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Welcome to Bird & Buffalo

At Bird & Buffalo, a vibrant gem nestled in Oakland’s Temescal neighborhood, the spirit of authentic Thai cuisine comes alive. Our story is woven from a passion for flavorful, heartfelt dishes that reflect the rich traditions of Thailand. Focused on culinary integrity, we offer an expansive menu with options for everyone, including tempting vegan and vegetarian choices. With a goal to create a welcoming space, our hip yet casual eatery features outdoor seating, gender-neutral restrooms, and is proudly women-owned. From the soul-soothing Massaman Neur to the delightful Kao Soi, every bite resonates with warmth and care, inviting you to savor the experience.

Bird & Buffalo: Reviews & Ratings

Sapphire D.
Sapphire D.

We stopped in this place on a whim after a failed attempt to visit Marufuku down the street. Marufukus wait was too long and we needed good food, asap. We popped into bird and buffalo and were not disappointed! We were pleasantly surprised at how this restaurant that was not on our radar turned out to be just what the doctor ordered. Filling, heart felt food made with love and soul. We could really taste the care that went into the dishes we ate. We started with the wings and crispy egg rolls, then each of us had a different entree. Nobody had any complaints. The curries were delicious. I ordered the pad see ew and the noodles were so tasty. Almost like they were hand made/ripped. I've caught myself thinking about this dish a few times since this visit. The food most definitely left an impression!

Ziyan C.
Ziyan C.

Very delicious lunch here. No wait on a Sunday at 12:30pm. I did call ahead to set aside a table of 8 for our group. It wasn't very busy; there were only a couple other small groups who dined during our meal. Our server was very friendly and helpful. * Thai Iced Tea ($4.50, w/ Grass Jelly +$1) - 4.5 stars. Great flavor, I could taste a hint of bitterness from the tea. We got 1 glass split into two cups for our toddlers, and I swear we got the equivalent of 2 full glasses. * Kao Piak Sen ($17, special) - we got this with the chili and scallions on the side for our kids. The noodles were very soft. They liked it plain (basically chicken noodle soup). The chili was intense when I tried it with the soup! * Kao Soi ($18.50, w/ chicken +$3) - 4.5 stars. Very delicious, intense flavor, good mix of soft and crunchy noodles.

Stuart L.
Stuart L.

Simply excellent Northern-Style Thai food. No punches pulled, on either flavor or spiciness but dishes can be ordered mild.. Green papaya salad and chicken kao soi are spot-on. No-nonsense, no frills atmosphere, but comfortable. A go-to, if they stay consistent.

Franklin Z.
Franklin Z.

This is probably my favorite restaurant I've tried in the Temescal neighborhood thus far! Their Massaman Neur has the most tender stewed beef and it pairs well with the green beans and rice. I really enjoyed my meal and they complete the orders fast for take out. Very friendly service as well. Will be back for more!

Stephanie Y.
Stephanie Y.

Bird & Buffalo still hits even after all these years. Takeout is still a great option, and most recently a midweek lunch was delicious. The food is fresh, bright and seemingly not swimming in oil. There are plenty of fresh vegetables and the spice level was spicy enough but not overbearing so. Prices have gone up, just like everything in life. What was once a feeling of a deal, is now on par with most spots, although the menu has smaller bites at a few lower prices. I recently went with the 2 item combo ($22ish) and was able to get a veggie curry and a ground chicken dish. It came with rice, an egg and green beans and it was great, filling and enough for a little bit of leftovers. Overall, a great, hip, but casual Thai option in Temescal with some parking.

Esther W.
Esther W.

Some of the best Larb I've ever had! The food here is definitely authentic, and the flavors and spices are very strong, not your typical mainstream Thai cuisine. Service was very quick and friendly, and they are also considerate of your spice preferences (although the most authentic dishes have the most heat!). I had a fish and larb dish that had a very unique and bright tamarind flavor to it. They are generous with the spices and pronounced flavors. Would recommend!

Reese L.
Reese L.

