The Happy Buffalo Restaurant & Bar — Restaurant in Hội An

Well it was not worth riding across town for. An honest review and constructive criticism to perhaps improve your hospitality! I had earlier in the day whilst out exploring detoured to check this place out. I pulled up outside at around 10.30 and was surprised it was open, as was led to believe it opened at 16.00. I was greeted friendly by a woman named Hoa I believe her name was ?could be wrong. Anyhow Hoa was very friendly and proceeded to show me the breakfast menu & lunch, all sounded pretty good, but I truthfully told Hoa i was just checking it out for now as had already had breakfast and was not hungry which she totally accepted and understood. She asked where I was from and friendly chitchat. I then asked was this owned by a New Zealand couple ( actually pretty sure I said kiwi first but then quickly thought she might not understand that ) She said ohh yes New Zealand couple come in afternoon we run breakfast and lunch. Ok I understand I said People need to rest. She said I was welcome to come back for lunch or dinner. Well I've discovered that despite what the proprietors of Happy Buffalo might want to have you think on another review via Google maps. That Hoa runs her business under the same banner as Happy Buffalo. Now Happy Buffalo owners will tell you differently and that they are not associated with the business that Hoa runs. Ohh but you are by the fact your all under the one roof and name of Happy Buffalo. I should have listened to my judgement but thought I'd give the benefit of the doubt and give then a try in the evening. Well a 20min ride across town and the moment I walked in I sensed this was some kind of clicky expat shindig! I approached the bar and not even a hello from one of the owner's or what would you like ? I Instigated that by saying I would like some food and a beer. Was handed the menu and perused for a few minutes and decided on what I'd like. Was about to order sliders but then informed no sliders as no buns. Fair enough. What about the sausage ? Do have those buns, yes they do. Ok I'll have that and fish & chips . And I'll have a rum & coke. I attempted to make friendly conversation with one of the owners by asking apart from the obvious what brought two kiwis to Hoi An. Diving I was informed. And a quick brief on that. I then asked about the rice paddie view ? Ohh that was at the old place down the road . Hmm well I thought to myself you might want to somehow convey that in any future social marketing as its still showing and implying that you have a nice view across rice paddies. I know they can't change older posts but they can certainly have influence on any future ones. I then proceeded to make my way to a seat at the front of restaurant. Soon my sausage in bread arrived or snag in a bun, call it what you will ! But this was one dried out bun ! Definitely was not today's bun. Apart from that nothing special about it at all. Then came my fish and chips in batter. The fish were decent enough size portions. But if your going to serve fish and chips, at least make sure the chips are not McCains frozen ones! Whatever they were i expected something better than what was delivered. Now this is a pretty long winded review and thought can I be really asked ? As its highly unlikely I'll be back. Having said that maybe they were having an off night ? Because based on the reviews I thought this establishment was going to be something special from some antipodeans. It was VERY average and think if your going to run an establishment that's mainly aimed at westerners, at least make the effort to make everyone feel welcome! Afterall they are your bread and butter. And with regards to Hoa and her business under your roof, I'd be sorting that out pretty quickly, because if that was in Oz or NZ it would be clearly deceptive...

Popped in here for a pint during a weekend in Hoi An. I’d been before a few years back when it was in another venue, but stopped going because of the previous owners — two elderly birds, Debbie and Hugh — who were far too fond of gossip. On one visit I came with a mate, and not long after I left, someone at the bar messaged me to say they’d started spreading stories about me. None of it true, and that was the end of my visits back then.

Now the place has moved and there’s a new owner, Paul. I didn’t meet him, but people speak well of him, and by all accounts the gossip has quietened down. Not sure how it could be worse than before, though I hear Cadillac has taken up the role, as if the chatter moved across the street when the pub moved. The bartender is a woman who I believe they called Tip, but maybe I was being given a hint. She's definitely an asset here.

The space itself is unusual, with a swimming pool in the middle. Nobody was in it, but there’s seating along one side where you can have a quiet conversation. Motorbike parking inside the entrance was a real plus, especially with the rain that evening. Bathrooms clean and spotless.

Drinks-wise, there’s not a huge selection, but the lagers were cold and well-kept. There’s a small food menu, though I didn’t try anything this time.

All told, I enjoyed it much more than I did under the old ownership. A decent place to sit with a cold pint, and I’ll likely return next time I’m in Hoi An. I’d...

ok. First, beware: the restaurant's owners rent the place to other people from morning to lunch included. As far as we know, there is no sign informing customers of that. Stay clear of the place till 4pm at least (it's supposed to be nice afterwards, but we can't vouch for it).

As far as our experience is concerned, we got lunch. We waited 1 hour to get the worst hamburgers I've ever had. cold, thin and strangely tasting burgers which I seriously doubt were Angus, rock hard bacon and a overcooked fries. Even the fresh spring rolls were way below par. And it wasn't even cheap. the carrot juice and mango milkshake were good and the staff friendly, but I would definitely not recommend eating there.

Finally, the owners asked me to delete my review since we hadn't eaten at their restaurant exactly: I beg to differ. They are fully responsible of the food and service provided there, particularly when nothing says it's a different place. We went there based on the reviews given to THEM. So no, I won't retrieve it. People...