BOSS – Buffalo’s Original Steak & Seafood

Boss is our go to steak place when we’re trying to ball out a little on a date night! We’ve hit all the other hype spots in the city– chophouse, oliver’s, eb greens, black & blue… and this is the one that keeps us coming back. It’s relatively small and intimate, always with a quiet relaxed atmosphere perfect for date night. The service is always excellent and the portions are very generous at a reasonable price for a high end steakhouse.
Boss has your standard steak and seafood fare– great filets, strip steaks, fresh oysters, but also has a couple standout dishes that really make it special for us.
One, the gnocchetti appetizer in a wild boar ragu sauce has such a unique, exciting flavor that it’s a must. Crab cakes are on point, perfect generous ratio of crab to filling with a delicious sauce.
Every time we’ve been the filets have been cooked to perfection, and the king crab entrée is perfect– Huge crab legs cracked perfect so all you have to do is enjoy!
Big ups to the staff at BOSS for amazing service and food every time!

So close.
So close to good service. So close to a good meal. Had both of those happened, it would have been worth the bill.
Food first: Our First Courses were good. Entrees? Zero flavor. The meats were actually perfectly cooked, with crisp golden brown outer layers. Zero salt, seasoning, or spices. No relish, sauce, coulée (just a nice pile of microgreens that didn’t add anything). Mine had a tiny dusting of cracked pepper that, after cooking, didn’t really register.
So we had two Perfectly Cooked meats that were bland. (And no salt and pepper at the table to help us correct it). Farrotto was good texture, but the scant cucumber and tomato again left it with no flavor. I was supplied with an entire half lemon to add acid (overkill, a wedge would have been enough), but without salt — there was no point in trying. Back to my first course. I had wild boar ragu. It was good: plenty of boar and pasta. Sauce was a bit thin, barely coating the pasta and meat — thicker sauce and more veggie content please! But, tasted good and was the more enjoyable part of my meal.
We did each have a glass of white wine. Each had flocculation (yeast sediment — not detrimental to the wine, but a sign of the lack of care in pouring it). We did bring it to the staff’s attention (only to alert the bartender to pour his wines more carefully). Our server walked off and about 5 minutes later, another server returned and simply said «It’s sediment… from how they make the wine. Yeah, it’s sediment.» Ok, so alright then. Something tells me they will continue to serve wine with sediment. That sounds delicious. (Hint, bartender — handle bottles carefully, don’t shake/​disturb them, pour slowly and do not pour the last ½ to 1 ounce of the bottom of the bottle. If it is shaken, wait a minute for sediment to drop, so you don’t serve it to your guests)
Service — you folks are trying. No doubt. No real issues, but some seemed very new, or are likely dealing with a restaurant in transition. Of the two menu binders we were handed — one didn’t even have a menu in it, the other was scribbled all over and said ‘Justin’s menu’ as if the chef was in the midst of reworking it. The one thing that was very distracting and unappetizing was our servers nose jewelry. It was a tiny outer dot, with a curved inner post. Since we sit at a position lower than a standing server, we were treated to a direct view up her nose to this very noticeable post that makes it constantly look like you have a big booger up there. Distracting. Unappealing. Lose it.
BOSS has some work to do as far as my wife and I are concerned, but they’re really pretty close. I wish them the best, and would return after some time.

Service was really good, the dinning environment was nice. It is a tiny bit overpriced for the food quality, but it is a good restaurant to relax after a busy day.

Lovely «classy casual» steak and seafood restaurant.
My dining experience at BOSS was quite good. I didn’t know what to expect, based on some mixed reviews, but I must say I found BOSS to be nearly perfect.
The small bar area is very attractive, and the dining area had a nice feel as well .
Large wall of windows facing Starin Ave and the corner of Hertel and Starin .
Service was excellent from start to finish. We were surprised then, that there was only one other couple in the restaurant while we were there .My filet was delicious, cooked perfectly (they will cook it up to medium only). One side dish comes with your dinner. They were out of brussels sprouts which seems to be a common experience, but the garlic mashed potatoes were great. The cocktail menu was innovative, I ordered the «holy water» which was fresh and citrusy. Though the menu is on the pricier side, I was not disappointed with anything from start to end.
Tip: there is a current offer for free glass of house red or white wine with Unilocal check in-​not sure how long it is in effect.

