Brown Sugar Cafe
1033 Commonwealth Ave, Boston, MA, 02215
Brown Sugar Cafe Menu
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Appetizers
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Soups
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Salads
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House Specialities
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Beef & Pork
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Desserts
Healthy Meal suggestions for Brown Sugar Cafe
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Appetizers
-
Soups
-
Salads
-
House Specialities
-
Beef & Pork
-
Desserts
Visit below restaurant in Boston for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Boston for healthy meals suggestion.
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Address :
1033 Commonwealth Ave
Boston, MA, 02215 - Phone (617) 787-4242
- Website https://www.brownsugarcafe.com
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :11:00 am - 10
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : Yes
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 : Average
Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes
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Jason Z.
American-Thai Fusion foods catered to the general public. Nothing really separates this place from another Thai restaurant I have been to. Nothing very memorable beside the annoying service. After I sat down, the waitress picked up my almost finished ice coffee and told me that they have to hold it because it's their policy. When I told them that I would just finish it right away (to save them from the trouble of keep the coffee for me) She told me that I will have to finish it outside the restaurant. I would have walked away if we were not with another couple.
(3)Vic G.
I dig beautiful Thai food. Applying the principles of Direct proportion (Mathematics/Algebra), I dig Brown Sugar Cafe! For my maiden visit to this outstanding restaurant, I stand at a loss of words(?) - to find any flaws. So without any further delay, let the praises begin! Ambiance: The owners have made the most intelligent use of the interiors by putting in as many tables as they possibly can, yet making sure the decor and the overall look and feel gives the restaurant a rather cool vibe. Where I would deem another place with tables crammed next to each other as sacrilegious, BSC has done a fab job of making the inside feel warm and sophisticated. How they managed to do that, I leave it for you to look at and decide! Right from the entrance that greets the patrons with a duo of pretty little fish tanks, to the tiny bar, to the dining hall with its subtle lighting and of course the very neat and clean restrooms, everything is just right. Score - 5/5 Service: This one deserves bullet points rather than a short story. So here... - All the boys and girls walking around have a constant smile on their faces - If not, they definitely look happy and enjoying their jobs for sure - They DO NOT rush you into ordering nor are they hovering around, trying to check a million times with the "how is everything" queries - Yet, they will magically appear out of nowhere the moment you start thinking, where is the dude who was serving us - Finally, maneuvering around those very tight corners (remember so many tables?), they make it seem like they are serving in a football field. Beats me! Score - 5/5 Location: Bullet points again: - Bang next to the Green B Line T-stop Babcock St. - Perfect for a meal before events either at Agganis Arena or Paradise Rock Club - I cannot say great for the hundreds of college students in the city because they will get anywhere, anyhow. Clearly, this place is full of em too. - Enough on street metered parking for those who prefer wheels over the "fabulous" MBTA Score - 5/5 Food: I would really love to write a big paragraph on this but knowing the word count for each review, I will keep this short. PLEASE ORDER THE CRISPY SPICY WATERCRESS FOR AN APPETIZER AND RELISH IT SLOWLY BEFORE PEEKING INTO THE MENU FOR YOUR MAIN COURSE. THIS DISH IS OUT OF THIS WORLD (all caps font for the prior statement was intentional and on purpose to emphasize the importance of the message!) We also ordered the Choo Chee Fisherman and the Pork Laab. Both dishes were fantastic. The first one had a penang curry base - on the heavenly spicier side. The Laab had a super lemony / tangy tone throughout and a spicy surprise of an unexpected effect mid way through the process of enjoying the dish. The app was the absolute star and I will be back again for the same and try a new dish for the main course every time. Score - 5/5 Summary: And out of nowhere - from the stereos, starts blaring the very loud and an 'OMG where did this come from' moment striking HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU song for a table at the extreme end of the dining hall - far far away from our table - right when I was about to savor the next spoonful of my main course. And I loved it! And so did everyone who was not part of the birthday party. Only BSC can pull such a thing off! Score - 5/5 And so Ladies & Gents, I declare, my favorite Thai restaurant, in the proper Boston city limits - as yet, till someone better comes along and snatches this title away from them, the one and only, Brown Sugar Cafe!
(5)Stacey G.
Excellent vegetable pad Thai, reasonable prices. I would like more veggies and tofu. I would like less sprouts. There were a few chunks of pineapple- I'm not sure if that was a intentional or accidentally added from a nearby dish, either way it was a nice addition.
(4)Mika S.
The food isn't bad, but I would rather eat Thai food as takeout, because the food is just as good, and you get the same amount of it for half the price. I split a Combo Platter and a Rad Na entree (with chicken) with my boyfriend, and it was so much food that we were really full by the end of the meal. I liked the Combo Platter a lot, because it allows you to sample 8 of the 16 appetizer options on the menu. My favourite appetizers were the Golden Triangles, the Brown Sugar Rolls and the Spare Ribs. The Rad Na was alright overall, but what really stood out to me were the noodles and the "Chef's Gravy", that they were cooked in. The dish might have been better if I ordered another kind of meat instead of chicken. Since it was my friend's birthday, we ordered her a Birthday Special dessert, which consisted of a scoop of fried ice cream and some fried banana bites. The dessert was by far the highlight of the meal - it was delicious and the restaurant put on a fun "birthday show" by dimming the lights of the restaurant, turning on a strobe light and playing happy birthday, while they brought the dessert out. On the other hand, the dessert cost $12, which was a huge rip-off! I've had desserts at fancier restaurants for cheaper than that.
(3)Rachel L.
We came here for my sister's graduation lunch (it's only a block from her school), and it was a great place for some post-grad festivities. :) We had a party of 10 but we're able to get seated almost right away. We ordered: Yellow chicken curry (5/5): This was my favorite of the two curries we tried and my favorite dish. Slightly sweet, wonderfully milky, and with a good balance of sauce and chicken. Beef masaman curry (5/5): This had such a unique slightly peanuty flavor, while still being unmistakably Thai flavors. My sister said the butternut squash pieces in the curry made it feel like a "Thanksgiving curry." ;) I liked the yellow curry slightly more but this was a close runner-up. Pork laab (4/5) - Cant remember much about this one except that it had a vinegary taste. It was just ok, but I've never really been partial to overly sour tastes. Drunken noodles (3.5/5) From what I could eat or this, this was pretty yummy and I liked the pad see ew style noodles. But it was just too spicy for me to have more than a couple bites. Pad Thai (3/5) It's usually hard to mess up pad thai but this had unusually high amount of bean sprouts. Pineapple Hawaiian fried rice (3/5) This just don't have that much flavor, which was surprising considering that it came with plenty of shrimp and even lobster! It just needed some more oomph.
(4)Special N.
Some of the most flavorful Thai food I've had in a while. Had one of the seafood dishes with chili sauce. Spicy but so good!
(4)Myan T.
Great ambience and tasty Thai food. Definitely a must try. There are some items that are overwhelming sweet, including their sauces (sweet and sour sauce), but overall good dishes. Their coconut beverage is very fresh and refreshing. Tasted like they cracked a coconut open in the kitchen. Both the lunch and dinner menu offer an extensive list of options and is reasonably priced. Service was great. I will note that they attend to you very well. Parking is a pain since you are in the BU vicinity.
(4)Grace M.
Brown Sugar is where I first experienced Thai food when in college, so I have a special connection to this place. It's a solid experience- really everything I've tried has been excellent, from Pad Thai to curries to the Thai iced tea. I highly, highly recommend this place, though I mostly want to comment on take-out orders. I've had 2 instances now where I frustratingly brought an order home only to realize they'd put shrimp in my vegetarian items. So ** VEGETARIANS BEWARE ** to check your order before you leave! The last time this happened, the woman on the phone carefully repeated my order twice and confirmed "vegetarian fresh rolls" and even when I picked up my food, the woman at the counter repeated what I'd ordered and again, confirmed "vegetarian fresh rolls." When I'd gotten halfway home and then decided to check the order just in case, I saw the shrimp in my rolls and called to let them know. Whoever picked up gave me a slight attitude and essentially told me I must have failed to tell them "vegetarian." That left a sour taste for me in terms of customer experience... so just something to note is all. Irregardless, I'm a longtime fan of Brown Sugar. It's my second or third favorite Thai place in Boston, so I highly recommend it!
(4)Adrea G.
The country style pad Thai is tasty and spicy and has bits of turnip in it. Might be too spicy for those who aren't used to spice. The thai iced tea is creamy and strong. Recommended for thai food around Boston University.
(4)Samantha B.
A few steps from the edge of Boston University's West Campus, Brown Sugar Cafe has a warm and inviting atmosphere with high ceilings. Patio seating is available when the time is right. The large menu showcases traditional Thai curries to house and daily specials. If in the mood for sticky rice, recommend num prik ong - slightly similar to larb with ground pork in a spicy tomato sauce with garlic and onions (think ragu), native to the Chiang Mai region of Thailand. Use the firm slices of lettuce to make a wrap with the meat sauce. Old Lady Spicy, with the name suggesting, is a very spicy delight. With choice of protein (always pork), the mix of stewed and smoky Thai eggplant, string beans, sweet basil, and peppers blends the memorable flavors of this dish layer by layer.
(4)Anna L.
WARNING: Kitchen is not Gluten Free and poor on food allergic awareness. We go here all the time and the service is OK if you are a regular. If you order Pad Thai you have to tell them, you want the real thing with Fish Sauce of they will simply make you the popular American egg dish. I think the biggest problem with Brown Sugar is that there are so many customers that the workers many times grab the wrong dishes in the kitchen - causing sickness as was with our group.
(3)Tara T.
really good, authentic Thai food. none of that watered down, mild tasting crap -- this is the real deal. I had the spicy panang curry (Thai version) and it was divine.
(5)Thanh L.
Come here for superb curry. I've been to Brown Sugar a few times and have been satisfied every time. The foods are incredibly flavorful and beautifully spiced. I've been to a few Thai restaurants where the flavors are just a bit off in terms of seasoning and flavor profiles (overly salted or underseasoned dishes), but this place gets it right every time. Last time I went, we were seated immediately on a Saturday night (we had a late dinner around 8:45). I opted for the Paradise Garden, which was a medley of veggies over a red curry sauce. One of the most delicious curry sauces I've ever had! The curry packed a ton of flavor and had the right amount of heat - the perfect amount of spice. My friend got a spicy shrimp pad thai that was also super delicious. Our meals were also out seemingly within minutes - really fast chefs and service! Service itself was good - they kept coming to refill our waters, which I definitely needed because of my spicy entree. At one point out of nowhere the lights dimmed, club music came on and disco lights started flashing. Hey it was someone's birthday! I thought the fanfare was hilarious, so if you're into having a fun birthday dinner, this would be a good spot. Delicious food and great service. Definitely check this place out if you're craving Thai.
(4)Laura D.
Went to Brown Sugar Cafe with a friend for their Pad Thai with chicken. The place is really nicely decorated and the wait staff is very professional and helpful. The pad thai itself was okay, but seemed a bit too oily. On the bright side, the portion was really huge. Not a bad choice if you're in the mood for Thai.
(3)Khanh B.
I took my family to brown sugar for my girlfriend birthday dinner. We also brought a birthday cake with us and hosted said that they don't allow birthday cake into the restaurant unless we had to order their desert. I found this is very ridiculous. I understand that restaurants are in the business of making money, and selling the desserts on the menu is certainly one way to do that. On the other hand, in order to try and accommodate most situations, why not allow outside cakes to be brought in, and simply charge a plating fee. That way, the restaurant can still make money. I am absolutely loved the food here but service need to be upgrade.
(2)Melissa C.
The chicken kua gai noodle dish is an all time favorite of mine. Fully recommend. Good food and service.
(5)Miranda S.
Loved this place! Came here for lunch while my car was being repaired. I got the country style pad Thai, spring rolls, and some tea (I think jasmine). The waitress was so nice, she helped me decide on what to get and came back to see how I liked it when I got my food. She also refilled my teapot so I could get another cup out of my tea bag. She let me enjoy a slow lunch as I had time to kill and didn't bother me at all. But she was still attentive if that makes sense. It was nice to sit there and people watch over some tea. Also, the music selection in here is great - they have good taste. The music alone made me want to stay a little longer :) I'll definitely be back!
(4)Nicola Y.
Brown Sugar Cafe is BY FAR the best tasting pad thai in Boston, IMO. I like my pad thai sweet, spicy, nutty, and BURSTING with flavor. Having lived across the street from Brown Sugar for three years now, I can safely say that I am a regular at this fine and authentic establishment. Like I will literally be here at least once a week the entire school year. I just want to say kudos - when I ask for the spiciest level possible (level four) they really deliver above and beyond! For a while they recognized me as the "girl with all the chili" because I would shamelessly pour tons, tons, tons of the tabletop chili powder on my takeout. It was GLORIOUS and I really appreciate that they would watch me amusedly instead of telling me to GTFO their chili. Thank you, Brown Sugar, for being so freaking chill about the chili. Not only can you pour chili but you can also pour straight up BROWN SUGAR on your dish. Ummmmmm yes. A million times yes. Protip: the chili powder on the tables is sweeter and milder, but if you ask for the chili powder from the back it is A LOT SPICIER AND STRONGER. I freaking love this place. Best tasting pad thai on the block, by FAR. The only downside would be that it is slightly more expensive than other nearby restaurants, but you get what you pay for - the quality of food is much better.
(5)Ryan R.
I went here with a friend to grab a bite to for dinner on a week night. The area around BU was pretty dead, but this place was packed when we arrived. Luckily, the space is huge and we were seated at the back of the restaurant. To start, we decided to split the scallion pancake and tempura vegetables. The scallion pancake for me was very lackluster. My friend seemed to enjoy it, but it didn't have enough flavor--especially compared to some of the ones I've had in Chinatown. The tempura vegetables were very good and were a decent-sized portion as well. For the main part of the meal we spilt the panang curry with chicken and the pad thai--country style with chicken. The panang curry was quite large and had just enough spice to provide a nice kick, but not take over your whole palate. The curry was filled with lots of different types of vegetables which was great, but I felt like they weren't cooked in the curry long enough and lacked tenderness and the curry flavor. I was also disappointed that it didn't come with rice (as every curry is eaten with rice) and that the brown rice they brought us was barely enough for one person. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed the curry, just wish it had hit a bit higher of a mark. The pad thai was also very good, but I don't think it was country-style as it didn't have any noticeable spice that I could detect. I did love the consistency and flavor of the noodles, but did wish there was a bit more chicken within the dish. Overall, the flavors hit high marks and the portions are large (as we had quite a bit to take home), but I felt like the dishes fell short of a 5-star rating. A nice little spot with a great atmosphere and friendly service, good for a date or a large group.
(4)Becca P.
I love Brown Sugar. Came here for my birthday yesterday...I dreaded the birthday song part because you get super embarrassed but it's awesome. I will not divulge the details since you will just have to go and see what they do for your birthday..it's unlike other places. FYI, don't bring a cake. They don't allow you to. You have to pay for their desserts (~$15). It's good and worth it. Service is always wonderful. Food is great. I really don't think you can go wrong with anything. I got the Pad Sie Yew (however you spell it). Portion was huge. Saved half for lunch today. My family got the Thai Fried Rice, Fisherman's Madness (with rice), and Seafood Pad Thai. All were delicious. They give you way too much food. Two girls could easily split one dish. For drinks, my mom got the thai tea (hot). It was good! I got the Thai Iced Tea which is delicious but they fill the cup with ice so that sorta sucks. Love this place. Will come again.
(5)Ugne V.
This is by far my favorite pad thai, BUT the service is just annoying! My friend and I went on a Sunday evening, 5 pm, the place was completely empty, it picked up a little around 5:30. When we ordered and our food came, we had three different waiters come every two minutes to ask us how we're doing. Personally I came there to have a conversation between two people, not two people and a waiter. My friend and I slowed down with our food, at which time the same three waiters again came a couple minutes within each other to ask us if we were done. We kept saying "no, were still working on it." Our frustrations, at that moment, peaking, we started slowing down with our food, and our drinks and even our water, on purpose. At this point, it was only half an hour into our stay there. When we finally finished and they took our plates away, they gave us our check, but we were still enjoying our drinks. They kept looking over at us and we kept making awkward eye contact at which point we were just annoyed that they simply wanted us out of there and left frustrated. The annoying part of it all is that it wasn't rush hour, they did not need a high turnover, there were 10 tables free in the whole restaurant. We felt rushed, interrupted and annoyed. I will probably try to find a different pad thai with much less intruding service.
(2)Nancy H.
Maybe I just never know what to order here at Brown Sugar, but both times I've left unamazed and still hungry. Thai food, yah, that pad thai never gets old, but we got the pepper beef and the soft shell crab hot pot too and the flavors did not amaze my taste buds. The portions were pretty small for the prices.
(3)Kat T.
Great atmosphere, amazing food! My first experience at Brown Sugar Cafe was absolutely great! The food was amazing! Plater Combo was really good with various appetizers, good choice if you prefer to try many different things. Penang Curry dish is absolutely mind-blowing! By far, one of my favorite dishes. The combination of coconut milk and spices was incredible, highly recommend. Country Pad Thai was very good as well, can't say it was the best but certainly very good and I would absolutely order it again and recommend to anyone. The prices are not the lowest, but seem very reasonable. The ambiance of this place is very nice and cozy, the aquariums are nice addition to interior. I'd say this place can be great for quick lunch as well as more romantic dinner. Service was quite friendly too. Definitely recommend this place!
(5)Rani P.
I wish there was a half star I could add to this rating. The experience was definitely worth the visit- fish tanks, flashy lights followed by a classic Thai version of Happy Birthday, and a bar where you could order beers and take back to the tiny waiting area. Reservations are for 6 or more, and we found that even though it was a bit chaotic when we arrived, we were sat on a Saturday night pretty quickly. (Probably because the hostess called three other parties before us at a volume only people standing directly in front of her could hear.) The service was friendly and attentive. Even after we had been eating for at least 20 minutes with our meals, someone came by and asked if we received everything we ordered. Thankfully, yes. The food was good- and the bill was at a level of comfort that isn't often felt in Boston. However, I have definitely had better Thai food for less money and less chaos. Probably won't find me hanging by the fish tanks anytime soon, but glad I tried it!
(3)Judy K.
I've come here twice now and while it's not my favorite thai restaurant, I do see the appeal. It's beautiful inside with maps of Thailand, authentic statues and fish tanks to give you a really nice asian environment. The napkins are neatly folded into a fancy crinkled rainbowesque shape, the lights are dimmed for dinner for that right mood and they even have a disco ball for people's birthdays. If I had to name one thing that they do right, it's the ambiance of the restaurant. The food is just mediocre for the price that I'm paying. I can walk a few blocks down to NudPub and get more authentic thai food for a cheaper price! I've had the fisherman's madness and while the seafood was fresh, the scallops lacked seasoning and the sauce overall was too watery to coat any of the seafood. I had to basically drink the soup with the seafood in order for it to have any flavor. I've also had the chicken drunken noodle and the chicken had a funky old chicken taste. Every time I had a bite of the chicken, I thought of chicken that's been left out for too long and forgotten. Not the best, but the noodles were good. The lychee drink was also good, but I would never come here just for the lychee drink... I can get that in a can! This place might be okay for a date, but if you're looking for GREAT thai food place with someone who you're comfortable enough to burp in front of and don't need to impress no more, just go to NudPub. Or you know, if you're dining alone, NudPub will fill the cracks in your empty heart with good food.
(3)Stephanie S.
My favorite Thai restaurant. I've been going here for 4 years now. I usually don't go to other Thai restaurants, unless I'm ordering delivery (unfortunately they don't deliver to my town). Their customer service is always good. Nice interior and atmosphere. Their spring rolls (fried) are the best in town. I always get them every time I go. All their items are generally good. I've only have one bad experience with one of duck entree. It was very dry and tough (the other time I ordered the same thing it was fine). Tom Yum noodle soup is my go-to entree. Their country style pad thai is very good as well. And i always love their duck entrees. I usually don't like any kinda of curry, but I would eat their curry. Their portions are huge. I always have left-overs. Also, you have to try their fried icecream. To die for.
(4)Ashley K.
Four words: Roasted Pork Noodle Soup. It's not always on the menu. It's not to be confused with the regular Pork Noodle Soup, which is good, but not nearly AS good. You should order it at least once, because it is the single best broth in the history of delicious soup broths ever. If you don't see it on the menu, but you ask nicely, they'll make it for you. And when you get it (it'll be a little later than the rest of your party's dishes, but well worth the wait), everyone around you will ask WHAT IS THAT because you'll have a bowl the size of your head filled with seemingly never-ending noodly bok choi and pork deliciousness that looks and smells downright amazing. Tired of Pad Thai (they make a mean Pad Thai that I can't order anymore now that I know about this soup)? This is the dish to try. Also highly recommended: any of the Pad Thais, Chicken Cashew Nuts, Thai Iced Tea, the spring rolls. Yum, yum, and yum. Service is great and food is consistently awesome. Bring someone for dinner on their birthday, and be sure to mention it's their birthday to watch some REAL fun ensue.
(5)Celin W.
Drunken noodle could be spicier and more flavorful (shrimp was fresh, noodles nicely cooked and a heaping portion of vegetables), pad thai was solid - preferred it to my drunken noodle actually. Service was efficient, polite, and portions very generous.
(3)Heidi D.
I got the papaya salad and egg drop soup, and both were really good! My sticky rice was a little bit drier than I would've liked, and the prices are slightly higher than I would like, but the portions were good, the staff was attentive and friendly, the ambiance was wonderful, and it wasn't too cold (a lot of restaurants blast the air conditioning way too much for me)
(4)Francis S.
I cannot recommend this place highly enough. The food is, firstly, amazing. The prices are very reasonable if you don't go crazy with drinks (tip: fruit juice refills aren't free...), and portions are really big and satisfying. Not only that, but they are FANTASTIC for people with allergies. I am allergic to many, many things very badly, including soy (which might be a problem at a thai restaurant) so going out to eat can sometimes be a life threatening experience. But these guys just took notes of everything I was allergic to, walked me through the menu and pointed out stuff I could have! And they were friendly about it. They even have a replacement for soy sauce they can use if you have a soy allergy. In short: very allergy friendly. The restaurant is also very nice inside and has two large tanks of fun fish that are always entertaining! Just do yourself a favor and go here immediately.
(5)Devika G.
Awesome ambience. The food was great. We had came over for frnds birthday little did we know about the birthday cliff, so we missed it. The dumplings were awesome. Should try the chefs special no.7 on the little yellow menu. I also liked their iced Thai coffee. I love Thai food and place made me love it more.
(4)Ashley D.
Best place for thai food in the Allston/Brighton/Brookline area. Everything I've ever had here has been great. The pad see ew in particular is made super well and is on rotation with my favorite take-out items. Another favorite of one of my friends is a dish with lobster and brown sauce (unfortunately the name always escapes us). Brown sugar is surprisingly one of the only places in the greater Boston area to incorporate the local crustacean into its food and it's just excellent. The other curries and noodle dishes are also on par with what good thai food should taste like. Also, if you're celebrating a birthday here, good on ya, you will not regret it. A beautiful stunning array of lights and sounds that will make you smile and laugh and remind you to not take life too seriously.
(4)Vivian C.
Don't come here if you're looking for a quiet time out, or a place for a private conversation. But if you are looking for a quick meal or good food, this might be a good option. We came for an early dinner and were the first party to be offered seats in the back beyond their archer statue. But mere minutes later, three additional parties were seated in the same area, with one at the table right beside us. Without any attempt at all, we were privy to their conversation about platonic friendships whenever we had a lapse in our own chat. We knew what we wanted right off and placed our order immediately. 6-7 minutes later, our food arrived! The veggie pad thai $10.95 consisted of two substantial pieces of each veggie, which was a goodly portion, however the noodles - no matter how tasty - were on the skimpy side. Once you allow for the space occupied by the raw beansprouts, it seemed the size of this dish was a tad light. The chicken pad see you $10.95 was a bit better portioned, however I was surprised to see that the broccoli on this dish was the western sort rather than the leafier Chinese broccoli cousin. Fortunately I am a fan of both. But the dish itself was a bit strong tasting, so we were glad we were sharing both. The thai iced tea $2.95 was tasty, and although they could not lessen the sugar since it was already pre-mixed, they were able to adjust the ice and dairy upon request. Credit cards accepted. It got busy as the dinner rush arrived.
(4)Katharine N.
My favorite Thai restaurant in the Boston area! I adore their massaman curry - just the right blend of spices.
(4)Fred M.
Started with an appetizer of Brown Sugar Spareribs. Surprisingly delicious with a brown sugar finish. Onto a traditional Pad Thai. Slightly sweet with fresh bean sprouts on rice noodles. Mildly addictive. Slice Chicken mixed vegetables in a mild ginger sauce with pine nuts. Delicious, the peppers and onions were cooked perfect with the jumbo shrimp on top. We added a small white steamed rice. The atmosphere is very inviting. The waiting staff was especially on top of everything. Could've given this a 3 1/2.
(3)Jeremy K.
Brown Sugar Cafe, and its sister restaurant in Cambridge, The Similans, are both excellent Thai restaurants and arguably the best ones in the Boston area. From their succulent curries to their pad thais, and their Tom Kha soup, or even their fried pineapple rice, it's all very delicious and affordable. I'm particularly fond of the latter of the dishes I mentioned, but they also have dozens more, including some very traditional ones. Best of all, most are around $13 and few exceed $20. They also have a beer and wine license but their non-alcoholic drinks like their Thai iced tea is quite tasty as well. Amongst my favorite dishes there are their chicken satay ($7.95) and Tom Khar Gai soup ($3.95). Their pad thai is fantastic as it just about everything else I've had there. I frequently get their pineapple fried rice ($11.95) or their Massaman Nua Moh-din ($13.95) which is a Massaman curry served in a clay pot. But honestly, I've never had a bad dish there so I'm confident that the rest of their menu is great as well. The place is clean, spacious and service very friendly. They also have a beautiful aquarium that people can peer into while they wait for their food. All in all, this place is fantastic but keep in mind that it does get packed as it's located right at the edge of the BU campus, near Agganis Arena and the Paradise Rock club. There's a good amount of street parking in the area, but you can also take the green line there (line B).
(5)Dona D.
OMG, I know this seems like a small thing and not worth such a rave review, but none the less. I have always loved the thai food from this location, as well as at their sister location "Thaitation" near Fenway. Yesterday, I had their wonton soup for the first time. I think it is the best soup I have ever had of any kind. Seems weird, I know, but I was absolutely blown away! I'm thinking of going back today and just having several bowls of Wonton soup in rapid succession... but that would be weird. That would be weird right? Probably. Maybe I'll just get like 5 soups to go...
(5)Shana S.
My favorite Thai spot. Ambiance is mellow and cozy. Fast service. My favorite dishes are pineapple fried rice, shrimp drunken noodle and Siamese twins..
(4)Larissa W.
I have never heard of this place until my friend mentioned it to me. I was a big fan of the name so I wanted to see if the food was worth the game! It was amazing! The dishes are huge and the prices are good! Typical prices as expected but was just very impressed with the size of the dish. Customer service was good and they came just the right amount of times to check on everything. I would suggest this place to anyone and the Thai food is AMAZING! There is not another place I could suggest where you can have it all!
(4)Mazyar M.
The drunken noodle is amazing , the price really good and the service is excellent , really recommend Also don't miss the beer
(5)praveen v.
One of the best Thai places i have been to and i have been to some incredible thai places across the country. I have been coming here for ages, and there is a reason why. The food is amazing and it is very affordable. The pad thai is incredible as well as the chicken with cashew nuts. Really, i think anything on this menu is going to be 5 stars. I have never been let down by the quality of the food or service.
(5)Emily A.
Went here the other night around sunset and got to sit by the window. Had one of the best seats in the house. Docking it a star for the service and for how uncomfortably close the tables are to each other. Felt like I was also on a date with these guys from okc. Also we tried ask our waitress why it was called brien sugar and she didn't really answer us... Anywho, got the pad thai and the mansaman curry which were both absolutely delectable. So sweet. So savory. Definitely going to make my parents take me here next time they visit...
(4)Bob S.
The Spousal Unit and I were picking up a rental car at the Enterprise place across the street and needed to eat lunch before blasting out of town. This was their recommended spot so we got right over there. I was thrilled to see Yen Ta Fo (Four) on the menu so there was no doubt what I was ordering. S.U had the Phad Thai. Her's was nice, needed more green onion. My yen ta fo was great. This version had a wee bit of tomato, an addition I've seen before, but not too much. great spice, good amount of seafood and spinach. My favorite dish well done. Boom!
(4)Olivia J.
I dont know much about authentic thai food but I can guess (could be a wrong guess), based on their ubiquity in America, that pad thai, curry, pad see ewe (sp?), and my other go-to dishes are not so authentic. This place though, has a lot more interesting things on their menu, not just the aforementioned items. Some items are named in Thai without English translation but with English description of ingredients. I've tried two of these unfamiliar dishes - can't remember their names, since I don't know Thai. But one was with chicken, pineapple chunks, and cashew nuts and another with chicken, mushroom, bamboo shoots over rice. I really liked both - they were flavorful, not at all oily or fatty, and comforting. I will probably go back to try more of their traditional Thai dishes. If youre looking to eat "normal" Thai food - I suggest Rod Dee instead. Also, Symphony Church meets just a block away; on Sundays at 10:30am at Paradise Rock Club!
(5)Nicole P.
This place was great! The service was really friendly and attentive. I had the duck curry which was delicious. I was in a party of four and everyone ordered something different and raved about the food. I love regional ethnic food. They had a special - soft shell crab pad thai that a friend ordered and declared fantastic. I definitely recommend this place.
(4)Vinay F.
Ok, so i've been scouting for this spicy burmese beef dish for a long time in Boston. Strangely enough i found it here! Well not exactly - the dish used chicken mince. The kra-pow, tofu panang curry and the tom yum soup are probably my favorites (although i go here just for the krapow)
(4)Ayelet R.
I like to think of myself as someone, who at the very least, knows the Thai food scene in Boston, if not quite well. But truth be told, Brown Sugar Cafe made me feel as if I have never tried Thai food before. The place itself is pretty unremarkable from the outside, but a whole other story on the inside - a large dining room full of butterflies and sculptures and tapestries. The atmosphere is definitely very cool and romantic if that's what you're interested in. We were a bit worried about the wait since it was Saturday night and apparently they only take reservations for larger parties but luckily, despite all the people waiting when we came in, a table for four had just cleared up when we walked in and we didn't have to wait after all. Definitely lucky as it seemed at the time that there were no other empty tables in sight. The nice thing about the menu is that you can either play it safe or take a risk - the first half has all the Thai-American standards I was familiar with, while the second boasts both dishes unique to Brown Sugar (such as "Pad Macaroni," a Thai-Italian fusion of sorts) and authentic Thai dishes, with the titles written in Thai. There's a lot to choose from, but admittedly, once I found out they serve Pad Thai inside an omelet, I was sold. We took Golden Triangles for the table and they were delicious. Crispy and just a little bit spicy. Then my Pad Thai came and even before taking a bite into it, I was feeling gleeful. I mean, as someone whose favorite part of Pad Thai is the eggy bits, I was pretty excited about one giant eggy bit on top of it. And though I may have still been playing it a bit safe by taking a Pad Thai dish, this was definitely some of the best Pad Thai I've tried. And packed with so many veggies! Lately I've gotten used to Pad Thais with a few scallions and some bean sprouts, if you're lucky and this was definitely not the case here. I especially loved the mushrooms - I think they may have just been shitake but they were cooked so well. Mm mm mm. I also split the Incredible Fried Rice, which they were kind enough to make vegetarian. It was flavorful, full of a whole other assortment of veggies (packed with really fresh Thai basil), and yes, also pretty eggy. I tried a bit of the Green Curry as well which had a vegetable which looked like a thin pepper but tasted kind of gingery and I am still trying to figure out what it was. Yes, it's a bit on the pricey side, but really, just a few dollars per entree more expensive than most Thai places and you totally get what you pay for. I'm not sure what took me so long, but I think I finally found the best Thai food Boston has to offer.
(5)Kayla S.
This place was amazing. It was so good. I got the jade noodle dish (i forget the actual name but its spinach noodle dish with shrimp and mushrooms) and it was amazing. The staff was super friendly and quick. They came back many times. My bf got the vegetable pad Thai with addition of tofu. That probably was out only complaint. Paying $2 more for tofu but it only came with like 3 pieces. But overall. Everything was. amazing!! Yum yum. Happy eats!
(5)Chelsea M.
On a snowy night, warm curry is always a good decision. Came here with the boyfriend for date night. Brown Sugar is great for a romantic night out- they even have an xmas tree and a giant snowglobe! We noshed on: Brown Sugar Fresh Rolls: shrimp, shredded carrots, cucumbers, fresh lettuce and sweet basil leaves. On the side was an unbelievable house special turnip sauce, topped with crushed peanuts. I was impressed by the presentation, complete with a flower carved from a carrot! Each ingredient was impossibly fresh and crisp. Biting into the fresh rolls, you got a great combination of meaty shrimp, crunchy carrots, and sweet basil. The turnip sauce with peanuts was sweet and delicious. Masaman Curry: tofu, coconut milk, potatoes, butternut squash, roasted peanuts, onions, carrots, green peppers and red peppers, and of course brown sugar. The Masaman Curry was much more sweet than spicy, which made it absolutely delicious. It had the perfect balance of protein-filled tofu, peppers with a kick, and potatoes. Panang Curry: chicken, coconut milk, peppers, snow peas, green peas, green beans, bamboo strips and sweet basil leaves, which was topped with roasted peanut and chopped kaffir lime leaves. It was a bit too hot for me, but is a great dish for the spice-lover. Overall, our experience at Brown Sugar Cafe was delightful. The service was spectacular- our water and tea were always filled and we never had to flag down a waiter. The cuisine was scrumptious and made with fresh ingredients. To top it all off, the decor was top-notch - from folded cloth napkins to giant aquariums, Christmas trees, and chandeliers. I absolutely recommend Brown Sugar to anyone looking to get their Thai cuisine fix in Boston.
(5)Jingyao Z.
You will be attracted by the beautiful flowers outside. People are friend. Honestly it's not so desirable for the price. But it's just around school.
(3)Ankita R.
I love this restaurant. I have been here a couple of times. I love their grapow chicken and thai iced coffee.The service is great too.
(5)Galahad L.
Nice atmosphere, modern contemporary music playing in the background. Waitress was efficient and smiled often. Pad thai tasted a bit sweet and the sliced chicken breast meat was relatively tender. Problem was the shrimp: it all had that "earthy" taste like it was almost bad. A bit expensive but what can one expect on Comm Ave.
(3)Chenkai L.
The thai food here is quite delicious, its never crowded so you can always get a seat. What I love the most about this place is the atmosphere, its pretty quiet and intimate but not too expensive so a good place to go for a first date.
(4)Erica B.
Brown sugar Café is a total staple in Boston. As long as I've been here so has brown sugar. The mango fried rice has been a favorite of mine through the past several years. Both delivery and in house are sure to be so good Being right on comm ave gives it a super convenient location too. (On the b-line)
(5)Brie P.
I go here with my husband and brother in law all the time. I not one to like super hot foods, and this place has great tasting food for all spice levels. The ginger tea is a great drink to warm up on a cold New England evening. All of the appetizers that we have tried have all been delicious and a great starter to a meal. I usually get the yellow curry for my meal. It has pineapple, chicken and a sweetened curry sauce. Also, leave room for some fried ice cream. They have a thinner batter around the than most places. The honey and sesame seeds also add a bit of texture and sweetness, a must have. The restaurant has a lovely and calm atmosphere. It's a decent size location, don't let the small window outside fool you. A great place to grab some great food with friends or have a nice date with someone.
(5)Cher K.
I had been really sick and was just getting my appetite back, so I ordered some veggie rice and scallion pancakes for delivery. They told me it would be 45 minutes, but it was only 25 minutes. The deliver person was very nice and gracious. He carried the food up 4 flights. The food itself was delicious, light and wholesome; just what my body needed.
(4)Ken I.
There are a bunch of Thai restaurants in greater Boston area, and this is the best Thai restaurant among those in my opinion. They serve very delicious and flesh dishes very consistently. Before joining Yelp, I visited this restaurant numerous times. Not even a single occasion I was disappointed. Every time I was asked which Thai restaurant I would recommend, this place has been always my answer. My personal favorite dish is their green curry. Not too too spicy. It is just right amount of spiciness to it, and it is very very delicious!
(5)B.M S.
Good solid Thai restaurant. Nice atmosphere, not fancy but still decent to go out to diner even if you are the lone non-frat bro living in Allston. Not what I would call incredibly fresh or authentic, more like nice comfort food. Super sweet staff. Generous portions.
(4)Mizzez W.
This is one time the positive yelpers have let me down. I love Thai food, saw the rave reviews on this place and figured I'd check it out. Appetizers: stuffed wings and golden bags. This dish never fails at most places like Spice and Rice. Here the flavor profile was not appealing at all. My daughter and I picked one little piece each off of the wings and asked the waitress to exchange for scallion pancakes instead. She said ok, but your still going to pay for it?!?! I was not in the mood to make a scene but how dare she!!! We barely touched it and in my 40 years of dining out, I never had to pay for something I didn't eat. That blew it for me. Golden bags were more like dirty diapers. Absolutely disgusting. Why did the Drunken noodles have 2 different types of noodles in it?!?! Never ever have I seen this before. My daughters seafood pad tai had fried crab in it that wasn't cleaned out, the crab had gunk In it and a foul taste. The only thing they did right was the Fried Ice Cream! The ice cream taste rich and full of flavor. We had green tea and coconut that would rival any gourmet shop. That's it though. Go for dessert and get your Thai Food elsewhere!
(1)Jennifer Y.
I would have gave this 4 or 5 stars if this didn't happen. We were celebrating dads birthday and we we made reservations got seated right away but didn't want to order until sis came who was late. No problem.. My daughter who is 10 became restless and hungry. She doesnt eat anything on menu so my dad went out his way to find a place that will have something for her to eat. He does come back with a Canes kiddie meal when all she eats is fries but so the wait staff says no you cannot bring food from the outside in we cannot serve you. I said ok but she's a picky eater she's hungry this is all she eats. My dad who is 64 begins to say that she has to eat something and the waiter than says hold on or wait a minute and walks off. He is taking forever to come back so O took it upon myself to explain and talk to manager myself to try to resolve this. As I walk up to front all wait staff were there nobody was on floor as before everyone of them were walking up and down aisles to see or assist every table there. He was conversing with the manager and as he was done I explained that my daughter is a picky eater and she doesn't eat just anything. I will put the fries on the plate which is all she eats and the rest and carton tray will be put away. She still says yes but the policy says no outside food brought in we tell all our customers that and that would be unfair to other people if they see this. I asked can you make one exception I will emty container, put fries on plate because shes hungry now and put everything else away. They the customers won't see it. Can you make just this one exception. It won't happen again. She says yes this one time. I go to the the table explain the situation to the family and that mgr sd yes. Then sis says they wouldn't let me bring cake in either but they offered to hold it to keep chilled until we left. I said oh wow it's becsuse they want people to buy their food I understand concept. Yes and I do understand that its just can be rude to any establishment to bring other company food to an establishment i get it it could say oh there food is not good enough that they have to buy outside. I get it but the cake come on !!! I've been to restaurants and they're ok with a cake and will even surprise and sing happy birthday. So anyhow after that prior situation was settled we were already to order. So were waiting to get order put in for about 15 min now and we notice our previous no longer wants to help us, acknowledge us, and helps everybody around or next to us but us. Then finally another woman comes to take our order. She takes our order and food comes out and is excellent and she comes to check on us and everything is good from there. I've been to there establishment in fenway before so I know food is never a disappointment. So other than previous delemna end result was good. But does this mean if we packed her food from home and we brought it would it be same issue hmmmmmn.....
(3)K. Brooke Z.
My one main complaint is that the menu is too big. It's hard to narrow it down with similar flavors on each page. I had the lemon chicken with a fun side sauce you top it off with. The crispy chicken as part of the dish was a bit overcooked, but the overall flavor was good. The waitress was very kind and they were very timely with all the dishes. I'd like to see specials over a crowded menu personally, but all the dishes at my table seemed fine. I'd go again, but not make it my regular stomping ground.
(3)Ambrose C.
A Little Thai Sophistication Is it really possible to get some tasty Thai food in a place that has a sophisticated look on the inside? I think so. The reason why I mentioned that this place a sophisticated look on the inside is because the ceilings are high in this place, there's a large chandelier under the ceiling, the tables look like they are made from a very smooth stone, the bathroom is fairly clean, the carpet is not bad, and there's actually some artwork. During my first year as a University student, this was the place that a lot of the people in my dormitory went for evening dinner appointments on the weekends, since the prices at this place are fairly moderate but never too expensive. Eventually, I would have a dinner appointment here with a friend. I had the Tom Yum Soup and the Pad Thai noodles. The Pad Thai was not bad, but I thought the portions were not so generous. The Tom Yum Soup had a nice spice, and it's not a bad choice for a light appetizer. I recently came back here again and actually had one of the most expensive dishes here, the Brown Sugar Duck. At almost $20, the portions are excellent, and the duck has a nice flavor and a nice crispiness. Mixing the duck and the vegetables with some rice, and it's definitely a delicious dish. I think it is probably one of the best dishes this place has to offer and with two bowls of rice, it should be enough for a light dinner for two people. As for other dishes, I also came here to get the Beef Pad See Ew dish, and it's not bad. The noodle portions were moderate, vegetables were freshly cooked, and the noodles and beef were good. Overall, this is a pretty good choice for Thai food in a sophisticated environment in Boston, but I would not recommend coming here if you just want Pad Thai. Instead, come here for the big and special dishes, and I think you should definitely come here with a group of people, ranging from four to eight people to make your dining experience enjoyable. It may not be the best place to have a dinner appointment with someone, but it is not a bad choice if you are just looking for a moderately Thai priced restaurant in the area.
(4)Diana T.
I love the drunken noodles from here. I order drunken noodles at every Thai restaurant I go to and I have yet to find a place that makes them better than Brown Sugar. They have a HUGE menu so take your time to look through it. Everything I've tried here has been delicious. Definitely get a Thai Ice tea with your meal too, its so good!
(5)Arti P.
