I really want to like this place.. Unfortunately, the food is just not good enough for the price. Bland, no presentation, and seemingly low quality. I love to support businesses like this one ran by respectful folk, but the food is simply lacking. Want this place to succeed but needs a massive turn around on the ingredients, quality, and flavor. read more

I drive by this restaurant every day after work. I decided to stop and have dinner. The inside is very homey with blond wood and brightly lit. Great decor. The menu has several Thai & Chinese offerings. I spoke with the owner and sole employee, Art. He said he opened the restaurant with his now deceased wife in 1979. That's 46 years. She died in 1992 and he has been the sole employee most of the time since. My first disappointment was that the Thai Iced Tea. It was served in a plastic lined paper cup. The tea was good. I ordered the Tidbit appetizer. It came with a fried egg roll, 2 cheese wontons, 3 fried vegetable tempura and 3 pieces of cooked pork with a sweet & sour sauce all for $6.50; But it was served in a takeout container with a small plastic fork. I also ordered the Pad Kra Pao Gai, which is supposed to be pan fried chicken in a spicy Basil sauce with a fried egg on top for $10.95; What I got was cubes of chicken mixed with onions, overcooked noodles and mixed in white rice. It tasted ok, but sorely lacking in presentation. I noticed no condiments other than soy sauce. I asked Art if he uses plates and silverware. He responded that it costs too much. I did not have dessert, which would be either be sticky rice with Mango or apple pie. Odd dessert selection. He accepted my debit card for payment. Based on the prices on the menu, dinner should have about $27 including tax, but the bill was $ 36.65; I asked and he said the new menus were at the printer. When I got home, I googled Erawan. He said the same thing about the menu over 5 years ago. If I go back, I'll bring my own metal fork. read more

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Ordered pad Thai and when he showed me, it looked dry and bland so I asked for extra crushed peanuts and lime slices and he said he couldn't give it to me because he doesn't use that (ate it at the taproom next door who gave me a lime thankfully). He said the noodles were authentic but just looked like spaghetti to me. The dish wasn't bad but it wasn't what I would consider pad thai. And the price was higher than what was listed on the website. Won't be going back. read more

Erawan Cafe - Phud thai with tofu - A foam takeout container contains pad thai with tofu, broccoli, carrots, bean sprouts, and green onions. A plastic fork is inserted into the dish, and a lime wedge is placed nearby. The container is on a wooden table, with a blurred background showing part of a person and a dark wall. - Thai Near Me - Denver, Colorado

What an absolute gem of a business owner. He is the type of owner you want to support. It was a pleasure to be a customer. Thank you for the meal made with care and thoughtful talent. read more

Small restaurant tucked away in the heart of Denver that makes truly remarkable Thai cuisine that is fresh and made upon order read more

Erawan Cafe - Fish panang - A takeout container contains white rice topped with stir-fried vegetables, including carrots, celery, and possibly bamboo shoots, along with pieces of chicken. The dish appears to be coated in a light sauce. A white plastic fork is placed in the container, and some sauce has pooled at the bottom. The container is made of a beige, textured material, and the background is a dark surface. - Thai Near Me - Denver, Colorado

Art's customers have been returning for 20+ years as the pad Thai and egg rolls are like none other in town. And Art is so personable. I went yesterday just for a desert of egg rolls. read more

The food here was a let down. Every time that I drove down 8th ave I would see this restaurant from the corner of my eye and get excited to try it. Now that I have gone I am disappointed overall. The food was quite different from what I had expected from a hidden dive Thai restaurant. The owner/old man was able to up-sell me on the dumplings. Thee dumplings were pretty standard. They tasted store bought, a sweet thick brown sauce was added over the top. When the owner came out and asked me for my order I ordered the Pad See Ew. My request was that I wanted my food to be hot and not Thai hot. he told me that he would make it hot. When he completed the food It didn't have the dark brown color from the sweet soy sauce that it usually is mixed with. This time the food was light and sweet but not salty with soy or spicy. The owner set down a small bowl of oil and diced jalapeño I guess this was to make it spicy. It wasn't. We briefly talked about the food and traveling to Thailand. The owner was happy that I ate it all because it was "so spicy", he said that I would fit into Thai culture well because all the food is spicy. I paid and left. Unless I am really hungry again and want good conversation I don't see my self going back to Erawan unfortunately. Honestly I have had better Thai food in town. The owner/old man is really great though. read more

