I don't really like leaving subpar reviews. This restaurant has been on the island a long time. So I think some locals feel a bit nostalgic about it. The truth is, I didn't actually enjoy the food very much. Unfortunately, other than Panda Express, I don't think there's another Chinese restaurant here. And I would have rather had orange chicken from Panda Express than the Moo Goo Gai Pan I had for lunch at Happy Buddha. I will say this though, the service was wonderful and the building is quite interesting. Would I recommend? Nah, not really. Would I go back? Maybe, if I knew the company I was going with would be good enough for me to overlook the food. read more

Happy Buddha is, in my opinion, the best Chinese restaurant on Earth. Their food is great, the service amazing, and the atmosphere? Exceptional! Personally, I love the Moo Goo Gai Pan. It's the best I've ever had! Each dish has a unique taste and texture, even when they seem the same. The combos come with egg rolls, fried rice, and sweet and sour chicken or pork, which are all exceptional as well. Not only is their food delicious, but it's also healthy. The Moo Goo Gai Pan even has bamboo chutes! All the waiters a waitresses are really nice, never getting annoyed by the complications of your orders. They even let my very picky brother change out the sweet and sour chicken for soup, and the fried rice for white rice, never even a single frown or glare. Also, everything there looks so authentic! When you walk in the door, there are two happy Buddha statues; one small and gold sitting on a table, and one large on the way to the seating area. Rumor says, if you rub the large statue's belly, you get good luck! The seating places are exquisite as well. They even have a wall made of rock! read more

I was super excited to see HAPPY Buddha is still standing strong. This little blue roof place is so nostalgic to me, it gives me sweet happy memories of the world's best shrimp fried rice, growing up in Beaumont. (Hurricane Rita removed BMT location). Galveston is the only standing location, and I hope to see the second generation keep it solid, and the legacy alive. HB has touched so many families hearts and we consider this place a favorite go to. I love that you were able to suffice my request on splitting the shrimp fried rice order. Thank you for the extra love on the fortune cookies and keeping the shrimp fried rice full of shrimp and eggs just like it was when I was a kid. I love you guys deeply! See you guys next time & EVERY TIME I come on the island. read more

Happy Buddha - It's still here!!!! I'm so Happy to see you HAPPY BUDDHA - Chinese Near Me - Galveston, Texas

Happy Buddha is a classic in Galveston. It's old and dated looking. The tables are sticky. BUT the food is great and the servers are nice. The hot n sour soup was so good. Just the right amount of hot. My sweet n sour chicken with fried rice & egg roll were wonderful. I'll always come back. read more

Ice tea was fresh & they bring you a craft so you're never waiting on a drink. We had the pan fried combo noodle which we don't usually like gravy. It was really good. I highly recommend the jalapeño chicken. It is seasoned so amazingly. Have him bring you the sweet-and-sour sauce on the side. Gorgeous visiting, but if we lived here, we would come back. read more

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Hidden gem...worthy of being a weekly visit. Here's the deal. I'm from SoCal and we've been on the island for a week and I'm tired of fried food. So we came to Buddha because we needed Asian food with white rice. Reviews stopped us from coming here sooner...so sad we waited so long. This is a family restaurant, at least three generations. Inside is unchanged for nearly 50 years and looks like an Irish steakhouse. Food is excellent. Very homemade and different in a good way than Cali Chinese. Service is the best, family members serving, bussing tables, greeting guests. We had the Mandarin Delight with three meats, lots of diced vegetables and a sauce that is flavorful and tangy. All of it freshly prepared. We also had the Singapore Noodles with pork and shrimp, totally reminded me of pancit with rice noodles and lots of black pepper...outstanding. Finally topped it off with sautéed snow peas! Yummy and fresh. Anyways, get here. Prices are more than reasonable, food is plentiful, service is the best. BUT don't expect white tablecloths and uniforms. PS - The Long Island Iced Tea is killer. Thanks Angela! All meals are freshly prepared. read more

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The food was just okay. Very dry rice and jalapeño chicken was bland. It really needs to have a more creamy consistency.

