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Known for chicken wings, brutal winters, and die hard sports fans, you will see that Buffalo NY is also a top spot for planning an epic bachelor party. A big time boozy city with a price point far lower than its larger neighbors (such as NYC, Toronto and Montreal) reading this post will make you a Bill’ever that Buffalo is one of the top cities for planning your buddies’ big day. I’ve lived in Buffalo for the past 11 years and have been around the entertainment scene much more than most. I just recently had my own bachelor party in Buffalo in the summer of 2022 as well. Keep reading for “6 Awesome Activities for Your Epic Buffalo Bachelor Party.”
1. Plan an Epic Bar Crawl
Buffalo has some fertile soil when it comes to planning a Bar Crawl. With major party streets such as Allen and Chippewa and slightly more chill but bar heavy staples such as Hertel and Elmwood leading the pack, the possibilities for planning an epic bar crawl can seem endless. The main question is what vibe you are going for. Here I’ll briefly touch on some pros and cons of Buffalo’s top nightlife spots.
Hertel Ave
Hertel is definitely a more mellow vibe but still a great time. It has a beautiful and safe strip with awesome restaurants, boutique shops, and of course tons of cool bars. I lived in this area for 7 years and am in love. Note that this area definitely is more of the bar/restaurant scene and does not turn up as much as some of the other locations. Nor will the bars be open and as busy later into the night.
Elmwood
Elmwood village is often considered the top place to live in Buffalo. Chic new shops, cafes and trendy restaurants line the strip. Located in this cultural hub is also some of the top nightlife spots in all of Buffalo. The main issue with Elmwood village is its scale. Many of the top places such as Mr Goodbar, Forty Thieves, Jackrabbit, Thin Man Brewery, and Savoy are scattered down a long stretch of road; much less convenient than the other top spots. If you don’t mind the walk or have a party bus, Elmwood could easily be a top spot.
Canalside/Theatre District
For hearty locals looking for a new look or beer connoisseurs wanting to try some top Buffalo Brews, consider a crawl down by Canalside or the theater district. After many Allentown bar crawl exploits, my older brother decided on this strategy for my own bachelor party. We started at Hatchets and Hops, got food at Deep South Taco, and then hit Other Half Brewing Company, before ending at Hofbrauhaus. Especially if you’ve never been, Hofbrauhaus is a great time. Think massive German beer hall, loud music, and dancing on large wooden benches. Buffalo Riverworks is also an awesome downtown brewery that has food, booze, and numerous other attractions worth checking out!
Chippewa
Chippewa is a more ratchet club type scene. The bars are all lined up one after the other and you may find lines and covers depending on the night and events in the area. This is not my first choice but still would be a lot of fun.
Allentown
For those not familiar with the area looking for a great bar crawl spot, Allen Street is my number one choice. Allen is a narrow cobblestone road filled with bars, restaurants and intrepid Buffalo spirit (evidenced by attempts to rename the street after Bills Quarterback Josh Allen). I have personally been a part of 3-4 crawls on this street alone and always have a great time. Consider starting at Colter Bay before crossing over Delaware to Allentown proper. Here, Frizzy’s, Alley Cat, Falley Allen, and Brick Bar are all cool spots to consider before maybe ending the night with some upbeat music and dancing at Hardware.
2. Explore Some Unique Boozy Activities
As noted in the first paragraph, Buffalo is a boozy city. Perhaps nowhere is this more explicit than in the many unique drinking activities the Queen City has on offer. Let’s just list a few.
Buffalo Pedal Tours– bar crawl style biking experience where participants pedal a large moving bar from one spot to the next. You don’t actually have to pedal but it’s part of the fun. You can also bring your own booze on the tour between your other bar stops.
Buffalo Cycle Boats– a similar pedal experience except on the water. These tours are BYOB and involve a high energy pedal boat sightseeing tour along the historic Buffalo waterfront and Lake Erie.
Buffalo Tiki Tours– take your group on a floating tiki bar out into Lake Erie along Buffalo’s Inner Harbor. Grab some drinks at Riverworks to bring with you on your sunset cruise as well.
Buffalo Tractor Tours– a unique experience in which you get carted around from bar to bar in a large farmer wagon pulled by a tractor. It’s quite the interesting bar crawl idea for the right person.
Hatchets and Hops– with two locations to choose from, hatchets and hops is now more accessible than ever. The downtown location is in an awesome brewery type facility and each experience involves an instructor who goes through the basics and keeps score for your own mini tournament.
