Bangkok 96 Restaurant — Restaurant in Dearborn

I am torn on this place.  Getting to the place is not so bad as it is off Telegraph Road.  Leaving the parking lot, though, can be dangerous.  The parking lot runs up on the sidewalk without a barrier, which is not good for pedestrians but good, I guess for drivers, because if there were one there you couldn’t get out of the parking lot.  It is dangerous even during light traffic to exit, so, be careful.

The food is good.  It smells nice in the place.  The greeting situation is a little strange.  You kind of get picked up by a waiter or waitress and dropped off at a table.  You then wait for service which might come right away or it might not.  Eventually the service begins.  On both occasions our server was somewhat in a good mood but I wouldn’t use the word ‘happy’.

The first time I was there I ordered the ‘Fire Duck’ or some such thing.  It looked great on paper.  When I got it the duck was burnt and dry.  That wouldn’t have been so bad because I enjoy roasted meat but it was altogether dry and the ‘Fire’ was apparently referring to a noxious concoction of spices that rendered the meal inedible.  I enjoyed the sides and some Satay chicken.

On our second visit we ordered the Satay chicken, the pronunciation of which was quickly corrected by the server, but speed in relation to the Satay stopped there because it took some time for it to show up.

The seating is packed together with the unpleasant experience of having to nearly share your table with other diners nearby.  This can be okay unless you seated next to rude, loud and overbearing folks in which case that’s the meal right there.  We can return to the Satay for a moment – it is served with a small black stove in which a piece of Sterno is merrily burning along.  The idea is to place the Satay on the little stove and cook it a little more.  That’s great in theory, however, having a burning hot black stove in the middle of a crowded, tiny table presents a rather challenging safety situation.  As it was I burned the inside of my right arm.  Perhaps that was punishment for not pronouncing ‘Satay’ to the satisfaction of our server.  After some reflection it could also have been a mark of honor not unlike the dragons burned into the forearms of Kwai Chang Caine in the tv teleseries ‘Kung Fu’.  I didn’t get any identifiable shape, however, just a red mark.  – and yes, the teleseries was set in China not Thailand so my cross reference may not work here.

The meal was fine but tasted better as leftovers the next day.  It was supposed to be tangy, you see, but it was overly sweet as we ate it.  Apparently mellowing in the cold, darkness of the refrigerator brought out the proper flavor.

One of my more interesting dining experiences.  I’ll be going back even if it’s just to keep me on my...

I travel a lot for work and usually try to find a place to enjoy some fine Thai food at least once during my trip. Well, let me tell you, I came across Bangkok 96. I have been to a few Thai restaurants in my life all over the world and have found some of them to be less than desirable. So, last night, I looked up a few places and started reading some reviews. I started reading them and, to be honest, almost didn't eat at Bangkok 96. But I read a post that really piqued my interest; so, shout out to foodcritic. I drove to the location, expecting only to get something to go. However, that wasn't the case; although all food is prepared as take-out, you can sit down and eat. I ordered three spring rolls and Red Curry with Chicken. First, let me say, the service was fantastic and prepared much faster than I expected. Honestly, I think I waited less than 10 minutes. It was so quick that I was on the phone with my wife and was shocked that the food was ready so quickly. I just knew it was going to be someone else's order, but nope, it was correct. Second, most of the time, I get spring rolls. They are the small style and come with four, but Bangkok 96 sold them individually. They were larger than expected, and I would have been satisfied with one... maybe two. They were hot, fresh, and not dried out but not soggy by any means. The red curry contained just the right amount of flavor and heat. The chicken was not bland and tasted as though it had been slightly marinated. I requested a medium spice level, and the heat was just right. In fact, I should have asked for just a little spicier. Bottom line, the food was fantastic. The portion size was perfect and did not disappoint. I'm extremely happy I visited your restaurant and when back in the area, I will again enjoy some fantastic Thai food. One last point, the food to price ratio was perfect. We live in a time where after 2020-2022, the cost of everything has gone through the roof. I am pleased to say I was happy...

What is happening? I lived in Dearborn for 18 years, before there was a Bangkok 96. I don't live in Dearborn anymore but get excited at the thought of being in Dearborn and getting to eat here. Not today.

We had no problem getting a table at noon, which is unusual from our past experiences since 1996. Our waitress began by setting the wrong dishes in front of my husband and I, and as I went to switch them, I felt a strange vibe from her, perhaps of irritation. Maybe because I did it in front of her, and not after she left. The next table had some issues with 2 people having the wrong dishes as well, same waitress.

The Food: Usually delicious, today, not so much. Part of my food was cooked to one degree, and other parts were raw. Fortunately, I had no meat in my dish, so no food poisoning to worry about. The peppers and onions were practically raw, so raw, that I got a burning feeling from the onions instead of any spice that was in the dish. VERY DISAPPOINTED.

We asked to take our leftovers home. I went to the rest room while my husband waited for the takeout containers, and I asked him to pack my food. As I returned, I went past the bar where our waitress had our takeout containers. She tapped them with her fingernail to get my attention that she had them for us; I mistakenly took them from her. A reflex I guess. I PICKED THEM UP MYSELF. I regret my tip. She did have to come to the table to give us the bill however.

I want to return, I want it to be the Bangkok 96 I remember, but am unsure if we should proceed. Is this under the same management?

Genevieve, are you there? This is not good. Please address your staff, both service and food preparation.

I live closer to Ann Arbor and will now be heading west in search of Thai food. It's hard when you lose...