Share
What People Are Saying About Esan Thai Restaurant
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
In Short – Soothing sage-green walls and high ceilings with exposed pipes and ducts create a low-key ambience ideal for diners weary of the neighborhood's trendier scene. Winning appetizers are garden rolls and egg rolls are delightfully crisp, and the Evil Prince entree, a beautifully balanced red curry bursting with fresh basil is a local favorite. For an adventure in texture, try the nam kao: crispy rice, ground meat, chili and mint-full of crunchy character.
12/21/08
Best Thai in Portland and Elsewhere!
by nicolemonade at Citysearch
This is the BEST Thai food I have ever had. They have the spiciest options. First time I ordered extra-extra hot, but now I settle for just hot. Its the only Thai place I've been to where I can't order the hottest option. I used to live across the street from the Northwest location and needless to say, Esan was ordered for lunch at least three times a week. The lunch portions are huge and at such a good price! My boyfriend and I recently relocated to the deep southeast but faithfully rode our bikes into "town" to catch lunch specials at our favorite Thai place - Esan. Eat in or take-out during lunch for a good price, but for a romantic little dinner for two eat there later. Its a quiet spot and usually not very crowded.
10/11/08
My favorite Thai food in PDX
by daveypdx at Citysearch
I'm a vegetarian, and I love spicy food. Few things can top Esan Thai's Swimming Angel (#31), hot, vegetarian with tofu. The garden rolls (#2) are really tasty, and the soup puck (#10) is one of my favorite soups I've tried. Those are just my favorites, the menu is huge (especially with the various options), so I can always find something I'm craving.
If you enjoy good Thai food, you're in for a treat. If you're not sure, but you like spicy food, you'll probably love this as well. People I know who don't like spicy food order extra mild, and are still happy. The staff is very friendly, and the food is ready very quickly.
Also, the portions are fairly large, so if you have a group of people ordering to go, splitting dishes might be a good idea. Plus, everything's so good you'll want to try it all anyway.
- Pros: Great service, great food, great prices
- Cons: No private parking but there is plenty on street in the area
08/30/08
Best Thai food I've had!
by aquarius81 at Citysearch
E-san is very likely my favorite Thai restaurant in the area. The downtown location on Second ave is our usual spot, and has yet to disappoint me. The decor is comfortable -not too formal like some Thai restaurants. Their regular dinner menu is fabulous, and the food is always delicious -very tasty and full of flavor. My favorite dish is either the spicy basil or the Pad Kee Mao (the best I have ever had!!). The service is always prompt and the waitresses are very attentive. Also, if you want a cheap meal, go there for happy hour -they have great drink specials and super cheap appetizers and entrees (half price on selected items!). My boyfriend sometimes complains that even their "mild" dish is too spicy, but if you ask for extra mild, this usually remedies the problem. I would recommend this restaurant to anyone who enjoys flavorful and rich Thai food, and will continue to go there for years to come!
- Pros: Good service, tasty food, Pad Kee Mao, great happy hour deals!
- Cons: sometimes too spicy for "mild" orders -stress extra mild if you can't handle it!
The Details on Esan Thai Restaurant
The Extras:
In addition to standard tofu, typical meats and seafood, Esan goes the distance by offering squid, scallop and talay (a combination of seafood) versions of every dish.
Know Before You Go:
All items can be prepared mild to extra-extra hot. Note that asking for medium ensures a pretty spicy kick, so order accordingly.
When to Go:
Choose from 29 lunch specials, 11am-4:30pm, all less than $10.
Category:
Payment Methods:
American Express, Visa, Discover, MasterCard
Cuisine:
Smoking Permitted:
No
