Buzz's

Do they have a salad bar for lunch and dinner?

No salad bar that I have ever seen. Just salads in the menu.

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Is it less crowded on weekday tha weekend?

They take reservations. I would suggest reservations any time you'll like to go. Seems consistently busy.

Is it still open for lunch?

It was when we ate there on vacation in February. My suggestion would be to call them on the phone old skool and ask.

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How busy is it on a week night? Are reservations recommended?

Yes it's busy what ever time you go, definitely recommend reservations.

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What is there dress code?

Island casual

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Do they open on Thanksgiving day?

No, closed Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

Do they have a salad bar like the one they had in Pearl City?

Yes, they do it's really good!

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Do they have any vegan options on their dinner menu?

You could probably have a green salad, would not expect vegan here. They are such a small operation that's very well attended and probably don't feel the need to venture too far beyond steak.

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Holly S.

2 years ago

Here's an excellent review of Buzz's Original Steak House in Kailua, tailored to your specifications: --- If you're looking for a dining experience that combines mouthwatering food with an unbeatable island vibe, Buzz's Original Steak House in Kailua is an absolute must-visit. Nestled just across the street from the breathtaking Kailua Beach, this iconic spot offers not only a feast for your taste buds but also a front-row seat to one of Oahu's most stunning coastal views. The turquoise waves, soft white sand, and gentle trade winds create a backdrop that elevates every bite into something truly memorable. Let's start with the lamb chop salad--a dish that's as delightful as it sounds. The tender, perfectly grilled lamb chops sit atop a crisp bed of greens, paired with a dressing that strikes just the right balance of tangy and savory. It's hearty yet refreshing, making it an ideal choice for a beachside meal. Each bite feels like a celebration of flavors, and the quality of the ingredients shines through in every forkful. Then there's the clam chowder, a creamy bowl of comfort that warms the soul. Packed with plump clams and a rich, velvety base, it's seasoned just right--neither too heavy nor too light. There's a subtle kick of spice in there that keeps things interesting, and it's the kind of dish that makes you want to savor every spoonful. Pair it with a piece of their bread, and you've got a match made in heaven. But the real star of the show? The calamari. Buzz's takes this classic appetizer to another level with their calamari steak. Forget the usual rings--this is a generous, golden slab of tender squid, lightly breaded and pan-fried to crispy perfection. Served with a luscious lemon beurre blanc sauce dotted with capers, it's an explosion of flavor that's both indulgent and unforgettable. I found myself mopping up every last drop of that sauce with their complimentary bread--it's that good. What ties it all together is the view. From the covered patio or even a cozy spot inside, you're treated to a postcard-worthy panorama of Kailua Beach. The laid-back, tiki-hut charm of the restaurant only enhances the experience, making you feel like you've stepped into a slice of old Hawaii. Whether you're sipping a mai tai at the bar or digging into your meal, the sight of the ocean stretching out before you adds a magic that's hard to beat. The service is friendly and attentive, the atmosphere buzzes with energy, and the food is consistently top-notch. Buzz's Original Steak House isn't just a meal--it's a Kailua institution that delivers on every front. If you're on Oahu's Windward Side, do yourself a favor and stop by. You'll leave full, happy, and already planning your next! read more

Ian D.

426

2 years ago

BLUF: The quality of food and service doesn't justify the high prices. As a Kailua local of over 30 years, I hadn't been to Buzz's since before Covid. While I was never particularly impressed with their food, I decided to give them another chance for the sake of my out-of-town guests and the undeniably beautiful beach sunset view. The experience started on a frustrating note when I tried calling on Wednesday evening to make a reservation for Saturday. The phone was disconnected and kept dropping the call around 6 PM. Ultimately, I drove there to book in person. Fortunately, the hostess was apologetic and accommodating, which I appreciated. Our party of six triggered an automatic 20% gratuity. Upon arrival, our server, Leslie, greeted us warmly and did a thorough job explaining the menu and specials. Unfortunately, one of our guests' desired Pinot wasn't available, but the rest of the menu was fully stocked, and we proceeded to place our orders. When the food arrived, the issues began. My ground sirloin, ordered medium, was mushy and rare. Similarly, my uncle's medium-rare ribeye was undercooked--two out of three beef entrees missed the mark. I brought this to Leslie's attention, and she promptly sent my dish back to the kitchen and offered to comp a dessert as compensation, which was a considerate gesture. However, when my sirloin finally returned--15 minutes later--it was overcooked and well done. At that point, I would've eaten it regardless, just to avoid further delays. After that interaction, Leslie became scarce. Aside from bringing the bill, we barely saw her again. If not for the food runners and other servers, our drinks would've gone unfilled, and we wouldn't have ordered dessert. By 8:30 PM, the restaurant was much less crowded than when we arrived, leaving us wondering if the guaranteed 20% gratuity had made us less of a priority. As a group, we agreed that while the food was decent, it fell far short of justifying the steep prices and inconsistent service read more

