Yes, Buffalo Wild Wings serves a wide variety of alcohol, including domestic and imported draft beers, wines, and specialty cocktails at all locations.
Buffalo Wild Wings operates as a full-service sports bar. You will find a distinct bar area in every restaurant, filled with large screens and a comprehensive drink menu. They focus heavily on beer, offering a mix of national brands and local craft brews on tap. Whether you want a cold pint with your wings or a mixed drink during the game, they have you covered.
Alcohol Options at Buffalo Wild Wings Sports Bars
The chain built its reputation on the combination of wings, beer, and sports. While the food draws many families, the bar service attracts sports fans looking for a complete game-day experience. You do not need to sit at the bar to order alcohol; servers bring drinks to tables in the main dining area as well.
Their selection goes far beyond simple domestic lagers. Most locations feature 20 to 30 different beers on tap. This lineup changes often to include seasonal rotations and regional favorites. If you prefer spirits, the full liquor bar stocks vodka, whiskey, rum, tequila, and gin for standard mixed drinks and house specials.
Domestic and Imported Beers
The beer list acts as the backbone of the drink menu. You can expect standard domestic options at every location. These usually include major names like Bud Light, Coors Light, Miller Lite, and Michelob Ultra. These are available in standard pints or the larger “tall” size.
Common Draft Options:
- Domestics — Budweiser, Bud Light, Coors Light, Miller Lite.
- Imports — Modelo Especial, Dos Equis, Stella Artois, Heineken.
- Craft/Regional — Blue Moon, Samuel Adams, Angry Orchard, Lagunitas IPA.
Local managers often curate the craft beer handles. This means a Buffalo Wild Wings in Denver will have different local IPAs on tap than one in Florida. You should ask your server for the current local handle list when you sit down.
Signature Cocktails and Spirits
The cocktail menu offers fruity, sweet, and strong options designed to pair well with spicy food. They use a variety of spirits to create these house drinks. You can order classics like a Jack & Coke or try one of their branded mixes.
Popular Cocktails:
- House Margarita — A standard blend of tequila and lime mix, often available on the rocks or frozen.
- Long Island Iced Tea — A strong mix of vodka, rum, gin, tequila, and triple sec, topped with cola.
- Bloody Mary — A savory tomato-based drink often garnished with olives, lime, or even a wing in some promotions.
- Berry Mules — A twist on the Moscow Mule using fruit flavors and ginger beer.
Does Buffalo Wild Wings Serve Alcohol? – Policy Details
The answer is a definite yes, but specific policies govern how they serve it. Since they operate as a family-friendly environment during the day and a lively sports bar at night, they enforce strict rules regarding service.
Servers check identification for anyone appearing under the age of 40. This policy helps them avoid underage service issues. You must present a valid, government-issued photo ID. Expired licenses or student IDs are generally not accepted.
Service Limits and Cut-Offs
Bartenders and servers monitor consumption closely. While there is no strict “two-drink limit” written on the menu, staff members have the training to stop service if a guest appears intoxicated. This aligns with standard responsible service laws found in most states.
Service Guidelines:
- Valid ID — Required for every alcohol order, regardless of apparent age.
- Right to Refuse — Staff will stop serving anyone showing signs of intoxication.
- Last Call — Alcohol service typically stops 15 to 30 minutes before closing time.
Happy Hour Specials and Drink Deals
Price drives many customers to B-Dubs for drinks. The restaurant runs regular “Happy Hour” promotions, though the exact times and prices vary by location and state law. Some states prohibit happy hour discounts entirely, so you should check with your local branch.
Typical Happy Hour Times:
- Weekdays — Usually Monday through Friday, from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
- Late Night — Some locations offer a second round of deals from 9:00 PM until close.
During these windows, you often find discounts on tall draft beers, house margaritas, and select appetizers. The “Bird Dawgs” and other bar food items frequently appear on this discount menu alongside the drinks.
The “Tall” vs. “Small” Draft
One distinct feature of ordering beer here is the size choice. You typically choose between a 16-ounce pint and a 22-ounce or 23-ounce “Tall” glass. The price difference is often small, making the larger size a popular choice for customers planning to stay for a full football or basketball game.
Wine and Alternative Options
Beer and cocktails dominate the sales, but wine drinkers have options too. The selection is modest compared to a steakhouse or Italian restaurant, but it covers the basics. You will usually find single-serve bottles or pours of standard varietals.
Common Wine Choices:
- White — Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Moscato.
- Red — Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir.
- Rose — Available at select locations.
Hard seltzers have also joined the menu in recent years. Brands like White Claw or Truly are often available in cans. These provide a lower-calorie, gluten-free alternative to heavy beers and sugary cocktails.
