Budsi’s Authentic Thai — Restaurant in New Orleans

Edited to add that after speaking with a manager Elizabeth and receiving an apology on behalf of the staff who made this mistake, we have regained trust in this business. We were told that this is not how it should have been handled or how the owner would have handled it. I am however going to leave this up as a reminder to those working in the service industry that ADA compliance is a very serious issue, and that no company policy can or should prevent you from observing it.

Strong communities hold each other accountable and to high standards of kindness. Glad to see Budsi's is making the right move to be community minded. We all need it a little more these days.

Original review:

"Absolutely appalling abelist behavior from the staff here tonight.

We tried to bring my partner's 84 year old grandmother with very severe mobility issues to eat here, as we love this business and would love to keep supporting it. However the actions of the staff tonight are completely inexcusable.

We took the long slow walk from where we parked a block away, got up the stairs to get in and she was so exhausted she needed to sit down. But she was excited to try the food and said it was worth it. (The physical effort it took her to get there.) With two very bad knees and her weight, it's very hard for her to get up and down from sitting to standing so we found a table, and asked a server for permission for her to be able to sit while we stood in line and ordered for her. We know you order at the front. We come here almost weekly. There were 3 people ahead of us in line and 5 empty tables inside. We were informed by first Yang, and then the manager on staff Tyler, that she would have to get up and stand in line to order, so that the three people in front of us, who were all in the same party, could have their pick of, again, the FIVE available tables. We informed Tyler that this is a medical issue, that she was already exhausted, this was a rare treat for her to get out of the house, and that we would appreciate the exception to this apparently dire company policy, and that this was actually a matter of ADA accessibility. Tyler then laughed at this 84 year old woman and informed us that because the building is a historical site they do not have to be ADA compliant. I get not building a ramp, or having wide doors. But this was not an architectural issue, it was a matter of basic human courtesy from a company that I thought cared about the local community that supports it. For the last two years since first eating here I've brought clients to this space as it was a local business that I believed deserved the support. I cannot say we will ever feel comfortable supporting them again, knowing now how they treat the elderly and disabled. I hope the owner is not complacent with this behavior and will take steps to correct it in future. Having no exceptions to a rule like this, in the year 2024 is...

I felt compelled to write this review because of the immense impact the customer service at this restaurant had on me and my friends. I was visiting New Orleans last month for a wedding. In searching for new and interesting places to eat my friends and I came across this restaurant. At face value, everything was great—relaxed atmosphere, good music (primarily R&B), and delicious food.

HOWEVER, after spending over $70.00 on 6 dishes. It was brought to our attention that every last dish we purchased was cooked with or contained shellfish. I’m allergic to shell fish. Upon requesting to speak with the manager in regards to switch out ONE dish for something made without shellfish. We were met with the most INSENSITIVE, CONDESCENDING, and PREJUDICE response from the manager on staff. She never asked if I was okay or needed additional care. She instead re-enforced their ‘No accommodation policy” as it pertained to allergy related food illnesses (which, might I add, was NOT LISTED ANYWHERE ON THE MENU; but instead, is written on a small piece of paper above the register— at a register surrounded by multiple hand written specials). Upon explaining to her that we missed the advisory notice and found the notice NO WHERE on the actual menu, she then in the most condescending tone replied “Well, it’s Thai food. Everyone knows there is shellfish in Thai food.” As to say it’s our fault for never having experienced a Thai dinning experience. If that wasn’t enough the manager then jokes about my possible allergic reaction by suggesting that I get shrimp as a protein for the replacement dish…

This was the most unprofessional dinning experience I’ve ever witnessed. We were so shocked at the treatment of this establishment and felt completely un-welcomed. Our willing patronism of and joy in trying this this restaurant was shattered so much that we had to leave. After requesting the replaced dish and being berated by the manager. She then proceeded to stare at us from behind the counter… This was the final straw that told us that not only was this not a safe space but that we needed to leave immediately. So to that we packed our food up and left. Unfortunately we did not feel safe eating the food that was so graciously prepared by the chef of this establishment. I hope no-one ever has to experience what we experienced at this restaurant. I’m sure the food is delicious but we will never know because we were run out of the establishment before we could...

Sis and I were in NOLA again this year for Mardi Gras. It was a different kind of vibe this year with National Guards throughout the French Quarter and weather warnings that upended some parades. But that story is for a different review. On Saturday, after a canceled reservation at another favorite location we wandered over to this spot which Sis had spotted earlier before I arrived. Boy did this place hit the spot. It was clear that this was a happening location before we had fully come to the door. People were seated outside, at all the tables inside and there was a waiting line for food to go and tables as they were vacated. We took a seat at the bar which was the right choice. The bartenders were helpful with the menu and mixed up some specialty drinks that were killer. We opted for the Spicy Budsi-Rita, which is their Thai take on the margarita. In my estimation it is superior, beginning with a spicy/savory/slightly sweet salt rim and a knock your socks off generous pour of Tequila, Thai chili simple syrup and Thai basil. YUM! The drinks whet my appetite for the food, which did not disappoint. We opted for some of our favorites - Pad See Ew, Larb, Spicy Cha Stir Fry (vegetables) and steamed rice. What is notable is that everything is made to order with the best and freshest ingredients spiced up to your tolerance level. I haven’t been to Thailand (YET!), but if this food is redolent of the flavors of the country, I’m on my way! I’ve eaten lots of Thai cuisine, but I can truly say that none have knocked my socks off the way that the meal at Budsi’s did. We tried to get back on another night, but our meal card was full. Which is the reason that I will return next Mardi Gras. I have them down for at least two visits in 2026. I hope to see you there, you will not be disappointed. ...