Thai Tom, Seattle

Thai Tom is a favorite of students of the University of Washington just a block away. Throughout the day, Thai Tom is bustling and packed to the gills with college kids, so be prepared to wait at least a few minutes for a table. Once you're seated in the shabbily decorated restaurant, you'll find the menu to be typical Thai fare: phad Thai, curries, noodle soups, and stir-fried dishes. The service is quick and the food is fairly average, but be awaretheir star system for the spiciness level is high, so order one and a half stars if you usually request two. - Katie Kinney