Come here all the time. This is the best place for Asian food in the highlands. The new Cafe Mimosa has nothing on this place. It doesn't have the variety that any of the places around southern parkway, like Vietnam Kitchen, have, but the service, especially in comparison to the Vietnam Kitchen, is much better. The food is great, service is great. My wife and I come here regularly and we have never had a problem. Although they specialize is Vietnamese food, the Chinese dinner combinations for lunch and dinner are great tasting and fairly priced. $8.95 for the same thing you'd get at Mimosa for $12.95. They also always have a daily special that is cheap. We've gotten the traditional noodle bowls, pad Thai, string beans, most of the Chinese entrees, the curry dishes, summer rolls, spring rolls, everything is great!
(5)
Brian D.
Great curry, pad thai and pho, be sure to watch the MSG, other than that Awesome!
(4)
Alex M.
A lot of my fellow Bardstown Rd. snobs seem to have an affinity for this place, so I decided to check it out for myself today. When it comes to Asian food (or really, food of any kind) Vietnam Kitchen is number one for me, but pressed for time and itching for same flavorful Asian dining, I thought this would be an amendable solution. Unfortunately, it wasn't. I ordered summer rolls with steamed shrimp as an appetizer, and I found them lacking. The lettuce was old, the rice paper was hard, and the peanut sauce bland. For a meal, I ordered grilled chicken Pad Thai, which was also lacking in flavor. It wasn't terrible; it just didn't grab me by the proverbial culinary balls. The crab rangoon was decent, but I only got one, which just wasn't enough to salvage the meal. I also ordered an MGD, but my server brought me an MGD LIGHT!! I am sure there are countries where this is punishable by death. If you're cruising in the V-necked haven of Bardstown road and craving some fine Asian dining, Cafe Mimosa is still the spot. Le Que's prices are attractive, but the food still needs a little work. A-Dawg out!
(3)
paul s.
Came in town for the St. James Art Fest this past weekend. Rode with the wife down Bardstown Rd. (like old times). We randomly picked a place to eat. I was impressed with this little place. The place where Bardstown and Baxter Ave meet points you to a great little Thai, Chinese Vietnamese treasure. Ordered specials. Tso and Sesame Chix dishes, both light and crispy with hot and sour and egg drop soup respectively. But my friends what really hits the spot was not the egg rolls.... Nay! it was the chix lettuce wraps. Yummy holy crap and a and awesome what the hay! My wife has a peanut allergy and they were very concerned about her well being. Good news....vegi oil! Good food that filled us up but left us wanting more. Our next trip to the Ville will include this gem!
(4)
Brian L.
I had high hopes being a block from my house but this was very disappointing. We should've started with the Pad Thai but the Pad Kee Mow sauce tasted like tomato paste and sriracha sauce. The Thai iced tea was good though but that is hard one to mess up.
(2)
Jessica L.
This place is the definition of A-OK. It's cheap, it's fast, and it's tasty. Not the most gourmet cuisine in the world, but good enough for me to keep going back. I usually get pad thai with spring rolls or dumplings. They're A-OK. Service has usually been quick and efficient. Outside tables are a bonus on a nice day.
(3)
Ashley S.
The place was smaller and was very unsure what to expect. There was only one waiter so I can see it being slow if it was busy. The food was very good. The portions were quite large and the price was great for the size. Only bad thing is no beer on tap they come in bottles.
(4)
Elizabeth B.
This little spot is not the best, not the worst, but definitely the fastest and cheapest sit down Asian food spot in Louisville. Last time I went to La Que I was in and out within and hour and only spent about $10.00. The food is good and the portions are large enough for leftovers. I also really appreciate that the spicy dishes are marked for easy choosing. The staff is attentive and the atmosphere is cozy. If you want a quick, cheap bite then head to this little spot.
(3)
espen m.
This place has always good but never stellar Vietnamese/Thai dishes. They seem to know this because they play to their strengths and focus on value and convenience. They keep some of the best hours this side of Cafe Mimosa and will adjust any dish at your request (I always like to request dishes extra spicy. The spice level is 1-3, 3 being the hottest). All the dishes worth getting are under $9 and you'd have to be pretty hungry in order to finish it all in one sitting. Their most reliable dishes are in the Curry and Vermicelli Bowls and Noodles section. Personal favorites are Bun Cari Xa Ot, Pad Khee Mao and the Singapore Noodles. As for their Chinese combo meals, they're serviceable but not all that good. Pretty much filler but I didn't let that affect my review since they seem to have Chinese food on their menu to appease those customers who don't like leaving their comfort zones.
(3)
Melanie K.
You can only do a few things great and many things good. I think the downfall of this experience was the amount of ethnic food you could order. Kudos for trying to be a one stop restaurant for Thai, Chinese, and Vietnamese but not a successful attempt. My boyfriend was craving some Pho and and this location was conveniently located in the highlands by, well, everything. For a Wednesday night it was pretty busy and the good news is they have some sidewalk tables and a pretty spacious interior. However, we waited for our service, our drinks, and our meal for 45 minutes. I had decided to try the Beef Noodles but both our dishes were underwhelming. I doubt we will be back since we know a really great place that serves Thai, another that does amazing Vietnamese, and a third that does decent Chinese. When we are feeling indifferent about flavor and ethnic choices we will come back to La Que.
(3)
Elle A.
Great place for getting a ton of food for cheap. Lunch combos are only $6 and you get an entree, side, rice, and drink! I will say I always get the chicken lo mein and it's always quality. When you're starving and on a budget this is the place to go.
(4)
Jasmine A.
La Que used to be my favorite cheap Asian restaurant to go to. However, I have found that over the last year the quality of the food has significantly gone down hill. My favorite dish was the Pad See Ew with Chicken. However, lately every time i've ordered it I found the vegetables and meat to be over cooked. I also had a particularly unpleasant experience when I ordered one of their shrimp lettuce rolls wrapped in rice paper and they used wilty iceberg lettuce! I was repulsed and haven't been back since. This being said, while the food is not to die for, it is VERY affordable. So as long as your expectations are not super high and you don't order the lettuce rolls you should be okay eating here.
(2)
Buddy W.
Great vegan meal. Spring rolls with avocado were great, mock chicken in dishes is not overpowering. Very reasonable prices, can't wait to come back!
(5)
Jimmy M.
Unfortunately, this place just isn't good. The first time I went we ordered Tom Yum Koong, which, by name, the waiter was unfamiliar with. That should have been the first warning sign, but we persisted and were rewarded with a hot and sour soup lacking both sour and heat. We followed up with Thai Basil Chicken and Pad Thai which were only mildly less disappointing. But, being an ethnic restaurant in the highlands, this place must have something to offer right? Feeling brave, I tried again, going with the traditional thai beef salad, yum nua. Only, this was no salad; it is simply a bunch of warm pieces of beef laying on top of hot rice, on top of hot lettuce, on top of some bizarre broth. This was quite possibly the most disappointing Thai meal I have ever encountered. As wrong as it feels, I will have to leave the Highlands, and head to St. Matthews' Simply Thai for real (or at least tasty) Thai. Update: gave it one more try and the curries are actually very good.
(3)
Kathryn W.
Hot and sour soup was neither hot nor sour, and lacked / was short on common ingredients like day lily bulbs and dried mushrooms. it was acceptable soup, but not what I expected. Fried tofu is exactly that: cubes of deep fried tofu, with a little lemongrass & I forget. It was forgettable. Summer roll fresh, good texture & tastes. Dining companion got a lunch special, chicken something, which had lots of deep fried chicken in thick looking sauce, absolutely no sign of any vegetable, not even onion. Upsides include brown rice (or white or fried), and that many dishes available with choice of tofu or "mock chicken," a vegetarian/vegan wheat gluten product that has a "meaty" texture.
(3)
Lianna N.
Small Vietnamese restaurant, nice owner, food is decent. I would not recommend the vegetarian section though, but it's best to go for the Thai food that they also have there.
(3)
Tamara I.