Tim C.

2 years ago

If you're stopping by for a casual lunch or enjoying a fun evening out, Buzz's consistently delivers a satisfying experience, but it's their lunch menu that truly steals the show. One standout item is the Fish Burrito, a mouthwatering combination of fresh, grilled fish wrapped in a warm tortilla, loaded with vibrant, tropical toppings. The fish is always perfectly cooked, flaky, and flavorful, while the burrito is balanced with just the right mix of textures and flavors--from creamy avocado to zesty salsa. It's a filling, flavorful dish that hits the spot every time. While the dinner menu offers a variety of great options, there's something special about Buzz's lunch offerings that make it my go-to choice. The lighter, more relaxed vibe during the day, combined with the flavorful options, makes for a laid-back yet satisfying dining experience. Buzz's also offers a fun selection of drinks, perfect for kicking back and enjoying the island breeze. Whether you're in the mood for a refreshing cocktail or a unique tropical drink, they've got something to keep things lively. With its tasty dishes, fun drink menu, and breezy atmosphere, Buzz's in Kailua is a great spot for a casual, delicious lunch--perfect for enjoying the flavors of Hawaii. read more

Mona H.

11 years ago

Celebrated my birthday tandem with one of my best friends this weekend here. We had a group of about 15. Drinks, appetizers, entrees and dessert. Needless to say were going to pay a pretty penny. Not sure if it was the manager or someone with a power trip but her name was Mahealani. By far the worst customer service I have experienced anywhere. I work in marketing and public relations, and will never recommend any of my clients to go there...Buzz's should do themselves a service and replace her. Our reservation was at 5 she told us we had to be out by 7, lol really? Our dinner came at 6:30! The she told us she couldn't separate the check, then she told us that we had no consideration for the other guests that were at the restaurant...I guess she felt we were too loud. We were having a great time yes, but we were sitting behind the bar. I have never in my life sat at a bar that was quiet. She took what would have been other wise such a fabulous, fun night into a total bummer. The salad bar was mediocre, but the appetizers, dinner, cocktails, and our waitress Ashley was great. Take your business elsewhere, the food is not that great to overlook the horrible experience. If I could I would rate a big fat ZERO. read more

Rg G.

8 years ago

I love Buzzs and the owners and have been going there for 30 years. But after going there the last 3 times and having average food, its hard to rate it above a 2 star. Our last visit we ordered calamari steak, prime rib and Beef ribs. The calamari steak was great. The prime rib was chewy, had big portions of fat and was not worth eating. We sent it back and they told us that prime rib is supposed to be fatty. We disagree, prime rib with the word Prime, should be well marbled and tender. Prime rib is basically a ribeye steak. Who wants to eat a chewey ribeye steak that was mostly fat. They brought out another piece with just as much fat and it was very chewy and tuff. I cook my own prime rib at home that i buy at Costco, its Choice cut and it is well marbled and tender. The smoked prime rib they sell at Buzzs is not worth eating. There are many complaints on yelp avout there prime rib, and I dont understand why they just dont buy from another vendor and deliver a quality product. My ribs were served luke warm, almost cold and that was my final straw. Please please get back to quality food Buzzs and I will come back. Until then I'm done. read more

Roger W.

