It was a frosty Thursday when Mike and I drove into the Village of Orchard Park to Mac’s Village Brewhaus. Lisa (a bubbly blond) greeted us right away and we ordered a pitcher of Labatt Blue Light, a double of Jamison on the rocks and a tall glass of Southern Comfort and Diet Coke for $20. Lisa asked us if we wanted glasses or plastic cups and we opted for glasses.

A row of specialty beers on tap beckoned including Sam Adams Cherry Wheat, Blue Point, Old Man and Imperial Porter. Mike schmoozed with the bartender and we found out that she was a first-year teacher by day at a local college. She informed us that Mac’s used to be Eddie’s but they changed names a few years ago under the same ownership. Mike (in a rare fit of generosity) bought shots for everyone in the bar, and we all hoisted a shot of Jamison.

The bar area was decorated with sports memorabilia. Two original blue Aud seats were bolted into the ceiling in a front corner. An autographed photo of Mike Peca was framed on a far wall. To the left of the bar lay a billiards room with a single table. In addition to the bar area, the back half of the building housed a full-size bowling alley. A windowed partition allowed for a view of the action without any intrusive noise from the lanes.

For our second round, I went with a pitcher of Sam Adams Cherry Wheat ($8). Rush played over the sound system via satellite radio and we got into a spirited conversation with a couple heading out after a round of bowling. While a neighboring patron feasted on crab legs (the Thursday special), Mike and I shared a single order of wings ($8) that were crispy and tangy but light on sauce.

By the end of the night, we were debating politics with a regular to the left of us and cracking jokes with a group at the far end of the bar. Not many places welcome first-time customers so quickly. On the ride home, we both agreed that Mac’s was one of the most unassuming and welcoming bars we’ve been to in Orchard Park. The degree of friendliness between the staff and the patrons gave us a good reason to visit again soon.

Mac’s Village Brewhaus

4246 North Buffalo Road, Orchard Park

662-3909

Scene: A friendly, sprawling microbrewery with a full-service bowling alley in the back.

Drinks: Sixteen imported and domestic beers on tap including Imperial Porter, Old Man, Blue Point and Newcastle.

DressCode: Dress casual. Jeans and T-shirts will suffice.

Music: Live blues on Wednesdays and live bands on Fridays and Saturdays including the Riverdogs, Boogie Monsters and the Naughty Dog Band.