Heading downtown to see the Buffalo Bisons play is a favorite pastime in Western New York. However, a trip to Sahlen Field isn’t complete without good food beforehand. Whether you want to satisfy your tastebuds at the ballpark or check out some local hotspots before the first pitch, the local dining scene has you covered.
Consumer’s Pub at the Park
275 Washington Street
Fans can score delicious Buffalo fare and brews just a few steps from home plate. Consumer’s Pub at the Park offers some of Buffalo’s best cuisine offered buffet-style on the ballpark’s first base mezzanine level.
“We’ve had a great partnership with Consumer’s Beverages for a number of years, so they were the natural choice when we decided to rebrand the in-stadium restaurant. Our fans have come to know the ballpark as a place where they can always enjoy great craft beers and drinks either before or during the game because of our partnership with Consumer’s,” said Rob Free, Vice President of Food Service Operations at Rich Baseball Operations.
Fans can even opt in for all-you-can-eat options to fill up on as many of Buffalo’s best dishes before heading in to see the game.
“Our All-You-Can-Eat Buffet has been a tremendous hit with our fans since we adopted the format a couple seasons ago. It allows fans a different option to the classic ballpark foods in the concession stands with one of the best views in the ballpark. Our weekday afternoon games are particularly popular for fans, and the Pub at the Park has become the destination spot for many on those days,” Rob added.
Menu items are rotated throughout the season so fans can get a taste of every local summertime special. Of-age fans can also pair their meals with some of the city’s best on-draft craft beers, including beverages from Southern Tier, Flying Bison, Big Ditch, Resurgence and more.
Consumer’s Pub at the Park opens up two hours before the first pitch of every home game and can be accessed from the Washington Street entrance or Section 112 in the Sahlen Field. Seating and service are limited, so interested guests are encouraged to make a reservation 48 hours in advance at PubAtThePark.com.
Sahlen Field Concessions
1 James D Griffin Plaza
One of the best parts of any ballgame is the concessions. At Sahlen Field, fans are in for a selection of some of Buffalo’s favorites, including Sahlen’s hot dogs, La Nova pizza, Charlie the Butcher’s beef on weck, Alexandra’s homestyle pierogies and Western New York’s original pizza logs.
“We have so many great local food vendors here in Buffalo and Western New York and we want to bring in as many of those great offerings here to our fans each and every night. Of course, that starts with another great partner in Sahlen’s. Baseball and hot dogs from two family-owned companies that have been in Buffalo for well over 100 years… is the perfect combination,” Rob shared.
Other ballpark meals and snacks include burgers, nachos, popcorn, ice cream and fries. Bison game tickets often include promo deals for concession items within the stadium, so double-check yours to cash in on some sweet savings.
Ballyhoo
211 South Park Avenue
There are two things that are synonymous with Ballyhoo: links and drinks. This bar and restaurant, just a few minutes from Sahlen Field, plates up superb house-made sausages, mac and cheese and other delectable sides. They also have a full menu of classically made cocktails, draft and canned beers and wine by the glass. While reservations aren’t required, Ballyhoo does have limited seating inside, so get there with time to spare.
Downtown Bazaar
617 Main Street
If you’re taking the metro rail to a Bisons game, hop off at Fountain Plaza Station and head north a block to visit WEDI’s Downtown Bazaar. This newly opened eatery doubles as a small business incubator, allowing New American chefs and entrepreneurs the chance to share their culture and cuisine with the local masses. Guests can try out everything from traditional Mexican and Ethiopian to South Sudanese and Filipino dishes all right in the heart of the theater district.
Graylynn
537 Main Street
Just steps away from Downtown Bazaar and Fountain Plaza Station is Graylynn, a charming casual gin bar and bistro. This restaurant is perfect for a pre-game date or an artsy outing with the gang. Graylynn is open for brunch, lunch and dinner, serving up delightfully elegant small plates, sandwiches and pub fare.
Hofbräuhaus
190 Scott Street
There’s no better place to kick off a fun day or evening downtown than Hofbräuhaus. One of the newer establishments on this list, Hofbräuhaus has cemented itself as the city’s epicenter of Bavarian food, beer and entertainment. Everything from the menu and chef to the surroundings is authentically German, so you and the gang will be in for a one-of-a-kind experience before you even reach the ballpark.
Hombre y Lobo
149 Swan Street, Suite 1
At Hombre y Lobo, tacos and tequila go hand in hand. This vibrant, colorful Mexican restaurant pops inside with its fantastic murals and decor. Nearly every day of the week brings new happy hour specials or events, so make sure you give yourself plenty of time to find a seat at this cool, casual hangout.
Liberty Hound
1 Naval Park Cove
Located along the Canalside waterfront and Buffalo Naval Park, this seafood restaurant brings in crowds with its one-of-a-kind views and wins them over with fantastic food. The Liberty Hound is one of just a few area eateries with top-notch clams, calamari, steamers, mussels and more. Guests can choose indoor or outdoor dining and enjoy cocktails along with their meals.
Pearl Street Grill & Brewery
76 Pearl Street
Pearl Street is practically a right of passage in Buffalo. This copper-roofed restaurant boasts four floors, a basement, nine bars and a sprawling New Orleans-style wrap-around patio filled with hanging baskets of blooming flowers. Not only can guests see the ballpark from the patio, but views also include Lake Erie and the surrounding cityscape.
Pete’s Place Food Shop
290 Main Street
Regulars of Pete’s Place can’t get enough of the fast, friendly service, fresh ingredients and culturally infused menu. Recently renovated, this breakfast and lunch spot is just steps away from the ballpark. Customers are welcome to chow down on Buffalo-inspired dishes inside or take items to go.