Brews, brats, and a side of history

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Not to be mistaken for TGIFriday’s

In 1868, three years after the end of the U.S. Civil War, the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution guaranteed African Americans equal rights under law.

And this tavern opened.

Both have had their ups and downs since. But at least black people can vote now, and you can still get a cold beer and a sausage at Ulrich’s Tavern, at 674 Ellicott St. (at Virginia Street) in Buffalo (716-855-4109).

Ulrich’s boasts of its history, available as a handout at the bar. But its beer collection, and reliable German food, is what draws customers. They always have the latest from Flying Bison Brewing Co., and one night before a Sabres game, we chose the Barrel Roll Bock. Rich, malty, a beer to drink for the taste of it.

Flying Bison Barrel Roll Bock, left; Spaten Munich

My friend Scott tucked into some bock too, while I moved on to the crisp, hoppy stylings of Spaten Munich.

We went for $15.95 dinner plates that included spaetzle, a fresh noodle-like dumpling; kraut, braised red cabbage and a pickle. Scott had rouladen, beef wrapped around a filling that included chopped pickles and mustard seed, in a creamy sauce. I went for the “Schlachtplatte” sausage assortment, with weisswurst, knockwurst and another offering that may have had cheese in it.

Not the wurst I’ve had.

With fresh rye bread and butter, it was a filling - and entirely fitting - feed to prepare for the rigors of a Buffalo winter night, and the Sabres playing like a bunch of drama queens in a midseason swoon.

NASTY SHOCK WARNING: Note the “No Parking Here To Corner” sign mounted about 12 feet up the light pole. If you’re arriving after sundown and you haven’t been to Ulrich’s before, it’s easy to miss.

In case you’re wondering, the Buffalo Police will charge you $35 for the lesson. Even if you happen to arrive and offer to move your car before they actually start writing the ticket. Like the City of Buffalo doesn’t offer people enough reasons to stay away.

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