2 years ago

Buzz's Original Steakhouse is a culinary gem that deserves all the praise it receives and more. Our recent visit was a testament to the restaurant's commitment to excellence in both food and service. Our waitress, Hoku, deserves special mention for her exceptional service, which enhanced our dining experience tenfold. She anticipated our every need with a smile, making us feel truly welcomed and valued. Now, let's talk about the steaks. Each cut was cooked to absolute perfection, a testament to the skill and precision of the chefs. Whether you prefer your steak rare, medium-rare, or well-done, Buzz's delivers flawlessly. The juicy tenderness of each bite was a testament to the high quality of the meat and the expertise of the kitchen. In summary, Buzz's Original Steakhouse is a true standout in the culinary scene, offering not only mouthwatering steaks but also impeccable service that leaves a lasting impression. Hoku and the entire team have truly raised the bar for fine dining experiences. Don't miss out on this culinary delight! read more

G D.

3 years ago

I don't understand any of the negative reviews here. They seem to be from people who are upset that during a busy time for the restaurant they weren't the server's sole focus of attention. If you go to a busy restaurant in a town with a lot of tourists during peak season, you might have to wait a bit. We thought the server was highly attentive. She has a lot of tables but never forgot about us. The food was top notch across the board. Fantastic drinks menu. Laid back, rustic, traditional location. While parking can be a challenge plan ahead or prepare to walk a bit and see the sights. If you're looking for cheap food that'll be served to you immediately please just go to McDonald's and don't show up here with a bad attitude or leave a poor review. It's a nice spot if you know what you are looking for and the majority of people who go with appropriate expectations will be happy. Remember when you leave a nasty review for a family owner place like this you're going after a family's business and livelihood. read more

Jess T.

5 years ago

Aw man, I'm so bummed to be leaving this review. I had such high hopes. We booked a reservation for dinner @5 pm, got a babysitter, and were looking forward to finally eating at the famous Buzz's for my birthday! But as soon as we walked in, we couldn't wait to leave. We were told several times that we had limited time with our table as they were booked up and had another reservation coming in. While we understand how busy they must be, it was off putting to be told that over and over and over again - even when we still had plenty of time under OUR reservation. As customers trying to relax and enjoy a meal, it felt like they were just waiting for us to leave. I tried to appreciate that they are squeezing in as many people as possible, but the whole energy of the place was just stressful and rushed and unwelcoming. On top of that, our meals (chicken teriyaki and rib eye) were nothing to sing home about. I'd rather spend my $ at a happier spot. read more

Brad M.

6 months ago

If you're heading to Buzz's, do yourself a favor and ask for Josh you'll thank me later. From the moment we sat down, Josh brought the perfect mix of professionalism and genuine aloha spirit. He was incredibly attentive without ever hovering, made great recommendations (seriously, he knows the menu inside and out), and kept everything flowing smoothly the entire night. What really stood out was how he made the whole experience feel personal. It didn't feel like "just another table the took the time to check in, made us laugh, and made sure every detail was spot-on. Our drinks were never empty, timing between courses was perfect, and everything came out exactly as expected. Great food is one thing, but service like this is what turns a good night into a memorable one. Josh absolutely elevated the entire experience. We'll definitely be back and we'll definitely be asking for Josh again. read more

Lee J.

286

9 years ago

A "must" visit while in Kailua! It's the ONLY spot with a nice beach vibe on this side of the island. The outdoor patio is great for drinks and appetizers. The mai tais are famously delicious (and strong!) but we also love the Freshie Margarita and Lychee Martini. I tend not to eat dinner here since it's expensive and just "good" but not "fantastic". The best appetizers are Panko Crusted Calamari Steak, Sashimi (huge portion of super fresh fish!) and the Pupu Steak Plate with a platter of Salad Bar items. Get any of these with a side of rice and you are good to go! The dress code means no tank tops for guys (they have Aloha shirts you can borrow) and ladies shouldn't wear bathing suits but sandy feet are ok! Service with a smile is always a plus. read more

Jessica K.

2 years ago

Buzz's Steak House has a few things to work on. The service was mediocre; our main course took over an hour to arrive, which was quite frustrating. Our server didn't inform us that certain items, including the prime rib, were sold out, and he seemed inattentive and lacked urgency when assisting our party compared to other tables. Additionally, refills were not provided until we flagged down our server, which impacted the overall dining experience. The parking situation is also quite poor, making it difficult to find a spot. While the food was decent once it arrived, the long wait and service issues overshadowed the meal. Overall, it was an average experience that could be greatly improved with better service and parking. read more

Sophia W.

