COMPASS MAGAZINE, April 1999. VOL. 6 ISSUE 4

BUFFALO RESTAURANT
Cuisine: Mexican and light western
Address: 11, Min Chuan Road,
Lane 229, Taichung
Telephone: (04) 2325-2246, (04) 2325-2273
Open: 10 am to 2 am
Seats: 400
Non-Smoking: No

(this place may be out of business now - we need to check)

"I can really see the guys hanging out here in the evenings after soccer games, when summer comes," said one of my friends the moment we walked into Buffalo Restaurant, as he looked around admiringly.
It was easy to see why he was impressed by one of Taichung's newer pub/restaurants. In the balmy night air, patrons were already relaxing around rows of tables, on the ground floor in front of the establishment and on outdoor balconies upstairs. Towering in the middle distance were the skyscrapers along Taichung Harbor Road. More customers were enjoying the warmly-lit interiors while, still deeper inside, others sat in a large, open-air circular courtyard, surrounded by two floors of seating.
The Buffalo is nothing if not large. With about 400 seats, it is the biggest of the well-known Frog chain of pubs. In keeping with the animal motif, owners of the 10-plus-year-old chain decided to name their fifth establishment after a much-larger non-amphibian creature (its Chinese name is actually "water buffalo").
The menu is identical to those at other Frogs, featuring a reasonably-priced selection of Tex-Mex favorites, such as burritos, enchiladas, nachos and the like, plus some sandwiches and other lighter dishes. There are plenty of drinks, including beers -- be sure and inquire about any on-going specials -- and many iced tea varieties. In addition, there are some unique specialties, such as the Octopus Shish Kabobs (NT$70), the Vegetable Shish Kabobs (NT$40) or a large-party order of a full Roast Turkey, complete with salads, snacks, and wine, for NT$4,500.
Most customers seem to come not so much for the food but, rather, the drinks and ambiance. Particularly when it is warm and clear -- as Taichung frequently is -- this makes a great place to hang out under the stars. For those looking for somewhere quiet to talk and relax, this is it.
According to manager Ariel Wang, Buffalo has one other notable purpose, which is represented by the large stage in the courtyard. It is hoped that the pub's spacious setting will become a popular venue for artistic performances of all kinds as well as exhibitions. Already, this is beginning to happen with local artists being allowed to display their works, free of charge.
As the weather continues to warm up towards summer, expect a growing number of Taichung patrons to discover -- like my friend did -- that the Buffalo is a very pleasant option for any afternoon or evening.