My most Favorite Spot in Boston for Thai food! Love this place. Specially as I have a Spicy tooth that runs in my species LOL, I love their Basil Fried Rice w/ ham !! Awesome place
(5)Tanner B.
I love curry. Try the massaman curry and you won't be disappointed by it's delicious sweetness and not to mention the restaurants lovely and romantic first date atmosphere. Enjoy love birds! *wink*
(5)J K.
Sorry, but the food is super sweet: veggie pad tai and masaman curry. The curry was a little better than the pad tai. Ambiance is nice and welcoming but you might need to wait for attention from the waiters. They did returned our money on the pad tai after we were asked twice if everything is all right.
(2)Kiki P.
Brown Sugar Cafe is a nice Thai restaurant with an authentic touch. I wouldn't say it is super authentic but the food is the most authentic you can get for a fancy Thai restaurant in the Boston area. The last couple of pages of the menu are authentic thai dishes even written in the Thai language! I have tried the Papaya Salad. For those of you who are unfamiliar with this dish, it is a populat Thai spicy salad. It contain fresh shrimps tossed in lime juice and small Thai chili with papaya strips, minced dry shrimp, tomatoes and peanuts. I thought Brown Sugar's take on this dish was okay. Certainly not as authentic as the papaya salad you get in Thailand. For dinner I tried the drunken noodles which were pretty delicious. I also tried the Pad Bai Gaprow which contains minced meat stir-fried with Basil leaves. This dish is very flavorful and spicy. I have been to Thailand before so I have pretty high standards for Thai food and this place is probably one of the better restys in the Boston area. I plan on returning to Brown Sugar Cafe the next time I get another Thai craving.
(4)Nidhi M.
2 Pad Thais (1 veg, 1 non veg) Thai iced tea Homemade lemon soda FRIED ICE CREAM so amazingly sweet $37
(3)Navid R.
Beware Brown Sugar has cockroaches in their soup! So I went to eat at Brown Sugar today, they are usually really good with the food and service but today was just horrible service, on top of that there was mini cockroaches in the Tom Yum soup! Absolutely disgusting, showed the waiter and cancelled all our food, the manager came over and gave us a $30 gift card. So pathetic, I should have taken a picture and send it to health inspection.
(1)Emily S.
This is our go-to place for take out on busy nights. Amazing, delicious food that only takes 10-15 minutes to be ready, and we can usually get 2 meals out of each dish so we have leftovers! We also really appreciate that they can make dishes gluten-free. Our favorite gluten-free dish is the country style pad thai (made with fish sauce). The Pad See Ew is also great (though it can't be made gluten-free)!
(5)æ‚
Really good food.
(4)Pam K.
Love this place. I'm Thai myself . Various kind of Thai food. Place can be crowded and small table but food is great. I love Yen ta fo is my favorite dish. Street parking can be the pain but worth try it
(5)Olivia R.
Brown sugar cafe has some of the best pad thai I've found in boston. They have three different versions to accommodate for meat lovers, vegetarians, and country style lovin. I used to order their spring rolls all the time however the sauce has become on the spicier side. I wouldnt recommend the golden triangles spring rolls, they lack flavor and are not very good.
(4)jerry m.
Fast service. Friendly wait staff. Clean restaurant. Creative menu. Great dinner! I will definitely return.
(5)Wasim Q.
For some reason, Boston has the most amazing Thai food, with a ton of great options, and Brown Sugar takes the crown in an area of stiff competition. The menu is huge and has a lot of stuff I haven't seen before at Thai restaurants (e.g. the Siamese Twins is a sweet and sour chicken/shrimp dish served in a pineapple shell that will make you star of the table). And it has all the classics too (the Masaman is really well done). My advice is to jump to the back of the menu where it says something like "Thai Style Dishes" and has a lot of stuff written in Thai. I think this is basically like super authentic homestyle Thai food that only people who can read Thai like to get. That's how you know it's going to be good. Definitely don't miss the Longan juice. I have no idea what this is, but it is crazy good. Sort of like a mix between prune juice and tamarind and flat Coke. Wait, that sounds disgusting...but trust me you'll like it. Try to come on your or a friend's birthday or if you lack morals, just tell them it is your birthday. They do a fun little show where they sing in Thai and turn the lights off and disco ball on and use a flashlight as a makeshift strobe. They have a sister restaurant up in Cambridge-- The Similans--but Brown Sugar is way better. Easily worth the extra 20 minute drive, even though I'm walkable to the Similans. P.S. Apparently Longan juice is just lychee juice, but the way they do it here tastes nothing like lychees. It's much better.
(5)Rajveer K.
Brown Sugar cafe is Tidy, nice and pretty reasonable. Food is delicious and really nice flavor. loved their special mango Curry. I like the atmosphere but i think tables are very close and makes it little uncomfortable. Service is a little slow. Must Try.
(4)Elizabeth K.
Yum. Okay. If you want to try some authentic Thai food, come here!! Go straight for the last few pages of the menu where you can't even understand the titles of the food (unless of course, you know the language) and ask one of the many servers waiting on you for help. At first, one of the servers recommended the drunken noodle or pad thai, but you can get that Americanized stuff anywhere. So when I found a description in the back of the menu and later asked her about it, her eyes widened with joy, and she mentioned how it is just like how you would have it in Thailand. So obviously I was sold on her reaction and ordered this spicy seafood noodle soup. Man oh man, it was AWESOME. I don't think I've ever had authentic Thai food, and it certainly was very new to me. There were a few ingredients I had no idea what it could be, but I just asked our servers, and they were happy to let me know. The best part of my experience was when the lights suddenly turned off and colorful disco lights were shining around; then a super uppity, almost techno birthday song was blaring. How cool is that? The best birthday song/special I have ever seen a restaurant do! Despite its lack of $$$ fine dining, proper restaurant ambiance, the authenticity of the food and chill/helpful servers and the rad birthday extravaganza, I'd love to come back here the next time I'm in Boston.
(4)Evert R.
My wife Maggi and I have been visiting Brown Sugar Cafe for 20 years. It is our favorite restaurant and the food is always terrific, but just as important the people are just wonderful and welcoming and helpful. We love coming here and highly recommend this restaurant.
(5)Alex K.
I've been here many times, but never really reviewed it. I came here for a birthday dinner, but I didn't get the whole disco ball with the singing and whatnot since the dinner actually wasn't ON my birthday. This review is more about the food/ambiance. A lot of people say that this place is overpriced and overrated, however its very hard to find a Thai restaurant with the casual upscale vibe that Brown Sugar Cafe has along with food that is pretty good. I ordered the Seafood Volcano and my girlfriend got the Birds of Paradise and needless to say, the food was good. It was really embarrassing because we were seated in the corner next to the window and people were staring as this aluminum volcano ON FIRE was makings its way to our table. If you're looking to eat just quick Thai food like most of the noodle dishes and stuff, it may be worth more of your money to go elsewhere, but the other items on the menu taste really good. Just remember you're paying for not only the food, but the ambiance and feel of the restaurant too. Good for groups of max 6-7 and for couples or even just for dinner alone! Love ya Brown Sugar :)
(4)Cherry B.
I am Thai, I've tried Pad Thai and Chicken basil here, everything so sweet?It may because a lot of customer cannot take spicy and love sweet taste. If you dont like something too sweet you have to tell them in advance. Staff were friendly.
(3)Theresa P.
Pineapple fried rice was amazing and the serving size was huge. Placed an order there for take out and it was ready within 10 minutes. Also ordered the mango fried rice but it was lacking all the flavors of the pineapple fried rice.
(4)Jennifer L.
The portion is good!! One plate can spilt into two meals for girls even though I finished it. The atmosphere is pretty good too.
(4)Chris L.
Solid place for Thai food. Probably among the best for Boston (arguably with NudPub and King and I on Beacon Hill and Sweet Lemon in Weymouth). There are three restaurants by the same owners/group/, the Brown Sugar on Comm Ave (BU West) and then the Symphony/Fenway location, which is harder to get to via public transportation and a little more hidden, and then "The Similans" in East Cambridge. Probabably been to: Comm Ave 6 times, Symphony 4 times, Similans 8 times. Liked the food and service. Desserts were tasty too (sticky rice pudding, sticky rice sticks, mango split). Decor was nice -- Thais statues, aquariums/fish tanks, maps of Thailand. I've had a variety of their dishes ranging from spicy to mild, all very tasty. There are warnings for the more spicy dishes (Old Lady Spicy, Drunken Chicken Laab, Fisherman's Madness, Gaprow Chicken or Beef), but these aren't killer. Nice slow burn ramp up. Very good portion sizes and value as well as aesthetics and quality. Seats: 50-75 comfortably, good for parties, good for dates Bring your appetite!
(4)Eunice E.
Hands down, my favourite Thai restaurant. It's always a treat to come here, and I try to take any and all out-of-town guests to this place while they're here, so I always find myself with more than a few occasions to treat myself.... but, hey, I'm not complaining. The last time I was here, I was with a big group of colleagues, and we ordered several appetizers, family-style, including the brown sugar spareribs (drooling as I type the words...), fried vegetable dumplings (not on the menu, but you can ask them for it), crispy spring rolls, and scallion pancakes. All were awesome, but I have to say, the spareribs are a MUST-GET. I always order these, and am never disappointed. Fall-off-the-bone tender and sweet, these are the ultimate appetizer. I tend to almost always order the same thing when I come here, namely the country-style pad thai (extra spicy), but I've also ordered the Drunken Noodles, as well as the curries before, and they're all so delicious, I can't decide which one dish is my favourite. But there's something for everyone, from herbivores to meat lovers, from those in the mood for sweet and those for savoury. Speaking of savoury... I had a few bites of the pork kow rad gaprow kai dao (minced pork with Thai spices over rice, sometimes ordered with an egg on top), and that was beyond words good. Spicy and succulent... I think I'll have to order this for myself the next time I come here. One of my other constants, in addition to the brown sugar spareribs, is the Thai iced tea. I love it here. I've also had their Thai iced coffee, and that's nice as well. They do it all so well at Brown Sugar... including the service! They're always on top of refills, orders, and clearing things away. It's oftentimes very busy in the restaurant, but the wait staff are always smiling and efficient. Highly recommended to anyone who loves sweet / spicy / all of the above.
(5)Andrew L.
Came to Boston from SF excited to eat every type of food except Asian. Somehow ended up at Brown Sugar and it was as good or better than most Thai places in the bay area. Portions were bigger also. Started with the golden bags from the appetizer section and papaya salad + sticky rice from the "authentic thai" portion of the menu (in the back). Both were on par for what you would expect at a good thai place. Had the country pad thai and chicken larb for entree. The larb was really good and served with authentic sticky rice, which a lot of places in the bay area don't do. Pad thai was solid for what you would expect- I couldn't really tell the difference between country pad thai and normal pad thai though. I would come back and try more things off the menu next time Im in town.
(4)Irene J.
The thai food was okay. It had a lot of flavor..but way too overpriced.. I honestly do not get what the hype is all about... ehhh...i'll only come back here if the people I am around really want to go here, but I would never choose to come here on my own will. Try Nub-Pub...cheaper and tastier.
(3)Deven M.
What a great restaurant! My fiance had been hyping this up for a very long time and we finally made it! Food came out incredibly fast, tasted great, and the service was awesome! We ordered chicken basil, tofu pad thai, and tofu basil fried rice. I ordered very spicy and it actually came spicy which is rare! Prices are a bit high but it doesn't detract since the portion sizes reasonably. Definitely enjoyed and we hope to be back soon!
(5)Kartik P.
Went there for dinner and am more than pleased to write a review for this restaurant. Its a nice place, lots of place to sit and doesnt feel crowded at all. Very good portion sizes and fairly prized. Dinner for two costs around $32 with appetizer, an entree costs around $10-13. Quick service, tasty food and cozy place. 5 STAR.
(5)Winnie C.
Came here a couple of times. Food is delicious, portions are decent, and atmosphere is admirable for a inexpensive Asian place. The birthday surprise they have is just awesome. The restaurant tends to put the tables real close together, I'd suggest asking for the booths in the back. Everything I've ever tried were delicious, especially the baby back ribs. Warning: service is a little anemic during the dinner rush, but the staff se friendly enough.
(5)Sebastian N.
Pad Thai. Pad Thai. Pad Thai. Pad Thai. Pad Thai. Pad Thai. Pad Thai. Pad Thai. Pad Thai. Pad Thai. Pad Thai. Pad Thai. Pad Thai. Pad Thai. Pad Thai. Pad Thai. Pad Thai. Pad Thai. Pad Thai. Pad Thai. Pad Thai. Pad Thai. Pad Thai. Pad Thai. Pad Thai. Pad Thai. Pad Thai. Pad Thai. Pad Thai. Pad Thai.
(5)Marc B.
Have been coming here for several years, and have never, ever had anything less than a very good experience, each and every time. Brown Sugar scores high on all scores. The decor is above average, if hardly unique. Stylish chandelier, mounted tropical butterflies, salt-water aquariums and marbled tables. Service is generally a strong point, with attentive and helpful staff and management. Much less impersonal than most Thai restaurants. Food is excellent in every respect. The menu offers all the usual suspects, plus a handful of less-often seen country Thai dishes, like Pork Belly sauteed with Chinese Broccoli. Ingredients are fresh, vegetables plentiful and crisp, sauces not overly sweetened and protein portions generous. Everyday dishes like red curry and Pad Thai offer a little more complexity than the norm. If you choose just one appetizer, go for the exquisite Chive Dumplings. There's abundant on-street parking, and a tiny but pleasant sidewalk patio during warm weather months. And Brown Sugar really goes all out for birthday celebrations; just cue them in and stand back. Ignore any previous posts regarding upscale pricing. Tariffs are extremely reasonable for this quality.
(4)Jeffrey A.
Hanging with friends. Pad Thai was a solid "good". Green curry was delicious. Pad Seiiew was good portion and good flavor but not great. And veggie tempura, was good but nothing special.
(4)Colleen W.
A bit overrated, I must say... especially for the high prices! I'd been dying to try Brown Sugar Cafe since my first day in Boston because of all the high yelp ratings. I ordered the drunken noodle extra spicy and one of my friends ordered some type of fried rice. My dish was nothing special. Lots of vegetables and fresh jalepenos, but nothing extraordinary in terms of flavor. My friend complained that her dish was bland. On the other hand, the service is fantastic. If you're afraid of creepy crawlies, seat yourself facing away from the wall of dead butterflies. Stare at the fish...
(3)Mark T.
Delivery driver pounded on the doorbell of my property so hard that it broke - still awaiting a response from the owner. Buyer beware!
(1)Vera S.
I lived in Thailand for a year, and have been looking for a restaurant that serves the authentic dishes that I came to love in Thailand. I finally found it in Brown Sugar... They finally prepared their curry the right way. Americans are accustomed to having a curry be like a thick sauce or gravy. In Thailand, curries are soups. They come in bowls, and the rice is a side. I have been searching for a soup like curry sauce since returning to the states, and I found it! This green curry was awesome. It had all of the proper ingredients in it, and tasted like a true, authentic green curry, which was something I ate daily in Thailand. The pad Thai was made properly too, and tasted just like it did back in Bangkok. This place was awesome, and has a truly authentic menu. The spiciness has been brought down a few notches, since most of us Americans can't eat as spicy as the Thais do. Just ask for your food to be "extra Spicy" and you'll get what you want. There are parts of their menu that are americanized and not entirely authentic (crab rangoons, scallion pancakes, egg drop soup, salads, etc...), but this restaurant is really excellent.
(5)Sam H.
Probably the best Thai food I've had in the Boston area. Amazing curries...
(4)Andra Z.
Brown Sugar melds two of my favorite things: pad thai and pretty ambiance. Now, I'm not really a fan of all thai food. Either I don't know how to order it, or I'm stuck on my good ole Pad Thai. Regardless, Brown Sugar is nom. Strike that. Double nom. The food is great and it has this wonderful elegance to it that you see little of in cheaper restaurants. It's not high class by any standards, but I like it for a nice date night with my boyfriend. Best part about this place though is the birthday celebration. The music they play is amazing and it's just all around fun. I highly recommend for a birthday outing.
(4)Karen C.
Brown Sugar is by far one of my favorite restaurants - fast service, amazing fresh food, and nice atmosphere. There is a large menu for everything. Dishes run around $17 and portions are large enough to feed two. The Comm. Ave one is usually packed with BU people but still worth it. A must try is their fried ice cream dessert. ***Note: The Jersey St. location closed down after this post.
(5)Aaron C.
Good location and great tasting Thai food. The only reason that I took a star away from this is because the prices are a little high for the real value of the food. But other than that the food is terrific. The first time I came here I was a little suspicious of the authenticity because it's tailored to other nationalities, mainly caucasian. But its funny in a way because they try so hard. I can never get enough of their curry, pad seu, pad thai, and their thai iced coffee. I would recommend any of these dishes for anyone cause it's the best thai food that you'd find in Boston hands down. There's usually a small wait on weekends but that's a no biggie. Go here for authentic Thai food in Boston!
(4)Luke L.
This is the best thai restaurant in Boston. Because I am a Thai food fan, I have tried many thai restaurants in Boston area and found this is the best. I ordered BBQ spareribs, Country style phad thai, and a bowl of rice. Everything tasted great. When I got a to-go box, I could get a free new rice, too. Employees' service was also good. If someone is his birthday, they play a birthday song although it's too loud. Toilet was clean.
(5)Yuko I.
Moving from L.A. I never understood the standard of Thai in Boston, always too sweet, not enough spice.
(3)Austin T.
People say this is the best Thai food around Boston University... ... what people don't say is that it might be the ONLY Thai food around BU West. [is it? I'm just guessing..] The atmosphere was very confusing: lighting, [chandelier + hipster dual fan lights + old school fake glass lamps?!], decor [giant pieces of Thai bas relief, it's fine], and music [techno lounge bounce?!] And what's with the menu? It's a thin novel, with four non-consecutive pages for appetizers!? I got pretty tired of reading... The food came out extremely quickly, but maybe they could have taken a couple more minutes to cook the vegetables. The HUGE cuts of vegetables and bordering-on-uncooked potato chunks did not flatter my dish. Also, the curry base was too sweet, although that's not surprising. And for the price... I'd rather have gone somewhere more satisfying. Maybe I ordered terribly, and I will give Brown Sugar a redeeming chance, but ... it left me with a strong 'meh' impression tonight based on food alone.
(2)Cyn C.
What might this eleventybillionth review of Brown Sugar add, you ask? I'm not going to rave about the food overmuch (b/c you know by now that it's terrific Thai food), but I'll rave about the service. I've never eaten in, as I've always ordered. Not only does the food come lickety split, but they'll even do special orders. Example: I was in charge of ordering a large quantity of food for a group lunch, and I knew that we were out of the delivery zone. But I called anyway, hoping that they'd be flexible since it was a large order. SURE, they said! I spoke with Rooney (sp?), and not only did she assure me that they'd do the delivery for me, she even helped me order the crowd pleasing dishes. ON TOP OF THAT, she made sure I was being economical about how I ordered the food ("why don't you order the large orders of the same dish, and then you'll get more food?"). When they delivered the food, it was in HUGE containers, included silver (er, plastic) ware, plates, napkins, and SERVING UTENSILS. So. Let me sum up. Food: five stars Value: five stars Service: five + stars
(5)Amy L.
It's okay.. I've tried couple other dishes here before and I personally like their volcano seafood platter and their fried ice cream for dessert. I've had better thai food around the boston but I really think their fried ice cream is best so far! lots of place using a thick dough to wrap the ice cream but brown sugar's ice cream is made out of very thin and light dough covered with honey or maple syrup. When I come here for dinner I always order two fried ice cream:) that good! but the other dishes weren't memorable...
(3)Keiko Z.
It's been a few months since I've eaten there, but for the 4 months I lived at the Packard's Corner mishmash of Boston, Brighton, and Allston, Brown Sugar was my go-to Thai place. What kept me coming back: - The food. Really well done. My husband is a devotee of the crispy pad thai, and my dish of choice was the caramelized salmon noodle. - Thai Iced Coffees and Thai Iced Teas. Dessert in and of itself, and wonderfully refreshing on those hot summer nights. And potent. They'll keep you going on a caffeine high for hours. - Disco-ball Asian accented versions of "Happy Birthday" played over the sound system. Need I say more? - The service. The line cooks would make Gordon Ramsey proud with how fast (and well-prepared) they get your order to the table. I never felt like I was waiting around for an appetizer or an entree. Why I'd opt out in favor or somewhere else: - The prices. Honestly, for what you get, you could knock a couple of dollars off of each entree. - The menu. Their food is great, but the menu is nothing short of a small dissertation on Thai cuisine. If you know what you want, that's good. But for the first time there, or if you're simply craving "Thai" and can't pin it down from there, the menu is downright overwhelming. - The wait. Brown Sugar is pretty darn popular, and so if you don't time it right, you'll wait for upwards of 2 hours. - The "intimate" atmosphere (read: cramped). While it's definitely a fun place for groups, you are packed like sardines. And for couples, it feels like every table is a double date with how closely the tables are placed next to each other. Even the wait staff seems to suck it in just to squeeze past everyone. While I still crave a good Thai Iced Coffee from Brown Sugar every once in a while, I haven't been back there in quite some time. That area of the city can be frustrating to navigate by car, and feels out of the way by T. And honestly, for what you pay, I don't know if their food is THAT good to warrant the price. But if you're in the Allston/Brighton area (as a friend of mine has said that every Bostonian has lived there for at least 3 months out of necessity), it's not a bad choice to hit that Thai craving.
(3)Jason B.
Went to brown sugar cafe for the second time last saturday; place was really crowded but it was only two of us so we were seated right away. It isn't the most intimate setting in boston, another couple was about a foot away to us but I'm not exactly shy so it didn't phase me. The service is fast, maybe too fast sometimes but they put your order through as quickly as possible in order to seat as many people as possible in a dinner session. We both ordered the standard fresh spring rolls and tom yum soup, both of which were excellent. I'm not a huge seafood guy but I was tempted to try one of their crazy seafood dishes but was talked into the 3 stooges, and I'm glad. We both shared fried ice cream for dessert. This is the real deal, not the ice cream covered in cinnamon toast crunch garbage at some places but flash fried ice cream that tastes like a cross between funnel cake and a cream filled donut. The best moment of the night was when someones birthday celebration came on; gotta love the thai techno birthday rendition with flashing lights and thumping bass.
(4)E B.
What's not to love about a place that does karaoke and flashing disco lights on birthdays? I rarely crave thai, but this is my go to place when I want it.... just wish that it was cheaper so that I could get ALL of my faves at once! Crunchy Pad Thai (name might be something else) was deliciously good and crunchy.... the fried tofu is a great appetizer, the mango (and pineapple) fried rice is all sooooooooooo good... and I love the tom kha soup as well. This place can get pretty crowded, but I've never really had to wait very long to be seated.
(4)Nik B.
I thought Boston's Thai food wasn't as good as Chicago's. Today I was proven wrong. I can't say one surpasses the other, but I had the country style Pad Thai today at Brown Sugar, and I have to say it was among the best Pad Thai I've ever had. It was very spicy, but the spice was a perfect counter-balance to the odd sweetness Pad Thai normally has. I really liked the crumbled tofu and egg bits cooked into it. However, where Brown Sugar cafe fails in its country-style Pad Thai dish, is the meats. The chicken is a bit overcooked and dry, and the shrimp doesn't taste so fresh. The atmosphere is done well, however. The butterfly pieces on the walls are really cool. And of course, there is the standard aquarium here and there. It could definitely make a good first or second date place.
(4)Shelby D.
The best thai food I know of in Boston. Delicious, fast, and a beautiful atmosphere. Try the panang curry or the masaman curry, and don't forget to grab some crab rangoons as an app! It's also a great quick eat before a show at The Paradise, you never know who you might run into! My friend and I saw Dr. Dog eating there right before we went to the show...very cool!
(5)Elicia G.
Found a 2 1/2" grasshopper in my drunken noodles. This USED to be my favorite place for Thai food. Not anymore!
(1)Melanie R.
I didnt want to give this place a low rating because I have such fond memories from my college days in Cambridge.... but something has changed... the food just didnt hit my tastebuds like it used to. Was a bit disappointed with the duck, but there you go - not much you can do with duck other than rich sauses and \i was expecting a bit more from these guys/ My lobb salad was yummy, but i was really in the mood for a hearty meal and felt my order fell short. Not to say that I didnt eat the meal and enjoy the evening. But i think my reaction was how this visit compared with others that had been so wonderful in the past.
(3)Betsy D.
My favorite Thai food in Boston -- they deliver, it's relatively cheap, and the pad thai is absolutely amazing. I could probably eat it every day and never get sick of it. Also like the spring rolls and pineapple fried rice, and excellent seafood dishes. The soup that has cucumber in it is awesome too. Order delivery from one of their 3 (?) locations on a cold night when you don't feel like cooking or going out!
(5)Anna L.
Brown Sugar Cafe is one of my favorite restaurants in all of Boston. I have been to Brown Sugar a countless number of times and have never left disappointed. The Pad Thai with Shrimp and Chicken at Brown Sugar is to die, the Chicken Panang Curry is nothing short of perfection, and the Tom Yum soup always hits the spot. Oh, and this place also has large servings of Thai Iced Tea? Wonderful in every sense of the word! Food aside, the restaurant itself is well decorated, prices are extremely reasonable, service is attentive, and wait times are always impressively short. P.S.Brown Sugar is a great place to go for a date!
(5)Wai F.
I was hesistant to write this review, but after scanning the list of reviews I saw my dining experience was not a unique one. Firstly, the menu is vast. I've been in restaurants with big menus before, but this one was over whelming and I had no idea where to start. We got the standard papaya salad, but this one came with a side of sticky rice as well. Cool! Next up was a Tom Yum Goong soup which was delicious. After the appetizers we were ready for our entrees: pad thai and pad woon sen. The portions were huge and we knew immediately that we were gonna have to take food to go. Probably the most authentic Thai meal we've ever had. I've never dined in Thailand, but my wife has and she claimed it was just like in Thailand. A great thing, right? Fast forward 6 hours and I am in our hotel room experiencing some of the most painful stomach pain ever known to mankind. I tried to tough it out and let nature do it's thing, but after 8 hours of suffering I had enough and checked myself into the ER at Brigham & Women's Hospital. Strangely enough my wife did not get sick, but she has a stomach of steel. I did note that she did not touch any of the meat in our entrees, so maybe that was the culprit. Regardless, I'm never going back. Sorry.
(1)Jonathan D.
Yes, Brown Sugar lives up to the hype! I've had a few of their dishes over the last few months, my favorite being their basil chicken fried rice - extra spicy! This generous entree gives just enough kick to keep you coming back for more. On another note, if you're lucky enough to be dining at Brown Sugar when someone there has a birthday, they dim the lights and pound out some intense/electrifying music for about a minute. It definitely caught us by surprise but it made us laugh pretty hard.
(4)Amy R.
I am not generally excited about Thai food as most of it varies more on prices than flavor, however, Brown Sugar Cafe had some genuinely different menu items. I wish I had a chance to try more of their items. My friends dish of a pleasant combination of texture and spice and mine had a welcome tanginess. The Thai iced tea was really quite good (though a pretty extreme orange color) as it actually tasted like tea...namely like if you made tea into a liquid candy. I liked the decor too. Interesting things to look at, a little romantic air, but still a cool place to go with friends. If I lived in Boston, this would definitely be a regular place for me.
(4)Mike G.
the cheap eats guide of boston.com got it right with Brown Sugar Café. can't beat the winning combinaton of good food, choices and affordability. been going to brighton to pick out stuff for a build out i'm doing and this makes the weekly trips something to look forward to. you can eat really well for $10/person for lunch. shared the basil pad thai and pork garlic sauté with tons of veggies. there's much eating still to do here.
(4)Victoria K.
Brown Sugar introduced me to some really great Thai dishes that have kept me happy over the years. I had my first taste of pineapple fried rice, pad thai, and Thai chicken noodle soup here among so many other dishes. I know it's a favorite among Boston University students (I was one!), but it goes so far beyond that. I remember years ago when it burned down--and before it reopened--when dozens of my friends grieved over the loss, unsure whether or not it would ever return to our lives. It did. Thank God!
(4)Alan Y.
This is by far one of the best Thai restaurants I've been to in the Boston Area. The servers are all friendly, the interior is very clean and elegant, and the food was very good. The Drunken Noodles were very spicy, the Pad Thai, Duck, pineapple fried rice were all very well done! The prices are reasonable, and we ended up paying around $20 per person for the meal.
(5)Zach P.
You actually can't find better pad thai than they have here. And that's a fact. Plus if it's your birthday, they have the wackiest birthday celebration ever.
(5)Katie G.
I love Thai food! I liked Brown Sugar! This place is nearly impossible to get a seat at during peak hours, so be careful! Avoid it at these times! Go during off-dinner hours (late afternoon or after 8). The atmosphere is fabulous! The decorations are something to be experienced. They are great! Food suggestions: -Fried ice cream (soooooo good) -Soups (wanton soup, especially!)
(4)Evan R.
Fastest prep you can imagine. Always fast, fresh, and clean. Great ambiance; good spot for a date. Prices are worth it for dinner, but lunch prices are a steal. Great variety on the menu. Some of the best pad Thai and curries in Boston. Brown sugar is for real!
(5)Alyson G.
My friend suggested we go here so she could get dinner. I had eaten earlier but I figured I could get an app. I loved the name and was happy for Thai since it was late and they are usually fast. We got a table next to the window - score! I love people watching. Their menu was ginormous. I am so glad I had decided on something from the appetizer menu because that narrowed down my selection A LOT. Of course I still had to browse for next time. I was hoping for fresh rolls with tofu, but they only had shrimp so I ordered spring rolls instead with a side of peanut sauce. I love peanut sauce so I will pretty much put it on anything. My friend ordered yellow curry. Our food came out really quick and was delicious. We ordered the fried ice cream for dessert - amazing! They put honey on top of the crispy fried goodness. Yum! I will definitely be back soon.
(4)lesley s.
Whenever I make it back to Boston, I try to get to Brown Sugar for some of my favorite Thai food. YUM. 'Nuff said.
(5)Melissa K.
Absolutely amazing. But, I warn you that it may take half an hr just to decide what you want to order. The menu is incredibly long. Highly recommend the Tom Yum Goong soup for those who like something with a bit of a kick. Best version of this soup ever. Also, birthdays there are very entertaining.
(5)Tammy H.
I'll look for the crispy pad thai next time, but I gotta ask (like I've said in another review) ... why do people keep ordering the standard dishes (e.g. "regular" pad thai, pineapple/mango friend rice)?? But I should digress. As you read on, you may think I am a hypocrite, and I will do my best to assure you I am not. Anyway. Here's how the ordering went down. The menu is EXTENSIVE. I hate menus. BUT! I'm glad that I'm given many many choices aside from the aforementioned dishes. The Boy and I ask the waiter for suggestions, and we made it very clear that we weren't their usual customers. Give us something that most American Thai restaurants don't have, something that also tastes good. We ended up with (menu # included for your convenience): - TD03. Goong Chae Num Pla: raw shrimp appetizer. This was more than the boy and I could eat! I swear, there were 10-14 shrimps. Not necessarily the freshest, but it was definitely a taster. - CS16. Avocado Dancing: a dry chicken curry with avocado and sticky rice. We had an avocado curry before at Lemon Thai (Somerville), and that one kinda sucked. This one kinda rocked. One thing to keep in mind is that this is a DRY curry, and the avo really helps to moisten the bites. - CS47. Incredible Fried Rice: seafood fried rice that's sauteed in green curry. Sure sure sure, fried rice seems like such a cop-out order, but I love green curry and trusted the waiter's suggestion. Not your usual [pineapple/mango] fried rice! And loads of meat! My one cop-out that I cannot excuse? I got the Thai iced tea. (But I rarely ever get this 'cause most places over-sweeten it! This one was perfect.) The Boy ordered one, too, after he decided that he didn't like the Ruby Soda (which he says tasted like medicine ... I thought it tasted like melted Jello). We were pretty happy with the dishes, and our waiter was fantastic. Oh, and we ate out on the patio for this weekday dinner, so good moods were just floating around ... And you can't really tell from this review, but I HAVE been here before (over two years ago), and the only dish I really remember was the duck choochee and the green tea ice cream. That's probably because I thought they were well done. Oh, and I'm a big fan of the birthday-disco-thang they put on. Hilarious.
(4)Carly D.
Another restaurant that I sincerely wish had followed me when I moved to California two years ago. Amazing Thai Iced Tea Tast Pineapple Fried Rice Lady in Green (salmon) is MEMORABLE I hate to ask, but do you have a cousin in California? MISS YOU!
(5)Lisa D.
People swear by Brown Sugar, I have to say, it's only okay. Those who are in love with the place are probably more charmed by the restaurant, the dim lighting, and the ambience. It's a good choice to bring a date! It's kind of small and cozy, but honestly, I've been here numerious times and I can name other thai places I'd rather go like nud pob and rod dee, but they mostly do take out, but you get a bigger portion for a better price and it's tasty and perhaps tastier! Also, Brown Sugar refuses to seat your party unless you are all there at the same time.
(3)Chenna V.
One of the best Thai restaurants. I like their crispy pad thai.
(4)Samir P.
I'm a big fan of Thai food. Being from San Francisco, I get to experience some great Thai restaurants. I'm glad to say that Brown Sugar definitely delivers. I like the location, though sometimes it might take a while to find street parking. The service was very friendly and gracious. What did we have? We went veggie - Drunken Noodles. Some special Mango Fried Rice Dish, and a Veggie Green Curry dish. Everyone loved the Noodles and the Rice. The tofu pieces were a bit too big in the Rice, but the ones in the Noodle dish were perfect. The Green Curry dish was okay. Not bad, but nothing to brag about. But we all really liked the place and recommended it to friends all weekend long.
(4)Bradford M.
Brown Sugar is on my way home from work, and this makes me very happy. Every now and then I want to treat myself to a little Thai that's a step up from the moderately divey place I usually go in Cleveland Circle (which shall remain nameless), so I hop off the B-line at Pleasant St. and head into Brown Sugar. You're going to pay a little more for your Pad Thai/Drunken Noodles here than you will at some other places, but the quality is worth the difference, and their seafood entrees especially are a definite notch up from your average Boston Thai spot. The service is very attentive (sometimes too attentive, but for my money it's better to err on that side), and the atmosphere is consistent with the rest of the dining experience; nice enough to not distract from the quality of the food, low-key enough not detract from your dining experience. Yup, a good spot.
(4)Melissa M.
Sweet name, Brown Sugar...but your food doesn't do it for me. Bland pad thai should be your name. You have a very kitschy decor too, which kind of messes up the feng shui of your establishment. I'd go elsewhere if you are looking for Pad Thai.
(3)A T.
I see no point in reviewing this since everyone pretty much likes it - including me. So, I will. I like the decor, the little candles they place on your table in the evening and some of the food. Thats right, some of the food. Its a hit or miss for me at this place. The first time around I really liked it, not so much for the second time. I do like their chicken satay though. It is delicious. But some of the dishes are plain bland compare to the others. Which is why I'm giving it three stars.
(3)Dygo T.
It's slightly unfortunate that I've only been here on awkwardly intimate dates, but the atmosphere does lend itself to romantic sweetness... I think I've gotten only gotten the pad thai here and it was the one thing I missed when I left Boston- the food here will really keep you coming back. In fact, I probably went on those awkwardly intimate dates just so I could come back here :P Service is friendly, although sometimes I wish they brought out chopsticks by default rather than having to ask for them awkwardly every time. Pad Thai portions are filling and very good; a bit too many sprouts keeps it from perfection, I'm afraid, but the shrimp and chicken pieces are well cooked and the noodles delicious. Milk tea is one-of-a-kind, try it sometime.
(4)Scott F.
Great food. A bit pricey. But still, very good. I recommend the Tender Beef Pepper. It's a shame that the Brown Sugar that was in delivery range of my apartment closed. Now I have to go get it myself.
(4)Sophie B.
I'm going to take a giant leap here and say that Brown Sugar Cafe is hands down some of the best, and best quality food in Boston. I've had their delivery and recently sat down in their cozy restaurant-always a tasty and pleasurable experience. These guys just know food. Their menu has so many options it's bordering on overwhelming-which just means I'll have to keep going back until I've tried everything. Happy Dining
(5)Julia F.
I went here with my sisters months ago, and was surprised to have them tell me I had been there before. I had no memory of the place, the name and location were familiar, but probably because I drive through there often. We were one of a few tables filled around dinner time. Scary to see at a restaurant you have heard hyped up for about an hour. The service was confusing (because we had like 6 different waitresses) and frequently at our tables. The food was good, kept us full for longer than we thought it would have. I think I have to go back here to really get a feel for the place.
(3)Francesca R.
Oh Brown Sugar, are you ever not wonderful? Again and again, you deliver the goods with friendly service, a decor that can only be described as Loopy Oriental, and Thai food that takes me right back to the no-name restaurant on Ko Chang where I had so much delicious green curry and pad thai. A little recommendation - get a bottle of Gerwurtztraminer with your meal. It's got a honey/lychee/cinammon thing going on and goes perfectly with the spicy and hot Thai flavors. Yum!
(5)Jess P.
I can't believe I haven't written a review about Brown Sugar!!! I One of the best Thai food restaurants that I know!! The portions are generous, presentation always cool, and did I mention how delicious the food is. My friends and I were hungry so we decided we were in the mood for Thai food. We decided to go to Brown Sugar. We ordered an appetizer which I forgot the name of (it reminded me of little pakoras...spicy but yummy but nothing to special to really rave about). Let's move onto to the entrees... I ordered the Brown Sugar Hawaiian Fried Rice (which actually came in a pineapple...how about that for presentation). It was really delicious and the portion was so huge that I had enough to take home for lunch the next day. My friends had Pad See Ew (which you can't go wrong with...ample portion size) and Soft Shell Crab Pad Thai which I really like this version of pad thai because the spiciness blended perfectly with the normal sweet flavor of pad thai...oh and the pieces of soft shell crab ...yum! We ended dinner with fried banana and ice cream and we were practically in heaven (definitely trying the fried ice cream next time). So overall great dinner and definitely will be coming back for more!
(4)Casey F.
Tasty tasty food, good service, really cool decor. I love love LOVED the chandelier - the perfect way to fill some of their high ceiling space. My food was delicious, and served piping hot. I got a salmon-on-top-of-noodles dish, which completely satisfied my hunger. And my taste buds. And my happiness receptors. It was accompanied with a glass of cool Savignon Blanc. Dang, these Thai people have got their temperatures down! White wine = cold. Noodles dish = hot. So basic, but seemingly hard to master at other dining establishments! Oh - we got an unmemorable appetizer - tofu triangles. WAY inferior to YoMa's tofu pieces... but the rest of the meal was so delicious that this place gets 5 stars anyway. It's wicked easy to get to via the trusty T's B line. Do yourself a favor and try Brown Sugar (as in the restaurant).
(5)Nadia K.
I've order the panang curry here with beef twice, because it is really that good... in fact next time I go back, I'll probably order it again. Luckily, the other person that I've been with has ordered something different so I've been able to taste other dishes and I know, without a shadow of a doubt, that all their food is good if not great. This last time I went with a friend to discuss our recent break-ups, and if that can't spoil the food then nothing can! He's allergic to eggs and the rice dish we ordered didn't say it had eggs in it- so we had to send it back. Although the woman was a little bitchy about taking it back, spending many minutes reviewing the menu, when she concluded that it said nothing about eggs she took it back and it was not more than 90 seconds before a fresh rice, eggless, was returned to us. I appreciate that they don't play games- we all know that the curry is pre-made and that fried rice takes all of 2 minutes to make, and they send it out asap. As far as I'm concerned, I show up hungry, I don't want to wait for my food any longer than I have to. Truthfully, they don't want me to either- it hasn't been proven yet, but I can say with some certainty that there is probably an inverse relationship between tip and speed of food return. So, order the curries because the vegetables are great, not overdone like they normally are, the meat is tender (well at least the beef is) and the curry flavor is fantastic. The mango fried rice is good, I wouldn't call it epic- it could use some more time in the wok, but it did have a nice flavor. Prepare to be hovered over if you don't order right away, they are a little intense and show noticeable distaste if they seat you and you wait for your friend to show up without ordering something to drink. I told them he wasn't going to be there for another 10 min, he showed up exactly 10 min later and I had already been asked 5 times what I wanted to drink. Rather annoying. Ok but to end on a positive- food is great.
(4)Bernie B.
I have been here probably five times so far and have loved it every time. Each time I went the service was incredibly good, and the food was fast and delicious. Word to the wise -- Drunken Noodles (delicious!) ordered as is is SPICY, more spicy than other Thai places I've been to. The waitress offered to bring me a new dish when it was obvious it was way too spicy for me, which I thought was really nice since I had not complained or asked for it. The Country Style Pad Thai is really really good as well -- medium level spicy, and the tofu is not noticeably tofu-ish, but chopped up really tiny so it just blends right in with the noodles. I also DEFINITELY recommend this restaurant if you want to put your birthday girl or boy on the spot ;-)
(5)James H.
Great food at a great price, with great portions (if you like to eat! I'm not saying its healthy...). Best Thai on campus.
(4)Anna K.
Overpriced considering there are a bunch of other delicious Thai places in the area that are cheaper. I had basil fried rice once and it was way too basil-y, overload in my mouth. I have also had the Pik-Pow fried rice and it tasted like the food you feed animals at a petting zoo. Not that I've eaten the animal food, but Sugar's rice, I'm sure, tasted like it. My friends did enjoy the Pad Thai. You are also constantly bombarded with Happy Birthday songs where they dim the lights and make a scene, which can get obnoxious as the strobe lighting makes it impossible to see your food. Go somewhere else.
(2)gina w.
yay!! from the outside - I never thought the restaurant would be any good but the ratings and reviews convinced me to give it a try. I had a smile on my face the instant I walked through the doors - it was a welcoming atmosphere and it was bustling with business... lucky for us we didn't have to wait for a table, got seated right away and had good service. :) ordered the mermaid chicken, very pretty and definitely yummy!! my only complaint is the dry white rice that came with the dish... I love all kinds of rice but I can't stand dry (al dente style) rice ...blech (minus one star). my dinner date got a salmon dish that was delicious. so I'm thinking that next time, I'll just get the sticky rice instead and hope that is moist and yummy. prices are reasonable and it's right off the green C line T stop - that is a plus!
