Please click on the “+” for answers to the questions.
General FAQs
The mission of the Gaelic American Athletic Assoc. of Buffalo, NY Inc. (dba Buffalo Irish Center) is to act as the fulcrum through which our Irish culture and heritage can be shared with the community. It is a gathering place for those of Irish descent as well as those who wish to learn more about the Irish heritage. We welcome people from all nationalities and backgrounds!
We are many things – a pub, a full-service banquet facility, a cultural and heritage center, a dance studio, and we host concerts, meetings, and a huge variety of community events. We are incredibly thankful to all the support over the past 50-plus years and were still going strong!
Absolutely Not! We welcome nationalities and backgrounds! You don’t have to be Irish or a member to enjoy all the BIC has to offer! We are open daily to the public! Everyone in the public and in our community can enjoy our pub, enjoy our food, rent one of our beautiful rooms for an event, and much more!
YES! We are open to the public – all year long. You don’t have to be Irish or a member to enjoy all the BIC has to offer!
Everyone in the public and in our community can always enjoy our pub, enjoy our food, rent one of our beautiful rooms for an event, and much more!
YES! – The BIC Event Rooms are available for any event – breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and late-night.
Event Rooms for Rent are open to the public and are often available even when the Pub is not open!
Types of Events We Host – Wedding, Meetings, Showers , Birthday Parties, Banquets, Luncheons, Anniversary Parties, Memorial Receptions, Funeral Breakfast/Brunch, Stags, Jack & Jill, Dances, Benefits, Fundraisers, Golf Tournament Banquets, Concerts, and/or any event!
Room Rental
- You first book the room, bartenders if needed, linens and any other room details and then you pay for the room rental to lock it.
- Then you lock in the bar details and catering at least 14 days before your event. You pay for bar and catering day of your event. but we need details 14 days ahead of time so we can make sure we have everything you need for your event.
- You must be 21 & up to rent a room and valid, current ID.
- Step-by-Step Booking Process – See below….
You can now book a room for any event online in a few minutes with a few easy steps…
- Check Our Calendars – check to see if the room you want is available.
- Fill out the online form here and click “Get An Instant Quote”…. https://buffaloirishcenter.com/book-an-event/
- You will get a free instant, no obligation quote.
- Click “Book Online “ – if you would like to book the room and see the agreement. (You still are not obligated or locked in until your Agreement & Room Payment are received – rooms are book on a first-come-first-serve basis. We do not guarantee room availability until you are locked in).
- Click ‘Make a Payment” – to make the room payment. Once the room is Paid-in-Full we will lock the room in instantly once we have Agreement.
- Agreement & Payment – You will receive an e-mail with the agreement and details. Once we receive that e-mail back with “Event Details Agreed Upon” & the payment for the room – your room is locked in!
- Room Cost – is for room rental only! It does NOT include cost of the bar, catering, and gratuity. This will be paid the night of your event.
- Online Planning – Once you are locked in for your event, we now offer Online Planning which you can access 24-7! You will receive a password for the your personal online planning area – you can update the plans for your event. This will also assist the BIC in making sure we have everything you need for your event.
- Help! We are here to answer your questions! If you have questions at any point, feel free to contact our Booking Manager – Kevin McCarthy – booking@buffaloirishcenter.com (716) 472-7700 – cell. One of our main goals is to make the booking process as easy as possible.
Room Rental Pricing
There is the cost of the room, bar tab, catering, taxes, and gratuity.
Room Rental – The costs of the room are due at booking… the rest is paid night of your event.
We reserve the right to ask for bar and catering payment BEFORE your event starts.
$275.00 – The Emerald Room – up to 200 people – The price is $275.00 for your event regardless of hours – up to 5 hours.
$250.00 – The Claddagh Room – up to 110 people – The price is $250.00 for your event regardless of hours – up to 5 hours.
The quote you will receive online is based on 5 hours. The reason is because the one factor that changes the price after 5 hours is the bartenders.
The room price is NOT hourly based… so you do NOT have to put in quotes multiple times – but you can if you want!
You SAVE $50 of the room cost if you use BIC catering!
Table Linens are now included in the price to room rental!
If you are using the bar for your event…
$65.00 – per bartender – for up to 5 hours of event time. If you have more than 80 adults (over the age of 21)you may need to add a second bartender.
If you event is longer than 5 hours… the only additional charge is for the bartender(s)
$10.50 – per hour, per bartender
For large event over 160 or more, you may also need to add a bar back.
The bar & BIC catering cost will handled at the end of event and must be paid night of the event. (If you are using Tom Gang Catering you will deal with him directly).
Gratuity – There is an 18% Service Charge/gratuity that is divided among the BIC staff involved in the event.
