Highlights
- Great tea selection
oChef » Panwa Thai – Seattle
Panwa Thai - Seattle
Photo from Panwa Thai
Panwa Thai at a glance
Seattle First Hill
- 🌶️ Thai Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 53 of the guests
#636 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#33 Thai Restaurant out of 36 in Seattle
Good
6.8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
466
Reviews
64.8%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Great value
- Flavorful food
- Prompt service
Frequently criticized
- Inconsistent atmosphere
- Unresolved issues
- Food quality concerns
The restaurant Panwa Thai, a beloved Thai Restaurant in Seattle’s vibrant First Hill neighborhood, invites you to discover its charm. You’ll find yourself in a cozy and casual setting, perfect for a relaxing meal.
What truly sets this Seattle gem apart is its impressive and carefully curated great tea selection, promising a unique beverage experience alongside your authentic Thai dishes.
Overview: Introducting Panwa Thai
Panwa Thai offers a mixed experience, often praised for its delightful flavor and affordable prices, making it a popular choice for many. You’ll likely find fast service here, contributing to a generally pleasant visit.
However, some guests have noted a lackluster atmosphere with uncomfortable chairs and occasional reports of unfriendly staff. While the food is often a highlight, these aspects can sometimes detract from the overall dining comfort.
Good
6.8
out of 10
466
Reviews
64.8%
Satisfaction
123
negative
41
neutral
302
positive
Panwa Thai achieves a respectable 6.8 overall score, placing it in the good category, though customer sentiment is a bit more nuanced. With 302 positive and 123 negative opinions out of 466 total, the Customer Satisfaction stands at a mixed 64.8%.
This suggests that while many leave content, a notable portion of diners have encountered issues. Looking closer at specific areas, the Food (7.2) and Value (7.9) are clearly strong points, consistently earning good marks from patrons.
However, Service (6.1) is perceived as average, and the Ambience (4.9) falls into the average range, indicating areas where experiences can vary significantly.
What people like
- Great value for money
- Flavorful, quality food
- Prompt, dedicated service
What people don't like
- Inconsistent dining atmosphere
- Unresolved customer issues
- Occasional food quality issues
Panwa Thai presents a compelling option if you prioritize delicious, affordable Thai cuisine. With a 7.1 recommendation score, it’s generally worth a visit, especially if you’re seeking good value and don’t mind a potentially inconsistent dining environment.
However, be prepared for a mixed bag when it comes to service and atmosphere. While many find the staff efficient, some experiences suggest customer issues aren’t always smoothly resolved.
It’s a solid choice for a casual, budget-friendly meal.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Panwa Thai
Food (7.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 93% of the guests
When it comes to the food, its clear theres a lot to love, with a good score of 7.2 and a mixed customer satisfaction of 68.2%. Many of the 195 positive remarks highlight delicious dishes like the green curry and Pad Thai, praising the flavor and generous portions that keep diners coming back for more, often noting the quality and spice levels. However, not every dish hits the mark.
Some of the 62 negative comments point to issues like inconsistent spiciness, dishes being too oily or soggy, and occasionally small portions. There are also concerns about accommodating dietary restrictions and some dishes being undercooked, suggesting some room for improvement.
Food
286
Reviews
68%
Satisfaction
62
negative
29
neutral
195
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious food
- Generous portions
- Authentic spice levels
What people don't like
- Inconsistent spiciness
- Oily or soggy dishes
- Limited dietary options
Often praised
- foodIt's an inexpensive and delicious Thai restaurant that truly lived up to expectations. The food came out quick, and our server was friendly and attentive. I'm definitely planning on coming back.
- Pad ThaiPad thai, pad kee mao and eggplant with basil are all delicious.
- qualityyou're not sacrificing quality for price. You get a good amount of food and great quality
- Thai foodMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I found the best Thai food in the area. The drunken noodles and green curry chicken were especially good, and the rice was perfectly cooked.
