My last home game was AFCCG in 1993...have a few questions for TBD!

[nemhoff]

I know that some of this has been asked before, but I am stoked to get back to OP after a lot of years (and aren't we a little sick of talking about WR, Beane, and Brady).  I am bringing my two boys, and this is a little bit of a pilgrimage all the way from Oregon.  Never been more excited to stand around in the freezing rain!  They definitely want to experience the tailgate, which I have never done - you old timers might remember that AFCCG against the Chiefs was COLD.  So:

 

1.  When/Where should we head to the stadium for the best tailgate that we might be able to get in on?

2.  Buffalo has changed a ton in the last 30 years...what are a couple of "must go to" stops with the boys?  They are in college/HS

3.  I got a couple of spots to eat, but would love to know what is the best Italian place to eat AND where do we get the absolute best beef-on-weck?  We are staying south of the city.

 

Need your help here Stadium Wall, I have been on TBD since 2004...I don't post much but am here everyday - so let's hear it!

[djp14150]

Changes....

 

The stadium lost some seating and the new stadium takes up a lot.

 

Just park in any lot, you will see tailgating. 

 

ECC SOUTH campus lots are also used for games. Its next to stadium grounds.

 

Houses still di parking in their yard.

 

WHAT HAS CHANGED???

 

Not much....

 

I lived full time in suburban Buffalo till 1995. Since then I've lived elsewhere but go back to Buffalo 2-4 times a year over holidays/ long weekends.

 

Some malls have died.

Bars/Restaurants have come and gone. Some that have lasted might be different.

You have had development in waterfront and just south of downtown.

You have had exurb expansion like other metro areas

Walmart, trader Joe's, and whole foods are in the area

 

Still waiting on bssspro....

 

Unsure where your home area is to give some more advice in that area on restaurants 

 

[The Firebaugh Kid]

I'm somewhat opinionated when it comes to this stuff so here goes:

The funnest tailgates I've been a part of occur in the non-stadium lot right behind K&K on Abbott.. It's a massive lot and it gets rowdy at times. 

Hammer lot was more for the older/chill crowd. No table smashing is allowed, etc. The Pinto Ron thing is pretty cool tho. 

[TheWei44]

Hey, how old are your boys?  I brought my 15 year old son last January for Ravens playoff game, and we had an amazing time (but obviously weren't bar hopping!!).  We hit Hammers lot and he actually drank an N/A beer.  It was worth seeing all the festivities there.  We also had Chefs for dinner one night, Tim Hortons, Andersons (he loved the beef on weck so much we snuck sandwiches into the game).  Have fun!!

[Big Turk]

I was at that game in the 300 section with my Mom as a teenager!

[Livinginthepast]

I went last year for the first time since about 2010? First home game was 1982 season and I went to about 8 over the years since. It was still a great experience and so much better than the drought years. Obviously if bringing kids you wont be boozing like a young man (hopefully not) but still a lot of fun to be had. I parked in the neighborhood near the stadium at some guys house and it worked out great. The food is much better than the old days and there are great beer options but the prices are nuts. I liked the crowd much better this time than previous and things are much nicer than the ugly drunkenness of the old days. Overall it will be a great time rain or shine!

[Rubes]

I'm also interested in what people think is the best italian place in Buffalo. Have had some great classic italian food in Buffalo in years past, but not sure where to go these days.

 

[Tommy Shelby]

I have no personal experience at this Italian restaurant but it is on my list to go to:

Brunos on Broadway in Lancaster, they just won the Meatball Streetbrawl for best meatballs in the area. 

I do like Pasquale's in East Aurora 

[Augie]

17 minutes ago, Rubes said:

I'm also interested in what people think is the best italian place in Buffalo. Have had some great classic italian food in Buffalo in years past, but not sure where to go these days.

 

 

Some people might call it so-so Italian at best, but I went to Chefs for the first time in my life the week of the opener this year with my wife. My parents went there almost weekly, and apparently it was the place to go to get away from me! We enjoyed it and the restaurant was much bigger than I expected, but I’m sure there is better Italian food in town. 

 

To me, Chef’s is iconic like the Anchor Bar, even if they don’t have the best of what they are known for.