Buffalo Bills

Tailgating at the Ralph

Are you ready for some Buffalo Bills football?

Buffalo Bills’ football weekends are cause for serious celebration and near religious observance in this lakeside home of the National Football League. Preparations begin early, with hardcore tailgaters arriving in their RVs, pick-ups and campers at Ralph Wilson Stadium on Friday afternoon. Fires are stoked, meat is grilled and beverages consumed – all in an effort to appease the football gods and ensure victory (and a heckuva good time) come Sunday afternoon.

Here is an insider’s guide to football weekends in Buffalo.

On Saturday nights, many pigskin fans flock to The Anchor Bar (1047 Main Street), the legendary birthplace of Buffalo wings. No trip to Buffalo is complete without digging deep into an order of hot, medium or mild chicken wings. The Anchor Bar, located in downtown Buffalo, has been featured on countless national media outlets as the epicenter of the wing world. The Travel Channel, Food Network, The New York Times, and CBS Sunday Morning News – all have paid homage to the home of America’s greatest bar food.

If you can’t make it to the Anchor Bar, keep in mind that savory, succulent chicken wings can be found on the menus at many restaurants and pubs throughout Buffalo. While it is impossible to say which establishments have the best wings, locals will tell you to check out the following places: Gabriel’s Gate, (145 Allen Street, Buffalo), Duff’s Famous Wings (3090 Orchard Park Road, Orchard Park) or Colter Bay Grill (561 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo).

For fans who want to party hearty the night before the game, downtown Buffalo’s Chippewa Street is the place to go. The Chippewa Entertainment District has more than 25 bars and restaurants and a raucous nightlife scene that lasts until 4 a.m., so don’t plan on getting any rest before the big game.

Football Sunday’s have a special feel in the Queen City. Even in the early morning hours, the town is preparing for kickoff. Jersey-wearing fans begin stocking up on tailgating supplies at Tops, Wegman’s and other local stores before making their way out to the Ralph.

Ralph Wilson Stadium is located 25 minutes from downtown Buffalo in the suburb of Orchard Park. Pulling up to the stadium on game days is an awe-inspiring moment. An endless sea of blue greets visitors – Bills nation is at home and having a party! Grab an ice cold Labatt’s Blue, a charbroiled Sahlen’s foot long and make yourself at home.

If you’re looking to keep things indoors and a tad more civilized there are a couple of noteworthy watering holes nearby. Danny’s South (4300 Abbott Road, Orchard Park) and The Big Tree Inn (4277 Abbott Road, Orchard Park) are located next to the stadium and are favorite places for fans to stoke their competitive fires in warmth and comfort. On game days, Danny’s serves a special brunch at 10 a.m. and across the street at The Big Tree Inn, patrons are drawn to the pub as well as the grub.

For football fans of all-ages, the Buffalo Bills Fieldhouse is transformed into the “Game day Experience.” Located next to the stadium, the massive Bills indoor practice facility is converted into a huge celebration of football, featuring a youth football field, interactive games, and the official pre-game radio show. The event opens at 9:30 a.m. on game days and is free. For more information about the “Game day Experience” visit www.BuffaloBills.com

Finally, for your post-game dining pleasure check out the Ilio Di Paolos Restaurant & Ringside Lounge (3785 South Park Avenue, Blasdell). Home to generations of hungry Bills fans, as well as the players themselves, this family-run restaurant adds a gourmet touch to its authentic Italian menu.

We cannot predict the score of the games, but we know everyone is a winner on Buffalo Bills football weekends in Buffalo.

Go Bills!