- Tom KhaI don't order Thai food anywhere else in Capitol Hill! I almost always get the Tom Kha, as well as the Phad Thai.
- FoodFood:5
- avocado green curryavocado green curry, it's delicious
- flavorthe flavor is just out of this world
- green curryGot the green curry and it was delicious!
- portionsthe portions are satisfying
Frequently criticized
- chickenMy experience at this restaurant was very poor. The food was soggy, and the chicken looked like it was of very poor quality; it was very limp and disgusting. I was not able to eat it.
- foodI was told the food would be ready in 10 minutes, but it felt like much longer. The delay made me wonder about the preparation process, questioning if the chicken had to be caught and killed right before being cooked. This extended waiting period was the most prominent aspect of my visit.
- Pad ThaiThe Pad Thai was so tough and hard to bite into
- Tom Kha soupsoup base was so heavy on the coconut milk that it overwhelmed any of the tangy umami flavor
- beefI ordered through UberEats and appreciated the quick preparation of my meal. However, I cannot recommend the beef mixed vegetable with peanut sauce. The beef was way overcooked and super dry, and the portion was really small.
- noodlesThe sweet and sour plate had a lot of liquid with a small amount of rice and was mostly huge chunks of vegetables with only a few chicken pieces. The Pad Thai was only okay; the flavor was flat and the noodles were stuck together. However, the crab rangoon was delicious, though I think it could have more imitation crab inside.
- pad kee maothe pad kee mao was unfortunately ruined by choosing 5 star spice.
- "2"The "2" is quite spicy for me
- 5 star spiceI warn you to not get the 5 star spice as it just tastes AWFUL.
- Pad See Ewshe misheard my order and gave me Pad Thai
If you're craving flavorful Thai classics like green curry and Pad Thai, this spot often delivers. Just be mindful that some dishes might have inconsistent spice levels or portion sizes, and dietary accommodations could be limited.
Service (6.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 66% of the guests
When it comes to service, many customers rave about the friendly staff and quick service here! With 68 positive remarks out of 115 total, diners frequently highlight the attentive wait staff and servers who ensure orders are fast and efficient. It seems they really aim to please!
However, the overall score of 6.1 and customer satisfaction at 59.1% suggest a mixed bag. There are 40 negative comments, with some experiences detailing rude staff, concerning waiting times, and even accusations of discrimination. It appears consistency might be an issue, despite many positive interactions.
Service
115
Reviews
59%
Satisfaction
40
negative
7
neutral
68
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Quick service
- Attentive servers
What people don't like
- Rude staff
- Long wait times
- Discrimination concerns
Often praised
- serviceMy go-to for pad thai in the Capitol Hill area. I experienced great, fast service with a dedicated staff.
- staffMy go-to for pad thai in the Capitol Hill area. I experienced great, fast service with a dedicated staff.
- ServiceService:5
- customer servicethey have a great customer service
- fast serviceFast service.
- take outalways pleased with their take out
- 5 starsPanwa is serious about what 5 stars means
- OrderOrder was ready quickly
- best servicework really hard to give the best service
- counter personfriendly counter person
Frequently criticized
- serviceI was not able to eat it. When I brought this to their attention, they pretended they could not understand what I was saying and refused to correct the situation.
- refundShe responded said that there is nothing she can do. She could not remake the order for me, nor issue a refund.
- staffthe staff weren’t very friendly
- cash registerbald Asian man with glasses standing at the cash register was very harsh on me.
- complainedUsed to be my favorite Thai restaurant, but they stopped selling my favorite items for delivery, so I won't be ordering anymore. They lost $200 a month in just my business and did not seem to care when I called and complained.
- customer appreciationMore respect and customer appreciation should be given
- customer comfortcustomer comfort isn’t a priority here
- customer relationsHe has zero customer relations.
- discriminates against customersA place that discriminates against customers.
- discriminationthey discriminate you without reason
If youre looking for a quick and friendly interaction, youll likely be pleased. However, be aware that some experiences have been less than stellar, with reports of rudeness or long waits. It's a bit of a gamble, but often worth it for the good moments.
