Downtown Buffalo -- Where to be

[fiftyone]

Hi All. Long time no post. I've been lurking and reading for the past couple years, but not much posting.

 

First -- if there's somewhere that this can be merged into, by all means. I did a search to find another thread to just add on to but couldn't find anything.

 

Anyway, I'm from out of town and making my way into Buffalo next weekend for the Sabres game and maybe even the bills game with a few buddies. I've been to Buffalo once before, but really just a stop in and out.

 

My question for those familiar is where do I want to stay / spend my time? Obviously i'm not familiar with the city and want to check out whatever downtown (maybe?) has to offer while i'm there.

 

Anything and everything would be appreciated. Thank you all!

[Eleven]

I think a lot of us can help you here.  We need to know some basics:

 

--What neighborhoods?

 

--What would you like to spend?

 

--Are you looking for partying / drinking or for nice dinners or for pubs or for what?

Edited October 20, 2017 by Eleven

[fiftyone]

I think a lot of us can help you here.  We need to know some basics:

 

--What neighborhoods?

 

--What would you like to spend?

 

--Are you looking for partying / drinking or for nice dinners or for pubs or for what?

 

 

1. Honestly not too sure. Would like to be close to Key Bank if possible I guess, but really looking to be somewhere where we can bounce around from place to place for a drinks. Saturday night maybe somewhere that is doing something for Halloween? 

 

2. Not too much of an issue. There are a few of us so we'll be splitting some costs. Not an issue.

 

3. I guess more pubs/sports bars? Somewhere with a good variety of options would be best?

 

Also looking for the best wing place (hopefully in the area of the above) for first timers.

Edited October 20, 2017 by fiftyone

[Eleven]

1. Honestly not too sure. Would like to be close to Key Bank if possible I guess, but really looking to be somewhere where we can bounce around from place to place for a drinks. Saturday night maybe somewhere that is doing something for Halloween? 

 

2. Not too much of an issue. There are a few of us so we'll be splitting some costs. Not an issue.

 

3. I guess more pubs/sports bars? Somewhere with a good variety of options would be best?

 

Also looking for the best wing place (hopefully in the area of the above) for first timers.

 

There are a number of hotels near KBC, but they are expensive.  There are also a number of them up the train line, like about a fifteen minute walk (or the free train ride would be five mins) but be careful:  anything that calls it an "express" or "garden" or "light" hotel is about ten bucks less expensive than a real room at a real hotel.  A "real hotel" being something with a bar and a hot meal, and not just a dispenser of Froot Loops in the morning.

 

Your best bets for wings in Buffalo are Gabriel's Gate (on the subway) and Thirsty Buffalo (not).  Your best bets for wings outside Buffalo  (suburbs) are Bar Bill, 911 Tavern, and Duff's.  I guess 911 is technically in Buffalo, but you'll need an Uber to get to that, or to the other two, anyway.

 

The best sports bars within walking distance of the arena are (716) -- awesome TVs, ###### food -- and Sidelines -- poorer TVs and, well, ###### food.

 

There are a lot of really nice dining options within walking distance of the arena, but none are sports bars.  There are even nicer dining options, in every price zone you can imagine, in the Elmwood Village (which includes the aforementioned Thirsty Buffalo for wings).  That area is about a $10 Uber from the arena, based upon my one experience now that Uber is here.  

 

We also are close to Canada, and one of our long resident posters, d4rksabre, dances at a club there.  You'll have to ask him for the details.  There is an amazing Chinese restaurant called Ming Tei, and the casino up there is nice.

Edited October 20, 2017 by Eleven

[darksabre]

I would do what Josie and I did last year: stay at the Harbor Center hotel and take a cab or Uber wherever you want to go. It was great to just walk right across the tunnel into the game.

[fiftyone]

There are a number of hotels near KBC, but they are expensive.  There are also a number of them up the train line, like about a fifteen minute walk (or the free train ride would be five mins) but be careful:  anything that calls it an "express" or "garden" or "light" hotel is about ten bucks less expensive than a real room at a real hotel.  A "real hotel" being something with a bar and a hot meal, and not just a dispenser of Froot Loops in the morning.

 

Your best bets for wings in Buffalo are Gabriel's Gate (on the subway) and Thirsty Buffalo (not).  Your best bets for wings outside Buffalo  (suburbs) are Bar Bill, 911 Tavern, and Duff's.  I guess 911 is technically in Buffalo, but you'll need an Uber to get to that, or to the other two, anyway.

 

The best sports bars within walking distance of the arena are (716) -- awesome TVs, ###### food -- and Sidelines -- poorer TVs and, well, ###### food.

 

There are a lot of really nice dining options within walking distance of the arena, but none are sports bars.  There are even nicer dining options, in every price zone you can imagine, in the Elmwood Village (which includes the aforementioned Thirsty Buffalo for wings).  That area is about a $10 Uber from the arena, based upon my one experience now that Uber is here.  

