I was able to get boots on the ground this weekend and see first hand what is going on in Buffalo. We’re going to break down position by position.

Wings

Obviously this is where Buffalo has the most depth.

1. Elmos- This is the elite tier wing. Everything works together. The sauce is perfect, wings are properly sized and crispy. The bar is incredible, similar to the GAP.

2. Prohibition Pub- Fantastic wing with a very subtle sweetness in the buffalo, unexpected flavor but superb quality as well. We went here before the game and it was a wild scene.

3. Wingnutz- Recommended by Jake, Wingnutz was excellent, just a small step behind the top two. Definitely unique in the sauce department and lightly breaded which gives a nice crunch.

4. Gabriels Gate- Very hipster place, I felt like I was in Portland. Wings were good, especially if you like extra crispy. Average sauce. This is where I drew the line for above average.

5. The Pub- Awesome dive bar but I’d have to give the wings another chance, they came out plain but at least were good quality. They were very busy with Christmas Karaoke which are the two worst things that can happen to a bar. Definitely would go back another time though.

6. Anchor bar- The alleged original buffalo wing spot. Disappointing wings, floppy lower quality chicken, really underwhelming sauce flavor. Cool place to see but not worth getting the wings. 

Sandwiches

This is the side of the menu that Buffalo has a lot of holes. The first thing I had was a decent reuben until I tasted the cinnamon they inexplicably put on it, there is no place for that in society. Buffalo’s claim to fame is their “Beef on Weck”. This sandwich is an abomination. The beef is fine but the roll is covered in terrible seeds like something you’d find in the back of the spice drawer that no one has ever used. Then they add so much friggin sea salt your kidneys will wonder why you’re drinking ocean water. The lone bright spot was the philly cheesesteak from Wingnutz; very cheesy, good cut of steak, nice onions and peppers.

Beverages

1.  Molson Canadian- Pretty decent beer, light enough to slug a bunch down in a shed or anywhere really.

2. Genessee- I can’t give this one a fair rating as I only had the cream ale which was like a creamsicle, surprisingly smooth though.

3. Labatts Blue- No one enjoys shitty beers like I do but this was a tough one. I drank them to fit in but will not seek out Labatts again.

In the non-alcoholic spotlight is Tim Hortons. This is a must visit establishment. The donuts are fantastic and I had a great experience here with the hockey rink table. As for the quality of the coffee, I won’t besmirch the pride of Canada, but I am looking forward to my Dunkies this morning. 

Final Thoughts

Overall Buffalo is a decent city with incredible fans. These people truly are different. Everyone has full Bills gear on all the time. They don’t say goodbye when they leave, they say Go Bills. Even though we are Pats fans they offered us the finest gifts of booze and drugs. If any fan base deserves a ring this year it is Bills Mafia.

Since it’s Christmas I’ll throw out a couple of bets to fade while we’re here.

Chiefs -2.5 @ Steelers (43.5)

The Chief’s are getting Worthy involved and Patty has plenty of weapons, they should be able to put up decent points again. It looks like Pickens could be back so I’m hoping the Steelers can keep up and make it an interesting game at least. I’ll lean over.

Chiefs 27, Steelers 23

Ravens -5.5 @ Texans (46.5)

I had high hopes for the Texans but they just haven’t been right and now with Dell out I dont have much faith. The Ravens are rolling and getting into late season form where they kick the shit out of teams right up until it matters in the playoffs. Josh Allen left the MVP door open after the Pats game so maybe this is where Lamar locks it down.

Ravens 42, Texans 20