Thai Bistro — Restaurant in Santa Barbara

Should have reviewed 2 years ago when it happened but never did. Every time my family drives by, my son asks me if I ever got my money back and I have to say no. We ordered online, picked a duck dish, duck appetizer, and something else. After 20 min I asked if it was ready they said not yet, still working on it. I waited around another 20 min and asked again, same. After an hour waiting, they told me they were out of duck! From the reviews, that was the only thing we wanted that night so I said just cancel the order, they said sorry and ok. Then a couple weeks later I saw the payment still on my credit card, like $70-$90, I forget. So I called back and they said I need to cancel with the online order company. I called the number on my email receipt but the number didn't work. So I call back and the owner couldn't help because she can't find the transaction. I guess it implies I'm making it up. So I dispute with my credit card and eventually that falls through as well. Too bad they didn't offer any help or fix it. Doubt the place is any good, nothing on...

SO HAPPY to have tried this place! Finally a Thai restaurant open on a Monday AND for lunch. I love the Thai restaurants in Santa Barbara, but I was trying to find a very authentic, specific Thai dish called Pad Kra Pao (spicy Thai basil dish with minced pork or chicken), and the only place I could find it would be either in LA, or this one place in Camarillo, but who wants to drive 45+ min? Fortunately, I found this place. The owner was so friendly, attentive and kind. This is his first restaurant, so he’s really trying to figure it out. So far, I’m very impressed. The crab rangoons used fresh crab, and their sauce was beyond just a typical sweet and sour sauce. The spicy basil dish was super authentic too and actually spicy! Give this place a shot and I promise you...

What a delightful little restaurant! My wife and I visited Thai Bistro for the first time last night and were greeted warmly at the door by Tony. The atmosphere is informal, but very clean and filled with light. The entire staff is very friendly and helpful, especially our waiter Justin, who offered some excellent menu suggestions. The Tom Kha (coconut soup with lemon grass and herbs) with chicken was easily the best we have ever had. The Pad See Eww (wide rice noodles and broccoli) with fried tofu recommended by Justin was fantastic. The green Thai curry with beef was equally good. We finished with sticky rice and mango that was at perfect ripeness. This place is a little gem in Santa Barbara. Highly...