Saturday Night BBQ & Sunshine Bar and other Phuket, Thailand Restaurant Reviews

Restaurant Name: Saturday Night BBQ

Since June 2006 Phuket Richard and his wife Megumi from Japan have been hosting a social get together for forum members, their families and anyone else who is interested in attending.
 
This night was held on a Friday night for many years but has now been changed to Saturday night.

The all you can eat BBQ held at Don's Cafe in the south of Phuket Island, is a western style buffet dinner which also includes a Taco Bar and Desserts.

Dinner starts at 6pm and is 199 per person for adults and 110baht for children.  

We have attended many of these social get togethers and have always had a great time.
The food is fantastic with a huge variety to suite all taste's and it is so good to meet all the forum members and their families from around the world.
   
THE SUNSHINE BAR
After dinner at 7.30pm everyone is transferred down to the Sunshine Bar for some more socializing, drinks and fun, with some great improvised entertainment around the 'Pole'.

The big thing that makes the Sunshine Bar different is that the staff do not engage in paid intimate gratification with the customers like most other places on the island. 
They receive a good salary and earn commission from the drinks that they sell. 
 
The girls have bongo drums, tambourine's, castanet's, Thai bells and flutes behind the bar and they have a great singing, dancing and musical act that they perform all night.

They also love children and involve them in the musical act and by the end of the evening it is shoulder to shoulder dancing with children and adults.

Because of families and people who have tours or activities planned for the next day the return transfers are arranged for 10pm.

Join the Pole Climbers Club at the Sunshine Bar and see if you can make it to the top to ring the bell.

This has turned into quite an event, it is not as easy as it looks and there are certainly some interesting techniques.
If you can stop laughing long enough, give it a try and don't forget your camera! 

This Saturday night get together is now so popular that bookings must be made in advance.
To add your name to the transfer and reservation list you need to contact Richard and Megumi, so click on the link below for more info on how to book, plus current transfer prices.

Booking the Saturday night BBQ & Sunshine Bar

Video showing the Saturday night BBQ & Sunshine Bar

Plus loads more photos here


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Theme: Barbecue
Comparison: least expensive

Restaurant Name: Nicky's Handlebar

Nicky's Handlebar would have to be the friendliest place in Phuket to call in to for a drink or meal.
We have been to Nicky's so many times over the years and they definitely have the best staff who make everyone feel so very welcome.

Kai the manager and Nicky will always make an effort to come up and introduce themselves to everyone. Nicky's Handlebar is suitable for all age groups.
Another bonus is there are no working girls, beggars or street sellers allowed in at all, so you can enjoy your time there without being hassled.

The drinks are icy cold and a lot cheaper than most places, they have a fantastic chef, all meals are beautifully presented, delicious and very well priced.

Try their Musaman curry, its one of the best or for something light try the seafood salad, its huge and only cost 100baht.
Another favorite is the Penang chicken curry pizza.

The most expensive dish on the menu is imported fillet steak with pepper sauce, this is absolutely mouth watering, perfectly cooked and the best pepper sauce we have ever had.
Nicky's caters to the most fussy eaters, so if there is something you would like and it is not on the menu, just ask and they will cook it for you!

Its always sad to say goodbye to these great guys as they are now like family to us and we will certainly be spending a lot of time there again next visit.

While your there have a look at Nicky's Harley showroom, there are some pretty impressive bikes there.
If you want to hire a Harley just ask Nicky or Kai but make sure you have an International Drivers Permit with full bike license.
Nicky's Handlebar also has Harley tours on offer ranging from half day Phuket tours to 1 and 2 day tours off the island.
This is covered in more detail under my Things To Do pages.

Nicky's Handlebar Hotel is in the final stages of completion and they are hoping to be open in April 2010. The decor in each room is different and influenced by Harley themes. The hotel is complemented with a large L shaped swimming pool including Jacuzzi and landscaped gardens.

Nicky also does airport transfers and tours around Patong in his Ferrari and I will cover this in more detail under my Getting Around page.
I came back from Phang Nga province in this fantastic red, convertible Ferrari Spider and it was something I will never forget!

There are a lot more photos and information on the link below of some of the delicious meals we have had at Nickys Handlebar.

More Photos and info for Nickys Handlebar,


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Theme: Other
Comparison: less expensive than average
Prices: less than US$10  » Currency Converter
Address: 41 Rat-U-Thit 200 year Rd, Patong Beach

Restaurant Name: Mom Tri's Boathouse Wine & Grill

Mom Tri's Boathouse Wine & Grill is an award winning restaurant that regularly features in magazines around the world. The restaurant is open air with a fantastic beach front terrace and is the perfect place for lunch or dinner.