(4)Meganarama n.
Best Panang Curry I have ever had. Really. Oh and their Thai Fish that comes fried and smothered in chili's and basil - to die for! I was not overly fond of their salmon spring rolls but everything else I have ever had here is tops! The service is exceptional and their beer and wine menu rivals that of most Thai restaurants I have been to. The only thing I would change is to make the tables larger. We all know that Asian food begs to be ordered multiple dishes at a time - so why the small tables that don't accommodate the plates?!
(4)Kathleen Y.
Pros: Delicious, reasonably priced Thai food (Mango fried rice, I love you!) Cons: Crowded like crazy. When we had reservations, we still had to wait for a table. I suggest going to the Jersey Street location instead.
(4)Narin N.
Pretty bangin Thai food, best I've had in Boston so far. Had Pineapple fried rice, papaya salad and few other things. Drinks are pretty good too and decent service.
(4)Hagan B.
Fantastic Lunch location - you can get the same items on the dinner menu for lunch menu prices. I had the green curry with shimp twice and have definitely sampled from my date's plate both times (all three entrees I tried were delectable). Service was nothing special, but as an ex-server, I might be a little more picky than your average Bostonian. Make sure you save room for the fried ice cream, it's an interesting juxtaposition of . . . well fried stuff and ice cream. As for how Thai this Thai restaurant is, I wouldn't be able to venture a guess on that one. All I know is the the ingredients were fresh, everything was cooked to perfection, and it was tasty as hell. Easily one of my favorite places to eat in Boston. Both the Allston and Fenway locations have a non-pretentious vibe and great food.
(5)Layla P.
The Not for Tourists Guide to Boston describes this place as "over-rated Thai" but I whole heartedly disagree. It was great! I always assumed the place was tiny from my little view from the outside, but it's actually quite large. Go on a weekday so you don't have to wait - you'll be seated right away. We started with the Spring rolls with peanut sauce - a must for me! Then we tried the red curry plate with soy "fake ham" (much better than I expected) and the brown sugar special with spinach noodles loaded with veggies and mushrooms with some steamed brown rice on the side. It was tasty and filling! Try not to get too overwhelmed by the menu as it is rather long and it may be nice of them to cut it down a bit. And do get excited about the tootsie rolls on the way out - I love tootsie rolls!
(4)Lisa T.
A tad overrated, but still pretty good. It's not authentic Thai, but it's yummy for what it is. And they sort of have nice service so it's a different experience from, say, eating off of plastic trays at the places in Super 88 down the street. My favorite dish is the Pad Thai Country Style. It comes spicy, and has different veggies in it. It's closer to the kind of pad thai they'd serve in Thailand. If you like things hot, this is a must try!
(4)Emily F.
I've only had really typical, safe dishes like pad thai and fried rice, and am always happy with my meal. They have quite an extensive menu and a fair number of vegetarian (easily vegan) dishes. Good, but not spectacular. If you eat in the restaurant, they serve your food so so quickly. Almost too quickly - when an group of 6 can get all their food within 10 minutes of ordering on a busy night, something tells me it's not made to order... They deliver, but if I remember correctly, they wouldn't actually come to our building on campus (BC), but had us come out to a main driving entrance. Kinda annoying. I get delivery when I'm feeling too lazy to leave my room and feel as though I'm paying them to support this excessive laziness to the fullest extent.
(3)Vicki S.
I've often had mixed reviews about this place, but I went there today for brunch (a little surprised they didn't have a separate brunch menu), and it was one of the best dining experiences. Our waitress was a total sweetheart, and everything we got was delicious. I was going to branch out and get something OTHER than Pad Thai, but let's face it...that's the dish of dishes. Funny enough was that Brown Sugar had been recommended to me in the past, but for their curry. The last time I was there I ordered a yellow duck curry, and I remember feeling it was way too thin/soupy, the duck was too fatty and the staff seemed to be rushing us out of there because it was dinnertime. I suppose this place can be hit or miss. I'm still a bit on the fence, but the overall experience from today will definitely have me coming back again.
(3)Huan z.
Not a fan of the volcado dish. Dont like any thing burning on my table except the nice candle. Food is delicious. Would give four stars. But the service is slow and seat sare very tight. No space to move around. The deco is nice. Its also nice to have group dinner there.
(3)Katherine J.
Mmmm. This place is soooo good. Nice decor, great service and the food is fantastic. At first glance the menu can be overwhelming but once you wade through it you will see that there are a lot of interesting items. I had the vegetarian spring rolls which were delicious. Ask for the peanut sauce as well if you are a sauce whore like me. I like options and the peanut sauce is very good. I also ordered the Tofu Pad Thai which was very well done. For some reason, I'm not a huge fan of the country style but the regular one is good. Mango fried rice minus the meat was fantastic as well. I live right across the street so I plan on visiting this place often and getting all the curries!
(5)Desirae C.
LOVE this place. Excellent food. Awesome service. Never a wait for a table. I think the best part about this restaurant is its versatility. I brought a group of out-of-towners here, and my one friend spent a pretty penny on a fancy duck dish, while another spent $12 on some delicious pad thai. You can also dress up or down for this place. I see people in jeans and T-shirts, and others in pretty dresses (although I wouldn't recommend extremely formal attire). My favorite meal is the country style pad thai, which seems to get increasingly spicy as you get through the dish. Great if you want a delicious, cheap, fun way to clear out your sinuses! I also love that the hot coffee comes with a brown sugar rock candy. Who knew rock candy even existed any more?
(5)Michael S.
food is served very fast but taste is not overwhelming. Overrated.
(3)Liza M.
BEST Thai food ever. the menu is huge and extensive. could eat here a million times and not have tried it all. all the standard Thai dishes are here and are the best versions you will ever have. I really crave their drunken noodle and crispy pad thai. staff is friendly. you will wait a while for a table though and there isn't much room to wait, it's totally worth it though. I've also gotten takeout a lot. they are super quick, and it's so much easier than waiting for a table.
(5)Peter R.
Brown Sugar... Yummy in my tummy - honestly i really only go for two things here and that's the padaprick (i think that's how you spell it) and the Thai ice tea.. *** Padaprick *** this is a whole fish which is deep fried and then smoother ed in this spicy(not too spicy) red sauce, perfect over some rice.. But definably one of the best papadapricks in the city i feel. (if you know better lemme know) also every time i have gone the fish is very large and they really do give you the whole thing head and all which i prefer. Its more then enough to share with the whole table. *** Thai Ice Tea *** can actually be alil too sweet at times for my tastes usually i will share this and actually pour some of my water into it to make it less sweet but nothing really wrong with it and I'm not being cheap or anything just not a big sweet tooth person.. but hey i give them credit for not being stingy on the coconut milk like some places. Unfortunately: - no reservations unless a very large party and the wait can be longer then ones own stomach really wants but once you sit the service is prompt and very friendly. - parking can also be no fun.. but the green line literally stops right in front so that's an option.
(4)Sarah A.
This place is awesome. I crave their pad-thai on a regular basis. So nicely done. The only other place that comes close to pad thai this good is Khao Sarn on Harvard Street in Coolidge Corner. The crab rangoon here is also to die for. Service is also excellent and very attentive. My only complaint is that the pad thai is a bit pricey, but you are paying a bit for the experience of being in a slightly nicer atmosphere than your typical thai place.
(5)Ahsan A.
Amazing place. I have been here more times than I can count. Great menu selection and the food comes out of the kitchen at a furious pace. I recommend the Country Style Pad That and try the fried ice cream for dessert. Even though I have moved out of the city I try to make a trip here every time I am around.
(5)Beth M.
Definitely some of the best Thai in Boston! I used to come here all the time in college, but since I live in Cambridge now and my heart belongs to Sugar and Spice...I haven't been here in a while... Until a couple weeks ago that is...and it was just as great as I remember...my man and I were heading out to see Peter Bjorn and John at the Paradise and decided to grab dinner at BS. It was crowded (Friday night at 7) but we were seated right away, next to a huge fish tank with one lonely tropical fish that I became friends with. We started with the crab rangoon which was really delicious and light-- I think it had actual crab in it, instead of just cream cheese...shocker! We then moved on to chicken yellow curry and pad thai, both of which were fantastic and perfectly executed. We washed everything down with an icy Thai beer and went on our merry way!
(4)Alexandra C.
My roommate and I looooove Thai food so we've been sampling every place possible, and we always come back to BS =) It's on the pricier side but the food has never disappointed us.
(5)Kelly N Z R.
Best Thai food I've ever had. My one friend from Thailand likes this place too. If you order fish, expect the entire thing, eyeball included (my Thai friend claims this is typical). Great for vegetarians-- try the yellow curry with vegetarian ham (which I am pretty sure is not vegan-- the veggie ham likely has eggs) or tofu (which should be vegan). Try the fried banana for dessert, and do not pass up the thai iced tea. My one complaint is that once when I ordered a veggie curry to go, I opened it later to find a shrimp sitting right on top. Turned me off for a while.
(4)Sara S.
Is it strange to give a Thai restaurant five stars? I hesitated but went for it because I have never found any restaurant anywhere that rivals Brown Sugar's pad woon sen. And I have tried countless places. And I do mean countless, since my fat ass orders delivery 2.5 times per day.
(5)Julianne M.
Even though there are over 100 reviews, I will add my two cents. Holy crap, for months I've been walking by this place and saying, I should eat here, but never really did anything about it. It is the best Thai food I have ever had. The menu is a bit overwhelming since it is about 10 pages long. My Pad Thai was delish and I swear they brought it to my table 2.2 seconds after I ordered it. The wait staff is very attentive, however, I don't need my glass of water filled every three times I take a sip. The tables are a bit close together - you can practically eat off your neighbor's plate. None of these little things really matter, since the food more than makes up for the little annoyances.
(4)Rob C.
I never did understand why so many restaurants have fish tanks in them. Fish creep me out and are not appetizing in the least. Having said that, I can deal with it for yummy Thai food. And really, I pretty much only eat Pad Thai, to be fair, but I am pretty darned fussy about that. And theirs is good. And really cheap, for being in the city. I'll just face away from the fish tank.
(4)Rachel M.
Their menu was great... almost TOO good. That's my only complaint. There were too many options, so it took me forever to decide! I ended up with the Caramelized Salmon Noodles. It was unbelievable. I ordered it a bit spicy. Warning. I LOOOVE spice and this was kick ass spicy! The flavor and texture was so absolutely great, though, I couldn't stop eating it. Don't go here if you're on a diet. The food is just too good.
(4)Corey M.
Have always enjoyed their food, however possible food poisoning or bad seafood from a seafood dish last time I went. I suspect the calamari but can't be sure...
(3)Lisa Z.
I LOVED this place all throughout college!! the one i went to was by the fens but i have been to this one too! i have had alot of stuff and it is all good buttt my favorite is the pad thai- which i know everyone is prob like whatever she doesnt know her food- but actually i never order pad thai cause there is soo much thai love BUT this place makes it creamy which is something i just cant get enough of! im the kind of person that likes pesto with a litle cream not dry and it goes the same for my pad thai and this is the only place that gets it right!!!!! :)
(5)April I.
After years of living and working near Brown Sugar, Comm Ave I wouldn't sit and eat in the restaurant since the service is inconsistent, but great take out!!! Things you must try: *Thai Spring Rolls -- fried tasty goodness, usually with chicken. *Tofu Triangles -- go ahead and convince yourself these are healthy. *Crab Rangoon -- a classic anywhere you go, but perfectly creamy at Brown Sugar. *Golden Bags -- Tofu skin stuffed with minced chicken and shrimp. Kind of weird, kind of good. *Tom Kar Gai -- another classic, but not too sweet here. *Siamese Twins -- a sweet and sour chicken and shrimp vegetable explosion usually served in a pineapple shell. *Chicken Cashew Nuts -- Kind of spicy (there's dried chili in the dish), kind of sweet (chunks of pineapple), and roasted cashews. All around a tasty dish. *Spicy String Beans -- Can be made very spicy, just ask. Otherwise chunks of pork, green beans, and peppers oh my!! *Mango Curry -- Yellow curry with chicken, tomatoes, peppers, and onions -- very mild and good. *Crispy Pad Thai -- Can be served country style (spicy) or regular. Go with the country style. You won't regret it. *Pad Thai -- Plenty of food, served simply, ask for a couple extra limes and dig in. Get it country style if you like a little spice. *Rad Na -- Chicken, broccoli, and carrots with a thick gravy and flat, wide noodles. Yum. *Pineapple fried rice -- Probably one of my favorite dishes. Fried rice with chicken, shrimp, pineapple, baby corn.
(4)Chase W.
4 star's for value! Not the best Thai in Boston, but a great spot to grab a great dinner in my neighborhood with out getting on the bemoned B-Line. The service is always fast and courteous, and the food is brought out quickly. Would I travel from Charlestown or other parts foriegn to Allston/Brighton to check this place out? Heck no! I'd just hit up Chow Thai on Main Street; because that's the Best Thai in Boston period! But if you are in the neighborhoood or live in the area- it's a can't miss.
(4)Sean P.
We enjoyed everything we ordered. Pad thai, the old standby, was superb. The shumai was a crowd-pleaser. The ginger-steamed fish had an aroma that made everyone at the table salivate, even if the fish head made a couple of folks shy away from a tasting (I loved it!). The tofu triangles and Seafood Dynasty were also quite good. The only drawback at the Fenway location is trying to park, especially during a downpour. We won't let that stop us from returning, however.
(4)Haley T.
I love this place. The drunken noodle is amazing, and their fried ice cream is apparently out of this world. Friendly service, and they don't mind omitting fisth/oyster sauce for vegetarians. They a huge menu, and a vegetarian section as well. Not as cheap as I'd like, but the atmosphere is nice and supposedly they deliver. The service is good here as well. I'd recommend this place for a date.
(5)Maggie D.
Brown Sugar is THE ONE. If you want thai in Boston, check it out! This location isn't as cute as the one in Fenway, but there is almost never a wait for a table, and the service is always consistent and FAST! You can get in & out in an hour. They also do take-out and delivery, which is fast as well, and not to mention YUMMY! The crispy pad thai is out of this world, and try the thai iced tea, too! The prices are VERY fair-- most entrees are around $10-15, and portions are big enough to have leftovers! MMMMM!
(4)Dave M.
I'm usually not a big fan of Thai food. Basically I think most of it tastes like bland soggy Chinese food, with some hot pepper tossed in. Brown Sugar opened my eyes to what Thai food really is. I've been there twice now and it's truly amazing. Wonderfully flavorful and fragrant curries. A huge menu with tons of great things to choose from. I took my family here last night and everyone, even my super picky eater mother and my veggie sister found things they loved.
(5)R F.
3rd edit: now 5 stars. It's much bigger than I remembered and it's great for our group night out. The Pad Thai is amazing - as is all of the food that we got - and we filled the tables up real good like... Not too too expensive, their lemon(Lime)ade was delicious and perfect for my ridiculously spicey meal. The fish tanks are cool I feel like every thai restaurant Ive been too has really close seating, but this place has ample tables and space. I bet this would be better if you come here when it's not as busy... Still, an awesome place and really good thai food... yea oh yea - birthday celebrations are hilarious... if you've been there during one, you'll know what i'm talking about.
(5)Praful M.
This place (on comm ave) was always in consideration when going out for dinner while I lived in Boston. I went there 2 weeks back and thought I should write up about this place. With me was my colleague from bay area and even he loved the place. Their dishes have different flavor which you do not normally see in many thai restaurants. My favourite food here is laab chicken and old lady spicy. They have good selection for alcohol too. Now only if they improved their service (it's not bad, but is more towards cheap Chinese restaurant type) they could get five stars.
(4)Neera J.
Why is it that nowhere in New York City do they have Mango curries like they do in Boston??? This place is one of my all-time favorite Boston restaurants. Top picks include the mango curry, the vegetarian spring rolls (unbelievable), mango fried rice, and the 3 taste salmon. All are amazing. Don't forget to order brown rice (another thing new yorkers can't get right - brown rice with thai!!), a limeade (amazing), and the fried ice cream for dessert. I am swooning just thinking about it. droolz....
(5)Joshua H.
Was here again and so so impressed. Awesome curry and basil pad thai.
(5)J M.
First off their crab Rangoon are AMAZING!!! But since i don't like curry I feel excluded from most of the meals. The boiled chicken and vegetables exactly that and had absolutely no flavoring, while the beef and broccoli was a little bit better flavor wise but it always has a fishy taste.
(2)Lauren G.
i had a great dinner here the other night: we came in with no reservation, but didn't have to wait for a table the menu is overwhelmingly huge - i had three meals on three different pages that i couldn't decide between. but i guess that's just a testament to how many great things are on the menu. the portions are just as huge as the menu. i was uncomfortably full after i finally slowed down. steamed shumai, shrimp in red curry, and the fried banana dessert are all excellent.
(4)Karen K.
I have only had take-out from here but it is DELICIOUS!!!! Everything I have had has been great, crab rangoon - I die!
(5)Q S.
This Thai restaurant is among the best ones that I have been to. I have only been here two or three times, but all the times that I've been here, it's been super crowded (which is a good sign that people like it so much making it a popular restaurant on Comm. Ave.). Try the Basil Pad Thai with seafood. It's spicy, flavorful and oh-so-good! The regular Pad Thai is good as well. The price for entrees are not within my budget, but I'll go broke for Brown Sugar anytime.
(5)Sonya Y.
Great food!!! Ambience is good too. Perhaps a tad expensive for what you get.
(4)Andrea U.
I'm starting a brand new year of Yelping with a review of my favorite Boston restaurant :) As a college student, it wasn't easy to find affordable GOOD food, but Brown Sugar's quality, presentation, service, and price kept them at the top of my dining list for four years straight. Personal faves: the fresh rolls, pineapple fried rice, country-style pad thai, the seafood volcano (arrives at your table in a flaming mountain of foil), and their fried ice cream (uhh, YUM). The restaurant is clean and comfy, and the staff is excellent--super friendly and always prompt. And I gotta say that Brown Sugar is one of the best places to cure the munchies (free delivery with $20 min cash only, so order w/ friends). My shining star of dining establishments, I miss this place SO MUCH!
(5)Bryanne R.
Wonderful Thai food! I tried the house special: Siamese Twins...shrimp and chicken mixed with vegetables in a spicy sauce served in a pineapple. (I think I'm a sucker for food served in fruit. I was probably meant to live somewhere tropical..) I'm a wimp when it comes to spice, but even though this had the spice star, I tried and and LOVED IT! The prices are fair for the good service and great food. And it's a great place for a big group! HIGHLY recommended!
(5)Irene C.
I absolutely loved it. I am new to Boston and have been on the search for a good Thai restaurant and this one won by far! Everything tasted so so fresh. Nothing was too fishy...something I often run into with thai restaurants. The distinct and comforting flavors in the Brown Sugar Mango curry was to die for! I tend to order the currys when I go to thai restaurants, but we also shared some tofu pad thai which was absolutely amazing. The sauce was light and crisp, little tart from the fresh lime. I totally recommend this place. The atmosphere was very nice, wait staff was just OK, but it didn't matter the food is what wowed me.
(5)Tracey P.
Best Thai restaurant in Boston! Living in the Philly area now, I really miss this place. The menu is huge and varied, and everything tastes delicious. If you're a fan of pad-thai, definitely check this place out--it's the real deal.
(5)Lindsay D.
Let's start this off by stating what is only too obvious on my personal Yelp page: I love me some Thai food. Brown Sugar Cafe's pad Thai was my first foray into the wonders of the Thai culinary corner and my oh my how delicious it is. The service is good, the portions are large, and the atmosphere is unique-ly Brown Sugar and includes the N'Sync Christmas album in July. Awesome. Vegetarians, you'll find the kitchen is very friendly to special requests - just don't forget to specify no fish sauce when you order. Best Bets: Kua Gai, Pad Thai, and the Old Lady Spicy. Yes, The Old Lady Spicy. Seriously, how can you not love something with that name? You can't. Try. You just can't. Skip It: Drunken Noodle. There's nothing underneath the heat. The Similans in Cambridge (owned by Brown Sugar) has the same fundamental issue. All heat and no flavor --it leaves me with a runny nose and palate craving attention. Also not worth missing: the Thai iced tea and the limeade. Still not my favorite Thai place in Boston, but definitely up there on place's I'm willing to eat at for the rest of my life. EDIT: Brown Sugar, where oh where is my Old Lady Spicy... it's not on the menu anymore!
(4)Joe W.
Let's face facts, Boston has about two dozen quality Thai places, so a Thai restaurant's gotta go above and beyond here to be worth visiting. Brown Sugar Cafe is worth visiting. There's a lot of good choices on the menu, but I like the Prik Pow, the Spicy Scallops, their Pad Thai (I don't like it crispy, but that's a personal thing), Mango Fried Rice, Limeade and Thai Iced Coffee. And their fried iced cream is the best in Boston, hands down. Service is ridiculously fast; I've placed an order on a busy Saturday night and gotten my food five minutes later. Their staff has always been polite and the place itself is immaculate. Disclaimer: this spot is basically where I wooed my future wife, so I've got a personal stake in their staying in business.
(5)Jenn W.
Best Thai food I've had in New England. Their curries, especially the red curry, have such depth and spice without being too overbearingly hot. Like most of the other reviews, I agree that the pad thai is very yummy. Also of note: mango chicken curry, basil fried rice and crab rangoon. Can't decide what to get? Grab a friend--or two, or three!-- and order a bunch of things to split. Their portions are huge, so there'll be plenty for all!
(5)erica c.
It took me a couple years--- but with the persuasion of you lovely yelpers, I finally made it in here... And it is deeeeeeeeeee-lish...I don't even really care for Thai food and I was pleasantly surprised!! My only gripe is that the tofu is pre-fried and then prepared... not fresh...other than that, I loved everything.... I could sip the green curry sauce through a straw and make it a meal....mmmmmmmm
(4)Ashley P.
Great food! I had the Drunken Noodles, which was the perfect amount of spice. I also tried the Mango Rice which was delicious! We also had a bunch of different appetizers and tried many of the drinks (the Limeade and the Thai Iced Tea are great!). The only reason they get four stars instead of five is because the service isn't the best. We came towards the later part of the evening and we felt a little rushed at the end. However, they did come out with strobe lights and crazy music and sing "Happy Birthday" for the guest of honor, and that was amazingly funny! It was a very good place, I will definitely go again.
(4)Deanna L.
My best friend is thai, and her family imports and exports thai products. I've eaten a lot of thai food being her friend. This thai restaurant is STILL my favorite! That tom yum soup is soooo good! Thai friends say the soup reminds of them of thailand. I also really like the pineapple fried rice and their curries. :)
(5)Anna G.
I work next door to Brown Sugar and eat there often (perhaps too often). The food is good, specifically the curry dishes. However, my biggest issue with this place is that they take away your dishes while others at the table are still eating. There have been numerous times when it is two of us and they will remove my friend's plate before I am done. I hate when restaurants do this- not only is it rude, but it is awkward and uncomfortable. ALSO- on two different occasions I have see large bugs scatter across the walls. The wait staff quickly squashed them on the wall but did not seem concerned. Therefore, Brown Sugar goes down a star or two in my book. Best bet- order take-out.
(2)Bene K.
I heart Brown Sugar Cafe!!!! I have ordered so many of their many many more entrees , and I have my favorites..which are always good. I go to Brown Sugar for good food, spicy food , sweet food and of course comfort food. I love the Thai iced tea and coffee . I love the papaya salad and the fisherman's plate------but go for lunch and save a few bucks. The service is speedy so don't spend too much time chatting while eating those appetizers. I don't usually order appetizers since the entrees are so filling. Now, go ahead and give it a try--you'll love it!
(5)Jim C.
My favorite Thai place in Boston. Consistent, authentic, and tasty Thai dishes with good prices in a comfy and bright environment. Parking is tricky sometimes along Commonwealth Ave but usually you'll find a spot. Bottom line: Yum.
(4)David V.
I had eaten once at the old Fenway location and was impressed. Recently I ate lunch at this Comm. Ave location with a coworker and I was once again impressed! I had a dish which consisted of slices of roast duck served over white rice with Chinese-style broccoli. This place has delicious food and fast service. It is excellent!
(5)Colby H.
I think all that needs to be said of this place has been said, but I want to add that the shumai is fantastic, and the Na-Tang is perhaps the best, most interesting starter I have ever seen on a Thai menu. The Pad Thai, as may be expected, was very good, without that hint of cat food smell some tend to have. Four stars may be overly generous but for the value and good selection of Thai beers. Keep in mind Brown Sugar is not a four star restaurant; it is a four star value restaurant, a deliciously affordable destination.
(4)Lillian W.
When it comes to Thai food, I'm lame and I almost always order Pad Thai, mainly because I can't do spicy. Alas, I ordered the Pad Thai and it was good. Nothing out of the ordinary or spectacular about the dish, but I'll come back for sure and try some other dishes since I live so close now.
(3)Geraldine K.
My college years were partly spent in trying out Thai cuisine because I simply love the savory, sweet, and salty amalgamation of herbs, fish sauce, spices, and curry. I discovered the Brown Sugar Cafe, and it is indeed one of the best restaurants for Thai food in the Boston area. The decor and ambiance is unassuming and casual and prices are reasonable (even for students!) I came here with different friends to try out various items on the menu, and overall, the food was tasty. I'd like to come back to dine here the next time I'm in Boston!
(4)Jessica L.
Yummeah! My favorite Thai place in Boston. Comprehensive menu with tons of options. Everything I've had there has been excellent. But, my favorite is the Massaman curry--it's incredibly flavorful and I love that they include sweet potatoes since many places do not. I miss this place....
(5)Michael G.
The only thing that disappoints me about this place is they appear to have no combo lunch special comparable to other Thai restaurants. Where's my combo lunch special? Adding a dollar and shredding some lettuce with a tiny spring roll doesn't count. That said, Brown Sugar is a good example of Thai cuisine. The food comes out quickly, the waitstaff is friendly and helpful, and the atmosphere is exactly what I want in a restaurant. You won't necessarily find anything incredibly exciting or original here, but it's a solid Thai restaurant. The Siamese Twins was a good dish, and the chive dumplings appetizer was tasty. The spice level seems to be well controlled, so the food isn't ridiculously hot and practically inedible like some places. The portions are also pretty big, so you can easily get a second meal out of one entree.
(4)Jess W.
Maybe I ordered wrong for take-away or just hit them on an off night, but I was pretty disappointed with my food. I ate a bland cup of tom yum soup and a limp, uninteresting green papaya salad that was at least 45% dried shrimp. My dining companion had the Lady In Green, which she enjoyed quite a bit. Meh. There's enough generic thai food in the world that I'd rather pay much less money for it.
(2)Jonathan F.
Best Thai I've ever had. I am serious people. The best fucking Thai. Recommendations: Emperor Tofu, Paradise Garden, Chili Shrimp, Drunken Noodles, Crab Rangoon Note: my friends got super sick after eating here, but i was totally fine, so they still get 5 stars
(5)Jacqueline D.
Brown Sugar is possibly the best Thai I've ever had. The food comes out fast and hot, and it's perfection. The prices are completely reasonable too.
(5)Anonymous P.
Usually Thai restaurants become poorer as they diverge from authenticity, but that's not the case for Brown Sugar. What it lacks in spice, it makes up for in fresh ingredients, solid cooking, and appealing display. If I were alone I'd go to Dok Bua, which is much spicier and more authentic, and which has more interesting, exotic desserts. But I'd definitely take most company to Brown Sugar. This location is more spacious than the one in Fenway, and my service was better.
(5)Lindsey W.
Best Thai I've had, even better than places in San Francisco. This place is super out of the way for me but definitely worth it for their curry dishes. My only complaint is that they don't serve mixed drinks, still have wine and beer though. Gotta try it!
(5)Chrissy F.
Ok, so I sorta wish yelp would allow half stars on personal reviews...but more on this later. My roommate and I decided that tonight we were going to go out to dinner. Not only that -- we decided that we were going to get dressed up for it. Not clubbing outfits, but nice pants and a long coat. Why? Why not. A classy girls night out. We both wanted Thai -- and were both wearing heels and didn't want to walk far from the T. So, BSC it was! (Don't you love our way of making decisions?) Man was this place crowded (What else should I expect at 7:30pm on a Saturday in a college town a half block from BU?)...We waited about 15 minutes (10 minutes less than our expected time). I'm usually used to people faking names and trying to get in ahead of the crowd, but not so much here. The hostess actually remembered who we were and came right up to us when our table was ready (instead of calling out "Jane Doe, Party of 5!"). If you read my review about Thai Grill in Chicago, then you know about the high standard I keep Thai restuarants at. The food here was that good. It actually reminded me of Thai Grill (only TG is not usually as packed). The service was good. The tables are really close together so it's hard not to eavesdrop on someone else's conversation, even if you try not to. Someone at the other end of the restaurant was having a birthday, so they dimmed the house lights so that everyone could sing happy birthday (Unfortunately the only people expecting this were those who were with the birthday person. Until they started singing, the rest of us wondered why we were suddenly unable to see our dinner.) So about that half star... Does anyone know if this restaurant is owned by the same people who run The Similan in Cambridge? The menus are exactly the same (and I'm not talking selection wise, although that's true too. I mean it's the exact menu...paper selection and all). I have nothing against the fact that they might be run by the same people, it just ruins the illusion of visiting different Thai places and comparing food. Anyway, yea...definitely recommend...
(4)Nausheen M.
Excellent thai food is served here! try their vegetable fried rice with pineapple, beef with basil, and chicken satay for sure. I love the decore of the place too. What really impressed me is that they actually dim the lights and light up candles for you at your table. The servers are very pleasant too.
(4)Katie L.
I could eat Drunken Noodle everyday...so spicy and so delicious. I can't wait to come for my birthday too...Dim the room, put on the disco lights and blast that birthday music...Love it! :)
(5)irene p.
mmm mmm mmm. how have i not written a review about brown sugar?? i just had this delectable thai food earlier today, and it was just as good as i remembered it being a year ago. the mother ordered the beef basil special dish order and i got the chicken pad see ewe. amazing! but beware, the beef basil is SPICY. even if you order it medium spice level. and the chicken pad see ewe was a bit on the really sweet side. but it IS called brown sugar cafe. the waiters / waitresses are SOOO efficient here - they refilled my water quickly and smoothly. our waitress in particular had customers outside in their front (is that new btw?? how come i don't remember that being there!! the flowers are BEAUTIFUL!) and within 2 minutes was refilling our waters, asking how everything was, etc. the check took a bit to get to our table, but i am willing to let that slide because it was nothing compared to the rest of the stellar service that she gave us. beware, there are a lot of tables in the restaurant, and so it gets crowded quickly. and sometimes a bit awkward to maneuver around. all in all, a great place for thai food. :) will definitely be back!
(4)jim I.
Brown Sugar takes a nice spin on traditional Thai by spinning it with some sweeter sauces and things you won't see on too many other menus. In particular if you like food with presentational flair check out the 'served in pineapple' dishes - (I think there are better tasting things on the menu, but the presentation is pretty money.) There can be a line so calling ahead is a smart. The atmosphere is nice, but not over the top. Accessible by T from the B Green line.
(4)Phil J.
This is a good Thai place for a nice casual night out with friends. Atmosphere is lively, food is good, and the menu offers a lot of choices, so everyone can find something that they like. The dishes that stood out for me were the stewed beef (so tendor and flavorful!) and one of the seafood curry dishes (can't remember the name). They also have a really bizarre birthday celebration dance--the place goes dark, some awful dance music comes on, and lights start flashing everywhere. But since I think that the point of any restaurant birthday dance is to embarrass the birthday boy/girl, it is totally appropriate.
(4)Ilya Jacob R.
Fast. Great Thai. Some of the best in the city with great ambiance. For apps, get the Fresh Rolls or Satay Chicken (if you like peanut sauce). I'm a fan of curries so get any of the curries here. I love duck - check out a curry with duck and you'll never go back to anything else. If you've (NEVER) had thai iced tea - get it. And make sure you try some Fried Ice Cream! What a treat! Make sure you're ready to eat once you order - the entrees come out fast.
(4)Ben L.
Freaking fan-tastic. I was uber psyched when I went inside and saw how classy this place is. You don't feel like you need to get dressed up or anything but it gives you a little ego boost when you are inside. I went on a weeknight and though it didn't fill up completely it was a bit packed so expect to have a bit of a wait on fir, sat. I was pleased to see their little bar area. It work well with the place and generally the restaurant makes good use of their interior room. I did have a bit of a convo loop with the waiter as I asked if they had Tiger beer and had to point out that I was asking about Tiger not Thai beer. I lost. Overall the wait service though courteous was just a little under par and keeps me back from the bestowage of 5 stars. The food however does not. It was fantastic and mouthwatering. They spices and seasoning are blended perfectly and dishes explore all five dimensions of yum. This though is the monster tip for Brown Sugar cafe. Either take someone that you know there for their birthday or just say that it's one of your friends birthdays when you show up. They have perhaps the best birthday performance in town.
(4)Courtney E.
Yet another review?! Is it even necessary? Well, it's my 100th, so yes. Here's my 2 cents: I love Thai curry, and this has to be the BEST I've tried in Boston or Cambridge. The red and green ones come with plenty of fresh green beans and just enough curry to soak up my (brown) rice. All I can say is WOW, and best of all, I don't feel nauseous afterwards. Their curry's like magic in my stomach!!
(5)J S.
So so. No lunch specials.
(3)Olivia K.
I am kind of embarrassed to admit that i have only tried two dishes at brown sugar. So, you're thinking I shouldn't even have the right to review it right? NO. For my particular situation, a BU freshman living in West Campus (a 2 minute walk to Brown Sugar), living on a tight budget and doing almost anything to avoid the harsh weather as a California native, I can't help but love Brown Sugar. The Pad Thai, a classic, not the best I have ever had but definetly deec. For $9.45 you get a SHITLOAD of food to the point where you dont want to finish it. you no you shouldn't but you most likely do. I tried venturing outside the norm and it was one of the most mediocre curry dishes I have ever had. I give Brown Sugar a tentative 4 stars Brown Sugar works for me. Stick to the Pad Thai, order take out.
(4)Simon L.
I like this place a lot. Everything I or one of my friends has had has been very good, and so I have no complaints. I like places that experiment a little bit more and feel a little less like a cafeteria, but I guess they have found a good thing and they're sticking to it. If you can get over the tiny, tiny tables for two people, they do have some really distinctive signature dishes. They also have some nice touches, little things: their fresh spring rolls are not at all like a conventional spring roll--rice paper around a bulky center--Brown Sugar's are delicate, small, and served with a really elegant vinegar sauce to pour over it before eating. I was impressed. Overall, definitely my favorite Thai in town.
(5)Andrea S.
I dream about brown sugar. I dream about a huge serving of Tom Yum soup (the best I've had anywhere- ANYWHERE) and Pad Thai Country style. Sometimes I dream about the crab rangoons and Chinese broccoli, but mostly the soup and pad thai. This shit rocks my world. I don't think I could live with myself if I was in Boston and didn't have Brown Sugar.
(5)Maile S.
Brown Sugar has the freshest, tastiest Thai food in the city. If you've never had their pad thai (or their drunken noodles or their yellow curry...I could go on and on), you need to hop on the B line RIGHT THIS INSTANT and get your butt to Brown Sugar. The service is great, and the food always comes out incredibly fast. However, I would happily wait for hours and endure abuse from surly waiters if I had to, for a plate of their noodles with asparagus.
(5)Diane C.
I'm a fan of Similan's in Cambridge, Brown Sugar is just as delightful. Beware if you are planning a trip to enjoy food AND outdoor seating as there is not outdoor seating (at least not on in April on a beautiful day).
(4)Michael W.
I can walk to both locations, but i usually dine at the one on Commonwealth Ave. I tried something new last night, which was the tasty lettuce wrap, which had fried noodles, chicken, shrimp and some spice served on lettuce, which was quite good. it was served with the traditional Thai sauce... I also had the Thai spring rolls, which were great as usual. Other favorites include the crab Rangoon, the golden bag, and stuffed chicken wings. Anything on this menu is great, I don't normally eat pad Thai, but a friend has told me its quite good. Last night, I had the beef macadamia which comes with assorted mushrooms, that my girl friend just loved and some red and green peppers and was a very tasty dish. My Girlfriend loves the Bird of Paradise, steamed seafood in a very hot broth, and its awesome, hands down great every time, however, the amount of seafood varies from time to time, and last night seemed a little skimpy on the scallops and lacked squid. Other great dishes include the chicken and cashews which is served in a half pineapple, and any one of the ducks dishes they have on their menu. I have tried most of them, and are in a wide variety in flavor and temperature, and are always awesome... They have a small, but very tasty wine list, with especially good white wines... I dont know why it looses out every year for best of Boston... what the hell...
(4)Nicholas L.
Not a fan of this place at all. I thought it was average Thai food. The service was not good, and we ordered the duck that came out dry. We sent it back, and they gave us half order of another entree after trying one piece of the duck, and charged us the price of the duck for another entree that was 5 dollars cheaper.
(1)Captain H.
We used to hit up Brown Sugar all the time, until one time we got a pad thai to go and it was drenched in liquid (my noodles were swimming) and lacking with flavor. In my opinion, it's pretty hard to screw up pad thai. That said, everything else I've had there has been delicious. The menu is huge. My favorite dish so far is the caramelized salmon noodle.
(4)Hiroko S.
I went there for dinner. Friday 18:20 no need to make a line. If you go there after 19:00, I think you have to wait for a while. Pad Thai country style was good, I like it. This restaurant was good but I just wonder why people are crazy about here.
(4)R G.
ok, I figured it out. it's genius, really. excellent business strategy. brown sugar is so successful because of this: their menu is so huge that, even in a large group, you will only sample a tiny fraction of it. thus, when you are disappointed with your dishes, you convince yourself that you must have 'ordered wrong'. So you go back, hoping to stumble across the good dishes. repeat. by the time that you figure out that there was nothing wrong with your ordering all this time, that there's actually something wrong with the food, they've captured your repeat business. bravo, brown sugar cafe! I went here after the Similans (falling for the above trap). Because we were a party of two, we got to jump in front of the larger parties waiting to be seated. The staff wasn't nearly as obnoxious as at the Similans. We ordered: the 'Golden Bags', some 'Spicy Lady' (or similar) eggplant dish, and a salmon dish. My boyfriend very accurately pointed out that the golden bags tasted like chicken mcnuggets. Pass on these. The eggplant dish was so-so. The salmon was the best of the three by far. Slightly overcooked, but still tasty. The overlying problem is that everything is too saucey (hiding what seems like some good, fresh ingredients) and too sweet. I get it-- the brown sugar thing-- but you can't do that on every single dish! Offer some contrast! There's nothing terrible about the food, I might eat there now and again, it's just not "the best thai food ever!!!!" (if you think it is, I have serious doubts about your thai food experience.) I prefer this over the Similans (much better atmosphere, even if a bit cramped), but I wouldn't wait long for either. Try Bo Thai instead! (disclaimer: it's mostly take out with just a few cafe-style tables.) and no, I don't work for them, I just prefer superior thai food.
(3)Arestia R.
I love this place to get my Thai food fix. This is also the place my dad always requests we have dinner when he comes into town, and that man is a Foodie with a capital F, so you know it's good (don't mess with my Pops and his restaurant choices). The pad thai is delicious and I love their green curry. The staff is prompt and friendly and the place is really nice; good for date night, gentlemen. I keep coming again and again!
(4)Ed Konagaya K.
The best Thai food EVER!! Especially their special noodles and mango curry!! Place is not very expensive (approximately $8~10 ) Though I only went there for lunch, I think the atmosphere of the place is very good and recommend going in any occasions!!
(5)Susan D.
After reading all these reviews and happening to dine here after BU's graduation, I was a bit disappointed with this restaurant. We ordered the pineapple chicken and the standard pad thai. The chicken and shrimp were tough due to overcooking. The pad thai was sorta runny and lacked that oomph that I normally expect from the mixture of flavors (fish sauce, lime, sugar, peanuts, etc). The ambiance was amazing, a great location, stylish decor, but ordinary food. Though I much prefer the Thai Basil on Newbury Street.
(3)L C.
Try the Brown Sugar mango yellow curry chicken! Wow, this was yummy, with the soft and slightly caramelized warm mango chunks. I can see why this place is so popular, and I totally understand why my friend gets takeout from here all the time. Most of the entrees are under $10 and the servers are sweet and the food comes out super fast.
(3)Junius H.
The category: Good eats The seven-word skinny: Worth the wait, best Thai in Boston The review: The Allston/Brighton dining scene may be the best-kept secret in the Bay State and Brown Sugar Cafe is one of its crown jewels. When I lived in Allston, I needed a Brown Sugar fix at least every other week. The food is definitely the highlight but the dine-in experience is a good one too, especially for college students looking for a nice place to take a date, without having to eat PB & J for the ensuing month. All the dishes are great for family-style dining and the service is excellent. Their Thai ice tea is always a great complement to the Brown Sugar Duck (their specialty) and somehow, their Mango Fried Rice ALWAYS has sweet mangos, anytime of year - a true feat in Boston. The star of the show: unforgettable Thai food The good: Ambiance, service, multitude of tasty dishes (most items are can't miss) The bad: sauteed soft shell crab special: for those of you who love the taste of deep-fried soft shell crab, do not be fooled the - it's no the same! butterflies on the walls (I know it's art, but there's something eerie about eating with hundreds of dead butterflies around). The notable: There's a second location (which I have not tried) near Fenway. The Junius pick(s): Brown Sugar Duck, Mango Fried Rice The person you're dating: Should be brought here. The significant other/spouse: Should also be brought here, but not at the same time. The last time I was there: February, 2005 The number of times I've been there: More than 30.
(5)Victoria N.
