Life Focus: Restaurant Review

If you grab a bite to eat at Off The Wall on the Elmwood Strip and like what you see, you can take it home with you.

And that's not just if it's on the menu.

An eatery, gallery and shop located at 534 Elmwood Ave., a highly unique aspect of the restaurant is that almost everything in the restaurant has a price tag on it.

In fact, it is unlikely that a costumer will see the same lamp or chair twice.

The vintage-style furniture is available for purchase by the customers and then replaced by the owners.

"Most restaurants give their costumers the same of everything, we pride ourselves on being different," said Marie Englert, head server at Off The Wall. "We try to make everything you experience different, right down to the coffee cup you drink out of."

While enjoying a bite to eat, a drink or a cup of coffee, customers will be treated to entertainment and at the same time, be able to find one of a kind pieces of furniture.

"It certainly will be a unique experience," she said. "We can promise you that."

Food might take a little longer to prepare than the normal restaurant, but that is because everything on the menu is homemade on the spot.

"My husband is the head chef and he makes everything on the spot right when you order," Englert said. "Whether it is salad dressing or sauce on our pastas, nothing is pre-packaged or pre-made."

Fresh homemade food and entertainment certainly makes the experience pleasurable and unique.

A special treat is offered to costumers on Tuesdays. Garrett Thomas, a professional magician and writer for David Blain entertains at Off The Wall from 7 to 9 p.m.

When Thomas is performing don't be surprised if you hear customers screaming. His magic tricks have a way of shocking the senses.

One of his main acts is an optical illusion - he makes his viewer believe they are seeing something they are not.

"If we want to believe in magic then we believe that everything is magic," Thomas said. "Waking up in the morning or moving a deck of cards from one hand to the next is all magic."

In 2000, Thomas placed 3rd for the fastest hands in magic in a worldwide competition. The speed of his hands makes the eye feel blind.

According to Englert, the cliental is as different as the place.

"During the week we get a lot of regulars, or what I like to call yuppies," Englert said. "We also get a good crowd of college students from Buffalo State and UB on Friday and Saturday nights."

The weekend DJs are a hit for college students from the surrounding area.

"The owner really likes to spin, so every Friday we have a really nice set up with good music and a great crowd," Englert said.

The lounge area is a nice change from the usual Starbucks or Spot Coffee that are located about a block away.

Costumers can relax while enjoying the evening's entertainment.

"Our lounge area is a comfortable place for costumers to relax, while enjoying themselves," Englert said.

Don't leave without ordering from the breakfast and lunch menu. The regular customers love the items offered.

"I would say our banana bread french toast made with real banana bread is a signature item of ours," Englert said. "Everyone loves it."

With good food, good atmosphere and good entertainment, Off The Wall satisfies more than its costumer's stomachs.