After the first five regular season games, the Buffalo Bills’ 2025 season is rolling into its final stretch at Highmark Stadium.  Bills Mafia from across the country, as well as southern Ontario, will be making the pilgrimage to Orchard Park to be part of the action for the remaining five regular season games —and hopefully a return to the playoffs for a home game or two.

On Fridays and Saturdays prior to a Sunday game, Abbott Road buzzes with Bills Mafia arriving in town with energy as fans stream in and out of the Bills Store, local bars, and restaurants surrounding the stadium wearing their red, white and blue amping up for game day and the legendary tailgate experiences that surrounds the stadium and the lots around Highmark Stadium. The atmosphere is pure Buffalo: electric, communal, and impossible to replicate anywhere else.

For craft beer fans, Buffalo’s Southtowns offer the perfect pre and post-game experience. Within just eight miles of Highmark Stadium, you’ll find eight independent breweries serving up fresh, locally crafted beers to fuel the celebration and camaraderie with Bills Mafia from all over the country converging for the game.

The remainder of the Buffalo Bills 2025 regular season home schedule: 

Kansas City Chiefs: Sunday November, 2nd  4:25pm 
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Sunday November 16th  1:00pm 
Cincinnati Bengals: Sunday December 7th  4:25pm
Philadelphia Eagles: Sunday December 28th  4:25pm
New York Jets: Week 18 TBD

Nearby Breweries Around Highmark Stadium: 

New York Beer Project & Lodge – 2.5 miles away
245 Windward Dr. 
Orchard Park, NY 14127

Just off Route 219 at 245 Windward Drive, the NYBP Beer Lodge is a must-visit for Bills fans and craft beer lovers alike. Spanning over 24,000 square feet, it combines cozy lodge vibes with modern energy—featuring multiple bars, restaurants, and indoor-outdoor spaces perfect for any season. Whether you’re grabbing brunch, celebrating a win with a post-game pint, or catching the action on their giant video wall, the Lodge has a spot to match your mood. Planning a gathering? Choose from four unique event spaces—each with its own character and walk-out balcony—ideal for parties, reunions, or simply rallying your crew before kickoff.

Wayland Brewing Company – 3.4 miles away
3740 N. Buffalo St. 
Orchard Park, NY 14127

Wayland Brewing, at 3740 N. Buffalo Street in Orchard Park, is where craft beer, community, and Bills game-day energy come together. The bright, greenhouse-inspired taproom opens into outdoor courtyards with fire pits, bocce courts, and plenty of space to relax with friends. Their beers are brewed with a clean, ingredient-driven approach, paired with a menu that goes beyond pub fare—seasonal dishes designed to complement what’s on tap. For Bills fans, it’s an ideal stop before or after a game: sip a flight, trade stories in the courtyard, or gather the crew in Wayland Hall for bigger meetups or viewing parties. More than a brewery, Wayland is a true community hangout—whether you’re celebrating a win or shaking off a tough loss.

First Line Brewing Company – 4.1 miles away
4906 S. Buffalo St. 
Orchard Park, NY 14127

First Line Brewing, at 4906 South Buffalo Street in Orchard Park, has become a go-to stop on Bills game weekends. Opened in 2020 as the village’s first craft brewery, it was founded by locals with strong ties to service—honoring first responders and veterans through a “Pay It Forward” program. Their tap list is playful and bold, with standouts like We the People (blonde ale), Yabba Dabba…Dude (a Fruity Pebbles-inspired NEIPA), and Bitch’n Betty (blueberry muffin ale). They’ve even teamed up with Bills kicker Tyler Bass on special releases, making the connection to Bills Mafia even stronger. On game days, it’s the perfect place to grab a pint, wings, and soak in the camaraderie before heading to Highmark.

Butera’s Village Brewhouse – 5.1 miles 
32 Main St. 
Hamburg, NY 14075

Butera’s Village Brew House in the Village of Hamburg is a must-visit spot for Buffalo Bills fans looking to meetup and discuss the next day’s tailgate plans while enjoying great food, craft beer, and a lively atmosphere.  A unique experience by combining a full-service restaurant with its own on-site nanobrewery, Village Brew House. This setup allows fans to enjoy a variety of house-brewed beers alongside a menu featuring brick oven pizzas, fresh handmade cuisine, and craft cocktails.

On Bills game days, Butera’s becomes a hub for local fans. The establishment often hosts special events, including beer dinners and watch parties, creating an electric atmosphere that mirrors the excitement of Highmark Stadium. For instance, they’ve held beer pairing events featuring their own brews, such as the ‘Merica Lite Lager, alongside dishes like steak and roasted potatoes, enhancing the game day experience with flavorful food and drink pairings.