Pairing Drinks With Wing Flavors
Ordering the right drink can cool down the heat from spicy wings. The fat and sugar in certain beverages help counteract the capsaicin in the hot sauce. Experienced diners often match their drink choice to their sauce selection.
Suggested Pairings:
- Asian Zing & IPAs — The hoppy bitterness of an IPA cuts through the sticky sweetness of the chili sauce.
- Mango Habanero & Margaritas — The citrus and sugar in a margarita help balance the intense heat and fruity flavor of the peppers.
- Lemon Pepper & Wheat Beer — A Blue Moon or similar wheat beer complements the dry citrus rub without overpowering it.
- Blazin’ Challenge & Milk — Alcohol actually spreads the heat. If you attempt the Blazin’ Challenge, you might want a glass of milk nearby instead of a beer.
Taking Alcohol To-Go
State laws regarding alcohol takeout changed significantly in 2020. Many states now allow restaurants to sell sealed alcohol drinks to go with food orders. Buffalo Wild Wings participates in this where legal.
How It Works:
- Sealed Containers — Drinks must be in a tamper-evident container.
- Food Requirement — Most laws require you to purchase a meal alongside the alcohol.
- Pick-Up Only — Delivery services like DoorDash often cannot deliver alcohol, so you must pick it up yourself and show ID.
Note: This service is highly dependent on local regulations. You must call ahead to verify if your specific location offers beer or cocktails for takeout.
Non-Alcoholic Bar Options
Designated drivers and non-drinkers still have plenty of choices. The extensive soda and lemonade menu offers variety without the alcohol. The chain serves Pepsi products, including Mountain Dew, which is a favorite among their demographic.
Alcohol-Free Choices:
- Flavored Lemonades — Strawberry, raspberry, and other fruit mixes.
- Iced Teas — Sweetened, unsweetened, and flavored varieties.
- Mocktails — You can ask the bartender to make a virgin version of many fruit-based cocktails.
Comparison With Other Sports Bars
When deciding where to watch the game, comparing the bar service helps. Buffalo Wild Wings competes with chains like Hooters, Dave & Buster’s, and local pubs. The main differentiator is the sheer volume of draft lines.
Most standard casual dining chains offer 4 to 6 beers on tap. B-Dubs typically installs extensive tap systems with 20+ lines. This variety attracts beer enthusiasts who might otherwise visit a dedicated brewery. The atmosphere is also louder and more screen-focused than a place like Applebee’s or Chili’s, making it more socially acceptable to cheer loudly for your team while enjoying a drink.
Key Takeaways: Does Buffalo Wild Wings Serve Alcohol?
➤ Yes, every location features a full bar with beer, wine, and spirits.
➤ Draft beer is the focus, with 20+ taps including local craft brews.
➤ Happy Hour deals often run weekdays 3-6 PM, varying by location.
➤ Staff enforce strict ID checks for anyone appearing under 40.
➤ You can order alcohol at the bar or at tables in the dining area.
Frequently Asked Questions
What beer is on tap at Buffalo Wild Wings?
The tap list varies by location. Every restaurant carries staples like Bud Light, Coors Light, Miller Lite, and Michelob Ultra. Managers also select regional craft beers, IPAs, and seasonal ales specific to that area. Ask your server for the current local handle list.
Can I bring my kids to the bar area?
Generally, no. Most locations restrict seating directly at the high-top bar counter to guests over 21. However, the surrounding bar area tables are often open to families during the day. Policies differ by state law and manager discretion, so check signs upon entry.
Do they serve alcohol on Sundays?
Yes, they serve alcohol on Sundays. However, the start time depends on local “blue laws.” In some counties, alcohol service cannot begin until noon or 1:00 PM on Sundays. The restaurant remains open for food, but the taps stay off until the legal time.
Is there a limit on how many drinks I can order?
There is no fixed number printed on the menu, but servers follow responsible service training. If a manager feels you have had too much, they will cut you off. This often happens if you stay for back-to-back games, spanning 4+ hours.
Does Buffalo Wild Wings have a full liquor bar?
Yes. In addition to beer and wine, they stock a full range of spirits including vodka, rum, gin, tequila, and whiskey. This allows them to make standard mixed drinks, shots, and their signature cocktail menu items like the specific House Margarita.
Wrapping It Up – Does Buffalo Wild Wings Serve Alcohol?
Sports and cold drinks go hand in hand here. The restaurant provides a complete bar experience that rivals specialized pubs. From the massive selection of draft beers to the specialty cocktails designed to fight the heat of spicy wings, the menu caters to almost every preference.
You can count on finding your favorite domestic brew or discovering a new local craft beer while you watch the game. Just remember to bring your ID and check local happy hour times to get the best value. Whether you sit at the bar top or in a booth with friends, the alcohol service is a central part of the Buffalo Wild Wings atmosphere.