So it's been well over a year since I've actually written a review on here, but I never felt as compelled to do so as I did last night. I've talked about going to Brown Sugar since I first came to Boston for school, and after more than three years of not doing so, we actually went for the first time last night. I've got to say I'm with those few on here who don't get the hype surrounding Brown Sugar. It makes me so sad to see how well all these restaurants lining Comm Ave are doing, while my parents struggle every day with ours back home. Anyhow, back to Brown Sugar.... The atmosphere was nice, right? That is, until I noticed the cockroach out of the corner of my eye scurrying up the wall just inches from my face. We flagged down a waitress who came to see what's up, saw the roach, and just said 'oh' with a tone that implied that this was not of big surprise to her. Uh.... I had actually read the review on here which talked of a similar story with bugs scurrying around the walls, but I was hoping that was just a one time thing. Apparently not. So the waitress basically just came over with her wash cloth, attempted to catch the roach more than kill it, and pretended that she got it when we clearly saw it just fall beneath the table. She apologized and just went on her merry way. Although she did come back and offer to move us to another table. You know...I'm pretty sure the little guy didn't just decide to chill beneath our table after being attacked. Not even three minutes later, the table behind us spotted another cockroach crawling up the wall by them. Uh...what is going on?? I'm not sure if they had asked for assistance to no avail or if they just didn't get a chance to ask, but one of the ladies actually had to stand up on her chair with shoe in hand to kill the roach herself. "Just imagine what their kitchen might be like," one of my friends said. Oh, god. Okay, so bugs and critters aside...the food and service was decent, but not worth going in my opinion. The food took quite a while to come out, even after the entire roach ordeal. The app we ordered was tasty, but not worth the $8 that can get you an entire tasty entree at my parents' restaurant, or plenty of other places, for that matter. The entrees were tasty as well, but nothing too special. My green curry felt like it was trying to take me back to Thailand but really just couldn't quite cut it. But really...the worst came with the fried ice-cream for dessert. So I like reading people's reviews and recommendations prior to going to places and believe them to be true for the most part. Especially when multiple reviews recommend the same thing. But I was so fooled! And especially fooled into thinking we were going to get a ball of fried GREEN TEA ice-cream, which was what ultimately made me want to try it. But no. It was vanilla. Now, there is nothing wrong with vanilla. But to be fooled and then disappointed...it just made me sad that I had ordered it when my friend was footing the bill. We make a heavenly fried vanilla ice-cream back home, but what was this? It almost seemed like the ball had come out of the freezer pre-fried. Is that even possible? I like my fried ice-cream with that light, flaky tempura crust, but we got this ugly-looking ball that reminded me of Cheese on a Stick (yes...you New Englanders are missing out on Hot Dog on a Stick), except....not good! I also like my fried ice-cream freshly fried, so that it's still warm when it comes out and slightly crinkles when easily broken into, resulting in this amazing melted goodness of warm tempura and chilly ice-cream. But what did we get? This cold, ugly-looking ball that was not fun to break into at all with hard, hard ice-cream inside. Ughhh..... Omg, I can't believe I almost forgot to mention that that joke called fried ice-cream there was $6! Are you people insane?? Okay, yeah. Now that's enough about fried ice-cream. So needless to say, it was just an immensely disappointing experience. Although I suppose we were lucky enough to see how birthdays are handled there, since I had heard so much about it from Yelpers. But then again...that bangin' music just fooled me into thinking I was going to relive a ladyboy show back in Thailand. Mph. --------------------------------------------------Â------------------------------------------- I love that Yelp has filtered out my review for Brown Sugar. Why? I think it was cos I kept mentioning my parents' restaurant back home. Yeah...because our little establishment clear across the country is really a 'malicious competitor' to the almighty Brown Sugar.... This really fuels my love/hate relationship with Yelp. =\
(1)Ben K.
This place was just OK for me. The pad thai was nothing out of the ordinary, but they somehow manage to charge $11 for it. We got in around 9:35 but were pretty rushed for our whole meal by our waiter and other staff who kept insisting on clearing out plates before we were finished. I tried my friend's duck dish, which was really bland. Probably won't be going back. ------------ Revision: Went back to Brown Sugar tonight for dinner and had yet another bad experience. The waitstaff was soooooo sooooooooo annoying-- about five people asked us if everything was ok with the food, even though we said "no" each time because two of our entrees came out five minutes before the other two. My entree, the pad si-ew, was cold, gummy, and overpriced, and the server came back three times to clarify what I meant by "extra Chinese broccoli $1," which is an actual option listed on the menu directly below the entree description. When we went to pay, we told the waitress we'd put half on the card and take care of the rest in cash. She demanded that we provide the cash immediately or else she wouldn't run the card. We said we'd take care of it when she finished running the card. She still refused to budge until we put cash into the presenter. I just don't iike being harassed by servers whilst paying exorbitant prices for unpalatable Allston food.
(1)Kim P.
Really amazing Thai food, though not the best in the world. 3 stars for the food. The best Thai food I've ever had has come from most likely cockroach-infested restaurants in NY and LA. So because this the fanciest setting I've ever experienced Thai food, 5 stars for that. And so 5+3/2=4.
(4)Lorrie V.
EW. This place makes me nauseus when I think about it. Definitely, absolutely, completely not the best Thai food around Boston. Maybe I came on a bad night cause other reviewers seem to like this place, but my experience here irked me. It's very tacky with random wall decorations everywhere. There seems to be no rhyme or reason to any of it. All the food I tried here consisted of way too much fish sauce in it... which is a staple in thai dishes. I don't want my chicken to taste like fish please. I think it should be subtle. I also got to witness the cheesiest "Happy Birthday" singing thing I have ever seen in my life. I was eating then all of a sudden the lights turn off, strobe lights/blinking lights come on, waiters come out, LOUD as hell weird birthday song comes on with some thai guy singing happy birthday into a microphone. He had a very thick accent too so it was pretty funny. Was it supposed to be funny though? I don't know. But felt very awkward for the whole restaurant at that moment. Never want to go here again.
(1)Rudi W.
Always amazing, worth struggling with the occasional wait person to get straight any special requests. If you sit by front window, you won't have the noise problem. Only problem.. Too much wonderful choice's extra time to peruse the novel sized menu. Although............I have to delete a star. If you ask for anything slightly different (say you are allergic to peppers or ask about sodium..., even for medical reasons, it is a HUGE ordeal to ask for even the slightest substitute, or deletion. There are a LOT of bell peppers, vegan ham (??), pineapple in everything.
(4)Stephen S.
Given the unimpressive facade of the building I wasn't expecting much...definitely not what I found inside. On the student-est stretch of Comm Ave Brown Sugar is located yet doesn't feel like it should be located in a student neighborhood at all. The presentation was very nice, my meal was served in a halved pineapple and was completely immersed in sweet sauce. I went for the Siamese Twins (chicken and shrimp) and was more than sated by what I received. I am a firm believer that you can tell a good Thai place from a bad Thai place based on their sweet chicken. The correct dish mixes a sweet sauce with naturally sweet fruits (typically pineapple and/or mango) to give it an overall sweet but refreshing taste and adds protein and veggies for texture and subtle flavor. Brown Sugar nailed it and I will go back for more guaranteed. The service was quick...perhaps too quick. I got the feeling they were trying to rush us out of the restaurant even though it was half empty (late lunch). Otherwise the waitstaff was very friendly.
(4)Joel R.
Went here for dinner with a small group. The service was fantastic. The staff is very attentive - I don't think my water glass was ever empty. The food was definitely good and prices were fair. I would go back again.
(4)Benito B.
I love the Country Pad Thai! I can't say enough about it. Recently, I did try something else and it was absolutely Delicious too. I enjoy the atmosphere there as well.
(5)Alice T.
I am impressed with the food. I ordered mango fried rice and it was awesome! I went to silimian and ordered the same dish (the menu are the same from both places, they might have the same owner) and it was not nearly as good. I will definitely go again.
(5)Gabrielle A.
The pad thai and fresh limeade are my two favorite things in the world. I'd eat here every day if I could. Best Thai in Boston hands down.
(5)Rosanna P.
Delicious food, great prices...by far the best Thai I've had in the area. The Pad Si Ew is my favorite...the brown sauce is so sweet and not salty at all, which is what I don't like about some other thai places I've been to. and the best part of it is, my husband's favorite dish is called "Two Young Guys"...;)
(5)Ana M.
Crispy. Pad. Thai. This is the best dish ever, although I haven't had many others here. I'm stuck in that limbo where I love the CPT so much that I can't bring myself to order anything else. The ambiance is also great although be careful during weekend nights because this place gets packed with BU students.
(4)Archana V.
Best Pad Thai ever! Tried the barbecued seafood based on the waiter's recommendation, but it was a little too sweet for my liking. There are so many choices int he menu, I will definitely be back to sample more.
(4)Sham Y.
We had a pretty good experience with this place. I've had better but I was generally happy with my meal. We got a spicy pad thai that was really good and also some sort of yellow curry that was rather average. The sticky rice there was so dry you're better off with jasmine or brown rice.
(4)Nikki W.
This was my first experience with Thai food and I must say I thoroughly enjoyed it!!! I got chicken and cashews which came in a 1/2 pinapple. The presentation was really quite creative. For dessert my boyfriend and I split some sort of fried ice cream, and it was superb. I will definitely be returning at some point!
(4)alex l.
mmmmmm all i can say is you HAVE to try the Kao Soy(sp?) pronounced "cow soy". it is this succulent Thai curry chicken noodle soup. It's the only thing I ever get there so sorry I can't review many of the other dishes. I think it is only on their lunch menu but I order it any time of day and they have it.
(5)Amelia E.
I LOVE BROWN SUGAR!! They have amazing pad thai, it's fun and not too expensive. AND they have tootsie rolls instead of after dinner mints.
(5)Rhiannon L.
perfect thai dinner: - start with tod mun, tasty fish cakes - move to pad thai, country style. spicy with the right amount of peanut. - next, brown sugar mango curry. - finally, mango split. ripe mango and coconut ice cream with a mango reduction sauce. brown sugar is probably my favorite thai in boston. i've never eaten a dish i didn't like and the staff is always courteous and quick.
(5)Michel R.
One of the better thai food places in Boston. The only disadvantage: there is always a sizeable wait but they do take reservations. The crowd is very young and very lively, always having groups of friends having dinner and maybe going to catch a show (think paradise rock club) or a drink at a nearby bar (tonic, wonderbar etc...). Their food is exceptional and their service prompt. I would definitely recommend this place for a group outing.
(4)Jeremy L.
The first time I went here I wasn't as impressed, as the noodles lacked the flavor I was expecting. Every other time I've gone, though, the food was superb. Drunken noodles came with a mound of fresh vegetables I ought to have split with someone instead of greedily cramming in my face. Portions are large and the prices are reasonable. This is a great place for a group to order several dishes and share. Wait staff were attentive and my water glass was never empty.
(5)William B.
Definitely my go to thai place when I'm in boston. I've tried several different ones from the place on mass ave and newbury, to noodle street, to nub pub and Brown Sugar takes the cake. I always get the chicken pad thai which in my opinion is the shit. Not too greasy which can be a problem with thai food and the portions are real good. On friday/saturday nights this place can get cranking so I use to order takeout from here to avoid waiting for a table. Service is always right on point and I've never had a bad meal here. If you're looking for a solid meal around the BU west campus area this is your spot.
(4)Walter G.
this is my new favorite thai place in boston. the food's great, the menu is HUGE, and the wait time on a busy saturday night was only like 20 minutes. not too shabby. i don't get why people think it's "cheap" cuz it isn't. i'm not claiming it's really expensive, but when i drop $35 per plate for dinner (appetizers, entrees, wine) i'd say it's pretty middle of the road. ALSO - the waitstaff was cool, no problems with speaking or listening comprehension as far as i could tell. so apparently brown sugar is THE PLACE for asians to go on their bdays (which i think is a pretty hearty endorsement) because there were THREE birthdays celebrated over the course of my time there. it's a cool production - the lights dim, the music fades and is replaced by a techoy "happy birthday" song, and the staff claps along and brings you some kind of birthday dessert. the thing that surprised me was that the staff was equally excited about the third birthday as they were about the first. the clapping/dancing/smiling all seemed sincere. i dunno apparently they think birthdays are REALLY special. my only complaint is that it seemed like i was always RIGHT in the middle of telling a story when the birthday music started blasting. i've only been once, so i don't know if this is common, but i don't feel like having my dinner interrupted THREE TIMES within an hour... whatever, it's a minor complaint. the place is great check it out.
(4)Sean C.
The best Thai food around the Allston area. The food is both inexpensive (comparing with all other food) and expensive ( comparing with other Thai food around the area). Strongly recommended. My favorite is Madness Fishermen and it is really spicy and tasty.
(4)Julia W.
By the far the best Thai food in the area. I cannot recommend this place enough!!!!! As Coke has been associated with all soda, so Brown Sugar, to me, is the epitome of Thai food. The curry, pad thai, tom yum soup, and basically everything else is superb and is not expensive in the slightest. The waitstaff is friendly, the atmosphere is young and modern, and the food rocks. What more can I say, you need to try Brown Sugar.
(5)Cecilia L.
Brown Sugar is my comfort food. I used to work at the high school next door, and while they do have a heavy hand with the sugar the food is yummy. The pad thai is awesome, pad see ew just right. The mango curry is like ambrosia, a sweet golden curry thick with chicken, squash and chunks of aromatic fruit. Drunken noodles are hot hot hot ouch! and beef kaprow is zingy and satisfying.
(3)Ellen L.
I went to Similans first, and it was awesome. I did a little research and figured out that they're the same restaurant and they have the same menu. Quality was consistent across the two restaurants, and the food was tasty. The one thing I liked was that this place wasn't overly greasy. A lot of asian foods are made overly greasy sometimes, and this just seemed like good, quality food. The service was a bit odd here. Spotty at times, but overall my experience was good.
(5)Amanda G.
So maybe you just moved to Boston from some hickville town and your parents come to visit you and you want to share some culture with them - go to Brown Sugar! Delicious Thai food at a reasonable cost and nothing too daring so uncultured people can enjoy it too, well at least my parents did. The middle tables have cushion dining and add a little flare to your dining experience. Definitely check it out!
(4)Angelo S.
We used to cater from a variety of locations... and after a while, we noticed the size of the audience would be heavily influenced by whether we ordered Brown Sugar or not. :) It made decision making easy. Then when I used to live close to their Fenway site... I would have home delivery. The delivery guys used to know by first name basis. So I am a big fan you could say. Sure things not to miss: Choo-chee fisherman, obviously their pad thai is marvelous, the Bird of Paradise.
(5)H T.
I like their mango fried rice and Pad See Ew here, both were really good. Also got the thai spring rolls, but it was nothing too exciting. I can make better. The sauce for the spring roll was kinda weird and not that good, not what I expected. If you're an ice cream addict like me, always into creative flavors- then be sure to try their ogura (red bean) ice cream with sweet sticky rice, as well as other like the mango flavor and fried bananas with ice cream.
(4)Chin C.
Properly my most favorite Thai restaurant in Boston. I always order same dished over and over again. Here are my fav "Tod Mun"(shrimp cake), "Tom Yum Goong Yai Num-kon"(Tom Yum, I think you know what it is), and "Yum Pla Dook Fu"(Crispy Catfish with spicy sauce) . These dishes are definitely HOT and originally Thai style. I always go with many friends to eat many dishes, yeah I couldn't finish all by myself. Without reading a menu, I ordered what I told you. That's make my life easier rite?
(4)Giuseppe F.
The food and service is as good as this review is short.
(4)Shruti V.
I went here once.. it wasn't a superb experience or anything.. I had the pad thai(safest bet?lol) It wasn't exceptional and was a little too sweet for my liking... also very bland. Maybe thats just me.. I don't know. Service was pretty bad too.. they kept walking past us like we didn't exist for a good 20 minutes before we could get hold of someone. The other reviews suggest being more adventurous while ordering.. maybe I'll go again and give it a try:) till then I give this place 3 stars for being just OK. Their sky high prices don't help too much either!!! :-/
(3)Daryl S.
So. Damn. Good. Place is so good was alright with Thai, and this place made me fall in love with Thai food.
(5)dan w.
I was VERY happy with brown sugar. of course I hadn't ventured into the Delicious world of Thai cuisine when I lived 2 min down de road from here. now that I live 600 miles away across the ocean, I love it! visiting Boston last weekend I had to go and check it off my list. the food was great, good portions and great price. the main complaint I have is the vast array of menu items. thy must have about 400 choices. not good when your girlfriend needs to read every menu item 3 times before making a decision. I was even confused though. if they cut down their menu and focused more on certain select items it might be better.
(4)Elisa C.
Brown Sugar has by far some of the best Pad Thai in Boston--and if you're not afraid of a little spice, definitely try the Country Style. It is a little pricey but the portions are a good size. Take out is always a good option since they tend to fill up on the weekends. Otherwise, the service is good and the food is always good.
(4)Christian H.
Easily the best Thai in the area, and they have an awesome decor and good choice of beers. I highly recommend the Chicken Cashew Nut--if you order there, they serve it to you in half a pineapple!
(5)Keely G.
The last time I was there, this was still my most favorite Thai restaurant! I have tried many, and nothing has even come close to the delicious taste that Brown Sugar creates. Ahhhh...I absolutely love this place. Right now, Spice and Rice in La Jolla, CA is in a distant second place.
(5)Sunil U.
I was a big fan of this place until last weekend when I discovered something new - recommended tipping 18% or 20%. Are you kidding me? This restaurant is not upscale by any means of imagination. Being ignorant of this rule, I went with my regular tip of 15% before tax. Just as we were leaving the Thai waitress came over and asked us if we found everything alright. I took it as a courtesy question and answered politely in the affirmative. She then went on to ramble about the tip that I had left stating "if you don't know how to tip you can see it in the bottom on this slip" pointing me to the 18% and 20% tipping guidelines. I increased the tip by a couple of dollars (which I now repent doing). She then went after our friends who were waiting for us near the door. I thought it was just the waitress but if the restaurant has the gumption to recommend an 18% tip for a party of 4, I'm sorry there are better places around. I feel sorry for them since they are just being greedy in a great location. Who doesn't want to push the envelope a little these days?
(1)Tammy T.
This is 4-star food but down a notch because of how expensive it is. I've never actually been to the actual location (ordered delivery a few times) so I'm rating the taste and pricing. I can't comment on the plating but the food did come nicely packed in plastic containers. Pad Thai Country Style - Tasty pad thai but I suggest those who cannot tolerate spicy food take caution. It's your typical pad thai but spicy-fied with bits of tofu and turnip. This is the best dish! Brown Sugar Mango Curry - Too sweet Green Curry - Your typical green curry, so nothing to write home about. Delivery can take a long time, so order early!
(3)Eva Y.
Came here with a friend a couple weeks ago and i ordered the masaman chicken curry and a thai iced tea. The chicken was a bit too dry/rough for my liking but the curry itself was just perfect.The thai iced tea was also a bit too sweet for my liking, but i would definitely come back here some time and give it another try.
(3)Danielle D.
Have ate both delivery and dine in from Brown Sugar. Their food is delicious and always hits the spot! Delivery is extremely fast. The one and only time the slightly messed up my order they comped meal for my next visit. Will continue to eat here weekly! You must try the crispy pad thai... Amazing!
(5)Darline T.
We came to Brown Sugar on the recommendation of my cousin who lives in Quincy but frequently visits BSC and as a vegan, as long as there was sushi I knew I would have found something to eat so I didn't bother doing research but boy what a surprise! We arrived with family in tow around 5:30-6:00pm on Tuesday and we were greeted and seated promptly. Our waitress got right into it and got us started on appetizers; I didn't get anything but the family got Crab Rangoon and another dish I can't remember, but I do recall them slurping right through it so I'm sure they enjoyed it. I can't recall the name of the dish I ordered but it contained lightly fried tofu with DELICIOUS mushrooms, Chinese broccoli and other mixed vegetables with an add-on of asparagus (which they didn't even charge me for and it would have been only $1; where here in Providence they charge you $4 for 4-6 spears!). I usually have a hard time telling my server my list of ingredient exclusions but as soon as I said I was vegan, she immediately said it'd be made with soy sauce and would ensure no animal-by products would be in the dish. 0_o Imagine my delight when I didn't even have to go into some confusing detail about "why" I can't have it but I guess I need to come to Boston more often! I took one bite and the next thing I knew, my family was telling me to "slow down, you're not even breathing!" It was that flipping amazing! We were all extremely happy with our dishes but our only unanimous complaint was that they lacked the "friendliness" of most restaurants but their atmosphere definitely made up for it. All in all, I will definitely come back here and oh boy, I can't wait!
(4)Review H.
The Brown Sugar duck is amazing! Ask for it with crispy skin because once it was soft. Even though it's on their dinner menu I order it for lunch sometimes on the weekend. Suki Gai (beam thread noodle and cabbage) without broth is also really good-- so flavorful. This place is so awesome we'll drive out of our way with napping kids in the back seat to take out food!
(5)Flora Y.
I've been to brown sugar cafe several times for birthday dinners and they always had decent Thai food and solid service. I hadn't been to the restaurant for 2 years and a recent visit left me disappointed and frustrated. There was 8 of us for dinner to celebrate a friend's birthday. My husband ordered Chinese Broccoli with tofu and I've never had Chinese Broccoli THIS under-cooked at any restaurant before. It was hard & bitter and my husband couldn't finish it. The sauce was kinda bland too. The Nua Sub (minced beef with diced onions and tomatoes in madras curry spice gravy. served over flat rice noodles) caught my attention so I ordered that. It was my first time ever trying Nua Sub so I have I no basis for comparison, though it was a little too rich and salty for my taste. One of my friends had a curry dish and it was too salty. Other people didn't have problems with their dinner. So after an unsatisfactory meal for me, I was still feeling hopeful for the dessert platter. I placed the order and then we waited. Someone came to collect our dishes but he was in such a rush that he knocked over my water which spilled onto my jeans. I don't think he even apologized or maybe the noise of the restaurant drowned his voice (it was a busy night). I don't know. And then we kept waiting. and waited. and then 20mins later I asked one of the staff what happened to our dessert she said the kitchen is on it. We waited for another 10mins and I tried to get someone's attention but people just seemed to whiz by and ignore me because they were super busy? So I physically got up to talk to someone about our dessert and she said the kitchen will bring it out soon. Another 5mins later I was beyond frustrated. If the dessert takes more than 30mins to make it would have been nice to know ahead of time. But if it's just a platter to assemble ready-made desserts, why did it take so long? In the mean time, the staff knew we were waiting for this long and there was no apology from the restaurant. So we cancelled the dessert and left. Food ranged from meh to bad and service was absolutely terrible. Maybe it was just an off night but given there are many good thai food options in the area, I'm not planning to come back.
(1)Jeremy W.
This place is a little expensive but the food is good. I think the everything is delicious, but the BEST thing to get here is a special that's called something like seafood green curry fried rice. It's listed as a special, but it's always been there whenever I have gone. It's a little bit on the expensive side but I HIGHLY recommend it if you like Green Curry. It's a very large portion and so delicious. Overall though, It's definitely one of the better Thai places I've been to, but just a little expensive for me
(4)Erica Z.
I love this place! This was my go to restaurant when I was in college, whether family was visiting or I just didn't feel like eating in the cafe. There's an extensive menu, but I rarely strayed from my favorite: crispy pad thai. It is without a doubt the best pad thai I have ever had. Several of their appetizers are refreshing and delicious as well, and the thai iced coffee is a personal favorite. Friendly service, pretty decor. What's not to like?
(5)Kate L.
Yum!!! Great food pad Thai and curry delicious. Got side if crushed peanuts bc dish was lacking. Cute cozy ambiance.
(5)Yancey L.
I went there on May 21st, which is the netizen's Valentines day in China. And the restaurant didn't let me down. Food was great, I was actually surprised that they have so many kinds of duck dishes which are hard to find in other Thai restaurants but are exactly what i like. So I ordered Duck Choo Chee, not as that spicy as I expected (they put 2 chilly peppers besides this dish on their menu though), it tastes great. The meat is juicy and the curry is savory. I love their decoration inside the restaurant too. This is one of the best restaurants around BU area.
(4)Navin B.
Great food. We had shrimps, chicken salad and fried ice cream. Everything was really good. I just wish it had more space.
(4)Tim S.
First time here. We split veggie spring rolls and Mermaid Chicken. Delicious and the entree was enough for two.
(4)Tiffany F.
Best Thai food I've ever eaten! Hands down! The portions were huge the food was great. The menu of massive. The choices for food, drinks, and dessert were great. Also a great spot for vegetarians. I had the vegetable tempura and pad see ew. Had enough for anith full meal at home. So good! Highly highly recommend!
(5)Eric S.
I ordered the Soft Shell Crab Tempura, and the Barbeque Seafood. The deep fried soft shell crab was amazing, although I didn't realize that the price of $8.95 only included ONE crab and a whole mess of fried vegetables. The Barbeque Seafood was also amazing. The scallops were huge, there were quite a few shrimp in it, a bit of calamari, and it had a few decent chunks of salmon in it. It also came with slices of orange, grilled onions, grilled broccoli, grilled pineapple chunks, grilled peppers, and grilled tomatoes. The grilled tomatoes had a really weird texture that didn't really work with the rest of the dish, so I took them out, but everything else went together very well. It was $15.95 which is a bit on the expensive side for what you're getting, but it's VERY good.
(4)Michael B.
Great spot for some very good quality thai food. Beyond their delicious pad thai and pinapple fried rice staples, their yellow, red, and masaman curry are flavorful and hearty. The drunken noodle is great if you have a love for spicy food (I mean teary eyed spicy) and I love their fried tofu triangles. It would take months to try every dish, so I would suggest trying one of the aforementioned dishes or something from the "chef's special" part of the menu before venturing out. Great place for takeout, as they are really fast and their metal takeout containers are perfect for keeping your food warm for a long while. A bit on the pricey side, but many times I can only finish half a main dish so it lasts a couple of meals. As a side note, I find their chicken to be a bit bland and spongy sometimes, but their tofu is done really well so when in doubt, go vegetarian. Would deffinately recommend to friends and family.
(4)Youna S.
Came here during late brunch on a graduation day but got seated right when we walked in (for 2 people). I walked in with a flannel, cardigan, and yoga pants but felt a bit out of place since everyone else in the restaurant seemed to be wearing something...nicer. The decorations were a bit fancy- pretty cute! I've been to Noodle St and Nud Pob, and really really enjoyed the food (no complaints at all). However, Brown Sugar topped those two restaurants. We ordered the Thai Fried Rice and the Drunken Noodle. I was warned that the Drunken Noodle can get a bit spicy but since I love love spicy food, I added a bit more hot sauce onto my plate. It got really spicy, but going back and forth with the noodles and the fried rice made the noodles less spicy. Both dishes were beyond delicious. The fried rice isn't just any kind of fried rice....and the drunken noodle isn't like any other at different restaurants..... The best Thai food I've ever had. Halfway through our meal my sister was telling me how they once sang a happy birthday song to one of the customers. Luckily, I was able to experience this the first and only time I came. I didn't notice that music wasn't playing in the background. They turned on a tune that slowly led into the Happy Birthday song and they dimmed the lights. They flashed a couple of lights around the table that was celebrating a birthday. It was cute! Had an overall good first time experience.
(5)Evelyn L.
Just so good. The Pad See Ew and Beef Fried Rice are my go-tos. Also, if you're with a friend tell them it's his/her birthday ;)
(5)Tory P.
absolutely love this place. awesome noodles, fresh veggies, and good spice. highly recommend the drunken noodle, and the tofu is actually pretty good. compared to Noodle Street and Nud Pob, this Thai place is my favorite!
(5)Felix G.
Delicious Pad Thai and green curry! Really outstanding thai food, way above the average. Not that expensive. Love it there!
(4)Marine C.
The food is mediocre, but the environment and service are nice.
(3)Kathy N.
Came here for dinner a week ago. I thought I would be impressed because this place has gotten so many good reviews but surprisingly I wasn't. I ordered the treasure bags as an appetizer and they were shaped in a weird way that I've never eaten them before, but to each their own style. It was sort of spicy too which I wasn't expecting. After, I ordered the yellow curry with chicken. I thought the chicken tasted really rubbery and the curry was way to hot for me to fully enjoy. I've had better curry that was less spicy and better treasure bags elsewhere. My white rice was really more like a sticky rice too which I didn't like. Overall, I'd pick Thai Basil in Copley over this place anytime!
(3)Liz W.
After hearing about Brown Sugar for years, my boyfriend and I finally decided to give it a try. We aren't thai food pros, so much of the menu was foreign to us. We decided to stick with what we knew. We got the brown sugar spare ribs to start and they were dripping with a wonderful sweet sauce and the meat fell right off the bone. I love crab rangoons, so we had to give those a try too. they were decent. Definitely not the best I've had but certainly not the worst. I probably wouldn't get them again, though. For our main course, we split the crispy chicken pad thai and drunken noodles with beef. The pad thai came out as regular chicken pad thai with a sliced piece of fried chicken on top. We probably could have skipped the "crispy" part. It was delicious - the perfect amount of sauce, not oily, not too sweet and the perfect amount of citrus. I'd definitely get it again. The drunken noodles were also delicious, but VERY spicy. We should have known when the waitress asked "is spicy okay?" that it would be packing heat. We are both spicy food fans, and definitely not wimps when it comes to spice, but we both agreed that we would have enjoyed it much more had it be a bit less spicy. All in all, we had a great meal. The service was extremely fast and friendly. I only wish they served booze - the beer and wine selection was less than mediocre
(4)Kyle T.
While it did not occur at the restaurant itself, this is the restaurant my fiancee and I went to the night I proposed. The first restaurant we went to on a date night in Boston when I visited her in college, and now we both live here. The food is fantastic, large portions, and the atmosphere is intimate. The tables are close together, but it's a restaurant on Comm Ave and they're just trying to fit in customers, so no real fault in that. The thai iced tea is a delicious drink. Do not underestimate the spiciness! I am a fan of spicy food, and asked them to make a pad thai dish as spicy as they could; it was wicked good, but I may have come to regret my request later that night and throughout the next day for other reasons. But it's good to know that they accommodate requests for dishes, as I like spice and my fiancee prefers much milder spices. The curry dishes are great, and the fried ice cream is a great finish to every meal. I don't go here too often, because I have never been dissatisfied with my meal and I don't want to ruin how awesome Brown Sugar is by going too frequently. I've still gone more than handful of times, and would recommend this restaurant to any thai food lover. Very reasonable prices for Boston, and what I feel to be one of the hidden gems just outside Allston.
(5)N S.
BSC is a hidden gem in between BU and Allston. I've missed it. Recently, I hosted a work event there and everyone was raving about their choices. The food is excellent consistently. That said, one of our waitresses was a bit curt, enough for my guests to remark. Not cool. Everyone has bad days, so I recommend it strongly.
(4)Ashley L.
I frequented Brown Sugar throughout college and often come back when I'm in town. The menu is HUGE (as are the portions), but once you figure out what you'd like it doesn't take long for the food to be served. The Kua Gai is a definite favorite. I recently tried their Pad Thai, which is not like any other I've had before. Not my favorite but that's just my opinion. I can however, always count on Brown Sugar for consistency and good quality Thai food.
(4)Kat O.
No complaints here, I had red curry and it was phenomenal. My friend also had a few appetizers for her meal and they were all yummy. Service was wonderful too, everyone was friendly. Tons of options, you can't go wrong!
(5)Frank B.
So far, for food quality, this is my favorite Thai restaurant in the greater Boston area. I've had Scallion Pancakes, Pad Thai, Pad Thai Country Style, Drunken Noodle, Tom Khar Gai, and a green curry dish. My favorite so far is the drunken noodle. I believe the soup has chicken broth, so check first before ordering the "vegetarian" option. The atmosphere is fine, the fish fun to watch. The map in the back is fun. I have been here over 5 times. I prefer this location for food quality over their sister location in Cambridge.
(3)Josephine L.
Ehhh..... Nice decor, fair prices (perfect for dates if you're in college/on a budget), friendly service, trippy birthday routine (think strobe lights and loud "Happy Birthday" dance remix), but the food itself is just okay. I probably shouldn't have come here less than a week after having an authentic Thai feast at S&I Thai with two Thai friends, but hey, that's life. Tom Yum soup: One of my favorite soups in the world, but BSC's was just mediocre. Not spicy enough, not sour enough, a little too sweet in a bowl that's just a wee bit small to be costing almost $4. Disappointing. Red Curry: I asked for hot. Spicy. I got bland. Not even a hint of spicy. As in, nary a chili flake or seed to be seen. Our waitress actually offered to send it back to make it more spicy, to which I reluctantly agreed (with visions of line cooks spitting in my food dancing in my head). When it came back, it was maybe half a degree spicier than bland. Which is to say, barely noticeable. I gave up. The curry itself was all right. A tad too sweet for me, but nicely seasoned overall. Vegetables and chicken were appropriately crunchy/tender. Siamese Twins: Think I preferred this because it had more flavors going on. Plus, you can't beat food served in a fruit. Mango Curry: Fine. Vegan-friendly if that's what you're looking for. Still a tad to sweet for me, and I've grown up with Thai/Malaysian food. All in all, a good choice if you're in the area and what something filling for not too much, but I wouldn't make a special trip "just cuz".
(3)Ole R.
Delicious Thai food and good service! A lot of food, so dont't worry about not getting return on your money
(5)Megan B.
I would have never thought to come here if I hadn't lived by the babcock t station while in college, but this is an amazing thai restaurant. The menu is a little pricey for Thai but worth it. I have brought numerous guests here who visit Boston and they are always impressed. I recommend the Kua Gai, Pinapple Chicken Cashew dish (it is served in a half pineapple), and the fried ice cream to finish off the meal. If you need some entertainment tell them someone at the table is celebrating a birthday. You'll get a little entertainment but know that they won't comp the dessert.
(4)Hayley M.
Pad Thai is Pad Thai which is... Pad Thai, right? Wrong. I've been to Brown Sugar a bunch of times. Normally, my friends and I order take-out from Rod Dee, but on occasion we like to leave the house and actually sit in a restaurant. Brown Sugar is that restaurant. Typically I order Pad Thai there, since they have several varieties (regular, spicy, seafood, soft-shell crab), I can mix it up. I like to live, but not too crazily. However, Brown Sugar revolutionized Pad Thai and has since rocked my world. They had Pad Thai served inside an omelette. INSIDE AN OMELETTE. Everyone loves those egg bits, right? Wish there were more of them? Me too! Omelette filled (and I mean filled) with Pad Thai and a side of bok choy. I love it when someone takes a dish I've had a million times and somehow improves upon it. Doesn't happen all that often. But now I may have a new favorite Thai dish. Epic. UPDATE TO MY UPDATE: Just got back from Thailand. That's how they serve Pad Thai. In an omelette. Way to be authentic, Brown Sugar!
(4)Ross G.
Best takeout Thai. This review is only for takeout. I have ordered from many other Thai restaurants in Boston and this is hands down the best value for your $. Pad thai is great, but the house specials are where it is at. Lemongrass Beef, and 3 Cups Chicken are amazing. Delivery is fast, and prices are cheap. If you crave Thai, order from Brown Sugar.
(5)Mike M.
andrea and i had a great time at this restaurant. the atmosphere is very mellow but bright enough were i didn't feel as if they were hiding anything. I forget what i ordered as we went there about a month ago. I do remember, even now that i should give it a positive review. I also remembered i went back the next night and was equally as satisfied. Good job.
(4)Nilay C.
This was my second time in Brown Sugar. I will have to agree with Fred. the place is terrible because of the service. I could not believe how bad it was. First time I thought that it was an exception. But no: it is a statistical fact that they have the rudest and servers in Boston. So here are my bullet points: * The food was *really average*. There are some good dishes, but nothing pops out.... * They religiously make sure that if you are a group of 4/5 people, your seating is uncomfortable * The waitress was rude and saw her come off on other customers. Never going back...Not worth the money and mental energy... If you want really standard Thi food and nice service, try Pho Basil on Mass Ave.
(1)christine c.
Country Pad Thai. So. Good. Love this place.
(4)Eric B.
Favorite thai food in Boston! absolutely love this place! not too fancy/expensive yet it tastes like it should be. Always get the Thai Spring Rolls as an app. been trying different things, but you can always count on the Mango Curry dish to be amazing! They always say the wait time is long, but Ive had it be real quick on some occasions Also if your celebrating a Bday there, let them know and the staff will come out with flashlights spinning and you get a little thai-disco birthday party
(5)Theodore W.
I get why this place is so popular, I really do - great atmosphere, the pad thai is delicious (probably the best I've ever had), and the birthday celebration is...unique. But three (and a half?) is as high as I can go for two reasons: 1) Reservations - do you take them or not? We called ahead of time twice, both times they said they don't take them, and when we got there not only was there a 30+ minute wait, but other people with bigger parties had reserved tables. Annoying. 2) Rad-Na Noodles. Unfortunately just not very good. It's my favorite thing to get at Thai restaurants (especially at Rock Sugar, downtown), but here is was bland and tasteless. It was in complete contradiction to their Pad Thai which was incredible, but my order was barely mediocre. I tried to 'salt and pepper' it up but it didn't help much. At least I know for next time, but I won't be in such a rush to return.
(3)Craig K.
Let me start out by saying I've only had takeout from here. The inside looks very nice (furniture, fish tanks, etc), but the food is less than ideal. I love thai food, so much so that i eat it, on average, 4 times a week. It's just that there are so many places to choose from in Allson, and this one, for some reason, has a very strange combination of being the least good (I won't say worst, because its not necessarily 'bad') and the most expensive. Pad Thai runs you up to $12, where all the other places (S&I, Thai Place, and the under-renovation Bo-Thai) have(/had) it for $7-8. I can understand this mark up if the food was $4 better, but in my opinion, its not. Its possible that my taste in Thai food isn't 'authentic' enough, but i don't see the point in making pad see ew taste mostly like the oil it was cooked in, or have dry, flavorless sprouts sit on the side of pad thai, instead of mixed in with the other ingredients during the cooking process. Again, I'm sure someone could tell me that its more authentic that the many other places to pick up Thai food, but if that's the case, i think someone needs to ship Thailand some of our less authentic food, and see which one wins out...
(2)Lee O.
went again last week, union boss bringing me out to dinner. Sunset Cantina was lines out the door. took a risk, and didn't pay off. this place just gets worse. in EVERY aspect. nothing good to say about it. just nothing. N is for never again. I know that's two words but they're not getting more comedy out of me, they serve it on plates. Doh! there I go again. Seriously, stay away.
(1)Angie G.
... ... I basically used to keep this place alive. I swear to goodness. When I worked full-time at PPLM, I would order from here twice a week. Their food is DELICIOUS. When you look at the price, it's really not all that expensive. If you want better Thai Food, go to Thailand cause Brown Sugar's got it on LOCK. The staff is literally waiting to wait on you. Literally. You walk in and BAM there are like 20 mofos in your face asking "Table? Here or to go?" And you're like ".. yes.. table.. for 2." You sit down and BAM menus! water! You order your food and it's basically on your table within 5-10 minutes. ... ... They kinda rock.
(5)Rita A.
The flavors of lemongrass, galangal, Thai basil, tamarind and hot green chilies burst in your mouth. Spicy food warning - when they put two chilies next to a dish, they mean it! This is some of the best Thai food I've had in the Boston area. Service is very prompt and the menu on Friday was filled with specials including a host of non coconut curries that was very welcome. The presentation of each dish was excellent. Definitely worth a second visit!
(5)A. C.
Excellent. I usually avoid Thai curries because I'm not a fan of coconut milk but the words "coconut-free" in the description of the Jungle Curry immediately caught my attention. The dish comprises a variety of vegetables (eggplant, green beans, broccoli, cauliflower, and peppers, etc.) and your choice of meat. The spice indicators on most restaurant menus have been disappointingly misleading but I was happy to find that the Jungle Curry was spicy enough to induce sniffling. It's served in a clay pot with a side of rice. My other encounters with Brown Sugar Cafe involved basil fried rice and pik-pow fried rice which were decent but not as exciting.
(4)Rae S.
We stopped in Brown Sugar Cafe while walking around Fenway before the game and had one of the best Thai meals ever! Way better than the places I've tried near home or in NYC. The portions are huge (sadly, we couldn't take our leftovers into Fenway) and the balance of flavors was just amazingly spot on. The pad thai is a fantastic plate of awesomeness...if you love pad thai, you must must must try it at Brown Sugar. And if they have limeade on the drink menu, it's the perfect compliment to your meal!
(5)Rocco R.
One of my favorite thai restaurants in Boston. Located right on Comm Ave by BU. Chicken pad thai is the go to, and the noodles are fresh. They also deliver which is great if I dont feel like getting on the MBTA. Also do not pass on desert and get the fried ice cream, you wont regret it!
(4)Joanna M.
I liked this place quite well. We semi-randomly went there on a Friday night, and it was packed. There were people hanging outside the door and on the street in front of the place. I thought we'd never get seated in a timely fashion, but the hostess called us in after about five minutes after giving us a fifteen minute estimate. It's more difficult for larger parties, and there were a few groups of people who were not pleased that a two person table was seated so quickly. The decor here is pretty; Tiffany style overhead lamps and arrangements of pinned butterflies (danaus plexippus and maculinea arion? likely morpho didius) on the walls and a big tank of tropical fish near the front. On the tables, they have salt, cayenne, and a small jar of their namesake, brown sugar. Their servers and busers are attentive and friendly. I never felt rushed despite the business of the restaurant. As for food, I was craving tom kha (available veggie here) and country style pad thai, and Brown Sugar certainly delivered. My friend also had tom kha gai and a dish called "Old Lady Spicy," which, while tasty, was not what either of us expected in terms of spice- roasted eggplant, peppers, green beans, and ginger over rice. The portions here are enormous, so if your eating habits are like mine, you will probably have about 2 or 2.5 meals from dinner here. They have an extensive menu. I would definitely go here when I need some masaman curry. WARNING: if it is your birthday, you will be totally embarrassed!
(4)Melissa M.
AMAZING!!! I love Brown Sugar. Best things: Huge selection of food Yummy perfectly seasoned food Very reasonably priced Almost zero wait time for food Gracious, effective waitstaff Things to improve: NOTHING! I have loved Brown Sugar for years and have never once eaten anything bad here. Even if you don't think you like Thai food-- GO! Your stomach will thank me later!
(5)Casey W.
By far the best Thai food we have had since moving to Boston. The menu is extensive, prices fair, service & ambiance welcoming. The best thing about it is that its within walking distance to our house!
(5)Tim C.
I was very underwhelmed when I finally tried Brown Sugar. I got Pad Thai. It's kind of an obvious choice, but I get it everywhere the first time, to compare it to other places. The portion was not filling, and there are other places in the area where you can pay a few dollars less for more food. Overall, it is not a bad place, but I think their reputation is far better than the quality.
