Jan 26, 2016 – Watching sports is a rite of passage in Buffalo and Niagara Falls, NY. Particularly during those cold winter months, watching a game with a big crowd in a bar or restaurant has a way of turning up the excitement and bringing people together like nothing else really can.

To help get you ready for the upcoming Super Bowl, we’ve put together a list of the best places to watch sports in each of the neighborhoods of our apartment communities in Buffalo and Niagara Falls, NY.

And if you’re not a football fan, these bars and restaurants are great for watching all types of sports, from hockey to soccer and baseball.

Where to watch the game in Western New York

No matter who you’re cheering for, you’ll have a great time eating, drinking and watching at any of these sports bars, pubs and restaurants.

Elmwood Village / Downtown

(716) Food and Sport – While not technically in any of our apartment communities, 716 is just a short drive from Elmwood Village or North Buffalo and is the ultimate place to watch sports in Buffalo. Boasting a 38-foot screen, over 70 additional big-screen HD TVs (including TVs embedded in the bathroom mirrors!), the views and exciting atmosphere can’t be beat.

Coles – An Elmwood Ave. classic (it’s been around for 80 years) with a great selection of beer and pub grub, Coles is a casual, fun hangout for watching sports with friends.

Thirsty Buffalo – With 22 plasma televisions, there’s not a bad seat to watch the game anywhere at Thirsty Buffalo on Elmwood Ave. And the bar carries all sports packages, so you never have to worry about missing a big event.

North Buffalo / Parkside

Central Park Grill – This neighborhood bar might be more known for its blues-filled weekends and live shows, but Central Park Grill on Main St. is also a great place to watch sports due to its many plasma TVs and projection screen for Sunday football. And its Buffalo-based food menu is a perfect complement to watching football, hockey and more.

Gordon’s – With game day specials on food and drinks and plenty of TVs, you can’t go wrong with watching sports at Gordon’s. Located on Delaware Ave., it’s just a short drive from any of our North Buffalo or Parkside Apartments.

Més Que – If you’re a true “football” fan (aka soccer), you’ll love Més Que, Buffalo’s first soccer-only bar. Més Que regularly televises English Premier League, Major League Soccer, United States Men’s National Team, La Liga (Spain) and Serie A (Italy) league matches, so you’ll never miss a moment of action on the pitch.

Gecko’s Bar and Grille– With 10 flat screen TVs throughout the bar and various drink specials, Gecko’s on Hertel Ave. is a fun place to grab food and watch the hometown Sabres or Bills with friends or check out some of the out of town action.

Special Mention: Oliver’s Restaurant – While Oliver’s on Delaware Ave. is known for its sophisticated ambiance and top-notch food, one day a year it goes beyond fine dining to become one of the most fun places to watch the Kentucky Derby in Buffalo. The bartender calls the race himself and does a mighty fine job. And since it’s less than a five-minute walk from our Delaware Park Apartments, there’s no reason not to show up for the two most exciting minutes in sports.

Kenmore / Town of Tonawanda

The Jake Tavern & Grill – With great drink specials during football and hockey games, plenty of TVs, and a warm setting, The Jake on Delaware Ave. is perfect for unwinding, dining and watching sports in Kenmore.

The North End Bar & Grill – Recently opened in 2015, The North End on Elmwood Ave. in Kenmore offers a clean, inviting interior with several TVs to enjoy a casual meal while watching the game

Mooney’s Sports Bar & Grill – With locations in Kenmore, the City of Tonawanda, Depew, and more, Mooney’s is an excellent place to watch sports around the Buffalo area. It features several flat screen TVs, a 30-foot bar and delicious comfort food (we hear the mac n’ cheese is fabulous) for an all-around awesome game day experience.

City of Tonawanda / North Tonawanda

Crazy Jake’s – With 54 beer taps (including a large variety of craft beer offerings), several TVs and game day wing and drink specials, Crazy Jake’s on Webster St. is a can’t-miss destination for watching sports in North Tonawanda.

Dwyer’s Irish Pub – Known for its top-notch wings, friendly atmosphere and large tap menu, Dwyer’s Pub in North Tonawanda offers a relaxed and affordable place to watch the game, grab some dinner and make friends with the locals.

Fairways at Deerwood – Located on Sweeney St. in North Tonawanda, Fairways at Deerwood is a casual bar and restaurant with a fun, friendly atmosphere. Stop in after a round of golf (in the warmer months, that is) and grab a meal while you watch the game.

Niagara Falls, NY

The Third Street Tap Room – The definition of a neighborhood bar, The Third Street Tap Room in Niagara Falls, NY is the perfect place to watch the game in a comfortable, informal setting. They don’t have a kitchen, but you can order pizza from nearby Donatello’s and have it delivered right to the bar so you don’t miss a minute of the game.

Griffon Gastropub – Griffon Gastropub offers a more upscale feel than your average sports bar while still providing a fun atmosphere for watching sports. Its Niagara Falls, NY location has over 50 beers on tap, and its creative menu goes far beyond your standard wings and fries, featuring unique dishes such as bacon jam bruschetta, gnocchi poutine, and vietnamese meatballs.

What’s your favorite sports bar in the Buffalo and Niagara Falls, NY area? Where will you be watching the Super Bowl? Let us know in the comments below.