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Sticky Rice Highland Park
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Sticky Rice Highland Park
8.4
Inside The Goldfish, Sticky Rice’s Highland Park kitchen turns out Thai-style Sticky Rice Wings alongside street food favorites, all backed by $10 cocktail happy hour. Neon-lit decor, a checkered dance floor, arcade games, and regular live music make wings and drinks here feel like a full night out.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sticky Rice Wings, Panang Curry Fries, Boat Noodle Soup
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 6.8
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Thai street-food wings with full bar happy hour, arcade games, and live music under one roof.
Who should go: Cocktail lovers, night owls, groups chasing lively energy.
When to visit: Weeknights before 8pm to stack wings with $10 cocktails.
What to order: Sticky Rice Wings, Panang Curry Fries, Boat Noodle Soup.
Insider tip: Order wings at the bar, then grab a high-top near the arcade for the best views of the stage and quick drink access.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Figueroa can be tight after 7pm; expect a short hunt. Free neighborhood parking on adjacent residential streets, but watch posted signs. No valet.
Dress code: Casual-night-out vibes — jeans, sneakers, and a fun top fit right in. People tend to lean slightly trendy for photos under the neon lights.
Noise level: Loud once the DJ or live music starts; conversation is easiest before 8pm. Expect energetic bar chatter throughout.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes for groups during peak hours; bar seating sometimes opens faster.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable — kitchen opens later; evenings on weekdays typically have little to no wait before 7pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: A few options like curry fries and certain noodle dishes; wings are the headliner, but sides offer flexibility.
Vegan options: Limited — some items can be modified, but most Thai street-food staples here lean meat-forward.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated GF prep area; some curries and rice-based dishes may work but ask staff about sauces.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want something playful and high-energy — the neon lights, arcade games, and cocktails make it fun. Not ideal if you're looking for quiet, intimate conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it's primarily walk-in. Arrive before 7:30pm for the best chance at snagging a high-top or booth without waiting.
Is it kid-friendly? Early evenings work for families, but the crowd skews 21+ and louder as the night goes on. Best for older kids or teens who’ll enjoy the arcade area.
Best For
Better for: Livelier vibes, Thai-style wings, and strong happy-hour cocktails compared to most standard bar-wing spots.
Skip if: You want a quiet meal, a large vegan menu, or strictly traditional Thai dishes.
Sticky Rice Highland Park
8.7
The Highland Park outpost of Sticky Rice serves Bangkok-style street food from a walk-up window at The Goldfish barcade, pairing bold curries and noodles with cocktails, arcade games, and live DJs. With thousands of strong delivery and dine-in ratings and praise from local critics, it’s a reliable choice for late-night Thai in a lively, music-forward setting.
Must-Try Dishes:
Panang Curry, Panang Curry Fries, Boat Noodle Soup
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 7
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.9
What makes it special: Thai street food with barcade energy, live DJs, and strong drinks.
Who should go: Night owls, friend groups, and Thai street-food fans.
When to visit: Prime late-night hours after 8pm, especially weekends.
What to order: Panang Curry, Boat Noodle Soup, Panang Curry Fries.
Insider tip: Order at the window, then grab a cocktail and arcade game inside The Goldfish while you wait.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Figueroa can be tight after 7pm; expect to circle on weekends. Metered spots and nearby residential blocks are your best bet—no valet.
Dress code: Casual and trendy. Come as you are—jeans, tees, and sneakers fit right in with the barcade vibe.
Noise level: Loud during DJ hours; conversation requires raised voices. Earlier evenings are moderately noisy but manageable.
Weekend wait: 15–30 minutes for food from the walk-up window; seating inside The Goldfish can fill up fast.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; quick-turnaround service from the window.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Solid selection—curries, noodles, and fried rice can be made vegetarian on request.
Vegan options: Limited but doable—some stir-fries and curries can be customized; confirm sauce ingredients at ordering.
Gluten-free options: A few naturally gluten-free dishes like certain curries and rice-based plates; no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want something energetic and playful—grab food, then wander into the arcade. Not ideal if you’re looking for quiet, intimate conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—seating is first-come inside The Goldfish. You order food from the window and then hunt for a spot; come earlier on weekends for your best chance.
Is it kid-friendly? Early evenings can work for older kids who enjoy arcade games, but the scene becomes 21+ and bar-focused later in the night.
Best For
Better for: Late-night Thai, bold Bangkok-style flavors, and a built-in entertainment vibe you won’t get from traditional sit-down spots.
Skip if: You want quiet dining, formal service, or extensive dietary tailoring—try a more traditional Thai restaurant instead.