(3)sonya h.
Delicious food...friendly servers....nice abiance and nice presentation of the food. We ordered several items to share among four people (pad thai, pineapple fried rice, pad kee mow, chicken wings, blk pepper beef, basil chicken). Everything was delish with exception of the beef...it was too salty. I only ate 1 slice of beef and avoided the dish. minus 1 star for that...everything else was awesome. Will come back again next time I vist the area.
(4)Kate D.
Ah, Brown Sugar. Before I was a yelper, I was a little baby BU student living on West Campus and saving her work-study paychecks to afford take-out from this place. Then, I moved to Kenmore Square, and then Cambridge, and suddenly last week, I realized I haven't been to Brown Sugar since 2005. So of course, we went! At 9 pm on Thursday night, it was full but not overcrowded, and we were seated easily. We got our usual Thai starters: Tom Kar soup, Tom Yum Soup (the best in Boston is found here), Som Tum Salad (that's shaved green papaya salad, and it is a revelation, especially when first experienced in Thailand), and veggie Spring rolls (blame the boy). Then I got Pad Thai Country Style, cause I love myself some spice. The boy thought he was ordering chicken basil and actually ordered chicken basil fried rice, so he was a little disappointed about that (it was his own fault). The country style pad thai was actually way too spicy for me this time around, and I ended up drinking so much water that I couldn't take more than 5 bites of it. All was not lost though: I mixed in all the bean sprouts, let it sit in the fridge overnight, and it was a great office lunch the next day (the lean cuisine/hot pocket crowd was totes jealous). The place is beautiful too-- a mixed decor of modern, thai, & classical, and the employees are super attentive. Despite the location, it wasn't a huge BU undergrad scene.
(4)CeeCee R.
If you are the type of person that only order Pad Thai at a Thai restaurant, you are definitely wasting your time by going to this place. Try out different non-boring options such as the Pla Rad Prik (read: Deep Fried Fish in Spicy Thai Sauce), Rama Duck (read: Stir Fried Duck), Pad See Ew (read: Thicker Noodles with Veggies), etc. Love the fact that you have the option to have jasmine/brown rice with your meal. If you are up for an adventure, do go there to celebrate a birthday, you can bring a cake for the birthday person and make sure you notify the waitstaff. Boy, you are in for a treat. The whole entire waitstaff will dim the lights, play a Happy Birthday song in Thai version accompanied with a disco ball by the bar, come over to the table to present you the cake. My friends and I always try to celebrate birthdays there as we do find it hilarious. I always use the Thai menu, everything is pretty much great. They don't take reservations, so it's suggested to call and check in before going there as the line may get a bit long. In the summer they do have a cute little outdoor seating. They are always good for large groups as well. Parking may be problematic for dinner at times. Brown Sugar Cafe is my favorite Thai place in town!
(5)vinny f.
I was disappointed with their drunken noodles dish. It wasn't rich and felt like the noodles were just cooked in microwave. anyway, the other dishes like pineapple fried rice, pad thai were great. Definitely priced right and overall good service.
(3)Enjella L.
Why oh why do they not have Thai food like this in LA? This place is so cute, charming, and delicious. It's perfect for any occasion - a date, with friends, with family.
(5)Gina C.
After hearing the name "Brown Sugar" always paired with lustful groans and "oooohhh my god"s, I was dying to check the place out. I went for lunch and was seated at the coveted window table (SCORE!). The two of us were admittedly very dehydrated, which put Brown Sugar's water-filling skills to the test. They excelled-- the waiter returned to the table a half-dozen times throughout the meal to top us off, and the water had a refreshing squeeze of lime yumyumyum. I normally go for a dish with a lot of Thai basil, so Drunken Noodles with decent heat is my favorite, but my boyfriend had been to Brown Sugar before and cautioned me of its intense heat. Ehhhh so I got the Veggie Pad Thai country style. The food came out surprisingly quick, and in generous portions. My Pad Thai was full of vegetables-- baby corn, celery (I know, right?), peppers, carrots, onions, snow peas, string beans, mushrooms...there was even some pineapple thrown in there. It was delicious and only $9. I fought the devil inside me to resist ordering the Fried Ice cream...I love the stuff and next time I go I will let Lucifer win.
(4)Andrew R.
For the past few years, every time I went to Brown Sugar I would get the Pineapple Fried Rice because it's so damn good. I just switched it up and got the yellow curry and coconut milk with chicken, rice, onions, tomatoes, summer squash, pineapple chunks and green peppers. Best lunch I've had in a while, and it was about what you pay to eat at the chain places on Comm.
(5)Jen S.
When you walk in, you are blasted by a mouth watering aroma. The place is busy for a reason. If you have to wait, WAIT, it's usually not the longest wait ever. Once you are seated, it doesn't take long to order and then RECEIVE your order. Sometimes you receive your order tooo quickly, though, especially if you have an appetizer! The waitstaff isn't RUDE but they aren't so accommodating. Especially when you're still on your soup/appetizer and they try to bring you your entree. Sometimes it takes them awhile to check on you. i tend to go through my drink fast, so it's annoying to have to flag down a waiter/waitress! I'm not a seafood or duck person, so I usually stick to the most basic types of meals (sweet and sour chicken, chicken and basil, chicken and asparagus, crispy chicken pad thai), and I'm always blown away. I'll never get tired of it, despite eating the same things over and over. A glass of Young Coconut Juice is a perfect accompaniment to a meal. I usually go for dinner, but I really want to go there for appetizers one day. i've heard great things about their ribs and satays. If it's your birthday, they'll turn on a disco ball and play a recorded 'Happy Birthday' song for you. You know you like the attention. The food is pricey, though. Too pricey for the amount your receive. So that's a disappointment! But at least it tastes delicious!
(4)David H.
One of the best places I ate when I visited Boston! We had friends that told us what to get so that helped. I tried the thai stuffed chicken, coconut soup, and the duck. Service was good and the prices were very reasonable.
(5)Susan K.
A friend took me here for dinner and I thought "a thai restaurant called brown sugar?! Sounds like a dessert place to me." Still don't know why its called brown sugar but that's besides the point. The place was easy to find. Right off the B line on the T. The place looked small from the outside. As I stepped in, the atmosphere was nice and warm. Loved the saltwater aquarium by the door. The table set-up was elegant but simple. It had a calm feeling to it. The staff was polite and treated their customers well. When I heard thai restaurant, there was one thing I wanted: Pad Thai. But when I read through the menu, they had different kinds! It was interesting but I picked one that was slightly spicy (cause I love spicy food). My dish was very good with nice presentation. The portions were big but that was okay cause I took the left-overs home and as a poor graduate student, left-overs are money & energy savers. Thank God for microwaves and toaster oven. Anyway, definitely a nice place to have a date or just a casual meal with a friend or two.
(4)Jen H.
Pretty good food, service has been decent both times I've gone, and can I say their decor is super cute?! Loved the Thai Iced Tea, thought the Comm Ave Noodle was decent, but nothing wowing, and the Pad See Ew was pretty good. My friend's Mango Curry looked AMAZING and I must try this next time... because she gobbled it up! Looking forward to trying this place again.
(4)Julie T.
I love Brown Sugar! I love the Pineapple Fried Rice & the Pad Thai, munch munch munch. The Limeade & the Thai Ice Tea is so good. Yeah, so I haven't really tried the majority of the food or drinks here but from what I've had, I've been in love. But I must say, I liked the Brown Sugar that was near Longwood so much better (Too bad they closed down there, nooo). Oh & Fried Ice Cream = *Angel Choruses*! The only con I can think of is their crazy Congo birthday music! Even if it makes me laugh like crazy.
(4)Nancy Z.
Yes, I did the birthday celebration thing that everyone talks about to my sister's fiance. Not only was there a fobby version of Happy Birthday being played on the loud speakers to him, strobe lights sporadically dancing on the walls, and lasers darting everywhere- the waitress managed to find a flash light and swing it around throughout the whole song just to put the cherry on top. I like duck. (I enjoy the transition as well) But I do! The Brown Sugar Duck has won my heart... Crispy, sweet, brown sugar caramelized skin, overlapping a tender piece of duck meat... Love at first site- kind of like Homer Simpson meeting a donut. It is what completes him. I also like the Pad Thai, which probably makes me sound generic, but damn! The Country Style Pad Thai is my absolute favorite. It might be the small turnips they put in there, or I don't know what, but you have to try it at some point. The Drunken Noodles are also one of my favorites here, because they don't drench it in the chili basil sauce like most places do- it's just enough... and it's actually spicy. There is nothing more disappointing when you see a bunch of chili pepper signs next to a dish and you barely get any heat. I always come here, and you should toooo!!!!
(4)Hussam B.
It has been a while since I've been here but I remember the food was generally good.
(3)Susan A.
Crowded restaurant, hectic atmosphere. Have been once when it wasn'as crowded either, but the dinner rush is definitely no fun. The prices are a little high for Thai food, especially considering how many other options there are for Thai in Allston/Brighton, but their selection of food does outweigh that of their competitors. The green curry left much to be desired though. Have had it better at other restaurants and was so disappointed, couldn't even eat this after a few bites. The soup is wonderful, but you can also get it at other places as well.
(3)Francisca W.
there's always a huge line during meal times, and there's no lot for parking. also, seats are a bit tight amongst one another, and you're risking to brush off people's food from their table as you pass. service is ok, but sometimes a bit tough. if you can get over those few things, this place does have very good thai food. it's been a while since i was last there, but i remember their duck curry was sooooo good. creamy, not too spicy, just pure goodness. although the next time i went back and ordered it specifically to relive the moment, the curry that time was way spicier than i remembered it. so, a little inconsistency there. other signature dishes like pad thai and tom ga gai, always good. used to crave this place every now and then when i lived in the area; haven't been back for a while. but if i ever crave thai food, that's gonna be one of my choices unless it's in the middle of hard, bitter cold winter where we wait outside till we all freeze up. :)
(4)diana t.
Wonderful service and spacious seating. The wait area was a bit small that created a bit of awkwardness when it got crowded. The food came quickly and was delicious. We tried these 3 dishes. Stuff Chicken appetizer - chicken leg meat was removed without breaking the skin (always amazes me how it's done), minced, mixed with other chopped vegetables, then stuffed back under the original skin. Tasty appetizer and fun conversation topic for people sharing it. Country Style Pad Thai - flavorful. As expected for Pad Thai dish, the sauce is on the sweet side. Even though it was billed as a spicy version of the regular pad thai, I found it not spicy. Beef Num-Tok - my fav. dish of the 3. It's a spicy dish served at room temperature. Charcoal grilled beef was cooked to soak in the charcoal flavor while retaining plenty of tenderness. The mint mixture lime dressing then added a beautiful flavor to the beef. This dish carried heat (spicy kind) that I was glad that it was served at room temperature. Overall, I'm very happy with the place and want to go back to try many other delicious looking dishes on their extensive menu.
(4)Glen T.
Love this place! go great to get the real deal in the center of the menu, go for some something exotic you wont be disappointed!
(5)James B.
My girlfriend and I went here tonight and it was absolutely amazing. Our appetizer was fried tofu triangles with a peanut sauce that was sweet and super savory. We also ordered Thai Ice Tea, which if you enjoy a sweet drink, will lift your spirits and certainly get you going. For my meal I ordered the Paradise Garden with brown rice. The sauce was amazing; I think I could have drunk the sauce by its self, I know gross but that's how I felt. Not sure if the sauce had a coconut base, but I tasted basil and a spicy coriander as well. My girlfriend ordered the tamarind Tofu. She described her meal as, Succulent. Yeah she's talking about her food. To top everything off we finish our full course meals with the ultimate dessert, coconut ice cream with mango and a cherry on top. I would recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for a home run of a meal. No flaws, great service, great food, great atmosphere. There was even a serenade of Happy Birthday to our neighboring table with strobe lights, clapping, and everyone singing, slightly creepy but it was pretty cinematic. Check my Instagram out for a look at our food. My Instagram - web.stagram.com/n/infash… Coconut Ice cream -http://web.stagram.com/p/123380050780249803_22702Â070 Fried Tofu Triangle - web.stagram.com/p/123379…
(5)Marie N.
YUM YUM. I visited my good friends in Boston and they absolutely did it right when they suggested this place. Decor: very cute, clean, and bathroom was clean. Food: I ordered the Brown Sugar Mango Curry with tofu. Upgraded to a lunch combo with rice and veggie egg rolls. It was delicious. There's really only a few GREAT Thai places I've been to and this one is right up there. The Mango curry was spicy but sour and a hint of sweet. The tofu was firm on the outside but soft in the side. The loads of vegetables with a scoop of rice hits my taste buds right. Waitress was very nice. Everyone in table enjoyed their dish and no complaints from anyone. Great place to visit for great Thai food if in the Boston area.
(5)Alex A.
Went here before a BU hockey game. Plenty of tables an hour before the game. Service was fast, and the food was good. Had the Thai Spring Rolls appetizer, which was as expected. But the Pad Thai that I had for dinner was awesome. The noodles weren't in a big gelatinous lump like you get at so many Thai places around Boston, and the veggies were fresh. I'll definitely head back again before another hockey game at Agganis.
(4)Jennafir E.
One of the better thai places. The food is good but the wait is insane! I'm glad I ordered out because people were waiting at least 40 minutes to eat there. The pad thai was good, not the best I've had, but good. The spring rolls are tasty. The crab Rangoon wasn't anything to write home about. The decor was cute and it looked like it would be a nice place to go on a date or have lunch with a friend.
(4)Brett W.
Yikes. I've really been in New York for too long--so sad to hear about the Fenway location closing. BUT LISTEN. GET THE CRISPY PAD THAI AT LEAST ONCE IN YOUR LIFE. I know it's "just" Pad Thai, but it will change your life. I've searched high and low for Crispy Pad Thai--emphasis on the CRISPY--and it seems to only exist at select restaurants in Boston. I can't find it ANYWHERE in New York. And I have often debated jumping on a bus to Boston JUST for this special sweet treat.
(5)Patrick P.
Have heard good things and finally got to give it a try. Went in the middle of a Saturday afternoon and it was empty. It was a weird time to go, but had just gotten out of work. Had Tod Mun and Steamed mussels for appetizers. Both very good and a decent size for apps. Followed with Beef Garlic which was very good. Gaprow noodles with minced chicken and thai basil was very good. Spicy, but not a killer and lots of flavor. Basil Pad Thai was excellent. Spicy, full of seafood and lots of Thai basil. One of the best Pad Thai dishes I've had. It was a little expensive, but not too bad. Really quite nice.
(4)Sarah P.
Love this place! I must drink about 4 Thai Iced Teas every time I come and the limonade is refreshing. The menu is huge and if you can't find something you like then there's something wrong with you. I've never had to wait more than 10 minutes for a table, even on a busy Saturday, but if you get seated in the back you're going to be a bit cramped. Try to get seated in the front by the windows where there's a little bit more room between tables. The service is great. Their wait staff are friendly and helpful, and if your server is busy don't be surprised if another checks in on you for drink refills. I don't think my water glass has ever been empty long. The portions are spot on for the prices and I typically end up needing to box up my leftovers.
(5)Karl R.
Absolutely delicious. The food is scrumptious and the quantity you get for the price (especially during work-week lunch) is awesome. I always order one of two dishes: "Pad Thai Country Style" or "Seafood Pad Thai." I have tried some of the other dishes (like "Pad See Ew") and have never been disappointed. If I feel like splurging, I'll also order a Thai iced tea (so yummy). If you are coming in for dinner on a weekend, I recommend making reservations. The restaurant is usually packed and the wait can get very long. Don't forget they have another location in Cambridge called "The Similans," which you can try in case Brown Sugar has no room. A must for Thai fans.
(5)Kyra T.
This place is amazing for many reasons: 1) In need for a quick Thai fix? This is the spot for you 2) Conveniently located right off the green line- Babcock St. 3) Take out orders never take more than 20-30 minutes 4) The actual restaurant is good size, very clean, and the service is top notch. 5) Menu is extensive--many options to please Thai lovers
(4)Liz M.
You come here for the ambiance and to feel special for eating Thai. You don't come here to satisfy your tummy with Thai food. I've gotten various curries and standard fare Thai food. The spice is flat -- don't know how else to describe it. I got the mango curry and the mango pieces were way too big. It was just awkward to have to cut it up even further on my plate. If you want real Thai food and at a better price, check out Rod Dee.
(2)Mary K.
best, most authentic thai i've had in boston. if possible go on your birthday for a special surprise!
(4)Shirley F.
This was the first thai restaurant I ever ate at when I was a freshman in college. About ten years later and I still have memories of the green curry. Thank you brown sugar for turning a small town girl into a big city lady.
(3)Deidred A.
If you "like" Thai food this is the place. Huge menu and food was incredible. Fair prices too. My only complaint was that the food came out too fast. Pretty looking restaurant too.
(4)Lauren K.
Country style? THE ONLY STYLE. I used to go here and order the same two dishes every time: Tom Yum soup and Pad Thai Country Style of course. Haven't ever ventured to try anything more exciting here and my general feeling is, why bother? There are absolutely other Thai restaurants in Boston that might offer a higher-end meal (and price), but Brown Sugar Cafe is my go-to spot in Allston for easy, quick and cheap pad thai. They also get an extra star for being located down the block from the old Jasmine Sola, where my bestie worked. Ahh, but that was a different era...
(4)Michael K.
Heard a ton of good things about this place and thought I'd give it a shot (seems to be a common theme). A couple friends and I went for dinner for my birthday last week. We came pretty late on a Saturday night so it wasn't terribly crowded so we were seated right away. Place was cute, kind of a funky vibe. The menu was HUGE! Tons of options. Food came out super fast. Had the Thai fried rice, a traditional favorite, and it was great! Definitely held up to the competition. Everyone really enjoyed their food and we were definitely happy with the choice. Also, if it's your birthday, be prepared for a mini dance party to be thrown in your honor. My only con- maybe it was because of the night, but the service wasn't as fast as I had hoped. When we sat it took what felt like forever for someone to take our drink order. It got a little quicker as the night went on, but pretty sluggish before our food came out. Overall a deliciously good time. I will definitely be returning soon!
(4)John B.
Ate dinner here last night for the first time with friends. One of my friends had suggested Brown Sugar Cafe as it's favorite Thai restaurant in Boston. It's now my favorite as well. I'm a vegetarian and we had ordered the scallion pancakes as an appetizer as well as chicken satay for the others. They were fantastic. Everyone at the table enjoyed them not just me the veg. My entree was Vegetable Curry which was excellent. It was spicy and delicious. I was also impressed that I was offered a choice of brown rice in addition to white rice. I opted for the brown and like everything else served it was perfect. The decor was very pleasant and the size of the restaurant was surprising given most eateries on Comm. Ave. are very small. Can't wait to return!!
(5)Ashley B.
Great food, love the decor, fast service, and a nice ambience. I have been going to Brown Sugar for years, great Thai Food, and amazing desserts, MUST TRY THE SWEET STICKY RICE WITH MANGO...I crave it now that I am in Los Angeles. It gets full, but the food is worth the wait and you won't be waiting long.
(5)Liz T.
Brown Sugar isn't bad, but it isn't superior either. Yeah, the decor brings you to Thailand and the servers refill your water every second, but the food is nowhere near as good as Thai Dish or Nud Pob--it's a little overpriced, too. The Thai Spring Rolls are yummy, but there's only 3 cut in half to fool you into thinking there's 6. The Scallion Pancakes are decent-sized and pretty good--I would've been pissed off if the place had skimped on what amounts to batter and green onions. You can't go wrong with the noodle dishes except maybe the Comm Ave Noodle (I'd never order something with that name at a Thai restaurant, but my friend did and it simply sucked). Actually, I wasn't fond of the Pad Thai Country Style either--the regular version is very good. This is comparable to making Joey after Friends. I always enjoy the desserts here, though. The Fried Ice Cream is to-die-for (green tea flavor is great)--it's super crisp and hot outside, cold and not overly sweet inside. I also recommend the Mango with Sweet Sticky Rice--it's fresh, healthy (maybe not with all that coconut milk), and so satisfying. P.S. The bipolar service can be super or super unpleasant. My friend didn't tip once because our waitress was mean--and she actually said to us, "You don't put enough tip!" So unprofessional.
(4)Savannah K.
I hate to say this but.. we had very painful food poisoning . . . Very unsanitary kitchen. I honestly don't know how this place is allowed to stay open. I drove around for 30 minutes trying to find parking because they tow your car all around Coolidge corner. Then waited 50 minutes for the dishes to arrive. There are a couple of places in Harvard square that have good Thai food with real fish sauce.. this is the worst Thai in Boston. Have a glance at the kitchen and you will see why. This place is popular with a cult following of friends of the owner who know how to tread through the minefield of menu items that will send you to the clinic when poorly prepared. This place had a burnt smell racing through the dining room that was the first signal that we should have gotten up and left.
(1)Colin B.
You can pretty much get anything on the menu and be blown away. I had this volcano of deliciousness that included an array of flavors I still can't get my mind around. Perfect for groups but a great date spot too. THE FOOD IS RIDICULOUSLY GOOD - and different.
(5)A P.
I absolutely love Brown Sugar! My boyfriend and I eat there so frequently it's embarrassing. The ambiance is cute and cozy, and every night around sunset they dim the lights and light a candle at every table.The waiter service is great, and attentive (I swear they stand in the corner watching you to see when your glass is empty or you put your menu down.) As a lover of all Asian food (Chinese, Thai, etc) with a nut allergy, I really appreciate how Brown Sugar is very careful in labeling the contents of their dishes. Many other Chinese and Thai restaurants are not. I especially love the Thai Iced Tea, Siamese Twins, and the free Tootsie Rolls on the way out the door. There are just a few things I think Brown Sugar could improve upon. Their menu is huge, but some of their dishes are less spectacular than others. Not that they are bad, just plain. I think the menu could be culled a little tighter so it's not so hard to choose! Also, I don't care for how tight the seating is. I came close to taking someone out with my purse trying to get into my seat today. Additionally, for some odd reason, every time I'm in there I hear a Muzak version of "My Heart Will Go On" playing over the sound system...
(5)Lauren M.
Food is great. Birthday celebrations = amazing. Next time you go, yes, it is someones birthday in your group...
(4)Frank L.
When I first came to MIT, there was a lot of free food at different events. And often Thai food from a place close to campus. It was my first real exposure to Thai and I fell in love with shrimp pad thai. But after going to Brown Sugar I realized that the first place I had pad thai from really sucks in comparison. Brown Sugar's Country Pad Thai is rich and orange with peanut and so good it's orgasmic. I realized now the other place seems white and bland and I will never accept anything less than Brown Sugar pad thai. Once you have steak it's hard to go back to bologna.
(5)Salim C.
Not the best, not the worst. It's better than most of the Thai I've had in Boston. In fact it may be the second best I've had since moving here, but it's still only mediocre. Here's where I act all condescending and say that I've been to Thailand numerous times and none of the food either in people's homes or in the restaurants there tastes anything like what I've had in Boston. And here's where I act like a snooty bitch and say that I came from a city with a lot of great Thai food and why can't I get any in Boston. But hey, I did move here from a city with awesome Thai on every corner and so I guess I was beginning to think it was just a universal thing; Every city has somewhere to get good Pizza, and very city has someplace with good Thai. I was wrong. I'm not trying to insult Bostonians and say my hometown is better than your hometown, because there are many advantages here in Boston that you can't get anywhere else: Your public school system isn't in the toilet like almost every other place I've lived. Gay people can get married here which is awesome and surprisingly progressive. But why do all of these advancements in your culture have to come with the caveat that one must either eat fish&chips or Italian food here. But seriously, if someone can recommend someplace good, I will come over and wash your car. OK maybe I'll just say 'thank you', but it will totally be the most heartfelt 'thank you' you've ever had.
(2)Chris M.
MMMM their red curry is fantastic. Some of the best I've ever had. Need more experiences with them, definitely.
(5)Kayley T.
I am a huge fan. I looved their chicken pad thai, and their vegetarian spring rolls (better than the chicken ones). I wish I lived closer so I could frequent here more often. I can't remember what my husband or sister in-law got, but I tried both and both were delicious.
(5)A A.
This place is pretty good!
(5)Laura P.
DEFINITELY try this place out - even if you don't love thai there are a million menu options for you and its price point is perfect for a casual meal. Went with my bf tonight and the staff was so friendly and helpful in choosing the perfect dish for his persnickety taste buds. He ended up doing a mild veggie curry with chicken and I did a tofu dish - both ultra delicious. The atmosphere is exactly what you want it to be - very oriental with little statues and mirrors everywhere and they put little yellow flowers on the tables - a cute touch. yummmm - just writing about it makes me want to go back tomorrow.
(5)Tom C.
Took my wife here for our first date, so I might be bias. None the less, this is our favorite Thai restaurant in Boston. Restaurant is clean and has a nice decor. The food is very well prepared. If you like spicy this is the place to visit.
(5)natasha g.
Yum!! Love this place. Very clean, well decorated. Delicious caramelized salmon special. Only thing is they mixed up my gluten free order with my moms gluten version. But, since I'm not a celiac and I ate a bunch of soy sauce the night before I wasn't too worried
(4)Tarah H.
What, you might ask, do I have to add after 144 reviews?? How about when I went here for lunch the other day, there was a statue of, I believe, the Hindu deity Lord Rama, wielding his bow, with a giant red sparkly with little hearts heart affixed so as to make the statue seem to be a reference to cupid. Sure the guy fought a war to save his wife, was deeply devoted to both her and his religious duties and you probably want to remind people that Thai food is the food of love so they should eat here on V-day...but was that really necessary? Either way, it provided a good laugh (and a few minutes pondering the possible sacrilege) for our table. Otherwise: bla bla bla the food is amazing. Look at me, I ventured away from the Tom Yum soup and Vegetarian Country Style Pad Thai and got Yellow Curry! Still phenomenal. Fresh. flavorful food. Love the Thai Iced Coffee. Don't love the fish tank, but even that and that freaking heart aren't enough to detract a star. I had my Thai food cherry popped at the Brown Sugar location in the Fenway. Needless to say I was excited and my friends were jealous when my job placed me right near this one.
(5)Amanda Q.
Went here for dinner last week. Food was delicious and the wait staff was ever so friendly. It's known as the restaurant to go to in Boston if you want Thai. The place is popular so make a reservation.
(4)Eric S.
This is kind of an old review - annoying that Yelp won't let you post from their mobile version... anyway, I had dinner at the Brown Sugar Cafe this summer and the Moo Yang Num Tok (pork) was awesome. It was my first time trying this dish, and I loved the mint and chili sauce. Sticky rice was perfect too. If you're considering ordering, it's on the spicy side.
(4)Malavika R.
This is by far the best Thai food I have eaten. PERIOD. I love this place.
(5)Marti S.
First off - the food is pretty good at Brown Sugar. I got the Brown Sugar Mango Fried Rice, which "is very popular dish," with good reason. The ingredients were balanced very well. Everyone else seemed to enjoy their meals as well. But let's talk about the other stuff because while the food was fine, it wasn't great, and there were so many other great things there. First off - the place is covered in dead butterflies, fish tanks, and other curiosities. It's all very pretty, but kind of an interesting decor for a restaurant. Also - the lights kept getting darker and darker as the night went on - and we were only there for about an hour and a half. So, if you're looking for a romantic meal, this might be a good option. God save you if it's your birthday. Basically they turn all the lights off and start blaring what sounds like Adam Sandler singing Happy Birthday while flashlights are waved around. Yes, the dessert looked fairly massive but my goodness. Talk about about embarrassing. So, BSC is solid. Nothing particularly exciting in the food department, but the atmosphere is definitely special. I'd check it out if I were you, but don't expect it to be the best meal you've ever had.
(3)Nikki M.
The two stars are for the green curry, and the green curry alone. I ordered delivery from Brown Sugar with some friends; it was convenient-- they had their menu online, so we based our order off of that. The woman on the phone then said the order was fifteen dollars MORE than what it should have been. Why? Because they keep their menu outdated to trick people. Those are the LUNCH prices. Which have also since risen. We were told about forty minutes for our food. 90 minutes later we called to ask about the food and were told "Oh, he's on the way to your house now. 10 minutes." When we had waited for a total of two hours and ten minutes the guy decided to show up with our lukewarm, overpriced food. Thanks a lot, Brown Sugar. But hey, their green curry was amazing. Once I microwaved it.
(2)Valerie B.
People i knew always hyped this place up saying that it was the best Thai Restaurant in Boston. I guess it's because this is the ONLY Thai place they've ever been to. My friends and myself went here a year ago and the food wasn't good AT ALL!! I got the drunken noodles and they were gross. I ended up eating with my friends and they didn't like their food either. We ended up asking for the check with our plates still full. The staff here was also very sassy. I don't know if it was because we came to the restaurant 45 minutes before it was going to close, but the sas wasn't necessary. After all, Boston is the "rudest city". I don't know if they improved their food or even their staff but i haven't been back since. If you want really good Thai Food go to Chili Duck in Copley. It's Delicious and the staff is super nice.
(1)Sarah B.
My very favorite Thai restaurant. The menu is a bazillion pages long, and Ive been there a bunch of times, yet every single dish Ive ordered has been fabulous. Staple favorites are the Pad See Ew and Mango Rice, but there are a lot more delicious exotic dishes that I cant remember the names of (one involves avocado - amazing!). It can get crowded (because its so good) but if you get there in the early evening, (like 6 or 6:30) theres usually no problem with seating. The ambience is really nice as well - soft lighting and lovely decor. Especially great for birthdays (think sudden thumping bass and strobe lights as the Thai waitstaff sings Happy Birthday). I honestly cant recommend it enough. Definitely one of the best Thai places around, definitely one of my favorite restaurants in Boston. Outdoor seating in the warm months.
(5)HereComesIan H.
ok i dont even know what i ordered matter fact my plate was order for me i loved the peanut hot sauce i had shrimp scallops and calamari (not fried) colorful veggies and hints of ginger great to look at and eat aswell the scallops had no season and were a lil under cooked i liked the fishes in the fish tank (nice to look at) and the butterflies on the wall was a great visual distraction
(3)Jules K.
I really think this is the best Thai in Boston, and I love Thai food, but found many places in Boston a bit bland or different. I used to have Thai all the time with a coworker who was part of a big Thai family, so I feel like I'm not that skewed in my opinion. I love their Jade Noodles, and Comm Ave noodles, which sounds really cheesy, I realize... Their drunken noodle is a bit more spicy then other places, but this place is great. Love it!
(5)Marissa C.
I think Brown Sugar more than lives up to the hype about it. My friends kept telling me it was "soooo good", and so I was very skeptical, but happily, I was not disappointed. First of all, I think the service here is great. They are always busy, ALWAYS, but they make a point of getting around to everyone and check on their customers, which is more than I can say for most restaurants in a college student area. The decor is really well put together and not too cluttered. I know they suffered a terrible fire about 5-6 years ago, but when they reopened, they were back and better than ever. When I used to frequent it, I would usually have the yellow curry which was always delicious with big chunks of potato, pineapple, peppers and chicken. And they don't skimp on the spice either! An ex of mine had the "Old Lady Spicy" once and afterward he said "Wow, that old lady kicked my ass!". Most Thai places look at a white person and hold off on chili paste...at Brown Sugar, they give you what you ask for! My only qualms are that their menu is so long it's a bit overwhelming *(seriously they give Victor Hugo a run for his money) and the prices are a wee bit higher than I would like. But as far as taste, Brown Sugar can't be beat!
(4)Lisa O.
I hate it when things are overhyped as I am usually let down once I finally get around to trying it. I've heard for years that Brown Sugar is the best Thai food in Boston, and once I finally got a chance to try it, I have to disagree. Although I didn't exactly break out of my Thai food shell by ordering Pad Thai, it is a dish I love and have had at numerous other places. Despite ordering my food spicy (and with a warning from the waitress) my food was neither spicy nor flavorful. It was okay, but nothing I'm going back for. My dining companions had similar complaints about their dishes. The wine list, atmosphere and service was good, but my expectations were too high for the food. I'd go back, but I definitely would get something else.
(3)Greg E.
Best thai place a ever! A Boston gem! Love the mango/pineapple fried rice, cashew chicken is also wonderful (served in a hallowed out pineapple)
(5)Ewa T.
If you have a birthday to celebrate..this place is the place to go! Oh..and the food is fantastic as well! I haven't laughed so hard in a while and it wasn't even my birthday! I'm going to keep the surprise..a surprise..no spoiler alert here, but I did experience 4 birthday celebrations within a 2 hour period on a friday night. Who knew dinner came with a show. The food too was pretty awesome as well. I had the spider crab pad thai and I'm still dreaming about it now. Very tasty, very reasonable prices, and an enjoyable atmosphere = a restaurant you want to have on your list of places to try. Popular amongst Bostonians, it is located near the heart of BU, so you know its gotta be lively and "hoppin"
(4)Mel L.
I used to love the smaller location near Fenway Park that closed. I've noticed the differences in taste and experience with the current restaurant. The Pad Thai has been disproportionate... way too many noodles and not enough shrimp or tofu. The main event is over in just a few mouthfuls. They used to have an outstanding crispy Pad Thai that seemed to vanish off the menu.
(3)Gregory M.
When I first lived in Boston, I was head over heels in love with Brown Sugars Pad Thai, which I had compared to every other Pad Thai dish I came across. Ranging from Virginia to Vermont, nothing would compare to the delicate yet mouth watering taste Brown Sugar had to offer. I had longed to visit my favorite Thai restaurant ever since I left Boston, and now that I'm back living in this great city, I knew I had to take my roommates and friends to experience what I have previously experienced. The decor and overall layout of the Commonwealth Ave. location as opposed to the Fenway location is astronomically more elegant and fine tuned, giving off a generally more attentive vibe. On a Saturday night, the front and back areas were relatively packed with chatting yuppies and mingling hipsters, both obviously aware of what great Thai food tastes like. Our table was a bit cramped, placed close to both tables to the left and right of it. I don't know about everyone else, but I can't converse and enjoy my food properly if I think that my words and elbows are rubbing against those next to me. The waitress was extremely attentive, immediately filling our water glasses and taking our drink requests, which was very surprising given the volume of customers in the place. The menu was a worn brown, which I couldn't figure out if it was deliberately faded and tattered or just used too frequently, but was just extensive enough to please even the most avid of readers. We all decided to order the Vegetarian Fresh Rolls and Beef Satay, which came out quicker than I could have thought. The Beef Satay was incredibly juicy and tender, sliding right off the skewer. The Fresh Rolls were a little underwhelming, though the fresh herbs were very refreshing. After a little deliberation between two dishes, I finally settled on the Paradise Garden, having sort of lost my overall appetite for Pad Thai a couple of years ago. In between the appetizers and the entrees, a couple of birthdays happened around us. The rave-esque light show and Karaoke style "Happy Birthday" was completely amusing, even pulling in the most cynical of eaters into the mood. Even amidst the dimmed lights and birthday cupcakes, our waitress managed to keep our water glasses full, which was very much appreciated after the spicy peanut sauce. In no time at all my Paradise Garden arrived, looking not as I thought it would, being a tad more liquid than I imagined. As much as I was disappointed by this, the sauce was absolutely delicious, soaking into the brown rice like an edible sponge. The various vegetables in the dish, ranging from snow peas to zucchini, from broccoli to eggplant, was mouth watering and just the right temperature, plus the sauce gave it the perfect consistency. Even with a crowd that seems to all have the same birthday as the person next to them, and prices being a bit higher than most Thai restaurants, Brown Sugar manages to bring a formal appearance to a casual dining experience, giving the place a huge amount of credibility. What truly adds to it all is the fact that it is all done with attentiveness and a delicious, spicy flair that is refreshing in the midst of most take-out oriented Thai restaurants. While Brown Sugar now remains as the definitive Thai restaurant that will be frequented by my friends and I whenever we find ourselves in good financial bearings, the high price is truly the only thing that keeps this amazing Boston find from receiving a perfect rating.
(4)Matthew A.
When I first moved to Boston in 98 I had a date bring me to this place. I have been back many times (with other dates) and boy friends as well for our monthly Sunday brunch get togethers. Great menu and some great ginger sweet spicy yummy things. I have to get back soon. Enjoy!
(5)Danielle S.
Excellent food, atmosphere and service! Brown Sugar beats any other Thai place I've been to in the city. I've had dinner there and gotten take out and they really never disappoint. The pad see ew is also to die for!
(5)jb h.
One of the best Thai places in Boston. I went to school at BU so I use to go there all the time and it's been consistently good. I still drop in whenever I am in the area. The food is fantastic with lots of choices on the menu. Having spent 2 weeks traveling around Thailand, I can say most of the food is very authentic. Decor is nice and is perfect for a date, I've had at least a dozen here. I've also been here for quite a few friend's birthdays, the staff will turn off the lights and sing happy birthday for you. The place is a bit small and wait times can be long during "prime" times. Due to the way the restaurant is setup you typically don't have to wait long if its 2 people but if you have a large party reservations are a must!
(5)tracey l.
Best Thai food in Boston!
(5)Sam R.
Went here because all the other local Thai places weren't picking up their phones and I really wanted some good Pad Thai. Not only was this place about $4 more expensive than the places I usually order from, but the flavor was extremely dull. Definitely over-rated.
(2)Kara R.
We ordered some thai food for delivery last night after a thunderstorm made us want to stay in and be cozy. We ordered the Pork Drunken Noodles, Duck Masamon Curry, and Chicken and Shrimp Country Style Pad Thai. The Duck curry was delicious with a decent heat to it and an underlying sweetness. All the veggies were tender and delicious. The duck was nicely cooked. We got brown rice to serve it with and they went together well. The Pork Drunken Noodle was good. It was my first time having drunken noodles and I wasn't too disappointed. I wasn't a super big fan of the pork, but I would order it again with beef. The Pad Thai was delicious (I finished the leftovers for breakfast). I asked for extra sauce on the side (I like my pad thai with plenty of sauce) and was able to put on as much as I like. The dish wasn't greasy and it wasn't completely covered in egg (I can't stand it when they do that). I was so busy devouring it that I didn't even notice that it wasn't the Country Style Pad Thai until after I finished my first large helping. The receipt said country syle, the lid read PT-C (Pad Thai County?) and the lady repeated the order on the phone as country style, but it lacked any tofu or turnips. Oh well, at least it was tasty! Delivery was fast and the food arrived piping hot. Other than that one pad thai mix up I have no complaints.
(4)Krista C.
BROWN SUGAR DUCK! (if you love crispy duck try) That. is. all. (ambiance and service prompt and friendly and my husband has a mild obsession w/ the drunken noodles)
(5)Aleksandr K.
A MUST dessert!! MANGO FRIED RICE! .. Amazing food.. and not that pricey. I will post some pictures later of the food.
(5)Caitlin C.
Love it ... got me through many nights when the dinning hall wasn't going to cut it. Cheap and super tasty. I always stick with the pad thai because it's hard to find something better than simple perfection. Inside is cozy and warm and cute.
(5)Kristyn M.
Loved the food here!!!! Definitely the best Thai I've experienced lately. I had the Jade Spinach noodles with shrimp (and a variety of ingredients I can't recall), and it was very flavorful. Everything was cooked perfectly. Plenty to take leftovers home and have for dinner the next day. Service was satisfactory, and the place is cute inside.
(5)Ben L.
Such a great place! please consider this 4.5 stars though. I had thai food for a while and I wasnt a fan but thats only because I grew up in a small town with only one thai restaurant so it kind of gave me a bad name for thai food. But after my brother recommended this place, i decided to give it a try and wow was it great!. I had the chicken pad thai, my cousin had the mango chicken curry fried rice, and my brother had some noodles that I forgot the name of it. Very fancy looking place, nice and clean and the waitresses were very attractive! (obviously a plus). Usually the thai food i have is often too oily, sweet, or just disgusting when having it left over. This place really gives thai food a great example to try. Only flaw, its a little pricey but I definitely cant say that it is not worth it I am definitely coming back when i need my spice
(4)Kyle E.
I've never had Thai food before but this restaurant came highly recommended. Had a large party for a bachelorette. Food and service were amazing. Loved everything about it!
(5)Janet K.
Pretty decent Thai food but I've definitely had better. The pad thai was a little too sweet for my liking and the Jade noodles lacked flavor. I'd go back to try something else though since it's got good reviews overall...
(3)Helen S.
If you have a birthday dinner, you should have it here!!!!!! They will turn this place into a nightclub for the 20 seconds it takes to sing happy birthday! We were enjoying a nice quiet dinner when all of a sudden, the lights dim low, disco balls start flashing, and an electronica/dance version of The Birthday Song blasts on. It took me a second to realize it was a birthday dessert coming out. Decent Thai food (got veggie dishes only). But, as many others mentioned, really pricey!
(4)Mary H.
Got the appetizer Cozy Shrimp. It was really delicious. A jumbo shrimp wrapped in a wonton wrapper and fried. Had the Jade Noodles which were really good. Also had the pineapple fried rice. All three dishes were really good since my picky mom enjoyed all of them!
(4)Lola A.
The food is okay here. For vegetarian fare, I've lucked out more with appetizers than actual entrees. The one entree that took the cake, though, was the pineapple fried rice. Add the vegetarian ham. I don't know what it is exactly- soy product, glutinous pink thing, 72 different chemicals that make a tasty concoction? Just try it. I know people typically go to restaurants because they're hungry, want to eat food, yadda yadda, boring boring, etc. Let me tell you why you should really come here. You come because it's your birthday! You come because you want all of the house lights to get really dim, disco lights to come on, and a smiling woman to hold two flashlights and move them in circular patterns while "Happy Birthday" plays over the speakers LOUDLY. You come here because birthday celebrations at other restaurants are kinda lame and none of the staff really want to sing or clap for you. You come here and it will be the best experience of strangers celebrating your birth!
(3)Karina L.
This is a pretty solid Thai place, but I'll only give it 3 stars considering the other options that are around (i.e.: Dok Bua on Harvard St and Bamboo Thai Restaurant further down Comm Ave). I got the chicken pad thai and found it solid, but definitely forgettable. I thought the chicken was a little dry. The service, however, was super attentive and polite. We got our food quickly and the ambiance of the place is definitely more high-end than what people usually come to expect from a Thai restaurant. It's kind of dark in some corners (We got stuck next to this dark corner and had to use the light of the nearby fish tank to read our menus...). That said this might be a nice place to bring a date, wink wink.
