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oChef » Smile Thai Cuisine – Seattle
Smile Thai Cuisine - Seattle
Photo from Smile Thai Cuisine
Smile Thai Cuisine at a glance
Seattle Meridian
- 🌶️ Thai Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 57 of the guests
#515 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#26 Thai Restaurant out of 36 in Seattle
Good
7.2 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
495
Reviews
70.7%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious food
- Great value
- Large portions
Frequently criticized
- Service inconsistency
- Extended waits
- Hygiene issues
The restaurant Smile Thai Cuisine invites you to experience authentic Thai flavors right in the heart of Seattle’s vibrant Meridian neighborhood. This cozy and casual Thai restaurant is a perfect spot for a delightful meal, offering a welcoming atmosphere where you can relax and enjoy.
Whether you’re seeking healthy options, delicious vegetarian dishes, or just a quick bite, you’ll find something to satisfy your cravings here. It’s an ideal destination for a memorable dining experience.
Overview: Introducting Smile Thai Cuisine
Smile Thai Cuisine offers a compelling blend of authentic flavors and considerable value, making it a frequent choice for many. While the food often receives high praise for its quality and taste, some patrons have noted inconsistencies with service efficiency, particularly concerning order accuracy and wait times.
Despite occasional operational hiccups, the restaurant’s charming ambiance contributes to a pleasant dining experience for those who choose to eat in. However, it appears to excel as a convenient option for takeout and delivery, with many appreciating its role as a local favorite and a true hidden gem in the neighborhood.
Good
7.2
out of 10
495
Reviews
70.7%
Satisfaction
118
negative
27
neutral
350
positive
Smile Thai Cuisine achieves a solid 7.2 overall score, reflecting a generally positive dining experience. Customer satisfaction stands at a good 70.7%, indicating that most diners leave content.
This assessment is drawn from 495 customer observations, with 350 positive remarks outweighing 118 negative ones, painting a picture of a well-regarded establishment. The culinary offerings are a clear highlight, with Food scoring a strong (7.7).
The Value (7.4) also stands out, often cited for generous portions and reasonable pricing. While the Ambience (6.9) is generally well-received, Service (5.9) presents a more mixed picture.
Despite its average score, service is a frequently discussed topic, suggesting areas where consistency could be improved.
What people like
- Delicious Thai food
- Excellent value
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service
- Long wait times
- Cleanliness concerns
Smile Thai Cuisine is a strong contender for those seeking flavorful Thai dishes at a reasonable cost. Its culinary strengths and overall value often outweigh the occasional service challenges, making it a reliable choice for many.
With a recommendation score of 7.4, it’s certainly worth considering, especially if you prioritize delicious food and good portions. For a seamless experience, particularly during peak times, opting for takeout or delivery might be your best bet.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Smile Thai Cuisine
Food (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 93% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.7 and a customer satisfaction of 77%, its clear many diners are leaving happy. Out of 291 comments, a whopping 224 rave about the authentic taste, generous portions, and flavorful dishes made with fresh ingredients.
Youll find plenty to love here! However, not every dish is a home run. About 50 comments point to some inconsistencies, with concerns about food being too salty or oily, and occasionally lacking that vibrant flavor.
Some also noted an inconsistent spice level, so be sure to communicate your preference clearly.
Food
291
Reviews
77%
Satisfaction
50
negative
17
neutral
224
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic taste shines
- Portions are generous
- Dishes are flavorful
What people don't like
- Spice level inconsistent
- Flavor sometimes lacking
- Can be oily/salty
Often praised
- foodMy experience at the restaurant was fantastic, primarily due to the incredibly delicious food. It's genuinely hard to try other dishes because the ones I've had are so good.
- Thai foodMy experience was with a very affordable and delicious Thai food restaurant that is take out only. When I went to pick up the food, it looked like grandma was the only one cooking in the back.
- qualityI enjoyed great Thai food in this wonderful neighborhood business district. The lunch combo was super generous, offering great flavors and quality across the board. As neighbors across the street, we couldn't be happier with their presence, as they also bring a lot of business to our little shop.
