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Bangkok Palace
Master Critic Review
Bangkok Palace
7.8
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Family Friendly Favorites
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Family-owned neighborhood staple serving generous portions of Thai classics at unbeatable prices for over 18 years. The pad see ew features perfectly charred flat noodles with Chinese broccoli, while lunch specials starting under $10 make this a local go-to. Casual strip mall setting prioritizes value and consistency over atmosphere.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pad See Ew, Tom Yum Soup, Crab Rangoon
Scores:
Value: 9.1
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: 18+ years serving Echo Park with exceptional value and generous portions
Who should go: Budget-conscious diners seeking reliable Thai comfort food
When to visit: Weekday lunch for best value specials under $10
What to order: Pad see ew with beef, tom yum seafood, spring rolls
Insider tip: Lunch specials before 3pm offer the neighborhood's best Thai value
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free strip mall parking lot - plenty of spaces even during peak hours
Dress code: Ultra casual - gym clothes and flip-flops are the norm
Noise level: Quiet - easy conversation even when busy
Weekend wait: 10-15 min max, usually seats immediately
Weekday lunch: No wait - grab and go or quick seat
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - extensive options including tofu versions of most dishes
Vegan options: Yes - most vegetarian dishes can be made vegan upon request, ask about fish sauce substitution
Gluten-free options: Limited - rice dishes and some curries work, but cross-contamination likely in casual kitchen
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Skip it for first dates - the fluorescent-lit strip mall setting lacks romance. Better for casual 3rd+ date when you're past impressions and want good food cheap.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes - they don't take reservations. Walk-ins only, and you'll rarely wait more than 10 minutes even on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Very kid-friendly - casual vibe, quick service, mild spice options available. High chairs provided. Kids eat free here without judgment.
How spicy is the food actually? Mild by default - they tone it down for the neighborhood. Ask for 'Thai spicy' if you want authentic heat levels, but start conservative.
Can I work from here during the day? Not ideal - limited outlets, small tables, and moderate turnover during lunch rush. Better for quick meals than laptop sessions.
Best For
Better for: Best value Thai in Echo Park - unbeatable lunch specials under $10, massive portions that often yield leftovers, consistent quality over nearly two decades. Choose this when your wallet matters more than ambiance.
Skip if: You want Instagram-worthy plating, craft cocktails, or date-night atmosphere. Also skip if you need guaranteed authentic spice levels without special requests - they default mild for the neighborhood crowd.