The service was bad. How long do you have to stand at the bar to close your tab? Or order? And the food was just plain tasteless. Beyond bland. The building itself seems nice, I liked the decor, and the patio is large. I'm an Ojai native and have only been in here once and unless someone else absolutely insists on going here, I won't be back.
Review Source:This was the first place I went to when I landed in Oak View. Â I miss it dearly. When I first walked in they were playing Waylon Jennings, which was when I knew I was gonna like it there (they play more than awesome old country, for the record). Further cementing that assertion, they have ice cold PBRs available for just a couple bucks.
As a 30-something, I appreciate that they don't slang hard stuff here, just beer and wine. That's not to say you won't get your fair share of whacky drunk people, but they're less apt to be blacked out drunk or the collegiate type. The staff are really good folk, and the live music most nights provides a fun atmosphere. As well as the neat, funky decor.
Oh yeah and the food! Most items come tasty and grilled, and their rice bowls are affordable and delish. They have daily specials, too!
Alas, I may be 350 miles away, Big Buddha, but you are in my heart. And I will be back.
Super cute inside yet the bar guy, David, could care less of our arrival and just wanted to chat to the only two people there other than us. Oh, some dude was meditating on the outside patio with his dog. Â The lack of greeting . . . none actually, he just slide a menu towards us. No smile or hello. Just a menu. Â We left. He killed it.
(only reason I know his name is I asked his name after getting his attention to answer a question on the menu . . . then he pushed back to his two peeps he was rather taken by in talking to.) For a place that only had 3 customers . . . two more should get some cheerful attention.
This place is clean with a tiki vibe, a friend played open mic and it was a welcome respite from crowded bars packed with hipsters or bros (probably because they only serve beer and wine, no whiskey). In addition, when you leave, the stars in the sky are actually visible and there are not cops waiting to bust you for driving (though I don't roll like that).
Review Source:We live in the sticks, so this is the only local bar. It has great ambiance, is very mellow, nice clientele. Kabobs are made on a grill out back, pretty simple fare, but tasty.
Nothing is on tap, bottled beer and wine are available. A proper liquor license and a couple of taps would make this my home (two blocks) away from home.
We live in the area and had seen this place for at least a year, but never stopped by. Â Hey! Â Stop by! Â It was very cleverly decorated with Asian-themed furnishings (have heard they sell them too!) Â The food was really tasty -- we had flatbread/salad/rice/skewers with imported beers from Tibet and Thailand. Â Really a nice treat and a great addition to an already eclectic Ojai Valley! Â You can see mountains from the windows, too!
Review Source:Fun and very casual atmosphere.  Very small menu mostly rice bowls, skewers and salads for entrees. We just moved to Ojai and are still exploring so we were there on a Tuesday  and unbeknown to us it was Karaoke night... After some wine we joined the regulars in their Karaoke night routine and had a blast!
Review Source:The Big Buddha. You might think that you are visiting a Buddhist temple, but no such luck. If you are looking for a quiet place to meditate, you can find solace in their spacious, comfortable patio area, replete with two regulation bocce ball arenas, three huge umbrella-ed tables and several opium beds. Sadly, you are required to bring your own opium. Other, less potent liquid libations flow freely from their well stocked bar. The real draw here is the live music. We came on the first Friday of the month where we were fortunate enough to hear a talented young musician named Jeff Uzzel. It's too bad that Jeff only appears here on the first Fridays, but it's definitely a great reason to come. The manager, David, is just about the nicest guy we have ever had the pleasure of meeting. He is happy to recommend fine wines and beers from their eclectic selection, and even pour you a taste until you find just the right one for you. The food is simple, affordable and extremely well executed. You will be happy that you gave this charming watering hole a try, and you may even become a regular, just as we plan to be.
Cheers!
Friday May 13 I celebrated my Birthday here the Music was great Rachel Sedaca was playing with friends, and the food I went from cool kind of joint to wow impressed. Â June 2nd my Girlfriends Birthday and she wants me to take her there. Â Folks this place is going to be the spot to go for an enjoyable evening. Â The seating there is unique to say the least as is the decor. Second maybe third time I have ever written a review in the 20 years I've been on the net. Â I even went through the hassle of signing up for whatever site this is so I could post, and I HATE signing up for S***
Review Source:I've heard pretty good things about the Big Buddha and was looking forward to checking it out. Â Their website indicates they are open Tuesday through Sunday.
I went by on a Tuesday evening, only to find them CLOSED! Â I don't know if this was a fluke or if their advertising is inaccurate, or if the closure is permanent. Â Either way, it didn't leave a good first impression.
I'll still give it another try, but ONLY after first calling to make sure they are open!!!
I was out on a Sunday drive, coming back to L.A. from Ojai, when I spied this place on Rt. 33. Â It looked like a Tiki bar from the road, but inside, it turned out to be more of an asian fusion restaurant.
I had already had a bite to eat in Ojai, so I didn't sample the menu. Â They only have a license for beer and wine, but they have a good eclectic selection of both. Â I had a Lhasa, from Tibet, and then a Primo from Hawaii.
David, the Bartender was an agreeable host. Â He told me that they have a DJ on Thursdays, and live bands on Friday- Sundays.
It's a great place to stop at on the way to or from points surrounding Ojai.