Thai Peacock — Restaurant in Portland

After going to a matinee play at the Armory a few blocks away, we were feeling a bit peckish and the menu in the window looked interesting, so we decided to give them a try. The place is small on the inside with 6 or 7 tables (one big family table) downstairs and a few more in the small loft above the kitchen. The service was efficient, a little too efficient actually, and friendly, and the prices reasonable, particularly for downtown Portland.

Not overly hungry, hence the term "peckish", we ordered the Chicken Teriyaki Balls (#2 - $6) as a starter and for entrees, my wife the Pad Ruam Mit (#37 - $10) stir fry and I the Kaeng Matsaman (#28 - $10.50) curry. I also had a Ninkasi IPA ($5) that was very cold and tasty.

The teriyaki balls came out post haste. They looked burnt, but it must have been the teriyaki sauce because they were delish, having been drizzled with a creamy garlic sauce and served with fresh, sliced cucumber and zesty sriracha pineapple chili sauce ... YUM!

Then we experienced the sole downer of the meal and one of my primary pet peaves. We had barely started eating our appetizer when our entrees arrived. Fast is usually good, but there is nothing I hate worse in a restaurant than the main course coming before the appetizer has been finished and the plates cleared away. BUMMER!

My wife's meal had broccoli, carrot, baby corn, cabbage, onion, bell pepper, shitake and white mushrooms, bean sprouts and scallions stir fried with garlic and tofu. A little bland by my standards, she thought it was wonderful and that is all that counts. My "matsaman" (spelled "massaman" at every other Thai restaurant I have ever been to) curry was rich, creamy, delicious and just the way I like it with slices of beef, potato, onion carrot and peanuts, both meals accompanied by a side of steamed rice.

Overall, the food, service and prices were excellent, but I have to deduct 2 Bombs (1 Star) for bringing the entrees WAY too soon. Otherwise, this was a "top notch" meal worthy of my highest rating. So, if downtown enjoying a play at the Armory, perusing the books at Powell's (just a block away), or whatever else you may be doing, Thai Peacock is worth a visit.

CombatCritic Gives Thai Peacock 8 Bombs Out Of 10 ... More...

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – Thai Peacock: Strutting Flavors Like a Boss

If Portland had a hall of fame for Thai food, Thai Peacock would be the Beyoncé — bold, consistent, and always in command of the stage. This place doesn’t just serve food; it stages full-blown flavor performances.

The Red Curry is where comfort food meets aromatherapy. Creamy coconut milk hugs tender veggies, cherry tomatoes pop with sweetness, and green beans add that snap that makes you nod in approval with every bite. It’s warm, it’s cozy, and it’s the edible equivalent of a hug from your favorite aunt (the one who actually likes you).

Next up, the Stir-Fried Beef with Veggies. Think tender beef slices mingling with zucchini, peppers, and scallions in a glossy sauce that says, “Yeah, I’m worth another spoonful of rice.” The side salad gives you the illusion of balance — because after this, you’re ordering dessert.

The Thai Basil Tofu with Ground Black Pepper is peppery, earthy, and as satisfying as nailing a perfect parking spot on the first try. The tofu is fluffy yet filling, with onions and greens mixed in for texture and bite. The side sauce? A tiny cup of pure upgrade — drizzle generously.

Then there’s the Papaya Salad, a refreshing blast of crunch, tang, and chili heat. Green papaya and carrot shreds are tossed in lime, fish sauce, and enough spice to wake up your taste buds without making you beg for milk.

And because no Thai feast is complete without noodles, the Pad See Ew with Tofu seals the deal. Wide rice noodles bathed in smoky soy sauce, mixed with egg, tofu, and crisp greens. It’s sweet, savory, and absolutely too easy to inhale.

The vibe? Casual, colorful, and welcoming — a mix of locals, tourists, and date nights in progress. Service is fast, friendly, and telepathic. They somehow know you need more water before you do.

Pro tips from this well-fed fan: • Don’t play it safe — they balance heat and flavor like pros. • Come with friends so you can “share” (optional, of course). • Curry sauce on rice = life upgrade.

Thai Peacock isn’t just a meal. It’s a confident strut through bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and dishes you’ll be craving long after you’ve waddled...

So my friends couldn't stop raving about this place, saying it's the best Thai food around and that we NEEDED to come here. They had been here numerous times, and the friends from out of town boasted about having to come multiple times whenever they're in town. I thought that that was a bit excessive, especially during a short visit. We had a reservation for about 14 people and weren't seated promptly, but I can overlook that. Especially due to the order, receive food turn around time. It was pretty freaking fast. I ordered the Lemongrass Chicken with egg fried rice. OH MY GOSH. THE FLAVORS! SO GOOOOOOOD! Every bite was packed with an even amount of flavor. It came with a peanut sauce and a slightly spicy green sauce. Holy moly, the peanut sauce was TO DIE FOR, I could just swim in that. The green sauce was incredibly delicious, too. My friends swear by all the curry, green, yellow, spicy red, etc., the Lemongrass chicken dish, the thick noodle dishes, just EVERYTHING. I was so wrong to be skeptical about this place and, quite frankly, wish I could return once more before I leave, but alas, my plane leaves too soon. Til next time! On another note: the pricing is very fair, dishes around $15. They only have CANNED soda, the restroom was clean, the portions are great, my friend LOVED his whiskey sour, my other friend loved her Thai Tea, the egg rolls were good (nothing spectacular, just normal), service was decent, although the waitress forgot two of the three appetizers (which we didn't end up needing), and my chicken was slightly chewy, almost too chewy on some parts, but easily overlooking that. We came on a Sunday at 6:30, and it was busy. Make...