Hi -
We will be flying into Buffalo the first weekend in October to see the Pats/Bills game. We would like to hang around Buffalo on Sat., go to the game on Sun., and head to Niagara Falls on Monday. What would be the best place to stay? Should we rent a car at the airport or cab into town and not bother with a car until Mon.? Any recommendations for restaurants?

YOu'll probably want a car for the game on Sunday so I would rent one at the airport. Definitely go to the game early, it's a great tailgate atmosphere at Ralph Wilson stadium. Not sure what you're looking to do in Buffalo, but if you're planning on going to the bars, I would stay at the Hampton Inn in downtown Buffalo which is in the heart of the Chippewa District where all of the bars and many restaurants are. Post again and say what type of restaurant you're looking for. There are tons of great restaurants in Buffalo.

I would just pick up a car at the airport. Buffalo is very easy to navigate. Downtown on a Saturday will be very quiet. I would stay there though, because you can walk to the nightlife (Chippewa district, as mentioned by KathyK). Unless you are interested in history or architecture, I would probably spend Saturday walking down the Elmwood strip (a hip avenue with shops, bars, restaurants, etc.).

There's a Raddison on Main Street, a Hyatt on Main St., and a Hampton Inn on Delaware Ave. that are all within walking distance of the entertainment district. Check out http://www.buffaloniagaracvb.com/accommodations_1.html for more info. on each hotel.

There are tons of restaurants. Are you looking for cheap eats or upscale?

Have fun.

If you like staying with the team, i've seen quite a few teams at the Hyatt in downtown buffalo. no guarantees though. The Mansion on Delaware is a gorgeous boutique hotel. Great if you're coming with your signiciant other, but probably a waste if you're coming with the guys.
Definitely rent a car. public transportation is not a good option in buffalo.
Tells us what you like to do and we'll tell you where to go. The Albright Know art musuem is terrific; Delaware Park is beautiful if you're into a nice walk (they're both close together so you can do both at one time).
Its a great time to visit wineries in Niagara on the Lake-about 20 minute from Niagara Falls (in Canada).
Be prepared for any kind of weather at the game. The stadium can get pretty windy so even if its not very cold, it often feels colder. Also, not many seats have any protection from rain or snow. the visitors side is sunnier than the home side, which gets shade by about 2 pm.
Go bills!

Thanks for all your replies. My husband and I are coming with another couple and meeting friends from Rochester. The Chippewa district sounds like fun. We are looking for neither cheap eats or upscale but rather somewhere that would be fun to hang out and catch a bite to eat. We will definitely rent a car at the airport. The other ladies and I told the guys that if the game was any later than the 1st or 2nd week in October, we would be looking for them in the stands from our comfy bar stools.

Shaz- right in the Chippewa district are a couple of good choices... Baccus offers excellent small plates and a huge wine menu... Ya Ya Brewhouse on Main St. is great Nawlins style seafood and home brewed beer... My favorite in Buffalo is Hutch's... a casual but top notch eatery on Delaware (5 minute drive)... also a short hop from Chippewa is the original home of the Chicken Wing...Anchor Bar... the place is nothing special but it is a novelty to eat wings cooked the right way... see you at the game....

Another suggestion is the Pearl Street Grill and Brewery:

http://www.pearlstreetgrill.com/

Also, Gabriel's Gate on Allen Street or Jimmy Mac's on Elmwood Avenue.

Have fun!