Vientian Cafe — Restaurant in Oakland

I haven’t been a resident for over five years and have always liked coming to this restaurant until yesterday. I decided to go inside in order three plates. The lady at the register stated that it would take 25 minutes for any food And that it’s better to order over the phone. I told her that I was not in a rush so I had plenty of time to wait. So I waited for my food in the restaurant for 25 minutes. The food was done. I went to the register and grab the food and sat back down to make sure everything was correct. As I checked for The lady at the register came to my table and told me “ You ordered to go you can’t sit in here anymore” I told her I know I ordered to go. I spent over $50 and I need to make sure that my food is correct and taste correct. She sat and stared at me as if I was violating their policy. I’ve never went anywhere and spent over $50 and was not allowed to check my food in peace to make sure that everything was correct without being asked to leave when I was not doing anything but politely waiting quietly for my food over 25 minutes. This made me feel very uncomfortable being that I am African-American and this is a Venetian restaurant. I will never go here again, and I don’t suggest anyone that is not Venetian or Asian to go here...

I noticed this place was near a school I was working at for the day and decided to check it out. I placed my order and wanted to change the pick up to an earlier time so I called. The man on the phone said he could have it in 10 minutes. I was amazed by the great customer service. I arrived in 5 minutes and my order was ready by then. I ordered the Phad Pad Pak, steamed vegetables, and Thai iced tea. I messed up when I ordered it EXTRA Spicy. I love spicy food and thought to myself how spicy could it be. Boy was I wrong. My throat and mouth was on fire! I wanted to cry. The Phad Pad was delicious but I definitely should not have ordered it EXTRA spicy. I could not finish eating it because of how spicy it was lol I had to keep taking breaks from it and it felt like torture. The steamed veggies and Thai tea were also very good. Definitely recommend this place but don't ever order...

Good food with many choices. The sticky rice is very good. The Pad Thai is always a good choice especially if it is your first time here. The curries are just the right level of spicy. I wish they would have tofu as a curry option in addition to the chicken, pork, and shrimp that they offer. Be sure to order a Thai iced coffee or tea with your meal. You wont be disappointed. Parking can be a little difficult at times since it is residential neighborhood. Just keep trying and you will find a parking space close enough. It can be busy at times because it is so popular. Sometimes they are too busy to pick up the phone for take out orders. Go there in person to order take out. It will take about 25 minutes for the food to be prepared. It is worth the wait. All-around good...