Spots to Chow Down Within Ten Minutes of KeyBank Center
One of the great things about Downtown Buffalo are the events taking place nearly every day. From concerts to theatre, and now, with the Sabres back on the ice fans are back in the stands. KeyBank Center being located in the heart of the city, means some of Buffalo’s best bars and restaurants are just a short walk away – within a 10-minute (or less) walk to be precise! When Downtown Buffalo is rocking with action in the arena, there’s plenty of food and drink options for fans of every taste.
Now, to make the most of your time, you’re going to need a plan of attack. So before game time, make sure you consult this handy guide for the best places to eat just a short jaunt away from KeyBank Center:
Southern Tier Brewing Co., 7 Scott St.
The newest taproom of Southern Tier brewing provides a full tasting room experience to the people of Buffalo featuring the beers you’ve come to love. The 38-foot feature screen and 70+ TVs ensure there’s not a bad seat in the house. Watch all the sports you can handle while you eat and then head into KeyBank Center right next door!
Hofbrauhaus Buffalo, 190 Scott St.
It’s Oktoberfest everyday at Hofbrauhaus Buffalo. Before the game, stop by for authentic German cuisine and a stein of cold beer. After the game, pop back in for live music and lots of entertainment… and lederhosen.
Swannie House, 170 Ohio St.
This is one of the oldest and most revered bars in all of Buffalo. Opened in 1868, the Swannie House has obviously been doing something right. This is the spot to grab a blue-collar beer and pub-style grub including legendary wings and fish fry.
The Rose Bar and Grill, 199 Scott St.
At The Rose, located inside the Fairmont Creamery Building, their motto is “a friendly place in downtown Buffalo.” The staff will provide you with good food and drinks in a fun, friendly atmosphere. Check out their menu of quick handheld eats to belly-filling meals.
Pearl Street, 76 Pearl St.
Enjoy a view with your meal from this 4-story restaurant and make fast friends with a 180 oz. Annihilator beer tube and enough glasses to share.
Liberty Hound, 1 Naval Park Cove
Situated right near the Commercial Slip at Canalside, Liberty Hound is local brews and fresh seafood with a view of the Buffalo & Erie County Naval and Military Park. In the warmer months, Liberty Hound’s patio is a prime spot to people watch during events and activities at the Canalside boardwalk.
Buffalo Iron Works, 49 Illinois St.
Before the game, grab a quick snack for a quick jolt of energy. After the game, enjoy a victory beverage at the bar. More than likely, you’ll catch some great live music in the process!
Lockhouse Distillery, 41 Columbia St.
The walls are covered in Instagram-worthy art at the first distillery to open in Buffalo since Prohibition. Take an impromptu tour or sample the goods with a craft cocktail made by the city’s friendliest bartenders.
Pizza Plant, 125 Main St.
Home of the massive stuffed pizza pod, this longtime Williamsville pizzeria opened a waterfront location at Canalside a few years ago. Plus, they’ve got a killer craft beer menu, too.
Ballyhoo, 211 South Park Ave.
Corner bar meets fancy cocktails at this well-known spot behind the KeyBank Center. Ballyhoo puts a unique spin on sausage with home made creations that include Korean short rib and Chorizo pork and vegetarian friendly options. Heads up: order the ice cream sandwich!
Cobblestone, 130 South Park Ave.
Don’t sleep on Cobblestone’s wings. This is one of those wing joints that you’ll hear the locals talking about. Their menu also stocks another Buffalo favorite, beef on weck, along with wood-fired pizza and several soup and salad options.
Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino, 1 Fulton St.
You’ve got your pick of the litter when you step inside the Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino where you can get a juicy steak at The WD Bar & Grille, fresh salads at The Creek and tasty beverages at Stixx Sports Bar.
Union Pub, 38 Swan St.
Union Pub serves pub-style grub and drinks right across the street from Sahlen Field. The building was constructed in 1864 as a livery stable, and has been home to a number of uses since then including serving as a union hall for steelworkers who helped build the Ellicott Square Building, located just across Washington Street from the bar.
The Draft Room at Labatt Brew House, 79 Perry St.
From the makers of a beer nearly synonymous with Buffalo, The Draft Room at The Labatt Brew House offers fresh craft beer paired with seasonal fare located in a renovated warehouse in the Cobblestone District.
Panorama on Seven, 95 Main St.
On the seventh floor of LECOM HarborCenter, lies an upscale restaurant with spectacular views of Downtown Buffalo, Canalside and the Buffalo River. Pony up to the bar for a freshly shaken cocktail and shareable plates.
Tim Horton’s, 1 Scott St.
Although this coffee shop is Canadian-born, Buffalo has adopted Tim Horton’s as one of its own. And this location, located in LECOM HarborCenter, is an ode to the legendary hockey player from which this institution gets its name.
