Big Jim’s Patriots Road Trip Guide To: Buffalo, NY
The trudge to the finish line of this year’s Patriots season mercifully gets closer, as Week 16 in the NFL brings you – the traveling Patriots fan – along with the team, to Western New York, and the annual trip to take on the Buffalo Bills.
Will this game be close and competitive?
Reader, it will not.
If the Bills put up over 50 points on the Patriots, nobody should be surprised.
That said, if you’ve had this one on the books, and you’re still planning on going, it’d be nice to have this handy road trip guide to help you navigate that frozen hellhole.
So let’s dive in!
1) DO: HIT A LOCAL WATERING HOLE TO WATCH THE B’S!
It’s unfortunate timing that this game happens to be in Boston rather than Buffalo, but no matter.
You’ll still have an opportunity to catch it at one of the many great bars in downtown Buffalo on Saturday night to suck down some Labbatt Blue and watch the game. Here are some suggestions for ya:
Sidelines Sports Bar & Grill
- Location: 189 Delaware Ave. Buffalo, NY
- Why it’s great: Sidelines is the go-to spot for an authentic sports bar experience. It’s a lively place with an extensive drink menu, excellent wings, and large screens throughout the venue. They even have pool tables and other games for extra entertainment.
The Union Pub
- Location: 295 Main St, Buffalo, NY
- Why it’s great: Known for its laid-back atmosphere, The Union Pub is an old-school bar that offers a great selection of beers on tap, good food, and a classic sports bar environment.
2) DO: GET ALL THE WINGS
When it comes to Buffalo Wings, it’s true – the best you’ll ever have, are located right where they were invented in Western New York.
To me, there are a few staples you’re going to want to try.
- Anchor Bar (1047 Main St., 716-886-8920) is home to the original recipe.
- Duff’s Famous Wings (3090 Orchard Park Dr., 716-674-7212) is another well-traveled wing spot,
- And then there’s Bar-Bill Tavern (185 Main St. East Aurora, N.Y.; 716-652-7959)
You can’t go wrong with any of them, but I suggest being a pig’s pig and trying a plate of wings at each spot.
3) DO: TRY A BEEF ON WECK
If you’ve never had this local Buffalo classic, it’s made with thinly sliced roast beef, piled high on a Kummelweck roll, a Kaiser-style bun topped with kosher salt and caraway seeds. The sandwich is usually served with horseradish on the side for extra heat, and sometimes accompanied by a pickle.
The Kummelweck roll is key to the sandwich’s distinctive flavor—its salty, slightly sweet crust complements the richness of the beef.
It’s a beloved local specialty in Buffalo and often enjoyed with a side of French fries or potato chips.
The spots to grab one would be: Charlie the Butcher (295 Main St., 716-855-8646)
The website even offers rookies a step-by-step guide of how to eat their staple. Jim’s SteakOut (multiple locations) is another well-known spot for subs and is open until 5 a.m., so you can stop in no matter when a craving hits.
4) DO: CONSIDER SEEING THE FALLS!
With Niagara Falls just a 45-minute drive or so from the stadium, it is a must-see while in Buffalo. You can see the natural wonder from both the U.S. and Canadian sides, so be sure to bring your passport. Once you’re there, check out Clifton Hill, a popular spot for restaurants and attractions.
5) DO: JOIN THE MAFIA
If you’re going all the way there, you might as well join in the fun and tailgate with those maniacs.
Bring backpacks full of beer and walk around. You’ll find friends in 5 minutes before entering Highmark Stadium to watch the Patriots get destroyed. So, enjoy watching people chug nacho cheese, jumping through tables, and (if you’re lucky) lighting themselves on fire!
