Harry Buffalo East 4th — Restaurant in Cleveland

For context, this was my first time here. Friends have been here before and they suggested it because it was good. We met her for an early dinner beore the Cleveland Beerfest.

I expect to wait to get a table any time something is going on in the Gateway District. Everything else about the evening we waited considerably longer for than necessary. We had to flag someone clearing a table down after 20 minutes, because no one had been over to take a drink order, let alone greet or acknowledge our existence that they would be with us shortly. We ordered our food and drinks at the same time to ensure that there was not any further delays for things within our control.

It took a bit for the food to get to the table, again they were busy. However when it did arrive at our table, it was obvious it had been sitting in the kitchen for a considerable amount of time, because it was not hot; it was barely lukewarm. The fries were not ready with the rest of the chicken/sandwiches, and had to be brought separately. They were fresh out of the fryer hot! The food itself tasted good, albeit barely warm or even room temp but it was not a good first experience. Those members of our group who have been here before kept saying it's never been this bad.

Details I do not know that could impact things...

IF the business is so short-staffed that food is going to actually drop below temperature before it is served, have they oversat their establishment because they don't have enough servers to properly take care of the guests that are inside of it?

If they did not have enough servers on staff to properly seat all the tables, that is not short-staffed, that is overworking the staff that is there and blaming a staffing shortage on a problem they created.

If they do not pay their employees enough to deal with the public and what that can entail (IYKYK) and the over-seating created my ownership or management, that can impact short-staffing.

I will try them again. Even if my chicken was cold, fries were scolding from the fryer hot, and the server we did have smiled through the BS she seemed to have to deal with, it was...

I hate to say this but we will never go here again. Which is sad because we were really excited to try it. But here is why... We got there about 230 on a Sunday (3/23/25). It was fairly busy because of the NCAA tournament, but not unreasonably busy (we were seated right away). Our poor waitress (who was totally fine) seemed to be covering a lot of tables spread between two areas. So of course we were patient when it took a while to get food ordered. We got drinks and an appetizer that was really good... But that's where the positive stops. We waited over an hour for food that never came. Our waitress said there were some new cooks... Which could account for a long delay. But she also admitted that she noticed "a few" tables get food that should have been long after us. So clearly we were skipped for some reason. OK. Fine. Shit happens. But at this point it was creeping towards 5pm and we had an hour drive home. So I asked her to cancel our food order, which wasn't being made anyway. The waitress said she understood and would get the manager. 10 minutes later she checks on us and the manager had not come by yet. She tells me she will check with the manager again and remind them to visit us. Another 10 minutes, another visit from the waitress, and still no manager. That's when I asked to cash out and stopped waiting for the manager. Because clearly my family and I, and our happiness/satisfaction, were not a priority.

Look, we are very nice people, and tip well (still gave her 20% for virtually nothing) and can forgive most issues, like new cooks making mistakes. But to have the manager ignore us, TWICE... Man. That's insane and is a guarantee that we will not return and will never recommend this...

I had an absolutely fantastic time at the Hairy Buffalo in Cleveland, Ohio! From the moment I walked in, I was greeted by a lively atmosphere that immediately set the tone for a great evening. The restaurant's unique decor and vibrant energy created a welcoming space that was perfect for a night out with friends.

The menu at the Hairy Buffalo was nothing short of impressive. With a diverse range of options, there was something for everyone. I was particularly impressed by the creative twists on classic dishes—they managed to infuse familiar flavors with exciting new elements that truly delighted the palate.

The service was exceptional, with attentive staff who made sure our needs were met throughout the evening. Our server was not only knowledgeable about the menu but also went above and beyond to accommodate any special requests we had.

One of the standout features of the Hairy Buffalo was its commitment to providing top-notch entertainment. The live music and energetic performances added an extra layer of enjoyment to our experience. It was clear that the restaurant values creating a dynamic and engaging environment for its patrons.

As for the drinks, the bar did not disappoint. The cocktail menu featured a variety of creative concoctions that were expertly crafted and beautifully presented. Whether you're a fan of classic cocktails or more adventurous mixes, the Hairy Buffalo had something to satisfy every taste.

In summary, the Hairy Buffalo in Cleveland, Ohio, is a must-visit for anyone looking to enjoy a memorable dining experience. The combination of delicious food, fantastic service, and lively entertainment makes it a standout destination that I can't wait to...