If you are after French or Thai gourmet dining then The Boathouse Wine & Grill is the place to go, there is also an extensive wine list with over 750 wines to choose from!

It was a beautiful night so we decided to have dinner on the terrace, the tables were beautifully set with flowers and candles, there was relaxing piano music playing in the background.

It was all very romantic and the staff are lovely, very helpful and attentive.
 
I ordered an entrée of Crab Meat and Avocado with fresh basil oil (380 baht) and Gary ordered Salmon Tartare on Chicory Salad with fresh basil and extra virgin olive oil (390 baht), both were delicious!
 
 My main course was the Rock Lobster Trilogy (810 baht), each one was so different, Green Curry, Thermidor and Armagnac. 
 
Absolutely perfect! 

Gary ordered the Seared Sea Scallops and Duck Foie Gras with Sauté spinach on risotto and Shiraz black truffle sauce ( 810 baht).
He still has not stopped talking about it since.

I had never tried Duck Foie Gras before so of course I had a taste (or two), and it was mouth watering, so light and rich.
 
Now the meals at Mom Tri’s Boathouse are quite big serves and there was no way I was going to have dessert as well, but our waiter and Gary did a good job of talking me into it.
So I reluctantly ordered the “White Lady” which was 3 scoops of Vanilla ice-cream, Chantilly Crème and lots of rich warm chocolate sauce (220 baht).

What a treat and I managed to eat all of it!! 
Freshly baked breadsticks, various breads and palate cleansers were also provided complimentary.

So as you can see the prices at Mom Tri’s Boathouse are very reasonable and in return you will enjoy fine dining at its best!
Another nice touch when leaving Mom Tri's Boathouse Wine & Grill you are given a long stemmed red rose!! 

The breakfast buffet is also excellent here with a lot of choices and unlike most buffets the food was hot!


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Theme: Other

Restaurant Name: Mom Tri's Oasis On The Sea Restaurant

Oasis On The Sea is another fantastic Mom Tri restaurant overlooking Kata Beach.
It is open air, very fresh and modern with a lot of white and blue furniture that is offset with lush green tropical plants.

The choices on the menu are amazing, many Mediterranean influenced dishes together with Western and Thai.
So if your after a light, healthy beautifully presented and inexpensive meal we highly recommend Oasis.

Our entrees were the Scallop, Shrimp and Mango skewer served on an Asian salad with sesame dressing (170baht) and a soup called Tom Jued Pak Ruam which is mixed vegetables, ground chicken, tofu and oyster mushrooms in a mild clear broth (90baht).

Main courses were Tuna Salad, seared tuna on rocket lettuce, shaved fennel, oven dried plum tomatoes and mango dressing (220baht) and Oasis Warm Seafood Salad with pan fried scallop, squid, shrimps and mixed leaves, avocado, dried figs and roast beetroot vinaigrette (220baht)

 I am so looking forward to working my way through the entire menu!!

There is also an extremely impressive wine list featuring over 200 wines from around the world.

Something not be missed is the best dessert I have had the pleasure of eating. The Flourless Chocolate Cake - Pistachio Anglaise, Espresso Syrup and Mocha ice cream
250baht. What more can I say, decadent, delicious, mouth watering.
 
Try it and see for yourself!!

As with all of Mom Tri's restaurants, the decor is perfect, the food is of the highest standard and of course the perfect choice of wine, many available by the glass.

Oasis On The Sea truly is an oasis, as soon as you walk in you will cool down and forget the hustle and bustle that is outside.

Oasis On The Sea Restaurant is located next to Mom Tri's Boathouse
184 Koktanode Road
Kata Beach, Phuket 83100
076 330 423


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Theme: Other
Prices: less than US$10  » Currency Converter

Restaurant Name: Hin Tang Seafood Restaurant & View Point

Hin Tang Seafood Restaurant & View Point is set on the surface of the cliff overlooking Patong Bay. It is just past Kalim Beach on the way to Kamala.

There are 4 terraces with about 12 separate dining areas and the lowest terrace is 40 metres above the sea. The restaurant can seat 250 people but it does not seem big or busy due to all the different seating areas.

The Morning Glory in bean sauce was 185baht, it was delicious and the bean sauce is the nicest I have had.

The Thai Crab Omelette was 165baht and full of fresh crab meat pieces.

These prices are more expensive than normal for these Thai dishes, but it was definitely worth it just to experience the magnificent views.

There is an extensive menu offering fresh seafood, imported steaks, many Thai dishes and a small selection of sandwiches and burgers.

