Fifteen years is a long time to wait for anything in sports – even longer when you’re a Buffalo Sabres fan. And it seems even longer when you’ve spent those years explaining to out-of-towners why you still care, why you still watch, why you still believe that one day the blue and gold will mean something more than promise and potential.

Well friends, crack one open. That day is here.

The Sabres are back in the playoffs.

Believing that this day would come after a decade and a half, comes with a drink in hand. That’s where the beer comes in.

Downtown Buffalo, especially around KeyBank Center, has quietly become a pregame and postgame playground for people who care about what’s in their glass as much as what’s on the ice. The walk to the rink is an adventure – a crisp pilsner here, a hazy IPA there – maybe even a stout after the game to celebrate a win or process the kind of loss that only playoff hockey can deliver.

When you come downtown for the game, come thirsty. And there are a plentiful amount of breweries, beer bars and taprooms to wet your whistle before, between and after the games have been played. Some are within walking distance from KeyBank Center, some you can easily drive or grab a rideshare to, and you can also catch a ride on the NFTA Metro Rail.

What sort of steward for the Western New York beer scene would I be if I didn’t make things easier on those looking for a fresh pint or three? I have taken the best places to grab a local beer in the area and broken them down by vicinity to the KeyBank Center.

Walking Distance (Under 0.5 miles)

  • Hofbrauhaus Buffalo, 190 Scott Street, Buffalo (939-2337)
  • Pearl Street Brewery – 76 Pearl St., Buffalo (716-856-2337)
  • Pizza Plant Canalside (Pod City Beer Labs), 125 Main St. #110, Buffalo (716-626-5566)
  • Southern Tier Brewing, 7 Scott St, Buffalo (716-436-7999)

Driving/Rideshare Distance (0.5 – 2 miles)

  • Belt Line Brewery & Kitchen – 545 Swan St., Buffalo (402-1756)
  • Big Ditch Brewing – 55 E. Huron St., Buffalo (716-854-5050)
  • Buffalo Brewing Company – 314 Myrtle Ave., Buffalo (868-2218)
  • Old First Ward Brewing – 73 Hamburg St., Buffalo (855-8948)
  • OSB Ciderworks – 517 Main St., Buffalo (1-585-233-4381)
  • Other Half Brewing Buffalo – 1 Seneca St., Buffalo (409-4379)
  • Resurgence Brewing Company – 55 Chicago St., Buffalo (716-768-6018)
  • Riverworks Brewing – 359 Ganson St., Buffalo (716-342-2292)
  • Frequentem Brewing Buffalo – 225 Louisiana St Suite 107, Buffalo (716-322-7373)
  • BriarBrothers Brewing – 50 Elk St., Buffalo (716-217-0585)
  • Spotted Octopus Brewing – 41 Edward St, Buffalo (716-768-1388)
  • 42 North at the Flats – 674 Main St, Buffalo (716-815-4042)

A Little Further Out (2 – 4 miles)

  • Mortalis Brewing Buffalo – 1250 Niagara St Suite 130, Buffalo (716-314-5097)
  • Britesmith Brewing Company – 1250 Niagara St Suite 400, Buffalo (716-650-5555)
  • Autark Brew House – 420 Auburn Ave., Buffalo (716-800-1295)

I truly believe that our beer scene is world-class. Don’t take my word on it – experience it for yourself. Grab a pint or a flight of something local. There is a 100% chance you are going to find something you like, so grab a crowler, growler, cans or bottles to bring home.

This is Buffalo – 15 years of frustration, patience, and loyalty finally paying off. You don’t mark that with something forgettable. You grab a local pint. The Sabres are back. Now drink like it matters.

Brian Campbell is co-founder and Brand Manager of the Buffalo Beer League, and writes the weekly Buffalo Beer Buzz column. If you have beer news that should be included in the Beer Buzz, Brian can be reached at brian@buffalobeerleague.com, on Twitter (@buffbeerleague), Instagram (@buffalobeerleague), and Facebook (@thebuffalobeerleague).