If you're the type of diner who defaults to Pad Thai at a pan-Asian restaurant, you best reprogram yourself to get the most out of La Que. Their version of the Thai standby is much blander than the rest of the menu choices. and its worth making a more adventurous selection. I'm on a constant search for great, fresh-tasting Asian food in Louisville, and I became so addicted to this place that I got take-out almost every night for three months. How delicious it is to lounge on my couch munching crunchy, creamy crab rangoon and overstuffed veggie summer rolls while watching all my favorite HBO and Showtime programs. My regular entree rotation includes refreshing Bun Cha Gio, a hot and cold multi-textured dish with vermicelli noodles, spring rolls, cucumbers, peanuts and chicken, the sweet Yellow Curry with peanuts, huge chunks of sweet potatoes and chicken, and the spicy, peanutty Kung Pao Chicken minus the water chestnuts. Pass on the Pad Thai and you'll become a La Que loyalist too. Also, those with peanut allergies should be very careful. La Que contains a plethora of peanuts.
(4)
Megan F.
La Que is the type of place where I only order one thing: yellow curry with mock chicken and brown rice. It would be pretty tough to ruin sweet potatoes, peanuts, carrots, and onions in a curry. No need to worry about any meat-related mess ups. I haven't found another dish that measures up or leaves my stomach in ok shape.
(3)
T. M.
I am typically stingy with my stars and a tough critic, having coming from a much larger, international city, and by being spoiled by the amenities it holds, so I am surprised with the number of low stars and poor reviews for this place. I was taken here just last week by a couple of new friends who explained that this was one of their regular haunts for good eats of eastern flare. When we arrived, nearly all the outside seating was full, and most of the intimate and cozy inside seating was full as well; which is always a good sign. There was a table ready for us when we entered and we were greeted promptly by the server, provided menus and our drink order was taken immediately. The menu holds an adequate selection of appetizers and main dishes to suit any pallet, and especially for the size of the place. Our appetizers were served in a reasonable amount of time, were hot and made of fresh ingredients. Our entrees were brought out before we finished with out appetizers, and our drinks were always full. The only thing the place could have had a selection of was more desserts, as the only one offered was some green tea ice cream. I declined it this time around. After we ate we sat around for a little while and enjoyed our conversation, and the chef/(owner?) had came out to ask us if everything was acceptable. Everything was great, really. I think that perhaps being with regulars made for a more pleasant experience, as they were obviously known by all the employees and were treated very well. The chef stood around and caught up with the company I was with, and thanked us all for our patronage. All in all a place I will definitely look forward to eating at again, and look forward to trying different things from the menu.
(4)
Tj P.
The conversation was good. The food, only fair . I can't recall the name of the actual dish which I had for lunch which I suppose speaks volumes, or at least speaks to the notion that I don't know the language. The spring rolls which were included were OK, the cabbage was crispy and fresh, but nothing particularly memorable. And yes, this should be "La Que" and not "Le."
(2)
Josh B.
I am shocked by all the poor reviews here. Have I had better Asian food in a restaurant? Sure, at ten times the price. Their lunch and dinner specials are awesome deals with lots of selection and large portions. Service is always friendly and prompt...salt and pepper calamari app is FAB.. There are good reasons why we eat at La Que at least once a week.
(5)
Kevin O.
The food isn't really all that good. The atmosphere is pretty drab, which doesn't make sense because it's on the heart of the Bardstown/Baxter strip. They have a great location, some good beers, and the service was decent. Food is maybe 2.3 stars, but the atmosphere is .2 stars. Play some music or something. They had speakers but they never turned them on. Considering how many options there are in the proximity, I won't be going back.
(2)
Randy M.
For Kentucky they're doing a good job. Had the Pho, lemongrass vermicelli, and salt and pepper calamari. The calamari was awesome. The fried Ginger and scallions added an extra dimension to what could have been a very plain dish. Order the Vietnamese dishes for sure!! The Chinese food is Americanized.
(4)
Elijah C.
This place is cozy and cheap. I come here when I need my pho fix. I have never had a bad meal here, and I often clean my friends' plates when we visit. I really miss La Que.
(4)
Emily U.
I'm perplexed by the low average of the ratings for this Bardstown Road eatery, which is actually LA Que, not LE Que. It opened some months before I moved away from Louisville, but I managed to have some delightful early Sunday dinners here before I left. La Que is possibly the only place I discovered serving mock chicken--yay! Also, the summer rolls and sauce appetizer are AMAZING. I could eat those every day and you can't go wrong with the vermicelli dishes. On my way through town last weekend I also had the hot and sour soup, which I can recommend. I know nothing about Pho but understand some people are wild about it; I can't speak to their Pho, but my experiences sampling other dishes have been lovely. Vegetarians will definitely want to go here for the mock chicken.
(4)
Todd M.
I've dined here three times so far. The decor is sparse, the menu small (in my opinion, more manageable than the kitchen sink menus of similar establishments). Lunch seems to be mainly Chinese, but the dinner menu spans Chinese, Vietnamese and Thai dishes. The food is prepared competently, if not spectacularly, and service is perfunctory. Personally, this isn't a "gather your friends together for a night out" kind of place, although I've seen parties of 6+ here. For me, it's an acceptable, quick meal on nights when I'm home alone. And it's pretty cheap - an appetizer and entree costs me around $12.
(3)
Jackie C.
Seriously the worst, most bland Pad Thai I have ever had. Everything we ordered was bland and the texture of the noodles and rice was just 'off'. I will not be falling for their low prices again. Instead of saving a few bucks I threw $25 in the trash. Eck.
(1)
Zach E.
We've had Pho take out from here a few times. It's fine. I've had better Pho, but there aren't many other options here. The summer rolls are good. It's a bit weird that a fortune cookie comes with Vietnamese food though.
(3)
Cinimod S.
The worst! I don't know if I got the right dish, or if they just don't know how to make what I ordered. Either way, the Tom Yum here is the worst I have had. Whadda disappointment. Too expensive also.
(1)
Keith H.
Went for lunch, had Kung pow, it was so so. Nothing spectacular. Everyone else had "brown rice" and it was tasteless mush, I had fried rice and it was fine. Skip the brown rice.
(2)
Deakon F.
In town for work and trying to find some authentic Pho. This is not it. I only tried their Pho, so I can only comment on that. Tastes like a powdered broth. It will have to do until I can find better.
(3)
The D.
The sign said grand opening, so I felt it was my civic duty to try. Judging by the name, I assumed it was Vietnamese, but you would never know that without playing Sherlock. By the sound of the thick accent, as well as the French type, I will with 97% certainty consider this Vietnamese. They offer chinese, thai and viet cuisines - not a wide variety of any, but a little of each. Right off the bat, I am not a fan of Asian Fusion. The restraunt was clean and modern looking. Nothing really caught my eye. I believe they had 2 tables for outside seating. Noone was there besides the staff and yours truly. I ordered Beef Pho. It came in a medium sized bowl, with a spartan amount of Veggies. I asked for a Lemon Soda, but what I got was a Sprite. Seems to be an No speaky English issue. The taste was good (hence 3 stars), but not spectacular. The soup was brownish, and should have come out clearer than that. They should provide more fresh veggies, and more variety. The beef was overcooked. It should be served separately for the diner to place in the soup. I like mine a bit pink to red. For the price, I believe $8 for the Bowl, $10 altogether; I was not satisfied. I have paid less for a medium size pho, or paid the same price for a large. So, they either have small portions, or are overpriced, you choose which way to go with that. After all, I was not full (even considered going to Marks Feed, but thought that was too much glutony, even for me). I wouldn't go out of my way to repeat. My Zagat score: food:15 Decor:17 Service:15 Price: E
(3)
C R.
I was aching for some thai food and decided to try Le Que. It's conveniently located near the intersection of Bardstown and Baxter. We ordered pad see ew and pad thai both of which left a little more to be desired. The menu is a little scattered since they feature many cuisines: Chinese, Vietnamese, and Thai. Portions were generous and this is a good spot to grab a quick bite or some takeout...not quite a "sit down and have a relaxing meal" kind of place.
(3)
Joseph T.
I really don't know what to write here. The people are really friendly. The location is as good as it gets. The flavor/taste of the food is solid... I just don't think I'll eat here again. The quality of the food really seemed to lack. In my green chicken curry, the chicken looked very, very grim. Like it had been chopped up and just tossed into the curry to cook. And it was tough and fatty. Really weird texture. It put me off. If you like it, then I'm glad for you. I just think there are several other places in the area that are better and worth eating before you come here. The only redeeming thing was the spring roll. That thing was fantastic. If you do come here, get that and leave.
(2)
Owen R.
Came in a bit late, were treated exceptionally well. Owner even talked me out of 'over' ordering; which is really rare in this day and age (greed). Cashew nut chicken was excellent! Chicken pho/soup was very good, broth a 'little' bland. Would return.