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A must try! Erawan is run by the sweetest man who has been in Denver for decades! You can do take out but I would recommend sitting down, enjoying the food fresh, and if you are feeling social have a convo with the owner! I always let him recommend his favorites from the menu and have never had something I don't like! read more

BLUF: never again. The prices on the menu do not reflect what you will be charged. Where to begin... Nice enough guy, but when I ordered for pickup, he didn't give me my total...first red flag. I got there, and he mistakenly added an extra soup to my order. OK, easy enough mistake. He never shows me the itemized receipt. Charges my card, and it's greater than $10 more than it should have been, even with the extra $5 soup. When I called him on it, he told me that the prices had gone up because of covid and that the new menus were at the print shop. Apparently the menu on his website, and at the restaurant are for show, and he just makes up whatever price he wants. He never offered to make things right. It wasn't worth arguing over, but he lost my business. Now, the food...It was bad. Dry "phud thai" made with spaghetti noodles. read more

Best place ever that pad thai was TEW good. The cheese wontons were also so good. He's the cutest person ever love him to bits wish I came earlier read more

Normally little "divey" type Thai places are the best hidden gems when it comes to Thai Food. I really wanted to love this place but in reality it was just OK. The food was fine, nothing really special and they don't even have the Thai hot sauce (they do have Sriracha but that's very "American") Art helped us with our meals and we chatted about Thailand after and he was awesome. The prices here were very very reasonable so because of those I'll probably be back but with tempered expectations. read more

Erawan Cafe - Phud Se-Lew - Thai Near Me - Denver, Colorado

Very unethical. $1 extra tip was added to my credit card. It's not enough for me to want to go through fraud proceedings with my card company but I'm sure if he does this to everyone he makes a pretty penny. It was just presumably the owner of the cafe eating dinner at a table when I came to pick up my to go order. Don't think there was anyone else there. So he is the one who added the tip. read more

Erawan Cafe is my favorite restaurant! My husband brought me here on our 2nd date 30 years ago. I had Phud Thai (original) and egg rolls that first time and have ordered the same thing every time since. I've never had Phud Thai or egg rolls at any other restaurant that can compare. My husband and I ate here almost weekly until we moved away. Whenever we are in Denver we try to stop by. Today 11/14/2020 we stopped by to pickup take out and it was so nice to see the owner/chef, Art's, smiling face covered by a mask and the restaurant setup for safe take out only food service during this scary pandemic. I felt safe not needing to walk by unmasked people sitting at tables like in other restaurants. I wish we lived closer so we could help support this business. A restaurant that has been in business for 41 years obviously makes great food! I hope the locals support this place with their take out orders while Erawan Cafe makes the responsible decision to not have dine in customers at this time. read more

Oh my gosh! I truly wanted to like this place and give a stellar review especially since the owner/cook is such a sweetheart. But the inexcusable part is that the food was beyond mediocre plus the owner is the cook and AND the server AND the order taker. When he's cooking no one gets served, etc. So my to-go order of tempura veggies, Pad Thai and Sweet & Sour Chicken took 45min!! Once home I discovered that my Pad Thai noodles were spaghetti noodles with black pepper for spice. Plus it was oily. The Sweet Sour Chicken was super doughy...and the batter was sweet almost like pancake batter. The veggie tempura included ALL sweet potato, no other veggies like mushrooms or onions. The dishes were SO bad that we had to dump $30 worth of food and grab something elsewhere. I should have trusted my instincts. I never see anyone inside this restaurant. That's usually a clue. There was nothing authentic about my dishes! read more