Johnson’s Landing – 6.2 miles away
4040 Lake Shore Rd. 
Hamburg, NY 14075

Located at 4040 Lake Shore Road, Johnson’s Landing is a lakeside favorite offering food, drinks, live music, and stunning Lake Erie waterfront views—an ideal spot to relax before or after a Bills game. Its laid-back, family-friendly atmosphere comes alive when Bills Mafia shows up, with fans enjoying bites, local brews, and the waterfront energy. On home game weekends, it’s the perfect place to start with brunch or unwind afterward with a drink, swapping stories and soaking in the game-day spirit by the water.

The Ridge West Seneca – 6.5 miles away 
555 Orchard Park Rd. 
West Seneca, NY 14224

The Ridge West Seneca, located at 555 Orchard Park Road, is a standout destination for Buffalo Bills fans seeking a vibrant game-day atmosphere. Since its opening in 2022, this modern American restaurant and brewery has become a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike. With its spacious outdoor patio, fire pits, and a full-service bar offering craft beers and cocktails, The Ridge provides the perfect setting to enjoy pre-game or post-game festivities.

On Bills game days, The Ridge enhances the fan experience by offering game-day specials, including large pizzas, wings, and craft beer. Check out the self-pour option in back! Their commitment to creating a lively and welcoming environment makes it a prime location for fans to gather, celebrate victories, and share in the camaraderie that defines Bills Mafia.

Whether you’re looking to fuel up before heading to Highmark Stadium or unwind after the game, The Ridge West Seneca delivers a top-notch experience for every Bills fan.

Hamburg Brewing Company – 7.1 miles away
6553 Boston State Rd. 
Hamburg, NY 14075

Hamburg Brewing Company is a favorite stop for Buffalo Bills fans looking for a lively, community-driven game-day experience. The picturesque patio makes a great scene to hang and plan your tailgate on Friday or Saturday before kick-off.  Since opening in 2012, this family-owned brewery has been serving up a diverse lineup of craft beers, including fan favorites like A Little Bit Lager Now, an American lager brewed with Citra hops, and A Little Bit Cider Now, a gluten-free hard cider with blue raspberry and cherry notes. On Bills game days, the taproom buzzes with energy as fans gather for pints, hearty food, and the camaraderie of Bills Mafia. With watch parties and special events, Hamburg Brewing creates a game-day vibe that rivals the excitement of Highmark Stadium itself.

Rusty Nickel Brewing Co. – 7.5 miles away 
4350 Seneca St. 
West Seneca, NY 14224

Rusty Nickel Brewing Company is a top destination for Buffalo Bills fans on game days. Its rustic, cabin-inspired atmosphere, spacious beer garden, fire pits, heated pergola, and plenty of TVs make it ideal for watching the game with fellow fans—or catching Saturday college football before heading to Highmark Stadium on Sunday. As a NYS Farm Brewery, Rusty Nickel serves a wide variety of house-brewed beers and seltzers, along with locally produced ciders, wines, meads, and spirits. It’s also a Harvest Host location, welcoming RVers to camp out for home games (make sure to reserve first), making it a perfect hub for fans looking to celebrate in true Buffalo style.

About Me. 

My name is Joe. You’ve stumbled upon this website probably because we share a common interest, that being craft beer! For me, it’s about beer, but it’s as much about the hunt. Finding new craft beer and craft beverage destinations across this great country, each one unique in its own right. It’s also about meeting new people, especially those that help produce and serve great craft beverages. While also experiencing the sites, nature and communities around these craft beverage destinations with people you enjoy. So yeah, I’m a beer tourist. Sound familiar?

For me, home is Buffalo, NY. Where I’ve also worked in the tourism and hospitality industry for almost thirty years. Currently on a sabbatical from bartending after my last stint of five years at Rusty Nickel Brewing Company.  I am also a Level I Cicerone Certified Beer Server.

When not working, I’m usually exploring the picturesque Finger Lakes Region of New York State with my wife and three dogs. Searching for new breweries, wineries, cideries and distilleries to enjoy and add to our travels. We love the Finger Lakes Region so much, and all that it offers in craft beverages and scenery, that we have a little retreat near Keuka Lake. With the multi award-winning Keuka Brewing Company just down the road, we’ve designated it as our official Finger Lakes home base.  Hence, my self moniker as “The Upstate Beer Tourist.”