Cigar Lieutenant’s website.

Tickets are $75per person before the 11^th of September and are available from any member of the Cigar Lieutenants smoking society and from Nice Ash Cigars and Lounge, (716) 685-7970, 5334 Transit road, Depew, NY 14086. There are a limited number of tickets available, so buy yours now if you’re interested.

If you still want to take advantage of dining outdoors during Buffalo’s short-lived summer, consider these venues… SeaBar in the City  is now seating patrons during lunchtime hours at it’s newly established sidewalk cafe! A Bento box has also been incorporated into the lunch menu featuring Maki Roll, Soup, Seaweed Salad, Sesame Noodles, Japanese Pickles, and a Beverage  for $9.99, excluding tax & gratuity (SeaBar in the City, 475 Ellicott Street, Buffalo, 716.332.2928). 

Papaya’s sidewalk patio is officially open for late-night dining & cocktails. If you want to catch the last rays of sunlight, stop by on a Wednesday during happy hour for live jazz and 2-for-1 Martinis (Papaya Asian Kitchen, 118 W. Chippewa, Buffalo, 716.856.2444).

Heading north into the historical Town of Clarence, NovelTea Bistro has officially opened it’s charming patio garden for ladies & gents who want to take lunch and afternoon tea w/ scones in the sunshine. Beginning Thursday, June 25th,the charming restaurant will serve a seasonal dinner menu to accompany the variety of European beers & wines from the bistro’s bar (6010 Goodrich Road, Clarence Center, 716.741.1311).

Stay tuned for more updates on WNY’s restaurant scene this summer…