495

1853

2 years ago

I was really looking forward to trying this restaurant, as it always seemed popular. Unfortunately, my experience didn't meet expectations. While seated at the bar, the service felt inattentive. We had to request water, and there was a noticeable delay in taking our order. The overall experience left us feeling unsatisfied, leading us to only order an appetizer before deciding to leave. I hope this feedback can be used to improve the service, particularly at the bar area. Despite this experience, I believe the restaurant has potential, given its apparent popularity. I'd be open to giving it another chance in the future if improvements are made to ensure guests feel more welcomed and attended to." read more

Devan C.

11 months ago

I just had the BEST experience at Buzz's Steak Shack thanks to Cody and Mahina! Cody was truly the sweetest server -- attentive, kind, and always one step ahead. He made us feel so taken care of without ever being overbearing. You can tell he genuinely loves what he does because it shows in the way he treats his guests. Mahina behind the bar was an absolute gem! Her drinks were not only delicious but made with so much care. She was warm, welcoming, and added such a fun energy to the night. You can feel the aloha in everything she does. Both Cody and Mahina made our visit so memorable. Buzz's is lucky to have them -- and we can't wait to come back just to see them again! read more

Samantha W.

Elite 23

112

261

2 years ago

Buzz's Original Steakhouse is a fantastic dining spot! The staff is warm, welcoming, and brings a bright energy to the place. The food is delicious, especially the artichoke surprise, which is a unique treat. Their burgers and fish are also top-notch, perfectly cooked and flavorful. The drinks are strong yet delicious, adding to the great experience. Outdoor seating is lovely, with a nice atmosphere to enjoy your meal. The only downside is the limited parking and occasional wait time, but it's well worth it for the wonderful food and service. A must-visit if you're in the area! read more

Clayton C.

8 years ago

My son said Buzz's was a place to try so I thought that I would swing on by. After a short wait we got a seat and scanned the menu for something to eat. The Teri steak sandwich caught my eye and my wife gave the fish burrito a try. We were both happy with what we got the food was delicious and came out hot. Mine came with fries that were a delight cooked to perfection and crunchy to bite. The wait staff was friendly , the view was just right and all in all it was a great night. If you're in the neighborhood take my advice enjoy Buzz's Steak House it is very nice. read more

Food G.

100

3 years ago

We visit Hawaii a couple times a year. We always make a trip to Buzz's the atmosphere is awesome! Food as always, just OK. Our latest trip the service is also just OK. The food was a little bit better than normal this time, but they still have not brought back the salad bar a.k.a. the thing that makes them famous. until the salad bar returns, We won't either. Such as a shame that the restaurant got used to being lazy after Covid and haven't brought the salad bar back. read more

Dora D.

109

125

2 years ago

What a great restaurant! Our family enjoyed a delicious meal after a day at the beach across the street in Kailua. We had reservations, which I highly recommend because they get busy. We ordered the artichoke and mushrooms as an appetizers. They were scrumptious. We ordered steaks, chicken, baked potatoes, salads and shrimp. All wonderful. Our waitress and server took great care of us too. 5 stars for great food, great service and super convenient location. read more

Kelly G.

567

194

4 years ago

Stopped in for a snack and a refreshment after hiking pillbox and was the perfect little spot. They were super friendly, nice seating outdoors, beer was refreshing and the fries were great too! The menu was smaller as we got there before dinner, but it was a great little spot for what we needed and they were dog friendly too which was great as well! Waitress was the nicest, would definitely recommend! read more

Jasmine C.

1 year ago

Buzz's is a laid-back local spot in Kailua serving up classic comfort food! The burgers are juicy, and the sandwiches are stacked high. The atmosphere is relaxed, and the service is friendly, making it a great spot for a quick bite or casual meetup. While the menu could use a bit more excitement, the prices are reasonable, and the portions are generous. A solid choice for a no-frills meal! read more

Katie M.

13 years ago

I wish I could give this place more stars. It is just a little uncomfortable every time I go. They need to take out maybe 2 or 3 tables and spend them all out more. Also....EVERY TIME I walk to the salad bar there is always something they ran out of and I have to ask about it. Last time was the lettuce. I still go here but it is the last resort most of the time. read more

Buzz's - steak - Updated October 2026

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