Another bonus is they cater to vegetarians!

The staff are very helpful and attentive, actually maybe just a bit to eager as we had 3 people standing there watching us eat and ready to top up our drinks after each mouthful!

The views from Hin Tang Restaurant are sensational and it would be the perfect place to watch one of Phuket's beautiful sunsets.


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Theme: Other

Restaurant Name: Islander Bar & Restaurant

We have been going to the Islander Bar & Restaurant for over 15 years now. Their prices for food and drinks are good.

The meals are huge and meat is imported from Australia and New Zealand.

(I have only ever had one bad meal there and it was when I decided to try local beef instead of imported, yuk guess we are pretty spoilt for meat here in Australia).

Nice clean place (good clean western toilets) and great staff.

Favorite Dish: We love the All Day Big British Breakfast, its huge and only cost 175Baht!!
Nothing tastes better when you have had a big night the night before.
Cumberland sausage
English shortback bacon
Eggs (anystyle)
Baked beans
Fried tomato
saute potatoes
Toast (with butter & jam)
Mug of tea or…Coffee
Fruit Juice.

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Theme: Other
Comparison: about average
Prices: less than US$10  » Currency Converter
Address: 58/9 Soi Patong Resort, Bangla Road
Directions: Off Bangla Road

Restaurant Name: Buffalo Steakhouse

We have eaten here a couple of times over the years and once again absolutely no complaints.

Meals were delicious and big serves. They also have a free salad bar.

All their beef is imported and their menu has European, Thai & International choices.

Open 09:00 - 24:00 Daily
Capacity: 100
Adress:
Soi Patong Resort Patong Beach Phuket
Telefon: (076) 340855


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Theme: Steakhouse
Comparison: about average
Prices: less than US$10  » Currency Converter
Address: 58/7-8 Bangla Road Soi Patong Resort Patong Beach
Directions: Off Bangla Road, just before Islander Bar & Restaurant

Restaurant Name: Molly Malone's

Molly Malone's is a great place for a cold beer (100Baht for a pint of beer) or meal. The staff are friendly and the airconditioning is nice and cold!!.

There are lots of TV screens showing all the sports events, (ARL & AFL live) Have a look at their website, its shows the times of all the sporting events which will be telecast.

Meals are very reasonably priced and hearty serves, the big breakfast is only 300Baht and you get 3 eggs any style, English sausage, baked beans, grilled pork loin, pan fried mushrooms, bacon rashers, sautéed potatoes & baked bread. Served with a pot of tea or coffee.
They also make the best apple crumble with custard and ice cream for 180Baht. The full menu and prices are also on their website.

Molly Malones is extremely family friendly and I would highly recommend going there.


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Theme: Other
Comparison: about average
Prices: less than US$10  » Currency Converter
Directions: On the Beach Road down towards the Holiday Inn.
Website: http://www.mollymalonesphuket.com/

Restaurant Name: Nong James Restaurant.

Nong James would have to be one of Patong's best budget restaurants.

On a previous visit we must have walked past this restaurant 100 times but never thought of going in.

Then one day we ventured in and are we glad we did as its a great little restaurant which has now become a favorite.

Nong James is on the beach side of the road heading up towards Club Andaman. Just after the laneway leading down to the beach where the jetskis are is a building with lots of tiny restaurants (Loma Park).

Nong James is the middle one, this place is nothing flash, plastic tables and chairs, daggy table settings, but they have great tasty good priced meals.

The staff are lovely and even if you don't go in for a meal, they love to have a chat. Make sure you say hello to Nine, he is the manager there.

We ended up having quite a few meals and snacks here, from a simple tuna sandwich to their delicious garlic and pepper prawns (only 250 Baht).


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Theme: Local
Comparison: less expensive than average
Prices: less than US$10  » Currency Converter
Address: Beach Road
Directions: Head up Beach Road towards Club Andaman, Nong James Restaurant is on the Beach side.

Restaurant Name: Two Black Sheep

Two Black Sheep is now run by Australians.

Drinks are cheap, food is cheap and they have a live band every night.

The place is very clean with an immaculate kitchen and toilets!!.

We have been here a couple of times for breakfast only, which after some confusion and mixing up of orders (there were 6 of us and no one else in the place) everything worked out fine.

The food is good, the serves are huge and quite cheap.

Best of all your coffee or tea is served in a huge mug with unlimited free refills.


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Theme: Pub/Brewery
Comparison: less expensive than average
Prices: less than US$10  » Currency Converter
Address: Rat-U-Thit Road Patong Beach