Taxes – please contact us if you are tax exempt – we’ll adjust your room cost.
FUNERAL BREAKFAST, BRUNCH, or RECEPTION GUIDE
Room rental: $150 for either Claddagh or Emerald Room – this is a discounted price from our normal cost of the room.
This includes – Private room, linen tablecloths, centerpieces, and access to pub bar for drinks. (We are handicap accessible.)
If an additional bartender is required, fee will be $65. We will discuss this at the time of booking.
Customer will receive individual bills from:
1. Caterer for food – Tom Gang Catering
2. Buffalo Irish Center for room rent plus any pop & alcohol ordered
We do have funeral gatherings even during times when bar is not officially open to the public. This is usually not an issue.
Please do not fill out the online form for funeral. Please do the following.
- Your first step is to check contact Jill Sullivan – (716) 982-3511 – to discuss your date and discuss your details and options.
- Your next step is to contact Tom Gang for catering – (716) 826-1292
- Then contact Jill Sullivan again prior to the gathering to finalize the details.
Linens & Napkins
Linens and napkins can be important to you depending on the type of event your are having. There are several different options available and it can be a bit confusing, so here’s an outline of how the BIC handles Linens & Napkins. Please contact us if you have any questions regarding this.
Can I bring my own Linens / Napkins? Absolutely yes – please let us know well in advance.
If you want the BIC to provide Linens & Napkins….
For Showers, Luncheons and Dinners: (linens & paper napkins included in room renal price)
White table linens & paper napkins are included in the room rental price for round guest tables when using BIC catering or Gang & Co.
Buffet tables will be skirted and covered at no additional cost.
Restrictions apply!
Please note that there are some exceptions where linens will NOT be included in the room rental price, including certain types of events or if your room rental has been discounted with a promo code or special promotion or offering. Please contact us with questions regarding this.
Colored Linens: (not included in the room rental price)
If you prefer Colored Linens (non-white) for your event, we do offer them, however, they will require an extra charge. They must be requested well in advance of your event.
Long Table Linens: (not included in the room rental price)
If you prefer long tables for your event, we do offer long table linens, however, they will require an extra charge. They must be requested well in advance of your event.
Linen Napkins: (not included in room rental price)
We can offer linen napkins, however, that will require an additional charge. They must be requested well in advance of your event.
Raffle or Exhibit Tables: (not included in the room rental price)
Linen or plastic table covers can be rented to cover raffle/exhibit tables or client may choose to bring in their own table covering. They must be requested well in advance of your event.
Please contact us if you have any questions regarding Linens & Napkins, thank you!
There are a number of reasons why the BIC is a great choice for your next event!
- Experience – We’ve been around over 50 years and still going strong!
- Affordable – We offer VERY reasonable prices considering all the BIC has to offer. We have very competitive prices for our rooms, bar, and catering!
- Friendly staff – We feel we have the best in S. Buffalo! Most all of our staff lives in the community and they all believe in the BIC and our mission.
- Beautiful Building – We are proud of our building! With a classy, traditional feel, your guests enjoy the look and feel of the BIC both outside and inside as well.
- Large rooms – We can accommodate up to 360 people when you combine both of our banquet rooms (250 in Emerald & 110 in Claddagh).
- Catering – We offer 2 affordable catering options – BIC Catering & Tom Gang & Co. We proud of the quality of our food options.
- Features – The BIC is handicap accessible.WiFi is available at no charge! We can also offer PA & Mic, stage, multiple table setups, chairs, linens, napkins, etc… these are optional and there may or may not be an additional charge. Video projector and screen are available for rent.
- Parking – We have 1 very large parking lots with free parking and a smaller one on the side… there is parking on the street very close for large events.
- Online Booking & Planning – You will love our new booking system as it makes every step the your event so much easier to book and plan.
- Support – We want you to have the best experience possible. We are here to help with your event and answer any questions both prior to your event and night of! We encourage you to contact anytime – Click here for our Support Page.
- Questions & Help! First – please read our FAQs. We are also always here to answer your questions!
- Questions – Booking Event Room – Please contact our Booking Manager – Kevin McCarthy – booking@buffaloirishcenter.com – (716) 472-7700 – cell.
- Questions – BIC Catering & Bar/Beverage For Events – Please contact our Catering Manager – Jill Sullivan – jillsullivan47@yahoo.com – (716) 982-3511 – cell.
- Questions – Tom Gang Catering – (716) 826-1292 (716) 341-7681 – cell.
- Please e-mail first when possible, but no problem to text or call if urgent or more involved.
The BIC Event Rooms are available for any event!
