Where Time Stands Still: Buzz’s Original Steak House

Photo: Maria Burke

Growing up in Kailua, my friends and I used to meet under the Buzz’s sign before setting out for summertime fun. More than 25 years later, Buzz’s Original Steak House remains a neighborhood fixture—almost exactly as it was—across from Kailua Beach. Still one of the town’s only “fancy” restaurants, yet with laid-back, beachy charm, it’s an expression of the area itself.

This almost-in-Lanikai landmark is more than a restaurant—it’s where we grew up. As a child, it’s where you go for special dinners with your family. Then, once you’re old enough to drink, it’s the pre-night-out spot for pupu and cocktails. Before long, you’re the one bringing your parents, friends or kids, maybe to celebrate, maybe just because.

Photo: Maria Burke

The service has always been warm and welcoming, whether you‘re seated on the patio under blowfish lanterns and string lights, or tucked inside the cozy, dim interior. Buzz’s feels like family because it is. It was opened in 1962 by Bobby Lou and Buzz Schneider, who transformed an old beach house with its iconic hut-shaped roof into a steak house. The roof is still there, as is the tree growing through the patio, the family photos, the calendars on the walls, and the bartenders, servers and hosts who keep everything humming.

The bar is usually packed, and for good reason. With more than 15 signature drinks, there’s something for everyone, and they don’t skimp. My favorites: the Kailua Passion, a smooth blend of liliko‘i and two rums, and Deez Nutz, a frozen coconut mojito that tastes like a vacation. I also like the Mai Tai, the Freshy (a margarita), and of course, the legendary B.F.R.D (the Big F____ Rum Drink).

Photo: Thomas Obungen

All the regulars have their Buzz’s order. For apps, I start with calamari steak, a Buzz’s specialty that’s crispy, tender and slathered in lemon caper beurre blanc. Pro tip: ask for bread to mop up the sauce. I also get the sashimi, a light, refreshing contrast to the calamari, and the Artichoke Surprise, with leaves covered in garlic parmesan butter. My go-to entrée is the kiawe-grilled teriyaki steak—either over salad for lunch with blue cheese, cranberries, and sour cream dressing, or as a hearty dinner plate with a baked potato and all the fixings.

During the pandemic, it wasn’t clear which restaurants would survive. I’m grateful Buzz’s did. Whether it’s a casual lunch, sunset cocktail or a celebratory dinner, it’s the kind of place you hope never changes. And so far, it hasn’t.

413 Kawailoa Road, (808) 261-4661, buzzsoriginalsteakhouse.com, @buzzsoriginalsteakhouse

Read more from this series:

Where Time Stands Still: Stadium Giant Malts & Bar-B-Que
Where Time Stands Still: Kim Chee II
Where Time Stands Still: Bravo Italian Restaurant
Where Time Stands Still: Maguro-Ya
Where Time Stands Still: Nanding’s Bakery
Where Time Stands Still: Yagura Restaurant

Maria Burke is a former Digital Dining Editor at Frolic Hawai’i.