Reviews Shango

Zomato
Margaret Dowling
+4
shango bistro and bar 4/5 stars $$$ I went with my bestie, 2nd visit. The only physical complaint I have is with those darned bench cushions - the seats are so close to the table, if you're over a size 10, have fun trying to sit down comfortably and maneuvering the bench cushions back in place. It's definitely not friendly towards people who have a voracious appetite. The house arrangement of bread they give is ok - the cornbread is second only to mine - I don't say that to be boastful, just that I make cornbread exactly how I know I like it. If I didn't know how to make cornbread, I could definitely see myself claiming that's the best cornbread I've ever had. The white bread is crusty and good, then there's a whole grain type of bread which I don't particularly care for. We ordered the BBQ ribs and gumbo for appetizers. Ribs were probably top 10 I've ever eaten (and I've eaten a LOT of ribs) - the bbq sauce was most definitely not canned or bottled and the meat was firm yet tender and the connectiive tissue that is usually rubbery or chewy on ribs was broken down perfectly for an easy eat. The gumbo desperately needs salt but otherwise a good stock and had a heavy like base instead of soupy. We then got the mac n cheese and coulotte steak for entrees. Steak med rare, was sublime. The homemade steak sauce that came with was very complimentary, but needed more. I got the entree as it came on the menu but if I were to re-order, the greasy fries would've been subbed for a different starch. They were just too greasy. The veggies are good. The mac n cheese is NO JOKE. It's hot and bubbly and had great cheesy gouda and cheddar flavors. No kidding better than Mooney's. All around great food. Pros: Not a lot of wait time, full bar, not too loud, not a rushed experience. Cons: NO SWEET RED WINES which really subtracts from the allure with our particular wine preferences, also serves coke products, not pepsi. Beverage serving sizes aren't very large.
Feb 22, 2017
Zomato
Kris Kacynski
+4
Testing this review page! We ate at Shango and it was a decent experience but didn't blow us away. The appetizer was decent (seafood crepe wraps) and the entree was on par. Overall, we will not be hurrying back.
May 16, 2016
Zomato
Makefile
+5
Excellent All Around. I've been to Shango a few times to eat, once for brunch and a couple of times for dinner. The food has always been excellent. They do a lot of unique takes on pretty commonplace dishes that seem to always come out great. Anything you order on the menu you'll be happy with, no matter if it's dinner, brunch, dessert, or just snacks at the bar. The wine list is also very impressive with a wide range of varietals at low, medium, and high prices. They also have a very good beer selection, both draught and bottle. Service has always been good, both at the table and at the bar. Happy hours here are the best, two $3.50 draughts and four $4 wines available from 5 - 7:30 pm, with selected $6 snacks. The atmosphere of the entire place is also both unique and classy, it's a very comfortable place to have dinner, eat brunch, or just hang out at the bar.
Dec 04, 2014
Zomato
The Food Snob
+5
This place is easily one of my top five in Buffalo. Amazing food. From apps to dessert I was beyond impressed. No liquor, so don't expect to have a cocktail but their wonderful wine list more then makes up for that. For the 9% who voted against this place shame on you, because this is a great restaurant. It has everything I look for, great food, friendly staff, and a creative menu. I can't say it enough...GREAT RESTAURANT!!!
Nov 16, 2014
Zomato
Tdonahue.donahue73
+4.5
Fantastic Food and Service. From the oysters to a perfectly prepared duck breast. My meal was excellent.
Sep 13, 2014
Zomato
TroutChaser
+4.5
Excellent lunch. Gist cheese salad with shrimp added. very good. get dressing on side though - too sweet. staff very nice
Apr 09, 2014
Zomato
BuffAlove
+4.5