Erawan Cafe - Erawan's Tidbits - Egg Roll, BBQ Pork, Cheese Wonton, Veggie Tempura - Thai Near Me - Denver, Colorado

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I was hesitant after reading the reviews but decided to take the plunge. The owner was very friendly when he took my order. I ordered the egg rolls and the Thai-style chicken fried rice. I can see what people have said before about the egg rolls being doughy. They did seem like the right kind of doughy in terms of homemade dough, but the filling was thoroughly lacking. The sauce was something I'd never encountered before. It seemed like a mix between sweet and sour sauce and mustard. It had a nice sweet kick, but I was a bit confused. The fried rice was okay. The flavors were a bit muted, and my fried rice was definitely not "hot" in terms of spice level which I requested. It all tasted fresh but didn't have the flavors I was hoping for. I'll give this place another try, but this was not the most exciting first taste of what they have to offer. read more

Erawan Cafe - Thai-style chicken fried rice - Thai Near Me - Denver, Colorado

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This tiny gem is hidden on the corner of 8th Ave and run by the kindest older Thai gentleman, Art. Art said he started this place with his late wife in 1979 and has seen so many iterations of Denver throughout the years. My partner got the phud se lew and was super impressed. It was the perfect combination of salty and sweet and Art came over to give her jalapeño to create her own level of spicy-ness. I ordered the lamb panaang curry. The coconut base was particularly good. We finished the meal off with the sticky mango rice, a first for both of us, and boy were we glad we did! The sticky rice was so delicious and warm and perfectly complimented the chilled ripe mango. Art chatted with us for a few minutes about Thai desserts, the history of his business, how he got into cooking and found his passion. I'm not sure when was the last time I had such a unique and rewarding dining experience. Another couple in the restaurant clearly knew Art after many years of being loyal customers and I think we might have unwittingly joined the cult of Art. For every fancy hot new restaurant you try in Denver, you should spend an evening with Art as well. read more

Erawan Cafe - Beautiful remodeled inside of the restaurant - Thai Near Me - Denver, Colorado

Things have changed at 8th and Colorado except this small eatery. It has been here 40 years. It has remodeled inside but basically is the same. I used to eat here in the 80's when I was a young man. Great cheap food, it was my first thai resturaunt and my first phad thai. Same owner still, sadly is wife has died. So 35 yrs later i come back. I had the eggroll & phad thai...the same tasty treats as I remembered them. I must not wait another 35 years. Parking on 8th ave or a small lot in back. Long live Erawan. read more

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Most bland Pad Thai I've ever had. I specifically asked for extra sauce and he said "pad thai is not supposed to be wet, I'm from thailand" and so I told him do it his way. It was like he was missing ingredients. Not tangy, just like spaghetti noodles with peanuts, oil, and pepper. Coconut lemongrass soup was also bland. Swing thai is a block away and far better imho. read more

The worst Thai ever! The green curry had rubbery and gristle texture, the bell peppers were overcooked mush and the sauce was as thin as water. The Phad That was dry, rubbery noodles with little to no flavor and we threw it out. The online menu price and the in restaurant menu showed a total of $27 but I was charged $37. When I asked for a receipt he said he didn't have one. When I told him I was overcharged he said he had to raise his price (33% increase without any kind of notification) and he had no excuse for why he didn't tell me when I ordered, or why none of his menus showed the massive price hikes. At 6:30 pm I was the only person there for 40 minutes. Looks like others have figured our how bad Swing Thai is ): read more

Service was good! Ordered a pad Thai with chicken, and I would not call this a pad Thai... not terrible but it's like buttered noodle with chicken read more

Erawan Cafe - Pad Thai with chicken - Thai Near Me - Denver, Colorado

AMAZING flavors from a this under appreciated place. Only the neighbor-hoodies know how amazing the menu is. Check it out!...must go-to!

