Taste of Lao Thai — Restaurant in Hercules

I visited this restaurant for the first time on August 24, 2024, for lunch with some friends who are regulars. The service was prompt and friendly, and our food arrived quickly, served hot and fresh. I ordered the Yellow Curry with rice, and it was delicious.

During our visit, a man and a woman entered with a dog. While I acknowledge that the non-English speaking staff at the restaurant were not fully aware of the policies regarding service animals, I personally witnessed the restaurant worker signaling for the couple to sit at a table. Despite this, after the woman created a scene, the couple chose to leave on their own--they were not asked to leave, as the woman later claimed. The woman raised her voice, drawing attention to herself, while the restaurant worker attempted to communicate in broken English. The worker seemed genuinely concerned, perhaps worried about losing her job if she allowed a dog inside or failing an inspection if dog hair was found in the restaurant.

A few additional points:

It's important to respect a restaurant's preferences and policies. While service animals are essential for those who need them, it's worth noting that the woman was accompanied by an adult companion who could have assisted her. There was no visible physical disability, and it was unclear why the companion could not provide the necessary assistance.

The dog was wearing a regular harness with no clear identification as a service animal. If the dog had been properly identified with an appropriate vest, the non-English speaking staff might have better understood the situation.

This restaurant does not discriminate against people with disabilities. In fact, the owner reached out to the complainant to apologize for the miscommunication with the staff. The woman's claims of discrimination were not an accurate representation of the events I witnessed. Unfortunately, she has taken to Nextdoor in an attempt to discredit this small business and encourage the community to boycott it.

In these challenging times, especially post-COVID, it's crucial to support small businesses. This restaurant is trying its best to navigate difficult circumstances, and I will continue to support them. I encourage others to...

Stepping into Thai Lao restaurant is akin to embarking on a culinary journey that authentically captures the spirit of its origins. Owned and operated by a dedicated family, this establishment has cultivated a stellar reputation for delivering an exceptional dining experience. The heart and soul poured into each dish are palpable, resulting in a menu that showcases outstanding Thai cuisine.

A particular triumph is the unforgettable fried rice, a dish that embodies the perfect balance of flavors and textures. From savory to aromatic, every bite tells a story of culinary mastery. The desserts, equally impressive, add a sweet finale to the gastronomic adventure, leaving diners with a lingering sense of satisfaction.

Beyond the culinary delights, Thai Lao restaurant pays attention to the finer details. The tasteful decor creates an inviting ambiance, while the commitment to cleanliness and organization adds a touch of refinement to the overall dining experience.

Practicality meets comfort with the provision of a spacious and well maintained parking lot. The ample parking space enhances the accessibility of the restaurant, ensuring that patrons can focus on savoring the flavors without the hassle of searching for a parking spot.

In essence, Thai Lao restaurant has seamlessly woven together the authenticity of its cuisine, the warmth of a family owned establishment, and the practicality of a well designed space. It has become a local favorite, drawing in patrons not just for a meal but for an immersive and satisfying culinary adventure that celebrates the rich tapestry of...

Big Thai food fan; this place missed the mark by a mile. Entres not served as described on menu or with modifications requested. Ordered Pad Se Eww, a go to measuring stick dish for me, and they brought me a plate with a bunch of Pad Thai style noodles instead of the flat wide noodles served literally everywhere else and as described on their menu. That’s not the dish! On top of that, the flavor was not really that great, and also seemed to lean in a Pad Thai sweetness direction. Ordered the eggplant dish and requested to add broccoli which the server said they could do. It came out with no broccoli. When I asked, I was told the kitchen couldn’t add broccoli to an eggplant dish… for reasons?!? Taste of that dish was on point at least, not overly greasy like some places. Served was apologetic and friendly but didn’t give a heads up or ask if I still wanted either dish before bringing them despite knowing the differences from menu or inability to execute special order after first saying they would. Atmosphere was meh and room temperature was a little too cold (and I’m usually the guy in the group who isn’t as cold as...