- Pad ThaiMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I've tried a variety of their dishes, including the Tom Kha, various curries, Larb, Pad Thai, and Pad See Ew. The black sticky rice pudding was also a delightful end to the meal.
- Pad See EwMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I've tried a variety of their dishes, including the Tom Kha, various curries, Larb, Pad Thai, and Pad See Ew. The black sticky rice pudding was also a delightful end to the meal.
- Pad Kee Maothe best Pad Kee Mao ive ever had
- curryLiving just a block away, I consistently have a great meal here. My typical orders include the crispy chicken, pad Thai, curry, or pad see ew. The Yellow Curry is also recommended.
- pad see ewLiving just a block away, I consistently have a great meal here. My typical orders include the crispy chicken, pad Thai, curry, or pad see ew. The Yellow Curry is also recommended.
- peanut sauceA side of peanut sauce was larger than most places
- portion sizes50. Prices in general seemed lower than other places, with similar portion sizes and great quality. Really great experience, highly recommend!
Frequently criticized
- riceThis guy actually had the guts to tell me that it’s normal for curry to not have rice included and that that’s where the other restaurants around do too. 😂😂😂😂 Dining out is like a hobby of mine.
- foodthe food has been flavorless, sugary, practically inedible, mush
- Pad Thaihere’s my pad thai. No excuse for this…. And this is the food we left.
- curryThis guy actually had the guts to tell me that it’s normal for curry to not have rice included and that that’s where the other restaurants around do too. 😂😂😂😂 Dining out is like a hobby of mine.
- flavorsThe flavors have just gone downhill too
- spice leveli always order a 4-5 spicy level and i get nothing more than a 1
- Krittikas Noodleswhich felt like eating noodle paste drowning in peanut sauce
- Thai iced teaThai iced tea. It's the worst I've ever had
- Thai noodle dishesGo somewhere else for your Thai noodle dishes
- beefthe beef is unedible! specifically the beef it's like leather
Overall, if youre craving authentic Thai with good portions, this place is definitely worth a try. Just be mindful of potential inconsistencies in seasoning and spice, and youll likely have a great meal.
Service (5.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 59% of the guests
When it comes to service, many customers appreciate the friendly staff and quick service, especially for pick-up and takeout. Orders are often ready in a speedy 15 minutes, and the team is praised for being kind and accommodating, even with special requests like vegan options. With 53 positive remarks out of 105 total, many have had a smooth experience.
However, the service experience isnt always consistent. With a score of 5.9 (average) and customer satisfaction at 50.5% (mixed), theres definitely room for improvement. Some folks have faced long wait times, incorrect orders, and issues with missing items like utensils, leading to frustration.
These 45 negative comments highlight areas needing attention, sometimes pointing to understaffed situations.
Service
105
Reviews
50%
Satisfaction
45
negative
7
neutral
53
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Quick takeout
- Accommodates requests
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Incorrect orders
- Missing essentials
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at the restaurant was delicious and quick. I was forewarned that their 1-star spice level is a little spicier than expected.
- staffThe kind and happy staff here work hard
- ServiceThe atmosphere also contributed to a wonderful dining experience, rated a perfect 5. Service was equally impressive, with a 5-star rating. Considering the quality, the price per person of $1–10 was very reasonable.
- takeoutThe order (for four people) was ready in about 15 mins
- DoorDashordered DoorDash here 10+ times. It’s fabulous.
- accommodatingthey were very accommodating
- couplean old couple that works tirelessly
- creditwill be given credit the next time I order food
- deliveryGreat prices make delivery an affordable option
- delivery serviceespecially for delivery
Frequently criticized
- serviceThis guy actually had the guts to tell me that it’s normal for curry to not have rice included and that that’s where the other restaurants around do too. 😂😂😂😂 Dining out is like a hobby of mine.
- staffstaff have no mask and gloves
- ordermy order was only about 50% correct
- waitwaited thirty minutes inside
- wait timestake out usually takes twice as long as the 15 min they always quote
- waiting time20 min later still not done
- Uber eatswait for Uber eats
- ask for everythingHave to ask for everything
- customer servicePoor customer service
- dine-in serviceNot a place for dine-in service
If youre looking for a quick takeout or pick-up with friendly staff, you might have a great experience. However, be prepared for potentially long waits or order inaccuracies, especially during busy times, and double-check your bag for essentials if youre taking food to go.
