Visiting Thailand ruined my Thai restaurant experience in the US. I used to go to Thai restaurants all the time, but I can't bring myself to go anymore because I always leave disappointed. I've yet to eat at a Thai restaurant that is even close to food in Thailand. It's like eating American croissants or baguettes after you've been to France but worse.
Ya the original is on Kirby, they opened that like 25-30 years ago, then shortly after opened up one at Voss and Woodway. Food and atmosphere is infinitely better than the franchise locations which were bought by Outback like 10 years ago. The Kirby location just expanded too, and Johnny opened up 2 other restaurants in that same block. I can't think of the names off the top of my head, Mia's Table I think is one of them, but I've heard they are pretty good. They tore down the original Carrabbas and rebuilt it next door, haven't visited since they rebuilt. Rose Carrabba spends most of the day at the Voss location, and Johnny at the Kirby location. Rose at the host stand, Johnny at the bar, haha.
favorites are Big Star in Chicago, Las Brisas in Laguna Beach, Trudy's in Austin, St. Elmo's in Indianapolis, and Fix at the Bellagio in Vegas
go to a place called Asia Market on Calvacade. The exterior looks nothing like a restaurant while the interior is actually an asian market of foods and spices. They have tables inside where you can order food. I agree though that after having real Thai food makes everything in America pale in comparison. But i think you should give this place a shot.
It's on my list. I tried to go there a few weeks ago but had to settle for Jean Georges. That place was solid, also.
Los Vega in Atascocita. I don't know what it is about that place but I love just about everything on the menu. Extremely low prices, but delicious Mexican food nonetheless. My favorites are anything on the breakfast menu, enchiladas al carbon and chile rellenos. Their fajitas aren't anything special but just about everything else is money.
Obviously since I live in the suburbs, my answer must be either Outback or Cheddars. ****ing smug idiots.