The food was not good. The fried rice tasted like it was burnt, and it had chunks of lunch ham in it. The egg roll was soaked in fry oil. Lastly the sweet and sour chicken did not taste right. Also the atmosphere was terrible, no music, everyone was eating in one place, lights were off, etc. The one positive was our waiter, she was working hard, as do all waiters. read more

I don't understand why the lower rating. This place is top notch cuisine! The entire staff is friendly and accommodating. Clean restaurant. Our hot and sour soup was spicy and loaded with the usual veggies and mushroom and even chicken. My Lo mein side had a wonderful smoky savory sauce as did my husband's Vegetable lo mein. Iced tea came in a carafe so we could refill ourselves. If we lived in the area, we'd visit here often! read more

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The atmosphere is good. I think it used to be a Steak and Ale. The food is the worst Chinese food I have ever had. I always try places at least twice just in case they were having a bad day. Both times were bad. I will not go again. read more

Do not eat here. It was so nasty. I can't believe they have any good reviews. I got vegetable fried rice with an egg roll, and it was disgusting. Huge chunks of celery in the fried rice...yuck. It had no flavor. The only vegetables were carrots, onion and celery. The egg roll tasted stale. Don't waste your money. And Dominic T. I got my food to go, so wrong person. And yes there was celery in my fried rice. I'm not an idiot. See the photo. read more

Happy Buddha - Vegetable fried rice. Horrible. - Chinese Near Me - Galveston, Texas

Stopped for takeout. Food arrived pretty quickly and packaged well. There was a sign telling people to check their order before they left, I can see why since my egg drop soup was left out and I had to ask for it, so it makes me wonder if it happens often. The egg drop soup was the saltiest soup of any kind I have ever had in my life, I think. I ate less than half of it and threw the rest away, I could almost feel my blood pressure blowing up. The pork entree was a little blah, contained huge chunks of vegetables and too much sauce. They didn't even throw in hot mustard for the egg rolls. Oh, kinda weird but I ordered lunch takeout, and the lunch specials come with soup. But the takeout version, for the same price, does not include soup. However, it isn't a packaging issue because you can pay extra and purchase the soup that should have but couldn't come with the meal. Will probably not be back. read more

On vacation in Galveston. Food was excellent. I spent a year in Thailand and this is real Asian food. Will was very helpful answering my wife's questions professionally and in a courteous manner. Would go again and highly recommend. read more

I'm not sure why the rating is so low for this long-time local spot. I've been coming to Happy Buddha for 20+ years. It's good Chinese food. Nothing mind blowing, but solid, tasty Chinese food with huge portions and nice staff. The employees are always so nice and provide great service. Everyone in our group enjoyed their order. The combos are like $13 too! A deal for all of the food... easily two meals. The restaurant & bathrooms were very clean. They also have a full bar. Cold mugs to go with our beer. If you haven't been, give them a try. Great to-go orders too! read more

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My partner and I came for lunch and sat at the bar with Will. He provided awesome service & the food was so good!! Definitely going to be one of our go to lunch spots from here on out! read more

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This place has been an island staple since before I was born. I grew up eating here at least once a week and now my kids love it too . Service is always amazing, food is always fresh and delicious, and the ambiance is relaxing. They also make a great mixed drink. read more

WILLIE FANCY SON! he's always hooking it up. Coming back every weekend. The bar is where it's AT. Love it here. The people, the fish tanks, the service. Nothing but 5 stars baybee! read more

I've been eating here since I was a student at UTMB in 1969. That's a long time. The food has consistently been good to good times and bad times on the island I can always count on the generals chicken on the wonderful egg rolls and my favorite shrimp fried rice and egg drop soup. All the other things in between are great And you will always be greeted with a smile from staff who are there to enhance your experience if you dine in order to have your order to go prepared quickly. read more

