A woman with long dark hair and glasses making a cocktail at a bar, surrounded by various colorful beer tap handles and liquor bottles, smiling and looking to her right.

About Maria

Hi, I’m Maria — owner of The Wandering Buffalo, bartender, mom, and wanderer. With over 16 years behind the bar and 23 years in the service industry, I’ve built my business around creating fun, welcoming, and memorable experiences for people across Western New York.

Bartending has never felt like just a job

Over the years, I’ve worked everything from neighborhood bars and busy shifts to private parties, large events, and celebrations of all kinds. I genuinely love the fast pace, the conversations, the creativity, and the way celebrations bring people together. After years of working events, parties, and behind bars throughout WNY, I realized I wanted to create something that reflected both my personality and my passion for hospitality.

A tall glass with a red drink, garnished with lemon and orange slices, mint leaves, and a red straw, set on a wooden surface against a black background.
A woman with glasses and tattoos pouring a clear liquid into a glass at a bar with various beer tap handles and liquor bottles in the background.

Creating a personal and customizable bartending experience

A close-up of a glass filled with a dark red cocktail, garnished with a lemon peel and a small black garnish, sitting on a dark marble surface.
Four small glasses of cocktails on a wooden table against a blue wall. The first drink has a lime wedge, the second is dark, the third has a salted rim, and the fourth has a lime wedge and fruit garnish.

The idea for The Wandering Buffalo came from wanting to create something different from the typical one-size-fits-all bartending experience. I wanted a business that reflected both my personality and the things I love most: hospitality, creativity, community, and adventure.

The name comes from my deep love for Buffalo and my love for wandering and exploring the United States like it’s my own backyard. Ironically, moving away for a few years made me realize just how much Buffalo truly felt like home.

As a business owner, I’m committed to continuing education and constantly improving my skills. I am fully insured, TIPS certified for both on-premise and concessions service, and NYS ATAP certified for responsible alcohol service. I’m also continuing my education through mixology courses because I believe there is always more to learn and ways to improve the guest experience.

One of my favorite parts of this business is creating an experience that feels welcoming and fun for everyone attending an event — not just the people drinking alcohol. That’s why The Wandering Buffalo also offers mocktail services, kid-friendly beverage stations, and customizable non-alcoholic options so every guest feels included.

When I’m not bartending, you’ll usually find me spending time with my kids, traveling, exploring small towns and roadside attractions, or planning our next adventure. I’ve always believed life is about experiences, stories, and the people you meet along the way — and that same mindset is what I bring into every event I’m part of.

A handcrafted mobile bar
built with Buffalo roots

One of the most meaningful parts of building The Wandering Buffalo has been creating our first handcrafted mobile bar. The wood used for the project was sourced from land my family has owned for over 200 years and milled by my stepdad and grandfather.

To make it even more personal, a custom jewelry buffalo is being created for the front of the bar using donated pieces from friends, family, and the community. More than just a bar, it’s a piece of family history, creativity, and Buffalo pride brought to life.