Ubon Thai Restaurant Inn — Restaurant in Staunton

My husband and I stumbled upon this place when the restaurant we had originally picked out in the main part of town was closed. Thai Victorian sounded unique and intriguing! We're so happy that we ended up here and we would 100% return next time we're in town. In fact, we might return to Staunton just to eat here again!

My husband and I each got a bowl of soup and they were both delicious. The Tom Yum was limey and just the right amount of zingy, and the wonton soup was very savory and packed with flavor. I got a jasmine tea, which came with a cute little Victorian tea cup, and my husband really enjoyed his Thai iced tea. For our main plates, my husband ordered the Basil Fried Rice at the "American spicy" heat level, and it was hot and just right for him. I ordered a tofu Pad Thai, which was also incredible. The waitress asked if I wanted any heat in mine, and I said sure, but just medium-- it was the perfect level of spicy for me so that it was fun to eat but did not detract at all from the other flavors. The tofu was cooked perfectly. Seriously, I cannot say enough good things. We left super full and paid $45 (before tip), which we felt was such a bargain for the quality and quantity of food. I'm terms of the ambiance, the inside was bright and colorful. There was Thai music playing. The waitress was very nice and helpful. We loved the whole experience. We were the only customers at the time and the rest of the world is missing out. We highly recommend this...

Sawatdee Kap! Two of my favorite travel concepts, on opposite ends of the Earth, under one expansive roof:

We had driven by Ubon Thai Victorian Inn many years ago on a lark, and at last returning back to town, we booked a room, with dinner and breakfast.

Wow wow wow we love Ubon! The house, the food, the experience, and of of course Mrs. Ubon and family, the star of the show!

The place is a mashup of a 175 year-old Victorian house (with all the quirks), upon which is overlaid a pleasantly maximalist Thai home. Within minutes we were all but part of the family, laughing with the residents and even a sister visiting from Thailand. Ubon's energy was immediate, motherly, infectious, and a true delight, and between her and other family members it was unforgettable.

Dinner was from the menu, classic sides and dishes and very well made. The atmosphere of the space was quaint, between a restaurant and living room. The bedroom room was lovely, clean, and comfortable.

Breakfast was far more memorable than most B&B fare, a heaping plate of rice noodles with eggs and vegetables, and a Thai spice tray on the side. Beats eggs and toast any day!

Maybe call ahead to make sure they'll be ready for you, and if you plan to stay the night, definitely call. It'll be worth it!

Oh, and what a treat to not just get invited back, but also invited to stay at one of her houses in Thailand, why not?

We love you...

You don't come here to grab and go, expecting a rapidfire generic noodle made in a factory and reheated in a microwave. You come here as a destination--a warm experience in an eclectic atmosphere where cooking akin to wizardry takes place in the back of what was likely once a historic living room. No matter the season, Christmas lights adorn the windows like navigational beacons to guide the traveler from surrounding sidewalks, up some stairs, and through a door which can only be described as a portal to a world frozen in time. Inside, you can relax as you peruse the surprisingly diverse menu and select a home-coooked classic which will surprise you with it's vivid, fresh flavors and authentic flare. Spice levels range from mild to scorching; you can even order Thai hot and douse it in fish sauce (the kind with the little floating peppers from hell in it) if you dare. My go-to is the drunken noodles with a side of Ubon's infectious friendliness and humor. While you can't rush greatness, you will want to savor every bite once your culinary masterpiece arrives. This place is magical enough to warrant my 1.5-hour pilgrimage from Lynchburg. "All that driving for Thai?" you say. Give it a try, and...