Bangkok Bistro: Nice decor, Nice lunch, Nice service
Written: Mar 15 '04
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Pros: Nice decor, good food, reasonable prices
Cons: Parking is tough - walk or take the T
The Bottom Line: Bangkok Bistro has nice, predictable Thai food in a nice setting with friendly service.
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| modernmarvel's Full Review: Bangkok Bistro |
I recently ate lunch at Bangkok Bistro. It was really nice - not fancy, or trendy or expensive - but really just a pleasant and affordable experience. My only complaint, and it is not really a complaint, is that Bangkok Bistro did not stand out in any way - the whole experience was nice, but so generic that it could be any American-style Thai restaurant anywhere. Still, the prices were so reasonable for the area and the food was so tasty, I would go back next time I was in the area.
MENU
The menu is quite long for a Thai restaurant with lots of appetizers, entrees and a few desserts, including my favorite, mango and sticky rice. For the most part, the menu is predictable and includes dishes you would see in any Thai restaurant including noodle dishes, several varieties of curry, mixed rice dishes and the like. There were no house specials.
I ordered tofu green curry ($5.95 at lunch) and my daughter ordered Pad Thai ($5.95 at lunch). My green curry came on an oval dish with lots of fresh green pepper and eggplant and a mound of white rice off to one side. My daughter's Pad Thai had fresh bean sprouts, small shrimp and small pieces of chicken. Both tasted very good. Considering the cost - the portions were very large. We couldn't finish our lunches and could have brought the leftovers home.
SERVICE
We were greeted and seated promptly on a quite Sunday afternoon. Our waiter was friendly and brought water immediately. Once he took our order, our food came quickly. Overall, the service was great, however the restaurant was pretty slow at the time we visited.
DECOR
For a restaurant that seems to target mostly students, Bangkok Bistro had very pleasant decor with table cloths, placemats, lots of plants and tables spaced widely enough to offer some privacy. I also liked the random little Asian-style statutes, shrine and other decorations that filled out the rest of the restaurant. The bank of windows across the front offers plenty of sunlight.
AMBIANCE
This area is heavily populated by students and the ambiance reflects that. Most patrons were groups of college-age friends. I didn't see any families although they would feel comfortable here. Jeans and t-shirts seemed to be the most common attire.
LOCATION
1952 Beacon Street
Brookline, MA 02146
Bangkok Bistro is located in Brookline's Cleveland Circle neighborhood, just a quick jog from Boston College. The T (Boston's Trolly) has several stops nearby. Parking is on meters on the street and can be hard to find.
OTHER INFORMATION
Child friendliness: I didn't see any highchairs and there was no children's menu so the child would have to be open to Thai food.
Vegetarians: Lots of options
Handicapped: The restaurant was all on one level but the teeny bathrooms required a trek up several stairs and down a narrow hall.
Credit cards: They take credit cards but have a $10 minimum.
Cleanliness: The restaurant and bathrooms were very clean. We passed by the kitchen on the way to the bathroom and it also looked very clean.
FINAL RECOMMENDATION
I liked Bangkok Bistro and would definitely go back if I was in the area. We had a nice lunch although the entire experience was rather generic and predictable. Still, the lunch prices were so reasonable, I can forgive any small flaws.
HUNGRY FOR MORE? TRY THESE BOSTON-AREA RESTAURANTS:
BOSTON: Radius; Caffe Vitoria; Excelsior.
BROOKLINE: Mr. Sushi; Fugakyu; Takeshima; Tsunami; Anna's Taqueria; Zaftigs Delicatessen.
NEWTON: Appetito; India Paradise; Blue Ribbon Barbeque; Ice Cream Works; Baker's Best; Bill’s Pizzeria; Cafe Nicolas
CAMBRIDGE: S&S Restaurant; The Japanese Mall; House of Blues.
WEST ROXBURY: Café Misono.
BRIGHTON: Tasca.
ESSEX: Woodman’s.
SAUGUS: Kowloon.
CHAIN RESTAURANTS: Not Your Average Joe’s; Bertucci’s; Legal Sea Foods; Cheesecake Factory; Rainforest Cafe; Fire & Ice.
Recommended:
Yes
Kid Friendliness: No
Vegetarian Friendly: Yes
Notes, Tips or Menu Recommendations We ate green curry and pad thai - both were delicious
Best Suited For: Friends
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modernmarvel
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