I have a group of friends who are born and raised Galveston locals who always insists on coming here when we have a day on the island. It is definitely a hole in the wall but in the absolute best way. It has so much character like the stained glass windows in a Chinese restaurant, or the choppy layout of the place. I don't know when this place was built, but everything looks original from way back when. You don't come here for gourmet food. My friends warned me it was mediocre at best and that is exactly what I got. It wasn't nasty by any means though. The drinks were nice and stiff. We sat at the bar and the staff seems to know all the regulars and locals. It was a fun hangout spot that I would come back to again if in the area. read more

The pork lomein wasn't good. It had a gravy with it. Very weird and not a traditional pork lo mein. The sweet and sour chicken was okay. The egg roll tasted bad and had an unpleasant smell. The fried rice wasn't good. We won't be back. The service was great and the staff were very attentive. read more

Happy Buddha - Pork Lo Mein - Chinese Near Me - Galveston, Texas

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The quality of food has gone down over the last few years and the prices have increased. The lunch menu was below average. Honestly, it just tasted like frozen microwave food. No flavor, nothing special. The restaurant is also in bad condition overall. I would give this a skip. It's sad because it used to be pretty good. read more

Always one of my favorite go to places for Moo Goo Gai Pan and Shrimp Fried Rice when on the island! Fast service as well as a family friendly atmosphere make this a true Galveston staple! read more

Very attentive staff. Quick service. Very tasty, homemade comfort food for great prices. I had the combination Gen Tso's and wonton soup. Both were very flavorful and generous. I will definitely come back. *only a small negative note... it's pretty dark when you come in but don't let that deter you. Staff is very sweet and welcoming. The dining rooms are cozy but not superb. read more

December 2,2019 came in for "to go" special fried rice...it was delicious! BUY LOCAL SUPPORT LOCAL read more

The food was great, but the place needs a total remodel. The service was awesome can't complain. The inside needs a true facelift. Just know if you look past the old log cabin feel, you will receive a great Chinese (American) meal. I must admit, I would return for the food and I had a good time with the wait staff. Great place to receive a take out order. read more

food was nasty. i ordered jalapeño chicken and no jalapeños in there but just pieces of chicken and no seasoning... the mandarin chicken was nasty and sauce.. ricejust all bad... i see why people that grew up eating from here don't go anymore... not the same.. nasty food and higher prices.. read more

DO NOT EAT HERE. We placed a pick up order for 6 meals, and only received 5. Not only were we missing a meal, but the food was disgusting. The General Tso's tasted like brown gravy on plain chicken, the fried rice tasted like burnt grill, and the lo mein literally screams no. I called to get a refund for the meal WE DID NOT RECEIVE and the "manager" told me he couldn't give me a refund because "he has hundreds of transactions" and won't be able to locate the receipt. We ordered within the last hour and a half and they didn't even give us our own receipt copy. Soooo unprofessional, the quality of the food is disgusting and disappointing. Never never never eating here again!! I will be telling everyone I know to pass the word on to not eat here. read more

Happy Buddha - The "Lo Mein"....... - Chinese Near Me - Galveston, Texas

The food here is good. They do use pork in everything including the rice, and it provides amazing flavor. That said , it's not halal and it's not kosher. If this is a problem for you ... be careful. The service is 5 star. The taste is really out of this world. It's worth every penny. If you are looking for tasty Chinese food in Galveston - you will want to order from here today . read more

We had a great dinner, reasonably priced, clean & friendly. The flavor of our food was gooood. Reminds me of a little Chinese place where I grew up. I enjoyed seeing family working together & training the younger siblings with a good work ethic. read more

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Yippee! I live in Galveston and last time I ate here I didn't like it! I just picked up sweet and sour chicken, Chicken Fried Rice, Mongolian Chicken and Walnut Shrimp and egg rolls! It was great!!!! Loved it and will be going back. The walnut shrimp was in a creamy white sauce over lettuce topped with walnuts. The Sweet and Sour Chicken was nice chunks of chicken (white meat). The chicken fried rice was great, and the Mongolian beef was just enough spice. It was all so delicious! read more

