There’s no question that Buffalonians are attracted to new developments at Canalside. The Liberty Hound, a bar/restaurant co-owned by Jason Davidson and Mike Shatzel (Blue Monk, Cole’s), opened officially on Saturday to the delight of waterfront lovers, and the Buffalo.com crew stopped in for lunch on Tuesday.

The Liberty Hound was bustling just after noon, as we waited 15 minutes for a seat. There’s plenty to do while you wait, however, as the Hound is a short walk from the water and the colorful Adirondack chairs that line the Buffalo Place Rocks the Harbor concert area.

Inside, there’s plenty of bar space and two large TVs, even if the eating area is a little cramped. There are a few tables outside that overlook the water, but those were occupied upon our arrival. The staff was incredibly attentive, and Shatzel was seen milling about between the bar and the kitchen, overseeing operations in the business’ first week.

The seafood-heavy menu is currently limited, according to the restaurant’s Facebook page, but here are four different entrees that the Buffalo.com team sampled:

Grilled chicken with goat cheese, roasted bell peppers, and arugula, $10:

Liberty burger; 1/2 pound sirloin burger, tomato marmalade, Muenster cheese and double-smoked bacon, $12

Comments: The outside of the burger was nicely charred—a great touch, in my opinion—and the bacon was a little more chewy than crunchy. The focus of the thick burger was on the meat itself; a half-pound burger is not for the faint of heart or those with especially small mouths. It was flavorful but not spicy, and the toppings were muted and complementary rather than dominating. I’d order it again. 

Lightly fried fish tacos with charred tomatillo sauce, pico, slaw and Cotija cheese, $9:

Grilled shrimp tacos with charred tomatillo sauce, pico, slaw and Cotija cheese, $9:

Outside the restaurant, as it currently looks (I imagine this area will be developed quickly as the restaurant finds its footing).