La Moon Thai Eatery — Restaurant in San Diego

The first time I ordered from La Moon, I was ordering Thai food on Doordash, and had decided to take a chance and try someplace other than my usual Plumeria, which is really good. I ordered the Pad See Ew, as usual, and the crab fried rice, since I usually get some kind of fried rice. The food arrived piping hot and well packaged. And when I opened up the fried rice, choirs of angels performed a tastefully choreographed operatic number. Holy cow. (Holy crab?) The fried rice was absolutely incredible. The pad see ew was also amazing, but the RICE. Since that order (scarcely three weeks ago) I have ordered, um, every week. Twice now I've gone and picked it up instead of ordering delivery. The food has been equally amazing every time.

Now, if you decide to do pick up instead of delivery, there are a few things to know. The parking lot is usually crowded and full, because there is another place in the tiny strip mall that is very popular (Cheba Hut... which may or may not be a restaurant also selling weed or hash or maybe both? Really fun to park in front of them while you wait for your La Moon order to be ready so you can peoplewatch).

Also, the interior of La Moon is extremely modest and clean but not very atmospheric. Although, the last time I went to pick up food, two days ago, there was a white guy there who had clearly ordered his spice level a notch too high. There was a lot of loud exhaling and equally loud inhaling, humming, and a general stream of vocalization. Entertaining, if you like that sort of thing.

They have been out of the papaya salad the last two times I've been here, which makes me wonder if it is just immensely popular or they're just still figuring out how much to have on hand.

But the headline item here is that I am obsessed with their crab fried rice. I'm wondering if I can get a subscription for just that item, possibly, or start ordering in bulk, perhaps. I need more of La Moon in my life. Do I even have to say I recommend this place?

EDIT one month later: having ordered the amazing crab fried rice about six times now (don't judge), tonight when I ordered, the crab fried rice was very hard. Either undercooked or old and dried out. Either way, not so good, although the egg and sauce and crab were all still great. I called the restaurant to see if they'd be willing to remake the order. They were, so I brought the rice back in case they wanted to see it as proof. I was a bit surprised by the customer service as they first said that they had changed the recipe to a bit dryer because customers had complained it was too wet and said I should just ask for it to be wetter next time, as though I would have known that ahead of time? And then, the kicker: they asked "did you eat all the crab?" That did rub me the wrong way, because no, I hadn't, and I'd already given them back my full container, and I didn't like the implication that I was trying to scam them. I mean, yeah, I guess that's the world we live in, but I already hate taking food back because I feel guilty about the extra work. I felt uncomfortable and kind of sad that I've supported them and also talked about them so much and then they treated me like I was just trying to get some free food. Bummer. I have mixed feelings...

I went with a friend for an early lunch (11:30A) and we decided to try La Moon Thai Eatery and I'm glad we did!

It's a small, quiet restaurant and at the time we were the only people besides a family that came and ordered after we did and later a takeout order. The staff (1 woman) was very pleasant and cheerful. Not sure if she also was preparing the food or just serving but she was efficient.

They have a few gluten free options which for me is essential! Their online menu lists ingredients and which items are gluten free *restaurant menu does not unfortunately, so I'd check the online menu first as the staff wasn't completely sure yet did double check and confirm before putting order in to kitchen.

I'd wanted to try their Drunken Noodles but was informed that it wasn't gluten free. I went with my second choice and had the (mild) Green Curry with chicken and was instantly impressed with the flavors, just the right amount of spicy and portion (enough for a modest lunch and dinner) My friend also enjoyed her meal of (mild) Green Curry w Tofu

The only other downside to experience is they don't take cash, it is card only no cash🚫💵 (small sign posted on the register) so I was glad my friend had her card as I...

The food is good but unfortunately the Costumer service is pretty bad, today Oct 27 around 6-7pm the front desk a young lady doesn't have commun sense or customer service skills, any small request she rolled her eyes at me, she acts like if you own her a favor she always have an attitude, this is not the first time that I ask food and grave a table to eat there and she ended giving me my food to go, is like she doesn't want to deal with people inside so she order all to go without even asking or care. So long story short She let me know my food was ready (in bags to go) I still nicely asked plates to eat there( like okay no big deal I just can still eat here) she showed an attitude when I ask for plates and only provided me 1 plate when we where 2 people, nothing else, no a "sorry for give me all to go" nothing else then just 1 plate. So disrespectful!. I'm not supporting this bisness no more. She is often at the front desk and everytime she have this attitude this is not the first time. I keep giving them chances...