Ambience (6.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 28% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, this spot has some real charm! With a solid 6.9 score and a 68.6% customer satisfaction, its a bit of a mixed bag but leans positive. Many of the 24 positive comments out of 35 total rave about it being a hidden gem with a quiet and spacious feel, often described as warm and cozy with an intimate look and positive energy.
However, not everyones feeling the love. The 9 negative comments point to some significant issues, with terms like freezing dining areas, filthy conditions, and even dirty kitchen and food on floor popping up. Some even felt it was more of a takeout place than somewhere to dine in, suggesting there's definitely room for improvement on the upkeep.
Ambience
35
Reviews
68%
Satisfaction
9
negative
2
neutral
24
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Hidden gem vibe
- Quiet, spacious feel
- Warm, cozy atmosphere
What people don't like
- Cleanliness issues
- Freezing dining area
- More for takeout
Often praised
- atmosphereThe atmosphere also contributed to a wonderful dining experience
- ambianceThe noodle and rice dishes were very delicious, prepared with recipes straight from a Bangkok kitchen. I visited on a Friday night and enjoyed the charming ambiance, complemented by friendly, thoughtful service. The price was very reasonable, and I will definitely be back.
- placeI go to this place at least 20 times a month
- restaurantI've been here dozens of times and can confidently say it's the best Thai food in town. In fact, it might just be the best restaurant in the city. Seriously.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- hidden gemA true hidden gem
- intimate lookI liked the small, but intimate look of the place
- locationThe location is great
- neighborhood Thai restaurantRelaxing and homey neighborhood Thai restaurant
- positive energytop teir at good positive energy
Frequently criticized
- placeThe chicken is shoe leather, but it was that way before. Oh, and the place is a shamples. So sad.
- cleanlinessUnprofessional, dirty, and SLOW.. was asked to pick up an order
- dining areathe dining area was freezing
- food on floorFoods are on the floor
- kitchenso dirty kitchen
- loud musicHonestly, everything was delicious. The atmosphere was chill with no loud music, and the people were good.
- takeout placeIt's more of a takeout place, not a place to dine in
If youre seeking a quiet, cozy spot with a hidden gem feel, this place could be a pleasant surprise. Just be prepared that some diners have noted cleanliness and comfort issues, so it might be better for takeout if youre particular about dining in.
Value (7.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 44% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot really shines! With a solid score of 7.4 and 76.6% customer satisfaction, its clear many diners are thrilled. Based on 49 positive remarks, guests frequently praise the affordable and inexpensive prices, often noting the good value for the quality and quantity of food you get.
Its often described as a great option for a budget-friendly meal. However, not everyone is singing its praises, with 14 negative comments highlighting some concerns. Some guests have noticed prices went up significantly, especially with added delivery fees making it feel overpriced or not worth it compared to before.
These changes have left a few feeling that the previous excellent value has diminished.
Value
64
Reviews
76%
Satisfaction
14
negative
1
neutral
49
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable prices
- Great value
- Affordable options
What people don't like
- Recent price hikes
- High delivery fees
- Value diminished
Often praised
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic, especially considering the price. I found the food to be generally pretty good and amazing for the price. I was able to get two dishes delivered, and each one was big enough for two meals, all for just $30!
- pricesThe food is amazing, and they do a great job with the packaging for delivery. I appreciate the large portions and great prices. Although I've never visited the restaurant, I've ordered delivery over 20 times via DoorDash.
- valueFor the value, this is one of the best Thai restaurants
- affordablethat was affordable
- Prices50. Prices in general seemed lower than other places, with similar portion sizes and great quality. Really great experience, highly recommend!
- affordabilityfood that is affordable and delicious
- inexpensivesurprisingly inexpensive
- reasonable priceMy experience at this restaurant was very positive. The food had a nice flavor and the price was reasonable. The staff were great, and if you order a combo, you get a generous amount of meat, some veggies, and rice for only around 12 dollars.
