There are plenty of great restaurants in Lubbock, but for me, none hit quite like Bangkok Thai Restaurant. Maybe it’s the incredible food, maybe it’s the owners who treat you like family, or maybe it’s just the comfort I get walking into a place that has never disappointed me in all these years. No surprises. No frills. Just terrific Thai food made by fantastic people.
The Vibes
The second you open the door, you’re greeted with that familiar smell that could probably be bottled and sold as “Eau de Thai Comfort Food.” The staff doesn’t just recognize you — they remember your order, ask how your mom is doing, and throw extra “crunchy things” in your take-out bag when you’re on the go. Somehow, even if they are slammed with a million drive-thru orders AND a full restaurant, they still have your food out exceptionally fast and cooked to perfection.
The Food
What I love most about Bangok Thai Restaurant isn’t just the badass food (though, let’s be real, it’s worth writing a friggin novel about. The Pad Thai? Holy moly. Best thing I’ve ever put in my mouth). It’s the people-watching, the random reunions, the way time slows down for a bit when you’re in your favorite booth sitting across from a pal. It’s my mom’s favorite restaurant too, and that means we always go there for lunch dates. Lucky me! We’ve made dozens of memories there over the years. We don’t always agree with one another, but we always agree on what’s for lunch.
The Consistency
Lubbock changes, but Bangkok doesn’t have to. The unassuming little restaurant looks exactly the same as it did when I was a teenager, and it’s perfect. They don’t need a bigger builder. They don’t need flashy new updates. They are just fine the way they are. And really, if you’ve never been, the only thing missing from the place is you.
Try something new this week, and check out my favorite spot in town, Bangkok Thai Restaurant off 34th Street near Coronado High School. You’ll thank me later…