Deem Laow — Restaurant in The Village

Deem Laow has sleek and has a trendy appearance, but the Front of House talent makes you feel like a regular from the moment you step in. I had a business partner join me there for drinks. He liked the vibe so much he insisted on staying for dinner (if you ask, you can order from the broader Tana Thai menu...the food is the best Thai you'll have in OKC). Clint, the bartender/resident Skater, did an amazing job serving up a superb "Perfect Manhattan" (please ask for it, it's not a regular Manhattan, and not enough bartenders know how it's done correctly!) and was an affable guy as well. Bar server Elle made it a point to ensure that everything was running smooth with our table. BTW, sometimes you can make a table reservation, but the bar itself is quite comfortable. We ordered from the full Tana Thai menu and were expertly guided on the selections to meet our seasoning and spice tastes by Oom, the server who was also joined by Andrew from time to time...especially for diners seated at the bar. That's a hallmark of this place, the staff takes time to find out what your drink and food tastes are and is not bashful to help you get what you'll like best. You won't be disappointed. At the same time, they are not at all pushy. Ambience-wise, the music is great and not too loud for casual conversation. Temperature, lighting, and decor are all top-notch. As for clientele, we noticed a diverse mix of patrons, all ages, singles, couples, groups, and apparent regulars. Boom, the owner, has a lot of experience in running and managing dining establishments, and he brings these skills to Deem Laow. He's got a "SABAI SABAI" (Thai for very chill or comfortable) vibe all his own. Under his guidance, the FOH staff have been instilled with a desire to give everyone who comes in a feeling of genuine welcome. These are not fake people at all! We can only hope that Deem Laow will do more things like "pop up" chef partnerings, which have been wildly successful with chefs wanting to expand their following to a broader demographic while at the same time bringing good-natured people together. Win-win, Sabai, Sabai. So, even if you're picking up a "to go" order from Tana Thai next door, poke your head in and check out Deem Laow. This is a place to keep your eye on and...

The atmosphere was great. Really cool little cocktail bar. Food was tasty and service was good too.

We tried all the appetizers on the menu and I'd put the calamari as my favorite. I'd also recommend the mango sticky rice and chicken wings. The others were good too but those 3 were my top.

As far as main dishes go, I had the Pad Kee Mao and it was delicious. I do usually like it with a tad more Thai basil but that's a personal preference. The dish was great. I did taste my friend's Thai Boat Noodles and it's not something I'd personally order but it was good as well. I'm just not much of a soup person. I also tried my wife's Kao Moo Grob and the pork belly was cooked really well with a tender inside and a crispy outside. I might eat that more as something to share with your friends then just eat it alone, but it was really good as well.

We mainly went for the food but got a couple drinks and they were alright. We're not big drinkers though so I won't judge that too much even though it's a cocktail bar.

We did have an issue with an allergic reaction after it seems there was a bit of a miscommunication with the front of the house and the back of the house. They took it seriously and it seemed like they do plan to learn from it and educate the staff better on handling allergies. I thank you for not just brushing it off and talking to us about it. I forget the gentleman's name that talked to us, but his mom, Dee I believe, is one of the cooks and kept checking on my wife afterwards. Thank you for that. Dee was really sweet.

Overall, I'd recommend...

Absolutely Phenomenal! Deem Laow is a true gem in Oklahoma! From the moment you walk in, the warm and inviting atmosphere sets the stage for an unforgettable dining experience. The attention to detail in both the decor and service is impeccable. The menu is an adventure of flavors--each dish thoughtfully crafted and bursting with authenticity. I couldn't get enough of the boat noodles, which was an explosion of perfectly balanced spices and textures. The freshness of the ingredients is evident in every bite. What truly sets Deem Laow apart is the staff. They are knowledgeable, attentive, and genuinely passionate about the food they serve. It feels like you're part of a family here, and that personal touch makes all the difference. Whether you're a local or just passing through, Deem Laow is a must-visit destination. I'm already looking forward to my next visit--this place is nothing short of...