(4)
McKenzie I.
Man, this review has been a long time coming! This is one of my all time favorite places to go on a rainy afternoon or a dinner for two when the budget is a little tight (which, lets face it, is all time). I went here on a whim some time last year before heading next door to Wild and Woolly (RIP) for a movie night and never once regretted it. The whole restaurant is very peaceful and dimly lit, the tables are well spaced and it actually feels intimate in a cozy sort of way. They also have a small patio with about four tables if you prefer the sunshine. The staff is friendly, the food is fresh and always hot (I've burnt my tongue a time or two) and prices are ridiculously low for the quality of their dishes. I believe this store is family run and owned so you really get personal service (albeit sometimes slightly eccentric). I believe that the staff takes pride in their work and it shows. My boyfriend comes here for the Thai chicken curry with extra rice on the side and a few spring rolls. He is presented with a heaping bowl of spicy green curry with shredded chicken and delicately rolled spring rolls with a really yummy dipping sauce. I always get this amazing deal for 8.99 that comes with a soda or tea, two sides (I choose fried rice and an egg roll), a soup (wonton soup with incredible homemade broth) and an entree (sesame chicken all day). I know. This is some serious grub for under ten bucks. I highly recommend any of their rolls. The egg rolls are so fresh and crispy, the ingredients on the inside work together so well that they actually make me crave cabbage (I know, I know, gross), and they absolutely do not require the dipping sauce that comes on the side. I could slurp a big bowl of the steaming wonton soup alone and I would be completely satisfied. It's simply delicious. A perfect harmony of salty, savory and comforting. See why I like it on a rainy day? The sesame chicken has that perfect balance of slightly sweet and spicy with that nice crunchy texture brought on by the sesame seeds. The portion is huge and I can guarantee that you will not leave hungry with this deal. I believe it has about 15 different options and plenty of sides to choose from, and did I mention it comes with a drink? Now, that's pretty good! I would also like to note that they now have an amazing drink menu that offers smoothies, frappes, coffee drinks, hot teas (that green tea tho), and a variety of beers. Its an amazing addition to the menu. I highly recommend the green tea frappe with extra whip (that's my white girl coming through) when you're craving one from the Starbucks across the street. Its really authentic and a perfect way to end a meal here. Overall: I highly recommend this little gem for anyone looking for an inexpensive Asian restaurant that does not skimp out on quality, that has an intimate ambiance and loves having plenty of options to choose from.
(4)
Merritt G.
La Que is an okay Asian restaurant in the Highlands neighborhood. I used to go here often, mainly due to the cheap prices. The menu is okay, the Thai Fried Rice with Chicken is my go to dish. My main problem with the restaurant is that they do not keep up with the interior. When it first opened I would visit all the time and enjoyed it. Now it looks run down, and frankly unsanitary. Worth it if you are looking for something cheap, however there are far better Asian restaurants in town.
(3)
Stephanie D.
This place ROCKS!! I love every dish I have tried.. Summer rolls, green (spicy)curry, Pad Se Ew, Pad Khee Mao... And GF, which is a bonus! People are friendly and service efficient. I will go again and again! Prices are super reasonable, too.
(5)
Sarah L.
La Que is one of my go-to asian restaurants in town. They dabble with a little of everything (Thai, Vietanamese, and Chinese). Usually to me that means that the quality is going to suffer, but they knock everything out of the park. Plus, they are super vegetarian friendly, with the ability to make any meal with tofu or mock chicken. And many of their dishes are already vegetarian. My favorite part of La Que is their outdoor seating on Bardstown Rd. It is the perfect place to people watch in the summer and have a relaxing meal. The prices here are very reasonable. At first, I thought the menus listed online were outdated, but those are really the prices. Their lunch special is such a great deal (an entree, rice, a side of your choice, and a drink). I usually get lemongrass noodles with vegetarian spring rolls or orange mock chicken. You really can't go wrong with anything on the menu. The one negative I have for the restaurant is that it always feels very dirty/grimy inside. They have an A health inspection grade, so Im hoping its just a feeling...
(3)
Julie M.
had the chicken satay and the thai curry, which I dont know the ingredients to, it must be a new item. It is not shown in any of the menu pics here. Good presentations, good value, great quality of food. I will be back.
Pretty tasty food. Great location. The ambiance/decor is a little more low-rent that I expected, but that's ok. Food took a little long to come out. In that....I started noticing that people around us who ordered after us were getting their food first. And I was getting jealous! But the food was tasty, as I said (I got the eggplant with shrimp). And the price is pretty great for the amount of food you get!
(3)
Michael P.
Still feel the same way about the noodle dishes in my previous review, but the tom yum soup... no joke, guys... the tom yum soup cured my head cold a couple weeks ago. Delicious too. Moved this up to 4 stars. Thanks for the mana, Le Que!
(4)
Katie P.
I rarely review restaurants, but I feel like this place has a bad rap. Despite the negative reviews, I ordered the pho (and I've had a lot of pho, including the universally lauded Vietnam Kitchen) and I thought it was great. There are not many options in terms of beef slices (no tendons, briskets, or rare beef eye rounds), but it was cooked well with good ingredients. The broth is delicious; it is not made from a powder like other people have suggested. It comes with the standard sides: basil, bean sprouts, a lime wedge and a couple of jalapenos. We also ordered the clay pot, which was a little smaller with less beef than expected. However, the beef was sliced thin and tender, the fried egg was well cooked, the vegetables seemed fresh, and the sauce was good with just a bit of spiciness. The food is good and very fairly priced. There seemed to only be one or two people working there, but they were nice and attentive. We went for a late lunch around 1:30 on a Friday, so there was no real wait. It is not a fancy place. The place is small. They are not renovated. They are not exceptionally well-staffed. However, I do not think any of those things are to its detriment. It is a small business with authentic food and hardworking people.
(5)
Victoria T.
It's fairly common for Sexy Beast and I to disagree about what we should be eating for dinner. I love Vietnamese food. He is not a fan. He loves Thai food. I can stand it about twice a year. We both love Chinese food. So, when we spotted this unassuming little joint next door to our favorite video store, we figured we'd found the perfect place for both of us. Not so much. They do offer cuisine hailing from a number of Asian cultures. They just don't seem to do it well. The Crispy Spring Rolls were, in fact, crispy on the outside. The inside, however, was mushy. The Crab Won Tons were filled with something that somehow was solidifying. It was reminiscent of a cream cheese custard with bits of imitation crabmeat. That texture was disturbing. His Cashew Nut Chicken was bland and my Glass Noodles were also bland and could have stood to be fried a while longer. Part of the appeal of dishes like that is that delightful charring of the noodles that happens in the wok. The menu was varietal enough that we could very well try it again and have a much better experience. We may do that since they serve Pho and I love Pho. I'll let you know if we do.
(2)
Gabrielle A.
I'm a huge fan of summer rolls and theirs were great! The dipping sauce that came with them was excellent. My boyfriend ordered the Pad Thai and enjoyed it although it didn't have as many ingredients (vegetables) as other restaurants. I ordered a curry vermicelli noodle bowl which was great as well. Lots of food for a great price! Our total was under $20.
(5)
Adam F.
My waiter shane is the greater sever I ordered pho with beef and summer grill chicken!! I was very good and ice tea hits the spot he alway filling up my tea. Didn't like the the white tall guy he was busy on the phone
(3)
Amber M.
This was one of my favorite places when I lived in Louisville. I lived on Cherokee, so it was walking distance, which is perfect for that area. The food has always been really good and the prices are great, including the daily specials. Dinner platters come with lots of sides, so you really get a lot for your money. I do wish the patio were bigger and less close to the road, but that's the nature of their building.
(4)
Sarah C.
