Toi On Sunset — Restaurant in Los Angeles

It took a threat of almost going to the hospital to get a refund - let me explain. I would like to say I was very excited to try this restaurant. Whenever I walk by I notice a full place, smiling patrons, and what seems to be overall good vibes. This night seemed like a great night since I had to stay in to work on an essay I wanted to avoid making dinner. I walked in and was met with a smiling waitress at the counter. I could tell she was busy at the time she was a one woman show on the floor, answering phones, running cards, checking in with tables, and she did it with a smile well composed. Another good sign, so I thought. The woman handed me the menu and shared her thoughts on the dried chili dish I was considering. She answered the phone after I said I needed a few more moments since it was my first time here.

She proceeded to take the phone, and during that time a man appeared. The man proceeded with taking my order after I asked if tofu and cashews could be added to the sweet and sour dish. I left to grab my matcha latte and returned to pick up the order.

Once I arrived home I started to pour the food into my bowl only to notice there wasn’t any tofu or cashews added. I called right away because I was charged extra for the tofu and cashews that was not included in my food. This is where it gets interesting- I called the restaurant to inform them of the mistake. The man who took my order said he would get someone to help me…strange because he took my order. He didn’t inquire more about the situation nor did did he express any sort of apology for the mishap.

The woman from earlier answered the phone and I informed her that I was missing the tofu and cashews I ordered. She did say sorry but also told me she would have to check with the cook. After speaking with the cook she told me the mistake was made with not adding the cashews but ensured that tofu was added, I just needed to look. She also said kind of under her breath that she wished I would have let her taken my order. I told her I did look and there wasn’t any tofu. I asked if I could just get a refund and the woman said they don’t process refunds but I could get a credit. I didn’t want a credit because of the craziness behind calling to complain about my order. I So I made the decision to walk there as soon as I got off of the phone. It took all of 5 minutes walking distance to get there, luckily she was still there. I brought the sweet and sour dish to show there wasn’t any tofu, once they saw this to confirm -Alanzo(the man who took my order) and the cook both saw there wasn’t any tofu. Another man stepped in and the woman said he would take my order. I believe his name was Jake, tall dark hair. I asked if he was competent to take the order. . I really would have taken the refund and be done with it.. So I placed the pad woon sen order without egg, extra scallions, add tofu, add cashews. I look through the food and took a few bites. I notice these round white things. I thought it was strange to add pearl onions to a pad woon sen but ok I’ll try it. I freak out…these aren’t onions. My throat starts to itch and get irritated, my skin begins to itch, and I call back, Jake answers, “Hi, I just got off the phone with you. Do you all have scallops? I believe there scallops in my food and I did not order scallops.” He said they didn’t carry scallops in the restaurant. Once my friend confirmed it was scallops, returned to the restaurant to complain about the scallops. Jake had no response. I tried not to think about race being a part of this but this hands down is the worst experience I’ve ever had in hospitality. I’ve worked in the industry for years and well traveled…I have never experienced such negligence and awful service.I got the transaction voided BUT OMG this could have been avoided by simply refunding the first mistake without me, currently, having hives as I type this. What an awful very awful experience and I will share with anyone who listens to me. DO NOT GO TO THIS PLACE! ALot was left out due to limited amount...

There’s no question that the food at Toi on Sunset is authentically delicious Thai cuisine, but it’s the fun atmosphere and decor that make it special and endearing. I wouldn’t go so far as to say that I frequent the place, but I enjoy it enough to return every so often for a birthday dinner with a few friends or with out of town guests for a little bit of L.A. culture. It’s not called, “Rockin’ Thai Food” for nothing and it would take a seriously dull person to not appreciate at least one thing about this unique, thirty-five year old Hollywood institution. If the lively collection of pop cultural artifacts don’t win your heart the food definitely will.

My last visit for lunch on March 24, 2021, had a slightly sad undertone like all restaurants around the world that are trying to recover from the brutal injuries they have suffered because of the pandemic, but the chef’s flavorful homestyle cooking worked as comfort food in a playful environment that took us back to happier times not so long ago. Earlier that afternoon I had been exploring Hollywood Forever with a friend so we were hungry after three hours of walking around the famous cemetery and we were not disappointed at Toi.

Upon arrival we were welcomed by our server who held the door open and helped us settle in with a San Pellegrino and an iced tea. We were quick to decide what we wanted and it did not take long for our order to be ready. I had the Dried Curry with beef off the lunch special menu for $9.95 and my friend ordered the Tom Kha Kai soup off the regular menu. I only had a spoonful of the soup, but enjoyed its mushroom flavor. My friend, who has ordered Tom Kha at many different Thai restaurants, enjoyed the soup, but said that the flavor of lemongrass came gradually and not right away like it has in prior experiences eating it. I only had a spoonful so I don’t know it any differently, but did like what I had. On the lunch special menu the Dried Curry is boldy noted in all caps as SPICY! It may have indeed been spicy, but I didn’t feel any heat. Of course, I grew up in Albuquerque, New Mexico where green chile is served on cheeseburger at McDonalds so I can practically eat lava. I will say however, that the curry was very flavorful as was the fried rice that it came with. The curry also came with a salad of iceberg lettuce, tomato, shaved carrot, and a cucumber slice. Lunch was simple, but good and we definitely got our fill.

Located in the heart of Hollywood’s music store district at Sunset and Gardner, Toi adds to the character to its lively stretch of the block. Once inside, your eyes will be attracted to something on display and it would be difficult to not find at least one photo of your favorite musician at this unique eatery. In a corner of the dining area a life-size cardboard cutout of Elvis in a shiny, gold suit stands tall above all the rockstars that came after him like the king he is. The pictures, posters, and other memorabilia seem endless. I kind of wish their tribute to Janis Joplin was a little more than what they got on the wall, but I love Janis. Although, they do have my favorite naughty poster of the Red Hot Chili Peppers naked and giving a whole new meaning to “tube” socks. There are a lot of other funky decorative things that fill the space, giving it a certain something that makes it so distinctively cool.

If you are curious to know more about Toi on Sunset, they do have a user friendly website that is complete with menus, happy hour specials, history of the establishment, and lots of great pictures. I would recommend Toi to anyone who wants to enjoy excellent Thai food with a...

It's been open thirty plus years and the cooks are master level Thai cooks from Thailand that have been certified in their home country. I do eat there three times a month so I maybe a little biased but it's great food with an American twist. The owner is a working musician with a full band and the place has a classic rock and roll decor. The food is not over priced and the most expensive thing in the menu is under twenty bucks and feeds two. The rib dinner is a favorite and all of the noodle dishes are fantastic, I love the drunken noodle. Almost all the dishes have a vegan/vegetarian option and they have been doing this for 30+ years. Before Corona hit the place was always jam packed after 8 pm and that slows things down a bit but the service isn't terrible, just really really busy. Now things are different in the restaurant world and we need to use a different metric. There are (temporary) outdoor tables and the carry out service is great and incredibly fast. All of LA's restaurants are struggling under the virus and we need to come together to keep these landmark places open. They maintain a high safety protocol for staff and diners alike and are doing their very best to make it through this nightmare. I recommend this place this place for the food and the experience, which is certainly weird and eclectic. Try it and see, Rockin' Thai...