Inside College Hockey | Buffalo Primer

April 5, 2003
NCAA Tournament
Buffalo Primer | Part II

NCAA Tournament Coverage

As any college hockey coach will tell you, you're only as good as your scouting report. We're all embarking on a weekend in a strange city, but have no fear: Inside College Hockey has broken down the tapes and developed a game plan for your trip to Buffalo. In Part I, we covered how to get around, the weather and a few Friday getaways.

With three hockey games spread out over three days at the Frozen Four next weekend, it leaves plenty of time to check out the historical and geographic landmarks in the Buffalo-Niagara region.

In fact, Inside College Hockey has compiled a list of five Friday getaways (in Part I of the Buffalo Primer) to help pass the time on the Frozen Four's traditional day of non-hockey events.

Aw, heck. Who are we kidding? Quality drinking and eating time lies ahead, and the bar and party scene in Buffalo gurantees that this year's Frozen Four weekend will be a social success.

INCH has scouted out "the scene" in and around the HSBC Arena, and has good news to report. There's nightlife to satisfy any taste. From laid-back taverns to high-energy dance clubs, to coffee houses, and live music venues. Whatever you're into, Buffalo's got the answer.

Without further ado, here's a look at what you need to know about the nightlife near the rink in downtown Buffalo. Did you expect anything else? After all, we've brought you "Found on a Cocktail Napkin" all season, not "Found on a Postcard from the Art Museum."

Located downtown, near the theater district and the Hyatt Regency, is the Chippewa Street entertainment district. It's Buffalo's most-popular hot spot, featuring dozens of bars, clubs, and restaurants.

The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority operates Metro Rail, an above-ground rail service that can efficiently get hockey fans from the arena to Chippewa Street at no charge. Use the Fountain Plaza stop on Metro Rail for a short walk to Chippewa Street, which is situated roughly 10 city blocks north of HSBC Arena. Be aware, however, that Metro Rail stops running by 12:30 a.m.

Bars in the city of Buffalo, on the other hand, close at 4 a.m. Expect a cover charge at most Chippewa Street establishments.

INCH picks:

• Crocodile Bar: This popular destination on Chippewa is catering to the college hockey fan, opening at 2 p.m. Thursday afternoon.

Jason Woolley's favorites

Jason Woolley, a former All-American at Michigan State, is in his 12th year as a pro. He was traded to the Detroit Red Wings earlier this year from Buffalo, after spending five years with the Sabres. He shared with INCH his favorite spots from that time in Buffalo:

Bars
Soho
Club Marcello
Crocodile Bar
Bradford
Cobblestone

Eats
Chef's
Hutche's
Jim's Steakout
Pearl Street Grill

• Quote: Recommended for the college-age set. Its happy hour is said to be the best on Chippewa Street. Weather permitting, enjoy the large patio and social setting. One of many places to fall under the "party bar" designation on Chippewa, Quote doesn't consider itself to be a dance club, but you can shake that thang if you want. The local modern-rock radio station promotes and entertains on Thursdays.

• Barrel House: If sitting down at a table or at the bar with friends for a laid-back evening of conversation this is the place for you. Live music some nights, but no more than a two or three-piece group, playing classic and modern rock. Never a cover charge. Barrel House also has a great menu, with the traditional tavern-fare including wings, burgers, and other sandwiches.

• Big Shotz: Want to hear and dance to great live music? Want to chill out and throw some darts? Are Golden Tee and Mega-Touch video games more your thing? What about saddling up to a bar stool and checking out a game on the tube? All of those options are available to patrons of Big Shotz.

• Route 66: Catering to an older crowd, Route 66 is located a block or two north of Chippewa, giving it a nice separation from the bustling night life there. A specialty drink menu is a highlight, with the kitchen always open.

• D'Arcy McGee's: Modeled after an English or Irish pub scene, this is a popular place for the 30-and-older crowd. Often features live music of the classic rock variety.

• Pearl Street Brewery: Close to the Adam's Mark hotel, featuring a restaurant on the lower level and a relaxed bar upstairs. Pearl Street Brewery crafts its own beers, and has one to suit any taste.

On the air

Tune in to WNSA-FM 107.7 if you're looking for sports radio in Buffalo, including college hockey talk. Evening host Zig Fracassi has welcomed Lanny Gare and Don Lucia in recent weeks, plus Jeff Sauer and other INCH staffers.

Zig lists D'Arcy McGee's and Chef's as his top Buffalo bar and restaurant, respectively.

Quick notes on other places you might be staying ...

• Several hotels are also located near the University of Buffalo campus in Amherst, the first northern suburb of the city of Buffalo, and as you might expect, there are plenty of bars and restaurants to satisfy the college crowd.

• Near the airport, which is approximately 12 miles east of the city of Buffalo, there are plenty of hotels, national-chain restaurants, and the Walden Galleria mall, Buffalo's best option for a shopping fix.

EATS

Everyone knows about Buffalo's signature cuisine, chicken wings, but don't feel that you've got to head over to Anchor Bar for the original issue. No matter where you go in Buffalo, the wings will be outstanding.

For late-night snacks on Chippewa, there's only one place to be, and that's Jim's Steakout. The kitchen is open until 5 a.m. and serves a menu that satisfies every late-night craving.

For a true taste of the local flavor, try Mighty Taco. It's similar to Taco Bell, but with a Buffalo slant, and is tremendously popular among western New Yorkers.

Special thanks to Jim Puskas of Buffalo Bar Fly (www.buffalobarfly.com) for his contributions to this report.