Baan-Thai
(503) 224-5155
1924 SW Broadway 2nd Fl
Portland,
OR
97201
45.5104
-122.6843
Neighborhoods: Downtown, Neighbors West - Northwest
What People Are Saying About Baan-Thai
The Editor
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Citysearch
In Short
This converted old Victorian looks like it has seen one too many paint jobs but it packs plenty of PSU collegiate charm, drawing throngs of students and professors. Authentic Bangkok-style cuisine means curries are thick and spicy, and salads and soups are zesty. Seafood is a standout, particularly the fresh mussels or squid in dishes like coconut-based green curry. For lunch, beef pho, fragrant with basil and cilantro, is a must-have.
User Reviews
emusic2
February 21, 2009
Baan Thai is the most aggravating dining experience you've ever had for the first 30-90 minutes - I've visited several times and these are my wait times for meals. On more than one occasion, I've waited 15 minutes to place an order and 10 more to receive water. And then there is the agonizing wait as people around you (sometimes people seated well after you) receive their food. Appetizers eventually arrive, and are always tasty, but won't fully satiate your hunger. If you've ordered a delicious tea, it may arrive around this time, give or take 10 minutes. So you wait some more. And then, miraculously, after you've given up all hope - and repeatedly considered leaving no tip or leaving outright - the food arrives. And it is always delicious, the best Thai you've ever had. I especially recommend the volcano chicken, mussaman curry, and "thai jungle" dishes. The portions are large, and the prices are cheap. So grudgingly, you acknowledge the amazing food with a tip. I've never heard the argument that the slow (and to be honest, occasionally rude) service is a "cultural" thing. I've been to dozens of Thai restaurants run by Thailand-born owners and never experienced anything like this. The decision to go to Baan Thai is always an agonizing one, and I never leave having fully decided whether it's worth it or not. I now go maybe a couple times a year. I would go several times a month if I knew I could get in and out the door in less than two hours.
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kumm
February 14, 2009
There are a lot of terrible Thai food restaurants in the NW and downtown Portland area - I haven't ventured elsewhere, so I'm limiting my review to this area. Baan Thai was recommended to me by someone and they were right - it's really, really good. I've ordered the wanton soup and the veggie noodle dishes and they are great. Peemkaw and Beau Thai - both are more expensive and the food has a gross fish smell and flavor to it - even the supposed vegetarian dishes. At Baan, the food tastes great, although the noodle dishes could use more veggies and tofu per serving. Never had a problem with the waitstaff attitude, just extreme slowness on busy days. It's not gourmet food, but it's really tasty. I'd get food to go - the interior is on the dingy side. And yes, the other reviewers are right - the spice level is high in the dishes.
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sunlao
July 28, 2008
I recommend any of the menu items that you will never see on any other Thai menu in Portland. I think people who complain about service at Baan Thai are culturally inexperienced. I do agree the kind, mild mannered, and sometimes very busy people who work there do operate at a different pace then traditional American establishments. I do not find this a critique, it is just different. If I am in a hurry I order over the phone for pick up. I have worked in the area off and on for years and have frequented this place for both lunch and dinner. I am perplexed how anyone can say the staff is rude. I have never seen it once. I am not even sure if you asked them to be rude they would know how. My best guess is these complaining patrons have expectations that are limited to only the narrow service they are familiar with.
read full reviewThe Details on Baan-Thai
Know Before You Go:
A dish designated "medium spicy" can be very hot. Ask for mild or regular if you're the least bit spice-shy. All dishes can be adjusted to your taste.
Category:
Payment Methods:
American Express, Diners Club, Visa, Discover, MasterCard
General Info:
Cuisine:
Smoking Permitted:
No