Listen - I had a bad experience. So I'm recording that. Nothing else. Here is my version and run down 30+ minutes late after ordering by phone. Food packaged in styrofoam cups and zip lock baggies Asked what food was what, told, "it's on the label". Label is hand written pen on styrofoam, and I'm unable to read it. Mentioned how allergies were involved and "noodle bowl" doesn't describe what was ordered (there is no noodle bowl on the menu...so how do I know which of the 7 different "Thai noodle dishes" is which) When confronted that this isn't acceptable and I need to know what is what, I was told I'm a bad man and that I won't get any food. Owner then took my food from the pile of 6 orders (he took the wrong item...) and then graciously said "I'll eat this" BUT he did take it off the check at least. I told him I'd heard this place was bad and will now right a review to reflect my experience. I'm bummed that my honest experience may effect this small companies success, but wow, I've never felt like less of a customer at an establishment in my entire life as I felt here. I'm hoping two stars rather than one helps balance my review...because after all, this was only from my (the consumers) perspective. read more

I think this little place is absolutely charming! A great spot for a dinner date, or an intimate dinner with friends. It's truly a one man show too... The proprietor is an energetic, funny fella that wears every hat in the joint - cook, server, cashier, etc. Apparently, he's been there for about a thousand years (his words, not mine...). read more

Great service. Supporting local and small business. The owner is the cook which is fun. The food looks very authentic which is hard to find. Great little find! read more

Ate here yesterday and hands down best Thai in Denver. I know there isn't a ton of close parking but you can park half block away and get a little walk in. Can't wait to return. Owner is precious and remembered my name after hearing it once. Will return soon. read more

This Thai place feels homey and authentic. I love that it's locally owned and has a really adorable atmosphere inside. The food is made with love and is packed with flavor. I think some people don't like that the place isn't refined, Americanized, or elegant. This is part of its charm. No frills, good, authentic Thai food. Recommendations: Chicken Panang Curry, Tofu Pad Thai, Sesame Chicken, Pork Fried Rice, and you HAVE to get the egg rolls. Only reason it's a 4 instead of 5 stars is the portions of protein. Seems they sometimes skimp on the meat. It's never consistent. One time I got one piece of chicken in my curry which was unfortunate. They're kind about it though if you are dining in and can let them know! read more

Wow...unbelievably bad experience...ordered Pad Thai, and was served spaghetti noodles...the server/cook/owner refused to give me spicy chili's on the side when I asked and said the spices were in there. The majority of tables were also aggravated by bad service....will not be back...ever read more

Erawan Cafe - Spaghetti noodles at a Thai restaurant - Thai Near Me - Denver, Colorado

What can I say? We were quite intrigued by the spaghetti noodle pad Thai. We both ordered spicy and it was delicious. The flavor is great and just the right amount of hot spices. The owner was a cute man who recommended we try some egg rolls that were pretty good as well. I would go back to try something different! My only issue was that place smelled so strongly of sulfur I could barely breathe. read more

Erawan Cafe - Thai Near Me - Denver, Colorado

I don't know what it is about this place but I have been coming here for 30 years for the best pad Thai. This is not a traditional pad Thai but I love it more than any other....It has great flavor, the chicken is so good and the spice is just right. I wish I knew the secret! read more

I have been going here with my family since before I was born. The owner/chef has become a family friend. He is from Thailand and cooks amazing Thai food. We always get the egg rolls (delicious!) and the pad thai! read more

Not a good experience. The chicken in the Panang Curry and friends's other entrees was twice murdered. Hard (seriously overcooked). The ambiance and owner/server/chef's adorable Asian grandpa were a plus. Friends loved their gluten free noodles with Tofu Pad Thai. I love a different Thai restaurant further south with recipes from a Thai woman read more

