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Hae Ha Heng Thai Bistro
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Hae Ha Heng Thai Bistro
8.6
This second-floor bistro serves authentic Thai dishes with herb-forward broths and bold curries in a cozy space with both indoor seating and a charming rooftop patio. The crying tiger and panang curry draw consistent praise, while the kitchen maintains traditional spice levels rather than toning down for American palates.
Must-Try Dishes:
Crying Tiger, Panang Curry, Tom Yum Soup
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Rooftop patio with Hollywood sign views and authentic spice levels
Who should go: Couples and Thai food enthusiasts seeking authenticity
When to visit: Evenings for rooftop ambiance, lunch for deals
What to order: Crying tiger, panang curry, fresh spring rolls
Insider tip: Request a rooftop table at night for the best atmosphere
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only - metered until 8pm, free after. Nearby lot on Western Ave ($8 flat). Arrive 10min early to find spots.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual - jeans and nice top work perfectly for rooftop dining
Noise level: Quiet to moderate - easy conversation indoors, breezy and intimate on rooftop
Weekend wait: 30-45 min for rooftop without reservation, indoor seats usually available
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait, walk-ins welcome
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - tofu substitutions available for most curries and stir-fries, plus veggie spring rolls
Vegan options: Moderate options - request fish sauce omitted, coconut-based curries work well
Gluten-free options: Limited - rice dishes safe, but many sauces contain soy sauce. Ask kitchen for modifications.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice - the rooftop creates natural conversation moments with Hollywood sign views, prices won't break the bank ($25-35pp), and authentic spice levels give you something to bond over. Request rooftop seating when booking.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday dinners usually yes for indoor seating. Weekend rooftop is hit-or-miss - call ahead or arrive right at 5:30pm opening. Lunch never requires reservations.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids (8+) who handle spice - kitchen won't significantly tone down heat. High chairs available. Rooftop has railings but requires supervision. Lunch service more relaxed than dinner.
How spicy is the food really? Authentically spicy - they don't Americanize the heat levels. Start with 'medium' if you're cautious, but regulars praise them for keeping it real. Panang curry is milder than jungle curry.
Is the rooftop heated? No heating, but they provide blankets on cooler evenings. Best from late spring through early fall. Winter dining means stick to the cozy indoor space.
Best For
Better for: Authentic Thai spice levels, romantic rooftop ambiance with views, herb-forward broths that taste like Bangkok street food, and genuine neighborhood prices ($$ not $$$). Better date spot than most Koreatown Thai options.
Skip if: You need a quiet business dinner (rooftop can get lively), want heavily Americanized Thai food with mild spice, require extensive vegan menu, or need guaranteed immediate seating on weekend evenings. Also skip if you want flashy modern decor - this is cozy bistro vibes.
Hae Ha Heng Thai Bistro
8.2
Since 2010, this second-floor bistro in Western Village Square offers traditional Thai dishes with a contemporary setting and rooftop patio seating. The menu balances authentic flavors with Thai-fusion creations, drawing consistent crowds for curries, noodles, and standout papaya salad.
Must-Try Dishes:
Papaya Salad, Drunken Noodles, Crying Tiger
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Rooftop patio dining with Hollywood sign views in heart of Koreatown
Who should go: Couples and groups wanting ambiance with authentic Thai
When to visit: Sunset dinner on patio or weekday lunch specials
What to order: Crying tiger, papaya salad, crab rangoon
Insider tip: Free parking in underground garage beneath plaza
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free underground parking in Western Village Square garage - rare Koreatown perk, entrance on 8th Street
Dress code: Casual to smart casual - date night crowd skews nicer but jeans work fine
Noise level: Moderate indoors, quieter on rooftop - conversation-friendly both spots
Weekend wait: 30-45 min for rooftop tables without reservation, indoor seating usually available
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait, walk-ins welcome
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - solid selection including tofu curries, veggie pad thai, and spring rolls
Vegan options: Limited but doable - about 4-5 dishes, ask for fish sauce substitutions
Gluten-free options: Some options available - rice dishes and grilled proteins, but cross-contamination possible with shared fryers
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, especially rooftop at sunset - romantic views, comfortable noise level for conversation, and shareable dishes break the ice. Reserve ahead for patio seating.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunches and early dinners (before 6:30pm) usually fine. Friday/Saturday nights, expect 30-45 min wait for rooftop or grab indoor seating immediately.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids (8+) who can handle spice levels - staff accommodates mild requests. High chairs available but limited space between tables makes it less ideal for toddlers.
How spicy is the food really? Authentic Thai heat - medium is genuinely spicy. Start mild if sensitive, and don't be shy asking for adjustments. Crying tiger comes with serious kick.
Is the rooftop open year-round? Yes with heat lamps in winter, but LA weather means it's best spring through fall. Can get chilly January-February evenings.
Best For
Better for: Ambiance over pure authenticity - the rooftop views and modern setting elevate it beyond typical Thai spots, making it ideal for dates and celebrations where atmosphere matters as much as food
Skip if: You want dirt-cheap Thai or hardcore authentic street food vibes - this is polished and priced accordingly ($$). Also skip if you need guaranteed immediate seating on weekends.