Second Helpings: Thai

Bangkok Cuisine (Photo By John Anderson)

The weekly Chronicle feature "Second Helpings" offers readers the opportunity to sample tasty, bite-sized restaurant listings compiled from new and previous reviews, guides, and poll results. This week's entries were updated by Chronicle writer MM Pack. When you need quick, reliable information about Austin eateries, check here.

Little Thailand

Monday-Saturday, 11am- 2pm, 6-9pm

Little Thailand is a cozy family joint located east of the new airport where owners Dick Simcoe and his Thai wife, Surin, offer spectacular authentic Thai food in a funky, relaxed setting. Enjoy Dick's killer Thai Bloody Marys in the comfortable attached lounge while you anticipate the cooked-to-order specialties such as Surin's superlative rendition of the Thai national dish, pad Thai.

Classic Thai

Monday, 11am-2:30pm; Tuesday-Friday, 11am-2:30pm, 5-9pm; Saturday-Sunday, noon-9pm

The Classic Thai folks are down to one location, the popular suburban outpost in Cedar Park. The exceptionally fresh and delicious affordable lunch buffet is still available. Meat eaters, fish lovers, and vegetarians alike will marvel at the array of satisfying menu choices here.

Thai Village

Saturday, 11am-11pm

The detailed Thai Village menu features many of the same traditional dishes as other local Thai restaurants, but the cloth-covered tables and very artful food presentation create a sophisticated atmosphere in which to enjoy a classy but still affordable meal. And the service is excellent.

Bangkok Cuisine

Saturday-Sunday, 5-10:30pm

Opened in 1986, Bangkok Cuisine is one of Austin's oldest Thai restaurants and boasts a longtime clientele loyal to its array of stellar vegetarian dishes. Available with or without meat, Bangkok's pad Thai is one of the most memorable versions of the traditional Thai dish to be found in Austin.

Thai Garden

Saturday, 5-9pm

This far South Thai outlet is a popular spot for eating in (and bringing your own beer) and also does a brisk takeout business with neighborhood regulars. Our favorite dish here has to be the whole crispy fish in a divinely fiery red curry sauce. Service can be inattentive.

Thai Spice Restaurant

Friday, 11am-10pm; Saturday, noon-10pm; Sunday, noon-9:30

Thai Spice Buffet & Restaurant

Monday-Friday, 11am-2pm; 5-9pm; Saturday, 5-9pm

This pleasant family of restaurants is owned and operated by women chefs Vicki Vicha and Orasinee Ratana-Apron. Both eateries have the same basic menus, offering fresh, fast, reliable versions of traditional Thai dishes. Pictures of menu items make choices easier for the uninitiated. The buffet at the North location is very popular with the neighborhood's business techies, while West Lake Hills families are fond of the fresh, light fare at the southwest suburban outlet.