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It is quite rare to find in any neighborhood to get really tasty food that isn't neither a hoagie or a cheese steak nor McDonald's or Wendy's. Let's face it, neighborhood fast food has been typically reduced to bland to-go sandwiches or unpalatable fried something or nother. So it was a welcome treat to find this quaint little hide away right off of 48th and Baltimore. I drive there enough to know that I didn't even know they were there but oh! What a find! The store front must have once hosted a flower shop or candy store but now gives way to a moderately decorated mini restaurant that can comfortable seat 20+ inside with a small host of outdoor furnishing for those brave to sit out on a West Philly street. BYOB and decent menu selections keep this place well under $20 bucks for most of us thrifty eaters but rarely can you have an appetizer and a main course for such a price. This place is not for the limp tongued either where their "mild" special can leave some gulping cold water! And you won't find their dinner selections on any menu if Philadelphia for it is a trend unto itself. I welcomed the fish cake with cucumber salsa that was both sweet and spicy at the same time and settled on my main course of Pan Seared Talapia with a nice helping of sautéed summer veggies (snow peas, carrots, onion and strips of fresh ginger) cooked in a very light and tasty Ginger Sauce served with white rice. Great atmosphere, cool place for a romantic get-together and busy enough to, it will be around for a long time. I give my dinner 4.5 stars cause let's face it to get a five I would have to be struck speechless...:)

I am a Thai student in Philly. This is the best Thai restaurant that I have ever met in Philly. Good (Spicy) Taste at reasonable price!!

This tiny family-run Thai-Lao restaurant is a neighborhood institution. The food is always superb, fresh, and healthy, and the cooking style is something most people have never experienced, but will like once they've tried it. If you're tired of expensive places that try to pass off stale ingredients, or drown your steamed fish with butter that you didn't ask for, this is the place to go. You'll feel good after you eat here. Portion sizes are reasonable - you'll be able to eat several courses, which is a lot more fun than just one supersized portion. Prices are very reasonable. The downside is that they don't take reservations, and lines to get in can be long, especially on the the week-ends. Seating is cramped in this tiny storefront. Service sometimes gets backed up too. A favorite with the Penn community.

I'm a poor college student, but I made a promise to my girlfriend, who loves Thai food, that I would take her out for a nice (pricey) dinner. After helping another kid with a paper and selling some textbooks, I managed to scrounge up just over 60 bucks. A friend of mine had recommended this place, so we went and all I can say is, for 45 bucks (add 6-something for tip) we ate like kings. Or king and queen. You get the idea. The portions were well-sized (this is coming from a 6'4" guy), the service was fast, and except for the weird gum-ball flavored soda thing my girlfriend ordered (sello), everything was pretty tasty. Definitely worth going to, especially if you're looking to treat a special someone.

Vientiane cafe is a charming neighborhood place. Fresh Laotian-Thai cuisine at your table. We go there often. It is flavorful and inexpensive. Vegetarian or meat lovers can find something to placate a hungry stomach. The Pho soups are filling, summer rolls are refreshing. Try the spicy Yum salad or the spicy duck in sweet basil sauce. We love the angel shrimp, crispy shrimp wrapped in a wanton and fried. Not greasy at all. For dessert, try the chocolate banana spring roll with mango sauce. The staff is warm and cordial. They will explain the dishes and make recommendations, if need be. So bring a bottle of beer or wine and enjoy.

I am a vegetarian also, with a great love for many Asian foods. The review below that states that this person has had better Thai food is interesting since this restaurant is mainly Laotian. I think its delicious. I haven't had anything here I haven't loved. They also offer vegetarian Pho, which hardly any place does.

I've been to this place twice, and had a reasonably good experience both times. I happen to be vegan, and the staff was very knowledgable about ingredients in the food they serve, and I found that helpful. (They do not use fish sauce at all, unless the customer asks for fish sauce, which is great for me; I sometimes have trouble finding vegetarian Thai food.) The prices are reasonable, too. This having been said, I didn't find the food to be as amazing as some people in the neighborhood say. It is a much-beloved restaurant, and yes, the food is fine, but I have certainly had Thai food I liked better. Maybe I like my food spicier than most. I will definitely go back and try the other dishes. I had the two tofu-eggplant dishes (a stir-fry and a stew) on my first and second visits.