Central Rock Climbing Gym/Resurgence– this is a fun combo friends and I have done many times. Head over for some bouldering fun at central rock gym and then walk right next door for some post climbing brews at the exceptional Resurgence Brewery, which is attached.
Misuta Chow’s– cool japanese bar restaurant with a large retro arcade on the second level.
3. Set Sail
Located on rivers and near one of the largest bodies of freshwater in the entire world, Buffalo has quite the maritime tradition and culture. Your bachelor party would be remiss to not take advantage of the opportunity all this open water has to offer.
For my bachelor party we decided on a Craft Brew Sail through Spirit of Buffalo. It was basically a pirate ship with tons of friends and booze. The cruise was near sunset and the unique views of the city from the water were awesome. It was one of my favorite events of the whole weekend! Each tour includes small snacks and has beer catered by a local buffalo brewery. The city also has numerous other food, alcohol, and informational cruising options to choose from. Buffalo Harbor Cruises and Grand Lady Cruises are two other popular options. They all embark from the scenic and lively Canalside area of Buffalo where you can grab drinks, tour the historic sights, or grab food before setting sail. You can charter a private catamaran on the “moon dance cat” as well.
4. Voyage North of the Border
Buffalo is not only the second largest city in NY but is also just 30 minutes away from Niagara Falls, a busting entertainment and tourism mecca of Canada. At just a stone throw away, a multiday Buffalo Bachelor party can easily take advantage of an overnight is this entertainment hub and still enjoy much of the eclectic enjoyment Buffalo has to offer.
I’d recommend booking hotel rooms early during the summer months, for they do often sell out. During the day consider enjoying the Hornblower, Journey Behind the Falls, or Bird Kingdom. As night falls, hit the Fallsview Casino, Big Texas (mechanical bull), or the Beer Garden (karaoke) for some more fun and lively entertainment. There are also many other night clubs and bars to choose from along the very walkable strip. Two last points. Make sure to check out the falls itself. It is amazing to witness and people literally travel from all over the world for a reason. Second, weed is legal and freely consumed in the open should you care to indulge. There are dispensaries everywhere.
5. Engorge on Wings
Buffalo NY has the best wings. End of discussion. The only question is where you would like to indulge. The two most hyped spots in the city are Anchorbar and Duff’s. It’s almost a type of rivalry, where locals place their flag and decry loyalty to one or the other. I’m a Duff’s guy, so go there lol. They have some widely hot wings and tons of different locations. The “official” home of the chicken wing is the downtown anchor bar location, so if this appeals to you obviously go there instead (or just try both). My lowkey favorite wings are Gabriel’s Gate on Allen, however note I’ve never consumed them sober so take that recommendation with a grain of salt.
6. Get Outdoors
Not a crown jewel for outdoor enthusiasts by any means, Buffalo still has some diamonds in the rough for those who know the area. Here is a quick rundown of some cool hikes and outdoor pursuits near Buffalo.
Whirlpool State Park is my favorite hike in the area. There is no entrance or parking fee, awesome views of the gorge, as well as access all the way down to the river near the class 5 rapids themselves. The hike can be as quick as 1 hour down to the rapids and back or can stretch for miles along the river towards Niagara Falls State Park.
Eighteen mile creek is a less known cool hike in Hamburg. The hike is 4.2 miles roundtrip, has cool views of the ravine, and passes two smaller waterfalls. Another benefit of this hike is stopping at Hamburg Brewing Company on your way back for some lunch and brews.
American side Niagara Falls doesn’t have the glitz and glamor of it’s Canadian counterpart, however still makes for a great activity when in Buffalo. You can drive to Niagara Falls State Park, drop off your vehicle, and enjoy one of the great wonders of the natural world. Maid of the Mist is a must do in my opinion. Caves of the Wind is also awesome. The city of Niagara Falls itself is kinda sketchy and not a place I’d recommend exploring. However, the area around the falls is cool and worth a trip, especially for those out of town or who have never been.
If you want to spend a little time outside in nature, but don’t have the means or desire to leave the city, head over to Delaware Park. The park is divided in half. For a more scenic walk, park over near The Terrace at Delaware Park Restaurant and walk around Hoyt Lake. Isn’t a very nice walk/hangover cure and won’t take up too much of your day.
If hiking isn’t your speed but you’re still looking for something a little more active to do during your day, consider heading back down to the water. Canalside Buffalo is a scenic waterfront area where you can rent kayaks, paddleboards, and water bikes. The area has a nice walking path along the water, numerous informational placards, cool old military relics, and a world war 2 ship you can tour as well.
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