Taking our 4th trip out to Buffalo this weekend and we're thinking of changing things up a little on Saturday. Instead of heading to the Casino at Niagara Falls we're thinking of going to downtown Buffalo, any suggestions?
As for Sunday we plan on being in the same lot as before (Land Cruiser Lot 1) behind the stadium off Big Tree Road not too far for the field house. Everytime we've been there we've seen/tailgated with lots of other Patriots' fans.
Are you looking for restaurants? Or things to do? Bars?
I live on downtown Buffalo and will have friends coming in for the game. Best places to stay are the Hampton Inn downtown or the Hyatt. Avoid Adam's Mark. If you just want a hotel with a great bar and restaurant, try the Hotel at Lafayette.
Top restaurants upscale (all downtown):
Mike A's at the Hotel Lafayette
SeaBar on Washington Street
Rue Franklin on Franklin
Brewery & Bar Food: Pearl Street Brewery
Most Buffalonians hang out in the Elmwood Village or else Hertel Street, and they avoid the craziness of Chippewa Street in downtown Buffalo (sort of d-bag central). If you're not into packed bars, beer spilling etc., I'd recommend Elmwood Village and Allentown instead.
In which case you might want to stay at the Holiday Inn on Delaware which is within close walking distance.
Top restaurants in this area:
Tempo
LeftBank
My favorite Buffalo bars:
Allentown:
Hardware Cafe (packed with normal people)
Founding Fathers
Gabriel's Gate (great place for Buffalo wings)
Elmwood Village:
Blue Monk (best beer bar I've ever been to, anywhere)
Things to do:
The people who live in Buffalo are either Bohemian artists or else into elite culture. There really isn't anything like a Casino (other than a slot machine place by HSBC arena) or ESPN Sports Zone, etc. It's mostly theater, symphony, literary stuff, fine arts ( world renowned Albright Knox gallery on Elmwood). Otherwise, good music (jazz at the "Colored Musicians Club" or Hallwalls, rock all over downtown).
One good tourist-y thing to do is to drive up to Lockport for the Erie Canal lock tour. I did it with family, and normally hate to do these things, but it was great.
IMO, the absolute must:
**** Blue Monk ****
Blue Monk
We have people from Canada coming down in buses to this place. NYC friends of mine have raved about it. I don't know how they do it, esp. in little Buffalo, but they have 30+ rare beers on tap.
I'd be glad to answer any other questions.