 

We also are close to Canada, and one of our long resident posters, d4rksabre, dances at a club there.  You'll have to ask him for the details.  There is an amazing Chinese restaurant called Ming Tei, and the casino up there is nice.

 

Thanks, appreciate it. I've heard about Duff's (which you did mention I see), Pearl Street, and Anchor(i think ?) for wings. Are those just touristy spots that aren't really as good as the Gabriel's and Thirsty Buffalo?

[ubkev]

Can confirm, Gabriel's Gate has excellent wings.

Can confirm, d4rk's has been banned from dancing at both Peppermints and Sundowner. So, ur bummin.

[darksabre]

Can confirm, Gabriel's Gate has excellent wings.

Can confirm, d4rk's has been banned from dancing at both Peppermints and Sundowner. So, ur bummin.

:bag:

[The Dominator]

Thanks, appreciate it. I've heard about Duff's (which you did mention I see), Pearl Street, and Anchor(i think ?) for wings. Are those just touristy spots that aren't really as good as the Gabriel's and Thirsty Buffalo?

 

I'll take this and cover some local drinking options...

 

I've only been living in the city for a few months now so I'm still exploring myself. But of the breweries in Buffalo, Pearl St. is a good one. RIght now they have their Oktoberfest which is incredibly good. They're walking distance from KBC so they're a good option if you end up staying near the arena.

 

My personal favorite brewery in Buffalo is Big Ditch. It's further from the arena (roughly a 20 minute walk) so it's not a convenient distance away but the Uber would be cheap.

 

If you and your friends are into hoppy beers and like IPA's, Thin Man Brewery is a good place to go. I'm not an IPA fan so I'm going off of others' experiences but they supposedly have a great selection of hoppy beers. Only issue is that you would definitely need an Uber to get there. 

[Taro T]

I'll take this and cover some local drinking options...

 

I've only been living in the city for a few months now so I'm still exploring myself. But of the breweries in Buffalo, Pearl St. is a good one. RIght now they have their Oktoberfest which is incredibly good. They're walking distance from KBC so they're a good option if you end up staying near the arena.

 

My personal favorite brewery in Buffalo is Big Ditch. It's further from the arena (roughly a 20 minute walk) so it's not a convenient distance away but the Uber would be cheap.

 

If you and your friends are into hoppy beers and like IPA's, Thin Man Brewery is a good place to go. I'm not an IPA fan so I'm going off of others' experiences but they supposedly have a great selection of hoppy beers. Only issue is that you would definitely need an Uber to get there.

 

Not sure it's still the case now that (716) is open, but in the past if you wanted to get into Pearl St on a Sabres game night you'd better get there early because the place filled completely by an hour before gametime.

[The Dominator]

Not sure it's still the case now that (716) is open, but in the past if you wanted to get into Pearl St on a Sabres game night you'd better get there early because the place filled completely by an hour before gametime.

 

Good question... I have no idea how that place is on game day but in general, it's a great place to stop in for a bite and a pint (also, their beef stroganoff is phenomenal) 

[Doohickie]

If you want to get some Buffalo Beef on Weck, I recommend Schwabl's in West Seneca.

 

[LGR4GM]

I'll disagree with 11 about sidelines. Food there is better then 716 and wings there are way better then 716.

 

Gabriel's gate is great for wings. Big ditch you should check out for beers, it's further away but still in dt buffalo.

 

ColterBay has a good beer list and Allentown bars are right there. Also going to toss out cafe 59 also on Allen. Decent beer options and good sandwiches and soups.

[darksabre]

If you want to get some Buffalo Beef on Weck, I recommend Schwabl's in West Seneca.

 

I hate you. That looks magnificent.

[fiftyone]

I'll disagree with 11 about sidelines. Food there is better then 716 and wings there are way better then 716.

 

Gabriel's gate is great for wings. Big ditch you should check out for beers, it's further away but still in dt buffalo.

 

ColterBay has a good beer list and Allentown bars are right there. Also going to toss out cafe 59 also on Allen. Decent beer options and good sandwiches and soups.

Thanks all.

 

Plenty of options for breweries/pubs and food. What about nightlife? Anything in the area of the arena?

[Doohickie]

I hate you. That looks magnificent.

 

It was.  (I had it when I was home in July.)

What about nightlife? Anything in the area of the arena?

 

I don't know.  I'm not really allowed to have my own life when I'm home visiting family.

[LGR4GM]

Thanks all.

 

Plenty of options for breweries/pubs and food. What about nightlife? Anything in the area of the arena?

What do you mean by night life? Like what's of interest to you?

[ubkev]

I miss Canada. It was a great place to be a 17 year old American high school student with a good set of colored pencils (Remember the NY driver's licenses with the matte finish on top? Yeah.), and a pocket full of loonies and twoonies.

How do you think I paid for beer through 2 years of UB? I was a master ID artist.

 

Well...that, and selling all my books back for full price refund.

[MODO Hockey]

Hi All. Long time no post. I've been lurking and reading for the past couple years, but not much posting.

