Buffalo Travel Tips: Mr. Thrifty’s Guide to Enjoying Buffalo Like a Local

As our Twitter followers know, Mr. Thrifty recently spent a weekend in Buffalo (attending a Bills-Eagles game!).  Unlike many visitors, Mr. Thrifty explored the “Queen City” and, with the help of a Buffalonian, has compiled a list of travel tips and suggestions so that you can make the most out of your next trip to Buffalo. 

Buffalo – Fast Facts

  • Second largest city (by population) in New York State
  • Perfect hub for visiting Toronto, Niagara Falls and Niagara-on-the-Lake

Buffalo – Travel Tips for Foodies

Buffalo is rapidly gaining a reputation as a city for foodies. From chicken wings to fine dining at an affordable price, there are plenty of food options for all tastes and budgets.

Chicken Wings

Anchor Bar is a landmark: home of the original chicken wing and a popular tourist destination.  While the wings at Anchor Bar are almost certainly better than wings available outside of Buffalo, many locals prefer Duff’s

Anchor Bar: Home of the Original Chicken Wing

Buffalo Travel Tip: Duff’s will give you a local experience and, best of all, you will be free from all those annoying tourists.

An Underrated Craft Beer Scene

Buffalo is home to many fine craft breweries.

Yes, you can buy Labatts and Molsons here cheaper than in Canada, but why would you want to do that when there are so many fine local beers available?  Thrifty favorites include Big Ditch, Resurgence and Flying Bison.

Buffalo Travel Tip: Go to the Flying Bison for a flight or two and then finish up with a One Foot Cock….

Home of the One Foot Cock

The Buffalo Distilling Company, proud maker of the One Foot Cock line of spirits, is located stumbling distance away from the Flying Bison. It is worth stopping over for a taste and tour before you Uber it home responsibly. 

Buffalo Travel Tip: We recommend pairing your bottle of Bourbon, Vodka, Brandy, Moonshine or Krupnik with a souvenir t-shirt.  It is sure to be a conversation starter when you return home.

T-Shirt from the Buffalo Distilling Company: Wear it with Pride!

Higher-End Food Options

Looking to splurge on a high-end meal? Another good thing about Buffalo is that you can enjoy fine dining without breaking the bank. 

Buffalo Travel Tips: Try hitting one or more of Chef’s Restaurant, a mid-range option, or, for higher end, Salvatore’s Italian Gardens, Tempo Restaurant or Sear, a steakhouse just outside of Canalside.  Here, we cannot profess to firsthand experience (Mr. Thrifty was on a strict beer, wings, donuts and spirits diet but his Buffalonian source has never steered him wrong).

Don’t Forget the Dessert

Looking for something sweet to finish off your meal? Head over to Anderson’s for the Buffalo’s best frozen custard. You can thank us later. And, don’t worry — you can work off the calories when you skate on the Ice at Canalside.

Buffalo – Sporting Events

The Sabres are Good Again!

KeyBank Center: Catch a Rising Sabres Team!

Looking to catch an NHL game without paying the ridiculous prices charged in bigger cities? Well, you are in luck: the Sabres are good again!  Catch a Sabres game at KeyBank Center.  Tickets are still a relative bargain.

Buffalo Travel Tips: Hardcore hockey fans may wish to stay at the Marriott Harborcenter.  Not only is it located practically next door to the rink and but chances are good you will get the opportunity to meet your favorite visiting players and coaches. The Marriott is also conveniently located next to the 716 Sports Bar. Trust us, if you are a sports fan, you will want to stop by the 716.

The Bills Are Back!

New Era Field: Rustic but Entertaining! Let’s Go Buffalo!

After years lost in the NFL wilderness, the Bills are a good team again! If you do go to a Bills game, make the most of it by tailgating beforehand. 

Impress all of your local friends (and make new ones) by bringing a dozen Paula’s Donuts (along with your One Foot Cock Krupnik, of course) to your pre-game festivities. 

Further impress your friends by making the pilgrimage to The Pinto, home of Pinto Ron’s tailgate party.  Be charmed by the pizza cooked in an old metal filing cabinet and by complete strangers doing shots out of a bowling ball. 

Buffalo Travel Tip: When you go to Pinto Ron’s Tailgate Party, we suggest remaining an observer, not a participant — that is, unless you want to risk being stricken by a horrible illness.

Outdoor Winter Sports at Canalside

Are you more of a participant than a spectator?

The Ice at Canalside is New York State’s largest outdoor skating rink and a veritable winter wonderland for the outdoor enthusiast. Enjoy skating, curling, ice bikes and ice bumper cars from mid-November to March.

Buffalo – Cultural Attractions

There is more to Buffalo than food and sports! Classy up your trip and get your cultural fix with the following:

A Show at Shea’s

Shea’s Theatre: Great Venue To Watch a Show

Shea’s Buffalo Theatre, located in downtown Buffalo, is home to many touring Broadway shows and other special events. It boasts a truly impressive line-up of performances — everything from Jersey Boys to Smokey Robinson to Seinfeld.  And it doesn’t get any bigger than Seinfeld, does it?

A Visit to Martin House

Martin House: A Frank Lloyd Wright Masterpiece

Martin House, a series of buildings designed by Frank Lloyd Wright is a National Historic Landmark and a must stop for anyone interested in American architecture.

The Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra

Music lovers are sure to enjoy a concert from the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, which has an impressive array of performances.  The BPO performs in Kleinhans Music Hall, another one of Buffalo’s National Historic Landmarks, and a destination itself.

Looking for More Travel Tips and Recommendations? You May Want to Read These Articles:

Morocco Travel Tips: Mr. Thrifty’s Guide to Make the Most Out of Your Moroccan Adventure

Mr. Thrifty Takes a Road Trip: Finding Quality and Value in Mid Coast Maine

Mr. Thrifty Takes Miami: Tips for Saving Money While Enjoying Miami’s Best

Priority Pass Travel Hack: How to Use Priority Pass and Strategic Flight Times to Save on Hotels

How to Save Money When Exchanging Currency

How to Cut Your Phone Bill While Travelling

How to Save Money on Hotels

Don’t Miss Out – Sign Up for our Newsletter!

Keeping track of Mr. Thrifty’s travel tips is easy — sign up for our newsletter and have the updates delivered right to you.