Jorge Arzate
My wife and I had a great time at Bar Buena after dinner. Right from the start, the experience was welcoming, the gentleman who opened the door was very cordial and courteous. From that moment, you could already sense the great evening ahead.
The atmosphere was fantastic, with pleasant music at just the right volume, perfect for enjoying both the place and the company. The service was top-notch which made the night even better.
When we first arrived, the bar was completely full, so we grabbed drinks and waited by a small spot. Soon after, a couple left, and their friend tried to take the seats, but the waitress politely pointed out that we had been waiting first. Even though the friend still sat down, I appreciated the effort from the staff. Later, something similar happened: two guys walked in just as another couple was leaving, and they went straight for the seats. To my surprise, another waitress immediately stepped in and reserved them for us. That level of attentiveness was impressive and definitely a big plus for this cozy, charming bar.
The drinks were delicious, reasonably priced, and consistent, each one cost the same, and none felt overpriced.
Overall, Bar Buena delivered a wonderful experience, thanks to its inviting vibe, great service, and tasty drinks. It’s the kind of spot we’d happily return to.
… moreFe P.
Had two VERY different experiences here, then returned for a third time, which kinda evened out the initial polarity. The first time we visited Bar Buena, it was chill, a little dark, and moody. Music was relaxed, too. Exactly our vibe. We caught them at the right moment to find one of the lower tables open. My bf and I loved it so much, we couldn’t wait to go back. We tried various foods on the menu and their chilled margarita (we don’t usually drink these but the nice waitress offered us a sample and we were glued). Their small plates are so delicious. Great service! The second time we went… sigh… was like a whole other world. It was loud. Music was loud and for some reason it was rap music, which just was not hitting with the atmosphere (more so the songs). We sat at the bar as two people had just left. There were some dude bros behind us being a tad rowdy and another table trying to squeeze in 6-7 people (staff were very accommodating to them and helped them get comfortable). This is a very small bar. There are only about 4 small tables spaces aside from the bar itself. It’s meant to be intimate, which is why we liked it the first time. Even the bartenders were loud lol (different staff from our first visit). One of them kept cackling so freaking loudly. Mind you, they were very nice. No complaints on service. I just didn’t get how the vibe was the exact opposite. Loud and overstimulating. Even the restroom was a bad experience. We waited 3 weeks and went a few nights ago. Same bartenders from the second visit, but there was what appeared to be a manager there as well. Less loud, but obviously a popular place that fills up quickly. People were standing around for a spot.. but the experience was improved. It was lively, but not rowdy. Again, DELICIOUS FOOD & COCKTAILS. Great bar.
… moreKarla De La Fuente
We had a wonderful experience at this bar. The cocktails were exceptional and perfectly complemented the high-quality food. The service was attentive and genuinely warm throughout the evening. The tacos were outstanding, especially when paired with the frozen margarita, the Enamorada, and the Una Amargo cocktails. Everything was crafted with remarkable care. I highly recommend this place.
… moreJose Chacon
Great place for drinks and small bites. They have 2 dollar oysters on Wednesday. The only reason I gave them a 4 instead of 5 stars is because of how loud it gets inside. I was basically yelling at my wife and she still could barely hear me.
… moreSandra Luz Rivera
Had a wonderful time. Great! As always cocktails are amazing. You can find a little bit of everything there. The tostadas were delicious. The duck was amazing. I would have more of that and then I had a tostones. I tried a tequila Coke drink that was delicious and and did it with a tequila coffee cocktail that was chef’s kiss. Great end to our day.
… moreAndrew Hang
Love the atmosphere of this place. Great spot for a date night out. I came out on a Thursday around 9:30 and it was pretty packed. Didn’t have to wait too long to find 3 seats at the bar though. Great old fashion mezcal and palomas! I forgot the lady’s name that was helping us, Regina? I know it started with an R though – stellar service!!
Super cozy, autumn , somewhat Hogwarts vibes lol!
… more5starmaxx
Bar Buena is an absolute gem in River Oaks! This new spot has an intimate, speakeasy vibe that makes you feel like you’re in on a well-kept secret. From the moment you walk in, the staff is warm, welcoming, and genuinely fun to chat with.
Aurora, the bartender, is a standout, she’s incredibly knowledgeable and clearly passionate about her craft. Her recommendations were spot-on, and every drink was thoughtfully made and perfectly balanced. The food was pretty impressive, the ribeye tacos were delish!
Highly recommend checking it out!
… moreMaggie J
Really enjoyed this new neighborhood bar in River Oaks Shopping Center. We stopped by for a drink with friends on Friday around 6pm. Upon arrival there was not a table available but we were able to order drinks at the bar until a table for 4 opened up.
The bar itself is very moody and dark and cool. Vibes are great and the service was exceptional as well, but as some other reviews have mentioned, it is LOUD. Like really really loud. Hard to hear your friends, hard to hear your server, hard to hear the voices in your own head.
Despite how loud it was, I would still recommend. My husband tried the Enamorada because he saw the bartender making one for someone else and it wasn’t his favorite because he said it was quite “smoky”, but I really enjoyed my tequila flight and they make a solid negroni.
… moreCourtney Cogdill
We stumbled upon this bar when we were out and what a find. The vibe is all tequila all the time. Even if you don’t like tequila the staff will make you something you’ve never had before. It’s dark inside but it adds to the experience. The food is amazing, it’s lite bites so I don’t recommend this place for dinner.
… morePaige G
Love the atmosphere here. I’m no photographer so it wasn’t easy for me to take good photos because of how dark it is inside. Very good cocktails.
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