Tralf

With a seating capacity of about 800, The Tralf is one of the larger local venues for live music (south of a stadium show). Happily, the space is broken up in such a way that it still has an intimate feel. There are multiple table seating sections, a balcony, a raised bar area, and (depending on the arrangement of the tables, which varies by show) a large dance floor.
Over its long history, the venue has hosted many of the illuminati of the music world — especially in the blues and jazz categories. However, their lineups are certainly not limited to those genres. We’ve seen national, regional, and local Americana, rock, pop, rockabilly, jam, and zydeco bands here, too. Comedy nights are also on the agenda (posters for two upcoming nights with Jay Leno were on the wall when I visited this weekend).
In addition to simply having a good «feel», The Tralf also sounds great from every angle and there are no obstructed sight-​lines. There’s not a bad seat in the house. The staff serves drinks quickly to seated patrons, or you can order at the bar. There’s also a pretty decent menu of simple sandwiches and finger foods.
One note: This hidden gem is almost literally HIDDEN. It’s next door to Shea’s – but UPSTAIRS and down a long hall. The exterior and interior signage is on the weak side. I don’t think I’ve ever been here without encountering a wayward concert-​goer on the street or the lower-​level foyer, wondering how to get to the show. So, look carefully for the signs on your first visit; they are there, but not making a big splash about it. You’ll be happy you made the effort.

Great venue! Truly no bad seat in the house. The staff is nice and accommodating. Nearby parking is reasonable.

I have lived in buffalo for 6 years and have never gone to the tralf, I went there to see a cover band and it was actually a great show and the running serving staff was great. I got my drinks in good time even though it was pretty packed. I didn’t have to go up to the bar once. It’s also really nice in there, not some stingy bar that smells of stale beer (which I don’t really mind) but it was a nice change of pace. I will be back for another show for sure!

This venue is hidden inside a larger building and is a great place to see smaller shows. It’s cleaner inside than other smaller venues (ex. Mohawk Place)
There isn’t really a bad seat in here. The floor is tiered and there are plenty of chairs. I was sitting in a chair on the floor level near the back and I could still see everything on stage. You can see the stage from the bar also. The drink prices are reasonable and I was served quickly.
I just wish you didn’t have to practically leave the venue to use the restroom.

great spot downtown. Easy access to restaurants nearby. The second floor is a little scary when everyone is jumping on the floor. Hopefully it lasts for many concerts to come. Even if you’re standing on the floor the waitresses will come up to you to make sure you are set in drinks and food. The inside was bigger than I was expecting. Great sound and lighting. They take cards.

Love to walk on deserted downtown main street to get to the tralf, it’s the building right next to shea’s, on the upper level. It’s a great place to see a show. It’s very spacious inside and you have a great view of the stage from any spot. Just saw beach fossils there and had a blast.

Came here to attend the Buffalo Shuffle blues music event (thanks Unilocal!for the tickets). The host here is amazing and she get’s 5 stars for service and for her Buffalo charm (she’s been co-​managing the place with her husband for over a decade)! She definitely went out of her way to ensure our group was attended to since we missed the catered portion of the music event. She even brought us some homemade red pepper hummus to enjoy during the live music show. Now it that’s not the epitome of the famed Buffalo friendliness than I don’t know jack!
The acoustics were good and there really isn’t a bad seat in the house to view the music act on stage. There is plenty of seating and seats are set up around tables on the ground floor.

I went to the Tralf last night to see Red Tag Rummage Sale & The Fiery Furnaces. I have heard friends rave about this venue for months, but had missed the last couple shows I wanted to see there due to exams and other things in life just coming up.
I was definitely not dissapointed. The Tralf is a lot larger then other «intimate» venues in the area I’ve been to, as well as just generally nicer. The dimly lit venue was clean and had a great mood as patrons had the the choice to sit at a table on the floor surrounding the dance floor. During the opening band which was a mellow duo consisting of a cello and guitar there were enough tables for everyone at the concert to sit, which was kind of nice (though I had hoped for a larger turn out, it was SNOWING and a Tuesday night indie show). It had a very jazzy kind of feel.
During the headliner — Fiery furnaces there was more then enough room on the floor for those of us who wanted to rock out to do so (though, a lot of the fans were kind of dead. I don’t know why the Buffalo music scene seems to want to stand around listening to music it’s kind of scary).
The small menu was a little pricey, for the «bar food» but still kind of neat — none of the other places I go to strictly for music have food. The friends I was there with happily ordered and munched on onion rings since we had arrived as soon as the doors opened, and finished them before the show even started.
Also, this place has about 5 shows booked that I want to see over the next 3 months so I will be happily returning again and again!