Lai-Thai Restaurant

01/25/11

We love Lai-Thai

by KaseyG at Citysearch

I'm writing to you to tell you how much we have enjoyed the Tai Lai Restaurant in downtown Kirkland. We've been loyal customers since the restaurant opened almost eight years ago. There are many reasons we continue to chose Tai Lai as a favorite eating establishment for our family and friends, and also, when my husband and I want a friendly, serene and enjoyable meal alone.

First, we began visiting the restaurant when my daughter, a local artist, had her first baby. My daughter would worked part-time at the art cooperative nearby and my husband and I would take baby Maizie into Tai Lai for lunch or dinner. Always, we were welcomed whether with infants, children or elders such as my mother who visits annually from the San Francisco Bay area. So, a warm welcoming staff and environment is a plus with Tai Lai.

Also, the food is consistently enjoyable and we appreciate the attentiveness of staff as they deliver to our table entrees we do not know how to prepare ourselves--spicey dishes comprised of delicious peppers, cilantro and coconut milk. Or, desserts of warm sticky rice with mango or papaya salad drizzled with lime juice. And an array of noodle and vegetable dishes that arrive sizzling to our table.

We also enjoy eating outdoors in the sidewalk area devoted to summer weather dining as we sip Thai iced tea and listen to birds and leaves rustle in the tall trees that shade the lane. The owner and staff are such a positive group that sometimes we just want to stop by for a light snack so that we can say hello to the people we've come to consider as friends. The people are friendly, the food is fun and the environment is casual and we love it!

Denise Calvetti Michaels and Kirk Michaels

11/09/10

Take Out portions way too small for price

by SeaGal33 at Citysearch

Don't get me wrong, I LOVE Lai Thai and use to come here for dinner multiple times a week. But soon their prices rose and along with it, their take out portions got smaller and smaller. Not worth it when I can go up the street or literally across it to get loaded up on good thai for almost a dollar less. Sorry Lai Thai, your food is wonderful!! but your prices are too much and portions too little compared to the competition.

08/06/09

Phad Thai is to die for!

by SeaGal3 at Citysearch

When I need my fix I go here...their Phad Thai is amazing! I'm a little disappointed that their prices went up and quantity went down, so that's why I say "fix", because I can no longer afford to eat here as often as I did. I even went as far as to boycott them for their changes, but I just couldn't stay away...it's still worth it :)

• Pros: Great customer service, yummy thai, nice location
• Cons: Pricey and they made their quantities smaller :(

04/02/08

Sloooooow service

by Em0505 at Citysearch

I've been to this restaurant twice now and both times the food has been good, but service is so slow that it becomes irritating and trumps the food quality. We waited quite awhile for our food. We had to ask twice for chopsticks. We waited over 15 minutes for the waitress to figure out how to split our check. You can tell by looking around that you're not the only table playing the waiting game. At least this time there were two waitresses; the first time I went there was one waitress for all tables. Good food and menu options (I like the Crab Delight appetizers), but only go if you're not in a hurry and are a very patient person! I don't think I'll ever dine-in again, but I may get take-out if I'm in the neighborhood.

• Pros: Good menu, good food
• Cons: Slow service, hard to find nearby parking at times

07/26/07

Hot or not?

by jhclever at Citysearch

Okay, if you're in Kirkland and you want Thai food this is the place to find it. In my opinion it is better than the joint by QFC in Parkplace. But......is it me or is the food never as hot as i order it? I like my Thai food hot, and in most places when i order 5 stars i can't handle the heat, but at Lai Thai ordering 4 or 5 stars seems like ordering 2 or 3. All i am saying is the food is good, but make sure you ask for the side of peppers and hot sauces if you like it hot.