Game Day in Buffalo: A Local's Guide to Buffalo Bills Football
As a born and raised Buffalonian, a passionate season ticket holder, and a long-time professional in the beverage industry, I’ve cultivated a deep love for my hometown and its vibrant sports culture. Each year, when the Buffalo Bills schedule is released, I notice a familiar pattern: folks flocking to social media in search of game day recommendations. From the best tailgate spots to must-try local wings, these inquiries become a chorus of excitement and anticipation leading up to each game.
With this in mind, I decided to compile my thoughts and insights into a comprehensive guide that reflects both my experiences and the ever-evolving game day scene in Buffalo. This list isn’t set in stone; it adapts and changes with each season, much like the Bills themselves. I welcome any suggestions or opinions you might have, as there's always something new to discover in our incredible community. So whether you’re a seasoned fan or a newcomer, let’s dive into the best ways to make the most of your game day experience in Buffalo!
Where to Stay?
Personally, I say downtown, it’s central, easy to get around and booming with food options.
Westin: A luxury full‑service boutique hotel in downtown featuring plush Heavenly Beds, and walking distance to upscale restaurants.
The Curtis: A boutique hotel that’s both chic and comfortable, ideal for enjoying all Buffalo has to offer.
Mariott Harbor Center: A waterfront hotel connected by walking bridge to KeyBank Center (Buffalo Sabres). Not walking distance to downtown but right by a handful of restaurants or a quick Uber.
Aloft: Great rooftop bar and bowling alley in the hotel, as well as great restaurants below- Fresh Catch is delicious!
Hyatt: A large, centrally‑located hotel ideal for conventions and business travel, just steps from the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center.
Staying in the South Towns/ Orchard Park Area: Air B&B or County Inn & Suites
(Open to suggesntions)
Things to Do Around Town?
Visit Niagara Falls: Maid of the Mist
Buffalo Water Front: Canalside
Buffalo Cycle Boats *weather permitting
Bowling: Bunch of great lanes around town
Buffalo Murals Around Town: Here is a list from WGRZ
Keon & Josh - 1535 Hertle Ave. (Moor Room)
Josh Hurdle - 1407 Niagara St. (Sports City Pizza)
Josh Goat Stiff Arm -Main St. Josh
King Josh - Allen Ave & 24th St. in Niagara Falls
Large Josh Smiling Hurdle - 1098 Elwood Ave (Cole's Bar)
Small Josh Hurdle - 289 Parkside Ave. (Fairy Cakes)
Damar Hamlin - 740 Seneca St. Larkin
Buffalo City: 1. Magic Buffalo - 1322 Hertel Ave. 2. Heart 716 - 545 Elmwood Ave, 3. Keep Buffalo a Secret - 810 Main St. 4. Greetings from Buffalo - 416 Elliott St. 5. Buffalo Bills/Sabres R&R Tires Delaware Ave Kenmore.
Best Wings?
This will always be a hot button debate, but again it’s where I bring all my out of town guests and based on experience.
Take it, or leave it!
Wingnutz: Located on Millersport Highway, Amherst. Huge crispy wings, with a sport’s centric atmosphere! Best homemade blue cheese (and if you have to have ranch best ranch I’ve ever had) Some say the wings are pricey, but you get what you pay for!
Bar-Bill north (Williamsville) or south (East Aurora). Massive wings, and great atmosphere. North- more seating and good vibes. South, I think is superior to the other location and at times will catch a Bills player or two. It is the original, has nostalgia, limited seating and don’t sleep on the roast beef! I guess I should also list the best Roast Beef spots below.
9/11 Tavern: Located in South Buffalo, a popular meeting place for the people of Buffalo and is well-known for its wings and tavern fare.
Elmos: Located in a strip mall near the University at Buffalo’s North Campus, Elmo’s is a Buffalo sports bar that sauces and grills the wings!
Best Roast Beef on Weck?
Next to Buffalo Wings, Beef on Weck is probably the most loved food in and around Buffalo, New York. It is a delicious shaved roast beef sandwich topped with horseradish and served on a kummelweck bun.
Mitchells Tavern: Best around!
Kelly’s Korner
Bar Bill (above)
Best Pizza in the Area?