Ambience (4.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 21% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, this spot has some good points, with an average score of 4.9. Many appreciate the pleasant atmosphere and environment, noting it's a clean restaurant with comfy chairs. Out of 34 total comments, 14 positive remarks highlight its wheelchair accessibility and overall nice feel, making it a laid-back place to eat in.
However, the customer satisfaction is a mixed 41.2%, and 17 negative comments point to significant issues. Some found the chairs extremely uncomfortable, and there are recurring complaints about the bathroom facilities, or lack thereof. Mentions of fruit flies, a messy setup, and even a cockroach suggest the environment can be chaotic and unhygienic for some diners.
Ambience
34
Reviews
41%
Satisfaction
17
negative
3
neutral
14
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Wheelchair accessible
- Clean restaurant
- Laid-back vibe
What people don't like
- No bathroom access
- Uncomfortable chairs
- Pest issues
Often praised
- atmosphereI found the great flavor and prices to be very appealing. The comfy chairs and nice but not overdone atmosphere created a pleasant dining environment. They were able to accommodate our reservation for 4 people.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- environmentGreat service, food & environment!
- placeVery laid back and chill place
- chairsI found the great flavor and prices to be very appealing. The comfy chairs and nice but not overdone atmosphere created a pleasant dining environment. They were able to accommodate our reservation for 4 people.
- eating inI recommend eating in rather than takeout, for just taste better that way
- restaurant was cleanRestaurant was clean
- wheelchair accessibleWheelchair accessible too!
Frequently criticized
- bathroomdon't let delivery people or customers use the bathroom
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:1
- atmospherevery lackluster for the price considering you have to order on your phone, there is unfinished wood in the dining area, and the wallpaper is falling off
- chairsthe chairs are extremely uncomfortable
- cockroachwhat looked to be a cockroach was inside the bag
- dine inThe food was alright, but the staff weren’t very friendly. Additionally, if you plan to dine in, be aware that they stated they don’t have a bathroom, or at least that’s what they told us.
- dining roomcleaning up everything
- facilitiesusing covid as a reason to close facilities
- fruit fliesI kept noticing a ton of little fruit flies flying around our table
- hate and discriminationfull of hate and discrimination against color people
If a pleasant, clean environment is your top priority, you might find this place hit or miss. While some enjoy the laid-back vibe, significant concerns about comfort and hygiene, especially regarding bathroom access, could be a real dealbreaker. Its worth considering if youre willing to overlook potential issues for the overall atmosphere.
Value (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 25% of the guests
When it comes to getting bang for your buck, this spot really shines! With a solid score of 7.9 and customer satisfaction at 80.6%, its clear most diners feel theyre getting a good deal. Out of 31 remarks, 25 praise the affordable prices, great value, and fantastic lunch specials, making it easy on your wallet.
However, a few diners, 4 out of 31, did note some minor hiccups. Concerns arose around the price feeling lackluster for some, and specific issues like being charged for extra peanut sauce or not receiving proper change on the receipt, suggesting some small areas for improvement.
Value
31
Reviews
80%
Satisfaction
4
negative
2
neutral
25
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable yummy meals
- Great prices
- Excellent value
What people don't like
- Extra sauce costs
- Receipt change issues
- Value felt lackluster
Often praised
- priceI was particularly impressed with the wonderful service, which was very fast. It's also inexpensive for Thai food in the area, making it a fantastic value.
- pricesMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's one of my go-to Thai places in Seattle, offering great food and great prices. The food quality was excellent, and the value for money was impressive.
- valuegreat value for what you get!
- 9.99at 9.99
- affordabilitythe affordability. Dishes here are all under $10
- affordableThe food is affordable around $10-$15
- affordable priceMy experience at Panwa Thai was fantastic! The food was delicious and came at an affordable price. The staff were incredibly friendly and actively engaged with the customers.
- affordable yummy mealrecommend this place for an affordable yummy meal.
