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8E8 Thai Street Food
Master Critic Review
8E8 Thai Street Food
8.0
8E8 Thai Street Food brings a food-truck sensibility to Melrose with wok-fired noodles, fried rice, and curries that lean bold and spicy. It’s built for quick, satisfying meals with portions that travel well, making it popular for takeout and casual grab-and-go dinners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Drunken noodles, Pad Thai, Yellow curry
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: Food-truck-style Thai favorites with strong flavors and generous portions.
Who should go: Dinosaurs craving fast, affordable Thai on Melrose.
When to visit: Peak lunch and early dinner hours when the kitchen is in full swing.
What to order: Drunken noodles, Pad Thai, yellow curry with your favorite protein.
Insider tip: Go for noodles or fried rice if you need something that holds up well to takeout.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Melrose can be tight during peak hours; meter spots are your best bet, with easier availability a few blocks off the main stretch.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable — come as you are for a quick, no-frills Thai meal.
Noise level: Low to moderate — easy to have a conversation, especially since most guests are in and out.
Weekend wait: Typically little to no wait, though takeout queues can run 10–15 minutes during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: No wait for dine-in; pickup orders move quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good coverage — many noodle and curry dishes can be made vegetarian upon request.
Vegan options: Yes — several sauces and curries can be prepared without animal products, but confirm day-of options.
Gluten-free options: Moderate — some curries and rice dishes work, but soy sauce–based noodles are not gluten-free; ask before ordering.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a first date — it’s more counter-service casual than sit-down romantic, better for quick meals rather than long conversations.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s walk-in only and generally has open seating; busiest times mainly impact takeout speed, not table availability.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for casual family meals — portions are generous, spice levels can be adjusted, and the quick service works well for younger kids. No dedicated kids’ menu.
Best For
Better for: Fast, affordable Thai with bold flavors and takeout reliability better than many sit-down Thai spots in the area.
Skip if: You want a longer dine-in experience, refined presentation, or a quieter, more atmospheric setting — nearby full-service Thai restaurants will serve you better.