Second Helpings: Thai Part II
There's more Thai where that came from, in this week's "Second Helpings."
Fri., April 4, 2003
Little Thailand
4315 Caldwell, in Garfield, 512/247-3855
Monday-Saturday, 11am-2pm, 6-9pm
Little Thailand is a cozy family joint located east of the airport, where owners Dick Simcoe and his Thai wife, Surin, offer spectacular authentic Thai food in a funky, relaxed setting. Enjoy Dick's killer Thai Bloody Marys in the comfortable attached lounge while you anticipate the cooked-to-order specialties such as Surin's superlative rendition of the Thai national dish, pad Thai.
Classic Thai
200 Buttercup Creek #128, in Cedar Park, 512/331-3810
Monday, 11am-2:30pm; Tuesday-Friday, 11am-2:30pm, 5-9pm; Saturday-Sunday, noon-9pm
Classic Thai is the popular suburban outpost in Cedar Park. Meat eaters, fish lovers, and vegetarians alike will marvel at the array of satisfying menu choices here.
Thai Village
6406 N. I-35 #1550, 452-3888
Monday-Thursday, 11am-2:30pm, 5-10pm; Friday, 11am-2:30pm, 5-11pm; Saturday, 11am-11pm
The detailed Thai Village menu features many of the same traditional dishes as other local Thai restaurants, but the cloth-covered tables and very artful food presentation create a sophisticated atmosphere in which to enjoy a classy but still affordable meal. And the service is excellent.
Bangkok Cuisine
9041 Research, 832-9722Monday-Friday, 11am-2:30pm, 5-10pm;
Saturday-Sunday, 5-10:30pm
Opened in 1986, Bangkok Cuisine is one of Austin's oldest Thai restaurants and boasts a longtime clientele loyal to its array of stellar vegetarian dishes. Available with or without meat, Bangkok's pad Thai is one of the most memorable versions of the traditional Thai dish to be found in Austin.
Thai Garden
5517 Manchaca, 326-5205Monday-Friday, 11am-3pm, 5-9pm;
Saturday, 5-9pm
This far-south Thai outlet is a popular spot for eating in and also does a brisk takeout business with neighborhood regulars. Our favorite dish here has to be the whole crispy fish in a divinely fiery red curry sauce.
Thai Spice Restaurant
701 Capital of TX Hwy. S., 330-0203
Monday-Thursday, 11am-9:30pm; Friday, 11am-10pm; Saturday, noon-10pm; Sunday, noon-9:30pm
Thai Spice Buffet and Restaurant
2501 Parmer, 821-1522Monday-Friday, 11am-2pm; Monday-Thursday, 5-9pm;
Friday-Saturday, 5-10pm
This pleasant family of restaurants is owned and operated by female chefs Vicki Vicha and Orasinee Ratana-Apron. Both eateries have similar basic menus, offering fresh, fast, reliable versions of traditional Thai dishes. The buffet at the North location is very popular with the neighborhood's business techies, while West Lake Hills families are fond of the fresh, light fare at the southwest suburban outlet.
