The weather was surprisingly favorable when Mike and I carpooled down the length of Seneca Street into the city to Cigars Bar and Grill. From the outside, the building looked like a tiny hole in the wall, but once we headed indoors, the establishment was more expansive than it appeared. We found a spot at the gargantuan polished horseshoe-shaped bar toward the front. Jen, a bartender, greeted us right away and served us a pitcher of Michelob Light, a double of Wild Turkey on the rocks and a tall pint glass of Southern Comfort and Diet Coke for $16. This was one of the cheapest rounds I’ve paid for in months.

Oddly, scented candles were on sale next to the cash register. A sign above the bar advertised bartending lessons for five consecutive Mondays. This would explain why shot prices were labeled in black marker on all of the liquor bottles. Van Morrison’s “Brown Eyed Girl” played on an Internet jukebox in a far corner and an older couple took turns picking out song selections while they drained their bottled beers. According to Jen, a married couple has owned the bar for more than 10 years.

A lounge toward the back held a pool table and a tabletop bowling game. A festive string of multicolored rope lights decorated the front windows and a small wooden Uncle Sam rested in a corner next to a bald eagle sign. Softball league plaques lined the front wall and a classic Bills logo hung from a modest corner-mounted television over the jukebox.

Around 9 p.m., a steady trickle of patrons streamed in and lined the far end of the bar. Our buddy, also named Mike, showed up unexpectedly and covered the next pitcher of Michelob Light ($6). Jen and I complained about holiday shopping while she attentively made the rounds and checked on patrons.

I assumed from the name that I’d be able to smoke indoors due to a grandfathered cigar license, but this wasn’t the case. I grabbed a smoke on the enclosed adjoining patio outside and took in the South Buffalo landscape. An exterior bar lay dormant now that the warmer weather is behind us.

After a quick trip to a well-kept bathroom, the three of us decided to head our separate ways shortly after 10 p. m. From the size of the building to the candor of the staff to the price of the drinks, Cigars exceeded our expectations. Though it wasn’t the most luxurious place to nurse a beer in Buffalo, it’s a corner bar with charm that’s easy on the wallet.

Cigars Bar & Grill

1115 Seneca St.

824-3880

Scene: A long-standing corner bar with cheap drinks and a friendly demeanor among staff and patrons alike.

Drinks: Four draft beers, including Coors and Michelob Light, and an abridged hard liquor selection. Happy hour specials 4 to 7 p. m. Monday through Friday.

Dress Code: Ultra casual. Dress for comfort.

Music: Live karaoke once a month and a coin-operated jukebox.