(3)Hannah K.
I have celiac disease, and Thai places are usually the best bet for people who need to eat gluten-free. Rice noodles are naturally gluten free, as is Thai soy sauce. Unfortunately, Brown Sugar cannot accommodate this dietary restriction whatsoever -- making me feel a bit uncomfortable about the quality of their food. They can't simply buy a bottle of authentic gluten free soy sauce to accommodate their gluten-free guests? Pad thai should CERTAINLY always be gluten-free, and the fact that theirs is not and cannot even be altered to be made gluten free is sad and confusing. Get with the times, Brown Sugar! Don't alienate your Celiac/Gluten Intolerant customers when it is such a simple fix!
(1)Bill M.
Prices are a bit higher but for the variety and quality it is worth it. Disappointed they removed all of huts from inside! The laab is the cats meow! (Not literally)
(4)Kiki Y.
Decor is beautiful and the food is pretty good! Pad Thai was a little too vinegary for my taste, but everyone else loved it and the presentation was very aesthetically pleasing. The waitress and other wait staff were very nice and accommodating and our food came relatively quickly.
(4)Jack K.
This. Is. The. Best. Place. To. Get. Thai. Food. In. Boston. The service could use a little help. After my meal, the server forgot to bring me a menu to order desert. However, I won'd judge the place, since she really thought someone brought me a menu and apologized for making me wait. So, onto the food review! I ordered Kow Moo Dang. As listed, it is the roasted pork Bangkok style over rice with crispy pork rind, Thai sausage and hard boiled egg slices topped with House Special Red Sauce. Let me tell you, it was made to perfection and just how I remembered it at home or back in Los Angeles at a good Thai restaurant. So, I can say, with a Thai Guy approval, that this is authentic thai food at it's best! Finally, a place in Boston that has real Thai food. It took me awhile to go eat here, and I used to live down the street for 2 years. I don't know why I didn't go here earlier! It made me miss home and real home cooked thai food. For desert, I ordered the Sweet Caroline, which is sweet banana in coconut milk, callef Kluai Nam Wa. It's boiled up to perfection. It was a small portion for the cost, but it was also really good and authentic. So, yum away into my tummy. The end.
(5)Jennifer M.
Been here a few times--overall very good. I've never had a problem with their food--I've always enjoyed it. But a few of my friends said that their dishes were a little on the salty side. Also, I love their fried ice cream. The restaurant is in a very good space with lots of tables. It's dimly lit so it has a little bit of a romantic/intimate ambience, which can get awkward if you're just dining with a friend. The songs they play for people's birthdays are also very entertaining--along with the light show that goes with it. Definitely worth a try if you're into Thai food!
(4)Netalin T.
Love it!!! I went there for my friend's bd dinner. The food and atmosphere are nice, very present. Also, i am so surprised that they prepare for my friend's bd ice cream, have the disco light and bd song. We were so happy there.
(5)Lucy E.
I work right down the street from this Thai restaurant and in the cold months it is an effort to not eat here every single day. I will warn the reader I always order one of two things, so I personally cannot speak for any other dishes (however my co-workers swear by them all). I cannot get enough of their red curry and drunk noodles (both with tofu or chicken). They are both always packed with flavor and never fail to satisfy! I do wish that their lunch deals were a little better of a 'deal'. Although on second thought it's hard enough to resist.
(4)Alyssa A.
I ate everything on my plate and more. I really loved it. With over 400 reviews I don't think I need to say much more except... Solid 4 Stars. BUT if you want 5 Star Thai go to Bangkok City on Mass Ave.
(4)Claude F.
Claude F. Vs. Luciene Y: The Eating Contest Round #4 For Round 4 we came here for my favorite type of food: The kind I don't have to pay for! Luciene was buying this round so I made sure to choose someplace expensive. ("What?" you say "You paid for Pizza and then you made her pay for expensive Thai food?" To which I answer: "What are international students here for but to be taken advantage of? Ask any college official- who makes them pay double for everything- what's the use of having the world hate us if we can't shake them down a little? Sheeeesh!" First thing you will notice about the Brown Sugar Café is it is much nicer on the inside then the out side and seems oddly bigger on the inside then the out side (sort of Like Dr. Who's Tardis). The Brown Sugar Café is indeed a fine dining restaurant; seemingly better suited for the Back Bay then to be located in the college student Ghetto that is Alston (if a B line goes threw it- it can't be good) Though we had no reservation: we were seated very promptly (one of the upsides of it NOT being in the Back Bay, the wealthy Yuppies are allergic to Alston). The tables are well spaced a part (very atypical for a Boston Restaurant) so you can have a nice conversation with out broad casting it to the world... like I am doing now. For an appetizer we ordered the combo Platter. This is a platter of chicken and beef satay, spring rolls, vegetable rolls, cozy shrimp, tofu triangles, golden triangles, ravioli and sparerib for $15.95" Yeeeeaaah. Since I was not paying I ordered the most expensive appetizer. But it is also the best one- a real taste of a bunch of delectable Thai dishes! I would highly recommend this for any trip to the Brown Sugar Café. For the Entrée I ordered the Tom Zab Pla Salmon which is a Very hot and sour salmon fillet served in a clay pot. (Really GOOD presentation) for $18.95. It was delicious. Luciene ordered the Tom Yum Goong Yai Num-kon which is a Thick and hot and sour large fresh water shrimp soup also in a clay pot. (Also really Great presentation) for $17.95. She said it was "okay" (But I think looking forward to the eventual bill tampered her enthusiasm) For Dessert we both ordered the Mango Ice Cream for $5.50 each. Hmmmmm...it was okaaaay. But when I go back I will try a different dessert. As per the eating contest (sound the Drum roll please) I clearly bested Luciene at eating the appetizer (anything where I can use my hands and long arm reach I have an advantage in) but Lucien swallowed her entrée in what seemed like 3 bites (Drat! I should have ordered the shrimp to!) while it took me a while to get threw the salmon (good for you, buuuuut...you know what I mean. Only a shark can inhale salmon) and when it came to dessert Luciene inhaled the mango ice cream like it was magic ice cream that can make you a foot taller but only if you eat it really really Fast! (which would be a great sales line to sell ice cream to international students) So this round went to Luciene (que sad music youtube.com/watch?v=Kfxq… ) But a VERY GOOD dining experience for both of us! Warning: The GOOD dishes here are NOT cheap. Our Total bill (since the waiter assumed I was paying and handed it to me initially) was $68 with Tax but with out Tip and we did not order ANY of the over priced drinks that would have put the bill into triple digits. So before coming here I would highly advise finding your own international student to take advantage of (Tip: there are a lot them who ride the B line and the best place to meet them is in Shaw's or the Super88. Just go up to them and start talking about food. Works every time.) Note: I noticed the earthy crunchy people sitting in the table next to us could not shut up - in the usual drunk white trust fund kind of way- about how great the vegetarian selections were, so I would add this place to any list to take a veg head to while still being able to enjoy dinner your self. After Round #4: Claude 1 Luciene 3 Next up....AMERICAN FOOD ONLY!!! ..grrrrrrrrrrrr!
(4)Alistair B.
Best Thai food I've had in Boston so far! Fast and delicious. I've had the fried rice, pad Thai, and pad see ew. All great! Lots of veggies and meat, not overloaded with noodles like many of Thai restaurants.
(4)Patrick D.
Simply fantastic Thai food, very accessible (just steps from the B line), great service and awesome price point, this is as good as it gets! My girlfriend and I came here a few nights ago and everything we had was fantastic. We started off with yum lettuce wraps which were awesome, the sauce they come with is delicious and they're very light. In my opinion, these hit all the points that an appetizer should: light, flavorful, and whet our appetites for the main course. My girlfriend had the soft-shell crab pad thai and I had the massaman curry, both of which were awesome. The pad thai was the perfect level of spiciness and the crab and shrimp were excellently cooked. The massaman curry was on another planet, not too sweet, very savory, and the shrimp were tender and flavorful. The service was great too, our water glasses were never more than half empty, the food cam quickly and our waitress was attentive but not annoying. Would highly recommend this restaurant to anyone in the area looking to break out of the pizza rut that so many of us fall into.
(5)Julie M.
Friends took me there to experience some good Thaï food while in Boston. And it was good. They didn't get 5 stars as the place was not totally amazing and service and all could have been better.
(4)Sonia T.
There are four other places in the coolidge corner area we regularly go for Thai food, and while Brown Sugar is on the upper side of the range in terms of price, it is by far the tastiest food. Every new entree i try, I end up gushing "this is the best thai food I've had this year mmmmmmmmmm" The first disappointment was the "yummy lettuce wraps" appetizer we had tonight.... just meh.
(5)Holly B.
Omg! The menu here is so extensive it'll taken you 10 minutes just to limit your choice to 10 items. I finally made my choice I went with the soft shell crab pad thai and boy am I glad that I did. The batter on the crab is super tasty! I defiantly will be coming back to try many more dishes. Staffs a little pushy but what can you do.
(4)Amy X.
Came here at 5 and there were already a substantial crowd. I got Fisherman's madness, which was recommended by the waitress. It was good, but not great - very solid entree, however. Flavor is great, but not as spicy as I wanted it to be. The portions are huge, you can split one entree between two people for sure. The service was great though. Fast and very friendly. Would definitely come back and try again.
(4)Emilio S.
By far the best Thai restaurant in Boston. Try the brown sugar ribs.
(5)Padideh Y.
Healthy food, clean place, nice staff, reasonable price.....Its one of my favorite restaurant.
(4)R F.
Very nice variety on their menu; nice outdoor seating; for an extremely discerning connoisseur, a solid four stars!
(4)casper ray r.
Love spicy Thai food, and this place was solidly above average. Ingredients seem fresh and flavors were really good, not too monotone. Had the papaya salad and the jungle curry. Portions are large. Salad had nice intense citrus dressing. The non-coconut based curry was deeply seasoned, veggies rough cut into large chunks, not too mushy. For me the best part was the fresh hot peppers used to provide the heat. There were large chunks of Thai chili and jalapeno that made me seriously sweat without taking away the rest of the flavor of the dish. I ordered the maximum spice and was getting large bites of pure pepper. Folks who prefer mild spice should be cautious here. Even the salad had some jalapeno kick, and while I go for spice all the time, my friends who aren't as into habanero-level kick all felt the food was spicy, even if they ordered a 2 out of 4. For me, that's how Thai should be. The menu is cumbersome with so many items to sift through, and nothing we saw come out looked like next-level, 5 star concepts, but everything looked consistent, smelled great, and surely beats a large number of other Thai spots I've tried. If I lived in Boston I'd find this place worth a regular visit.
(4)Kim H.
VANILLIA FRIED ICECREAM!!!! i have ended my search for the best fried icecream in BOSTON. must try hands down. Not sure about the food haha I only went there for dessert.
(5)Lauren S.
I usually don't crave Thai food but I would crave this restaurant. I was surprised how good it was considering the location and appearance of the outside. We walked in and it was quite pretty. We sat down and I asked the waitress what to order since I am not as familiar with Thai as other cuisines. I ordered the chicken and asparagus curry and it was awesome. The dish was huge and you can definitely share. My daughters pad thai was yummy and she could have brought half home. I would definitely go back next time I was in Boston. This is what I could call a hidden gem.
(4)Amanda M.
Interesting and delicious Thai dishes mixed with great standards (very good green curry). They have beer and wine but no cocktails. Ambience is nice with high ceilings and asian decor.
(4)D K.
Service outstanding Appetizers are very good. Ordered Basil chicken - very spicy, good pieces of basil and sticky rice. Pad Thai probably the worst I have ever had. The shrimp was thrown on top of the Pad Thai not cooked with the dish. The Pad Thai has so much sugar in it I almost couldn't eat. It was extremely sweet. I have Pad Thai a couple of times a month - consider myself a good judge - I would skip it here if you like Pad Thai.
(3)Mike M.
Been here several times and it's always been for their Pad Thai! Definitely 1 of my 2 favorite Thai Places in the city. Very clean place, very good quality thai food, always fresh ingredients. Have tried other dishes that people have gotten and they're all good. Curries, fried rice, drunken noodles... all delicious! Always consistent!
(4)Skye G.
Yummy and so glad we stopped in. Mr G ordered the Drunken Noodle medium heat and it was a winner. I myself am a wimp so it was too spicy for me. I would have gone mild but for those who like hot...it was not Roni hot. I tried to balance the good with the bad. I really wanted to try the fried ice cream and soft shell crab so I picked the healthy tofu veggies. Tofu with huge black mushrooms and greens. It was so yummy with an awesome sauce. I got some brown rice on the side (other choice was white or sticky). The Tempura soft shell crab was not what I was hoping for but it was ok. Deep fried cauliflower, broccoli, sweet potato, and one crab split in two. I was too full to order the ice cream so I'll need to go back. The menu is big with lots to pick from. I want to try the Basil fried rice and a curry dish next but the crispy Brown Sugar duck was calling me too. The inside was nicely decorated but I am partial to a salt water fish tank.
(4)Hope F.
Great food! Fun atmosphere and the Pad Thai was spot on! Loved it. Fun location with out side seating, lots of flowers and exotic fish. Neat place in the middle of the city!
(5)Scott T.
Went with a group of 6 on a Friday night and was pleasantly surprised. The interior was cozy enough, and although the lighting makes a poor impression on some, it's rather dim and little natural light gets in. The place seemed well staffed and clean for a Friday night. One criticism I would make would be that the technology supporting the staff is way out of date, An inability to efficiently split checks outside of pencil & paper should be a crime in the age of the smartphone. The menu is vast, and I doubt Gordon Ramsey would approve. Some of the indecisive members of our group were left in analysis paralysis feeling forced to actually review the multitude of options. That being said, the food was (ridiculously) fast & no one complained of quality. The low tech registers hold them up, the too large menu did not appear to so I can't really hold that against them. Intimidated of heavy reading to start the weekend, I ordered the first house special listed, "Seafood Volcano" and was not disappointed. Besides being a very tasty seafood medley, it also served as a pyrotechnic announcement to the restaurant of my choice in meal. I left neither starved of a good food nor of attention from strangers. My only real knock is that there isn't suitable tech to ensure the wait staff can optimally do their jobs, to which I sternly wag my finger at the management. Splitting our check was far more awkward than it needed to be and a poor final impression (we had tried to ask for separate checks at the beginning). Needless service delays combined with a huge menu, I also doubt that dining at the restaurant would still be enjoyable if it were to get busy (it was after graduation season, so the Friday night crowd we saw was fairly light I imagine).
(4)marcus r.
If, as we did, you come to this place for the disco birthday, apparently you should not come one half hour before closing, and when your waitress asks you if you'd like to order dessert, you should not demur, citing the probability you'll be stuffed by the soup, 2 apps and an entree you and your girlfriend just ordered. As a consequence, our only lightshow was management flicking on the ceiling lights very bright a few times as we finished our meal. To be fair, they may not have been trying to usher us out, but merely helping the waitresses sweeping at our feet more efficiently find detritus. When I asked our principal waitress about this dismayingly minimal display of their claim to fame, she cited the fact we'd not ordered dessert. Now I may not be the smartest stick in the water, but don't restaurants usually comp birthday celebrant's desserts (the hostess was shown my ID as we entered), and if the sweetness of dishes is what determines whether I get a Toyotathon at my table, I think the Mee Krob more than satisfies that requirement. Under the circumstances, I felt like a very foolish farang for robotipping 20%. But I don't know everything, so I welcome further elucidation on this matter from BSC and more experienced diners, since this electrotacky spectacle looked like a fun thing to inflict on friends and family As for the aforementioned Mee Krob and the lemongrass dressing that comes with the Crispy Watercress, they had the strangeness good ethnic food should have, while the ginkgo entree was just spicier comfort food, and the Liang Soup split the difference between those poles
(2)Stella H.
The best Thai restaurant in Boston! The atmosphere is really nice. Food is really good. Its taste is REAL Thai. Also some food can be spicy, be careful. (but spicy makes food taste good). Food is various. There are many Thai food that even in Thailand, it is difficult to find the place to eat.
(5)Brianna R.
This place is amazing. Everything about it. The decore is authienic and beautiful. The food is always spot on. Their service is friendly and super helpful. They put on a nice production for people celebrating birthdays. I bring my parents here everytime they come to Boston to visit me.
(5)Lauren L.
Bought a car down the street, and came here for a solo dining experience alone to celebrate. I thought I'd be alone here at 5 PM on a Saturday night when I walked in, but the place was bustling! I ordered a "special" off the menu, vermicelli rice noodles with Tamaraind sauce. It was phenomenal. Service was good. Excellent, excellent.
(5)Ice cube X.
I guess they have changed the chef, the taste is going down.
(3)Big S.
everyone i was with loved this place although i cant say i was the biggest fan. the veggie tom yum soup was good. we each got a different dish but i got country pad thai and i thought it was saucy. i like bamboo up the street a bit more. the place was crowded and everyone seemed to like it, maybe i ordered the wrong dish
(3)Ama R.
Best green curry with tofu I've had. I've been coming to Brown Sugar Cafe for years and it has never failed to please!
(5)Kimberly H.
Great place for dinner with a group. The menu has plenty of options and great appetizers for sharing. A friend and I split the Drunken Noodles (flat rice noodles, onions, green beans, basil leaves, and hot peppers stir-fried) and Basil Fried Rice (spicy fried rice with fresh Thai basil, red onions and peppers) and they were NOT disappointed! Great flavors and textures with a punch of heat. I think my favorite part of the night was the little dance party they put on as a Happy Birthday for the table next to us! Lights out, disco ball on! For a second I thought there was a malfunction with the music, but then I realized it was just part of the program. Can't wait to surprise a first timer on the their birthday next time! The service was friendly, they take group reservations, and it's right off a T stop. See you soon Brown Sugar Cafe!
(4)Maya S.
The reason i"m downgrading the stars is because of the service we received at the end. The owner/manager lady actually followed us to the exit, CALLED us out and ASKED for MORE tips. Who the heck does THAT?? Extremely insulting to put it very mildly!! And this was when we had actually tipped them above and beyond what's generally expected at restaurants! Mind you, we were only 5 people at the table and not a large group!! Ughhh...not going back in there. EVER.
(1)Shelby J.
I love brown sugar cafe. Delicious,FRESH, and great portions. I have introduced friends and family to this place and always ask to go back when visiting here. You can't go wrong with the pad Thai, drunken noodle, mango fried rice, and fried ice cream. The food arrives relatively fast, even when crowded.
(5)Eric K.
My chilli duck could've used more duck....but the pad thai was awesome and the mango fried rice as well. Great layout, good service; a true gem for Thai food in the city of Boston.
(4)Colin K.
Brown Sugar Cafe is my favorite Thai place in the Allston area. I've only ordered their noodle entrees, but they have a nice pad thai and their Drunken Noodle is delicious if you like an extra kick. If you like dumplings, I recommend the Thai Ravioli. If you don't like dumplings, I apologize, that's just sad. Their dining room is a decent size for restaurants in the area and has a nice ambiance for dates. They also do takeout/delivery if you are like me and just want to shovel pork and noodles into your face.
(4)Wendy K.
Quite tasty! We got the tofu laab and the 3 Stooges, as well as a Thai iced coffee. The food came very quickly, and the service was good. There is a huge variety of dishes available so we will certainly be back to try more! The interior was nice- a bunch of people mentioned the tables being close together but I didn't feel crowded, and it's not loud as the ceilings are nice and high.
(5)Julia D.
Green Curry HEAVEN! I asked for Thai hot and actually got it! Great sticky rice as well. I can't wait to back. Nice ambiance and good service.
(5)Anne W.
I just went here last night for my friend's bday and first of all, I was surprised how many people come here for their bday! It was like three bdays in one night.. our table being the largest of 28 people. So when it's your bday.. they do this corny thing where they turn off all the lights, turn on disco lights, and play happy bday to you (sung by an Asian man/woman) over the speakers.. oh, and I believe they give you a free ice cream to the bday boy/girl. So corny but cute! Parking kind of sucks around this area... you just have to drive around, park illegally at Star Market nearby, or drive around... The menu is extensive.. a little too much to decide between. Honestly was about 10 pages full of choices.. between Americanized, House Specialties, Noodles & Soups, Thai traditional, etc. I was overwhelmed... so I ended up picking somethinig that just sounded good. It was a seafood stir fry with crab, shrimp, etc. Personally, I would stray away from things like Pad Thai or other boring traditional dishes.. partly because.. it can't really taste that much different between restaurants so you might as well try something different. I think the people who didn't like this place complained about it. It was really good! I was surprised. Not a five star because my favorite Thai place is in San Diego. Even better Thai food resides in Australia.. but they are just good at everything Asian out there. Even though I got my food last.. they actually handled our large party like a pro. No, they didn't bring it out all at once.. it came out in waves. But.. they knew what everybody got without asking again.. it came out within half an hour... and they got everybody their to go boxes immediately. Bill came promptly after that with having no problems reducing the cash.. providing change.. etc. Pretty solid place. I heard they used to have a branch open out in Fenway... oh well, this place is just as good. I would definitely come again.
(4)Guillermo M.
Really good thai food! Every plate we ordered had really good flavor. We had a variety of appetizers and every one of them I liked: vegetable rolls, spring rolls, chicken sping rolls, scallion pancakes. For entree we got a shrimp with vegetables and coconut milk plate that was amazing. Highly recommend the fried ice cream. The best part is the birthday celebration! Good option to bring your friends here.
(4)Delphine M.
Yummy. I don't recommend the sit-down service, prices are highly elevated, portions are smaller and service isn't great. But if you grab take-out during their lunch hours, you're in for a treat. Their pad thai is sweet and flavorful, and the drunken noodles had a great spiciness to them. Plus the portion is filling for under ten bucks, score! I take out from them often when I'm working in the area.
(4)Yen S.
Food came out quick. Server was efficient and friendly. Sauces: delicious. We had the seafood hotpot and for the price expected a bit more seafood. The duck choo chee was one of the best--veggies fresh and sauce was de-licious: plenty of duck. Pad Thai was not extraordinary: have had better. Overall: good place to go to try good Thai cooking. Price a bit high. Portions good. will try again.
(4)Sarah A.
I ate here for the first time w/ friends on Friday night. I got a tofu stir fry and it was very fresh and tasted great w/ brown rice. I would definitely go back and try other dishes. Prices are good and the servers are nice. The one suggestion I would make is to take the train because parking is a challenge.
(3)Allison L.
I prefer going 2 blocks down the street to Super 88 for Thai food. I'm a vegetarian and I've been underwhelmed by the vegetarian dishes at Brown Sugar--the vegetables are often undercooked and it's nothing special. The dishes at Smile Thai in the Super 88 are bigger, cheaper, and better; and I usually get takeout so I don't care about the dining experience. One thing I do like about Brown Sugar is that they'll happily omit fish sauce and help you make a dish vegan. Edit for vegans: I usually like to order something more exciting than pad thai, but the best dish I've found here is the country pad thai, no fish sauce. Still tasty.
(3)Rathore V.
We sat outdoors on a nice sunny day. Excellent food, great company. We had the pineapple fried rice, and a couple of chicken entrees I can't remember. But they were fantastic. The Thai iced tea is fine as well.
(5)Jen D.
Just had a fantastic dinner here on a first date. We got pad Thai & a charbroiled beef salad. The pad thai was very good, and the beef was done superbly: not overcooked, nice char on the outside, juicy and tender on the inside. Lovely. Sadly, I'm only interested in seeing the restaurant again...It's a little bit of a trek from where I currently live, but I will be back because I want to try the chili scallops!
(5)Christopher Z.
Had dinner here last night before a concert at The Paradise (just a block away) and was very impressed with the Thai food. I went with a friend who had spent a few months in Thailand and even SHE was impressed! It was a Friday night at 8 PM so the place was jumping, but we managed to grad two of the four seats at the bar and were served quickly. The Panang Coconut Curry was delicious and flavorful, but my favorite was the "Old Lady Spicy", which is NOT for old ladies, let me tell you that. This dish brought some serious heat. It has roasted Thai eggplant, peppers, green beans and sweet basil in Chef's Special Sauce and can come with beef, pork, chicken, etc...A couple of Singha beers helped to cool the palate down. It was fantastic. Apparently, Brown Sugar is the place to go for birthday's because while we were there on three separate occasions, the music came down, the lights went off, and a rousing disco version of "Happy Birthday" filled the air, with a crazy laser-light show around the table of the birthday guest. Everyone clapped and sang a long, and it was a hoot!!! If you are in the West Campus area looking for some tasty Thai food, check it out!
(4)lil s.
I ordered the coconut pudding for dessert -- it was horrible. The coconut milk was rancid! They also charged me for a refill on my diet coke. Who does that? I used to like this place but the quality of food has gone down hill over the years. Very disappointed.
(3)Khoa N.
One of the better Thai restaurants in Boston. Although good Thai places are not lacking in this city. Brown Sugar has a fun atmosphere. If you come on the weekends for dinner, high chances you'll experience their exciting way of celebrating someone's birthday. Lights will dim, disco lights will spin, and a loud Happy Birthday song will burst though the speakers for the entire restaurant. You won't be able to help but join in with the cheering and clapping for during the festivity. The food is good. The basil fried rice is so spicy you'll always remember it. Everything else is as good. I try to venture outside my usual dishes of drunken noodles, country pad thai, basil fried rice, kua gai, etc. to try more of their specialties. It'll take me a while to go through the list of their massive menu, and also because I'm so drawn to my already established favorite dishes. But one day, I'll make my way through most of them!
(4)Michelle C.
I've driven by this place a million times but never stopped in.....until yesterday with friends visiting from out of town. Started with scallion pancakes which were nice and crispy, but definitely needed the ginger sauce for flavor. Also tried the spare ribs which was fall off the bone goodness...nice and crispy on the outside and tender in the inside. The Paradise noodle was fresh and tasty and the portions are huge! The waitstaff was friendly and attentive.
(3)N W.
The most amazing pad thai for a very reasonable price! The dishes are relatively large, so splitting them are a great option. Extremely fast service, whether you're in the restaurant or are doing take out. My take out was ready in less than 15 minutes!
(4)Feedbag T.
Probably the best Thai restaurant in Boston at the moment. Their spare ribs,which are topped with a delicious honey based sauce, are divine. Service has always been quick, special orders delivered correctly, all with a smile. The best.
(4)j k.
Pros: Great quality thai food. Romantic ambience. Cons: It's a tiny restaurant, and this place is really pOpular (though rightfully so). And it's always packed with people at meal times, tables are very close together, noise level can be a bit high, and waiting for a table is pretty standard.
(4)Christine H.
I live right next door, so this is my go-to thai place. Amazing food, amazing service, and amazing location. Super convenient being right on Commonwealth. There's a huge selection of food and not to mention it comes out really quick. I've been here a few times, and I always left full and satisfied. My favorite is the pad see ew with their thai iced tea (not recommended if you're watching your weight - packed with calories). Not to mention their friend ice cream - yum. (Getting hungry just writing about it) If you ever get the chance, come here for yours or your friends birthday. It's so much fun, and super amusing. The only thing is that their prices a bit high. Definitely not a place to go if you're low on money. But totally worth it!
(5)Arturo C.
Excellent pad thai, panang curry and mango rice
(5)Priyanka R.
By far the best bang for your buck when it comes to Thai food in Boston! From the moment you walk in the ambiance as well as the service is absolutely amazing. I have had the drunken noodles and the country style pad thai and both were extremely tasty. The portions are fairly big and its a great place to go on a date or with friends. After ordering, the food came out fairly quickly and the waiter was extremely attentive, even if our glasses were one-fourth empty our water was refilled immediately! A definite extra star for the amazing service! I love the fish tanks and the setup of the restaurant. After we finished eating and paying the check we stayed behind to talk for about an hour. They did not say anything and even kept refilling our water. All-in-all a GREAT restaurant! Right across from the T (green line) - extremely accessible by the bus as well! No excuse for you to not have some great Thai food!
(4)Benjamin T.
First of all, my experiences coming here was fun. If you go here with a group of friends and you guys like to tell jokes and be loud this is a good place to be. The restaurant is lively. When someone's birthday comes up they turn off the lights and random happy birthday music plays with someone holding a flashlight swinging it around. Its pretty funny and random sometimes. The food is good and it's affordable. The design of the restaurant is pretty good. The staff is also kind. Over all the enjoyed my time at brown sugar
(4)Angel C.
These guys are pros. I went with a group of about 30, and the service was top notch. People got their dishes and drinks and the servers knew exactly who got what. The food came out relatively fast, which I found impressive given a group this big. They came by a few times to see if people needed anything and fulfilled requests promptly. The bill also was taken care of speedily. Again, kudos to their service. As for the food, I've been here a few times, and it's one of my favorite Thai restaurants in Boston, so the food did not disappoint. This time I got the Virgin Island - a combination of shrimp and veggies with pieces of coconut, in a coconut curry sauce, served inside a coconut. That's right, they bring out a coconut, and the food is inside! These guys get creative with their presentation in some of their dishes; it's awesome. They also make the best fried ice cream I've ever had. The dough on the outside is flavorful and not too thick, the ice cream stays cold inside, and they drizzle it with honey and sesame seeds. YUM!!
(5)Aaron L.
Went for lunch today. The Basil pad Thai is excellent with tons of unique flavor. The setting is nice (high ceilings and comfy) and the service was great. An excellent Thai restaurant priced correctly.
(4)Winston G.
Been here probably over 50 times during my years at BU... Just came back again tonight - the pad see you, the pad thai, and the brown sugar duck are the three dishes I order most. All are delicious. Lunch menu is the same, but definitely cheaper than the same items for dinner, so if you're looking to save a few bucks on noodles, get lunch here. Not the cheapest Thai food for dinner, but won't break the bank either. Oh, tootsie rolls on the way out fo sho.
(5)Bryan R.
I most frequented their other location, which is now closed and is now another Thai restaurant but definitely not Brown Sugar. Normally I would avoid Commonwealth Avenue but would venture the trip for this location. I really enjoy their variations on the normally boring and bland Pad Thai, which I am typically embarrassed to order because I don't like ordering the 'safe' item on the menu, I usually like to color outside the lines when it comes to culinary choices. However, these Pad Thai options are great and stand on their own, great options for someone looking for something with perfectly layered flavors, both sweet and spicy. There is little to no parking, probably the down fall for their other location which we were never able to find parking for. We would drive around for sometimes up to an hour to get a parking spot. For this location usually just as bad, if not worse, even at off hours. The other dishes are above average but not show stoppers like their Pad Thai's. The drunken noodles and crab fried rice are definitely not the best that I have had. Their 'one trick' pony options are probably why they get such mixed reviews.
(4)Diane H.
OMG I LOVE THE BIRTHDAY SONG. i got to hear it twice in one sitting :) anyways, the atmosphere is very nice..very chatty...kinda dim, not really. the tables are set up nicely, very pleasant appearance. they have a fishtank with nemo and dorey!! i ordered the crispy chicken pad thai $12.95, delicious...and green tea fried ice cream..mm wish there was another ball and it was bigger though, but we can only wish. $5.95 my friend got this tofu app, i think it's an app, comes with this sweet/sour sauce/thing. it was okay, taste like tofu so dip it in the sauce!! my other friend got the crispy noodle pad thai and that was very different. i liked it :) their expresso friend ice cream was a bit strong though... i can't wait for someone's birthday so i can come back and hear the birthday song!! they legit dedicate a min to singing you the song with dessert and all the lights out. plus they use real candles at the table.
(4)here t.
Well, all I can say is just cause sugar is in your name, doesn't mean you have to put it in every ingredient. OK well I exagerate a bit but really, every dish was kind of a mess of flavors. Too much of everything. The Headline of This Review should be--GivesThai a Bad Name. Wings appetizer: oddly flavored... "soapy" was the reaction as well as greasy Shrimp based main dish: tons of cocoanut milk, sweet, and a mess of flavor Salmon: pretty good- lots of too sweet cocoanut, but not overcooked. again, poorly conceived dish. I wanted to give more stars but well, they just seem to be slinging this stuff out as the students have returned.
(2)Mike D.
I went here for diner a few months back. The style of thai is definitely amercanized and sweet tasting but also good. The space is a bit crowded with parties right next to you, literally at elbow's width. The service is a good and attentive. The prices are fairly expensive but the food quality is worth giving it a try.
(4)Isabella L.
Thai food galore. Who can go wrong when you enter the doors and you see a crazy packed place on a Saturday night? The prices can be steep for the dishes, but considering the amount that is served, you can basically share everything! Also, the food here is really tasty, flavorful and high quality. My only complaints and the reasoning for the 3 stars would be the elbow-to-elbow seating arrangements and small tables for fitting all of the dishes. It was too cramped to eat and enjoy my company. I would probably preferred ordering food out. It was however pretty lively. Also, when I went last time, there was a birthday celebration, and although I give the restaurant props for having a fun filled bday shoutout and sing-a-long, I think turning off the lights was a bit much. Their other patrons including myself could not see a thing during the five minute "Happy Bday" serenade. I would definitely recommend the Duck in Red Curry, which was very sweet and the Spicy Watercress appetizer (I forgot the name but it was fried watercress with a spicy lime salad dressing). I would recommend trying their sister restaurant, The Similians. It is REALLY REALLY good Thai food.
(3)Jen K.
Definitely my favorite Thai place. Awesome service, love the decor, great food and the best iced coffee ever! I've literally gone there just to get iced coffee. Try the brown sugar spare ribs - unreal
(5)Kim V.
I must have passed by this place a few hundred times on my way to and from school. Finally a friend decided he wanted to meet here and I tried it out. It was ok, but I can't say that anything really stood out. So many people kept telling me how good it was, so I'm glad I had a chance to see for myself.
(3)H T.
Reasonably priced Thai food. Tons of options on the menu. The food here is great! Beware of the Drunken Noodle dish. I felt as though I can breath fire with that super spicy dish. It's more manageable with a side order of rice. Service is good for all the times I've been there. Somewhat small. Ambiance is a bit dark but works for me.
(5)Yan L.
I really don't get what's so good about this place. I got the pad thai and it was horrible. It was too sour (because there was too much sauce) and salty. The shrimps were not devained and far from fresh, which added this funny stench to each bite. You can get better pad thai at any other Thai restaurant in Boston. The mango curry was ok, but not deserving of much praise, and the chicken in this dish was overcooked. We got the fried ice cream for dessert, which was way below expectations. In my mind, fried ice cream is suppose to be special because they actually take very frozen ice cream and batter it and deep fry it. But when our fried ice cream came, it wasn't hot at all, and the skin was not crispy. I'm pretty sure what they did was just to "fry" the batter skin beforehand, and somehow attach it onto the ball of ice cream afterwards. That is NOT fried ice cream. Service was bad too. The wait staff seemed annoyed of their work, so don't expect a smile. I would strongly recommend against this place. If you want decent Thai food, go to Thaitation or Rod Dee instead.
(1)Ido W.
Bottom line: I have been looking for a Thai restaurant I would like to go back to in Boston and I have finally found it. The attire is very unique, the service authentic and the food awesome. The pro's: The food. We had two dishes. One of them was a mango curry (marked as very spicy, but was not) and the other was a unique noodle dish called Thao soi. The portions were generous and lasted for more than two meals. The con's: You have to pay to get the food. This place is not cheap enough (in my opinion) to easily become a regular go-to dinner (at least not for me).
(5)Su-Yee L.
My friends had raved about Brown Sugar Cafe so I was really excited to try it. Unfortunately, Brown Sugar is alright, but nothing special. It's a little pricey for thai food in the area (Rod Dee is cheaper and pretty good) and their food didn't particularly blow me away or anything. I ordered the Drunken Noodles with pork (at lunch) which was good although very spicy. The portion size was larger than it looked. The service, though, was a bit off (checking up on us a lot when we were still looking at the menu but then not refilling my water, etc) although the food came out very quickly. It's good if you're in that area but not really worth going out of your way for.
(3)Derrick P.
Very ordinary, lack-luster food. Ordered delivery and suffice it to say, the only thing I liked was the bag that the food came in. Unless the food is atrocious, usually several things have to go wrong for me to give a 2-star review. 1. Order: a few surprises. First, at the end of my order they mentioned a $20 minimum. Fine, I ordered an appetizer and my bill came up $9 higher, well over the $20 mark. Second, not until I placed my order when they said that it would take over an hour for the food to arrive (and it's already 830pm). Third, it wasn't until I was at my door when the delivery man mentioned that they don't take credit card. 2. Food: a few disappointments. - Tom Kha Gai soup - nothing special...no real spices and the chicken was dry and over cooked. The soup had no sour zest to it, just pure watered down coconut broth. One of the most basic Tom Kha soups I've had. - Chicken Satay - figured this would cheer me up. Again, a tremendous disappointment, actually one of the worst chicken satay's I've had. The chicken was overcooked, thick, and very dry on the inside. Not sliced thinly and marinated on the inside. Dipped it in peanut sauce instead, but only tasted something sweet and not too strong in flavor - like the Tom Kha, it was watered down and had a single flavor: weakly sweet. I tried a second stick, but had to put it down. - Country Style Pad Thai. I hate to say this, but some of the worst Pad Thai I've had. The chicken was the same old overcooked and dry strip pieces from the Tom Kha soup and the shrimp were small and shriveled. The bamboo shoots weren't fresh and the peanut powder was clumped together in a wierd way. The noodles were cheap and not your traditional pad thai noodles. Overall, tremendous disappointment. I'm not sure how other Thai restaurants compare, but this is some of the most unimpressive Thai food I've had. I can think of a dozen cities/suburbs less cosmo than Boston that serve better Thai food. Perhaps the atmosphere makes up for it - at least the bag was nice and I'm sure the website is too - but, on service and FOOD alone, I won't be back.
(2)Saira K.
What a brilliant use of brown sugar. This is probably one of the best Thai restaurants I've eaten at. I especially love the Shrimp Cashew Nut and the pad thai, although there are lots of great items on the menu.
(4)John L.
Too be honest, after reading the reviews I was looking forward to a meal here so much that I brought my siblings along. We each got pad thai and fried ice cream. One big complaint I had was that the bean sprouts was put to the side and not fried with everything else. This just ruins the meal for me cause the cold bean sprouts taste weird unless it is together with every thing else. The ice cream was great and even had a cherry on it. Prices were a little high and with the disappointing pad thai, it was a bad meal for me in general. The fried ice cream was the saving grace.
(3)Michael L.
What to say that hasn't been said? PLENTY! Most people aren't dicks as soon as they walk into a place. I am! They seated my two friends and I in the middle of the front dining room, and I was like "ehhhhh." I asked to be seated against the wall because I curse a lot and hate sitting next to people who might be decent. They obliged kindly. The bathroom was rather undisgusting. It was also a single, so I was able to pick my teeth with a folded paper towel after eating. The waitress was attentive, bordering on overly so. She unfolded my friend's napkin and put it in his lap, which made him a little uncomfortable, which made me smile. She was extremely difficult to understand, but I am terrible at understanding accents so it's not a big deal at all. All beer (very small selection of 12oz bottles) was $4.50, and meals were $10-15. There was wine but I didn't bother. The menu has a section on what to drink with Thai food. I ignored what they had to say but liked that they had it there. It annoyed me that a side order of rice was like $3.99 I had "Comm. Ave. Noodle" and loved every bite. Every Thai place seems to have a wheat noodle stir fry dish, and I love them. Theirs was light on the sauce (+) and heavy on the veggies and chicken. I didn't specify my meat, so they gave me chicken, and I deserved it. I also asked that they make it spicy, because the dish had no tiny peppers next to its name. It came out very spicy, just barely peeking out at forehead sweat level. My friends had a nice time and delicious food as well, but screw them they can write their own review. I have not had better Thai food in Boston and will be making this walk frequently. It is a very pleasant restaurant to be in, as well as serving excellent food. Note: Music = Kenny G / house dance techno explosion
(5)Alyssa Z.
The environment was so good, and you can enjoy yourself without being disturbed. They even offered b-day cake when that day is some guest's b-day.
(4)Zhibo P.
I like their duck dish.
(4)Anna M.
My first night in Boston, my friend who lives close to Brown Sugar recommended we go here. Being starved after a semi-long flight and walking around in the pouring rain I was down for anything, as long as it was edible. The place was quite busy for an afternoon and the wait staff was friendly. I can't say I really enjoyed the food very much though. I've had so much better Thai for less expensive than here. The portions were pretty decent, but the flavor didn't deliver. Maybe they do Thai differently on the East Coast..
(2)Bassem S.
Do not doubt the heat! I often discount exactly how spicy food can come in New England as that generally is a good rule of thumb. And the wait staff often double checks my order, but to the point of crying wolf. So when I asked for the Basil Fried Rice to be hotter than normal, I thought nothing of it. However, that was a TERRIBLE idea! Not only was it too hot, but it was delicious! So, I just kept eating even though my nose was running and I was sweating and I drank my weight in water. But I would still go back... in a heartbeat. Great food (I also had the scallion pancakes), good portions, and easily accessible (easy parking out front).
(4)Sarah P.
Best Thai in Boston, actually one of my favorite restaurants in Boston/Brookline. EXTENSIVE menu, delicious and fresh flavors, great service, and well priced. The menu itself is several pages and ranges from your traditional Pad Thai (always a solid stand-by) to curry dishes to clean and fresh seafood options. The Pad See Ew is the best I've ever had, with thick flat noodles, chicken and broccoli in a sweet sauce... I always get this and balance it with a spicier dish for a bit of variety. Other favorites include their Green Curry and Tom Kha Gai soup with coconut milk and chicken, both of which can be adjusted to suit your spice preferences. The fried Tofu Triangles with sweet and sour sauce is also delicious; their tofu is smooth and perfectly crispy and can be eaten as a meal in itself or shared with friends for an appetizer. Portions here are very generous - usually enough for two meals. The wine menu is decent (not as extensive as their food menu but offering a quality selection.) And it doesn't hurt that they serve you on beautifully painted dishes in an atmosphere surrounded by exotic butterflies on the wall and exotic fish in the aquarium. The location is deceptively large - the wait is usually minimal if at all, and service is always prompt and courteous. They're open to adjusting the menu to fit your spice level (even if it's somewhat pitiful like mine.) I've brought quite a few friends and family here to eat, and we're always impressed with the food and flavors. This is the kind of place you can order anything from their menu and won't be disappointed.
