BUFFALO, N.Y. — The Buffalo Bills game dining experience won't be as it once was since the pandemic, but not even a lockdown can contain the excitement of fans celebrating their first playoff home game in 25 years.

What You Need To Know

  • Soho and Rec Room are expanding dining patios for the Bills home playoff game
  • 'Playoffs on the Patios' dining plan was approved by the City of Buffalo to assist local businesses struggling amid the pandemic
  • Chippewa Street to close Saturday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

"I'm not sure how many cities, people want to get together and sit out in the freezing cold and get together," said Rec Room owner Chris Ring. "There are no heaters, but people are eager to support the Bills."

On Saturday, Rec Room and Soho restaurants are hosting Playoffs on the Patios, which has already been sold out. Chippewa Street will be closed (9 a.m. – 8 p.m.) from Franklin to Delaware streets to allow the restaurants expand outdoor dining. Patrons can expect high tables and chairs and a video wall to watch the game.　

"This is not a block party," Mayor Byron Brown said as a reminder that COVID-19 restrictions will be enforced. Masks and social distancing are required.

Through Buffalo's Small Business Social Distancing Initiative the city has been providing resources to help businesses survive the pandemic. More than 260 people are expected to attend this weekend's event.　

"That’s a small crowd in comparison to what myself, Chris Ring is normally used to on a typical Saturday night on Chippewa," said Soho owner Jay Manno. "I feel like we're pretty confident that we got this thing down and we're going to count on adults to be responsible."　

The restauranteurs say the Bills' good fortune is also a win for Queen City business.

"Since the new orange restrictions came into play, a lot of the businesses were forced to close entirely," added Ring. "We get to have our staff get back to work. We get to have people come back to Chippewa again."

Mayor Brown says that if the Bills' winning streak continues he anticipates more restaurants will fill out applications to participate.

"We have faith in our Bills," said Brown. "We believe the Bills are gonna go all the way, and we have faith in the Bills fans in Buffalo, New York to do the right thing."