Going to UFC 210? Our Buffalo Bills reporter has a handy visitor guide for wings, beer and gambling

(The following is provided by Dan Quinn, who’s editor of BillsWire, a fellow USA TODAY Sports site. Get more Buffalo Bills news at billswire.usatoday.com.)

Daniel Cormier looks to defend his UFC light-heavyweight title against Anthony Johnson on Saturday at UFC 210. The pay-per-view fight headlines a historic event for Buffalo, N.Y., a city that hasn’t hosted a UFC event since 1995, after the state finally lifted its ban on MMA last year.

Buffalo will never be confused with or be described as a tourism paradise, but for fans and media alike, making their first trip to the Queen City, you’ll quickly realize that there is no shortage of things to do.

The fight is being held at KeyBank Center, located in the heart of downtown Buffalo, an area of the city that has seen an incredible resurgence with constant revitalization, development and growth that has helped spawn somewhat of a culinary renaissance.

While the big fight is the main event, Buffalo has always embraced the reputation of a city that knows how to have a good time. There’s no shortage of great drinking and dining experiences to be had. So, for those who are new to the city or simply returning after several years, no shortage of great restaurants and bars that are easily accessible, regardless of where you’re staying, are available.

Near KeyBank Center

716 Food and Sport

716 is a new-age, sports-themed, two-story restaurant that spans 13,000 square feet and is located next to Marriott Hotel and directly in the recently developed HarborCenter. Grab one of the many seats at the unique 40-foot long bar with a surface replicating ice from a rink and watch a game on the giant 38-foot television.

716 has more  than 40 different beer selections and a menu with a variety of delicious Buffalo-themed options. Enjoy a variety of pizzas, burgers and wings, or try out their spin on a city staple: a beef on weck sandwich, but served on a pretzel bun. 716 is surrounded by various shops and is across the street from Canalside, where you can view Lake Erie from the newly revitalized boardwalk or take a stroll through the Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park and explore some historic ships.

American/formal

Bacchus

For more of a formal dining experience, simply hop on the Metro Rail located outside of the arena and take it right up to Chippewa Street and enjoy the absolutely delicious entrees that Bacchus has to offer. Located in Buffalo’s historic entertainment district, Bacchus has an award-winning wine selection and American cuisine.

Cole’s

If you’re looking for a few drinks, good food and a fun atmosphere, look no further than Cole’s, a restaurant/pub in Elmwood Village that boasts a storied history dating back more than 80 years. Cole’s serves a magnificent brunch, the service is always second to none, and they quietly cook some of the best chicken wings in the city.

Mother’s

A few blocks over in the Allentown district is Mother’s, an upscale restaurant/pub that serves dinner late into the night. Mother’s has an intimate atmosphere, and while their menu features delicious steaks and seafood, they have other amazing entrees to choose from, as well. Many would argue that Mother’s serves some of the best chicken wings in Buffalo, and they have an extensive wine menu with a distinct selection to choose from with a bar that is open until 4 a.m.

Chicken wings

Buffalo is known best for chicken wings, so it’s only natural that you take a trip to either Anchor Bar, which created the original Buffalo-style chicken wing, or Duff’s Famous Wings, which claim to have “perfected” the chicken wing. Heck, try both and take part in the everlasting debate of which establishment serves the best wings.

Breweries

There’s a longtime saying that Buffalo is a drinking town with a football/hockey problem, and it’s hard to dispute that. Home to hundreds of bars and pubs, there are some excellent craft breweries you should drop in and enjoy a few cold ones at.

Pearl Street Grill & Brewery

Only a short walk from the KeyBank Center, Pearl Street Grill & Brewery is one of Buffalo’s most popular food and drink establishments. Built in 1870, the building has been renovated and currently has nine bars throughout four floors that serve house-made craft beers from the basement’s holding tanks.

Among the countless breweries you’ll see throughout the city, Pearl Street Grill features arguably the best and most diverse menu of them. They’re known for their famous beef on weck sandwich. They also serve delicious pizzas, sandwiches and salads made with fresh ingredients.

Big Ditch Brewery

Probably the most well-known location in downtown Buffalo, The Big Ditch Brewing Company, features four signature beers and the bar always has at least six to 12 beers on tap. They have a full menu that incorporates beer into their entrees as well.

Resurgence Brewing Co.

Resurgence Brewing Company provides a selection of uniquely flavored craft beers in a laid-back atmosphere that’s great for catching up with friends. Resurgence is aggressive with its new flavors – its staple is the Sponge Candy stout – so expand your tastebuds while taking in a fun atmosphere.

Gambling

Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino

The Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino is a stone’s throw from the KeyBank Center, so try your luck at one of the 800-plus slot machines or in one of their 20 table games such as blackjack, roulette, craps, poker and more.

For more on UFC 210, check out the UFC Rumors section of the site.

Rob Quinn is editor of BillsWire. Follow him on Twitter at @RobQuinn619.