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Happy Buddha, or simply Buddha, is a big part of Galveston just like the sand and surf. Having been born and raised on the island, eating here was one of my favorite things to do with my family. Since I moved away, however, I only go to Buddha once in a blue moon. Today, my mom and I feasted on the young chow fried rice and the egg foo young. Buddha is tops when it comes to fried rice. The young chow is rich in ingredients and flavor. No shortage of meats, either. It could be a meal all on its own if only the servings were larger. Don't pass this Galveston institution up if you're visiting for a few days. read more

Happy Buddha - Chicken egg foo young. - Chinese Near Me - Galveston, Texas

I must admitted that I was skeptical when I read the previous review but I ended up order at Happy Buddha. I ordered the combination fried rice to-go and it was good and honestly above average of regular Chinese restaurant. The price is decent consider it's in Galveston, I will try something else next time. read more

I'm going to agree with the folks who have reviewed this place and have noted the quality of the food and the service provided and the staff. Both my companion and I got sick off the chicken today. I thought it may have been the soup but my companion was also sick; it was immediate so it was definitely contaminated food. The service was not friendly and we saw our waitress twice, for the order and for the bill. I guess fortune cookies are getting expensive because we didn't get any at the table or at the cashier when we paid. The staff was definitely young and not very hospitable. By the way, I've lived here 35 years and this is not Hardy's Happy Buddha...a lot has changed. The restaurant gets by on its old reputation. read more

Low ratings well deserved! We came anyway because islander said best Asian in town, if so stay away! Soup started out good. Sweet and Sour chicken with no vegetables and very little sause. Beef and Broccoli just sucked. Lots of unfriendly staff. Wiĺ not be back. read more

One of my favs for egg roles and spare ribs. We love this home town favorite. I would go just to have the tea. read more

Happy Buddha - The best tea on the island - Chinese Near Me - Galveston, Texas

This place has been here since I was a kid and it was a special treat when we went out to Happy Buddha. I was home for the weekend and got a table of 10 with no issues. *They added gratuity automatically The smell and inside is exactly the same which means it was nostalgic but not much upgrades made. It's hands down the best a Chinese food in Galveston! We had a mixed party of 8 with family members. Ordered jalapeño shrimp, sweet and sour chicken, pepper steak, cheese puffs, shrimp fried rice, chicken noodle soup and egg drop soup. The food and smell is super consistent. The plating was just like I remembered The prices and portions are very reasonable and family friendly. You can share a dish to stretch dollars. I even like they have a bar to add a cocktail to your dinner. The only con is that the staff is light so we didn't receive the warmest and most attentive service. The waitress was rushing and quickly dropped the menu down and we could tell was not into explaining much or asking if we've been there before. If this wasn't home and I was there more for memories of food, this would have turned me off. This is why I took off stars. read more

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The food and service was excellent. Staff was very friendly and helpful. The place didn't look like much on the outside but inside was great. Best oriental chicken wings this side of Mississippi. read more

Food is not the same. Employees are young. One of them looks 13. He served us our drinks with a hoodie on. He was also walking around eating a bag of hot chips. I will not be returning. read more

Man ohhhh man, you brought me back down memory lane. The original restaurant was in Beaumont Tx, and when they closed down I was saddened ! When i heard about it being in Galveston I had to stop by..... nothing changed but the date .... it's no white table cloth dining but definitely hit the spot . read more

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It had been a few years since we had been to Galveston and could not remember where we had previously gone for Chinese food. We looked up reviews and were disappointed in what we read about the few places we found. As chance would have it we drove by and recognized the Happy Buddha as the place we had been and despite the negative reviews, decided to stop by. We were not disappointed at all. The service was excellent and fast. The food was hot and was good. I would agree with some of the reviews that some staff spend too much time checking their phones but I see that in a lot of places now. However, it did not impede our service as our waitress was very attentive. I would certainly recommend this as a place of decent food at a reasonable price with good service. It's is not the best Chinese food I have ever had but it is definitely not the worst either. read more