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Sawadee (Utah) Thai RestaurantB-Worth Trying

Name: Sawadee (Utah) Thai Restaurant
Address: 754 E S Temple St, Salt Lake City, UT 84102, Salt Lake City, United States
Rating: 4.4

754 E S Temple St, Salt Lake City, UT 84102 · Thai restaurant, Asian restaurant, Fine dining restaurant · 4.4/5 Google (2698 reviews)

Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating

Lively, spacious Thai spot with large portions, popular curries and noodles, weekend live music, and generally friendly service; value is solid at lunch though execution and service can be inconsistent at busy times.

Why it gets a B- for overall quality

Sawadee delivers reliable Thai comfort food with strong food quality and appealing ambiance, but inconsistent execution and variable service during peak times prevent a higher grade. The generous portions and lively atmosphere make it a solid neighborhood favorite, though it falls short of the region's premier Thai destinations. Worth visiting for dependable curries and family-style sharing, with the caveat that quality can vary between visits.

Restaurant Summary

The room feels warm and bustling with high ceilings, Asian-inspired decor, and frequent live music that gives it a celebratory vibe. Servers are often friendly and welcoming, though at peak times some tables report slower check-ins or delays. Portions draw gasps and leftovers are the norm, with one guest sharing, "A single curry could cover tomorrow’s lunch too." Cooking skews classic Thai with a few elevated specials rather than avant-garde, leaning comforting and familiar. Curries like massaman and panang win steady praise, while Pad See Ewe and drunken noodles are reliable crowd-pleasers. Quality is generally strong, but a minority mention thinner sauces, inconsistent spice, or occasional overcooking. If you want dependable favorites, this is ideal for sharing and family-style ordering. Families are well accommodated by the huge dining room and staples kids recognize: fried rice and noodles, satay, and wings. There is no kids’ menu noted, but the portion sizes and milder default spice levels make sharing easy. If your child needs heat, be explicit when ordering since spice accuracy varies.

At a Glance

Huge portions with good lunch value
Lively ambiance with occasional live music
Broad classic Thai menu with reliable curries and noodles
Service can be slow or uneven during peak periods
Execution inconsistencies (soggy noodles, thinner sauces) on some visits

What Sets It Apart

live_music_evenings
very_large_portions
broad_traditional_thai_menu

What People Love

Comforting curries that hit the spot
Chewy wok-kissed noodles
Friendly servers who keep the meal easy
Decor that feels special without being stiff
Lunch specials that stretch the dollar

Points of Concern

Service delays and missed check-ins reported during busy dinners
Texture and seasoning inconsistency across visits (sweetness, soggy noodles, or overcooking)
Isolated but serious health-code concern about food moved between tables
Spice levels can arrive milder than requested; be explicit if you want hot

Service & Dining Experience

Service StyleTable Service Average Cost$32-$46 per person ReservationsRecommended

What to Order

Share a curry ($20.95) and Pad See Ewe ($17.95) for two plus a $10 appetizer for strong value
Seafood Spaghetti Kee Moa ($24.95) if you want a special non-traditional pick

Perfect For

Casual date night with live music
Family-style group dinners
Workday lunch near downtown
Takeout with leftovers for tomorrow

Location Insights

Area: Historic East South Temple corridor with a mix of stately homes, offices, and cultural venues; draws locals and visitors.

Safety: Generally safe, well-lit arterial street with steady foot and car traffic; standard urban vigilance at night.

Nearby: Near parks, hospitals, and downtown; convenient to The Avenues and city center attractions.

Downtown Salt Lake CityThe dining scene in Downtown Salt Lake City is diverse, ranging from casual eateries to upscale restaurants, reflecting the area's mix of business and leisure activities. The atmosphere is lively during the day and evening, with a blend of locals and visitors enjoying a variety of cuisines.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Monday11:00–15:00, 17:00–21:00 Tuesday11:00–15:00, 17:00–21:00 Wednesday11:00–15:00, 17:00–21:00 Thursday11:00–15:00, 17:00–21:00 Friday11:00–15:00, 17:00–21:30 Saturday12:00–21:30 Sunday16:00–21:00

Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating

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