- easy on your walletIt's easy on your wallet as well!
- fairly pricedit was fairly priced
Frequently criticized
- pricevery lackluster for the price
- change on the receiptNo change on the receipt
- extra peanut saucenickel and dime you for everything (extra peanut sauce is $2)
Overall, if you're looking for an affordable meal with great value, especially their lunch specials, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be mindful of potential small extra charges for things like sauces, and double-check your receipt to ensure a smooth experience.
How are the prices at Panwa Thai?
You’re looking at roughly 21 $ per person – reported by 53 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Thai Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average is 21 $, it’s worth noting that most guests (32 out of 53) actually spend a bit less, typically between $11–$20. Only 16 diners land in the $21–$30 range, with just a few opting for pricier options. So, it seems many find it quite an accessible spot!
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 53 reviews.
How this Thai restaurant in Seattle stacks up against similar spots for value.
Considering the spread of prices, with many guests enjoying meals for less than the average, we think the pricing here feels quite fair for a Thai restaurant in Seattle. It offers good value for a mid-range experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Panwa Thai
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Takeout
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Delicious Red Curry, Fast Service!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The staff was super friendly, and the food was delicious. My boyfriend and I ordered the Red Curry to go, and they were incredibly fast.
The portion was also big, offering great value for what you get.
- staff10
- food10
- Red Curry10
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Poor customer service experience
My experience at the restaurant was marred by the harsh treatment I received from the bald Asian man with glasses at the cash register. He demonstrated zero customer relations.
- customer relations1
- cash register1
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Delicious Lunch Combos!
My experience at this place was fantastic! :) I loved their great deals on lunch combos, which are freshly cooked to order. I opted for combo A, which included pad thai, salad, and soup.
Each dish was absolutely delicious.
- lunch combos9
- freshly cooked9
- pad thai9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Lunch
3
Disappointing Service, Promising Food
I normally support small businesses, but I had a disappointing experience at Pawin Thai. After ordering takeout, I politely asked if I could sit and eat inside, as the restaurant was completely empty. I was told I wasn’t allowed to, which felt very unwelcoming and disrespectful as a paying customer.
It’s unfortunate because the food seemed promising, but the way they treated me made it clear that customer comfort isn’t a priority here. I won’t be returning.
- food6
- customer comfort2
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Delicious Curry and Pad Kee Mao!
I don't understand why this place is rated so low. I ordered the Yellow Curry and Pad Kee Mao, and they were both dope! The food was excellent, and I was very impressed with the flavors.
- Yellow Curry9
- Pad Kee Mao9
- Food9
What Panwa Thai offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Transgender safespace
- Groups
- College students
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Delivery
- Dine-in
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
What kind of dining experience can you expect at Panwa Thai Seattle?
At Panwa Thai, you can enjoy a cozy and casual atmosphere perfect for lunch or dinner. They offer table service and seating, and it’s even good for kids with high chairs available. You can also make reservations for your visit, ensuring a smooth experience.
Does Panwa Thai Seattle offer convenient service options and diverse menu choices?
Yes, Panwa Thai provides flexible service options including no-contact delivery, takeout, and dine-in. Their menu features healthy options, quick bites, small plates, and vegetarian choices, complemented by a great selection of teas, wine, coffee, and beer.
How does Panwa Thai generally rate among customers?
Panwa Thai holds a 6.8 overall score, indicating a good experience for many. Its Food (7.2) and Value (7.9) are particularly well-regarded, while Service (6.1) is average and Ambience (4.9) could see improvement.
What do customers appreciate most about Panwa Thai's offerings?
Many customers praise the restaurant for its affordable prices and the `flavor` and `quality` of its Thai dishes, including popular items like `Pad Thai` and `green curry`.
Are there any common concerns or drawbacks mentioned by diners?
Some diners have noted issues with the `atmosphere`, mentioning `uncomfortable chairs` or `fruit flies`. There are also occasional reports of `unfriendly staff` or `soggy` food.