My boyfriend took me to Shango to celebrate my new job and it was the perfect evening! Everything was scrumptious! They bring out fresh bread (whole wheat, white, and sweet corn bread) with a seasoned oil and an antipasto olive dish to nibble on. We started with some sparkling champagne and a few appetizers! We devoured raw oysters and the fried oyster appetizer. They were so tender and juicy, my mouth is watering just thinking about them! My boyfriend ordered the penne pasta dish with crawfish, shrimp, sausage and a cajun cream sauce. I had an oyster po boy (as if you couldn't tell that they're my favorite food already! haha) with thick smoked bacon, lettuce, tomato, onion, and homemade remoulade on a crispy ciabatta roll served with a creamy mustard slaw and honey sweet potato fries on the side. Finally, we couldn't resist splitting bananas foster dessert. It was our first time there and that was by far one of the best meals we've ever had and the service was impeccable! Thanks Rebecca for the excellent service and our compliments to the chef!
Feb 02, 2014
Zomato
Msstevens1968
+4.5
Best brunch. Give this place a try.. Especially for bruch. Eclectic and delicious.
Dec 05, 2013
Zomato
Larry
+4.5
The food is good, but I would say it is not worth the price. You are going to pay top steak house prices for low country cuisine
Aug 06, 2013
Zomato
Jason Kanzler
+4.5
My girlfriend and I had a great experience dining at Shango. The main dining area was reserved for a private party, but there were plenty of tables available on the bar side. The service was attentive, prompt, and respectful. We started with the avocado spring rolls and a half bottle of wine. The springs rolls were good, but I think they would have been better served cold. My girlfriend ordered the creole bouillabaisse and thought the flavor was great - it was very light and fresh with plenty of seafood. I ordered the peppered linguini and it was EXCELLENT. The protein to pasta ratio was perfect (lots of seafood, minimal pasta) and I'm still thinking about the flavorful cognac cream sauce. For dessert, we decided to split the bananas foster. It was much larger than we expected, and the amount of ice cream included was excessive, but the flavors were good nonetheless. The prices were lower than expected, especially when the service and food quality were realized. All in all, Shango is easily the best restaurant I have been to in Buffalo.
May 30, 2013
Zomato
Joelle P.
+4.5
My boyfriend and I recently dined at Shango for my birthday, and we were SO glad we did. The service was very good and the atmosphere was just right. We decided on the tuna tacos for an appetizer, which were okay. Not really my taste, but definitely different. If you don't prefer them rare, you can ask for them to be cooked however you like. My boyfriend had the short ribs, and I ordered the black pepper linguini with lobster& scallops in a cognac cream sauce. Both were GREAT! The flavors were very rich and tasty, making both meals excellent choices. For dessert we had the homemade pecan pie with butter rum ice cream. Also very very good. My boyfriend doesn't even like pecan pie, and he loved this. There's also a pretty extensive wine selection and quite a few specialty beers to choose from. All in all, a great restaurant and overall experience. Highly recommend this restaurant.
Jan 28, 2013
Zomato
Lesa Cater
+4.5
Best Brunch. Went there with a group of friends a couple weeks ago, always delish. Try to go once a month. Service is good, I'm a breakfast person, so I stick with that, but they offer other fare as well.
Jan 25, 2013
Zomato
Tabascograz
+4.5
Finally. Been meaning to get here for awhile. I really wanted Sushi, but Kuni was closed so I went to Shango. I saw some things on the menu that I really wanted to try so I went small plate style. I tried the Pork Belly and the Blackened Tuna Taco's. I saw Brussel Sprouts sprouts with Bacon on the Web and was dissapointed when I didn't see them on the Menu. Luckily I asked and they said that I could get them. They were fantastic, although they didnt make them with Bacon. I was disspointed, but they were still very good. Roasted nicely. The Pork Belly was also very good. The Tuna Tacos were tasty, but I would have liked them to be blackened more. They were light on the seasoning. I wasn't really in the mood for dessert but they had a pumpkin Bread pudding with Maple Bacon Ice Cream. Very Good.
