Yai Restaurant

09/13/2008 Posted by karlaross

Still reeling from dinner at Yai last night. We were heading to the Greek Theatre, so I Googled "best Thai restaurants in Thai Town." Yai consistently came up with excellent reviews, so I thought I'd give it a shot. I was warned about the funky atmosphere, so no problem there. I was even OK with the grime and dirt all over the plastic coated menus, that could easily be wiped off once in awhile. The first dish we ordered was crab rolls, which were neither rolled or had crab in them. They were sort of flat, excessively greasy pancakes made with fake crab. Ugh. Next came the pad Thai--shrimp were OK in there, but again the noodles were a pile of grease. BBQ pork is one of my favorite dishes, but not at Yai. It was an unseasoned, dry mess. I thought we could salvage dinner with a nice chicken dish in a spicy garlic sauce. I wasn't sure if we were eating chicken, pigeon, seagull, or some other mystery poultry, but I did try it. Did I mention the rice was good? We tried enough dishes to get an idea of what the food is like, and I was shocked at the abysmal quality of this place. I have never been steered wrong by public on-line reviews before. STAY AWAY FROM YAI!!

Pros: cheap

Cons: BAD food

02/17/2008 Posted by algis

I regularly go there and rate the food highly and service as adequate with one MAJOR cave-eat - they cook to-go orders after they serve seat-in customers. Three customers that came way after me were half way through their dishes before my order was ready, and it was NOT large or complex (three entrees and an appetizer). I like their food too much to dump them, but I shall NEVER again place pure to go order either.

06/28/2007 Posted by michelob

Hey, did you know that they opened a new Yai's on Vermont? That's actually the name, "Yai's on Vermont" They totally have better parking since it's in a huge lot next to Rite Aid. However, at first I got lost because I was trying to look for it on Hollywood Blvd. since that is the cross street! But the restuarant itself is on Vermont. The food is still great, I think that they moved the cooks over and the ambiance is WAY better than the one by 7-11. It's still cash only though, but hey, you're across 4 banks so just be prepared. Put it this way, if you want to entertain friends, then go to the new one. It's nicer, BIGGER, and has a better appeal to the NEWBIES. BUT if you don't care and want great food, then definetly go to the OG one. You will not be disappointed. 1627 N. VERMONT and HOLLYWOOD in the FAT BURGER center.

Pros: BETTER PARKING

Cons: GO FOR DINNER BECAUSE IT'S RELAXFUL

01/26/2007 Posted by tnahpele

I have to tell you, that i have been a fans of thai cusines and been in thailand and loves the thai authentic taste and this restaurants delivers it. I've goning there for many years, as alway s, got great service and excellent food just like in bankok!!!!!

11/18/2006 Posted by rudette

Very good - go with a big group so you can order a bunch of different things and try them all. Then fight over who gets to take home the leftovers (very hearty portions). Great cheap eats place. It's in a strip mall so there is absolutely no atmosphere - except that kinda is the atmosphere, which is cool.

08/11/2006 Posted by rachel1215

After my friend came back from studying abroad in Thailand, he took us here for an after-bday dinner. GOOD SIGN #1: The "C" health code grade = authentic Thai food. Note--traditional preparation of many Asian dishes is in direct conflict with the county's health code regarding certain foods (e.g., leaving fish to hang dry without refrigeration). So when you see a C- or B-rated restaurant, don't immediately cross it off your list. GOOD SIGN #2: Everyone in the restaurant was Asian or a bum-looking college student, like us. GOOD SIGN #3: Quick, no frills service. We had the best Thai iced tea (try the coffee Thai iced tea too). We ordered--I wish I could remember the name of it--a sweet-n-sour tasting soup, served in a huge silver bowl. We also ordered sticky rice and then really sticky rice, which is wrapped in plastic and is served in its own little basket. It was chewy and we used it like bread to calm the spiciness in our mouths. To top it off, the food was very inexpensive.

Pros: authentic thai food, real Thai iced-tea, cheap

Cons: parking, go early bc it can get really crowded

07/28/2006 Posted by dmenkes

I ordered the Panang chicken curry and have to admit, it was phenominal. However, I'm not a big fan of peas, and there were sure alot of them in there, so I'll have to order it again w/o to really give it a shot. Not the best in the universe, but definitely awesome for the price. The place has a nice sketchy feel to it; the sort of place where you might want to leave your watch in the car. But it was cool and I'll definitely go back!

Pros: Great food for the price

Cons: Slightly sketchy area

06/07/2006 Posted by jjackson21

This review must be paid for in advance. A 9.9 is really silly. The restaurant is dirty, the food is poor quality and the service is sad. A 9.9, if it's not paid for, has to be a misprint. A 6.6, maybe it's upside-down?

12/11/2005 Posted by ladining

It is true that the food was very good but the place is a bit untidy. I'd rather go to a Thai restaurant with better setting and cleaner environment even though the food is not as good as Yai.

Pros: Authentic Thai food

Cons: Limited parking space

07/10/2005 Posted by kermisch25

The Shrimp with Chili garlic sauce is really good but it's probably the spiciest dish I've ever had in my life. My eyes are still watering. I would definitely ask to get it "mild."