Seemor

Tara Thai NorthwestA-Worth Trying

Name: Tara Thai Northwest
Address: 1310 NW 23rd Ave, Portland, OR 97210, Portland, United States
Rating: 4.6

1310 NW 23rd Ave, Portland, OR 97210 · Thai restaurant · 4.6/5 Google (556 reviews)

Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating

Lively Thai spot with a beloved patio, reliably tasty noodles and curries, friendly service, and fair prices for NW 23rd; a few portion and surcharge gripes exist but most diners leave happy.

Why it gets an A- for overall quality

Tara Thai Northwest delivers solid neighborhood dining through strong food quality anchored by reliable curries, noodles, and seafood, paired with warm, efficient service. The charming oak-shaded patio creates genuine appeal, though occasional inconsistency with Pad Thai and portion sizes prevents grade A territory. Fair pricing and a welcoming vibe make it competitive with the area's better neighborhood restaurants.

Restaurant Summary

The draw here is the leafy NW 23rd setting and a patio that feels like a neighborhood backyard, where service comes off as warm and efficient. Diners mention hot plates arriving quickly and a vibe that is lively but relaxed. One guest summed it up: "Under the big oak with a curry in hand just feels right." The overall feel is casual and welcoming. Cooking leans classic Thai comfort with reliable noodles and curries rather than showy flourishes, though a few house twists like rainforest fried rice keep it interesting. Expect balanced spice and fresh herbs more than high drama; the sea bass and drunken noodles get raves, while Pad Thai ranges from stellar to a bit shy on punch. It suits diners seeking familiar Thai favorites at fair neighborhood prices. Families do well here: the menu has kid-friendly standbys like Pad See Ew, fried rice, wings, and coconut ice cream. There is no explicit kids menu, but portions are shareable and staff can dial back spice. If your crew only eats plain comfort food, note some dishes carry heat by default; still, choices like noodle dishes and fried rice keep most kids happy.

At a Glance

Charming shaded patio with comfortable seating
Friendly, efficient table service and quick ticket times
Consistent hits on drunken noodles, curries, and sea bass
Occasional bland or inconsistent Pad Thai and smaller portions noted by a few
Reports of charges for extra rice or sauces

What Sets It Apart

shaded_patio_under_large_oak
broad_spice_control_and_gf_options
consistent_neighborhood_favorite_reputation

What People Love

Relaxed patio under the oak tree
Fast, friendly service that feels genuine
Dependable spicy noodle dishes
Desserts like mango sticky rice to finish light

Points of Concern

Pad Thai quality varies from excellent to bland depending on visit
Occasional complaints about portion size shrinkage or extra charges (rice, sauces)
Parking can be difficult; small rear lot fills quickly

Service & Dining Experience

Service StyleTable Service Average Cost$28-$42 per person ReservationsRecommended

What to Order

Choose mid-tier mains ($12-$16) for best value
Add fried egg to Pad Ka Praw for texture
Finish with coconut or Thai tea ice cream if mango is out of season

Perfect For

Casual weeknight Thai on NW 23rd
Sunny-day patio lunch with friends
Pre- or post-shopping bite on 23rd
Low-key date with shared noodles and curry

Location Insights

Area: Trendy shopping and dining corridor with boutiques, cafes, and steady foot traffic; popular with locals and visitors.

Safety: Generally safe, well-lit, busy sidewalks; typical urban caution at night.

Nearby: Boutiques on NW 23rd, nearby residences, cafes and bars; Forest Park trails a short drive away.

SlabtownSlabtown is a rapidly evolving neighborhood within Northwest Portland, characterized by a mix of renovated industrial spaces and new developments. The dining scene is diverse, featuring casual eateries, trendy cafes, and ethnic restaurants, appealing to locals seeking authentic and approachable food experiences.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Monday12:00–21:00 Tuesday12:00–21:00 Wednesday12:00–21:00 Thursday12:00–21:00 Friday12:00–21:00 Saturday12:00–21:00 Sunday12:00–21:00

Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating

View full analysis on Seemor →