Bai Tong — Restaurant in Loveland

I came here via Google maps on a recommendation and the auto navigator was clearly confused and we were led to an adjacent street. we decided to park where navigation left off and we immediately smelled the restaurant from a block away. Like toucan Sam I felt myself being instinctually led to the enchanting aromas (I had to explain that reference to my daughter) and we found this large yellow house (with a parking lot) was the source. they had a small covered patio and a historical building marker so I knew we were in for a treat. we waited to be seated while patrons carrying leftovers paid at the desk, we were quickly seated in one of the upstairs rooms that each seated no more than 8 tables of 4. we were quickly greeted with water (no ice, as is expected at a Thai restaurant) and menus with descriptions of the specialties, each with a real picture of the food as we could expect to get it. my daughter expected drunken noodles but they didn't have it, so she chose a double appetizer of fried spring rolls and fried pot stickers (quite affordable, even getting both) and I went with the chicken panang curry. the appetizer arrived first and I tried both and they were both perfectly fried and seasoned, I've never had better. shorty thereafter I got my curry (spicy 4/5) which was served with a bit of sticky rice that had been molded into a lotus shape. the curry was perfectly cooked, spiced and seasoned with the chicken being well trimmed and every bite was exactly right. the spice level was high as expected but it was a full spice, not hitting one area too highly like a hot wing might but a mouth filling spice that genuinely could only be described as hot, as if the curry never cooled down. the seasoning was perfect, I needed no additional salt or chili and it was available at the front but not on the table for good reason. the atmosphere and clientele were warm and inviting and the food sat well all into the night proving the cleanliness and skill of their kitchen. the price was astoundingly low for the food (about $16/person with drinks before tip) and even though it is a bit of a drive it is well worth going out of my...

Enjoyed the Thai Tea & Panang Chicken Curry. It's hard to find really good Thai tea in CO. It's always too sweet or has very weak tea flavor. This one seemed to hit just the right balance. Very reshreshing without the sugar rush which was a welcome reprieve to other spots around NoCo. The curry was good, veggies were fresh and cooked just right, not soggy & mushy like some other Thai places. The chicken was tender and the sauce was on point with exactly the right amount of heat per my request. Most places have a heat scale but it doesn't matter if you ask for a 1 or a 5, it's indistinguishable. I asked for a 1 (just to get a feel for the heat levels) and it was PERFECT. Just a little kick. I can imagine based on that, that their level 5 or Thai Hot on the menu is perfect for the spice lovers. Staff was very friendly and gracious by accommodating a last minute lunch reservation. Service was a little slow. It took 15 minutes before someone took our order, but it was very busy and the service was extremely attentive once we got our order in. Very clean place with cozy seating. Cute outdoor seating area too with...

2 stars because I have come here for 5 years and food has been great. Service Lacks always. Pre covid have never had enough help. You never get a second drink here. Nor is desert ever offered. Leaving lost money on the table. Also tips. Not my operation though.

Tonight

12 tables. 2 servers. It's one thing to hustle and try. These folks don't listen. Asked for extra beef. Got it when I was about done eating. Tables all around me waiting on extra rive or extra meat. That's extra money right??

Asked if needed anything else after I flagged down somone else for our check.

No plated cleared. No water refill ever offered.

Never got offered to get another beer. Another round of beer and wine would have been another $18. Also more tip. No table followup. How is your food....?

Food was not hot. Apps were cold. Many items precooked.

$73 bill. Paid $100. She gave me a $20 a $5 a $1 and a $1. Your server counted change to get $7.

Training is extremely lacking. So are listening skills.

I'll stick to take out. They...