Buffalo’s Allentown neighborhood will welcome a new dive bar this Thanksgiving, as longtime restaurateur Mike Shatzel prepares to open Damaged Goods at 175 Allen Street. The venue is named after a Gang of Four song and is intended as a tribute to the legendary Old Pink, a former Allentown hotspot that closed after a fire.
From Cole’s to Damaged Goods
Shatzel, who owns several local establishments—including Cole’s on Elmwood, Colter Bay and The Terrace in Delaware Park—said the new bar will revive the energy that once defined the area’s nightlife. “I’ve been all over the world and The Old Pink was my favorite bar I’ve ever been to,” he told us.
What to Expect
Damaged Goods will be marketed as a “new wave punk rock dive bar.” The concept centers on late‑night music, a single‑sandwich menu and a relaxed, 3 a.m. weekend closing time that mirrors the Old Pink’s famed 4 a.m. hours. Shatzel explained, “We’re gonna be doing a shaved prime rib sandwich. Just one sandwich, that’s it.” He added that a steak sandwich may appear occasionally.
Music will be a cornerstone of the venue. Former Old Pink DJ Eric will spin a few nights each week, providing a direct link to the bar’s namesake. “Definitely the music,” Shatzel said. “Eric, the old DJ from The Pink, will be here a couple of nights a week.”
Reviving Allentown’s Nightlife
The opening comes after a series of setbacks for the Allen Street corridor. Fires destroyed both The Old Pink and Mulligan’s Brick Bar within a year, leaving a void in the neighborhood’s evening scene. Vacant storefronts have also lingered since the Covid‑19 pandemic, creating economic strain for local merchants.
Shatzel is optimistic that the new bar, combined with a post‑punk music crowd, will draw younger patrons back to the area. “I think the kids, they’ll catch on if there’s a good vibe,” he said. “They’re gonna want to enjoy it as well.”
Community Impact
Beyond offering a place to unwind, Damaged Goods aims to contribute to Allentown’s broader revitalization efforts. By re‑activating a previously vacant space, the bar will generate foot traffic for nearby businesses and provide new employment opportunities.
Local residents have expressed cautious optimism. While some remember the Old Pink fondly, they recognize that no new venue can fully replace the original. Nonetheless, the promise of a “new wave” spot that respects the past while looking forward has been welcomed.
Opening Details
Damaged Goods is slated to open its doors by Thanksgiving. The bar will operate until around 3 a.m. on weekends, offering a late‑night option for those seeking a safe, family‑friendly environment after the usual bar‑closing hour.
Shatzel’s track record of successful ventures, combined with the community’s desire for a revived nightlife hub, positions Damaged Goods as a promising addition to Allentown’s cultural landscape.
Original reporting: WKBW 7 Buffalo (Buffalo section) — read the source article.
