Chiang Mai — Restaurant in Webster Groves

The food was fine, not the most tasty but far and away the most expen$$ive Thai I've ever had and overall a bit bland. But what prompted this review was the oddly abusive service we had. My friend and the waiter got off to a great start chatting about a local band they both like but things took a turn when I asked him about the several (also expensive) sake options on the menu. He emphatically stated that he doesn't drink so he didn't know. Was that a note of pride where there should have been regret? It's like asking a pulmonary doctor what it's like to have lung cancer and he replies "I don't know, I don't smoke". When he said it again the pride was unmistakable and the regret (for not knowing what he should on the job) was nowhere to be found. We're talking rice wine out of miniature cups fit for elves. Really dude?

I almost forgot, we were also forced to buy bottled water because they couldn't give us water from the tap. Something about the plumbing and health department which now I'm wondering is even true. I don't think we ever got a check to look over. We were just told to come pay upfront where, under his watchful eyes, I had to choose his tip amount. I chose 20% hastily, wanting to escape his stare. Immediately regret filled the room. Finally there it was. But it...

We usually hang out at a Thai place down close to where we live. So I'm tempted to compare this place with the place I go to all the time. That being said, this restaurant was really good. I think this restaurant might be a little more authentic Thai food. And that's a good thing right? I had the yellow curry. It was really good. I think the soup was a little watery and plenty spicy. Be careful asking for spice here. My son had another type of curry I think red. He said it was really good. Also kind of watery. I only bring the water thing up because the tire place I go to the curry sauce is thicker. I think I prefer the thicker sauce. You get a decent size portion of rice, but I would have liked a little more. We had a gluten-free person with us and that wasn't a problem here. Lots of choices for her. Service was good but kind of had to ask for people to come over. The waiter was close by but on his phone quite a bit. I guess that's just the way it is nowadays. The food was good, the atmosphere was good, I would come back here... Parking is terrible here. I think everywhere up here parking is kind of hectic. I actually parked in the McDonald's lot. My son parked down the street. There's a lot...

I don't want to bring your rating down by giving you one star because it's not the food that's the problem, and your staff was nice for the brief time I was there. Your policy on not giving glasses of water and forcing patrons to purchase water is a thought worth revisiting. I was about to spend $60+ dollars on dinner and the only option for water is to purchase it, is not common in the US. Plus the server told me you didn't have water, not even tap water. I told her that is actually illegal not to have running water in a restaurant. So that's when she told me that there is tap water but I couldn't have any. I will admit I was already in a terrible mood from my week so we just went across the street, spent $30, had some great food and plenty of tap water at no extra charge. Also, the new place next door, Meyou, is amazing, has a lower price point and has tap water. Clearly you have chosen this business model for a reason. However the cost of tap water can easily be absorbed by another tiny fee somewhere else, it would not be noticeable and much appreciated by your customers. Raise the small plate cost by 49 cents and serve tap like everywhere else. Or don't. Either way I...