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Spelling Thai Bistro
Master Critic Review
Spelling Thai Bistro
7.7
Spelling Thai Bistro is a stylish La Brea café-bistro that brings Thai flavors into brunch plates, rice dishes, and noodle staples alongside strong coffee and tea. It feels more like an all-day hang than a traditional Thai restaurant, drawing neighborhood regulars for leisurely meals and photo-friendly plating.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spelling Chicken & Waffles, Pad See Ew with Chicken, Thai Iced Tea
Scores:
Value: 6
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.3
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.2
What makes it special: Thai-influenced brunch and bistro plates served in a bright, café-style space.
Who should go: Brunch lovers wanting Thai flavors with coffee and café vibes.
When to visit: Late morning and early afternoon for peak brunch energy.
What to order: Spelling Chicken & Waffles, Pad See Ew with chicken, Thai iced tea.
Insider tip: Weekdays are calmer; weekends fill quickly with brunch crowds and photo ops.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on La Brea and side streets is the main option; meters move quickly on weekends, and spots can be limited during peak brunch hours.
Dress code: Casual to smart-casual; brunch-forward outfits fit right in, and photo-friendly looks are common.
Noise level: Moderate — lively brunch buzz but still workable for conversation at most tables.
Weekend wait: Usually no dinner rush since brunch is the main draw; short waits around 10–20 minutes.
Weekday lunch: Typically little to no wait, even for groups.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong options — several salads, noodle dishes, and vegetable-forward plates adapt easily.
Vegan options: Moderate — a few dishes can be made vegan upon request, but not the entire menu.
Gluten-free options: Some items can be prepared gluten-free; ask about soy sauce substitutions and prep modifications.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for daytime dates — the bright café setting and Thai-influenced brunch plates create an easygoing, stylish atmosphere without feeling formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, especially on weekdays. Weekend brunch can see short lines, so arriving before peak late-morning crowds helps.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally yes — the casual café layout works for families, though peak brunch hours can feel crowded for strollers or toddlers.
Best For
Better for: Brunch-focused Thai flavors, café drinks, and stylish plating that appeals to diners wanting a lighter, modern take on Thai comfort dishes.
Skip if: You want deeply traditional Thai cooking or a quieter, dinner-centric experience — classic Thai restaurants nearby are better suited for that.