Bills fans and Buffalo wing fans alike will soon have reason to celebrate. BUFF716, a highly anticipated Buffalo-inspired sports bar and eatery, is opening on July 21 at 7022 22^nd Avenue North in the Marketplace Shopping Center across from Tyrone Mall.

Complete with a massive life-size buffalo statue, signature wings, and an outstanding cocktail list, BUFF716 will be a foodie destination as well as a game day haven featuring more than 20 HD TVs strategically placed throughout the building. Whether you’re a Bills fan or just a local in search of good food and drink, BUFF716 promises to deliver “an unparalleled experience that captures the essence of Buffalo’s finest food, drinks and fandom.”

While the restaurant is being opened by owners born and raised in Buffalo, there will certainly be a St. Pete flair to the offerings, as the owners have tapped a pair of experts to lead the food and drink programs that locals will be quite familiar with. Chef Curtis Brown, who earned great acclaim at Taverna Costale, will be at the helm in the kitchen, while Vinoy mixologist Tom Leonard has crafted an exquisite cocktail program for BUFF716.

Chef Brown has devised a menu showcasing Buffalo’s cuisine alongside unique house-made specialties. In addition to wings, of course, guests can expect savory “beef on weck,” tender pierogis, burgers, salads, tacos, nachos, steaks, and an array of other mouthwatering dishes. Meanwhile, Leonard has curated a menu of custom cocktails for BUFF716, featuring stars such as the Loganberry Smash and the BILL-ionaire Margarita.

While BUFF716 will be an excellent spot for food, drink and sports every day of the week, it will become an absolute must-visit destination on NFL gamedays. Owners already have plans to turn the restaurant and bar into a St. Pete version of the infamous Bills tailgating scene, complete with a fake snow machine, bringing a raucous and rowdy atmosphere every Sunday during the season. They have even teased a mechanical snow mobile (instead of a mechanical bull).

While the opening is right around the corner, future plans at BUFF716 also include a new outdoor patio and tiki bar, where they will host regular events, including ACA-sanctioned cornhole tournaments.

Of course, BUFF716 will be much more than a sports bar. Several days a week, the restaurant and bar will turn into a club after 9 pm as DJs take over for themed genre nights. They also plan on hosting classic car meet-ups.

The grand opening for BUFF716 is Friday, July 21 at 7022 22^nd Avenue North, and it will be open from 11 am – midnight daily. Learn more at BUFF716.com.