Sawatdee, Arlington

I went with my family on Mother's Day and found the restaurant staff charming and attentive, the interior beautiful and interesting, and the food, excellent. Our vegan and carnivore were well accommodated. The mango daquiri was delicious--made with real mango, not just a mix. The oysters were very tasty and fresh; the shrimp plump with a spicy sauce and the tofu and pork dishes light and flavorful. I have been to many a Thai restaurant in my day, and this one now rates highest.

I'm rating it awful NOT for the food, but for the nasty way my daughter and I were treated several months ago when we went there one Sunday. We were the very first customers - actually waited outside for them to open. It was a slow day with no one else in the restaurant. My back was giving me trouble, so after we were seated at a table my daughter asked to switch to a booth. Denied because it was "against policy". We tried to get the manager to agree. ALL personnel were rude, impolite, and quite sharp in rejecting our request, claiming they needed the booths for "all the groups of more than two" even though there was no one else there. They seemed to resent even having to bring us ice water. Three men came in and they immediately seated them behind us at a booth and fawned over them, chatting them up and acting like courtesans in a 60s movie about the Far East. I found the treatment both sexist and unnecessarily rude. My daughter and I ended up walking out due to this and I swore never to go there again.

Hi

I frequent this restaurant due to convenience until I brought my kids and family there. Apparently, if toddlers count towards the 6 person count and thus the mandatory 18% tips. If you dare to give one penny less than the mandated 18%, you will get in trouble. NOT A FAMILY FRIENDLY PLACE TO EAT!!!

I used to work around the corner and discovered this gem...now I'll drive from MD just for the summer rolls!

The food was so exceptional that I felt it was necessary to rate them. Found them by chance during a vacation and was fortunate enough to dine there. After tasting many different Thai food, this is by far the best I have ever eaten. Treat yourself if you visit Arlington.

Amazing Thai food! The drunken noodle with chicken is the best I have had in this area. Panang and pad thai are pretty good too. Wait staff is pretty on top of things considering how busy it can get at lunch. Never had to wait for a table though!

I've been going to this place for years. It never fails. The chef is very consistent in quality. Whenever I bring people from out of town here they are very happy.

My family eats here about once a week, on average. The food is consistently good and spiced to your desire. Our friends are even requesting it now whenever they come visit the neighborhood. Convenient to the Court House metro, you can often smell it when you come up off the escalator...good advertising, hard to pass up!

Out of the three thai places around the plaza I like this one the best. I'm currently in love with the thai tea, yellow curry, and coconut soup there. The decor is comfortable too. And it's not too pricey. Service is usually great. p.s The name of this restaurant isn't "Sawatdee Vegetarian Thai Restaurant" so don't complain when they don't have vegetarian dishes. Eat somewhere else..DUH