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Lemongrass Thai Restaurant
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Lemongrass Thai Restaurant
8.1
Long-running Thai staple (since 1991) known for bright curries and rice-noodle dishes. Staff fields modifications well, making it a dependable stop for gluten-free diners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Green Curry with tofu, Pad See Ew with tofu, Papaya Salad
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Decades-strong Thai kitchen with rice-based dishes and GF-friendly tweaks.
Who should go: Thai fans seeking lighter GF options
When to visit: Early dinner before 6:30pm
What to order: Green curry; pad see ew; papaya salad
Insider tip: Confirm fish sauce and soy choices for stricter GF needs.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free street parking is available along First Street and nearby cross streets, though spots fill quickly after 6pm. Public lots behind Main Street are the best fallback within a 2–3 minute walk.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans and casual dresses are common. Avoid overly formal attire unless dining for an occasion.
Noise level: Moderate – lively at peak dinner hours but still manageable for conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation after 6:30pm; faster for early seating.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait except during downtown office lunch rush (12–12:30pm).
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – several vegetable-based curries, tofu stir-fries, and salads are available.
Vegan options: Yes – many dishes can be made vegan on request by omitting fish sauce or egg.
Gluten-free options: Yes – staff understands gluten sensitivity and can adjust sauces and noodles accordingly.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The cozy booths and warm lighting create a relaxed but not overly formal setting, especially for casual midweek dinners.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually, yes for lunch and early dinners. Reservations are recommended for Fridays and Saturdays after 6pm.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes. The staff accommodates families well, high chairs are available, and spice levels can be customized for younger diners.
Best For
Better for: More consistent gluten-free handling and flavor balance than nearby Thai options, especially in curry and noodle execution.
Skip if: You prefer ultra-trendy Thai spots with cocktail programs or modern décor—this is more of a reliable classic than a scene.
Lemongrass Thai Restaurant
8.1
Classic Thai curries and noodles with tofu or veggie substitutions done right. The kitchen keeps flavors bright and basil-forward without heavy sweetness.
Must-Try Dishes:
Green Curry with Tofu, Pad See Ew (Tofu), Papaya Salad
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Vegetarian-friendly Thai with balanced heat and herbaceous notes.
Who should go: Tofu-swap noodle and curry fans
When to visit: Early dinner before 6:30 to avoid waits
What to order: Green curry tofu; pad see ew tofu; papaya salad
Insider tip: Ask for Thai basil extra to lift the curry’s aroma.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free street parking and small shared lot behind the restaurant; fills quickly on weekends after 6pm.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual—comfortable attire works fine; no formal wear needed.
Noise level: Moderate—conversation is easy at smaller tables but can rise during peak dinner hours.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation between 6–8pm.
Weekday lunch: Typically seated immediately or within 5 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—most entrees available with tofu or mixed vegetables; no fish sauce on request.
Vegan options: Yes—about 4–5 entrées can be made fully vegan by omitting egg and fish sauce.
Gluten-free options: Partially—curries and rice dishes are safe, but soy sauce–based noodles are not gluten-free.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—cozy tables, aromatic dishes, and attentive but unintrusive service make it a relaxed first-date spot, especially for vegetarian diners.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes for lunch or early dinner; reservations are smart for weekend evenings after 6pm.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—staff are accommodating with mild spice levels and extra rice; good for families with kids 6 and up.
Best For
Better for: Balanced flavor and spice control—lighter, fresher curries than many nearby Thai spots.
Skip if: You want ultra-authentic heat levels or late-night dining—kitchen closes earlier than some competitors.
Lemongrass Thai Restaurant
8.1
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Comfort Food Classics
Group Dining Gatherings
Business Lunch Power Players
Downtown mainstay serving a full range of Thai classics since 1991. Reliable execution, broad menu depth, and steady pacing make it a go-to for families and groups.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pad Kee Mao (Drunken Noodles), Panang Curry, Mango Sticky Rice
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Long-running downtown Thai with depth of menu and steady consistency.
Who should go: Families and mixed-preference groups
When to visit: Early dinner 5–6:30 to avoid peak
What to order: Panang curry; drunken noodles; mango sticky rice
Insider tip: Request spice on a 1–5 scale—kitchen adjusts accurately.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free street parking and public lots nearby; easiest access on First Street or behind the downtown shops.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual—comfortable attire is fine, though some guests dress up for dinner.
Noise level: Moderate—buzzier on weekends but conversation remains easy at most tables.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes during peak hours if you walk in.
Weekday lunch: Usually seated immediately except during Friday rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—nearly all stir-fries and curries can be made vegetarian on request.
Vegan options: Yes—several curries and noodle dishes can be prepared vegan; staff is knowledgeable.
Gluten-free options: Yes—gluten-free soy sauce available; specify needs when ordering.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? It’s a relaxed, low-pressure setting—more cozy than romantic, ideal for casual first dates or early relationships.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes, especially before 6:30pm or for lunch. Weekends benefit from a quick call ahead to confirm availability.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—staff is accommodating, high chairs are available, and spice levels can be adjusted for younger diners.
Best For
Better for: Reliable classics and balanced flavors in a sit-down setting—great for groups or family meals downtown.
Skip if: You’re seeking modern Thai fusion or cocktail-forward dining; Kin Phed suits that better.