Seven days a week, neighbors stop by early for events and music, late for housemade menu at a corner bar with more

Since the pandemic, late-night eats have proved harder to find, but Hot Mama’s Canteen helps make Black Rock a wee-hours destination for hungry night owls.

Seven days a week, at the corner of Military and Kail, Hot Mama’s serves as a neighborhood kitchen, turning out chonky housemade chicken tenders, wings in dozens of flavors, and the establishment’s specialite de la maison, a softball-sized stuffed arancine affectionately dubbed the Mama Bomb. 

Valerie Meli opened the place in 2014 after a 26-year career as a server, and named it after her hot sauce. Hot Mama’s saucy heat can be found on the menu, too, and not just on wings. 

There’s a long can and bottle list of beer, a full bar, and plenty of room to spread out in the back.

There is also a vintage shuffleboard setup, if you’d like to add a little low-stakes drama to your night. The 22-foot-long table, made in 1942, has served generations of Black Rock players, before it was refurbished for Hot Mama’s. Vests are optional.

Hot Mama’s also offers a broad menu of things to do while you get your fill. Trivia nights, karaoke, live music, multi-DJ audio buffets, and burlesque make regular appearances.

Happy hours with free nacho bar and pool table, that sort of thing. Follow Hot Mama’s Facebook page to stay updated on coming attractions and escapades.

Hot Mama’s Canteen

12 Military Road, hotmamascanteen.com, 716-783-8222

Hours: 5 p.m.-1 a.m. Tuesday-Thursday, 5 p.m.-4 a.m. Friday, Saturday, 4 p.m.-midnight Sunday, 5 p.m-2 a.m. Monday

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