Phaya Thai Street Food — Restaurant in Lawrence

During a recent visit, customer service was not in keeping with the generally pleasing food quality. One host in particular was exceptionally rude when I called in with a valid complaint about my carry out order. After being hung up on, I returned to the restaurant to not only receive a refund, but to also speak with the manager. This same host insisted on being nasty even after the cook who allowed the improper order to go out rushed to the front of the restaurant to take accountability for the poor quality of my meal. Naturally, I declined a remake, expected a refund and requested to see the manager of the young person whose behavior was less than ideal. Not only did the manager (who I had been told was not available) happen to walk through the door in time to catch my complaint, she offered me a seat at the front of the establishment. She warmly sat down with me to hear more about my experience. Her address and genuine concern about what happened spoke volumes about the importance of customer service as a business owner, especially in the food industry. Though she offered to remake my order, I no longer had an appetite for the meal I had previously desired. I was satisfied in knowing that she did not condone the behavior of the host who has far less to lose in the equation. In such cases, all can generally be made well when the hire-up decides to acknowledge a wrong action that was clearly demonstrated on the part of an employee and proceeds to reestablishes a balancing course of action through good old human kindness, correction and...

For the past couple years, I've been coming to Phaya Thai once every few weeks because it's a convenient stop on the way home from work, and because there aren't very many decent Thai places on the east side of town. Generally speaking, my wife and I think their food quite good (though there are a couple of other places like Siam Square and Thai Kitchen that we like better if we're willing to make the drive.

What prompted my review tonight, however, was an experience that has has left an indelible impression on me. I called in an order for myself and my wife (two entrees and an appetizer) and was told that it would be ready in 15 minutes. I arrived 15 minutes later and paid, and then over the next 25 minutes, I watched a dozen orders prepared and given to people who arrived after me (after waiting 20 minutes, the polite hostess assured me that mine was next up, and three more orders went out before my food was finally ready).

This all would have been a minor inconvenience if the food had been as tasty as it normally is, but the drunken noodles were so overcooked that they had a texture that my wife likened to snot (drunken noodles are one of our favorite dishes, and these were the worst we've ever had). The pad thai was pretty good, though, so we were at least able to split that.

I've kept my review at three stars because normally the food and service at Phaya Thai are pretty good, and you'll likely enjoy it if you like Thai food. That said, after tonight, I think we'll drive out of the way to find a place that has more...

BEST PLACE FOR A LUNCH DATE IN INDY. The lunch is an absolutely amazing savings. The dinner is worth it as well. This is the best Thai place in Indiana. They have vegan options with tofu as a protein substitute if you want. Even though I am not vegan I get the tofu here almost every single time. They are the only place I know that even cooks tofu right in Indianapolis. I love the place and it's the best place to take a date. The atmosphere is light and uplifting. They are extremely clean in the kitchen as well as in every area you can go as a customer. The owners are extremely friendly and very helpful. I told everyone I know about this place. Everyone who has gone has absolutely loved it. There is nothing better then finding a place like this. The lunch comes with a soup and a drink. It's all delicious seriously. If you want spicy 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 ask for your food to be Thai spicy... If you don't like spice say so and they will make it that way. Seriously my friend who thinks black pepper is spicy loves this food just as much as my friend who laughs when you say you can't eat ghost peppers. If you want something around the same price as burger king and tastes like fine dining then go here. If you want a place with a nice atmosphere then go here. You will love it, absolutely love it. If you don't I'm almost willing to pay for your food because there can't be more than 20 people in the world who wouldn't live this food. I'm not paid for this review because they would be able to pay me anything besides...