Updated on 9.5.2016. (2nd visit review on the bottom).
For the record, I am NOT a fan of Mexican food. Never was, probably never will be.
Just not my thing. So when my friend decided to have their birthday here, I was curious but unsure.
Just not my thing. So when my friend decided to have their birthday here, I was curious but unsure.
| 1) It's not Traditional Mexican (more upscale with modern twist). 2) It's bought to you by the same owner of Shokudo & Bread + Butter (which I really liked, see my review here). |
Buho's "Award Winning" Ceviche made with Yellowtail - $13.95. The flavors were simply fantastic! The only thing I have to pick at is there's not more (than the 3 convenient layers).
Manchego Smoked Brisket Enchilada- $18.95. Nice flavors and soft brisket. You can ask for more rice if you are not a fan of beans.
Ginger Lilikoi Margarita- $12. I figured, I'm at a Mexican-ish restaurant, I might as well order a Margarita. It was not bad. But take it with a grain of salt since I'm usually a wine drinker. The ginger extract was very prominent and seemed to over power the drink. It's made with Tequila, Lime sour, Ginger syrup, Passion fruit puree, and Grand Marnier. I actually didn't finish it and went on to wine. My friends also ordered the "Dole Whip" which they preferred instead.
Tequila Garlic Shrimp- $19.95. I wasn't 100% sure about ordering this to be honest, since I don't care for Tequila. But the "Garlic" part was calling my name. The sauce was amazing! An explosion of flavors that worked together beautifully. I could lick the plate (but I won't). I would definitely order this again.
[PROS]
[CONS]
[NOTE]
- Relaxed (rooftop) ambiance.
- Nice service. We actually had a server (Olivia) who was on their first day. I thought she did a really good job especially handling our big party (of 20+).
- Various inside/ outside seating options. Can accommodate a lot of people + good for parties.
- Private dining room available.
- Free nightly music entertainment.
- Limited wine list, but prices are reasonable. Example a ~ 5/6 oz. pour of Ferrari Carano is $10. Wines by the glass range from $9-$14 (12 choices at the moment).
- Full bottles from $35-$140 (Silver Oak- Alexander Valley); $365 (Dom Perignon).
- They advertise that you can see the Hilton Hawaiian Village fireworks from the rooftop.
[CONS]
- No validated parking (cash only); $7 flat-rate after 6 or 6:30p. Parking rates.
- The tables inside the wooden terrace were too close towards the seats (it felt really cramped).
- As majority of the restaurant is open-air, not great when it's raining.
[NOTE]
- For large parties, they can accommodate up to 4 separate checks.
While BUHO might not have converted me to a Mexican food fan,
the dishes were pretty tasty to warrant another visit.
I will need to check them out for Happy Hour or Taco Tuesdays next ($2 tacos).
the dishes were pretty tasty to warrant another visit.
I will need to check them out for Happy Hour or Taco Tuesdays next ($2 tacos).
| Buho Cantina @ Waikiki Shopping Plaza 2250 Kalakaua Ave #525 (5th floor) Honolulu, HI 96815 808.922.2846 Reservations on-line (Open Table). Parking fees Hours Sun-Thurs: 11a-1a Fri-Sat: 11a-2a Happy Hour @ the bar: 4-7p | 10 p-closing HH Pupus: $3-9 | HH Drinks: $4-7 |
Are you a fan of Mexican food?
What do you think about BUHO's modern take?
[Update] -- August 29, 2016. 2nd visit. Re-review.
 | Since we had a nice visit for my friend's birthday earlier this year, we thought we would hang out at BUHO's again for a Girl's Night Out. |
We started off the meal with drinks & a half dozen of raw oysters.
But the oysters didn't taste all that fresh.
Fresh Oyster Platter (half a dozen)- $19.95. The muddy finish was quite apparent.
Goat Cheese Quesadilla- $12.95. Good, but not great. The Pico de Gallo was really spicy so be careful!
I thought the only highlight of this visit
were mainly their Carne Asada.
Buho Fajitas - $23.95 (Carne Asada substitute + $5.). The flavor of the meat was really good and presentation was pretty cool as it arrives on a sizzling hot plate. Though I couldn't help but notice there were a lot of fat left on the meat.
When it came time for dessert, our table ended up ordering 3 of their Habanero Mexican Brownie(s).
But the consensus was the cake was really dried out.
But the consensus was the cake was really dried out.
Habanero Mexican Brownie- $7.95. Looks pretty doesn't it?
Our second experience at BUHO was kind of underwhelming.
We had a male server this time around.
While they were nice (and kindly let one of our group exchange their dessert for another
as it was not what they expected), service overall was really slow.
We felt like we were bothering our server because we had to flag him down
for utensils, extra plates, water, drink orders, bill.
I saw the server we had last time walk by many times, it made me feel
a bit sad because I recalled what a great time we had here last visit.
I didn't want to resort to thinking it's because we were a group of 6, so the 18% gratuity was automatic
(last time we had over 20+ people and they were still very attentive) so it seems like
your experience may vary depending on the server you end up with.
I may try out BUHO again in the future.
Maybe I'll sit at the bar and try out their $3 (Happy Hour) tacos.
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