Best Thai Food Around
DESCRIPTION: I've long enjoyed this restaurant, which has the best Thai food in the area (including the grossly popular and slick Tara Thai). Atmosphere is very pleasant, with black lacquer tables and in dark, relaxing, but open dining room. Squid salad, angel wings, galanga soup, and drunken noodles are my personal favorite dishes.
DATE: 2000-05-11
FOODRATING : 10
SERVICERATING : 8
AMBIANCERATING : 8
OVERALLRATING : 10
RECOMMENDED DISHES : Drunken Noodles, Galanga Soup

Highly recommended
DESCRIPTION: Fine Thai food (and I'm very particular about Asian cuisine). Great menu selections. Very reasonably priced.
DATE: 2005-08-24
FOODRATING : 6
SERVICERATING : 8
AMBIANCERATING : 8
OVERALLRATING : 6
RECOMMENDED DISHES : Salad with peanut sauce

Small Portions, Expensive
DESCRIPTION: I took a party of five adults and two children to Sweet Basil in Bethesda for a birthday dinner largely based on Washingtonian Magazine's recommendation. However, I walked out a little disappointed. The food is not authentic Thai, and nothing special. It is a mix of American, Chinese, and Thai. On my server's recommendation, I ordered the fresh rock fish with green curry. The rock fish was defintely not fresh because it has that unpleasant frozen fish odor. The portions are small and the dishes are expensive by Thai standards. The server was courteous, but he put down a 20% gratuity on the bill! The service was nice, but not worthy of 20% tip. No one even came to refill my water. I think I am too generous for giving Sweet Basil a decent rating. I for one will not go back again.
DATE: 2004-09-13
FOODRATING : 4
SERVICERATING : 6
AMBIANCERATING : 6
OVERALLRATING : 4

Pretty good Thai cuisine
DESCRIPTION: This restaurant stood out more when modern-style Thai cuisine was still new to the DC area. I recall this restaurant opening in the 80's along with the nearby Thai Place, and they both were quite different from the inedibly spicy, greasy cuisine that area Thai restaurants were known for. Although the restaurant is still worthy, there are now more exciting Thai choices. Still better than waiting in line for Tara Thai though.
DATE: 2000-05-26
FOODRATING : 6
SERVICERATING : 8
AMBIANCERATING : 6
OVERALLRATING : 6

One of the few
DESCRIPTION: We've frequented Bangkok Garden since the mid 80's. We've never found it greasy and inedible, but rather very good, and an exceptional bargin. The satay is delicious as is all of the traditional Thai dishes. They also serve more "Chinese" style dishes which are also good. Much better than Tara Thai.
DATE: 2002-10-04
FOODRATING : 8
SERVICERATING : 8
AMBIANCERATING : 6
OVERALLRATING : 8

DESCRIPTION: Really Good Food, small place but worth the trip.
DATE: 2003-06-07
FOODRATING : 10
SERVICERATING : 8
AMBIANCERATING : 10
OVERALLRATING : 6

The Best Thai Food in Maryland?
DESCRIPTION: I have never been disapointed with Ruan Thai, and am on a mission to eat every dish on the menu. As someone who has cooked Thai food as a hobby from a host of books and articles, I would give my opinion that this is one of the most "authentic" Thai places around. Ruan Thai does not, unlike many more fashionable Thai places in the Metro DC area (Thaiphoon and Sala Thai, I cite you in particular) try to "taste down" the flavors of their dishes to what is often perceived as a blander American palete. At Ruan Thai, if it says it's spicy, you damn well better believe it will kick you in the mouth. Furthermore, the use of fish sauce and lime is more pronounced. This is the best Thai food I have ever eaten. In particular the Country Curry (blisteringly hot), Pad King and the barbecued chicken all stand out. With a few exception there is nothing on the menu over $10... I'm a broke ex-grad student and even I don't think this place is anywhere near expensive. Yeah, the inside is small and truly no frills, however humble, honest and cozy is another way of looking at it. I haven't eaten at every Thai joint in Maryland (although I have eaten at a whole bunch, probably close to 20) but for my money this is best in the state.
DATE: 2004-07-06
FOODRATING : 10
SERVICERATING : 8
AMBIANCERATING : 6
OVERALLRATING : 10
RECOMMENDED DISHES : Country Curry (blisteringly hot), Pad King and the barbecued chicken