Thaiger Room

I have yet to find a place that has spring rolls as good as this place. They are fried, but are so light and crispy like a pastry. Seriously, I have gone to Cleveland and back without finding a...
Published by HAN O. More

I have yet to find a place that has spring rolls as good as this place. They are fried, but are so light and crispy like a pastry. Seriously, I have gone to Cleveland and back without finding a comparable spring roll. Their noodle dishes are typically excellent. The only complaint is that they aren't consistent. One day, my Phad See-Ew is perfectly stir-fried, perfectly sauced with crispy veggies. The next day, the pan wasn't hot enough so it's soupy and the noodles broken up and overcooked/simmered. Then the day after that, there's barely any sauce and it's burnt everywhere. It's battered customer syndrome. When it's good, it's fantastic. After that, I'm chasing the dragon. Their brick wall is insufferably unique and cool. Feels like dining in a prison with IKEA lighting...but I like that. Also, beware of the gruff waitstaff. They can get pissy when they realize you didn't tip them what they didn't earn. Word of advice: Pay fast and get out the door before they see what you left behind!
Published by HAN O. Less

I was lucky enough to be at UW for both undergrad and master's and although living in the U-district that long was maddening, the Thaiger Room kept me very happy. There could be better Thai food out...
Published by Covered in rain .. More

I was lucky enough to be at UW for both undergrad and master's and although living in the U-district that long was maddening, the Thaiger Room kept me very happy. There could be better Thai food out there...if so, I've never had it. The Drunken Noodles (aka Pad Kee Mao) are blow-your-mind amazing. Their cooks have a way of keeping the veggies crunchy while the noodles are covered in a delicious sauce. The Golden Noodles are also a favorite, because it is surprisingly hard to find a noodles, veggies and peanut sauce combo at most restaurants. Their peanut sauce is fantastic by the way. My husband is hooked on their Cashew Chicken and both of us agree that the serve the best Pad Thai around. And try the spring rolls! Lightly fried and served with a lovely (not syrupy) plum sauce. The kitchen is open so you can see all of the action. Yes, it can be crowded and warm and there really isn't much ambiance, but they could serve this food out of the back of a truck and I would still line up for it. I work downtown, but sometimes my coworkers and I will jump on a bus or take a taxi just to eat here.
Published by Covered in rain .. Less