Seemor
Bird & BuffaloB+Worth Trying
4659 Telegraph Ave, Oakland, CA 94609
· Thai restaurant, Asian restaurant, Catering food and drink supplier
· 4.5/5 Google (319 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Lively Temescal spot for Isan-leaning Thai with standout somtum, roti curry tacos, and grills; generally delicious with occasional seasoning and service inconsistencies.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Bird & Buffalo competes well with the area's better neighborhood Thai restaurants through strong food quality—particularly standout somtum and roti curry—and warm, helpful service. However, inconsistent seasoning and texture execution across visits and tight seating prevent it from reaching higher territory. Genuine value and loyal following make it worth a visit for Telegraph Ave diners seeking reliable Isan flavors.
Restaurant Summary
On Telegraph Ave's dining strip, Bird & Buffalo hums with cozy Southeast Asian vibes and the sizzle of an open kitchen. Servers tend to be warm and helpful, with one diner saying the team "guided us to the roti beef curry and it stole the show." The room can feel snug, but it suits a relaxed night of snacks, grills, and papaya salad. The cooking leans Isan-inspired with a few playful twists rather than theatrics—think roti served taco-style, half-chicken off the grill, khao soi with crisp noodles, and a somtum that can bring serious heat. Most plates land flavorful and satisfying, though a minority report seasoning that skews mild or noodles cooked beyond ideal. When it hits, dishes like the peanut-red curry beef and Lao-style papaya salad are genuinely craveable. For families, this is easygoing and practical. Kids often like the roti and spring rolls, milder curries, steamed rice, and mango sticky rice. Spice can be adjusted, and bowls offer straightforward proteins with rice and vegetables. There is no explicit kids menu, but the menu has plenty that children will actually eat.
At a Glance
- Standout somtum and roti-beef curry with generous portions
- Friendly staff and helpful ordering guidance
- Good value for quality and location
- Seasoning can be inconsistent; some dishes run bland
- Space is tight; early closing reported on one occasion
What Sets It Apart
- Isan-style papaya salads
- Roti curry served taco-style
- House-made chili dips
What People Love
- Punchy papaya salad with adjustable heat
- Ultra-tender roti peanut-red curry beef
- Juicy grilled half-chicken with dips
- Comforting khao soi with crisp noodles
- Mango sticky rice finish
Points of Concern
- Seasoning depth varies; a few diners found curries thin or mild by default
- Pad see ew texture inconsistencies reported by multiple guests
- One-off early closure before posted time frustrated would-be diners
- Isolated food safety complaints contrasted by majority positive; monitor current practices
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$35-48 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Pair Gai Yang with sticky rice ($3) and spicy tamarind dip for classic balance
- Add blistered garlic green beans ($6) to any bowl for texture and freshness
Perfect For
- Casual date night with shared plates
- Weeknight dinners with flavorful Thai bowls
- Friends exploring Telegraph restaurant row
- Solo lunch at the counter
Location Insights
Area: Energetic Temescal corridor with indie eateries and shops; attracts locals and food-focused visitors.
Safety: Generally safe with steady foot traffic; standard urban vigilance at night.
Nearby: Near Telegraph Ave restaurant row, bars, boutiques; mixed residential and small retail.
TemescalTemescal is a lively neighborhood with a strong sense of community and a reputation for its diverse dining options, ranging from casual eateries to innovative restaurants. The area is known for its walkability, local markets, and a mix of traditional and contemporary culinary influences, attracting food enthusiasts and locals alike.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday
Tuesday11:30–14:00, 16:30–21:30
Wednesday11:30–14:00, 16:30–21:30
Thursday11:30–14:00, 16:30–21:30
Friday11:30–14:00, 16:30–21:30
Saturday11:30–14:00, 16:30–21:30
Sunday11:30–14:00, 16:30–21:30
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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