The first time I saw BOSS, was when my boyfriend and I were driving by the restaurant on our way home from a movie. While I found the name of the restaurant humourous, my boyfriend suggested we try it next time I’m in town and I’m glad we did.
Everything from the ambience, to the service, to the food was spectacular.
We first started off getting a seafood tower as our appetizer (see photo), it comes with crab, lobster, oysters, shrimps, and clams. The waiter told us that since their clams weren’t up to standard that night, so they were replaced with extra oysters (who can complain?). The shrimp and oyster sauce were both perfect! I loved the presentation too.
Our waiter Shawn, was amazing and came by several times to see how we were doing. Very attentive, and pretty funny too. The owner and manager both came by to see how we were doing as well.
My boyfriend ordered the filet mignon which he loved, and I decided to try the coulotte which was an interesting cut of meat and tasted like a cross between steak and roast beef. Our sides of asparagus and mashed potatoes were also very tasty.
Shawn also suggested a really nice glass of wine when I asked for his recommendation. I wish I knew I would get a free glass just by checking in!
Overall, we had an amazing time at BOSS from start to finish. Great service together with great food deserves a 5 star rating, and that’s what the restaurant deserves.

I am very impressed with the food, quality, and service. Mark was our server and he was excellent. Extremely attentive and kind. I am impressed. Buffalo Chophouse usually is my favorite, but I am really loving BOSS restaurant!

Boss, well great service average food. The bartender was excellent and prepared a good martini and was very attentive. Once at the table the server was polite and timed things well.
The food, well, average at best. First no brussel sprouts, second served Caesar salad without anchovies because they did not have any in house. (not disclosed discovered when eating). Steaks were over seared, and were over cooked per order.
Coffee and dessert were fine, but if your seeking a top shelf steak house, sorry to say, look elsewhere.

I have been wanting to try BOSS for a while, but the name always through me off. After seeing a facebook and website advertisement for $ 20.15 entrees and select bottles of wine on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, I decided it was an opportune time to check it out. Beware– upon asking about this special to the server, he said he had to check with the chef. Upon his return, him nor the chef knew of any such special for that night but apparently it was starting next week-​it through us off a bit, but we decided to stay.
A friend and I went on a Tuesday night, where there were only 3 other tables. Every table has an iron purse hook next to it, which I thought was a nice added touch– nobody wants to put their purse on the floor. I started with a Moscow Mule which tasted like men’s cologne. We then ordered the crab cakes, which my friend thought were too fishy, I thought they were ok and pretty loaded with crab. Beautiful presentation. We then ordered the chopped salad to share, the server was nice enough to split it up for us tableside. The salad had way too much creamy dressing, but was a good size to share.
I ordered the salmon, which was very bland– no flavor. My friend ordered the rib eye with Brussels sprouts (so good) which was on the special, very good from the bite I took. I really don’t like that they call themselves a sea food restaurant when the only fish options they had were scallops and salmon. It would have been nice to have a unique fish special for the evening. We also ordered a side of mac and cheese– which was delicious.
The service was alright, our waiter was very nice but I expected a bit more attentiveness for the price we paid. The server forgot our glasses of wine and we had to remind him, and showed up 10 minutes later. Mind you, there were only two other tables at this point.
BOSS was really nothing that special, and I most likely will not be returning.

This place can run with any steak house in Buffalo! The chopped salad is an absolute must

The steak portion is amazing. Everything was exceptional!!!
Crab cakes = one of the best I have.
Joe is very personal … Great experience.

This was our second time at Boss and was even better than the first. The first thing I like is that you can pull right up to the door and you are greeted by a valet driver. As soon as we walked in, we were greeted by one of the owners Joe, and the bartender who were very friendly and enjoyable to talk too. The server was also very good and did not pester us unlike at the Chop House. I would like to see a bit more of variety on the menu, but If it’s steak you have in mind, you won’t be disappointed. I ordered the large bone in rib eye and my wife had the filet. I think the filet is a better buy. If you like crab cakes, order them, the are some of the BEST I have ever had! Also the copped salid was excellent. All in all, it was a very enjoyable dining experience. I am always impressed when the owner comes over to ask how everything is going, and he did.
Service, food, and hospitality was excellent! A great place to have an elegant dining experience. .Thank you Joe

Salty pasta, no truffle oil in the fries, found a hair in my Diablo seafood dish, lack of attention to detail. The only person interested was the valet parking guy who was very concerned about our experience. I feel very disappointed can’t see this place lasting too long with this type of service.

I went here for my brother’s birthday on a whim and on the great reviews on Unilocal.Sadly it did not meet expectations. The food was definitely way overpriced for how it tasted. My brother and father had steaks. Both were ok but my brother’s steak was definitely on the dry side and for $ 45 a plate that is a huge oversight. I had the lobster bisque and my mother had the smokehouse chopped salad. Both dishes were on the salty side but with the prices we were forced to finish our dishes. The overall ambience and the wait staff were great. We were welcomed warmly and seated right away even though we were 10 mins early for our reservation. The food is the most important part of any meal naturally and it just did not meet expectations. It is very unlikely that I will be returning.