Types of Events We Host – Wedding, Meetings, Showers , Birthday Parties, Banquets, Luncheons, Anniversary Parties, Memorial Receptions, Funeral Breakfast/Brunch, Stags, Jack & Jill, Dances, Benefits, Fundraisers, Golf Tournament Banquets, Concerts, and/or any event!
We are a full service, affordable banquet facility with everything you need to put on any type of event!
The BIC is handicap accessible.WiFi is available at no charge!
Video projector and screen are available for rent.
We can also offer PA & Mic, stage, multiple table setups, chairs, linens, napkins, etc… these are optional and there may or may not be an additional charge.
No, we provide all of that for you, at no additional charge. We are a full service banquet facility.
Yes, often have multiple event going on in a day and can sometimes have multiple events in one room. We usually need about 2.5 hours in between events.
However, please contact us if there is already an event booked in the room you want on the day as we may not be able to book the second event even if you can figure 2.5 hours in between. Please contact us with questions.
For All Events – Important Information & Restrictions – (especially Large & Special Events)
We have had all kinds of large & small events – wedding, dances, parties, etc… and we really enjoy them!
We have a great staff and very reasonable prices and the amount of events has been definitely growing recently!
To ensure everyone enjoys themselves, we’ve established some guidelines for all events… (but especially for large & special events).
- Always check our room calendars for booking the room, date & time you want. Check this first before filling out online form.
- Rooms are booked on a first come, first serve basis. Rooms are not locked in until BOTH agreement and room payment are received. Bar & catering is paid in full day of event.
- We have the right to ask for a copy of the renters license as renter will be responsible for all and any damages of their guests during the event.
- Our max for our Emerald Room is 250 standing or seating – for our Claddagh Room – 110. Will have to stop letting people in once it hits 250 for Emerald or 110 for Claddagh.
- We have a definite 12:00 AM stop – sharp… for any and all events, no exceptions.
- You must get 1 bartender per 80 people. The cost is $55.00 per bartender for every 80 people.
- For large and special events, should you decide not use catering, we have an $80.00 cleanup fee.
- You cannot use outside catering – you can use BIC Catering or Tom Gang Catering…
- You can bring in outside desserts / cakes.
- We add tax and 18% gratuity automatically to the final bill. The person who pays is also personally responsible for any damages should they occur for the event.
- We have all-ages events but we are a strict 21 & up facility for alcohol. We accept valid, current photo ID only. We have the right to stop the event at any time should this become an issue.
- You will need to get all bar and catering information to the BIC not later than 14 days prior to the event to ensure you have everything you need.
- If you order kegs or bottles, you pay for only what you use, the moment you tap a keg or open a bottle, you pay for it in full and do not take the amount unused.
- We have the right to ask any who is intoxicated to leave. We will ask the renter to help if necessary. We have the right to refuse anyone alcohol and we have the right to stop an event should this become an issue (or other major issues occur).
It’s incredibly rare that we have issues, but we just want to make sure all events go smoothly and that we our up front regarding these policies…thanks!
All event information – bar, catering, room setup, etc… is needed 14 days prior to you event.
If bar & catering details, room setup, etc… for your event are not received at least 14 DAYS prior to this event, we have the right to cancel the event without refund.
We need time to make sure we order and have everything needed for the event.
Catering
- BIC Catering – The Buffalo Irish Center offers BIC Pub Food for smaller events.
- Tom Gang & Co. is the official caterer for the Buffalo Irish Center.
We do not allow outside catering at this time. We DO allow outside desserts.
- Questions & Help! First – please read our FAQs. We are also always here to answer your questions!
- Questions – Booking Event Room – Please contact our Booking Manager – Kevin McCarthy – booking@buffaloirishcenter.com – (716) 472-7700 – cell.
- Questions – BIC Catering & Bar/Beverage For Events – Please contact our Catering Manager – Jill Sullivan – jillsullivan47@yahoo.com – (716) 982-3511 – cell.
- Questions – Tom Gang Catering – (716) 826-1292
- Please e-mail first when possible, but no problem to text or call if urgent or more involved.
Linens & Napkins
Linens and napkins can be important to you depending on the type of event your are having. There are several different options available and it can be a bit confusing, so here’s an outline of how the BIC handles Linens & Napkins. Please contact us if you have any questions regarding this.
Can I bring my own Linens / Napkins? Absolutely yes – please let us know well in advance.
If you want the BIC to provide Linens & Napkins….
For Showers, Luncheons and Dinners: (linens & paper napkins included in room renal price)
White table linens & paper napkins are included in the room rental price for round guest tables when using BIC catering or Gang & Co.
Buffet tables will be skirted and covered at no additional cost.
Restrictions apply!
Please note that there are some exceptions where linens will NOT be included in the room rental price, including certain types of events or if your room rental has been discounted with a promo code or special promotion or offering. Please contact us with questions regarding this.