You may be familiar with Jimmy John's slogan, "Subs so fast you'll freak." Well, I am quite certain La Que has adopted the complete opposite of that slogan. I'll never know how their food compares to Jimmy John's, because we left after waiting 45 minutes for our food. My father and I walked into the restaurant a bit after 6 pm on a Saturday night, hoping to grab a decent meal before we headed down to Baxter Avenue Theater to catch a show at 7:50. We sat at a table, and were given menus. We noticed right away that only one server seemed to be serving all inside and outside tables. When she came by to take our drink orders, we had a gut feeling that we should put in our order right away. At least one carryout order had been placed ahead of ours, and I saw many tables sitting without menus (meaning they had ordered already) but no appetizers or entrees. So I thought that there were probably quite a few people's orders ahead of ours in the kitchen. By the time our order was taken, it was 6:50, exactly one hour before our movie was scheduled to begin. We thought, "We can still make it. The theater is only 10 minutes walking distance. So what if we miss the previews." Over the course of the next half-hour, we watch as other tables languish waiting for their food. A four-top that ordered after we did received their appetizers, but we did not. After half an hour, I suggest that we cancel our order and go across the street to grab subs at Jimmy Johns, wolf them down, and hightail it to the theater. We decided to stick it out, and accepted that we couldn't see the movie. However, after waiting for another fifteen minutes, and overhearing a woman complain that her table had waited an hour for their order, we told the server that we had waited for over 45 minutes, and left. We crossed the street, walked into Jimmy John's, ordered two subs, and it was indeed freaky how quickly they put our order together. I read the Yelp reviews for La Que before we went, but didn't get the complete picture. The service is horrible, and it appears that there are serious complaints about the freshness of their food, bad flavor, and small portion size. Also, we observed fruit flies in the dining room. The decor is underwhelming/almost nonexistent. I could get over that if the food was good, and service decent. But that is not the case with La Que. We will never go back.
(1)
Jennifer D.
Never had a bad experience! Friendly and attentive staff, delicious food. The summer rolls, hot and sour soup, lo-mein, basil fries rice, orange chicken, spicy string beans, and egg rolls are all amazing!!! Get a winos seat when it's cold to watch people and sit on the patio when it is warm. Great, now I want some...
(5)
Lynn G.
Absolutely delicious food at an amazing price! Two combo meals with tip for $15 can't be beat anywhere. Deducting one star for slightly slow service and having customers get up to request more drinks. I will come back because every dish on this menu sounds amazing. It's a good problem to have!
(4)
Brett M.
Wonderful food :) reasonably priced for Louisville. I want to eat my way down the menu. Really enjoyed the spring rolls, hot and sour soup and the spicy beef! We were able to eat to our hearts content for under 20$. They were a little slow on service for how many people were in the place, and my water glass wasn't always full, but the good food made up for it!
(4)
Kirsten C.
Over the summer, I went here probably an average of once a week. I was new to the area, it was within walking distance, and I could enjoy my pho at a patio table while people-watching on Bardstown Road. But its proximity to my apartment was one of the two things that La Que had going for it. The other was the price -- I could get my pho fix for around $8. The food is decent. I recommend the soft summer roll with avocado, which comes with two rolls and a whole lot of hoisin sauce for $2.50. The pho is mediocre. I usually order the pho ga, which is the traditional soup -- a light broth with rice noodles, which comes with basil, jalapeno, lime and onion you can add in -- with chicken, which was usually tough and dry. The service is decent, sometimes on the slow side, but the servers are nice. Their menu also includes Chinese and Thai food, and I've had the pad thai and one or two of the Chinese dishes. They're fine but, again, nothing to write home about. The bottom line: If you're looking for an Asian bite to eat in the Highlands and aren't looking to spend much, head to La Que. But if you're looking for the best Vietnamese food in Louisville, you'd be better off going to Vietnamese Kitchen (5339 Mitscher Ave.) or Four Sisters (on Frankfort Avenue, which has mostly crepes and bahn mi, but I've heard they sometimes have pho).
(3)
Romel F.
I went with high expectations since I've been meaning to try it for a while now. And it fell short of what I expected. From the outside it looks like a more friendly dining option than what it really is. The menu is great but unless you know what to order, you may take a while and it seems like they don't want to take a while. Service is to order, bring you food and check and refills. No feedback on questions needed. But the food is decent. Atmosphere and service is not their thing.
(3)
Richie G.
Favorite hole in the wall Asian place. Cheap food and it's delicious! Always love coming back :)
(5)
Beth H.
Ok, so I agree with the reviewers who point out that some menu items are weird and bad...yes...I think they used fettuccine noodles for their pad see ew..but there are also excellent 5 star items on this menu, which, together with their low low prices and fast service, make this my #1 take out place. Order: spring rolls with shrimp, beef pho, crab rangoon, any of the curries except the clear red curry (it's like tomato soup), N4, N5, or N6. Not a super sexy place for a first date. But seriously guys, the beef pho!! So good!
(5)
Carolyn W.
Go to this place only after close review of Yelp!er's suggestions. I ordered the curry and enjoyed it once it cooled down enough to eat. My husband was satisfied with his entree. Appetizers weren't great. You get your value at these prices. Atmosphere and service was more what one would expect in a counter-service establishment: hardly kept our glasses filled. Some confusion on spice grading. Not sure this place does anything super well. For really good Thai, go to Simply Thai. For Vietnamese, go to Vietnam Kitchen. If you are in the Highlands and want something oriental go to Heart &Soul or Roots. However, cheaper fare for a variety of diets can be found at La Que (which means 'basil', if you are curious).
(3)
Alicia B.
It was Americanized Asian food so I was a little disappointed. Outside seating was nice. Nothing special about the pho we ordered or the spring rolls. Just average.
(3)
Kristal B.
Eh. Skip it. We had the strangest version of Tom Yum that I have ever experienced before--and it wasn't good. It was a base of pineapple juice with big chunks of pineapple from a can. It was inedible. I had the Pad Khee Mow and enjoyed it. My husband had the green curry and was pleased. If we're in the mood for Thai, we won't go back to La Que.
(2)
Jim G.
I think the folks here are well meaning. Service errors, when they occur, are politely and efficiently handled. The mistakes they make are more air-headed than negligent in my experience, and so, I am always prepared to give them the "soft Q" as if I were babysitting a difficult, but talented child. Given that La "Hwey" (Thai for "Basil," says the menu) usually costs me just shy of $13 and because they do what I like pretty well, I give this establishment a 3-star. If they were ever to really pull themselves together I could go 4 on this place (but I think they're more likely to go out of business first). For example, In my most recent visit on Feb 14, 2012, they made two such errors (didn't note an appetizer that really was ordered, and cook replaced mock chicken with real chicken). Luckily, my friend who ordered glass noodles with mock chicken isn't a "real" vegan or this would've been egregious, yes. Images of ethical vegans running away screaming ensue. Thing is, most vegans I know are more than used to examining, cross-examining, and repeating twice and thrice to get what they want. Always, always repeat your order back to the waiter and get a confirmation of every item on it. Always open the stapled bag and check takeaway orders (if you ordered brown and not white rice, open it and check but I've had success just verbally confirming at pickup that it's brown rice, too). That is precisely how to be a friendly customer of La Que. I've been here many times and I usually order Red or Green Curry with Chicken and a side of Fried Tofu. All the appetizers are good. I have never ordered Pad Thai here (and actually, I don't think I've ordered Pad Thai anywhere in over 20 years). I also love the lettuce wraps here for a low carb treat (I've tried them with either chicken or tofu and they are equally delicious). TIP: When they bring it to the table, immediately ask for more lettuce. You'll need it and they will never say no.
(3)
Ryan B.
Suprised by all the not great reviews here as this place is good. Excellent? No. But good? Definitely. Affordable prices, good food, nice and fast service - what more do you want? La Que does what it does well, though I will echo the sentiment that it doesn't particularly excel at anything. Overall a good lunch spot.
(4)
Andy C.
In the middle of the pack. It is fast. It is cheap. It is convenient. Those qualities merit this review because other than those 3 things, Le Que doesn't bring much to the table.
(3)
Keje M.
The food is always good and it is rarely crowded. Tofu can be substituted for meat in most dishes. I usually get the pad Thai with Tofu. Very flavorful and perfectly cooked. Service is attentive without being intrusive.
(4)
Kelly C.
Listen, everyone. I had too much to drink last night. That being said, the only thing I wanted this morning was LaQue's basil fried rice. It was extremely hard to even put on my shoes. But I am here, and I am happy. So that says it all. It's worth getting out of bed for.
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Quiet Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes
Alex K.
Come here all the time. This is the best place for Asian food in the highlands. The new Cafe Mimosa has nothing on this place. It doesn't have the variety that any of the places around southern parkway, like Vietnam Kitchen, have, but the service, especially in comparison to the Vietnam Kitchen, is much better. The food is great, service is great. My wife and I come here regularly and we have never had a problem. Although they specialize is Vietnamese food, the Chinese dinner combinations for lunch and dinner are great tasting and fairly priced. $8.95 for the same thing you'd get at Mimosa for $12.95. They also always have a daily special that is cheap. We've gotten the traditional noodle bowls, pad Thai, string beans, most of the Chinese entrees, the curry dishes, summer rolls, spring rolls, everything is great!