I wanted the Spinalis Rib Cap for my birthday. As the only place in town you can get that, coming here was the plan. For ages. Then the day of we decided to do take out as someone was not up to eating out. That’s fine, I had already perused the menu and knew what we were likely going to order. So into the car and off I went.
Arrived around 5:30, better to do takeout early I have been told. Already knew what we wanted but the menu changed. Just yesterday. No more spinalis rib cap, which was my main focus. But that’s fine. The bartender and chef chatted and we agreed on another cut (which is HUGE) as a replacement. They felt this cut would be similar to the rib cap. The monkfish was ordered in place of the planned upon salmon. We had mushrooms and brussel sprouts as the two sides. Beet salad rounded out the meal.
Have to say, outstanding. I’m not a beet fan, but people enjoyed the beet salad a lot. The brussel sprouts (comes with pancetta and shallot) was delicious. The monkfish (wrapped in prosciutto I think) comes on a bed of mashed potatoes that are sublime. The steak was huge and cooked perfectly. While I typically don’t order steak out (I can make it just fine myself), I did love this treat.
As I waited I chatted with the bartender. They carry my fav vodka, Deep Eddy, which of course makes me a fan. So we had a chance to talk liquor.
The food arrived well wrapped and packaged. They used to send bread home with takeout, either they don’t anymore or they forgot, not sure. I’d encourage them to include it. I had a homemade baguette handy (thank goodness) so was able to pinch hit with that, which I threw in the oven to warm. But even homemade, their bread likely would be better.
While I didn’t see the Valet Parking, I think they still have it.
Im happy to up to 5 stars. We probably eat in or take out 6 times a year from here. It has gotten better over time, more attention to detail.
U101

Everything is always amazing here! A must go too if you have not tried it.

This is my first Unilocal review, so you know this is serious. I’m used to frequenting familiar classics, but I wanted to try something new to me. In particular, I have been trying to explore the Hertel area more. Some of my favorite restaurants are Hutch’s, Tempo and Mothers. Boss is now definitely in my top 5.
From the moment we walked into the door to the time we left, we felt right at home. The food was absolutely amazing. We started out with house wheat bread, which I could’ve done without but the artichokes were amazing. We then had the beef tar tar that was extremely zesty with an Asian kick. It was very refreshing. I had the filet and my boyfriend had the dry aged strip with sides of asparagus and Mac and cheese. I’m a Mac and cheese guru. Not gonna lie. This Mac and cheese was to die for. The steaks melted in my mouth. We both ordered manhattans which were made to perfection.
The only bad thing I can leave here is that the place could definitely do more with décor. It’s a little cheesy. However, that’s not enough to stop me from having a great meal. The service and food was excellent. Will definitely be back. Cheers!

I came with here with my family for my graduation dinner. I ordered a grapefruit martini that was so delicious! The waiter came and suggested his favorite dishes and answered any questions we had about the dishes. I ordered the chop salad that I specifically didn’t eat all of so I could have them wrap it up and I could enjoy later, it was that good. My grandma ordered the crab cakes that were also phenomenal, and we are picky about our crab cakes. For my entrée I ordered the seared scallops that just melted in my mouth. The sear was perfect and the cauliflower purée complimented them wonderfully. A pricey meal but well worth it. I definitely recommend BOSS for a nice meal. The quality of the meal and service was outstanding.

Had dinner here recently, and I thought it was good (not great, but good). The menu had changed (though not drastically) from what I had seen online. I like to peruse the menu ahead of time prior to going to any place we haven’t been to before.
We each had drinks (beer and wine), and the server must have been reading my mind when he suggested the Pinot Noir, which was pricey at $ 12, but seriously outstanding. They brought a basket of bread; classy breadsticks with rosemary and stout rolls with seeds (sunflower I think), which were accompanied by a delicious, herbed lemon butter.
We started with crab cakes and the chop salad (the endive salad I wanted to try was not on this current menu). Crab cakes were presented skillfully, although I would have preferred them a little more crusted (or perhaps with a slight texture adjustment). Still they were scrumptious. Chop Salad was comprised of nicely balanced ingredients (how can you go wrong with bacon, tomato, avocado and blue cheese), although my husband thinks romaine resembles its unrefined cousin iceberg too closely. The server brought us extra plates and voluntarily divided the salad for us, which I found thoughtful.
For the entrée, I had the scallops, which were again, presented with finesse. They were cooked perfectly (Gordon Ramsay would have concurred), and some of the best scallops I have ever had. Then again, at $ 28 for 4 average-​sized scallops, I guess they should be. My only (minor) complaint would be the minuscule dollop of romesco sauce, which was excellent, but kind of a tease. Husband had the Wagyu steak, no additional toppings and was happy with it. Personally I found it too «beefy» if that makes sense, or perhaps gamey is more appropriate.
The brussel sprout side had the potential to be delicious, but was charred to the point that it didn’t even resemble (or taste much like) any of the (unidentifiable) ingredients listed. It was also too heavy on the balsamic. After looking back at one of the pictures that another reviewer posted of this dish, what he got looked nothing like it. Taste was okay, but had I realized what it was supposed to look like, I probably would have suggested that he send it back. I told him people raved about the mac & cheese, but he is stubborn and wouldn’t listen. We didn’t opt for dessert, but if we go again, I would absolutely indulge.
This is a tough call as far as rating since my husband and I are not in total agreement about the overall experience. He was focusing a bit more on shoddy décor, servers dirty apron, ratty looking curtains, etc., some of which I noticed, but didn’t necessarily allow to taint my opinion. But in his defense, all of those parts do make up the whole. If I could go 3.5 I would, but overall (atmosphere, service, food quality and cost, which was much less than I expected at $ 119 before tip) it was respectable, and I would be willing to give it another go.