- $12.95Can’t beat $12.95 for the quality/quantity
- 12ish dollarsfor only 12ish dollars
Frequently criticized
- pricesI also noted that it's cheaper if you order for pickup. It was a surprise seeing they increase their prices. The place could be better to invite people to dine in; it seems like a place everyone orders just for pickup.
- DoorDash feeswith door dash fees is simply too much
- delivery chargesridiculous amount for delivery
- delivery feenew $5 fee for delivery
- menu pricesMenu has no prices
- not worth itit’s just not worth it anymore
- order pricesorder prices went up significantly
- price changerecognize the price change
- price increasesince the price increase
- takeout jointsoverpriced, mediocre takeout joints
If youre looking for an affordable meal, especially for pickup, this place often delivers great bang for your buck. Just be mindful of potential price increases and extra delivery charges that might impact the overall value if youre ordering in.
How are the prices at Smile Thai Cuisine?
You’re looking at roughly 18 per person – reported by 57 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Thai Restaurant in Seattle, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most guests clearly gravitate towards this $11–$20 range, showing prices are well-clustered around the average rather than spread out across super cheap or very premium options.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 57 reviews.
Comparing this restaurant’s value for money against similar spots in Seattle.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Thai spot in Seattle. It offers good value without breaking the bank, making it a solid choice for a delicious meal.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Smile Thai Cuisine
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Never going back again
My experience at this restaurant was not good. The food service rating was just "okay". When we came in, the lady just starred at us.
I will never go back again.
- food service rating5
- lady starred2
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
3
Wrong Order Received
My experience at the restaurant was disappointing due to an incorrect order. I provided my name, but unfortunately, I didn't check the ticket, and the order I received was completely wrong. I would expect the staff to verify the order before handing it over.
- ticket5
- order2
- staff3
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
6
Pad Thai Good, Spice Level Disappointing
My experience at this restaurant was mixed. While the Pad Thai flavor was good, I ordered a 5-star spice level and received something closer to a 1 or 2. This was very disappointing.
- Pad Thai flavor8
- spice level2
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Delivery
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
2
Long Wait for a Single Meal
My experience was that I ordered a single meal at 5 pm, and it took a full hour for the restaurant to prepare and hand it over to the DoorDash driver. I believe there is no excuse for such a prolonged wait time.
- meal7
- wait time2
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Quiet
8
Great Food, Dated Atmosphere
My experience at the restaurant was a pleasant surprise during the Seattle Dumpling Fest. I was treated to a nice appetizer plate. While the atmosphere is older dated, the service was great and the food was excellent!
- appetizer plate8
- atmosphere6
- service9
What Smile Thai Cuisine offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Healthy options
- Beer
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Table service
- Lunch
- Dessert
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Free street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
Is Smile Thai Cuisine accessible for all guests?
Yes, Smile Thai Cuisine ensures a comfortable experience for everyone. You’ll find a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restrooms, making it easy for all patrons to navigate and enjoy their meal in the cozy atmosphere. Free street parking is also available nearby for your convenience.
What dining options and services does Smile Thai Cuisine offer?
Smile Thai Cuisine provides lunch, dinner, and dessert with table service. For your convenience, takeout and delivery are also available. You’ll find a diverse menu featuring small plates, quick bites, healthy options, and vegetarian dishes, complemented by beer and other alcoholic beverages.
How does Smile Thai Cuisine rate overall?
Smile Thai Cuisine holds a good overall Restaurant Score of **7.2** with **70.7%** customer satisfaction. Its **Food** (7.7) and **Value** (7.4) are highly rated, while **Ambience** (6.9) is decent, and **Service** (5.9) is considered average.
What do customers appreciate most about Smile Thai Cuisine?
Customers frequently praise the delicious and authentic Thai food, noting the great **value** and generous **portion sizes**. Many also enjoy the charming **ambiance** and consider it a local **hidden gem**.
What are some common concerns at Smile Thai Cuisine?
Some customers have experienced inconsistent **service**, including long **wait times** for orders and occasional inaccuracies. There have also been mentions of **cleanliness** concerns and increased **delivery charges** affecting overall value for some.