Jan 20, 2013
Zomato
DD
+4.5
Holy Crow. Ambiance is just like the website; little bit dim. Awesome food! 3 types of bread and a small olive dish were provided for the table & we devoured the fresh oyster appetizer. I shared the creole bouillabaisse & black pepper linguine. Both delicious, but the second makes my mouth water just thinking of it. For dessert - pumpkin bread pudding with maple bacon ice cream. Lovely, unique dish! A must visit.
Jan 03, 2013
Zomato
Jeffrey Rouch
+4.5
Incredible cuisine. Please answer the phone. Can't make reservations if you don't.
Dec 27, 2012
Zomato
MJC
+4.5
I love this place it's a great spot to try new food. Even though it's a little more pricey it's definately worth the money. The mac and cheese is a must have, they have a lot of unique menu items to please almost any palette.
Aug 19, 2012
Zomato
Aspiringfoodie
+4.5
Amazing. Best french toast in Buffalo!
Jul 05, 2012
Zomato
Danielle
+4.5
Delectable. My meal was absolutely wonderful! Our avocado spring rolls were fresh and crisp, while my entree - pasta with lobster and scallops - was a delightful seafood entree. It was a wonderful dining experience and one of the not places for authentic feeling Cajun cuisine
Jun 06, 2012
Zomato
Margarita
+4.5
Loved, loved the Po Boy steak sandwich! It was so flavorful, the steak was tender, absolutely delicious... mouth-watering unlike any steak sandwich I have ever tasted in Buffalo! Everything we ordered was full of flavor and spiced to perfection... including the frog legs appetizer! Don't be afraid to try anything off this menu, great place, excellent food!
May 26, 2012
Zomato
Banz
+4.5
Very Very Very Good. Give it a try!
May 05, 2012
Zomato
Marthygc
+4.5
Wonderful. This is our absolute favorite brunch place in Western New York. The food is delicious, the ambiance is a little funky and a little "old world", and the wait staff is attentive without being obtrusive. The pan seared pork belly was perfectly executed and thoughtfully composed. All of our dishes for the four of us -- steak, shrimp, grits, lobster cakes and more -- were just delicious. The bottomless cup of excellent coffee was powerful and smooth. Our waiter was excellent and accommodating. And the prices were more than reasonable for the service and quality of food. A great experience overall. Highly recommend.
Mar 25, 2012
Zomato
Bearandbu
+4.5
Unique dining spot.... There's no place in WNY like Shango. This little restaurant is a gem. An old bagel joint has been transformed into a New Orleans style restaurant. The food isn't necessarily authentic cajun, but that doesn't matter...dishes are delicious, different, and definitely influenced by NO. And the decor is cool...repurposed church pews and pounded metal tables. Very cool. Waitresses and bartenders are seasoned pros. Complaints are few: the wine is overpriced by a dollar or two, and the draft beer isn't quite as cold as it should be. But what the hell...go and enjoy a unique dining experience.
Mar 22, 2012
Zomato
Bob M
+4.5
One of our favorites. Great for apps and wine.
Mar 15, 2012
Zomato
Transplantedman
+4.5
Well worth the visit. Went for V-Day dinner with girlfriend. Service was good to great (just missed perfect). A little tight for seating but not a complaint, just an observation. The bread/dip and olive plate were ok, but wouldn't ask for more. Wine a tad expensive but good variety. Entrees (that's what really counts, right?) were excellent. Salmon was wonderful, as was the black pepper pasta. $120 for dinner for two, perhaps a bit more than expected but that was the wine. Overall, will definitely go back and recommend others to go.
Feb 15, 2012
Zomato
Chris Cuccia
+4.5
Excellent. Friend and I got together for dinner for the holidays. It was my first time. Had been wanting to try it for a long time; and ended up being glad I did.

