Thai Spoon — Restaurant in Dormont

There were two large groups when we went in on Sunday evening. The place looked very short staffed. Our server even though he was very nice , couldn't keep up with two large groups and all the other tables. I love Thai food and often go looking for a place wherever I travel and this place didn't feel flavorful. Not sure if it was because it was super busy. The good thing is they have option to add tofu or other meats /protein to all of their dishes so it gives a lot of option for vegetarians like us. There were a lot of vegetables in the dishes and the quantity looked good. We ordered mixed vegetables with tofu, spicy basil with tofu and a salad. The food was just okay. Spicy basil was the best. The mixed vegetable lacked any flavor. The salad was forgotten and took forever to come. The service was very poor. The server even though was very friendly couldn't be with us much. We went and got our own forks because the food came with only spoons and server was busy, and also some paper napkins. He did give us water once but didn't come to refill. We were happy to be done and get out of the place. One person was waiting for their take out order for a long time. And they were out of seats . Just not a good experience for us. Parking outside was difficult but we managed to find a spot....

It’s a pleasant Thai eatery with a good measure of authenticity. BUT OVERALL BELOW AVERAGE with significant misses.

The menu is mostly the usual familiar Thai fares. There’s a “Specialties” section, which would be a way to test this place

🫤🫤🫤🫤🫤 The most significant miss is the almost absence of fragrant spices that Thai cuisine is known for. There’s hardly any heat; “medium” heat is non-existent.

🫤🫤🫤 Absence of Fresh Rolls, unusual for a Thai eatery.

😡😡😡😡😡 There’s that pesky Crab Rangoon that MUST BE CLEAR TO ALL… IT IS NOT NOT NOT THAI… IT IS NOT FROM ANY COUNTRY IN ASIA.

🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢 The Spring Roll is crispy BUT unseasoned and very little filling with very thick layers of skin. The overly sweet dipping sauce DOES NOT rescue this poor roll.

🤢🤢🤢 The Crispy Duck has very little duck, which are mere slivers of deep fried (almost charred) duck meat. It’s stir fried with crunchy vegetables BUT LACKS FRAGRANT SPICES. It’s soy sauce-base that tasted like poor attempt of a chinese-style stir fry. EATABLE BUT NO THAI FLAVOR.

👏👏👏 The Bangkok Seafood redeemed this visit. It’s OUTSTANDING medley of mixed shellfish and crunchy vegetables in the most lovely turmeric sauce. This one hits FRAGRANT SPICES PERFECTLY.

Service is very good.

The place is cozy yet...

Food is amazing, server was clearly inexperienced but was attentive, kind and helpful. Prices we acceptable for the quality. Facilities are clean and in good repair, but not a focal point, although we did discuss a particular wall color that was pleasing but in an indefinable way. Clearly the owners are very involved, and I believe are the ones making the food. The ingredients were fresh, and prepared with care. The selection is varied but succinct and in no way overwhelming. Each thing we ordered stepped up from the previous surprising us with increasing splendor. Everyone was asked what level of spice they wanted for their individual entrees on a scale from 0-10, and we had chosen 0, 3, 6 & 8. The balance between heat and flavor was perfection and no way a challenge of bravado and tolerance and everyone tried all 4 dishes despite the original preferences, with surprising satisfaction at each level despite the original preferences of each. We will return, and refer anyone who will listen to try...