Swannie House, one of the oldest bars in Buffalo, has closed following the death of long time owner Tim Wiles. But, Wiles family members are expressing hope that a new buyer may emerge and re-open the downtown landmark.
For now, the Swannie House, located at 170 Ohio Street, and a just a few blocks away from KeyBank Center and the Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino, remains closed, said Maria Wiles-Bell, Tim Wiles’ daughter.
With Bell and her brother, Sam, both living out of town, keeping the Swannie House open was not a viable option.
“It would be a disservice to our dad’s legacy,” Bell said in an email.
Tim Wiles bought the Swannie House slightly more than 40 years ago. The bar has a local history dating back to 1866 when it first opened by the Swanney family as a tavern above a boarding house. The Swannie House, last year, briefly closed when Tim Wiles’ second wife, Deborah Wiles-Fetterman, died.
Best known for its wings, chili and history plus its welcoming atmosphere, the Swannie House was a popular destination for downtown workers - both white and blue collar workers - as well as those headed to events at KeyBank Center or other downtown destinations.
