Nearly 10 months after opening their doors, Harley Route 288 Bar is still proving popular with both Thais and farang alike.
Tom and Som have built up a good regular customer base who come for a meal or a few drinks.(Or both!) Opening hours are 2pm to midnight, though they may close a little later if the situation dictates.
There is a good menu of both Thai and western dishes, all sensibly priced. The pork and fried potatoes is highly recommended ! Food can be ordered at any time between 2pm and 11.30pm.
All the main Thai bottled beers are available as well as a good selection of spirits and wine (sold by the glass). Naturally, non-alcoholic drinks are also available. Draught beer is likely to be added in the not too distant future. Prices are generally lower than most of the bars and restaurants in Buriram.
Music plays an important part at Route 288 and Monday to Thursday there is a Thai singer guitarist playing from 7pm to 9pm.
On Friday, Saturday and Sunday, a Thai duo play an excellent selection of Thai and western songs. Again, 7pm to 9pm.The young lady is certainly worth coming to see.
Every month there is a special Chang promotion night with a band and prizes available to Chang drinkers. There will also be a couple of attractive Chang ladies to help out Tom’s busy staff.
These functions are well-attended and it might be a good time to mention that the 288 can seat at least 70 people should you wish to hold your own party or celebration. Obviously, because of the layout, it is not possible make it completely private.
There is a free pool table which proves very popular and if you need a playing partner, the staff are more than willing to help out. Be careful when placing side-bets !!
On the subject of staff, there are nearly always 5 or 6 girls working who provide service with a smile and more often than not a joke as well. Mi is always on hand should a problem occur and both she and Som are very quickly out to greet new arrivals.
Landlord Tom also makes every effort to greet customers personally.
Three televisions are positioned round the bar for sporting events. For football fans, 3 different English Premier League can be screened at the same time. All Buriram United games are also shown.
There is a large swing just outside the bar for children to play on and more equipment will be added. Indeed, Tom and Som hope to add a nanny service so that parents can relax while their children are supervised safely.
Free wi-fi is also provided.
On December 24, from 4pm onwards, there will be a children’s evening which I’m informed Father Christmas himself will be attending. If you would like Santa to give your child a present, please give it to Tom, Som or Mi, clearly named beforehand.
December 25 of course is Christmas Day and a three course lunch (starter, main and dessert) is on offer. Price to be determined and I believe the main course is duck.
For more details look up Harley Route 288 on Facebook. This includes contact details and directions. As the name suggests it’s on the 288 heading towards Big C from the Chang Roundabout. Go straight on at the lights and it’s about 300 metres on your left. Look for green Harley Route 288 Chang sign.