I bought a groupon for BOSS which required 4 people to dine at once, so we decided to take one of my best friends and her hubby to dinner.
First, we’re not huge fans of the location. There’s not much else around and the building itself just didn’t look that impressive. I had imagined a much bigger space with fancier décor. It was also extremely dark in there so it was hard to read the menus and I’m only in my early 30s!
My fiancé and I shared a bottle of Malbec — as usual, the Malbec didn’t disappoint even though it was a $ 10 bottle marked up to $ 40, which is a common practice pretty much everywhere (except Tappo! Tappo has $ 15 bottle wines everyday!) For appetizers we got the crab cakes and the crispy squid salad. Crab cakes were good, no complaints there, but what really blew our minds (and taste buds) was the crispy squid salad — it was FANTASTIC! They also had complimentary bread basket with assorted warm rolls, which I appreciated because there’s nothing worse than a basket of cold bread.
For entrees, We all ordered the filet mignon with various toppings. My friend and I got the Oscar style — crab meat bearnaise with asparagus, my fiancé got the black truffle butter, and my friend’s husband didn’t add any toppings. Everything was amazing. The price for the Oscar style was a little steep at an additional $ 15, so it was nice to have tried it but I probably won’t order it again if I return. My fiancé said the same thing about the truffle butter, not due to the cost, but simply that he didn’t really care for it enough to want to order it again.
As far as sides, we got mushrooms, mashed potatoes, brussel sprouts and mac and cheese. All of them were absolutely amazing, especially the Mac and cheese and brussel sprouts (because come on, who can mess up mushrooms and mashed potatoes?) mmm mmm mmm! Just thinking about them makes my mouth water lol.
All in all, the service was decent and the food was excellent. It’s definitely too expensive for us to frequent, so I’m not sure when we will be back. I definitely recommend it though if you’re looking for a nice steak dinner. PS. They have complimentary valet, which is always a plus!

Actually, 4.5 but we’ll round up!
This restaurant is less than a mile from my house… So, I’ve been here when this place was Fiamma 1 (not impressed), Fiamma 2 (much improved) and tonight. I’m happy to say, I’m very pleased.
The service: spectacular!
Well timed, friendly, smooth, knowledgeable with phenomenal recommendations. James is obviously not a rookie.
The food: so good!
Not a huge selection of seafood despite their name, but everything we ordered (at the recommendation of our server) was phenomenal.
The appetizer, agnolotti of chestnut with brown butter cream and parmiganno foam (fancy term for oversized chicklets of ravioli) was one of the best appetizers I have ever had. An explosion of flavor in a little pocket. I would highly recommend this. The wild mushroom was loved by my husband of Eastern European descent. It was OK, but couldn’t compare to mine, in my opinion. He would disagree! Honestly, we would have been perfectly happy with a couple of appetizers and some drinks… Speaking of which
The drinks: we ordered from the specialty menu. I loved my blood orange martini and the hubby enjoyed his Buffalo Manhattan.
The main course: we both had the filet special; mine rare, his medium rare. Crisp and blackened on the outside, like butter on the inside. Oh, so good :-)
The mushroom /​onion side you could share as well as the potatoe purée. Both tasty, nice compliments and included with the steak entrees.
No room for dessert, but my coffee and my husband’s cappuccino were top notch and a perfect ending to a wonderful meal.
Overall, two drinks (each) with appetizers and coffee was about $ 100/​per person. Not cheap by Buffalo standards, but worth it for a special night.
We will be back!