(5)Brian D.
Great curry, pad thai and pho, be sure to watch the MSG, other than that Awesome!
(4)Alex M.
A lot of my fellow Bardstown Rd. snobs seem to have an affinity for this place, so I decided to check it out for myself today. When it comes to Asian food (or really, food of any kind) Vietnam Kitchen is number one for me, but pressed for time and itching for same flavorful Asian dining, I thought this would be an amendable solution. Unfortunately, it wasn't. I ordered summer rolls with steamed shrimp as an appetizer, and I found them lacking. The lettuce was old, the rice paper was hard, and the peanut sauce bland. For a meal, I ordered grilled chicken Pad Thai, which was also lacking in flavor. It wasn't terrible; it just didn't grab me by the proverbial culinary balls. The crab rangoon was decent, but I only got one, which just wasn't enough to salvage the meal. I also ordered an MGD, but my server brought me an MGD LIGHT!! I am sure there are countries where this is punishable by death. If you're cruising in the V-necked haven of Bardstown road and craving some fine Asian dining, Cafe Mimosa is still the spot. Le Que's prices are attractive, but the food still needs a little work. A-Dawg out!
(3)paul s.
Came in town for the St. James Art Fest this past weekend. Rode with the wife down Bardstown Rd. (like old times). We randomly picked a place to eat. I was impressed with this little place. The place where Bardstown and Baxter Ave meet points you to a great little Thai, Chinese Vietnamese treasure. Ordered specials. Tso and Sesame Chix dishes, both light and crispy with hot and sour and egg drop soup respectively. But my friends what really hits the spot was not the egg rolls.... Nay! it was the chix lettuce wraps. Yummy holy crap and a and awesome what the hay! My wife has a peanut allergy and they were very concerned about her well being. Good news....vegi oil! Good food that filled us up but left us wanting more. Our next trip to the Ville will include this gem!
(4)Brian L.
I had high hopes being a block from my house but this was very disappointing. We should've started with the Pad Thai but the Pad Kee Mow sauce tasted like tomato paste and sriracha sauce. The Thai iced tea was good though but that is hard one to mess up.
(2)Jessica L.
This place is the definition of A-OK. It's cheap, it's fast, and it's tasty. Not the most gourmet cuisine in the world, but good enough for me to keep going back. I usually get pad thai with spring rolls or dumplings. They're A-OK. Service has usually been quick and efficient. Outside tables are a bonus on a nice day.
(3)Ashley S.
The place was smaller and was very unsure what to expect. There was only one waiter so I can see it being slow if it was busy. The food was very good. The portions were quite large and the price was great for the size. Only bad thing is no beer on tap they come in bottles.
(4)Elizabeth B.
This little spot is not the best, not the worst, but definitely the fastest and cheapest sit down Asian food spot in Louisville. Last time I went to La Que I was in and out within and hour and only spent about $10.00. The food is good and the portions are large enough for leftovers. I also really appreciate that the spicy dishes are marked for easy choosing. The staff is attentive and the atmosphere is cozy. If you want a quick, cheap bite then head to this little spot.
(3)espen m.
This place has always good but never stellar Vietnamese/Thai dishes. They seem to know this because they play to their strengths and focus on value and convenience. They keep some of the best hours this side of Cafe Mimosa and will adjust any dish at your request (I always like to request dishes extra spicy. The spice level is 1-3, 3 being the hottest). All the dishes worth getting are under $9 and you'd have to be pretty hungry in order to finish it all in one sitting. Their most reliable dishes are in the Curry and Vermicelli Bowls and Noodles section. Personal favorites are Bun Cari Xa Ot, Pad Khee Mao and the Singapore Noodles. As for their Chinese combo meals, they're serviceable but not all that good. Pretty much filler but I didn't let that affect my review since they seem to have Chinese food on their menu to appease those customers who don't like leaving their comfort zones.
(3)Melanie K.
You can only do a few things great and many things good. I think the downfall of this experience was the amount of ethnic food you could order. Kudos for trying to be a one stop restaurant for Thai, Chinese, and Vietnamese but not a successful attempt. My boyfriend was craving some Pho and and this location was conveniently located in the highlands by, well, everything. For a Wednesday night it was pretty busy and the good news is they have some sidewalk tables and a pretty spacious interior. However, we waited for our service, our drinks, and our meal for 45 minutes. I had decided to try the Beef Noodles but both our dishes were underwhelming. I doubt we will be back since we know a really great place that serves Thai, another that does amazing Vietnamese, and a third that does decent Chinese. When we are feeling indifferent about flavor and ethnic choices we will come back to La Que.
(3)Elle A.
Great place for getting a ton of food for cheap. Lunch combos are only $6 and you get an entree, side, rice, and drink! I will say I always get the chicken lo mein and it's always quality. When you're starving and on a budget this is the place to go.
(4)Jasmine A.
La Que used to be my favorite cheap Asian restaurant to go to. However, I have found that over the last year the quality of the food has significantly gone down hill. My favorite dish was the Pad See Ew with Chicken. However, lately every time i've ordered it I found the vegetables and meat to be over cooked. I also had a particularly unpleasant experience when I ordered one of their shrimp lettuce rolls wrapped in rice paper and they used wilty iceberg lettuce! I was repulsed and haven't been back since. This being said, while the food is not to die for, it is VERY affordable. So as long as your expectations are not super high and you don't order the lettuce rolls you should be okay eating here.
(2)Buddy W.
Great vegan meal. Spring rolls with avocado were great, mock chicken in dishes is not overpowering. Very reasonable prices, can't wait to come back!
(5)Jimmy M.
Unfortunately, this place just isn't good. The first time I went we ordered Tom Yum Koong, which, by name, the waiter was unfamiliar with. That should have been the first warning sign, but we persisted and were rewarded with a hot and sour soup lacking both sour and heat. We followed up with Thai Basil Chicken and Pad Thai which were only mildly less disappointing. But, being an ethnic restaurant in the highlands, this place must have something to offer right? Feeling brave, I tried again, going with the traditional thai beef salad, yum nua. Only, this was no salad; it is simply a bunch of warm pieces of beef laying on top of hot rice, on top of hot lettuce, on top of some bizarre broth. This was quite possibly the most disappointing Thai meal I have ever encountered. As wrong as it feels, I will have to leave the Highlands, and head to St. Matthews' Simply Thai for real (or at least tasty) Thai. Update: gave it one more try and the curries are actually very good.
(3)Kathryn W.
Hot and sour soup was neither hot nor sour, and lacked / was short on common ingredients like day lily bulbs and dried mushrooms. it was acceptable soup, but not what I expected. Fried tofu is exactly that: cubes of deep fried tofu, with a little lemongrass & I forget. It was forgettable. Summer roll fresh, good texture & tastes. Dining companion got a lunch special, chicken something, which had lots of deep fried chicken in thick looking sauce, absolutely no sign of any vegetable, not even onion. Upsides include brown rice (or white or fried), and that many dishes available with choice of tofu or "mock chicken," a vegetarian/vegan wheat gluten product that has a "meaty" texture.
(3)Lianna N.
Small Vietnamese restaurant, nice owner, food is decent. I would not recommend the vegetarian section though, but it's best to go for the Thai food that they also have there.
(3)Tamara I.
If you're the type of diner who defaults to Pad Thai at a pan-Asian restaurant, you best reprogram yourself to get the most out of La Que. Their version of the Thai standby is much blander than the rest of the menu choices. and its worth making a more adventurous selection. I'm on a constant search for great, fresh-tasting Asian food in Louisville, and I became so addicted to this place that I got take-out almost every night for three months. How delicious it is to lounge on my couch munching crunchy, creamy crab rangoon and overstuffed veggie summer rolls while watching all my favorite HBO and Showtime programs. My regular entree rotation includes refreshing Bun Cha Gio, a hot and cold multi-textured dish with vermicelli noodles, spring rolls, cucumbers, peanuts and chicken, the sweet Yellow Curry with peanuts, huge chunks of sweet potatoes and chicken, and the spicy, peanutty Kung Pao Chicken minus the water chestnuts. Pass on the Pad Thai and you'll become a La Que loyalist too. Also, those with peanut allergies should be very careful. La Que contains a plethora of peanuts.