(5)A P.
This place is by far one of the best Thai restaurants I have ever been to. I travel all around the country and an from Chicago where there are great places to eat as well. Everytime income to Boston I have to drop by. The food seems to just get better. If you know good food you will like this place.
(5)Janice S.
Visiting from Texas and this is the BEST Thai food I've ever had! Service was great, good was steaming hot, just spicy enough for my palette. Pad Thai was awesome and so were the fried bananas and coconut ice cream!!
(5)Lily L.
Too much pepper at the soup I ordered, but others are fine. I guess I am just not a big fun of it.
(3)G R.
Amazing !!! Whats more to say. Our food was incredible and staff very helpful and polite. My favorite Thai place now. !!
(5)Adil S.
The food is ok, the ambience on the other hand is great!
(3)Ana L.
If you love pad Thai you will love brown sugar!! The pad Thai and the pineapple fried rice are to die for!!
(4)X to the Z M.
Been here 3-4 times in the last year. We have two go-to dishes for every single time we come - pad see ew and cashew chicken pineapple. They are so delicious that we haven't ventured outside of these two safe options. The ambiance is a little funky and the narrow structure of the restaurant lends itself to some interesting seating arrangements.
(5)Food E.
The Satay Chicken skewers are GIANT, tender and scrumptious. The barista is the nicest lady. She will serve you tea while you're waiting for take-out.
(5)S. W.
Brown Sugar is the best Thai Food in Boston. The Country Pad Thai is spectacular! I miss having one near The Fenway but I make the trip out to Comm Ave as often as I can.
(5)Erik P.
This place is way overrated and overpriced. What a waste of money. Stick with the vegetarian dishes because all of the meat including shrimp are dry, tough, over cooked pieces of rubber. Service was not great. Will not be going back with so many better less-expensive places in the area.
(2)Ewart G.
Grat pad thai, great fried ice cream, great duck, great sparkaling lemonade, GREAT EVERYTHING!!!!!. I love everything here. Some of the best Thai food in Boston.
(5)Christina Z.
They now have a PATIO? Be still my heart. The see you is still delicious. The golden bags are still the weirdest thing on the menu. The $4 lychee juice is absolutely worth it (and diabetic-coma-inducing). My favorite part is the out-of-place chandelier. Are we trying to be fancier than we are, Brown Sugar? Been coming here since 2005, freshman year of college, and the pineapple fried rice and masaman curry are still as hearty and sweet as ever.
(3)Julie G.
This place has some decent Thai Food. I don't have too much to say about it except that a few years ago, a waitress chased my friends and I outside of the restaurant because she mis-counted the amount of money we left and she didn't think we left a tip. Kind of made me not want to go back because it's not that she didn't think we paid for the actual food, she just thought we left her a low tip. Not a reason to run after us. After that, I should have taken some of her tip back.
(3)Secret T.
This was the first place I think I've been to in 7 years where they said they could offer me NOTHING that was gluten free/vegan. For a place that pedals rice and veggies all day, it kind of blew my mind. The waiter was at least sweet about it.
(2)Mantha D.
I have never been disappointed with the service, food, or anything else at this place. Absolutely awesome food. A little more expensive but totally worth it. Love the brown rice options and their take out is quick. Loved their different fried rices and curries. Pretty big inside too, but they get busy during peak lunch and dinner times.
(5)Ken C.
A good choice for a meal before hockey at Agganis Arena. Would earn 4 or 5 stars in other towns, but not in Boston.
(3)Gabriel U.
Brown Sugar has some damn fine Thai food. The menu is huge, the food comes quickly, and the service is friendly. Also, it's always someone's birthday inside, so if you want to dance to a weird techno-Thai version of "Happy Birthday" under crazy disco lights, this is the place to go. Only problem is that sometimes it takes awhile before they'll take your order.
(4)Amy C.
Being a recent domicile of Allston, MA, my roommate and I ventured down Commonwealth looking for good Thai food. My classmates at school recommended this place, so we thought hey why not? First, this place is hard to find if you are um-familiar with the streets of Boston; you really have to look to find it so just realize that when you're on Commonwealth to look really hard for the number. Once we walked in, the space inside is bigger than it seems. One thing I've realized/noticed about Boston is that stores tend to be elongated and not so wide. I ordered the vegetable Pad Thai because so many people think it's great. I was a little disappointed only because I've worked in a Thai restaurant, and while there are MANY ways to make Pad Thai, this wasn't one of the best. It was a little too tangy for my liking; when I think of GOOD pad thai, I think a blending of savory, sweet, tangy, and a little bit of a kick. My roommate got the broccoli and chicken, and she didn't realize that it was made with chinese broccoli (more bitter than regular broccoli). When I asked her how her food was, she said that it did have good flavors, and she seemed to have enjoyed it. Overall, it's not bad, but for what it is, it's just OK. It would really be hard pressed to not find something better.
(3)Matt R.
Best Thai in the city. Food comes out really hot and is ready in a few minutes every time.
(5)Vinny C.
I simply can't fathom why the people rate this restaurant so high. The decor is very nice, yes. But the food is very bland imo, even by Americanized standards. Went here a couple of times and ordered family style (multiple entrees and our group would share amongst each other) and the food in general was decent at best. The service was ok and the crowd wasn't bad either. Overall: We know there are a trillion Thai spots in the Boston area now and I've been to most of them. Brown Sugar Cafe is somewhere in the middle of that pile.
(2)Helen M.
This place gets really packed so make sure you come early. I've been to this place multiple times and I've left happy each time. The best app is the spareribs. So good! For entrees, I've had their pad thai and a seafood dish and both were delicious. I love coming here for birthdays because they play the fobbiest happy birthday song and come out with a fried ice cream. Perfect way to embarrass friends.
(4)Meagan F.
I think this place is one of the best Thai Restaurants in Boston. It is really clean, the service is friendly, and they do the best birthday celebration if you really want to embarrass your spouse. Strobe lights, loud music, AND the staff will whip out flashlights and blind you and your fellow diners if you ask real nice. Hey, maybe they are hoping that if they blind you, you won't see the lack of chilies in their food? Interesting thought! That being said, ALWAYS ASK FOR EXTRA CHILIES! They will happily bring them too you! Unfortunately, their food isn't punch-you-in-the face-until-you-cry spicy hot; it is more of a what's-that-on-the-tip-of-my-tongue-slightly-Âburning-oh-now-it's-stopped hot. Maybe I am a glutton for punishment, but give me some heat, baby! Their Tom Khar Ghai Soup is just ok. With the extra dried chili powder, you can kick it up a notch yourself. I love their Yum Woon Sen, which is aromatic with lots of celery leaves in it and has a vinegary punch at the end. Their Salmon with Caramelized Onions is a little sweet, but will cool your mouth down if you end up adding too many chilies to their dishes to compensate for their complete failure to burn the roof of your mouth on their own. What can I say, I love it hot, but sometimes I get a little too enthusiastic for their chilli sauce. As I said, it is one of the best in Boston for Thai, but it isn't going to compare to Thai food on the West Coast.
(4)Amy M.
The BEST Thai food in Boston. The BEST. And I've tried a lot. It might even be my favorite Thai food...ever? (Lived in San Francisco, LA, and Denver...) The Pad Thai is perfect, the curries are scrumptious, love the Thai Iced teas, and the atmosphere is just how it should be. I lived here in college and after and much after, too. PLEASE go. You won't be sorry, I promise.
(5)Nick D.
BSC is a BU staple. The food here is very good and reasonably priced. I feel like this is one of the more authentic Thai restaurants in Boston and does a good job in replicating some of the flavors you find there. Despite this they have all the "classics". I would recommend the Gaprow and sticky rice, although I haven't had a dish yet that I disliked. The staff is very friendly and some if not all are Thai, making the place all the more authentic. This place is awesome for birthdays! The whole restaurant goes dark when its time to get your cake and the reserved decor (walls lined with Thai art and butterflies, a huge tropical fish tank by the entrance) turns into an awesome disco laser show.
(4)Valerie V.
Best Thai in Boston, hands down. A little more expensive than your average Thai place but 100% fresh and worth it. The menu is daunting so be prepared to make a decision. I have tried many things on the menu and haven't been disappointed yet. Some favorites: Country Style Pad Thai, Old Lady Spicy, Two Bird in Clay Pot, Healthy Tofu, any of the curry dishes. If you are eating in, their Thai Iced Tea is excellent. Be aware: the delivery will take the full hour to arrive and you have to pay in cash.
(5)Wendy L.
My favorite Thai restaurant in Boston. They have a lot of seating but it still gets crowded during weekends... good thing they have delivery, fast delivery too! They are known for their loud birthday song though - must experience at least once. Food suggestions: Thai Spring Rolls (chicken) - yumm i love the sauce it comes with. Green Curry - sweet and a little spicy with a creamy touch Beef Gaprow - one of the spiciest dishes at BS, flavorful and great with sticky rice Beef Tender Pepper - feel like having some stir fry with spicy beef? get this! Duck Noodle Soup - best Thai style duck I've had, big portion too! 4 stars because they don't have the best Drunken Noodles and Tom Yum Soup. I still love a lot of dishes here - especially the curry. The menu is huge and I'll keep coming back to try more. Fast delivery too!
(4)Annette A.
It's not every day that I can spend very little money, get enough food to make me tip over in my seat, and still be able to enjoy everything thoroughly. Brown Sugar Cafe was as satisfying as it gets. I had a fantastic Mango Chicken Fried Rice dish that I could barely finish, but I was pushing myself to keep going, oh just one more bite... because it was just THAT good. I hope to come back here several more times. They had a huge menu and I instantly picked out 5 or 6 things that I couldn't decide between. Fortunately, it didn't empty out my wallet so I'll be able to follow through with making these hopes into reality. Also, on the service and environment note, this is an excellent place to go on a casual date. The place is dimly lit at night with candles and carnations at each table. Very cute, very comforting.
(4)Michael C.
Best Thai food in Boston hands down. Great food, nice atmosphere and very very good prices. Service is a bit rapid fire which gives you the impression these folks are trying to turn the tables but my advice is just ignore the subtle pressure and enjoy the dinning experience. The duck is awesome as are the drunken noodles. Serving sizes are generous. We ordered 3 dishes for six which was more than enough for the table.
(4)Tom E.
ALWAYS get the Tom Yum soup to start. They do one of the best Tom Yum soups you'll ever touch. Rich, sour and with a kick that's just enough to make your brow sweat a droplet. You're drooling now at the thought of it aren't you?
(4)Sean O.
Ah over the span of 12 years that I've gone there...they've just nailed it. It's a fine spot with fantastic crispy pad thai. Big fish tank is fun and zen to sit beside. The place is busy but somehow they get you seated. Again, Pad Thai, Crispy Pad Thai...don't show me the menu...it's knockout. The "Happy Birthday' riff they have on some lucky soul who is out with a group celebrating is great to witness. Good curry too...the coconut one. Neat, tidy, minimum fuss...you wander onto the street all happy and satisfied. Credit for not letting standards slip!
(4)Jillian O.
Some of the best Pad Thai i've ever had, definitely. It's just a little too pricey in my book @ $12/plate + tax. I eat here maybe 1ce a year, wish it could be more often!
(3)Tara T.
I came here with my family and friends once, back in college about 4 years ago. I had really fond memories of Brown Sugar Cafe from then, so I went back last night for takeout. It fell a little short. I shared a chive dumpling appetizer and it was tasty; had strong chive-flavor, which I enjoyed. The skin on the dumplings was a bit too glutinous however, and a bit too thick (not enough chive to dumpling wrapper ratio). The sauce that came with the dumplings was also a tad too sour for my taste. That being said, I'm far more used to the chive dumplings that Chinese restaurants make, so perhaps I just don't like the Thai-version as much. Also ate about 1/2 of my pad thai (with tofu). I know, I know - with so many exciting things on the menu, why would I pick pad thai? (I was feeling boring, alright?) It was fine, again a bit too sour for my taste. Lots of veggies (broccoli, squash, green beans, bean sprouts, etc.). I ended up adding a smidgen of salt to my entree. Found only a disappointing 5-6 pieces of tofu in my pad thai, but at least the tofu was very flavorful and juicy. All in all, not bad, but not as good as my nostalgia made it out to be. I would probably come back here for takeout, but I might steer clear of the pad thai next time.
(3)Caleb O.
Best Thai food that my fiance and I have had in Boston. I don't know if it is Americanized or not, but it's what I think of when I think of Thai food. Their pad thai was really good! A little expensive, would be nice if there were deals for this place, but I guess they do well enough in their business that they don't have to offer them. Yellow curry was great here! Other places we've gone: Thaitation--almost as good. Bangkok Bistro--great mango sticky rice but they're chicken yellow curry was a bit fishy and made my fiance sick.
(4)Lala I.
went there with my friend for lunch. Americanized thai food. food tasted good, but not the best thai ive ever had. relatively big portions. very cute waiter though.
(4)Dorothy W.
The BU kids love this place. When moms and dads come for a visit, it is one of the prime destinations in the area. Conveniently located, it's a very quick dining experience. A little too quick, for me. I barely glance at the menu- and am asked to order. Barely have a sip of wine- and my meal appears. Barely finish- and my plate is grabbed away. It's disconcerting. There's not a lot of ambiance here. It's just so rapid fire. I would not go here on a date. The portions are very generous and the food is a little sweet for my tastes. I also find the vegetables to be way overcooked. But if you have some BU students in your life who love you, take them here. They will love you even more and who can beat that?
(2)Liana K.
My favorite place for slightly overpriced elegantly presented fruity rice dishes! Can you get thai food for half the cost in other places? Yes. Is this one really that much better than the cheap place down your street? Not really. But will your dish be the prettiest of them all with salivating fruit displace? For sho!
(4)Ninja K.
EXCELLENT EXCELLENT EXCELLENT on all points. Food selection, quality, presentation Excellent! The wait staff is also Excellent. Pricing Excellent. A very nice place. Could be a fun spot for a first date.
(5)Stephanie C.
This is known staple in the BU area. And back when I was in Boston, I used to take the redline to Park St, the Green B line to Babcock Street.. commute took me an hourish (we all know how slow the T is). It was worth the commute because nothing in Cambridge can compare. As an Asian snob, man do I love their split menu: the Western Thai food.. flip flip flip to the back... the REAL Thai Menu. That's more for comical effect, though because it's all good. I come here for dinner; first time with some Brown Sugar true affecionados- and we ordered a loooot of food. A lot of the menu is redudant- key point. So, here's what to get (minus a few things): The house specialties: 1) Thai Chilli Fish...you know this dish...love it deep fried! I happen to think this is the best prep for bass mainly because it's kind of bland, and of course the basil leaves and chillies give it the sweet and spicy kick. Not too oily as it is in other places and de-boned (just the spine..there are little tid bits lying around still, this is the most annoying part). 2) The Seafood Volcano (more for the gimmack as it's lit on fire); my friends like this because of the choo chee curry sauce (which to me, is too watery), and I'm not crazy about the mussuels and random shellfish.. but that's me. Passable. 2) Duck! The first time we got the brown sugar duck, it was deliciously fried, with a good sweet/sour sauce. The second time: it was really dry and I fell out of love. So beware. People say the Rama Duck is good.. with the peanut sauce being the main event. 3) Brown Sugar Mango Curry- very fresh produce with chicken. Rice and Noodle: They do the standard, and they do it well with some unique twists. Pik Pow Fried Rice, kind of like Basil Fried Rice but not as hot; this is more Thai and less of a Western creation. Basil Fried Rice is a good alternative, still Pad Thai Country Style- the usu, *with turnip* :). Turnip is stir fried and a good play on texture. Drunken Noodle and doppleganger Kua Gai which is almost the same, but less hot. I love me the drunken- those are my fave. Soups and Apps: Tom Khar Gar- rich in coconut milk; don't bother with the Tom Yum, it's not sour enough (for those you who may think this is a good thing: aka not enough flavor for true Tom Yum lovers!) Apps: I wish they had curry puffs! The only thing standout (and it's rather ordinary): the tofu triangles. Standard peanut sauce. The wings sound good but they taste weird with minced chicken. I don't care for Asian desserts that much; but I hear good things about their coffee custard. For dessert, I usually opt out of an actual dessert and just order a crap load of Thai Iced Tea- that stuff is like crack. It's so good and you get a tall glass. Cheap at $2.50 (NY prices are nearing $4 for half the size). And it's perfect. All the components are there: tea, condensed milk, ice. Nothing else. It's a big warehouse type of restaurant. Decor is ok. Service is good. I remember the last time I went, we didn't order much (2 soups, and one Brown Sugar Duck) and they didn't pressure us to pay and leave despite a long line (and they are long, even at 7..Boston! The worst it gets is 30 minutes or so.) Prices are not bad. Standard $10-12 for noodles/rice, and up to $20 for entrees. I do recommend the entrees because some of them are truly unique. This places gets a 4 star because I have experience, more authentic and fresher Thai in Queens but it blows the run of the mill NYC "trendy" Thai places...out of the water, and definitely the rest of Boston,
(4)Celeste M.
We used to always pick up food from the other Brown Sugar location, but since it's closed, we come here now every once in a while. Big restaurant, good food, insane birthday ritual. The last time we went, I ordered a seafood volcano that was set on fire at the table. I was a little afraid I'd die, but I didn't (!) and the seafood curry was great. I wish the atmosphere were a little less cheesy with the birthdays, but you basically either have to take it or leave it.
(4)Lindsey H.
I've dined in and had takeout and this is a pretty good Thai place. I didn't love their tom yum soup, but their country pad Thai is quite good. I thought the curries were good.
(3)Ellie W.
I used to live near Brown Sugar on Comm Ave, so I've had Brown Sugar quite a few times...It's good Thai food, but nothing that special. For anyone who's familiar with BU area, it does NOT compare to Nud Pob! THAT is excellent Thai. Brown Sugar's pretty average, but good.
(3)P'raka ..
I don't think I've had a bad dish here but my current "usual" is the seafood volcano - veggies and seafood served in some amazing sauce with a side of rice. It does come out flaming (for show). My only issue with this place is that you can't get through a meal without someone in the restaurant having their birthday. Brown Sugar's Happy Birthday singing is very hard to ignore! It's over quick but after 3 or 4 times in one night you do get sick of it.
(4)Julie R.
I had been craving drunken noodles for a while and knew I must get them soon. I have always wanted to go to Brown Sugar and thought it was time to try it out. The Brown Sugar Spareribs we started with were amazing! Fall off the bone, crispy outside, juicy inside. I could of eaten them as a meal. Highly recommend. The menu was huge, I should of given something else consideration cause the drunken noodles were disappointing. They arrived and I instantly noticed they were dry looking, without much color. The noodles were matted together and they weren't that spicy. Ahhh I wish they were better. The portion size was huge though. Fiance had a basil duck that he enjoyed. It was mixed with generous peppers and basil with a side of rice. The prices for lunch are very reasonable. You can feed 2 people for around $20. Service was very prompt. I would return again but get something else.
(3)Rachel L.
Tonight was my first time at Brown Sugar, and my reaction was that it was only okay. The restaurant decor was very nice - decorated with Christmas lights for the holidays. The service was also good. They were fairly attentive and the food arrived to the table promptly. My expectations were high even through the appetizers (which had good presentation and were tasty). Where they fell short was our entrees. The food seemed fairly bland and unexciting. They definitely did not take any risks. I tried a taste of the yellow curry dish and it was only okay. It could have been better if it had a bit of a kick of spiciness. The pad thai was also only mediocre and the noodles seemed slightly overcooked. Would I go back? Perhaps, but not soon.
(3)mike y.
hands down my favorite tom yum noodle place !! but it's a bit pricey for a thai restaurant. big dining area. street parking.
(5)Amy R.
I'll go as far to say that this is probably the best Thai food I've had in years. My boyfriend and I have gone twice in the past month. I have no idea why I never ventured to Brown Sugar during my days @ Simmons College. I was definitely missing out! The first time I went, I had the Mango Chicken curry. This was extremely good w/ very fresh veggies. My only criticism would be the mango, I couldn't tell if a few pieces were a little past their prime or if they were overcooked. Overall, the flavor won me over and gobbled up most of the dish. The sticky rice was a great bonus to the meal. My boyfriend had the Pad Thai - the best I've ever tasted. The 2nd time we went, I tried out the Country Pad Thai... was looking for something with a kick to it (it had a 1 pepper rating on the menu). I'd say that it was closer to 2.5 peppers... I felt like I was kicked in the mouth a little bit. But, it was tasty. I'd definitely go for the regular Pad Thai next time we hit up Brown Sugar. I have to say that the star of the show on both occasions was our appetizer - Na Tang. It's served with 4 crispy jasmine rice cakes and a "dip" that includes baby shrimp, pork, coconut milk, and peanut shavings. You put a scoop of the dip on the rice cake and voila. Heaven on a rice cake. I could eat this all day long! We also had the Thai Ravioli, which was gyoza'esque, but not really the best I've had. We'll continue to swing by Brown Sugar before we go to the BU hockey games!
(4)Jason B.
Great spring rolls, Pad Thai and Masseman curry. Also, the disco ball happy birthday song was bizarre and funny.
(4)L A.
There are a lot, and I mean A LOT of amazing Thai places in the Boston area, but Brown Sugar has by far the best and most creative menu selection, and is extremely reasonably priced, especially for the quantity and quality of food that you are receiving. I am absolutely obsessed with their Pad See Ew and I don't think they have one bad item on the menu. Although I wish reservations were taken - because the place gets packed pretty quickly especially on the weekends - they are definitely worth whatever wait you have until you're seated.
(5)Jonathan C.
I'm not super experienced with Thai cuisine, but the pad thai here is pretty delicious!
(3)Susan L.
Food was good; service was good; portion was big; and price was decent. These are all of the guidelines that makes a restaurant enjoyable. Not to mention, I enjoyed the ambiance and the decor of the place. I ordered the three stooges, and my friends ordered the thai fried rice, some form of seafood soup dish, chicken satay, and another order of jade noodles. I did enjoy the three stooges except wished that i had ordered a go-to dish like drunken noodles or pad thai. The thai fried rice is exactly what you would expect a good thai fried rice to taste like. The jade noodles wasn't very appetizing and I had much better chicken satay than the satay served at BSC. I also liked their extensive menu, except it took me an extra five minutes to decide on what to order since everything looked phenomenal (especially on an empty stomach). I would definitely come here again. :)
(4)Suzanne S.
Brown Sugar offers pretty solid Thai food. I recall going to this restaurant several years ago when I visited Boston, and I went out of my way to find it again when I returned to town. The location was fairly easy to find since the restaurant is right on Commonwealth near Boston University. Street parking was no problem around 4pm on a weekday. I secured a spot nearly right in front of Brown Sugar. I had the Country Style Pad Thai, which was a spicier version of Pad Thai, which typically is a sweeter, more mild dish than their version. It was awesome! It had the right amount of spice without being in danger of becoming too hot. I kept eating it long after I was full because it was just that good. They served it with fresh lime and a mountain of raw sprouts, which I loved. The dish contained both chicken and shrimp. The chicken meat was actually a bit over cooked in my opinion. That was the one area for improvement. The shrimp however tasted as if it had been grilled and seasoned prior to being added to the noodles so it was quite delicious and was a highlight of the dish. Their Thai iced tea met the standard, though my dining companion found it to have too much ice and ordered a second glass with less ice, which the waiter was kind to oblige. Prices may be a little higher than average for Thai cuisine. My meal was around $11. The quality and ambiance was worth it. I enjoyed sitting by the window so I could watch the pedestrians and the decor of the restaurant was elegant without being overbearing. It was very quiet when I had lunch there, but the dining room is large and can actually accommodate many patrons. Our server was friendly and got our order correct (My friend asked to modify a dish and it was served exactly to his specifications.) The waiter also took a few minutes to chat with us when we engaged him in conversation, which I enjoyed. I would definitely return to Brown Sugar and would recommend it to anyone else who is in the area, even if you have to seek it out after a day of sightseeing in Boston. Delicious Thai food!
(5)Danielle H.
My favorite Thai restaurant in Boston. I have been going here for years, and the food has always been consistent and delicious. Hands down the best Pad Thai (especially the Country Style)- nowhere else has compared. The yellow curry is also super good. When we went last week, our party of 4 had to wait for 20 min despite it being a weeknight so reservations are definitely recommended. Parking is a pain but if you don't find anything after a few circles around, there's always the super 88 parking lot :) Note: if the menu says an item is spicy, they mean it so proceed at your own risk!
(5)Sandra C.
4.5 stars actually. It's upsetting that they don't allow cell phones or outside drinks. It's not like I'd bring an outside drink, because Thai Iced Coffee is my drink of choice because it is BOMB! I also like the Brown Sugar Spareribs because the meat just fallls off the bone, and it is delicious! Fried Ice Cream never fails to make my tummy go yum either. The service is really spiffy too. Yes, spiffy. I didn't realize until recently that on the tables...is brown sugar. I was looking at it wondering what it was (I thought it was sand)...and it just clicked! Request for a birthday song for someone (anyone really)...the funniest thing will happen right before your eyes at the end of your meal!
(4)Emily G.
SO UNDERWHELMING. I don't understand the hype surrounding Brown Sugar. I think all dishes are missing the magical part of their sauces called intense flavor. Spicy dishes are not hot. Service is slow. If I want Thai food in this area, I'd rather sacrifice the atmosphere for the Super 88 Food Connection, which has always served reliably delicious fare. Clearly though, I am in the minority when it comes to this restaurant.
(2)Kate T.
Food was incredible! Lobb salad (cold) is really yummy with crunchy tofu, lime, mint, and veggies. The spicy scallop dish serves up some of the biggest scallops I've seen for the price. The staff is friendly, the food is served incredibly fast, the ambiance is delightful. I really cannot find anything to criticize. Do not overlook this restaurant! Quite possibly the best birthday celebration I've ever seen before too. Laser lights, kitchy music, and grandma leaning out of the kitchen with a flashlight to "spotlight" the birthday kid. Yes, yes, yes!!
(5)Lindsay M.
Favorite Thai food in this area, hands-down. Everything is always hot, fresh, and delicious. I've tried most of their soups and apps, and I've also sampled quite a lot of the pad-thai dishes and all have been winners. On my most recent visit with the boyfriend, we shared a massive ball of fried vanilla ice cream which was heavenly. Still haven't fully recovered from that meal, it was just that good.
(5)Fred S.
-1 for seating 5 at a table for 4 -1 for bringing entrée 5 minutes after bringing appetizer/soup and then asking me 5 times if I was done with my soup to clear it Food was ok, but not out of this world. Will not be going back for bad service . . .
(1)dimitry a.
Incredible! I first tried this restaurant when it was in the Fenway area before it relocated to Brookline and imagine how pleased to find out that it is literally a block from where I live now! It makes living in Brookline a real pleasure! I take my kids there on the regular, My little one loves the Mussels dish! Plus they love the happy birthday song! Cheesy but so fun!
(5)Catherine W.
This restaurant is sentimental to me, and I haven't been there in over 6 years. Visited with a group and ordered some of their dishes off their house specialties section, but unfortunately was not overly impressed. We did order pad thai which was good. Next time I visit I would try to order more standard Thai dishes. The service was friendly; the environment was nice for a casual date.
(3)Audrey K.
The food here is average, maybe below average - but decent. They have interesting decor, polite and quiet service. I actually don't think this place is worth checking out, you can easily go a street over to Rod Dee on Beacon Street for an unforgettable meal. This place is cute, and clean - but the food is dull.
(2)Koneiie Z.
Tried again! As good as always!
(5)Joseph T.
The restaurant isn't above average to my taste buds because I had a friend who referred me to better Thai restaurants and I am a person who cherishes Thai culture and appreciates it's cuisine. Brown sugar doesn't really impress me because of the price, portion size, the authenticity, and tastes. It doesn't make me or anyone to go "WOW" over it, but it's not bad. I wouldn't bother going there after for the first time. The only pro about there is that they serve Singha and other alcoholic beverages to customers compared to other small Thai restaurants. The price at Brown Sugar is a bit of steep and you won't get a bang out of your bucks for ordering something that's a bit of high on the costs and get a small portion and less than average grade Thai tastes. I've went to OC in California and ate a true authentic Thai dish with my parents when I was a teenager. I loved how hot it was and the flavors were explosive. Also, why would anyone want to waste their wallets over something that's a bit of expensive and unauthentic while they can find other places that are affordable and come out satisfied or stuffed. The portion size disappointed me when I went there with my cousin Alan and I wasn't feeling satisfied and stuffed. I am not asking them to go overboard, but just about right with flavors. It's not really authentic. I've been to Rod Dee and Dok Bua and I loved them. Well, I am an avid regular at Dok Bua. God, I am ashamed of myself. =p The tastes of the dishes at Brown Sugar are okay and nothing specular, but they are decent enough to satisfy anyone's palettes. I always believe in eating something authentic because whenever immigrants moved to USA from their homelands, they don't really practice their cultures while living here. It's due to attempting to survive and feed their families well. Dok Bua and Rod Dee impressed me the most because I could taste the authenticity from their dishes and how they interacted with me. I do a bow like they did in Thailand. Brown Sugar's dishes aren't strong on their authenticity points. Like I mentioned about the tastes in the previous paragraphs, the tastes of Thai foods at Brown Sugar isn't really high on my expectation, but I respect everyone's opinions about the restaurant. However, I am really picky about the foods and how I am willing to spend my money on it. They tasted decently enough for me to enjoy through the night with my cousin Alan for a dinner. As Snuffles B. said before, it could have done better. Brown Sugar is a decent place for people to eat Thai foods and get a drink because they sell alcoholic beverages while Rod Dee and Dok Bua don't. It's a place where you can walk by and eat something to fill yourself up, but for the authenticity, tastes, portion size, and price-wise, I would go somewhere else instead of Brown Sugar.
(2)Izzat A.
Went here for dinner tonight with some friends. I got the asian spring rolls and the chicken drunken noodles. I told them to make it extra hot and boy was it spicy. It was very good though. Other friends got the yellow curry and they seemed to like it. Service was pretty decent. Food was very good. I was lucky enough to see their birthday celebration which was pretty awesome. They turn off the lights and start streaming these lights and singing a techno happy birthday song. It's pretty epic.
(4)Valerie P.
Love this place -- food is close to authentic (judging by my one trip to Thailand), teh service is fast and courteous, and the ambiance is nice. This is my default go-to place when I feel like having Thai food. Thanks for being there :)
(5)Jas L.
alright boys and girls.... this is it. this is your ideal place to get semi genuine thai food. the portions are huge, the quality amazingly consistent, and the menu is absolutely huge. seriously you will be staring at that thing in a daze trapped like a child trying to pick out the one candy bar his mom says he can have at the grocery store check out. i love this place. the pad thai is amazing, with a sweetness that is quite sublime. the spareribs are tasty, not over cooked, and sweetly seasons. the fried rice is nothing to write home about, so whatever, but the pad see ew is one of my boyfriend's favorite, and he is picky about his thai food. so, why the minus one star... sweeeeet sweeet sweet. give the name you should have realized this long before i stated it, but if you havent caught on it is slightly dusted, or i guess a better word is seasoned with a bit of sweetness that you may not like, as such it may be a little less spicy than some of you prefer. its very quick, about ten minutes for take out (huge portions) with big portions for dinner with a wait time that varies from 15 minutes to sometimes 30. service is attentive.
(4)Nadine F.
Hands down the best Thai food I've ever had. Every time I bring someone here they agree; it doesn't get better. The Tom young soup and pad thai with tofu are my personal faves and are outstandingly good!
(5)Nina N.
I wasn't blown away. The flavors were sort of there, but not quite. Had curry dish, curry was runny. Had pad thai, wasn't savory enough. Had a rice dish, not spicy enough. Salad had sprigs of lettuce. Lol. Am I in a Thai restaurant? Their food lacked seasoning. Not flavorful enough for my superior taste buds. lol. Price is above what I would normally pay for great Thai food. It's just has better decor and perhaps, service, but food is not even that memorable . Left me feeling, meh, it's okay, but I have had better. *Edit* If it is going to be runny, it needs to go in a bowl, not a plate. I don't care if the authentic way is for the curry to be served as a soup. I already know that some curry are served as soups. If it goes on a plate, it needs to be thicker. AND!!!! Not all curry is served as a soup. Sorry, this rant is in response to a member messaging me about what authentic curry is and how it is prepared.
(3)Tim S.
Loved it! We'll be back.
(4)Lena N.
After a string of bad Thai restaurants in Boston, I thought this would be my savior from the hell of life without Red Curry and Drunken Noodles. But after trying Brown Sugar several times, I am giving up my search for good Thai food in the area. I will just eat it whenever I visit CA. The fact that this is one of the best Thai restaurants that Boston has to offer makes me cry a little inside. The prices are steep. The portions are small. And the flavors are lacking and boring. Overall, Brown Sugar is a good solid disappointment. The only thing that's maybe worth eating here is their Country Pad Thai.
(2)Anna W.
I love Thai food. Like, love love love. So, it should come as no surprise that all my friends were shocked that I've never been to Brown Sugar Cafe. You can also imagine my delight when my friend suggested that we go there for dinner last night after work. I immediately said "yes!" Actually, squealed is more like it, but that's semantics. Unfortunately, we got there at 9:50 and apparently they close at 10:00. So, while we couldn't sit down for dinner, they let us do take-out, which is what we opted to do. The food came out amazingly fast -- I would say within 5 minutes or so. I guess that's what happens when you show up minutes before closing. Now, if I have never had Thai food anywhere else before, then this place would probably receive an additional star or two. But, given that I have been to a ton of other Thai places, the food here is just mediocre, and that's my honest opinion. I got a starter of Tom Yum Soup and fried Shumai. For me, those two items are staples on any Thai menu and a must-have for me. The soup was sour. Yes, sour. Tom Yum is supposed to be flavored with chili and it's supposed to be so spicy that it clears your sinuses. Not so much this one... my faced actually winced when I first tasted it. Sour = no me gusta. The shumai were cooked perfectly, but lacked any sort of taste. They were bland. Also, the sauce that comes with it was sour as well (this seems to be a recurring theme). For the main course, I got an order of Beef Pad See Iew. Normally, this is something that really can't be butchered. It's rice noodles in beef, Chinese Broccoli, and egg in a dark soy sauce. Well, first off, they charged me $1 extra for Chinese Broccoli, which is supposed to be standard in this dish. Secondly, the noodles were barely brown, which means they weren't saturated enough with sauce. Flavor was severely lacking and the beef was overcooked and way too chewy. I wanted to like this place. I really really did. But, for good Thai, I will stick with my Harvard Square favorites - Nine Tastes and Spice. Maybe BSC would have been better had I eaten there instead of gotten take-out? I'm not sure, but with the slightly higher prices and less-than-stellar food, it will be a while before I try this place again :-(
(2)Jessica L.
I have a few dishes that keep me coming back for more and recommend Brown Sugar to anyone in the area who likes to try out new Thai meals. I highly suggest the paid thai and the fried ice cream.
(4)Amelia M.
I've been to Brown Sugar a number of times, and have always eaten well. On my latest trip, I got the tamarind tofu, which was incredible. The menu is extensive and some of the dishes seem pricey -- but they give you a lot of food, definitely enough for a second meal. Good service, great atmosphere, and a nice little patio to sit out on in the summer time. Go here.
(5)May W.
Good food and portions but look at the neighborhood. One of the more pricer places to eat. But the excellent service helps too.
(4)Hoyce M.
I love this place. They would have gotten five stars, but every time I'm there the wait staff is kinda rude. I guess they figure their food is good enough that they don't have to be polite. It would be annoying if it weren't true.
(4)Alyssa J P.
Brown Sugar might be my new favorite non-100%-vegan Thai place. They have tons of vegan options and the decor is pretty cool (except for all the creepy dead butterflies mounted to the walls). The prices aren't bad either. I've been for lunch and dinner and was very satisfied both times.
(5)Jennette H.
I have never had Thai food before ever and I had heard a lot of good things about this restaurant from my co- worker said I said that I would try it out one day during my lunch break. I looked over their menu and saw a few very yummy dishes that sounded like they would cure my hunger pains. They are a little pricey to me but hey once i tasted the dish that i had (Comm Ave Noodles) I was hooked. This is some real good food that they got going on here. When I went to pick up my food the people were friendly and the atmosphere was very relaxing. I didn't eat in although I think I will next time because I just felt like sitting down the moment I walked in the place. The dish I had was very good and had a lot of veggies (which I like) the one thing that I can say I could've done without is the enourmous amount of mushrooms that were in my dish. I've never been much of a mushroom eater so I had to pick them out of my food. Other than that though I will be making my way back to indulge in their vast selection :)
(4)Zach W.
First time there, so I'll have to go back in order to be completely fair. But rest assured, it was tasty and authentic Thai food. Got Tom Kha and Country style pad Thai. The Tom Kha was very good (not quite as good as some, but much better than most). Ordered the Country Style Pad Thai, asked how spicy it was and the very nice waitress told me it was not that spicy. So I asked for it to be a little more spicy, like a 6 on 1-10 scale. When she asked me if I was sure I realized I was in trouble. But my spicy pride could not be defeated I ordered anyway.....unfortunately the Pad Thai has gone total muay thai on my insides and is trying to fight it's way out. HOWEVER, right before the Pad Thai decided to kick me in the face, I think I tasted heaven. It was soooo good....until it put me in an arm bar, insulted my family, and made me submit. Overall, it was pretty decent. I'll definitely be back to give this place another chance.
(3)Jenn A.
Some of the best Thai food in Boston. Pros: -close proximity to BU and BC, plus delivery -delicious pad thai, a friend of mine claims it is the best in Boston -a lot of variety on the menu -the Tom Khar Gai soup is amazing and very inexpensive Cons: -over the top disco/birthday celebration you will probably have to endure if you dine in -pad thai was a little bean sprout-heavy for my taste
(4)Kelsey P.
Affordable and tasty Thai food. Great place for dinner with friends or a casual date. Just wish they had some additional locations in Boston proper AND that they had better parking options near their existing locations. On the plus side - they do deliver :). Suggestions: - Satay Chicken - can't go wrong! - Great soups - My favorites are Thom Yum or Wonton - Thai Spring Rolls - available with chicken or vegetarian - Tempura (shrimp or veggie - you choose) - Scallion Pancakes - Pad See Ew - made perfect. They're also open to order modifications as I like mine with chicken and extra egg and broccoli! Good and fast service each time I've been.
(4)Kimmy T.
I've went here a few times already, and it's pretty good. However tonight was a very bad experience for me. Went here with two of my friends tonight, and i was upset. We came around 8pm and sat there for an hour or so with no food. 4 tables that came after us got their food ate and left. When we asked the guy in the suit who seated us about our food, he didn't bother listening to us walked away and got our waitress. Our waitress apologized but really DID NOT accommodate us. When our food finally came I was no longer hungry. Mind you i came here starving. My hunger passed while waiting for an hour for our food. There was a problem and they didn't bother fixing it. Oh yea... they shouldn't really shut off all the light and turn on happy b-day songs in 3 different styles every 15mins for someone's party. Its really annoying.
(1)Willie M.
Terrific! Attentive service and a comfortable atmosphere. I had the wings in a Thai sauce over crispy kale for an appetizer that was really flavorfulthe wings were mety and crunchy..and the krispy Kale was something I never had before, but was really good. I then had the country Pad thai which had just the right spice and zip to compliment the dish without overwhelming it. My portion was pretty good size and I left feeling very satisfied.
(4)B W.
I told a co-worker that I was going to Boston, and even before he asked me if I liked Thai food, he said "Go to the Brown Sugar Cafe!" Then he said, "you like Thai, right?" So on to the BSC. With these really big expectations, my husband and I found this itty bity little restaurant on the back streets (seemed to me) of Boston. We squeezed ourselves into the restaurant, sat down and waited for the server to speak. Our server arrived, who was supper sweet. We asked for recommendations. My husband ordered the Clay Pot, I ordered a dish with tempura fried seafood and veggies (don't quite remember the name) in a green curry. What!?! That food was so freaking delicious. After we had a small dessert, I ordered the Thai staple, Pad Thai, to go just to get a full fill (pun intended) of the restaurant. Wasn't super impressed. Actually, I didn't like it at all. All in all, BSC, go. OH, wait, do you like Thai?
(4)Nishi P.
EXCELLENT delicious food. Good ambiance, and definitely relatively affordable. Be prepared for a wait though, I've never been when they've not been very busy.
(5)Kelly C.
Brown Sugar is spectacular. Any food that comes served to me in a halved pineapple is more than okay in my book. It's really all about presentation. Food is delicious but very pricey. Lots and lots to choose from on the menu. If you come on your birthday they play this ridiculous version of Happy Birthday which is flat out mocking Asian people but I guess it's good to laugh at yourself. Haven't gone in a while but have been drooling over the though of it for quite some time. Only street parking has something to do with it and parallel parking would be my arch nemesis.
(4)Jessica S.
Went last night. Service is good. Very good food overall. Beef satay and combination skillet is good. also tried pad thai and chicken lollipops. Skip the emerald soda and banana dumplings. Tables are too small for my taste
(4)Heather G.
Both Brown Sugar locations are delicious and the food, in my opinion, is similar at both. Very consistent. The service is pretty slow and choppy. After being seated, the waitress checks in...oh, about every 45 seconds to see whether we've decided on food. On your first visit here, that practice can definitely make you feel rushed, but after having visited 5 or 6 times, I know to just continue to calmly tell them I'm not ready, and after about 5 check-ins or so, the server stops coming over to get my order, and waits until I catch her attention to do so. After the food is delivered, I never see the waitress again until it's time to bring the check. That is definitely neither good nor bad, it just is. Though there seems to be no flow to the timing of the service, the servers are always insanely friendly. I have never had a problem with rudeness, order mistakes, or bill mistakes. The food, for the price point, is very on-par with what you'd expect and with the other Thai restaurants falling in this pricing category. The food is always fresh, consistently prepared, and comes out piping hot and with a good portion size. The country style pad Thai is REALLY spicy. It has quite a kick, and I think that Brown Sugar definitely nails this one. Pad Thai is tasty but very forgettable. Steamed veggies are all fresh and come out with a slight crunch to them still (my favorite) and aren't lying in a pool of steam-water like some other places do when they neglect to properly drain the veggies before plating. Tofu is also a great consistency when steamed - not chewy or too liquid. The pan-fried tofu in other dishes, in my opinion, are fried a bit too long, as they are way too rubbery/chewy for my tastes. Yellow curry with onions, tomato, summer squash, peppers, and pineapple is a really sweet dish and very milky, but the veggies are overloaded onto the plate generously (though the meat in the dish is always a bit less-generously offered). Served with rice, this dish is easily 2 meals. Paradise garden (zucchini, bamboo strips, summer squash, Thai eggplant, cauliflower, snow peas, broccoli, carrots, celery, green beans, green & red peppers and sweet basil leaves) is a good vegetarian option if you're not into steamed veggies. These are sauteed in a mild red curry sauce and have a bit more flavor than steamed veggies/tofu alone, but without the heavy sauce/frying aspect. I have never had a beef dish here, so I cannot attest to that, but the veggie dishes and the chicken have ranged from unremarkable to great on the grand scale of mid-range Thai. It won't blow you away, but it's solid, fairly priced, well-portioned Thai. Side note: They used to not accept AmEx . Not sure if this has changed, but bring your backup just in case.
