New: SOL Buffalo Revitalizes Buffalo’s Pool Club Scene with DJ-Focused Events

Tappo Day Club. The less said about the pool club with the tragic fate, the better.

While that Las Vegas pool scene wasn’t a success, a revitalized pool club is alive and well at the new SOL Buffalo at Black Rock. The revamped Chandler Street pool club is now run by the team behind Jack Rabbit, who also launched a new live music venue called Riff City just up Chandler Street, in the former Tappo Pizza and Thin Man Brewery location.

While the Jack Rabbit team has built its brand on live rock music, co-owner Simon Wilson recently told us that SOL Buffalo will be more of a DJ venue. It will also feature a small, upscale taqueria menu and a cocktail bar.

“We might try to work with some bands at some point, but right now we’re focusing on DJing,” Simon says. “We’ve been to a lot of places in Cleveland and Miami. It seems like the DJ concept is the one that works best and can satisfy everyone.”

“Summers in Buffalo are so beautiful and people are always looking for places to hang out,” he added. “There are so few places to go in the summer and the pool club is so unique. I just wanted to create a place where people can come and relax during the week. Then on the weekends, they can come and listen to local or regional DJs who are touring.”

The transformation of Tappo Day Club into SOL Buffalo took more than a few coats of paint. The owners reportedly made a six-figure investment in the space, removing rows of lounge chairs to add cabanas and various shaded areas. The result is a space that feels more suited to creating a chill-out scene, and less about visibility. Adding to the vibe is a small cocktail menu with a heavy emphasis on tequila. The small food menu is also Southwestern-focused, with tacos and nachos.

Currently, SOL Buffalo is an event space, open only for scheduled DJ performances and other events. However, the plan is to offer both memberships and day passes. Simon says he hopes everyone will feel comfortable coming in and enjoying a unique experience you won’t find anywhere else in Western New York.

“When I walk in, I don’t feel like I’m in Buffalo,” he said. “I love Buffalo and I don’t want to leave, but the pool club is really different and there’s nothing like it in the city.”

Hours at time of publication (subject to change): Currently open for events only

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