Don't listen to Caleb B. Caleb B. Made a fool of himself and treated the business owner very poorly. I was another customer in the restaurant at the same time. Caleb B. unyieldingly yelled at the owner and wouldn't let him make anything right. Caleb B. Changed his story about what the so called "problem" was 3 times. Even his friends tried to tell him to calm down and his other friend took the blame for any misunderstanding. The poor business owner who was all by himself taking orders, cooking, and packaging was so distraught after being treated like garbage by Caleb B. Businesses are struggling and doing their best, while Caleb B takes his mommy issues out on unsuspecting victims. I had to wait an extra 30 min for my food because of this debacle but I did because I didn't want the owner to take a hit. Anyway, the food was well worth the wait! read more

Amazing hole-in-the-wall find! The owner makes everything from scratch. He makes the best cheese wantons I've ever had! Everything is made in house fresh and never frozen or microwaved. read more

honestly just inedible such a disappointment:( the pad thai we ordered did not on the slightest resemble pad thai. The panang curry lacked all flavor in a dish that is purely flavorful. The sesame chicken sauce did not match any sesame chicken I have ever had. Confused how this place is in business. read more

Consistently incredible food, exceptional hospitality, and very reasonable pricing. My brother used to live down the street, and we still eat here every time I come to town. A+ read more

Small and very comfortable. Great food that feels like home cooking. You can tell there's a lot of pride in this place - from the food to how clean it is kept. I highly recommend Erawan. read more

The green curry is Scrumdiddlyumptious! The Thai tea is absolutely thirst quenching and the pad Thai is noodlelicious is tastes like home cooking from Grandpa's kitchens. For dessert I had the mango with sticky rice ,and keep in mind it is a huge portion for two people it's a whole mango cut up in slices . This place is absolutely worth the price it is Hidden so be careful not to pass it up. The décor is very cool I really like how the ceiling has shutters and the wallpaper with elephants are good luck. So if you're tummy is rumbling for some deliciousness I suggest you come here!!! read more

Erawan Cafe - Thai Near Me - Denver, Colorado

I want to find quality Thai close to home since when we crave Thai more than any other cuisine. We drive 20+ minutes to our favorite Thai place for our cravings right now and someplace closer to home would be nice. I drive by Erawan Café at least twice a day and decided some takeout would be just the thing to round out the evening. Phoned in an order for Drunken Noodles with chicken, Panang Curry with chicken and an order of dumplings. My order was ready in twenty minutes as promised and as I was leaving with my food I knew something was wrong, the bag seemed light for what I ordered, really light. When I arrived home, I was extremely disappointed. The Panang Curry was a joke. I know I'm not the only one that expects a lot of sauce with a curry am I? Three pieces of small chicken, a couple slices of onion and pepper and no sauce. When I ordered dumplings I expected steamed dumplings, what a received were deep fried dumplings already topped with sauce which made them a soggy mess. The Drunken Noodles had a bland taste and lacked any Thai flavor. Even the addition of Sriracha couldn't save this dish. Erawan Café was disappointing and with so many other Thai places to try I will not be back here. I will still be driving to US Thai for our cravings. read more

Sawadeekaaa This is My favorite Thai Place in Denver!! The food is always soooo good and fresh! I love the pad Thai with the spaghetti noodles but if you don't you can get it regular too! The potstickers are my favorite!! The owner is the sweetest little Thai man named Art and he is always so kind and welcoming! I go here every time I get the chance! Love it love it love it!!!!! read more

Like others, we had been driving by this tiny spot for years and not giving it a second glance. We decided to give it a shot last night after a nearby class ended around 9pm. We were totally surprised by how cute and clean it was inside and this gave us high hope for the food. We were quite ready to be angry at ourselves for overlooking what could shape up to be a gem. Once we got home, we couldn't have been more disappointed. Both of our entrees were overcooked, dry, and really without much flavor at all. The eggrolls were fried too long and were wrapped so thick with breading we thought we were eating bad fried Twinkies. Neither one of us could bring ourselves to finish even half of our meals. I settled for a quick sandwich from the fridge. We were wondering if it is always a one-man-show or if it was just a slow night (we were the only ones there). According to the other reviews, it appears he's usually the only guy. If that is the case, we don't see any reason to ever go back. One $30 lesson is enough. read more