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Spicy BBQ Northern Thai FoodA-Worth Trying
5101 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90029
· Thai restaurant, Barbecue restaurant, Restaurant
· 4.7/5 Google (272 reviews)
Delivery · Takeout
A humble East Hollywood spot for flavorful Northern Thai staples, big portions, and warm, personal service at fair prices, with occasional misses on some Americanized stir-fries.
Why it gets an A- for overall quality
Spicy BBQ Northern Thai Food delivers exceptional food quality anchored by standout Northern Thai dishes like Khao Soi and Hung Lay that justify its loyal following, paired with warm, attentive service that feels genuinely personal. The grade reflects strong execution across core dimensions, though cramped seating and occasional inconsistency on Americanized stir-fries prevent grade A territory—this is authentic neighborhood cooking, not polished fine dining.
Restaurant Summary
The room feels like a true hole in the wall with a handful of tables, welcoming smiles, and the kind of warmth regulars rave about. One diner summed it up: "Service felt like family, and the curry stopped us mid-sentence." If the block looks rough, step inside—there is big-flavor comfort and personal hospitality waiting. Cooking leans Northern Thai and proudly so: Khao Soi with a rich, aromatic broth, porky and gingery Hung Lay, herb-packed sausage, and spicy jackfruit sit alongside familiar stir-fries. The approach is classic and generous rather than showy, ideal for those who love bold, layered heat and family-style plates over fancy plating. For families, there are kid-friendly lifelines like orange chicken, teriyaki, fried rice, and mild noodle dishes, though spice-forward Northern choices may be a stretch for picky eaters. Portions are huge, prices fair, and sharing works well; just know seating is tight and flavors skew adventurous if you steer into the regional side.
At a Glance
- Standout Northern Thai dishes like Khao Soi and Hung Lay
- Generous portions and fair pricing
- Warm, personal service with a family-run feel
- Small, cramped dining room and limited seating
- Inconsistent execution on some Americanized stir-fries
What Sets It Apart
- northern_thai_specialties
- generous_family_style_portions
- warm_personal_service
What People Love
- Rich Khao Soi broth that feels crafted
- Tender BBQ pork with crispy edges
- Hearty, shareable portions
- Friendly staff who remember guests
- Finding Northern dishes rare in LA
Points of Concern
- Neighborhood can feel sketchy after dark; standard city awareness advised
- Pad Thai and Pad see ew receive mixed feedback compared to Northern specialties
- Very small dining area; seating may be cramped at peak times
- One irrelevant marketing review present; otherwise patterns look authentic
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$28-40 per person
ReservationsNot required
What to Order
- Build a Northern Thai sampler: Khao Soi + Hung Lay + Sausage + Jackfruit to share
- Seafood fans: Spicy Coconut Seafood for richer, premium option
- For spice control, choose fried rice or teriyaki and add chili on the side
Perfect For
- Craving authentic Northern Thai flavors
- Casual weeknight dinner with leftovers
- Takeout that travels well
- Adventurous eaters who enjoy bold spice
Location Insights
Area: Urban East Hollywood corridor with mixed residential and small businesses; casual and unpolished vibe.
Safety: Some reviews note sketchy feel after dark; generally passable with normal city awareness.
Nearby: Along Santa Monica Blvd near shops and apartments; convenient for neighborhood diners and quick takeout.
Los FelizLos Feliz is a trendy and culturally rich neighborhood with a laid-back vibe, popular for its independent eateries, casual dining spots, and a mix of traditional and modern cuisines. The dining scene is diverse, reflecting the area's multicultural population and creative energy.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:00–15:00, 16:00–21:30
Tuesday11:00–15:00, 16:00–21:30
Wednesday11:00–15:00, 16:00–21:30
Thursday11:00–15:00, 16:00–21:30
Friday11:00–15:00, 16:00–21:30
Saturday11:00–15:00, 16:00–21:30
Sunday11:00–15:00, 16:00–21:30
Available: Delivery, Takeout
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