Planet Thai — Restaurant in Washington

The food was delicious, but docked 2 stars for service tonight. I sat down with my elderly mother just before the Friday night dinner rush. We had already decided what we wanted and were very hungry, but no one had come to take our drink orders as several tables around us were seated and had their drink orders taken.

We continued to sit and wait as the people across from us who were seated after us got their drinks and appetizers. I kept trying to make eye contact with a sever but several more rushed by before I could finally flag someone down to take our order. The server I flagged down seemed annoyed that I had done so.

We then continued to wait without drinks or appetizers while all those later tables got their 2nd drinks and dinners served. At one point someone who seemed like a manager walked by and asked if we'd gotten our food yet, when I said no, not even our drinks, he rushed off seemingly to look into it, but then never returned and we waited quite some time. Another server finally came with a plate of food that we hadn't ordered...

We finally got our drinks as the tables around us were paying their tabs, and the food finally came, and was indeed very good. But no one came to check on us, no one asked us how our food was. When we were finished and ready for boxes, with plates stacked at the end of the table, no one came. I again had to flag someone down for a box and the check.

I felt completely ignored, and I never even knew who our actual server was. The table next to us got great service, they seemed to be regulars and their server was very attentive to them while ignoring us. I never lost my temper, and was not rude or angry when I asked for service, as I could tell everyone was busy. But by the time we left I felt angry, it was 2 hours later, We'd gone in early and hoped for a simple, quick meal, and tables all around had been seated twice before we got the bill.

All it would have taken was for someone to apologize, and perhaps offer a complimentary dessert or to knock a little off of our tab. Or at least just a sincere apology! But nothing.

I put out a card with the bill, and again after waiting while servers kept passing by our table, I put the card away and paid cash, with a small 10% gratuity because I feel bad leaving nothing. But honestly I shouldn't have tipped at all, and would have felt justified in walking out without paying and never going back, but I'm just not the kind of person who can do that and feel okay about it. But I felt very mistreated and will...

This particular iteration is located very close to home and so we thought we'd give it a try on a recent early Friday evening. We arrived around 5:20, which was fortunate as the place was pretty much packed by 6 pm (reservations are only available for parties of 5 or more).

In terms of food we ordered the Pad Thai, a curry dish, an order of wings and an appetizer special (golden shrimp purses I think they were called). The curry was very good we thought, as was the shrimp. The wings were fine (well cooked, but lacking sauce), but the Pad Thai was surprisingly bland. If we visit again, I likely won't order the wings or Pad Thai.

Service was pleasant but a bit slow. It took over half an hour for our entrees to arrive. I would attribute that to the popularity of the restaurant. The moderately sized restaurant was packed by 5:45 and the kitchen also had to fill quite a few pick up orders. So protracted waits on a weekend evening are probably inevitable.

Portion size struck me as surprisingly small. Usually when we order this amount of food we expect to take home leftovers. Not at Planet Thai. We had enough to eat (we're not big eaters), but I was surprised by the relatively small portion sizes. Prices were fairly typical I thought (keeping in mind that you have to pay extra for steamed rice; it's not included as part of the meal). We didn't order any alcohol (the menu offers a small, mediocre wine selection and one Thai beer), and the cost for dinner ended up at $70 (including tax and tip). For what we got, I thought the tab was a bit high.

Shrug. This is very much a nothing special, middle of the road Thai restaurant. It's very convenient, which is the most I can say about it. That might be reason enough to visit again if we don't feel like driving downtown or to Portland on a Friday evening (and we're in the mood...

3/5

This is our 3rd time trying it, didnt have it for almost 3-4 years. The first few times the food was sugary and bland. This time around disappointing again.

The host was nice was up front didn't have to wait for them to greet us which is nice. A lot of times at asian restaurants there seems to be no host or greeting for a while.

A few minutes after sitting down a server broader shorter male came up and said "are we ready to order or are you going to continue your conversation" I was shocked this was said, not only how he said it but the face he has with it, it was more annoyed than anything. This was the first time he came up to us, so I don't know what prompted his attitude.

Rice has to be purchased separately, they come in a small and large. I've never in my life gone to Thai restaurant and had to do this before. Some restaurants they even have unlimited rice. So this one was wierd. No dish included rice, except the fried rice for obviuse reason. but wouldn't be surprised if they charged extra.

Food came super fast which was nice and a surprise. Was kinda expecting 10-15 minutes or so we could enjoy our conversations and drinks. Food portion was kinda small, like lunch size, I was able to finish everything including the "large" rice.

The server came by one more time before we went and the host is the one that gave us our to go box and our checks. What surprised me is that our original server greeted another table with a huge smile and different attitude. I don't know why he gave us the service we did but it was uncalled for.

Atmosphere was good with the decor and set up.

Location is great as it's centralized with the other stores for all the salmon creek locals, and freeway access for the out of Towner's.

Minus one star for the server

Minus one...