My friend had the Grilled Hanger Steak. Was cooked perfectly (I tried some), was very good.

I started with the Crispy Frog Legs appetizer. These were lighted tossed in a garlic Tobasco sauce and service with carrots, celery, and bleu cheese. I know frog legs may not be everyone's choice. But these were very tasty, not too overpowering with the garlic, just enough tobasco, very juicy.

My entree was the Creole Meatloaf (beef, veal, pork, and Andouille sausage}. Another excellent choice, but next time I want to try something else, as there a a lot of intersting choices.

We wold have stayed for a second bottle of wine and dessert, but we in a hurry to leave (not anything to do with the restaurant, we had somewhere to be).

Shango is a very cool looking place and the staff friendly.
Jan 11, 2012
Zomato
HannahHays
+4.5
Best Dinner EVERRR. I am officially obsessed with this place now! Went there for dinner this past Saturday and everything about it was amazing. I would recommend the spaghetti with lobster tail and scallops in cognac cream sauce (it was probably the best dinner I have ever had at a restaurant). The service was also great...really nice, down to earth people that work there. I will be back...as often as I can afford to :)
Jan 09, 2012
Zomato
JiMeg
+4.5
Love this restaurant. Always has great specials. When saving $, I opt for gumbo and a po' boy. Great beer selection.
Dec 11, 2011
Zomato
Callitasicit
+4.5
Impressive.. Visting Buffalo for the first time this year and this place was on my radar. My mother ordered the creole bouillabaisse with various seafoods e.g shrimp, scallops and crab. She absolutely loved it. I started with a cup of the chicken and andouille sausage gumbo, I just loved the kick of the broth and the rice was a nice addition as well. I didn't care too much for the meat inside the gumbo though. For my main, I ordered the fried oyster po-boy and it was amazing! One of the better sandwiches I ever had with bacon, some onion, tomato and mayo with a nice kick to it. I didn't like the sweet potato fries however as it was smothered in honey, too sweet for my taste. The creole slaw was very good but I wish there was more on my plate. For dessert, I had the apple bread pudding with maple bacon ice cream. This was good but I really shouldn't have ordered it considering how full I was. My curiosity was with the maple bacon ice cream. It was good but for some reason, I wasn't crazy about it. The bacon pieces were just too much for me.

Overall, a very positive experience. Service was also excellent, along with great atmosphere, and good food. All those elements, makes this place a winner!
Aug 31, 2011
Zomato
Propa Fly
+4.5
My new fav brunch spot!. I've been to New Orleans several times and brunch is a serious tradition...Shango does it right!

Love the upscale decor, friendly staff and amazing brunch fare. Get anything with the intensely flavored, peppery homemade sausage. The red beans and rice were flavorful with chunks of andouille. I had the poached eggs with shrimpcakes and corn maque choux...delicious. My companion had the poached eggs with house made sausage and rosemary biscuits....DAMN GOOD! i will order this next time.
Aug 24, 2011
Zomato
Foodie
+4.5
Yummy!. Good quality yummy food. We went for brunch there and were very happy with our meals and loved the Mimosas!! :)
May 31, 2011
Zomato
Matt
+4.5
Great Brunch. Shango is a great place to have an upscale brunch. Terrific coffee and awesome brunch menu. Have been there for dinner as well, which was equally as satisfying.
May 23, 2011
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Chante
+4.5
Went to shango for my bday it was wonderful I.had the butter milk chicken it was great the greens and grits where awsome to.
May 03, 2011
Zomato
Ryan
+4.5
Good. Service was good, food was good and quick on a fairly busy weekend night. Extensive wine list, perhaps a bit overpriced since it is a "wine bar" but entrees were priced lower to make up for it.
Apr 28, 2011
Zomato
Alex Pawlicki
+4.5
Worth every penny!. I usually can't afford to eat at a restaurant like Shango. It's not to say that they are way too expensive though. For instance, a meal for 2 was $68. You are paying for so much more than the food though.

The atmosphere in this Main st. gem is fantastic. It's a dark bar with an upscale feel and exposed brick. There is fantastic blues music playing and candle lit tables. To add to the creole atmosphere, they serve a delicious complimentary olive plate with bread and oil with creole seasoned salt. Their beer and wine menu is varied and reasonable. Their gumbo is tar black with delicious chunks of sausage. I had a pecan crusted catfish on a homemade creamed corn with peppers and a mustard vinaigrette. This was clean, fluffy and delicious. My girlfriend had the most perfectly cooked steak I have ever seen. I didn't even want her to eat it as I wanted to take a picture of it it looked so amazing. This was served with a fantastic jambalaya with mushrooms and spinach. The most unbelievable part of the meal however was dessert.