(4)Megan F.
La Que is the type of place where I only order one thing: yellow curry with mock chicken and brown rice. It would be pretty tough to ruin sweet potatoes, peanuts, carrots, and onions in a curry. No need to worry about any meat-related mess ups. I haven't found another dish that measures up or leaves my stomach in ok shape.
(3)T. M.
I am typically stingy with my stars and a tough critic, having coming from a much larger, international city, and by being spoiled by the amenities it holds, so I am surprised with the number of low stars and poor reviews for this place. I was taken here just last week by a couple of new friends who explained that this was one of their regular haunts for good eats of eastern flare. When we arrived, nearly all the outside seating was full, and most of the intimate and cozy inside seating was full as well; which is always a good sign. There was a table ready for us when we entered and we were greeted promptly by the server, provided menus and our drink order was taken immediately. The menu holds an adequate selection of appetizers and main dishes to suit any pallet, and especially for the size of the place. Our appetizers were served in a reasonable amount of time, were hot and made of fresh ingredients. Our entrees were brought out before we finished with out appetizers, and our drinks were always full. The only thing the place could have had a selection of was more desserts, as the only one offered was some green tea ice cream. I declined it this time around. After we ate we sat around for a little while and enjoyed our conversation, and the chef/(owner?) had came out to ask us if everything was acceptable. Everything was great, really. I think that perhaps being with regulars made for a more pleasant experience, as they were obviously known by all the employees and were treated very well. The chef stood around and caught up with the company I was with, and thanked us all for our patronage. All in all a place I will definitely look forward to eating at again, and look forward to trying different things from the menu.
(4)Tj P.
The conversation was good. The food, only fair . I can't recall the name of the actual dish which I had for lunch which I suppose speaks volumes, or at least speaks to the notion that I don't know the language. The spring rolls which were included were OK, the cabbage was crispy and fresh, but nothing particularly memorable. And yes, this should be "La Que" and not "Le."
(2)Josh B.
I am shocked by all the poor reviews here. Have I had better Asian food in a restaurant? Sure, at ten times the price. Their lunch and dinner specials are awesome deals with lots of selection and large portions. Service is always friendly and prompt...salt and pepper calamari app is FAB.. There are good reasons why we eat at La Que at least once a week.
(5)Kevin O.
The food isn't really all that good. The atmosphere is pretty drab, which doesn't make sense because it's on the heart of the Bardstown/Baxter strip. They have a great location, some good beers, and the service was decent. Food is maybe 2.3 stars, but the atmosphere is .2 stars. Play some music or something. They had speakers but they never turned them on. Considering how many options there are in the proximity, I won't be going back.
(2)Randy M.
For Kentucky they're doing a good job. Had the Pho, lemongrass vermicelli, and salt and pepper calamari. The calamari was awesome. The fried Ginger and scallions added an extra dimension to what could have been a very plain dish. Order the Vietnamese dishes for sure!! The Chinese food is Americanized.
(4)Elijah C.
This place is cozy and cheap. I come here when I need my pho fix. I have never had a bad meal here, and I often clean my friends' plates when we visit. I really miss La Que.
(4)Emily U.
I'm perplexed by the low average of the ratings for this Bardstown Road eatery, which is actually LA Que, not LE Que. It opened some months before I moved away from Louisville, but I managed to have some delightful early Sunday dinners here before I left. La Que is possibly the only place I discovered serving mock chicken--yay! Also, the summer rolls and sauce appetizer are AMAZING. I could eat those every day and you can't go wrong with the vermicelli dishes. On my way through town last weekend I also had the hot and sour soup, which I can recommend. I know nothing about Pho but understand some people are wild about it; I can't speak to their Pho, but my experiences sampling other dishes have been lovely. Vegetarians will definitely want to go here for the mock chicken.
(4)Todd M.
I've dined here three times so far. The decor is sparse, the menu small (in my opinion, more manageable than the kitchen sink menus of similar establishments). Lunch seems to be mainly Chinese, but the dinner menu spans Chinese, Vietnamese and Thai dishes. The food is prepared competently, if not spectacularly, and service is perfunctory. Personally, this isn't a "gather your friends together for a night out" kind of place, although I've seen parties of 6+ here. For me, it's an acceptable, quick meal on nights when I'm home alone. And it's pretty cheap - an appetizer and entree costs me around $12.
(3)Jackie C.
Seriously the worst, most bland Pad Thai I have ever had. Everything we ordered was bland and the texture of the noodles and rice was just 'off'. I will not be falling for their low prices again. Instead of saving a few bucks I threw $25 in the trash. Eck.
(1)Zach E.
We've had Pho take out from here a few times. It's fine. I've had better Pho, but there aren't many other options here. The summer rolls are good. It's a bit weird that a fortune cookie comes with Vietnamese food though.
(3)Cinimod S.
The worst! I don't know if I got the right dish, or if they just don't know how to make what I ordered. Either way, the Tom Yum here is the worst I have had. Whadda disappointment. Too expensive also.
(1)Keith H.
Went for lunch, had Kung pow, it was so so. Nothing spectacular. Everyone else had "brown rice" and it was tasteless mush, I had fried rice and it was fine. Skip the brown rice.
(2)Deakon F.
In town for work and trying to find some authentic Pho. This is not it. I only tried their Pho, so I can only comment on that. Tastes like a powdered broth. It will have to do until I can find better.
(3)The D.
The sign said grand opening, so I felt it was my civic duty to try. Judging by the name, I assumed it was Vietnamese, but you would never know that without playing Sherlock. By the sound of the thick accent, as well as the French type, I will with 97% certainty consider this Vietnamese. They offer chinese, thai and viet cuisines - not a wide variety of any, but a little of each. Right off the bat, I am not a fan of Asian Fusion. The restraunt was clean and modern looking. Nothing really caught my eye. I believe they had 2 tables for outside seating. Noone was there besides the staff and yours truly. I ordered Beef Pho. It came in a medium sized bowl, with a spartan amount of Veggies. I asked for a Lemon Soda, but what I got was a Sprite. Seems to be an No speaky English issue. The taste was good (hence 3 stars), but not spectacular. The soup was brownish, and should have come out clearer than that. They should provide more fresh veggies, and more variety. The beef was overcooked. It should be served separately for the diner to place in the soup. I like mine a bit pink to red. For the price, I believe $8 for the Bowl, $10 altogether; I was not satisfied. I have paid less for a medium size pho, or paid the same price for a large. So, they either have small portions, or are overpriced, you choose which way to go with that. After all, I was not full (even considered going to Marks Feed, but thought that was too much glutony, even for me). I wouldn't go out of my way to repeat. My Zagat score: food:15 Decor:17 Service:15 Price: E
(3)C R.
I was aching for some thai food and decided to try Le Que. It's conveniently located near the intersection of Bardstown and Baxter. We ordered pad see ew and pad thai both of which left a little more to be desired. The menu is a little scattered since they feature many cuisines: Chinese, Vietnamese, and Thai. Portions were generous and this is a good spot to grab a quick bite or some takeout...not quite a "sit down and have a relaxing meal" kind of place.
(3)Joseph T.
I really don't know what to write here. The people are really friendly. The location is as good as it gets. The flavor/taste of the food is solid... I just don't think I'll eat here again. The quality of the food really seemed to lack. In my green chicken curry, the chicken looked very, very grim. Like it had been chopped up and just tossed into the curry to cook. And it was tough and fatty. Really weird texture. It put me off. If you like it, then I'm glad for you. I just think there are several other places in the area that are better and worth eating before you come here. The only redeeming thing was the spring roll. That thing was fantastic. If you do come here, get that and leave.
(2)Owen R.
Came in a bit late, were treated exceptionally well. Owner even talked me out of 'over' ordering; which is really rare in this day and age (greed). Cashew nut chicken was excellent! Chicken pho/soup was very good, broth a 'little' bland. Would return.
(4)McKenzie I.
