The Buffalo Club — Restaurant in Santa Monica

I’m a SoCal native with 20+ years in the restaurant, bar and nightclub service industry. I currently work for one of the top night clubs in the world in Vegas. I’ve always prided myself on customer service and instill that in my employees. That being said, I was very disappointed in the bar staff and a majority of the security staff. The general ambiance of this bar does cater to younger patrons - mostly early 20’s, many of which tend to drink excessively and be less respectful to staff and each other. Think overcrowding, lots of pushing, spilling drinks on each other, etc. As a consumer I know I can’t control other patrons, but even in a hectic environment I’ve come to expect courtesy, decency and general manners from staff when I go out. In return I always extend the same, as well as gratuities to show my appreciation. Before our group even entered Buffalo several security members barked/yelled at us while we were in line. We were five feet away and the only ones in line. They could have spoken to us in a normal tone of voice. After being inside awhile I had a drink spilled down the front of my dress after a group of guys bumped a table of half full drinks as I was walking by. I walked up to the end of the bar to get some napkins and the bartender refused to acknowledge me. A security guard a few feet away came to my assistance, flagged down the same bartender and got some napkins for me. He really came through. Not five minutes later my husband walked up to the opposite end of the bar to get a last drink and a bottle of water for me when the bartender who refused to acknowledge me began flashing his light. Three security guards grabbed him at the bar, pulled him away and started yelling that he had to go. Another guard yelled at me he’s being kicked out and you both have to go. No explanation as to why or what infraction was committed. Again I understand things can be hectic - but neither of us were yelling, violent, combative, intoxicated (I don’t drink), just mostly confused. Screaming and grabbing people is not a mandatory protocol - asking someone to leave, talking rationally and explaining what’s going on can be achieved. I know. My club does it dozens of times a night 365 days a year. We rarely have a fight or have to use physical force. We pride ourselves on customer service. Needless to say, I won’t be back. However Buffalo gets 1star for the beautiful green patio ambiance and 1 polite...

A delicious dinner. Opened in 1994 by the writer, producer, and creator of Miami Vice, the TV show, it has really turned into a neighborhood gem. Originally a dive bar it’s in a more industrial part of Santa Monica, but that just means that parking here is really easy compared to over on Ocean Boulevard. I was able to find a free space right out front. They kept the theme of an East Coast style speakeasy and currently there are only 11 tables inside. Tons of nautical and landscape paintings strewn all over the walls with dim lighting and a full bar, it’s the sort of place you will want to stay awhile. There was only 1 waiter working tonight, but he was working really hard and did a great job. Hopefully next time they have 2 working to expedite wait times.

Tonight we ordered the Softshell Crab and Tuna Tartare appetizers to start and we loved both of them. I usually prefer pan friend softshells and these were fried, but were still very good. For our entrees we chose the Barramundi and the Chicken Pot Pie. All the tables around us were ordering the Beef Bourguignon, which I should have ordered, but both of our entrees were very tasty as well. The fish was cooked perfectly complete with crispy skin and the pot pie was deconstructed with Jidori chicken and a delicious sauce on the bottom.

Overall a great meal and I would easily recommend it to anyone for any occasion. I already plan to come back in the near future to try...

When this place first opened, in 1994, it was a classy, old-school type of establishment, where you could have an excellent meal, well-made drinks ... and it was quiet enough to have good conversation (one of the few in L.A.). Then, after a few short years, the owner decided to turn the place into a pick-up/party joint, with a cover charge for males and no charge for females, and loud live music. I'm sure that move increased his profits (alcohol, alcohol, alcohol), but it ruined the dining experience for many of the original customers, many of whom simply stopped going there. It's a real shame, because the same brilliant French-trained chef is still in the kitchen, but fine dining and a club full of raucous 20-something party animals do not mix. Farewell, Buffalo Club. Lucious food....