BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — It is a new day on Niagara Street in Buffalo. Everywhere you look there is construction. New restaurants and businesses are popping up. There is a new energy in the neighborhood.
Mint Cocktails & Kitchen is proud to be sitting right in the heart of that resurgence.
"It's just really nice to be part of something with people that are very passionate about it up and down the street," says Chris Mendez, one of the owners and operators of Mint Cocktails & Kitchen, "It's a really cool experience."
Mint Cocktails & Kitchen opened in the summer of 2022 and just celebrated its one-year anniversary.
Mendez teamed up with life partner Alison Clancy on the concept that specializes in mojitos and empanadas. The clever couple has quickly established the restaurant as a go-to hot spot and "a celebration of all things bright and fresh".
"We wanted to create somewhere for people to gather, so we made something that feels light, bright and comfortable," says Clancy, "We want everyone to think of this place as somewhere they can go out and grab a beer after a bike ride, but also somewhere to go out with girlfriends for a girls night out."
Mint hits that mark. Chris and Alison leaned on years of experience in the service industry to create a thoughtful atmosphere that is the perfect mix of welcoming and sophisticated.
The menu at Mint finds that same delightful balance focusing on Spanish-inspired flavors. A creative spin on the classic empanada is front and center. Customers can enjoy a variety of the fried savory pastries ranging from jerk chicken, to paella, to chickpea and shrimp.
"It's something that comes out very fast, it's fresh, it's hot," says Mendez, "Everything here is designed to be able to put out quickly, with a very high quality and to get more people to enjoy themselves here."
"All of our sides are meant to pair really well with something that's fried," added Clancy, "Lots of fresh ingredients made fresh daily. We have a Roasted Jerk Corn Salad, we have a Cucumber Jicama Salad, just nice, light and fresh."
The cocktails at Mint Cocktails & Kitchen play off the food perfectly. The restaurant's celebrated Mojito has become a must-have for thirsty customers but Bar Manager Mark Record is a refreshment expert who has several Latin and South American drink recipes on the ready.
"We have some really great cocktails that change seasonally outside of the Mojitos," says Clancy, "We have a really cool wine program that changes seasonally that focuses on South American and Spanish wines. We actually just installed a draft system as well. So we're going to have some cool beers now to show a little something for everybody."
And Mint has a perfect spot for you to enjoy that drink. The patio with 65 seats is a no-brainer during the warm summer months and has already become a popular place to sit and relax.
"It's just a beautiful space to kind of unwind after a long day at work," says Mendez.
Great food, inspired drinks, and a dedicated staff ready to make any occasion feel special. It's an approach that Mint Cocktails & Kitchen hopes will make it a staple of the Niagara Street community for years to come.
"I think we want to just keep growing, expanding and bettering ourselves. We will see where this journey takes us," says Clancy.