We've been back a handful of times since our first visit on their opening day; most recently last night for dinner. We got the Gai Grapow again--still absolutely delicious--as well as larb, insanely tasty crispy fried mushrooms, and blistered green beans. Everything was excellent, but I'm updating my review specifically to shout out the staff. All were friendly and attentive while we were there, and they have great service! One of them, though, realized I'd left my purse when they were closing up for the night; he came all the way to my apartment after the end of his long work day, found me in our buzzer system, and buzzed me until I answered so he could return it to me. Absolutely above and beyond--thank you SO MUCH to Pop and the rest of the Bird and Buffalo team! We will be back!

Tuss R.
Tuss R.

My favorite Thai spot in East bay, as a picky Thai American from LA. The roti w/ curry is bomb, the platter special with the papaya salad, grilled ribs, larb was bomb. Been here several times and enjoy every time, especially the grilled meats, less the typical Thai dishes like the pad see ew, my rec is to try something different on the menu here that you can't get at a typical Thai restaurant. Love the colorful Thai street decor inside, staff are great. Moving back to LA but this will likely be one of my spots when I come back to visit the Bay.

Ashley C.
Ashley C.

Really sweet place with most authentic thai food i've seen in the bay (esp with dishes offered and such). The location in temescal is pretty convenient and free grass jelly thai tea if you post on story! The restaurant's family owned and the staff are incredibly sweet. They knew just the right times to check in on us for water and if we needed any help. The inside itself is very charming and is perfect for couples or family groups. How I rate my stars: 1 - Yikes. Will never be coming back. Usually raw food, terrible service, etc 2 - Maybe it was just this time. Didn't like what I ordered, bug in the food, bad experience, etc 3 - Meh. Nothing special nor awful about it, but not super memorable. 4 - Liked! Would happily come back to :) 5 - Must-Try!!! I will becoming back to this place every time I'm in the area.

Cynthia C.
Cynthia C.

I don't eat Thai often but lately have been craving something with more protein and punch. Haven't dined in yet but the DoorDash orders have been great: - Miang Pla, fried tilapia, fried beautifully and the accoutrements are perfect, sweet, sour, spicy, fresh, herbal and textured - larb salad with pork cheeks +$3 totally worth the extra cost for the cheeks, mega flavor and toothsome - tom saap, hot pot with shrooms, tripe and riblets, really warming and good! - spring for the pdh sauce - it's aptly called pretty darn hot, just need a smidgen! Satisfying and tastes very high quality. A fan for sure.

Location

Welcome to Bird & Buffalo, a hidden gem nestled in the vibrant heart of Temescal, Oakland. This Thai restaurant effortlessly marries tradition with innovation, offering a delightful menu that caters to all palates—from meat lovers to dedicated vegans. With a commitment to quality, Bird & Buffalo serves dishes that are crafted with both care and authenticity.

As you step inside, you are greeted by a casual yet trendy atmosphere that feels comfortably hip. The interior is designed to welcome everyone, featuring gender-neutral restrooms and wheelchair accessibility. It’s a space that serves not just food, but an inclusive dining experience. Whether you're craving a hearty brunch, a quick lunch, or a cozy dinner with friends, Bird & Buffalo has you covered.

Among the many highlights on the menu, the Hed Tod fried oyster mushrooms and Por Pia crispy vegetable spring rolls serve as perfect starters. Diners rave about the richly flavorful curries; the Mussamun Neur features stewed beef short ribs that melt in your mouth, paired exquisitely with steamed rice and fresh blistered garlic string beans. If you seek a unique take, the Kao Soi—a delightful noodle curry dish—has garnered notable praise for its vibrant flavors and delicious textures. Customers can’t help but remember the taste long after their visit, proving that the dishes leave a lasting impression.

What's more, Bird & Buffalo offers a variety of options for families and group gatherings. Their attentive waitstaff ensures a pleasant dining experience, whether you choose to dine in or take out. With outdoor seating available and even dog-friendly policies, it’s a spot conducive for all types of gatherings, be it casual lunch with friends or a family dinner.

Notably, Bird & Buffalo stands out not just for its delectable food but also for its commitment to sustainability. They offer reusable tableware and compostable containers, making it a responsible choice for environmentally-conscious diners. Additionally, with features like happy hour specials and a solid selection of beer and wine, there's always something to enjoy.

When you’re in the Temescal area, make a stop at Bird & Buffalo—where culinary excellence meets a warm, welcoming vibe, and every dish is made with love and soul. Don't miss out on their amazing deals, and remember the taste long after you've left your seat!