Some places are completely filled. Others accept entry.
BUFFALO, NY — New banners at Buffalo City Hall now that the Buffalo Bills are back in the playoffs.
There is so much excitement that local bars and restaurants will fill up quickly before the game.
“We’re pretty full for all the games, but this week filled up really fast. Everyone’s really excited about it. We’re hoping this is our year,” said Hillary Collura, owner of Sidelines Sports Bar and Grill.
The restaurant and bar will have standing room only during the match. Their reservations are fully booked on Sundays, and there is a waiting list for cancellations.
Some Dolphins fans stopped by before game day to try out the Buffalo favorites.
“Obviously it was convenient for our hotel, but I did a little research before we came. We wanted to eat bison wings and beef on weck. That typical bison food. I have to say I like this place,” said Peter Worden of Fort is Lauderdale.
He’s a Dolphins fan going to Sunday’s game.
“The Bills are a lot better than us,” Worden said.
But he understands the kind of team Miami is going up against.
However, his family had to be here. Flights filled up so quickly they had to fly to Toronto and drive to Buffalo.
Tourism is what Western New York needs after the winter that was.
“It was hard to shut down during those days, especially when it’s the holidays. You’ve got parties and stuff. And then right around what was the last one? Thanksgiving? Times are busy. You’ve got to be safe, you know?” Worden said.
The Rose Bar and Grille had to close its doors a few days after the blizzard due to a burst water main. They have since reopened.
“We’re just hoping that people will come out, keep things going so we can make some more money because again, the storm was a loss for us. The staff couldn’t work so it was tough,” said owner Lisa Roosevelt.
Although they are usually closed on Sundays, they will be open on game day because so many people have called to request it.
“Buffalo has been through a lot in 2022. This is just another way of saying we have something to celebrate. Let’s do it together,” Roosevelt said.
Many bars and restaurants are planning food and drink specials during the game, so be sure to ask about those as well.
Rose Bar and Grill does not require a reservation, but you must arrive early. They open at noon.
You don’t need a reservation for Buffalo RiverWorks, and they announced on Twitter that they have room for thousands.