Colored Linens: (not included in the room rental price)
If you prefer Colored Linens (non-white) for your event, we do offer them, however, they will require an extra charge. They must be requested well in advance of your event.
Long Table Linens: (not included in the room rental price)
If you prefer long tables for your event, we do offer long table linens, however, they will require an extra charge. They must be requested well in advance of your event.
Linen Napkins: (not included in room rental price)
We can offer linen napkins, however, that will require an additional charge. They must be requested well in advance of your event.
Raffle or Exhibit Tables: (not included in the room rental price)
Linen or plastic table covers can be rented to cover raffle/exhibit tables or client may choose to bring in their own table covering. They must be requested well in advance of your event.
Please contact us if you have any questions regarding Linens & Napkins, thank you!
- Our 8 ft. tables seat 8 comfortably but we can do 10, if necessary or preferred.
- Our round table seat 8 people comfortably.
- So if you had 100 people… we could do 10 tables seating 10 per table… of we could do 13 tables seating 8 per table.
- Room Setup – We have some flexibility with room setup depending on what you want. Our servers need to be able to easily get around tables so there are some restrictions.
Food arrangements can be finalized with the caterer. A final count is need not less than 14 days before the event.
Yes! You are able to bring in your own wedding cake, cupcakes, or other special occasion desserts. We are unable to provide any refrigeration for cakes or dessert brought in from off-site. All cakes and desserts must arrive the day of event.
Other than our caterers, you may choose your own coordinator. Our only request is that we be kept aware of the vendor choice, their responsibility etc. You may bring in favors or decorations of your choice. We can recommend companies if preferred. We reserve the right to refuse a vendor.
This time frame will be discussed closer to the event. We don’t have refrigeration for perishable items such as real floral arrangements, wedding cake, cupcakes etc. so they need to be delivered the day of the event. Please contact us with any questions regarding this.
Misc.
Your room is booked for a 5 hour event. Setup time is not included and will be coordinated with your schedule and the BIC schedule. We ask that any items you bring in be taken out at the end of the event.
All our events end sharply at 1 am.
Confetti, small stones, etc. are not permitted Only poster putty may be used to hang signage.
We accept online payments, checks (personal or bank), cash or credit cards.
For room rental payment click here. https://buffaloirishcenter.com/make-a-payment/
Linens & Napkins
Linens and napkins can be important to you depending on the type of event your are having. There are several different options available and it can be a bit confusing, so here’s an outline of how the BIC handles Linens & Napkins. Please contact us if you have any questions regarding this.
Can I bring my own Linens / Napkins? Absolutely yes – please let us know well in advance.
If you want the BIC to provide Linens & Napkins….
For Showers, Luncheons and Dinners: (linens & paper napkins included in room renal price)
White table linens & paper napkins are included in the room rental price for round guest tables when using BIC catering or Gang & Co.
Buffet tables will be skirted and covered at no additional cost.
Restrictions apply!
Please note that there are some exceptions where linens will NOT be included in the room rental price, including certain types of events or if your room rental has been discounted with a promo code or special promotion or offering. Please contact us with questions regarding this.
Colored Linens: (not included in the room rental price)
If you prefer Colored Linens (non-white) for your event, we do offer them, however, they will require an extra charge. They must be requested well in advance of your event.
Long Table Linens: (not included in the room rental price)
If you prefer long tables for your event, we do offer long table linens, however, they will require an extra charge. They must be requested well in advance of your event.
Linen Napkins: (not included in room rental price)
We can offer linen napkins, however, that will require an additional charge. They must be requested well in advance of your event.
Raffle or Exhibit Tables: (not included in the room rental price)
Linen or plastic table covers can be rented to cover raffle/exhibit tables or client may choose to bring in their own table covering. They must be requested well in advance of your event.
Please contact us if you have any questions regarding Linens & Napkins, thank you!
YES – we have plenty of FREE parking spaces on both sides and in front of our building! We have extra on the street along Abbott Rd.
Parking – Left side of our building – We have 47 park spots on the left with 3 handicap spots for 50 total spots
Parking – Right side of our building – we have 9 spots with 1 Handicap spot for 10 total spots.
Parking- Front of our building – we have 7 spots right in front of our building on our side of the street.
We have a total 67 parking spots total on each side and right in front of the BIC!
Additional parking goes up and down Abbott Rd and side streets.
For our busiest events, we’ll have well over 400 people and we can handle that amount of parking between our lot and local streets.
Yes, we often have a variety of events going on at the BIC and it has never been an issue. The BIC has 2 separate banquet rooms: Claddagh Room ( capacity 110) and the Emerald Room (capacity of 250) and a front pub. At our busiest times, we can have full events with music going on in all of our rooms with out a problem!