Buffalo Bill’s Saloon Owner makes venue a family affair w/hot music, food

By Brandi Mikell

Richard Holliday is no newcomer to the hospitality industry. He’s never let a blade of grass grow under his feet, either. After Alaska residency in the late ‘60s, Holliday spent 25 years as owner-operator of three of Seattle’s hottest fun-spots: Ozzie’s on Queen Anne, Ernie Steele’s and the Lockspot in Ballard. Oregonians might remember a historic landmark in Oregon City called Doc Holliday’s. Eleven years (1970-1981) and three remodel projects later, Holliday sold that business that is now known as The Trails’s End Saloon.

Holliday’s most recent project finds him surrounded with family. Sixteen months ago, the establishment, formerly known as The Beavercreek Saloon in the Hamlet of Beavercreek, Ore., became Buffalo Bill’s and the Kissin’ Kate Café.

Folks often see a sign boasting “Family Restaurant.” Buffalo Bill’s takes it literally. Out of 13 grandchildren and seven great grandchildren, there are four young Hollidays on staff here! Grandaughter Kristina Holliday enjoys the manager title. Michael Holliday is on duty part time because he also runs a commercial fishing boat out of Pacific City. David Acock and Kyle Holliday round out the family portion of the staff.

Additionally, Anita, Mandi, Anton and Chris keep the enthusiastic patrons of sports, music, breakfast, lunch and dinner happy with their efficient and friendly service from the bar.

The food at Buffalo Bill’s is one of their biggest draws. They are especially well known for their great breakfasts (as low as $1.99 during the week), seafood, pizza and hand-cut sirloin dinner steaks. The kitchen offers a wide variety of fresh, affordable items, with an outstanding happy hour menu. These 12 items range from $1 to $3.95 and are available from 3-6 p.m. and 8-10 p.m.

“The most popular item on the happy hour menu is the cheeseburger,” says Richard. “They get a big, fat, regular-sized juicy burger for only $1.95 complete with fries!” This writer enjoyed a fresh garden salad and cup of soup for the unheard of price of $1 each! These prices are geared to fit the current economic crunch.

Buffalo Bill’s sports a Texas roadhouse persona, complete with theme memorabilia, a large portrait of its namesake and beautiful paintings by local artist Robert Otnes. Holliday has implemented some major changes and upgrades since taking over the establishment. The stage was relocated to enable performers and patrons better visual and audio communication. Oregon Lottery machines are located with privacy in this classy neon atmosphere. Another bar was added near the pool tables, improving service on busy nights. Sports fans can enjoy their favorites on seven large screens.

What’s next? “Two things,” Richard answers. “We’re going to move the main bar back from it’s current location to allow room for a large dance floor.” Country dancers will appreciate this—it’s difficult to maneuver a horseshoe shuffle, traveling cha cha or line dance on a floor the size of postage stamp. “And we’re building an outdoor patio with waterfalls,” he adds. This will be a classy touch, for sure.

Entertainment is big at Buffalo Bill’s. Bret Lucich, a legendary “must see” one-man-band performs Fridays and Saturdays from 8 p.m.-midnight (see PE&D February cover story). Lucich also hosts a jam session on Sundays from 6 - 10 p.m. All singers and players are welcome. Bring your instrument or just plan to get up and sing, listen and enjoy.

A popular Karaoke venue features super-host Larry Littrell. Littrell is congenial and encouraging to even the shyest singers, making everyone feel included in the party. The system includes over 100K songs, top quality Shure microphones, excellent sound and three large flat screen monitors. So no matter which way a singer turns, the words are there for coaching. Karaoke at Buffalo Bill’s goes from 7 to 11 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Take note gals: There is room for lots more of you in the rotation. According to Littrell, the guys outnumber the gals by a wide margin!

The newest addition to the entertainment venue at Buffalo Bill’s is the early hour (6-10 p.m.) live music every Thursday by Taska & The Outlaws. This band welcomes singers and players to join or replace them in a fun, informal setting, featuring country and easy-listening music. “It’s the happy hour that gets you ready for the weekend,” according to Taska Barlow, recently returned to Oregon from a three-year tour of Texas, Arizona and The Heartland.

When asked what his goals were for Buffalo Bill’s, Richard answers, “I’m trying to provide a destination place and a great neighborhood bar where people can enjoy good food and a fun atmosphere.” There is every indication that this goal is already met and is growing daily. With each visit, this writer finds a busy establishment, buzzing with smiling, happy customers. In this economic time where budgets are over-stretched, this is an outstanding environment with old-fashioned prices and an abundance of genuine smiles. The family at Buffalo Bill’s can truly boast that “Every Day’s a Holliday and Every Night’s a Party!” (See ad for details.)

Driving directions: Going north or south, take Exit 10 off Hwy 205. Go south on Hwy 213 to Beavercreek Rd. Travel 3.5 miles east to Buffalo Bill’s. Ample well-lit parking awaits you!