Man, this review has been a long time coming! This is one of my all time favorite places to go on a rainy afternoon or a dinner for two when the budget is a little tight (which, lets face it, is all time). I went here on a whim some time last year before heading next door to Wild and Woolly (RIP) for a movie night and never once regretted it. The whole restaurant is very peaceful and dimly lit, the tables are well spaced and it actually feels intimate in a cozy sort of way. They also have a small patio with about four tables if you prefer the sunshine. The staff is friendly, the food is fresh and always hot (I've burnt my tongue a time or two) and prices are ridiculously low for the quality of their dishes. I believe this store is family run and owned so you really get personal service (albeit sometimes slightly eccentric). I believe that the staff takes pride in their work and it shows. My boyfriend comes here for the Thai chicken curry with extra rice on the side and a few spring rolls. He is presented with a heaping bowl of spicy green curry with shredded chicken and delicately rolled spring rolls with a really yummy dipping sauce. I always get this amazing deal for 8.99 that comes with a soda or tea, two sides (I choose fried rice and an egg roll), a soup (wonton soup with incredible homemade broth) and an entree (sesame chicken all day). I know. This is some serious grub for under ten bucks. I highly recommend any of their rolls. The egg rolls are so fresh and crispy, the ingredients on the inside work together so well that they actually make me crave cabbage (I know, I know, gross), and they absolutely do not require the dipping sauce that comes on the side. I could slurp a big bowl of the steaming wonton soup alone and I would be completely satisfied. It's simply delicious. A perfect harmony of salty, savory and comforting. See why I like it on a rainy day? The sesame chicken has that perfect balance of slightly sweet and spicy with that nice crunchy texture brought on by the sesame seeds. The portion is huge and I can guarantee that you will not leave hungry with this deal. I believe it has about 15 different options and plenty of sides to choose from, and did I mention it comes with a drink? Now, that's pretty good! I would also like to note that they now have an amazing drink menu that offers smoothies, frappes, coffee drinks, hot teas (that green tea tho), and a variety of beers. Its an amazing addition to the menu. I highly recommend the green tea frappe with extra whip (that's my white girl coming through) when you're craving one from the Starbucks across the street. Its really authentic and a perfect way to end a meal here. Overall: I highly recommend this little gem for anyone looking for an inexpensive Asian restaurant that does not skimp out on quality, that has an intimate ambiance and loves having plenty of options to choose from.
(4)Merritt G.
La Que is an okay Asian restaurant in the Highlands neighborhood. I used to go here often, mainly due to the cheap prices. The menu is okay, the Thai Fried Rice with Chicken is my go to dish. My main problem with the restaurant is that they do not keep up with the interior. When it first opened I would visit all the time and enjoyed it. Now it looks run down, and frankly unsanitary. Worth it if you are looking for something cheap, however there are far better Asian restaurants in town.
(3)Stephanie D.
This place ROCKS!! I love every dish I have tried.. Summer rolls, green (spicy)curry, Pad Se Ew, Pad Khee Mao... And GF, which is a bonus! People are friendly and service efficient. I will go again and again! Prices are super reasonable, too.
(5)Sarah L.
La Que is one of my go-to asian restaurants in town. They dabble with a little of everything (Thai, Vietanamese, and Chinese). Usually to me that means that the quality is going to suffer, but they knock everything out of the park. Plus, they are super vegetarian friendly, with the ability to make any meal with tofu or mock chicken. And many of their dishes are already vegetarian. My favorite part of La Que is their outdoor seating on Bardstown Rd. It is the perfect place to people watch in the summer and have a relaxing meal. The prices here are very reasonable. At first, I thought the menus listed online were outdated, but those are really the prices. Their lunch special is such a great deal (an entree, rice, a side of your choice, and a drink). I usually get lemongrass noodles with vegetarian spring rolls or orange mock chicken. You really can't go wrong with anything on the menu. The one negative I have for the restaurant is that it always feels very dirty/grimy inside. They have an A health inspection grade, so Im hoping its just a feeling...
(3)Julie M.
had the chicken satay and the thai curry, which I dont know the ingredients to, it must be a new item. It is not shown in any of the menu pics here. Good presentations, good value, great quality of food. I will be back.
(4)Kelly P.
I love this place. I live close, so it's convenient; but, the food is great, it's reasonably priced, and I've always had great experiences when dining here. I read some of the other reviews on this page and several mention long wait times. In my experience I've never waited longer than 10 minutes for anything at La Que. And I've eaten here a lot. Perhaps some other people just caught the restaurant on an off night? I have no idea, but I know that every time I've ever been here I've been greeted immediately, brought a drink within a couple minutes, brought any appetizers/sides within 5-10 minutes, and received my entrée while I still had food on the table. They have the best spring rolls! The dipping sauce is phenomenal. I seriously want to use it as salad dressing. They also have great crab Rangoon and egg drop soup, and I've been pleased with every entrée I've tried. Also, they have a dinner special for only $8.95 that includes a drink, your choice of rice, two sides, and an entrée! You seriously cannot beat the quality of their food for the price. I highly recommend that everyone check this place out!
(5)Kathy V.
Pretty tasty food. Great location. The ambiance/decor is a little more low-rent that I expected, but that's ok. Food took a little long to come out. In that....I started noticing that people around us who ordered after us were getting their food first. And I was getting jealous! But the food was tasty, as I said (I got the eggplant with shrimp). And the price is pretty great for the amount of food you get!
(3)Michael P.
Still feel the same way about the noodle dishes in my previous review, but the tom yum soup... no joke, guys... the tom yum soup cured my head cold a couple weeks ago. Delicious too. Moved this up to 4 stars. Thanks for the mana, Le Que!
(4)Katie P.
I rarely review restaurants, but I feel like this place has a bad rap. Despite the negative reviews, I ordered the pho (and I've had a lot of pho, including the universally lauded Vietnam Kitchen) and I thought it was great. There are not many options in terms of beef slices (no tendons, briskets, or rare beef eye rounds), but it was cooked well with good ingredients. The broth is delicious; it is not made from a powder like other people have suggested. It comes with the standard sides: basil, bean sprouts, a lime wedge and a couple of jalapenos. We also ordered the clay pot, which was a little smaller with less beef than expected. However, the beef was sliced thin and tender, the fried egg was well cooked, the vegetables seemed fresh, and the sauce was good with just a bit of spiciness. The food is good and very fairly priced. There seemed to only be one or two people working there, but they were nice and attentive. We went for a late lunch around 1:30 on a Friday, so there was no real wait. It is not a fancy place. The place is small. They are not renovated. They are not exceptionally well-staffed. However, I do not think any of those things are to its detriment. It is a small business with authentic food and hardworking people.
(5)Victoria T.
It's fairly common for Sexy Beast and I to disagree about what we should be eating for dinner. I love Vietnamese food. He is not a fan. He loves Thai food. I can stand it about twice a year. We both love Chinese food. So, when we spotted this unassuming little joint next door to our favorite video store, we figured we'd found the perfect place for both of us. Not so much. They do offer cuisine hailing from a number of Asian cultures. They just don't seem to do it well. The Crispy Spring Rolls were, in fact, crispy on the outside. The inside, however, was mushy. The Crab Won Tons were filled with something that somehow was solidifying. It was reminiscent of a cream cheese custard with bits of imitation crabmeat. That texture was disturbing. His Cashew Nut Chicken was bland and my Glass Noodles were also bland and could have stood to be fried a while longer. Part of the appeal of dishes like that is that delightful charring of the noodles that happens in the wok. The menu was varietal enough that we could very well try it again and have a much better experience. We may do that since they serve Pho and I love Pho. I'll let you know if we do.
(2)Gabrielle A.
I'm a huge fan of summer rolls and theirs were great! The dipping sauce that came with them was excellent. My boyfriend ordered the Pad Thai and enjoyed it although it didn't have as many ingredients (vegetables) as other restaurants. I ordered a curry vermicelli noodle bowl which was great as well. Lots of food for a great price! Our total was under $20.
(5)Adam F.
My waiter shane is the greater sever I ordered pho with beef and summer grill chicken!! I was very good and ice tea hits the spot he alway filling up my tea. Didn't like the the white tall guy he was busy on the phone
(3)Amber M.
This was one of my favorite places when I lived in Louisville. I lived on Cherokee, so it was walking distance, which is perfect for that area. The food has always been really good and the prices are great, including the daily specials. Dinner platters come with lots of sides, so you really get a lot for your money. I do wish the patio were bigger and less close to the road, but that's the nature of their building.
(4)Sarah C.
