Bangkok House Authentic Thai Cuisine — Restaurant in Saint Francis

For context I feel it is important to preface my review by stating that I spent the first 20 years of my working life in hospitality. I have held every position from dishwasher to chef to general manager, but the bulk of my experience was in the front of the house, bar tending and serving. That being said, I certainly know what good service looks like as I myself have been told more times than I Can count that I was "the best server we have ever had". I am not trying to brag here, but I need you to understand that what I Am about to say is not meant to be taken lightly. This was my first time at Bangkok house, and I will be a regular after this one visit. Clay is an exceptional talent. He is an absolute delight of a server, and is truly in a class of his own. He is the best server I have ever had, and when I say that I mean both having worked for me, with me, or having served me. I have known a lot of rock star servers over the years, but clay has the most warm and inviting personality. He was going out of his way to insure that our experience was world class. He would be in a leauge of his own, even if he moved to Chicago and worked at a 3 Michelin star restaurant. The food was outstanding. IT was not the best Thai food I have ever had, but the service was the true gem here. I would rather have slightly above average food and amazing service than have mind blowing food and terrible service. This is not to say that the food is bad, its not. its actually very good. it is easily in the top 5 Thai spots I have ever had the pleasure of eating in, but here is the thing; I am a hardcore foodie and have had the pleasure of eating in some of the finest Michelin starred restaurants in the world, and have worked personally with some of the most talented chefs you will ever meet. Again, not saying this to brag, just for context. The food here is exceptional for its class, It might not win a Michelin star if you were to plop this establishment in a Michelin area, but I would not expect it to be either, not at this price point any way. It is easily the best Thai in the Milwaukee Area. . The price point makes it a value, if I am being honest. I would easily pay more for food of this quality . If you like Thai food, and you are not a pretentious snob like me, then you will absolutely love the food, and you will be blown away by the service no matter who you are. If you have never had Thai food, and you start here... just stay here. you will be disappointed with the rest of the Thai food in the area after having...

I've been to this restaurant about 3-5 times because I like the FOOD; however, I don't think I'll come back again. Each time I visit, I get the same response of service from the old guy that brings us to the table. This old guy doesn't smile, doesn't show emotion, and doesn't even say "Thank you, come again." At first, I just excused it for maybe he's having a bad day or something, but it happens all the time. One time, I brought a friend who knew Thai and she overheard the waitresses speaking in Thai saying that the customers who paid the bill didn't even leave a tip and stated that "I guess you can tell just by looking at them you'll just know." This shocked me! I also have some Asian friends who ate there, and they stated that they "felt" like the Thai workers seem to treat and suck up to American customers and that they were treated with less regard because they were Asian. They noticed the Thai workers being more friendlier and attentive to Americans than them and in their opinion thought it was because they thought the servers would get better tips.

Please, for anyone going, see if what I've stated here is true and draw your own conclusions. Bring a Thai friend or observe other Asians and see if there is any of these circumstances. Look at the old man and how he treats you or don't leave a tip and see what reaction arises. Food can be great for some restaurants, but service is what makes the place special. All I know is what I've observed. Again, I gave this restaurant a chance by coming several times and thought I found a nice restaurant, but I realized it was NOT the way it "appeared" to be. Too bad, Bangkok House, you could have had a continued customer, but I'm going to go to other better Thai...

This was well worth sharing my story because I don’t do this often. Out of all the restaurants I’ve been to in Metro-Milwaukee, none of them compare to such a wonderful and full service experience. There’s a gentleman there (who is a lot more than just a waiter/server, he IS the experience) name Clay. If you ever wanted to know what it’s like to have a superior level host at your table, ask for Clay by name. An experience with this gentleman could turn this establishment into a global brand. He was amazing. I have been all over the world and dined in every type of restaurant establishment imaginable, and never have I experienced a gentleman so gracious, humble, enthusiastic and enjoyable. He was truly like a breath of fresh air in the service industry. Also, you see on many occasions that a supervisor will approach your table. With this establishment, the owner approached our table with a genuine concern if our meal was to our satisfaction. GENUINE being the key word. Not that fake smile that you get smile that get most of the time. When you look through the window, the ambiance is a bit intimidating and it appeared that it was going to be extremely expensive and yet, it wasn’t expensive at all. If you are anywhere near the MKE airport and you were looking for a great place to have a meal, find this place at all cost. You will not be sorry. Again, Thank you Clay. The food was excellent, but you were a major part of our...