Let me start my review by first saying this:
Food - 5 stars
Service - 4 stars
But I cannot, in good conscience give PhuThai Esarn a good review. If you have ever dined at PhuThai, you know that the food is amazing... pretty much, hands down, the best Thai food in Wellington which is saying a lot. This city has a South Asian cuisine fetish and this restaurant is right up at the top with the best of them.
The service is good, though the gals who work here tend to be very busy. That's not unusual for Wellington, though. The difference lies in the management. You can tell that the management treats the waitstaff horribly. I have witnessed the manager yelling at girls on more than one occasion. I have also heard he does not pay his Thai waitresses. At all. He keeps them coming back by promising to pay if they come in the next time... I've spoken with a couple of the girls about it.
So, go here if you like. Out of guilt, I can't ever eat here again. If you do happen to stop by, please tip your waitress... in her hand. The tip jar at the counter goes straight to the owner's pockets. read more