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Bangkok West Thai
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Bangkok West Thai
8.2
This intimate Thai restaurant brings authentic flavors from Thailand with Chef Wasana Pisaikun's traditional recipes served in an elegantly decorated space with crystal chandeliers. The menu balances familiar favorites like pad thai with more adventurous fusion dishes and house specialties.
Must-Try Dishes:
Yellow Curry with Coconut Milk, Pad Thai Bangkok Roll, Emperor Duck Rolls
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Authentic Thai chef creating traditional dishes in an upscale intimate setting
Who should go: Couples and groups seeking elevated Thai
When to visit: Dinner service from 4pm-10pm daily
What to order: Yellow curry, pad thai, emperor duck rolls
Insider tip: Make reservations for weekend dinners
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Colorado Ave, metered until 8pm ($2/hr), small lot behind building fills quickly after 6pm
Dress code: Smart casual recommended, nice jeans fine but lean toward date-night attire given the crystal chandelier ambiance
Noise level: Intimate and conversation-friendly - perfect for dates, gets moderately buzzy when full
Weekend wait: 45-60 min without reservation, they don't take walk-ins after 7:30pm Fri/Sat
Weekday lunch: No lunch service - dinner only from 4pm
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - 8+ options including veggie pad thai, tofu curries, and papaya salad
Vegan options: Yes with modifications - ask for no fish sauce, they're accommodating
Gluten-free options: Limited but doable - curries and rice dishes safe, skip the soy sauce
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice - intimate lighting, not too loud, shareable plates, and upscale enough to impress without being stuffy. The $$$ price point shows effort without breaking the bank.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weeknights before 6:30pm usually ok, but weekend walk-ins face long waits. They keep 3-4 bar seats for walk-ins that turn quickly.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for ages 10+ given the upscale intimate vibe. No kids menu, but they'll do mild versions of pad thai and fried rice. Not ideal for toddlers.
Best For
Better for: More authentic and refined than Night + Market, better date atmosphere than Jitlada, chef-driven specials you won't find at chain Thai spots
Skip if: You want cheap Thai takeout (try Sawtelle), need quick lunch, or bringing young kids (Farmshop nearby is better)
Bangkok West Thai
8.2
Walking distance from the pier, this upscale-casual spot balances authentic Thai flavors with modern presentation in a chandelier-adorned dining room. Chef Wasana Pisaikun's menu features both traditional favorites and creative fusion dishes, drawing steady crowds for dinner service and takeout.
Must-Try Dishes:
Panang Curry with Crispy Pork Belly, Crying Tiger Beef, House Vegetable Rolls
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Elegant Thai dining with crystal chandeliers near the beach
Who should go: Date nights and business dinners
When to visit: Early dinner to avoid wait times
What to order: Panang curry, crying tiger, chef's pork belly app
Insider tip: Library parking garage across the street offers easy parking
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Library parking garage across the street ($3/hour, free first 90 min with validation), street parking tough after 5pm
Dress code: Smart casual - jeans and nice top work, but lean toward date night attire given the chandelier ambiance
Noise level: Moderate buzz - intimate conversations possible, gets livelier after 7pm on weekends
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation, recommend booking ahead for Friday/Saturday
Weekday lunch: Walk-in friendly, 5-10 min max during business lunch rush (12-1pm)
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - strong selection including tofu curries, veggie pad thai, and papaya salad
Vegan options: Moderate - can modify most veggie dishes, confirm coconut milk vs dairy in curries
Gluten-free options: Limited but doable - rice noodle dishes and curries safe, avoid soy sauce-based items
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect - chandelier lighting sets romantic mood without being overly formal, noise level allows conversation, and $$ pricing won't break the bank
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunches and early dinners (before 6pm) usually fine, but book ahead for prime dinner hours or risk 30+ minute waits
Is it kid-friendly? Better for older kids (10+) who can appreciate the upscale-casual vibe - no kids menu, but they'll modify spice levels on request
Best For
Better for: Elevated Thai with Instagram-worthy presentation and date night ambiance - more refined than typical strip mall Thai spots
Skip if: You want super authentic street food vibes or budget-friendly family dining - try Sawtelle Thai options instead
Bangkok West Thai
8.3
Bangkok West serves authentic Thai cuisine with a focus on balancing traditional flavors in an upscale yet approachable setting. The restaurant excels at classic dishes like pad thai and green curry, while their Bangkok rolls and chef's pork belly appetizer showcase the kitchen's creative flair.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bangkok Roll, Green Curry, Chef's Pork Belly
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Crystal chandeliers meet authentic Thai recipes in downtown location
Who should go: Couples and business diners seeking elevated Thai
When to visit: Weeknight dinner for quieter ambiance
What to order: Bangkok rolls, green curry, pad thai
Insider tip: Street parking free after 6pm
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking free after 6pm, metered until then ($2/hr), paid lots within 2 blocks ($8-15 evening flat rate)
Dress code: Smart casual - jeans and nice top work, business casual ideal for the upscale atmosphere
Noise level: Moderate - crystal chandeliers help dampen sound, conversation-friendly for dates
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation, highly recommend booking ahead
Weekday lunch: Usually seated immediately, 10-15 min max during peak business lunch hours
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - strong selection including tofu versions of most curries and stir-fries
Vegan options: Yes - can modify most vegetarian dishes, specify no fish sauce
Gluten-free options: Limited - rice noodle dishes available, but kitchen uses shared prep areas
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect for first dates - the upscale ambiance with crystal chandeliers creates romance without being overly formal, and Thai food offers good sharing options
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weeknights yes, especially after 8pm. Weekend dinners are packed - reserve or expect 30+ minute waits
Is it kid-friendly? Better suited for older kids (10+) given the upscale atmosphere. No kids menu, but they'll adjust spice levels
Best For
Better for: More refined atmosphere than typical Thai spots - ideal when you want authentic flavors in an elegant setting for dates or client dinners
Skip if: You want cheap eats or super casual vibes - head to Thai Town instead for half the price and more authentic hole-in-the-wall experience