Gumrai Thai — Restaurant in Wheeling Township

Here is a summary of our experience from Saturday 8/10/2024 in order. We entered this place around 4pm on Saturday and it was completely empty. Staff looked uninterested, utensils weren't clean and the whole ambiance just seemed odd. We still decided to try this place, so we ordered a tofu appetizer and two noodle dishes. Our server acted indifferent making us feel like intruders. She looked at how we moved bar/drink menu to the side and exhaled saying "so you don't want this". Fast forward and we're 15+ mins later and I am absorbing knowledge from other recent negative reviews left on google. It's all starting to come together... Appetizer finally shows up on our table with no further words and eye contact from our server. It's very greasy and soaked in oil. Both main dishes are ready on the table and... calling them mediocre or even thai would be a huge compliment. It's not that they lack flavor or something. They both taste like a mess drowning in too much sauce and it was just unacceptable to serve quality wise. I forced myself to eat most of my entree while my wife just couldn't handle that. We looked around multiple times and saw our server on her phone by the bar/front desk area. No communication and no interpersonal skills coming from her whatsoever. I get how we all have problems and good and bad days, but maybe consider trying to pretend that you care especially if you're in service/customer service industry?! Overall, we felt like we were trespassing patiently waiting for someone to approach us to inform that we were a part of some weak hidden-camera prank. Sadly that was not the case here. Feeling like we hit a jackpot of negative restaurant related things and issues from the food to service and to the general 'restaurant' vibe. By the time we asked for a check and for a takeout box our server seemed to realize that something was wrong, but she did not bother to ask. The tension concluded when I attempted to pay by putting my card in a server book & the server took it out standing right by me with a card terminal where I had to press multiple buttons to leave a 10% tip. It definitely felt odd with her just standing above me looking at that screen all the way until the end. I have two major regrets. The first one relates to curiosity, because I really wanted to try this thai place since I drove by it many times. This place felt off since we sat down and I regret not getting up to leave before I got myself & my wife in this mess. We do have two thai restaurants that we regularly visit and thinking about expanding that list by giving this 'restaurant' a chance was not a wise choice. The second regret relates to not being vocal about a number of mess ups that turned into big disaster, but at the same time I was aware that everything that could possibly go wrong actually went wrong, so there was no way of offering an acceptable solution or 'fix'.

I almost forgot the thrill associated with driving back home where we were contemplating whether we'll get sick from ingesting this food.

TL;DR avoid now and...

Title: A Culinary Journey to Remember at Gumrati Thai

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Gumrati Thai and I must say, it was an absolutely fantastic experience from start to finish. This restaurant truly exceeded all of my expectations and provided a culinary journey that will be etched in my memory forever. From the moment I entered, I was captivated by the vibrant and elegant ambiance of Gumrati Thai. The decor, infused with Thai elements, transported me to a different world, setting the perfect stage for the flavors yet to come. The menu at Gumrati Thai is a masterpiece in itself, filled with a wide array of authentic Thai dishes that cater to all taste buds. The culinary expertise of the chefs was evident in every dish that was served. One standout dish that left me speechless was the Pad Thai. The combination of perfectly cooked rice noodles, succulent shrimp, and an exquisite balance of tangy and savory flavors was absolutely incredible. Each bite was a harmonious explosion of tastes, showcasing the culinary mastery of the chefs. Aside from the exceptional food, the service at Gumrati Thai was remarkable. The staff was attentive, knowledgeable, and always willing to go the extra mile to ensure a memorable dining experience. From the moment I sat down until the final bite, I felt well taken care of, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere that further enhanced the entire experience. Moreover, the attention to detail at Gumrati Thai was admirable. From the presentation of the dishes to the beautifully arranged table settings, it was clear that the restaurant takes great pride in providing a complete dining experience. In conclusion, Gumrati Thai is an outstanding restaurant that delivers an incredible Thai culinary journey. Whether you are a connoisseur of Thai cuisine or someone looking to explore new flavors, this restaurant is a must-visit. With its delightful ambiance, expertly crafted dishes, and impeccable service, Gumrati Thai has earned my highest recommendation. Prepare yourself for an unforgettable...

My review from 2007 - Good taste, inexpensive and fast service food. One of the favorites for the locals.

My review from July 2019 - NOT COMING BACK!

Unfortunately management changed and they are not up to par. It used to be one of our favorite spots, they had the best Pad Thai we have ever had but now it is flavorless and grease.

My story from last Tuesday., Showed up with my son, the owner offered me a table with sun. I pick the next table that has silverware for three people. I come back from the restroom and now I have silverware for only one person. We are two, yes he is a 4 year old, but he uses silverware.

I asked for pad thai, lunch version. The OWNER handed me a cup with coke. I didn't ask for it but I figured it was included in the lunch. I told him I didn't ask for it, he looked at me surprised. In the meantime my son touched the straw. He took it back to the counter and only changed the straw and brought it to another table. That's unacceptable. Throw it away. Pad Thai wasn't good, it had no flavor and had a lot of grease.

The nail in the coffin was when I asked to speak to the manager or owner. I have been coming to this place for more than 8 years and I LOVED it. I wanted to let him know that the pad thai was below expectations. He didn't care, he said that's the way they do it now. He didn't care about my feedback claiming that they do have bad feedback as well as good.

His closure line was: I have been in the restaurant industry for 15 years and I know how to do it. Well, I honestly believe that if you are so good as you claim, why did you buy this place? Why did you keep the name instead of renaming it and bringing...