Hockey season, football games, and “Sunday Funday” all come to mind at the mention of the Croc Bar on Chippewa. For a good year or so, my friends and I would spend Sundays drinking beer and watching football at “The Croc.” In the not-so-distant past, Croc came under new ownership, so a reunion was in order. One problem: For me, getting into the place was like getting into Fort Knox.

My first attempt was on a Wednesday at 8:30 p. m., after reading on Buffalobarfly.com that the bar was open at 4 p. m. for happy hour. We walked up to locked doors. So we waited until 10:30 p. m. and tried again —no dice. There was a gentleman waiting outside who looked just as surprised as we were.

Attempt number two, the next night, Thursday. This time I called to make sure. I was informed that the bar opens at 8 p. m. We came at 9—closed.

Third attempt, football Sunday— closed. What’s a girl have to do to get a drink around here?

Finally on a Saturday night during the third period of the Sabres game we tried again, hopeful after seeing the neon crocodile outside lit up. Hallelujah! The bar was open for business, although we seemed to be the first ones there.

It was time to settle in with a drink. The Croc has a nice selection of microbrews, including EBC and Phin and Matts. I had a Sam Adams Cherry Wheat while preparing myself to catch the last half of the third period. But something odd occurred as I looked at all the televisions around the bar —not one of them had the game on.

It didn’t take long for the crowd to start shuffling in. Within 15 minutes the bar went from two patrons to about 20. Most people seemed a bit older than we were. A group of women in their 30s drinking cosmopolitans hovered around the bar in cute black dresses looking like they happily left their husbands at home.

The bartending staff was very cordial. One struck up a conversation with us about the restaurant we just came from and laughs and sarcasm were exchanged. They were also prompt when serving and cashing us out.

The unique part of the Croc is the decor. Buffalo memorabilia adorns every wall, and a life-sized crocodile hangs from the ceiling, along with signs such as “Crocodiles No Swimming.” It’s also connected to Jim’s Steakout, from which some customers walked right in with a sub and ate at the bar.

There was no band when we arrived, but live music can always be heard banging out the doors. Rock is the Croc’s specialty, bringing in the most popular local bands and playing classic hits from Prince to Sublime.

Despite the trouble actually getting into the bar, the Croc is a great place to party. It’s a breath of fresh air compared with the tidal wave of dance clubs and trendy college hangouts neighboring the place.

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Croc Bar

88 West Chippewa St.

853-2762 (CROC)

Scene:A medley of people from 25 to 50.

Music:Live music on the weekends. Rock ’n’ roll all the time.

Drinks:Various local beers on tap, liquor, bottled beer.

DressCode:Not the usual Chippewa attire. Jeans, “rock” wear.

“The Croc is a great place to party.”