 

First -- if there's somewhere that this can be merged into, by all means. I did a search to find another thread to just add on to but couldn't find anything.

 

Anyway, I'm from out of town and making my way into Buffalo next weekend for the Sabres game and maybe even the bills game with a few buddies. I've been to Buffalo once before, but really just a stop in and out.

 

My question for those familiar is where do I want to stay / spend my time? Obviously i'm not familiar with the city and want to check out whatever downtown (maybe?) has to offer while i'm there.

 

Anything and everything would be appreciated. Thank you all!

Hello there, 

 

Watch my video from my trip to Buffalo, might give you some ideas.

 

I stayed at this hotel, good standard, clean rooms and good service.

You will also see how the hotel looks in my vid.

 

https://www.ihg.com/holidayinnexpress/hotels/gb/en/buffalo/bufms/hoteldetail?qRef=sr&qDest=Buffalo%2C+NY%2C+United+States&qRpn=1&qChld=0&qAAR=6CBARC&qSrt=sBR&qSHp=1&qSmP=3&qIta=99618783&qGRM=0&qLng=-78.878601&qRdU=1&qRms=1&srb_u=1&qAdlt=1&qPSt=0&qRtP=6CBARC&qCiMy=092017&qCoD=21&qLat=42.886398&qCiD=20&qCoMy=092017&qRRSrt=rt&qRad=30&qRpp=20&qBrs=hi.ex.rs.ic.cp.in.sb.cw.cv.6c.vn.ul.ki.sp.nd.ct&qWch=0

 

If you want to get a good burger you should visit SOHO burger bar, really nice!

 

https://www.sohoburgerbar.com/

 

Italian restaurant: Frankie Primos +39

 

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g60974-d9729706-Reviews-Frankie_Primo_s_39-Buffalo_New_York.html

 

These 2 restaurants is close to the hotel to, close walking distance that is. 

Then theres Gabriels gate, best buffalo wings ever.

I would recommend a visit to Niagra Falls.  

 

 

 

[Eleven]

I'll take this and cover some local drinking options...

 

I've only been living in the city for a few months now so I'm still exploring myself. But of the breweries in Buffalo, Pearl St. is a good one. RIght now they have their Oktoberfest which is incredibly good. They're walking distance from KBC so they're a good option if you end up staying near the arena.

 

My personal favorite brewery in Buffalo is Big Ditch. It's further from the arena (roughly a 20 minute walk) so it's not a convenient distance away but the Uber would be cheap.

 

If you and your friends are into hoppy beers and like IPA's, Thin Man Brewery is a good place to go. I'm not an IPA fan so I'm going off of others' experiences but they supposedly have a great selection of hoppy beers. Only issue is that you would definitely need an Uber to get there. 

 

I don't drink beer so I can't comment on that aspect of Pearl Street, but the food there is awful.

[inkman]

I'm fairly certain it's because I'm usually tanked but I've never had a problem with Pearl St or 716 grub. My buddy and I rather enjoyed the fare at 716. Yall a bunch of foodie snobs.

[MODO Hockey]

I don't drink beer so I can't comment on that aspect of Pearl Street, but the food there is awful.

 

Haha, this we all know! mr whiskey

[josie]

Can confirm, Gabriel's Gate has excellent wings.

Can confirm, d4rk's has been banned from dancing at both Peppermints and Sundowner. So, ur bummin.

Gosh y'all, he told me he was looking for a night job to make some extra cash, but it doesn't have to be this way. Come home d4rk, I'll buy you some cheeseburgers to drive into that gut. You don't need to be hanging out with a dirty old dog drinking dirty old swish and eating dirty old pizza crusts by the dumpster behind the Donair King. 

 

You don't need to be Smokey, d4rk. 

 

 

But yeah, anything mentioned above is fine, the food is fine, it's not 5 star cuisine but you're looking for sports bar food in Buffalo, not filet mignon with a good wine before you holler your head off at a hockey game. If it's warm and you have time, have a wander around Canalside or down to Riverworks- stop by Ballyhoo and have some links and drinks. 

And have fun! 

[Eleven]

I'm fairly certain it's because I'm usually tanked but I've never had a problem with Pearl St or 716 grub. My buddy and I rather enjoyed the fare at 716. Yall a bunch of foodie snobs.

 

The food at 716 has greatly improved.

[darksabre]

Gosh y'all, he told me he was looking for a night job to make some extra cash, but it doesn't have to be this way. Come home d4rk, I'll buy you some cheeseburgers to drive into that gut. You don't need to be hanging out with a dirty old dog drinking dirty old swish and eating dirty old pizza crusts by the dumpster behind the Donair King. 

 

You don't need to be Smokey, d4rk. 

 

 

But yeah, anything mentioned above is fine, the food is fine, it's not 5 star cuisine but you're looking for sports bar food in Buffalo, not filet mignon with a good wine before you holler your head off at a hockey game. If it's warm and you have time, have a wander around Canalside or down to Riverworks- stop by Ballyhoo and have some links and drinks. 

And have fun! 

:lol: