A summer party spot thrives just a short jaunt from Buffalo
BEMUS UP, SCOTTY
It’s summer in Western New York, and the living is easy. You may discover that one of the finest spots to spend a lazy, hazy day (if you can afford to feed your internal combustion engine) is along the shores of Chautauqua Lake, about 75 miles from downtown Buffalo. If you like to indulge in a little eating and drinking while you’re working on your tan, then point the gas guzzler toward Bemus Point and settle in at the Village Casino.
First off, here’s a disclaimer: Despite its name, this place has nothing to do with gambling, so leave your poker face at home.
By day, the Casino is a place for the family or random fun-seekers to arrive by car, boat or motorcycle and enjoy the view while sitting lakeside and downing a few frosty beverages. At night, especially on weekends, things get a little rowdier and louder when live music takes center stage and the clientele is more intent on serious partying.
Take it from one who knows: Going to the Casino by boat is the most fun. (The club’s docks can accommodate about 50 crafts.) The skipper and crew can tie up and then place an order with the T-shirt-clad servers who greet waterborne visitors with menus. Then settle in for some serious people watching.
Or make your way along the walkway to the outdoor patio which wraps around two sides of the big brick-and-wood facade. The deck is festooned with colorful patio umbrellas and flower boxes in joyous bloom. Some people entertain themselves by tossing french fries or bread crumbs into the lake to feed the sunfish and carp that have found homes under the deck and docks.
A final option, for those not into sun worship, is to either grab a table inside or pull up a stool at the square bar that is usually well-staffed with busy bartenders.
A pitcher of Bud Light — which fills three pint glasses with a little suds to spare — goes for a reasonable $7. There are about a half-dozen beers on tap (prices vary, but Bud Light in a plastic cup is $2.75). The selections include an offering from Ellicottville Brewing. Guests have their choice of just about any bottled beer, as well as wines and liquors. While we stayed away from ordering shots, those that did found them a little pricey, in the $5 per shot range.
The bar boasts plenty of seating with several TVs usually tuned in to the sporting event du jour. Patrons can be heard discussing the weather, boating and renewing friendships forged on the lake. The aforementioned stage accommodates bands on Friday and Saturday nights when the place rocks and hosts an ample and sweaty crowd. When bands perform, there’s usually a $5 cover charge. (If you’re in a boat without a toilet, you’ll have to pay the cover to use the Casino’s bathroom facilities.) Thursdays are karoake night.
The Casino has a large kitchen that also offers takeout service, and for those with a sweet tooth, there’s an outdoor window vending ice cream.
The Casino is known for its Buffalo-style wings, but be prepared to pay the price of fame — a triple order of hot wings this season goes for $25.75 while a bucket sells for an eye-popping $43.95. (Celery and blue cheese are extra.) Who said chicken wasn’t worth its weight in gold!
A somewhat noisy and chaotic arcade will keep gamers busy, and there’s a small gift shop that offers Chautauqua Lake souvenirs.
So simplify this summer and contemplate the advice of John Fogerty: Sit by the lake and watch the world go by. •
The Village Casino
1 Lakeside Drive, Bemus Point
386-2333
Scene: Waterfront party bar
Age range: Runs the gamut
Drinks: Cold beer, also good Long Island teas
Dress code: Bathing suits, sandals and sunglasses
‘Settle in for some serious people watching.’
