Cathode Ray

This review is about the service at Cathode. I have been going here for around a year and I have never been asked to have my ID with my credit card, until last night. First I ordered two drinks and said to close out my tab immediately (because I am forgetful with my CC when I open tabs), to which the bartender stated that there was a 10 dollar minimum. So I decided to keep my tab open, to which the bartender requested to see my ID. I noticed that everyone else did not have their ID’s with their credit cards so I asked why to which the bartender said that it was «just a policy.» Sure. My BF got really upset and confronted the bartender and pointed out that no one else had to relinquish their ID’s with their CC, except me. The bartender gave him my ID, and when I finally closed out my tab he only charged my 8 dollars but I gave him a 5 dollar tip regardless. I am black and I believe that this was racially motivated. You would assume that in a gay establishment that this type of discrimination would not take place but in 2016, racism is alive and well, especially here in Buffalo. But again, like most black people, where ever possible I can choose where I spend my money so I might not be spending as much here at Cathode. The music that they played was fantastic, however but this def. put a damper on my fun time.

I can’t rate this place zero stars. Even if I was a drinker I would not go in because the clientele are the kind of people that make nasty comments about people walking by. Also, the clientele seem old, past their prime, and well, trashy.

A gay bar that discriminates against trans people. This dump gets no support from me.

If u like a place thats dirty, have trashy people in it, street people asking for money, a clicky crowd that don’t give a care about you than its your place to go. The owner rips people off with prices.

This place is fun and been around for ever. Despite its long run, it still looks like it was opened yesterday on a dime. Nothing upscale here, looks like lots of regulars and click-​ish. I prefer the Underground on Delaware.

I live in Chicago now, and have for over 10 years. In college, when I first came home and was out for the first time in Buffalo, I mustered up the strength to go into Cathode Ray. It seemed like a seedy, dirty, place. HOWEVER… it is not! It is a great, down to earth, «Cheers» for the gay community. They had pool tables (not sure if they still do) good music and inexpensive drinks. They used to have this token thing on a certain day of the week. Buy your first beer, the token gets you #2 for free.
I have met the most wonderful people there. Very real and very relaxed. Nothing fancy, but you are sure to get into a fun conversation, maybe dance a little, or chill on the patio.
No standing and posing, no need to polish your Gucci loafers, just stop by and relax :-)

Always fun and loud and it’s a good time. The bartenders are nice. It never seems crazy busy either. Good location. I love the sex on the beach! For sure a good place to check out :)

Here’s how to make a Cathode Ray. Take an old out dated building in a seedy neighborhood, add good measure of gays aged 30 to 40 something, a good shot of alcoholics, a dash of street trash, a dizzy over aged twink, a half drag or femme, top of with a couple of inept bartenders who are friendly to regulars but prone to ripping off tourist types, mix well, and there you have it, a Cathode Ray.
Cathode Ray has been around for years. I know I was in here many times but that was over 20 years ago. Except for the addition of a rather nice sidewalk patio, however, the place as like the city in which it is located has seriously gone downhill in all other respects.
The Allen Street area in which Cathode Ray is located is a poorly lit rather seedy neighborhood that can rather creepy if not downright intimidating during hours of darkness.
Cathode Ray is a neighborhood joint so if you’re from out of town don’t be surprised if your dink is of a weaker pour or proportionally higher in price.

I generally tend to avoid this bar if at all possible. Simply put: serious renovations are desperately needed. But if you are in the mood for a bar where you can stroll in wearing gym shorts and a hoodie, this could be what you’re looking for.
I’ve never found it to be particularly welcoming, either. One evening I was affronted by porn burning my eye sockets from each and every television throughout the bar. I don’t care what kind of porn it is, I don’t want to see it when I’m out with my friends. Just not for me. But hey, if that’s what you’re into then, again, this might be your perfect bar.
Poor beer selection but their «Big Ass Drink Night» is fun and cheap if you’re into simple mixed drinks.

make sure your vaccinations are up to date before entering this establishment.

LBGT, straight, asexual… it doesn’t matter. If you like to enjoy yourself out, and you’re not a catty scene queen who can’t go somewhere without running into someone you hate, you will like this place. I’m not concerned with what «hip» scene person is here, or which person slept with who, this isn’t a meat market to me, etc so I’m not bothered by the drama others seem to have encountered.
Friendly, attentive bartenders who know their stuff; strong, low-​priced drinks; pool & darts; decently clean and taken care of (yes it does look a bit like 1987, but se la vie), always a good crowd. They have specialty nights and I believe sports nights, and a pretty interesting mix of music and videos on the tvs.
Also can I just say four words? BIG ASS DRINK NIGHT. Nothing says «I love Buffalo» like drinking a gigantic, hard liquor-​laced beverage from a mason jar for $ 5.
They have a really big patio too, but I’m disappointed at how much the neighbors complain about the noise — you live next to an establishment that’s been a bar for over a decade! Hello.

Go on Thursdays for Big Ass Drink Night!
Not a bad crowd, the music got better as the night went on, but not always danceable.

Horrendous bar. I will never step on foot in this place again. First off we got ripped off by the bartender after he sized us up as non regulars. We ordered 2 drinks, one shot (jameson) and one beer (coors light) it was $ 29.00. What?!? Are we in NYC, no!
This place was full of old tacky queens and young nelly boys. Where are the men? I’ll tell you where, home, because they too would not pay to be surrounded by such an ugly crowd.
The space is in need of a serious remodel and the music sucked, probably because the DJ was about 55.
Avoid.

I’m female and straight. This was one of my all time favs. Had visited a number of times with friends over the course of many years. Miss it. Often speak of it. If only I could do the late nites again. Worth the trip.
Miss Bulldog Lils too.

I thought Cathode Ray was a simple, cozy gay bar that one could enjoy with a friend over drinks.
Cathode has a pool table, TV’s placed throughout, and a large covered patio, which served as a haven for smokers.
The best part is that Cathode has a good barstaff that definitely know how to make drinks! I mean, hello, isn’t that the point of bars? You’d definitely want to stay here and have a good time with friends.