You may be familiar with Jimmy John's slogan, "Subs so fast you'll freak." Well, I am quite certain La Que has adopted the complete opposite of that slogan. I'll never know how their food compares to Jimmy John's, because we left after waiting 45 minutes for our food. My father and I walked into the restaurant a bit after 6 pm on a Saturday night, hoping to grab a decent meal before we headed down to Baxter Avenue Theater to catch a show at 7:50. We sat at a table, and were given menus. We noticed right away that only one server seemed to be serving all inside and outside tables. When she came by to take our drink orders, we had a gut feeling that we should put in our order right away. At least one carryout order had been placed ahead of ours, and I saw many tables sitting without menus (meaning they had ordered already) but no appetizers or entrees. So I thought that there were probably quite a few people's orders ahead of ours in the kitchen. By the time our order was taken, it was 6:50, exactly one hour before our movie was scheduled to begin. We thought, "We can still make it. The theater is only 10 minutes walking distance. So what if we miss the previews." Over the course of the next half-hour, we watch as other tables languish waiting for their food. A four-top that ordered after we did received their appetizers, but we did not. After half an hour, I suggest that we cancel our order and go across the street to grab subs at Jimmy Johns, wolf them down, and hightail it to the theater. We decided to stick it out, and accepted that we couldn't see the movie. However, after waiting for another fifteen minutes, and overhearing a woman complain that her table had waited an hour for their order, we told the server that we had waited for over 45 minutes, and left. We crossed the street, walked into Jimmy John's, ordered two subs, and it was indeed freaky how quickly they put our order together. I read the Yelp reviews for La Que before we went, but didn't get the complete picture. The service is horrible, and it appears that there are serious complaints about the freshness of their food, bad flavor, and small portion size. Also, we observed fruit flies in the dining room. The decor is underwhelming/almost nonexistent. I could get over that if the food was good, and service decent. But that is not the case with La Que. We will never go back.
(1)Jennifer D.
Never had a bad experience! Friendly and attentive staff, delicious food. The summer rolls, hot and sour soup, lo-mein, basil fries rice, orange chicken, spicy string beans, and egg rolls are all amazing!!! Get a winos seat when it's cold to watch people and sit on the patio when it is warm. Great, now I want some...
(5)Lynn G.
Absolutely delicious food at an amazing price! Two combo meals with tip for $15 can't be beat anywhere. Deducting one star for slightly slow service and having customers get up to request more drinks. I will come back because every dish on this menu sounds amazing. It's a good problem to have!
(4)Brett M.
Wonderful food :) reasonably priced for Louisville. I want to eat my way down the menu. Really enjoyed the spring rolls, hot and sour soup and the spicy beef! We were able to eat to our hearts content for under 20$. They were a little slow on service for how many people were in the place, and my water glass wasn't always full, but the good food made up for it!
(4)Kirsten C.
Over the summer, I went here probably an average of once a week. I was new to the area, it was within walking distance, and I could enjoy my pho at a patio table while people-watching on Bardstown Road. But its proximity to my apartment was one of the two things that La Que had going for it. The other was the price -- I could get my pho fix for around $8. The food is decent. I recommend the soft summer roll with avocado, which comes with two rolls and a whole lot of hoisin sauce for $2.50. The pho is mediocre. I usually order the pho ga, which is the traditional soup -- a light broth with rice noodles, which comes with basil, jalapeno, lime and onion you can add in -- with chicken, which was usually tough and dry. The service is decent, sometimes on the slow side, but the servers are nice. Their menu also includes Chinese and Thai food, and I've had the pad thai and one or two of the Chinese dishes. They're fine but, again, nothing to write home about. The bottom line: If you're looking for an Asian bite to eat in the Highlands and aren't looking to spend much, head to La Que. But if you're looking for the best Vietnamese food in Louisville, you'd be better off going to Vietnamese Kitchen (5339 Mitscher Ave.) or Four Sisters (on Frankfort Avenue, which has mostly crepes and bahn mi, but I've heard they sometimes have pho).
(3)Romel F.
I went with high expectations since I've been meaning to try it for a while now. And it fell short of what I expected. From the outside it looks like a more friendly dining option than what it really is. The menu is great but unless you know what to order, you may take a while and it seems like they don't want to take a while. Service is to order, bring you food and check and refills. No feedback on questions needed. But the food is decent. Atmosphere and service is not their thing.
(3)Richie G.
Favorite hole in the wall Asian place. Cheap food and it's delicious! Always love coming back :)
(5)Beth H.
Ok, so I agree with the reviewers who point out that some menu items are weird and bad...yes...I think they used fettuccine noodles for their pad see ew..but there are also excellent 5 star items on this menu, which, together with their low low prices and fast service, make this my #1 take out place. Order: spring rolls with shrimp, beef pho, crab rangoon, any of the curries except the clear red curry (it's like tomato soup), N4, N5, or N6. Not a super sexy place for a first date. But seriously guys, the beef pho!! So good!
(5)Carolyn W.
Go to this place only after close review of Yelp!er's suggestions. I ordered the curry and enjoyed it once it cooled down enough to eat. My husband was satisfied with his entree. Appetizers weren't great. You get your value at these prices. Atmosphere and service was more what one would expect in a counter-service establishment: hardly kept our glasses filled. Some confusion on spice grading. Not sure this place does anything super well. For really good Thai, go to Simply Thai. For Vietnamese, go to Vietnam Kitchen. If you are in the Highlands and want something oriental go to Heart &Soul or Roots. However, cheaper fare for a variety of diets can be found at La Que (which means 'basil', if you are curious).
(3)Alicia B.
It was Americanized Asian food so I was a little disappointed. Outside seating was nice. Nothing special about the pho we ordered or the spring rolls. Just average.
(3)Kristal B.
Eh. Skip it. We had the strangest version of Tom Yum that I have ever experienced before--and it wasn't good. It was a base of pineapple juice with big chunks of pineapple from a can. It was inedible. I had the Pad Khee Mow and enjoyed it. My husband had the green curry and was pleased. If we're in the mood for Thai, we won't go back to La Que.
(2)Jim G.
I think the folks here are well meaning. Service errors, when they occur, are politely and efficiently handled. The mistakes they make are more air-headed than negligent in my experience, and so, I am always prepared to give them the "soft Q" as if I were babysitting a difficult, but talented child. Given that La "Hwey" (Thai for "Basil," says the menu) usually costs me just shy of $13 and because they do what I like pretty well, I give this establishment a 3-star. If they were ever to really pull themselves together I could go 4 on this place (but I think they're more likely to go out of business first). For example, In my most recent visit on Feb 14, 2012, they made two such errors (didn't note an appetizer that really was ordered, and cook replaced mock chicken with real chicken). Luckily, my friend who ordered glass noodles with mock chicken isn't a "real" vegan or this would've been egregious, yes. Images of ethical vegans running away screaming ensue. Thing is, most vegans I know are more than used to examining, cross-examining, and repeating twice and thrice to get what they want. Always, always repeat your order back to the waiter and get a confirmation of every item on it. Always open the stapled bag and check takeaway orders (if you ordered brown and not white rice, open it and check but I've had success just verbally confirming at pickup that it's brown rice, too). That is precisely how to be a friendly customer of La Que. I've been here many times and I usually order Red or Green Curry with Chicken and a side of Fried Tofu. All the appetizers are good. I have never ordered Pad Thai here (and actually, I don't think I've ordered Pad Thai anywhere in over 20 years). I also love the lettuce wraps here for a low carb treat (I've tried them with either chicken or tofu and they are equally delicious). TIP: When they bring it to the table, immediately ask for more lettuce. You'll need it and they will never say no.
(3)Ryan B.
Suprised by all the not great reviews here as this place is good. Excellent? No. But good? Definitely. Affordable prices, good food, nice and fast service - what more do you want? La Que does what it does well, though I will echo the sentiment that it doesn't particularly excel at anything. Overall a good lunch spot.
(4)Andy C.
In the middle of the pack. It is fast. It is cheap. It is convenient. Those qualities merit this review because other than those 3 things, Le Que doesn't bring much to the table.
(3)Keje M.
The food is always good and it is rarely crowded. Tofu can be substituted for meat in most dishes. I usually get the pad Thai with Tofu. Very flavorful and perfectly cooked. Service is attentive without being intrusive.
(4)Kelly C.
Listen, everyone. I had too much to drink last night. That being said, the only thing I wanted this morning was LaQue's basil fried rice. It was extremely hard to even put on my shoes. But I am here, and I am happy. So that says it all. It's worth getting out of bed for.
(4)