Imperial Pizza, yum!
Picassos Pizza: Always have deals and always deliver!
Imperial Pizza: A great place to sit with a group and enjoy a pitcher, watch the game, and have a couple amazing slices in South Buffalo.
Bocce Pizza: Old school local legend, known for the cup charred pepperoni!
Jay’s Artisan: Located in Kenmore, Jays offers Detroit style pizza fresh from the wood fire.
Downtown Bars & Restaurants?
The Bing Sandwich from Bada Bing
Bada Bing- This spot is famous for its Italian-American fare and vibrant/ sports centric atmosphere. The Bing sandwich is the best sandwich around!
Fattey Beer- This is a craft beer lover's paradise. Enjoy local brews, beers on tap as well as beers to-go. Multiple locations, but there is one downtown right by the Hyatt.
Streetlight Brasserie- An upscale vibe with fantastic craft cocktails.
Patrick’s Rooftop- In the Aloft Hotel. Great for meeting friends, grabbing a drink or catching a great DJ set.
Frankie Primos- An Italian-American experience from start to finish. A beautiful outdoor patio and something for everyone on the menu.
40 Thieves- A great place to catch a Bills or Sabres game and enjoy high-end pub food. Located in the Elmwood Village, 5-7 minutes from Chippewa. Buffalo Chicken Sandwich and fries, chefs kiss.
Cole’s: Located in the Elmwood Village, this is one of the oldest and best bars. Rotating beer taps, darts, and a great menu. You can also find the giant Josh Allen hurdle mural in the beer garden. Oh, and great Tuesday Ladies Night.
Banshee: Large Irish Pub, great to meet up, and have a pint.
Late Night & Music Downtown:
Rec Room: From Bills games to concerts, to duelling pianos! Check the schedule online for upcoming events!
VENU Night Club: Check out their events online. Huge club with DJs and great music for your late night needs.
Getting To & From the Game:
Ubering home is a nightmare, so have a plan!
Game Day Express: Metro's Game Day Express can take you to the Bills Stadium from a local mall parking lot. The cost for riders is $5 for a one-way trip. You must pay in cash as you board the bus (exact change only) or by using the Token Transit app. More info:
https://metro.nfta.com/schedules/game-day-express
Limo Company:
Status limo
Drive yourself: no need to buy a parking pass for $150+ there are plenty of houses to park at, try Olympic Ave to Sheldon Rd. Bring cash!
Where to Shop Before?
Wegmans! It is more than just a grocery store, it's a Western New York institution. To locals, it’s a beloved one-stop shop for all your tailgating needs. We always grab subs, Bison Dip/chips and beer from Wegmans before a game!
Bills Store
BFLO Store
New Era Flagship Store - downtown on 160 Delaware Ave.
Where is the Tailgating?
Hammers Lot 4170 Abbot Rd. Find the infamous Kenny “Pinto Ron” Johnson and the mustard & ketchup ceremony 90 minutes before kick off! Johnson still cooks food on the hood of his red 1990 Pinto, while Pizza Pete bakes pizzas inside a filing cabinet. Get there before 7am for a 1pm game and bring cash!
Water Buffalo & Fans of Buffalo Tailgate in the Big Tree Parking Lot, 4277 Abbott Rd, Orchard Park, NY 14127
Twin Oaks: a lot of busses and partying 3949 Southwestern Blvd, Orchard Park, NY 14127
Join In Anywhere: We are called the city of good neighbors for a reason. Typically, I am tailgating on Southwestern on the opposite side of Louies, but if you pack a small cooler, grab a Wegmans sub, and take a walk you can join most tailgates and meet new friends!
What Bars Are By The Stadium?
What Can I Bring Inside the Stadium?
Two things to note: There is a strict clear bag policy and you can bring food into the stadium! Click HERE to view the rules.
Where to Buy Tickets?
Ticketmaster
Gametime app
Tickpick
Hope you enjoy your time in Buffalo! Known for its rich history, delicious food, and, of course, the Buffalo Bills, our city has a lot to offer. Whether you're here for a game or just to soak in the local flavor I hope this guide helped direct you to the best spots to stay, eat, and explore. GO BILLS!