This restaurant offers pretty decent Thai dishes that are not as expensive as they could be.
Upon entering Phikun's, guests are greeted to a friendly, quaint, and of course, Thailand-themed establishment. Interesting wall artwork and floor sculptures are prevalent, and they aren't too gaudy or off-putting. There are no offensive odors in the air, and all of the chairs and benches appear to be maintained well. Most tables are overlaid with a sheet of glass on top of an embroidered or printed tablecloth, and the windows are usually covered with curtains that allow a nice amount of light through.
There are at least one-hundred or more different items of large variation to choose from on the menu, and they can all be treated with a spicy, peppery flavor addition on a scale from 'one star' to 'four stars'. One star is quite mild, while four stars may be too much for most people. I personally enjoy sampling the hottest foods when possible, and even for me, a four star dish definitely shouldn't be hurried-through. However, If you feel like adding more hotness to your meal, you can also request a sauce rack that offers a few different spicy choices.
On average, most plates containing noodles are about $8; some are less, and others are more. In order to try meals containing more exotic items, such as duck, lamb, or catfish, you'll be paying into $15 range. A side of rice, soup, or similar can be added very inexpensively to any of your choices. In any price bracket, however, I have not encountered a meal that was portioned too unfairly. In fact, they are probably larger than what most diners will expect. Without adding extras to their main course, friends who I've introduced to Phikun's will often not be able to finish their meals because of the generous sizes. If this happens to you, don't worry. Styrofoam cups and cardboard box to-go containers are always offered in order to bring your leftovers home with you.
In addition to standard beverages (soda, iced tea, and water), alcohol can be purchased along with your meal. A few choices are offered, including interesting ones such as bottled saki.
Phikun's is a smaller establishment, and therefore, can be somewhat busy on a day when Washington State University students are celebrating holidays, games, and other occasions. However, even with a higher-than-normal amount of diners inside, I have not waited over thirty minutes for a meal to be served. If you fear a long wait, though, you can call ahead so you can take your meal home. The business is not located downtown, so parking is not a hassle to figure out (their technical parking lot is rather small, but overflowing into the next-door business parking is not an issue).
Overall, I am always pleased with every visit to Phikun's. I am not an expert in truly authentic Thai cuisine, but whatever the origin of the food from here, it is always great, especially for the price. The front-end staff is extremely welcoming, and will most likely remember you if you visit again. Give them a try, you'll surely be satisfied by the experience. read more