We had a bananas foster bread pudding that is literally the greatest tasting thing I have ever had. I am so happy we decided to try this place tonight. I will recommend it to anyone and save it as one of those sort of special occasion restaurants to treat ourselves with.
Apr 03, 2011
Zomato
Stacey
+4.5
Favorite spot in Buffalo. My husband and I happened on Shango one night and not only were thrilled with the ambiance, but have been back many times since. Every dish we have tried is excellent -- fresh ingredients and very tasty/innovative pairings of food. It is not expensive and you can get a HUGE po'boy sandwich for around $14 with delicious sweet potato french fries or an elegant entree for anywhere from $15-$25. Every single thing we have had (we have been there probably 15 times and counting) is delicious. The inside is quiet, cozy and inviting and the servers are excellent. Whether you are looking to go all our or just to have some great quality food that is especially innovative and tasty, Shango hits the mark.
Mar 27, 2011
Zomato
Allie B
+4.5
We're from South Louisiana and we loved it. Enough said! If duck confit is on the specials list, don't miss out on it! Amazing! Not all the dishes on the menu are cajun/creole, but they're all good!
Mar 06, 2011
Zomato
Megan
+4.5
Warm and Inviting. Smells spicy, tastes good, and the servers took plenty of time to help us learn about the meals. The specials list was as long as the regular menu the night we went. Great unique beers too. Loved it. Will def go back again.
Jan 25, 2011
Zomato
Steven Raines
+4.5
All around great.. One of Buffalo's best. The food, beverage selection and atmosphere are wonderful. For the cost concious, you can make a whole meal out of an appetizer and a salad. I suggest the mushroom salad with a Fried Calamari with Chipotle Cocktail Sauce! Also, the Root Beer Pork chop is fantastic, even though it sounds a little strange. High marks for the beer selection both on tap and draft.
Jul 17, 2010
Zomato
Mike Abbass
+4.5
Great experience. Food was perfect, atmosphere was very nice. Overall one of the best meals I've had in buffalo aft any price. ****
Jul 17, 2010
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Nora
+4.5
Creative cajun brunch. Truthfully, I can't even describe the steak, rice, bean, jambalaya, sausage, shrimp and scrambled egg concoction I had for brunch beyond that. I took a risk on the menu and it was absolutely worth it, the combination of ingredients on the Brunch menu seemed pretentious and overwhelming. However, the taste was superb and unlike anything I've ever experienced.

I was too busy stuffing my face to notice what my brunch counterparts ordered, but they too where in the process of being hypnotized and amazed by whatever was in front of them.

Go, order something you don't think you would ever want to combine on your plate and tell me exactly how correct I am about the absolute culinary genius of the owner. OH, bottomless coffee was quality roasted and fresh and just thinking of the assortment of warm sliced breads served with the food is making me flashback.
May 27, 2010
Zomato
Dan Bordonaro
+4.5
The chicken and sausage gumbo ranks in my favorite menu items of all time. Atmosphere is elegant and fun, and service and food quality more than justifies relatively high prices for Buffalo-area.
Feb 28, 2010
Zomato
Amanda
+4.5
IN LOVE. I might have to say that this is my favorite restaurant in buffalo!!!
From the wonderful service, to the delicious Olive assortment with fresh bread they give you to sample while looking over the menu, to the fantastic wine and beer list!!
The atmosphere is fantastic, with the dimmer lighting and spaced out seating.
ALL of the staff is very knowledgeable of their drink menu and what works best with your dinner selection!
The Hanger steak is amazing! Very highly recommended!!
You find yourself wanting to stay for hours sampling the menus and enjoying the company you are with!!
Feb 28, 2010
Zomato
Steve
+4.5
Shango never disapoints with excellent food and specials. Thursday is happy hour at the bar.
Sep 24, 2009
Zomato
JDL
+4.5
Somthing a bit differesnt... you will like it.. About the only thing I do not like is that parking can be a challenge. This is a popular place with food you do not often see in Buffalo. Good quality food in a great atmosphere. Try the southern fired chicken or the more sophisticated offerings.
Apr 20, 2009
Zomato
Matthew Luongo
+4.5
As I mentioned in my last entry, I've been meaning to try Shango on Main St. for quite some time. On a last minute decision, we actually went right at 5 P.M. last Wednesday. Having heard only good things about the restaurant, we hoped to have an experienc
Oct 20, 2010
Zomato
Buffalo Eats
+4.5
A few weeks ago Buffalo's restaurants opened their doors and Alli and I embarked on our 5th Local Restaurant Week experience. We started this great week off with a visit to Shango , a Cajun restaurant located on Main street right near UB's South Campus. I actually wasn't sure if we'd be able to get into Shango this week, but after sampling their offer at the Local Restaurant Week Preview Night, I realized I needed to find a way to eat there no matter what. So we called Monday and happened to find an opening, here's how our meal went. When I think of the eating options around UB's South Campus, fine dining really doesn't pop into my head. There are some great cheap, colleg
Apr 13, 2011
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