AL's Thai Food — Restaurant in Portland

This place is so far off the beaten path, so far from the tourist trade that Frodo might have stumbled on it during his trek to Mordor. There ain’t much out there, not a spot for window shopping or parasol twirling and the building itself does not scream out confidence except perhaps in the way that some secret establishments do. Like magic bookshops in fantasy movies or great eateries in travelogues. You know, one the Secret ones.

The driveway is full of holes, the traffic goes by too fast, and the building is a bit run down. I count 2 tables inside, I suppose on a busy day folks sit out on the deck and watch the traffic.

So here is where the review gets serious. I got the Tom Kha. The Broth was perfect. Absolutely perfect. Deep, comforting, layered, with different tastes rising up out of the bowl like memories one after another. Ah, the Kafir, the coconut, lemongrass… all supported by a deep nostalgic, piping hot broth.

Christ! It took me straight back to Thailand! I mean right back to the islands, and Bangkok and the trains, and markets… the whole thing. Like a damn time travel machine! And that’s a damn gift because I’m old now and time travel is rare and welcome. I go to a lot of Thai restaurants and this is the first time travel I’ve experienced.

She’s been there for 3 years which might be why I didn’t realize it was there. Evidently it used to an Indian place and I think I just got used to seeing that on the rare occasions I had to go to Mordor. She said it’s busy (I think she means me). She said I should go back to Thailand, she’s right, I should. I wanted to cry.

If you’re out that way and you blink you’ll miss it. If you happen to see it, you’ll probably skip it, but honest to god you shouldn’t. You don’t have to get dressed up fancy or anything and you don’t have to be shy, the proprietor is fun to talk to. I’ll tell you what it is, it’s an experience. It’s a rarity. It’s an opportunity and there simply not that many places like this anymore.

Tis but a banging of the door pilgrim, a swift journey to an odd out of the way spot that you might never otherwise try. It’s a set of wings, a travel machine, a culinary delight. Tell them the strange old man with the funny...

If I could give more stars, I would because this place is incredible! Found it on a whim, it's not even 6 minutes away from most stuff out near delta park (Amazon, Jubilitz gas, Delta Park itself, Lowe's, etc). The food is amazing and super authentic, the atmosphere of the restaurant is so cozy, clean and welcoming, they have an outdoor patio for those warm days, hardly busy, just off the road but good ample parking space! I can't sing the praises enough of this place, the wonderful folks on the phone and in the store are great, they help me when I order since I stumble through, answered all my questions in a friendly manner, never rushed me, willing to work with orders (you can customize and place an order ahead of time, they don't mind) and they are so kind when you come pick up, it never feels bad going in, you're not a number to them, you're actually a person. I will be telling everyone I know to go eat here, they haven't been busy when I've gone in which I feel they should be busier, the food is great, it tastes just like home, I grew up around authentic Asian food, more so Thai food and being over 1500 miles away, it's near impossible to find stuff that compares to home but this place! Its my new favorite restaurant and if you live in Portland/Vancouver, you need to come eat here, it is 15/10, must try everytime! You won't regret eating here, even if it's takeout, and did I mention they have dessert sticky rice? Yes, come...

If there's better Thai food in Portland I have yet to find it. I drove by this place for years never giving it a thought, it just doesn't look like much from the outside and most people traveling Marine Drive are usually going somewhere and not looking to eat along the way. But then I noticed the reviews the place was getting and decided to give it a try.

Their Pad Thai is hands-down the best Pad Thai I've had anywhere in Portland. Their Pineapple Fried Rice is the best fried rice I've ever had. Ever... it's that good.

I also want to address the one-star review that was complaining about the serving size of the broccoli beef. My teenage son ordered that, there was so much there that he couldn't finish it all (and he has a teenager appetite). Not pictured in that review is the carton of steamed rice that is included with the dish. There was enough food to feed two people.

So next time you're driving down Marine Drive take the time to stop here. You won't be...