(3)Jamie B.
THE place to go for Thai food in Boston. Great atmosphere, definitely worth having a sit down meal at as opposed to doing takeout/delivery. The pad thai is AMAZING and I've also enjoyed the chicken curry dishes that I've tried. Portions are huge, definitely enough for leftovers. Everything is extra fresh, extra hot, extra flavorful... just all-around yummy. I live in Somerville, but definitely think it's worth taking the trek into this part of Boston for some seriously good Thai cuisine. Can't wait to try out the rest of the menu!
(5)Lisa R.
I was excited about going here after hearing all the hype. I liked the decor upon walking in but was a little overwhelmed by the enormous menu. Everything sounded delicious though. I started off with their homemade sparkling limeade which was absolutely delightful. The limeade was tangy and lightly carbonated, very refreshing. My boyfriend tried the singha beer and liked it. We started off with a beef satay appetizer. The beef was incredibly tender but there wasn't enough satay sauce. The satay sauce was very creamy and light, and milder than I've usually had it. I almost wish it was heartier and spicier. The beef was tender enough that we didn't complain though. I ended up deciding on the Avocado Dancing and asked for it a little bit spicier (since I only noticed ONE chili pepper next to it on the menu!) I very much regretted this decision later. The flavors were robust and satisfying but entirely too spicy for me. The avocado slices underneath the hearty chicken and potato pieces had a nice cooling effect. I wish there was more rice and that it wasn't so stuck together and hard. I imagined sticky rice to be a little softer. My friend had the Brown Sugar Mango Chicken Curry. He, too, asked for it a little bit spicier and quickly regretted the decision. The coconut curry was delicious but way too hot. He agreed about the sticky rice. The dish was still quite good and the chicken pieces were tender. The waitress was over our shoulder the entire time refilling our water glasses (thankfully!) and we liked the attentiveness. I coerced my overly full boyfriend into sharing the fried ice cream with me. It pushed my 3.5 rating to a solid 4 stars. We tried the espresso ice cream, which was nicely hard and cold on the inside, enclosed in a delicious cripsy crunchy honey and sesame seed glazed shell. Heavenly. On a side note, the crazy birthday song mini-raves were annoying. However, this didn't completely ruin our experience and I would still recommend Brown Sugar for dates. The decor was classy and pleasing, the waitstaff was attentive, we got our delicious spicy food quickly, and the fried ice cream is a MUST! 4 solid stars.
(4)Tom C.
This is absolutely the best Thai food I have ever had, and I like Thai food so I have eaten at many Thai restaurants. The selection is extensive and everything is really good.
(5)dave r.
So, let me begin by stating that I've eaten at Brown Sugar upwards of ten times, and previous to today I would have thought of it as a definitive four star establishment. Not mind-blowing, but a solid choice for the occasional lunch and for most dinner groups. My service has always been pleasant, quick and courteous; the establishment has always been clean and the prices fairly reasonable. Today I found out that they've been making the vegetable curry, clearly identified in their in-house lunch menu as "vegetarian" and a separate item from the other meat-y curries, as made with ONLY a fish sauce. And I only found out because the server asked me, for the first time ever, if I wanted a soy-based sauce for my vegetable country pad thai, because usually they make the base with a fish sauce early in the day. When I asked to clarify, they said that they could make up a special batch for me. I didn't want to cause a fuss, so I said I'd just go with the vegetable curry. That's when my world fell apart. The curry sauces are ONLY made in the morning and they NEVER serve it with a vegetarian base. Even the vegetarian-marked vegetable curry that I've had possible EIGHT times. This vegetarian is NOT PLEASED and will not be returning.
(1)John I.
If you love Thai food you simply *must* eat here! I stopped in on a Friday evening around 5:30 PM and was immediately seated. I noticed the large number of waitstaff in the restaurant which had about only 6 tables (out of many tables) occupied. I ordered the Avocado Dancing which they describe as "A special coconut-free yellow curry, northern Thailand called "Hung-Lay", with diced tender chicken, potatoes, shredded ginger, garlic and aromatized with galanga & lemongrass, wedges fresh avocado on the side. Served with sticky rice." I describe it as a piece of gastronomical heaven on earth. I savored every mouthful, taking my time to finish the meal. While the dessert menu looked tempting I found an ounce of will power to resist topping things off with Ginger ice cream. After I paid my tab and got up from my table I was surprised to see all the waitstaff now busily tending to tables which had filled up during time I was dancing with my avocados. :) I can't wait to return to savor a new item from their menu!
(5)MaiLinh H.
Great Thai restaurant and I will tell you why. I have a soft spot for restaurants with good interior designs. This place has that. It has a mix of industrial design (which was probably left over from a previous Italian restaurant - my guess) and Thai architecture. The walls are covered with huge fabric rugs with sequin details and classic Thai symbols like elephants. The space is much roomier than what it looks like from the outside. Food is decent. We got tod munm, spicy jamaica, drunken noodle, and brown sugar duck. Loved the tod munn!! Loved brown sugar duck too - skin is crispy but meat is still tender. Someone had a birthday that day and they turned off the light, played a clubbing styled Happy birth day song and turned on disco lightings lolll. Nice touch to the whole dining experience.
(4)Erin L.
We ordered two dishes. 1. Chicken with broccoli and brown rice. The dish was not fully flavored, and the carrots that came with it were not fully cooked. 2. Pad Thai. It's too sweet. Both dishes came with really big portions, which is way beyond the normal Thai standard.
(3)Steven R.
Food was really good. They have all the basics boring Americans like myself love, but also a long menu of really interesting choices. Someone's food came out on fire- and it looked amazing! The artwork in the restaurant is also really nice. And they have a solid bar with all the drinks you could want. Prices start around $12 and go up from there for entrees.
(4)Nishant Y.
We actually ordered take out from here and the good was just way too spicy. I'm used to eating spicy food, but the food here is inedible unless you eat it with a lot of rice and yogurt or a glass of milk.
(3)Claudia C.
I've been here multiple times as a college student and decided to stop by again on my short trip to Boston. What I love most about Brown Sugar Cafe is the interior decor (very ethnic and comfortable) and friendly service. The thai iced tea here is also delicious! The food is traditional Thai fare, and I've mostly enjoyed the dishes I ordered. When I last went, we got the: Chicken/Beef satay appetizers: Highly recommend! Both the chicken and beef were grilled to perfection. Siamese Twins: It was alright, there was only 4 pieces of shrimp and the sauce was really basic. Something I probably could've cooked. Pork Pad See Ew: The sauce was delicious, but the noodles and pork were overcooked. They were also pretty lazy about slicing the pork as they were extremely large pieces of pork about the size of my palm... All in all, even though the food isn't life-changing, I would still recommend Brown Sugar Cafe to stop by at if you're craving Thai food. It's a good experience.
(3)Aron Y.
Our first meal in Boston for the conference week. This was one of the restaurants recommended by the organizer. All of us were simply hungry and thought that Thai would be a safe option to satisfy our hunger first before exploring. Overall, their menu looks really interesting. There were quite a few items I wanted to try out of curiosity but decided to just settle for a simple Country Style Pad Thai w/ extra Shrimp. I also got myself a Thai Tea as a treat. However, there's a big problem. The Pad Thai came out EXTREMELY sour, and I can't tell if it was by mistake or by design. I've had pad thai in many states before but I've never had one that's cooked with this my vinegar (or any vinegar at all). My friend even choked on his first bite because he wasn't expecting that much vinegar. The strange thing is that everything else was delicious. The noodles were great, the toppings were great, and the proteins were cooked well. The thai tea was refreshing as well. What a bummer. I'm just gonna convince myself that it was simply an unfortunate mistake and give them a pass. No one should be eating that much vinegar. It's like eating a sour patch with every bite... but w/o the sweet right after.
(3)Ami P.
I've come here way too many times and never a single bad moment here... Best THAI food IVE EVER HAD and I could order anything and LOVE IT
(5)Khanh P.
It's hard for me to judge Thai food because I don't eat it that often. All I can say for Brown Sugar is that it was decent food. The taste overall of the food was pleasant although some dishes were way too spicy for my liking. We ordered the drunken noodles which in my opinion was the best out of all the dishes (of course it would be the pad Thai) being that it was nicely seasoned and better tasting than all the other ones. Downside was that the noodles were overcooked and one big mush. We had the brown sugar duck I believe but it's basically one of their more well known dish. I was disappointed when it came out. I mean where was the duck? Instead all I saw was a big plate with veggies and dark dark brown salty chunks. Really not worth the $18. Also had the pineapple fried rice and fishermans seafood. Beware of this seafood dish, you'll be choking and gasping for water. The ambience itself I guess is representing the culture and puts out more of a less contemporary feel. Overall for a first time experience, there wasn't anything real negative to say but I don't think I would necessarily say I'll be screaming to come back.
(3)JDrake W.
Just like any Asian restaurant, you have to know what to order, and I took a chance and gambled on the soft-shell crab pad-thai. It paid off big-time, best asian dish I can remember having. The portions were large, and sitting on top of a bed of sweet aromatic noodles, a large quartered fried crab, complete with sprouts and fancy garnishes. I am a big fan of fancy garnishes, it shows they are willing to put in the extra effort, shows their heart is in the right place. Also similar to most asian restaurants, the servers were overbearing and you get the feelin they want to drag you out the door the second after you put your fork down. Menu was quite overwhelming, but the food makes up for all the negativities. Dine well.
(4)Andy S.
I went several times to this place. First time, with some non-Thai friends and thought it was pretty good. Then, recently, I went with some Thai buddies and I dont know exactly what they ordered up, but it was amazing. Definitely a different feeling with a big group and is a party atmosphere when its someones birthday. (just say its someones birthday and youll see) Something that stood out is a spicy fish. It is very large and is for a large party. Sorry but cannot remember many names on the menu.
(4)Sarah F.
Yum. Food is always tasty, service is always polite and accommodating, and lunch is always fast (take out or dine in). The menu is overwhelmingly large, but I've never ordered anything I didn't enjoy. I definitely prefer this spot for lunch though, the dinner menu is much pricier.
(4)Amanda L.
I heart Brown Sugar. They have really gigantic proportions and their menu is ginormous. The prices can be deemed a tiny bit on the expensive side but is worth it. The place is pretty cute inside, if a little cramped, I remember having to sit against the wall and I couldn't really move....but that's besides the point. They have amazing crab rangoons, and crab rangoons are my favorite so I'm very tough when it comes to that. I also remember really loving their desserts...I haven't been in a while so I don't remember exactly. But like I said, the only reason I don't go more often is because they are a tad on the more expensive side.
(4)Susan L.
I could be wooed by the atmosphere, but i still liked what i got. A little pricey, but sizable portions and very tasty. Waiters need to stop refilling water after every two gulps. We ordered a crab rangoon, crispy chicken pad thai and a yellow curry of some kind (not mine!). 5 peices of rangoon, one was cold in the center. No biggie. The pad thai was what was expected, but also had chicken in it as well as a very generous portion of fried chicken on top. A little over done with the frying, but they were thing and delicately cut so i wouldn't be harsh on that. About $12 i think, large portions that filled me up to the point of forgoing dessert in case of stomach burstage. Atmosphere like i said, very nice, candles and flowers at every table, soft lighting, good for dates and what not. Definitely a nice place to take a special person if you aren't looking to break the bank. Service prompt and waiters nice. Only complaint about them is.. gosh please stop filling up my water! I mean yes, good service, but I realized while dining here that there is such a thing as too much service, haha. And their receipts had tip calculator that started at 18%, just saying. Ended up just shy of $40 including tip, not a bad price for the sizes if you aren't a stingy freak like me, and like i said, very good for special occasions. Give it a go!
(4)boston y.
we loved every item.. tum yum soup, spring rools, incredible friedrice, duck choo chee, thai chilli whole fish... country pad thai... were so full, that could not try the desserts, will come for desserts specifically one day
(5)molly b.
i have always enjoyed their food but i will not be going back anytime soon as last night, while we were finishing our meal, we saw two cockroaches climbing up the wall right next to us! when we pointed this out to our waiter, he killed one of them and said "oh, we are fumigating downstairs so they come up." oh, okay. they did not seem the slightest concerned about this and he just brought us the check as if nothing had happened. we couldn't wait to get out of there! also, this place is pricey. there is much cheaper thai that is just as good, in my opinion.
(2)La Lilly B.
I love this place. Thai food is one of my favorite foods. Basil and peanut sauce what and awesome duo. I do not go as often as I want to save my ass from getting huge. The portions are good and if you go during lunch it is cheaper. They have vegetarian options as well. I love the country style Pad Thai. This place does get busy, but it is worth the wait. Yumm Yumm all around.
(5)Shradha A.
my brother took me here for dinner and i really enjoyed my pad thai overall. the service was good too. the one less star is because there weren't very many vegetarian options - although i do appreciate them having a "vegetarian" section!
(4)A L.
Simply the best Thai food you can get in Boston. If you choose to sit down, it's a great atmosphere and great service for the prices, which are only slightly more expensive than your run-of-the mill Thai restaurants. Heaping portions, great flavors! I go here whenever I get a chance!
(5)Tracee D.
Yes! I'm the 99th review. That makes me very important. And very lucky. I was born on the 99th day of the year. We went here before a concert . I hadn't eaten all day. Poor Annie, I was having the worst ever blood sugar weird almost pass out-sweaty palms dizzy spell. I think she was scared. I didn't even know where we were. Annie says " hey is this Similans brother?" "No" I replied. "that's Brown Sugar". At that minute I looked at my menu and read B-R-O-W-N S-U-G-A-R, oh, I guess it is. We already knew it would be good. I got a basil minty shrimp salad (it was nice and hot, and I'm very critical of hotness)she got soup. Coconut juice for me and a beer for the lady. We split Tod Mun and an app. The service was great. The place is great. Standards for fat Americans to eat and Thai specialties for those who know what they are doing. This chubby lady couldn't decide what ice cream I wanted so I ordered both. The server didn't even snicker in my direction. Well done.
(4)Brandon A.
Yuck, the reports of roaches have been verified and they've failed their latest health inspection: boston.everyblock.com/re…
(2)Sue M.
quick service - kow pok appetizer fresh, lots of ginger, good -- cashew chicken in pineapple was fun -- roasted duck with red peppers was good and had a zing -- fried banana with ginger ice cream was just OK - great setting with lots of flowers
(4)Lala L.
You would go here for the atmosphere. Dim. Decorated. And no elbow room. I usually order from the back of the menu where it's so authentic, there's no english name for the dishes. You know, none of that fancy stuff. I rely on the description for each dish. Also if you're a duck fan...they have a good crispy duck.
(3)Erik G.
Great food, great environment, good service, and again great food. Probably the best Thai in Boston. The ratings are so high overall that it kind of speaks for it self. It's definitely hyped up and there are comparable places for cheaper but the whole experience is solid. I've had the Pad Thai and the salmon... both were so good that I'm drooling right now...seriously
(5)Kassia K.
Though it may be in a less-than-stellar location (on an ugly stretch of Comm Ave near the Planned Parenthood and a sporting goods store), Brown Sugar is probably the best restaurant within the BU campus limits. It's a tad pricier than a typical Asian restaurant, but they give you well-sized portions with artful embellishments, have incredibly fast service (or did the last time I ate there), and serve overall delicious food. Everything I've tried on the very comprehensive menu has been great. Their desserts are particularly good. I wouldn't call it my favorite restaurant, but it's worth an occasional visit.
(4)Tiffany D.
I've only been here once but I remember it being pretty good! I had one of the really spicy dishes!!! And the person I was with had the volcano with all the seafood? Overall, I'd come here again... but it wasn't anything so super that I just HADDD to go back to it!
(3)Tony P.
kept meaning to write in about this place and have forgotten . . . hands down, best thai in Boston (that I have tried--only lived heren for eighteen months)-- get the country pad thai if you like a little spice-- the hot chili/basil with tofu was scrumptious, the yellow curry was good (but not the best I have ever had) and included nice veggies, like squash, in addition to tasty pineapple, etc . . . Very nice experience and I will be back . . .
(4)Felix L.
Brown Sugar has good Thai food, its pretty difficult to find a place thats an order of magnitude better. The menu is huge, like some other places, and the prices are reasonable. What IS amazing is the speed at which your food comes out. This may be the fastest restaurant to serve you (only Giacomo's can compare). Boston is horrendously slow at cooking for some reason, but luckily, Brown Sugar doesn't follow the trend. There's usually a wait on weekends due to all the good press, but its okay because the food is good and its fast. The fish tanks are awesome too.
(5)Kirby M.
I was so pleased to find this place. I love thai food but only when it's really done right and Brown Sugar definitely knows what they're doing. I've even called ahead and picked up dinner on the way home from work before. Some old co-workers and I met up here and it was great for family style eating. My dad, who likes dry turkey on white bread and would be content to live on that for the rest of his life and could care less to taste flavor ever again, even still talks about how much he enjoyed his meal here. Definately a must-eat by my standards.
(5)Liz C.
Love this place. Amazing food, great waiters, and decent prices. Everything a college student is looking for in a real restaurant.
(5)monkey l.
eh. three years ago, when i moved away from boston, i loved brown sugar. brown sugar made pad thai that would make me want to weep. brown sugar was delish in so many ways. i went back last week when i was there and was unimpressed. the prices seemed to have increased (along with the gas prices) and the portions... did they shrink? we ordered 4 dishes and an appetizer and were nonplussed. or is it that thai food in sf is better? nonetheless, must find another thai place in boston when i return next time. brown sugar did not quench me hungry estomago!
(3)Jungmin L.
It's pretty acceptable thai food. Not as sweet as other places, and spicy dishes are actually spicy. Very average.
(3)Mini S.
I used to live in Thailand, so I am pretty picky with Thai Food. Well, Brown Sugar Pad Thai, Cuntry Style is pretty close to what I used to have when I was living in Bangkok. One down side is that I wish they don't use big chunks of vegetable; squashs, green peppers and carrotts in the food.....
(4)Stacey D.
Best Thai in Boston! Everything is delicious & the service is good. Many of the tables are pretty tight together (so, not much privacy - you could basically reach over and grab a bite off your neighbor's plate!) and it can get loud, but for a delicious and well-priced Thai meal, there's no better place.
(5)brewgirl b.
Nice and spicy veggie pad thai (country style) and tom yum goong soup. Thai iced tea was strong, sweet and creamy. Liked sitting by the sunny window for lunch. Service was good. Lots of street parking during the weekday.
(4)Jenny W.
Really good Thai food. It's much better to go there than to have it delivered, unless you order well in advance or on a weeknight maybe, as delivery on a weekend night can take up to 90 minutes. We walked in on a Friday night, saw all the people waiting and instantly thought we were out of luck, but the wait was about 5 minutes tops. The staff was very attentive and friendly, and the service was quick, but not rushed. I'll definitely go back.
(3)Julio R.
The food is not as it used to be at the Brown Sugar. Tom Yum noodle soup did not taste very authentic, and even though i asked for extra spicy it came out mild. The rice was slightly too dry. The atmosphere is nice and the service is very friendly. Good date spot if you dont mind the quite average food.
(3)Jesse B.
This is the best Thai place in Boston. The menu is endless and can be overwhelming but it's great for folks who are tired of the same pad thai everywhere. My wife and I keep going back and trying new stuff every time, never disappointed. It's also great for when you're going to gigs at the Paradise. It's only a block away and the service is quick enough that you don't have to worry about missing the show.
(5)Alex L.
I love Thai food and Brown Sugar definitely delivers. Food wise it is always a safe bet when you're in the mood for Thai. While the food itself is not outstanding, it is solid and you can't go wrong. My biggest complaint would be their restaurant was rather cold last time I went, and even after I asked the waitress and manager to turn the air down, it seemed that neither complied with the request.
(3)Jason L.
There are plenty of Thai restaurants in Boston that serve delicious food at fair prices but, for me, this has always been the best. Their spicy Gaprow Chicken is phenomenal! I was very disappointment that they closed their other location in the Fens but thankfully their Allston spot is just as pleasant inside.
(5)wsl l.
I went to Brown Sugar a few times and I dont know what all the rave is about. The food was only mediocore. Ive had better authentic Thai dishes at Rod Dee. If anything, their ambeince, decor is proabbly the best in any Thai restaurant in Boston.
(2)Erin M.
I went to this restaurant based on the good reviews I had received from co-workers and friends who have eaten there. We went on a Tuesday afternoon... the dcor was nice, there were some authentic statues and Christmas lights up with two colorful fishtanks. The table flowers were sub-par (carnations and baby's breath, ew) and they played awful music the entire time (cheesy soft rock --- not very authentic Thai). There were only 2 other tables of people, which made us believe we were going to have great service --- however this was most definitely not the case. The service was AWFUL. It took them 20 minutes to bring out our appetizers, which were actually tasty, then about a half hour to bring our entrees. I ordered vegetable pad thai (as I always do) and it arrived with huge chunks of vegetables... not cut down into small portions (think a 3 inch in diameter hunk of cauliflower sitting atop noodles...). The meal was "ok," not great for Boston thai food. We saw someone drinking an iced tea that looked appetizing at the other table while we were eating our meal. My boyfriend asked if he could have what they were having. We were brought over an iced tea with milk on top of it (not what the other people were drinking). We made attempts at calling the waitress back over to tell her it was not what we wanted, and she paid absolutely no attention to us. By the time she finally ended up coming over, we were completely done with our meal and wanted the check. We asked for the tea to be taken off the bill as it was not what we ordered and she never came over to correct it. She called the manager over to speak with us, who offered us desert --- which was at least nice of her --- however we explained that the service had taken so long and we were completely full and finished with our meal, and that we tried to get their attention to fix the problem and they paid us no mind so we needed it taken off our bill, which we thought was a pretty standard request. The manager then proceeded to argue with us and said she couldn't take it off. It was the most uncomfortable I've been in a restaurant ever... we asked for the check and assumed they could not take it off because of an electronic register or something like that. When the bill came, it was HAND-WRITTEN and in PENCIL! How can you not erase something from a bill? I am just a recent college graduate and I don't expect the best service from restaurants, but I do expect common courtesy from managers and we received none. My boyfriend is a waiter, and he knows that in the restaurant business, the customer is always right... and the folks at bamboo are just plain slow and rude. The food and service at Bamboo in Brighton is ten times better... I will never be going to Brown Sugar again.
(1)K M.
DELIVERY SERVICE: I have always had an excellent experience at the restaurant Brown Sugar, but this review refers to their delivery service. Please do not use their delivery service; see if any other place is open. My food was cold, the driver requested a bigger tip, and then called up to make sure I didn't owe him another $5. The only thing saving it from a one-star review is that apparently my roommate prefers cold crab rangoon. Who knew?
(2)Nick M.
Everything here tastes roughly the same, but fortunately this isn't a bad thing. This place has become my benchmark for Thai food and they have a great selection for vegetarians, including dishes with veggie ham. The pad thai is solid and the prices are fair, yet the portions are a tad small.
(4)Norma B.
Brown Sugar is my favorite Thai restaurant in Boston. The curry is absolutely amazing. Brown Sugar is always crowded, but I am continually impressed with the fast service. When my friends want Thai food, I insist on going to Brown Sugar!
(5)Kylan M.
I love Thai food. This is my favorite Thai restaurant in the world. It is reasonably price, the food is delicious, the atmosphere is pleasant and they offer both Americanized and authentic dishes. Eat here. Do it.
(5)Sisi Z.
Mmmm, Brown Sugar. I'm salivating already. This is my go-to place for Thai food, although their entrees can be a bit pricey on the average college student's wallet. That's why I always stick to the noodle dishes. I also love their Mango Fried Rice, with just the right balance of spices. They don't deliver (last time I checked, maybe Yelpers know something I don't), but their sister restaurant, The Similans, does, and has an identical menu. It gets pretty packed on the weekends though, so if you're coming with a group get the first person to put his/her name down at the door.
(5)Emily M.
They have delicious food and a recently added sidewalk seating area. My friend is allergic to peanuts and he ordered the pad thai but failed to notice that it had peanuts in it. The waitress felt so badly that she had a peanut-free pad thai made for him. It was pretty awesome of them to be so considerate.
(4)Gretchen M.
This place is tasty and the portions are hefty. Want good thai? Get it here.
(4)Merri L.
I went here on a date yrs ago, and had mango curry for i think the first time. it was delicious!! it was a nice thai place, overall. but, we got there late, and the waiter was rushing us. i hate when waiters rush you. bad service ruins a lot. so, typical good thai food.
(3)Kaopectate P.
best thai food i've tried in boston update: i prefer dok bua a lot more.
(4)Amy O.
I'm not usually a Thai fan but I went there for lunch with co-workers and it was delicious! I would recommend getting a bunch of dishes and sharing. That's what we did and everybody got to see what they liked for next time. The place itself is immaculate. The wait staff was nice and helpful. You can tell that they really know what they're doing. I'd go back!
(4)kate L.
The food here is great and it always smells amazing inside the restaurant! They also deliver so if you are to lazy to get up but are having a fit for some Brown Sugar you can get it in the comfort of your own home! I'm getting hungry just thinking about it!
(5)Laura R.
Yum Yum. And if you like spicy, they'll make it hot for you. You shouldn't miss this place. 'Nough said.
(5)Mary L.
Good prices and great staff. What more could you ask for? The food came out pretty quickly and we were constantly getting our water refilled. The service is friendly and the atmosphere is pretty relaxed. Great for a lunch outing with friends.
(4)Rachel E.
I go here a couple of times a month and it is always delicious. I usually get the fresh rolls, papaya salad and country style pad thai. The fresh rolls are delicious and always very fresh, the papaya salad is also great and very spicy (just the way it should be) and the pad thai is fabulous and not too greasy. This is my favorite thai restaurant in Boston.
(5)Micah C.
My favorite date place and Thai place in Boston. Always a perfect way to start a nice evening.
(5)Rave M.
It doesn't take a lot to please me at a Thai restaurant -- just great Pad Thai and good spring rolls for this unsophisticated palette -- and Brown Sugar's got what it takes. It's not so fabulous that I'd be willing to wait an hour for a table during the Saturday night dinner rush, but it's great for weekday lunches or off-peak dinners.
(4)Al N.
It's very good, but not great. My family from Indonesia who are well travelled throughout Thailand go to Dok Bua instead, saying it is closer to authentic. Brown Sugar is altered a little more to Western tastes, but nowhere near as much as a place like Amarin. The menu is extensive, with choices for the wimpy and the adventurous. Try things that are unfamiliar--you will most likely be pleasantly surprised. And if you like it hot, let them know and they'll make your life hell (in a good kind of way). The room is beautiful if crowded and the service is very good despite the crowds of students infesting the place.
(3)Clay B.
Fast, inexpensive, convenient. Contrary to so many previous posts I do not rank this as the best Thai food ever. It is consistently better than mediocre. The pad thai (regular style) is too bland and soupy for my taste. The country style is spicier than I like but better than the traditional style (a mon avi).
(3)Ashley T.
i love brown sugar. we went here all throughout college, and everytime i go back to boston, i try to come here again. the thai iced tea, red curry, drunken noodles are all top-notch. highly recommended!
(5)John F.
Amazing Thai food. The menu is expansive, and surely will contain something to appeal to even the most casual enjoyer of Thai food. The place itself IS a bit small, and during dinner hours when they get especially busy can be a bother. But the food makes it worth it, and it least being that close to your neighbor allows you to smell their food, and perhaps find the dish you'll order on your next visit.
(5)Leigh N.
This is the best thai food place in Boston and actually in any other city I have had eaten thai food. So delicious. The prices are a little higher than at Noodle St or some of the other places around but the quality here is excellent. The crispy pad thai is my absolute favorite. Other delicious choices are the fried rice, the vegetable tempura, the curry (any kind), and so many of the noodle dishes. I really really love this place and definitely recommend it. It is a good parents are in town and you want to take them to dinner kind of place. Or a meet the boyfriend's parents place. Or a friend's birthday place. Its the best!
(5)Josh P.
Meh, I went here with my family for lunch, and it was okay. It was a little overpriced, but not that much. The food was pretty good, spicey and tasty. That's just about all I have to say. It's really busy on weekends. The noodles are good, and so is the rice.
(3)Georgia Y.
Brown Sugar is definitely the best Thai I've eaten in Boston. There's a huge menu, with a good selection of drinks. The only thing I dislike about this place is the size - it's a bit too close for comfort when the place is busy - and it's apparently always busy. I had fantastic veggie curry (there are plenty of vegetarian-friendly choices) a few weeks back, and my only complaint is that the waitstaff were overlapping a bit - it took us a while to get our check, in spite of the fact that every waiter in the place was checking on us. Weird.
(4)M B.
Best Thai food I've ever had. We frequent this spot regularly and no matter what I order I am pleased. I love spice, lots of variety and big portions. This place delivers on all there. The atmosphere is casual and fun. Not stuffy or stuck up. Really great for a fun date.
(5)Jennifer S.
I used Brown Sugar to cater a meeting I had to set up at work and everyone said that lunch was the highlight of the day!! The staff was very friendly and helpful on the phone and the food arrived hot and on time. If you want to place a large order make sure to call at least an hour ahead ( I called the day before just to make things easier on them) and call when the place isn't too busy, don't call during the lunch or dinner rush and try to order food for 50. I'm pretty sure they wouldn't be your biggest fan.
(4)Ryan P.
This place is great, so don't get me wrong, but if you love thai food, quality & quantity, and very reasonable prices you should opt for an even more delicious, casual, and affordable thai restaurant called Dok Bua. Its not too far from Brown Sugar either.
(3)Bradley R.
The Chili Salmon is probably the best salmon I've had in any form anywhere. The setting is pleasant and the service has always been excellent. They missed the fifth star because I haven't been thrilled by some of their other dishes when I've strayed from the chili salmon.
(4)Megan S.
This restaurant was recommended to us by the cashier at the EMS down the street and boy, she was right! We started with the crab rangoon, which was very creamy without being too creamy and had just the right amount of crab! The sweet chili sauce was also pretty tasty, just a hint of spice and not too sweet. I will definitely be getting that again! For lunch, I ordered the Noodles Aspic, which was delicious and full of shrimp, asparagus and shitake mushrooms while the Boy got some chicken, rice, veggie thing that he loved (if I remember the name I'll edit this). We didn't do drinks, we had been walking in the sun all morning and just wanted water, which had mint leaves, orange and lemon slices, giving it just a little bit of taste. The servers were very nice and the meal was fast. The bill was less than $30 including tip for both of us. We will definitely be hitting up Brown Sugar next time we're in Boston!
(5)Jordan K.
I have to chime in here. Brown Sugar is overrated. There, I said it. First you have to wait to sit, then the food tends to take forever, and finally you end up with a dish that is too sweet and a little on the boring side. Much better Thai can be had in Boston.
(3)Daunielle R.
I never knew Thai food until I tried Brown Sugar. Up until that day, as one of Italian background my favorite "Non-American" (what is American food anyways ... !?) was obviously the North End and all its goodies. Upon entering my college years at BU I quickly discovered the deliciousness of Brown Sugar Cafe. Conviently located on the T, and right by BU's West Campus, Brown Sugar has a cute, casually upscale (if that makes any sense) atmosphere and appeal. The menu is delicious and has long since become my absolute favorite restaurant and style of food. Whether its the jasmine noodles, the half pineapple chicken dish or traditional pad thai - I love it all [may I recommend the mango fried rice!]. Prices are reasonable and the staff is efficient, fast and very friendly. The only drawback is that they do not take credit card for delivery, only cash. Being one who only carries cards, I have trudged through winter blizzards for those pad thai noodles - Brown Sugar is *that* good.
(5)Josh B.
Not the best Thai food ever, but pretty darned tasty. Give it a whirl with a couple of friends, since it's best experienced in a group where you can try multiple dishes.
(4)Emily D.
The food here is decent, but overall this restaurant is over-rated. The ambiance at both locations is nice, but the food doesn't measure up. I would suggest going up the street to Bamboo instead: the food is great and the restaurant is cute.
(3)Lacey P.
They have fake duck. Their rice is so good. They have pretty fish in the one on Commonwealth where they have just revamped and it makes you feel like you are royalty. And it could be so much more expensive. I tell everyone I know to go here.
(5)matthew h.
Really good food with a wide selection for veggies and quasi-veggies. Even though you're on busy Comm Ave you never feel like you're being rushed which is a nice change. Parking can be a pain except in the summer when students are out but there's a T stop nearby so anything's possible.
(5)D L.
I've been to a couple of Thai restaurants in Boston.. and I think Brown Sugar Cafe was by far the best one. They have a large selection of foods, and they are all good. I personally liked and recommend the classics--Pad thai and the pad see you. I would definitely go here if you want some good thai food!
(4)Dave R.
5 stars for veggie ham.... I eat meat now but can't stop eating the veggie ham when I go...
(5)Herbert S.
I made the terrible sin of forgetting how tasty green curry was, then i went here. The green curry and vegi ham is to die for, I'm getting hungry just thinking about. I really need to stop Yelping on an empty stomach. In fact, if i wasn't back in the Bay Area, I'd go there right now, there's nothing like a steaming hot pile of toasty curry to warm you up on a cold day. It's cheap too.
(5)Laura A.
the best thai food in boston, hands-down. so incredibly spicy and delicious. they're also very respectful of vegetarians' needs, and if you ask them to omit fish/oyster sauce,they will do so, no problem. the lunch special in particular is a great deal. less than $10 for a ton of food!
(5)Joyce K.
this place is pretty good, their use of spices is quite lovely . i've had a few different dishes here, the highlights were: bean thread noodles, basil pad thai, sizzling combo. the noodle dishes were probably my very favorite, but the sizzling combo had varieties of meat and seafood and fresh veggies, and a really good brown sauce as well. other dishes which weren't quite as good were "avocados dancing", an avocado and chicken dish with fresh ginger in a yellow curry sauce (kind of more reminiscent of Indian food), the avocados were REALLY fresh and good though.. i'm just not as much of an Indian food fan.. and also, brown sugar duck, which my bf really liked but which kinda gave us indigestion later. not sure if that was because of the quality of the duck or just because our stomachs weren't really used to the richness of duck. overall though, a great place with very good service and yummy creative thai food (better than many others i've been to in the boston area).
(4)Melody V.
Brown Sugar is a pretty decent place in Boston for Thai food. This place is always busy around dinner time, so expect to wait and be a little patient. Their appetizer sampler is delicious. The variety of foods on their menu is big, which makes it difficult for me to decide what I want. The portion is good and the price is fair. During all my visits, the servers have been attentive to any requests my table would have. They refill water pretty frequently. I've never had to ask them to refill it because they're on top of their game. There is metered parking all around Commonwealth Ave. so you don't have to worry too much. It's a pleasant place for a gathering with groups.
(4)Leighann F.
Amazing food with not-so-bad service set inside a tiny cafe-style space with cute decor, decent menu prices and a pretty good variety of wine and international beers. Although we were told 15 minutes for our table, and waited more like 45, the extensive menu was worth the extra time. For appetizer try the spicy, tender Satay Beef and for dinner, the "Two Buddy in Clay Pot"- soft shell crab and giant whole shrimp among thin, ginger flavored noodles, vegatables lightly spiced served in a clay pot.
(4)h g.
I seem to remember this place being better; they have certainly gone downhill since I first moved to the area two years ago. We ordered the shrimp and chicken Pad Thai, which was just ok, the Crab Rangoons, which were "different" and Thai teas. The portions arent very big, at least not as big as many other Thai places, we attempted to split the Pad Thai between two but it really wasnt enough.
(3)Anna S.
we had our order delivered. only a $2 delivery fee w/ a $20 minimum. they only take cash though. our food was pretty good. the Thai Spring Rolls (3) were tasty but not worth $5. my cousin wanted a salad so she ordered the Brown Sugar Salad and she loved it. i thought it was a little weird that it had croutons but i'm not a big fan of them anyway. she also got the regular Pad Thai, not Country Style. i kind of wanted her to get the PT CS so i could try it, but she prefers some foods inauthentic, i.e., Americanized. for instance, she likes Americanized Chinese but hates authentic Chinese food. we're sort of polar opposites. anyway, the PT -- she really liked it. it was bland, not too sweet but citrusy and the portion was substantial. the color wasn't appealing. it was all white - noodles and chicken and sprouts. the peanuts were crushed finely which is a major plus in my book. i prefer spicy so i ordered the Drunken Noodle dish. it was very good. not too greasy as some make it, but there was nothing outstanding about the dish. it was good and i can't point out anything wrong but i can't say i can rave about it either. i ordered a Thai Iced Tea - yummy. my cousin got the Green Tea Ice Cream. she loved it. it was a large portion too. i tried some and it was pretty good - creamy and light on the sweet side. good for me since i prefer other flavors. all in all, Brown Sugar Cafe was pretty good but not outstanding. my cousin would probably give it 4 stars but i've been eating a lot more Thai lately and if i could, i'd give it 3.5 stars. b/c i thought the price was a little high for the food, 3 stars sounds fair to me. plus they didn't include napkins and forks, but somehow remembered a spoon and straw for her ice cream and my tea...?
(3)So S.
Best Thai Food Restaurant in town....this location vs the Fenway is the best!. The best pad thai in town and everything else. Amazing curries. Great ambience. Love the fried ice cream here. Good date place. brownsugarcafe.com
(5)Alyssa C.
All you need to EVER eat here is Pad Thai with Veggie Ham.
(5)Melissa B.
Brown Sugar Cafe has really solid Thai food. Nice for a more upscale atmosphere, compared to some other places. The owners recently opened a new restaurant right across from the Cambridge Side Galleria.
(3)Jennifer K.
I love how they serve your pineapple chicken - in half a pineapple. A lot of menus claim they do this, but it never comes out that way. Here, it really does!
(3)Greycella L.
The last few times I've gone thai I was served seriously disappointing dining, so my stars might be a bit generous this time around. Brown Sugah DID undoubtedly step up to the plate today- so to speak- AND delivered. Extensive menu is online and the food arrived super quickly, we were ordering quite a few dishes for a group with several special requests and everything came through correctly. We were on good footing even before I'd touched my plate. Food itself was better than average thai, not too greasy (crucial) and the flavors were well balanced. Pineapple in (an overall too sweet) pad thai is a little weird though, and I would've liked more sauce with my curry dish. The golden triangles- spring rolls in samosa-ish form were probably the best thing we tried. The wide noodle dishes like pad see ew also proved tasty. I'd be curious about the chili crispy fish for a possible next time, as well as the short ribs on the appetizer menu. The most authentic thai ever? No. But a solid choice that I'd order from again for sure- perfect for lazy pajama-clad sunday afternoons!
(4)Alice K.
Simply the best Thai food in town. The enormous menu (it looks like three menus merged) offers something for everyone, done with delicious Thai flair. Highly recommended: the Brown Sugar duck, fried ice cream, anything served in a mango shell. And so far as I can tell, this restaurant can do no wrong with their appetizers. The colorful Christmas lights and glass displays of brilliantly blue butterflies add to the sparkle and the fun of having truly excellent Thai food.
(4)Sara B.
They have a huge menu, though I admit I haven't had a lot of it. I usually try to avoid getting the same thing from a place over and over again, but I just can't bring myself to get anything but the amazing Mango Fried Rice.
(5)J B.
Good solid Thai food at this respectable spot. One of Boston's best Thai restaurants, I think.
(4)Andrew L.
Definitely a great eat. Their thai food is great, portions are a nice size and the food comes out quick. The Thai ice tea is really great and so is the fried ice cream. Definitely a nice place to eat for lunch or dinner.
(5)jkhkjh j.
Crab Rangoon = Love Great restaurant.
(5)Jane T.
Really, really great Thai food. Cute to eat there and great for takeout. Everything I've ever had there is good. They deliver (with a fee) or you can walk there and pick it up, whichever. You can order take out over the phone or at the bar.
(5)Heather Q.
I'd say it's overhyped for dinner. No different from any other Thai place around town. What they do well is catering. For a party or business meeting, you can't go wrong with Brown Sugar. As perfectly serviceably Thai food, it'll appeal to a large variety of tastes. Everybody loves their pad thai.
(4)Avid E.
I had been wanting to try this place for quite some time and finally got the opportunity this evening. The menu was so long that we had to ask the server for some advice and finally settled on a beef dish (I think it had macadamia nuts), a yellow curried shrimp, and the three stoodges. Everything was fantastic and, as the other reviewers have said, served really quickly. Of all the dishes, I think the yellow curry was my favorite, not very spicy at all, but the sauce was amazing.
(4)Paula N.
It's nice place for Thai food. I love their Som Tum Papaya with Sticky Rice and Thai Iced tea. Soups are really good. But their noodles like fisherman madness and pad thai are very oily.
(3)Ebrahim B.
Pretty good thai food although not the best i've had. the atmosphere is good though and the decorations make the place seem inviting. The helpings aren't too big either, just right for one person. Try the chicken kar pao is you want something spicy.
(4)Dan M.
Walking distance from the subway and bus stop. I went there ready to eat a horse and left stuffed off of a vegetarian platter. The place is to die for and would recommend it to everyone. Catch out Brown Sugar after a game at Fenway, just seconds away from the restaurant.
(5)Stephanie H.
Hands-down, the Best Thai food I have ever had. I had the Mango Curry and thought I had died and gone to heaven. Even my father, who isn't all too keen on Thai, couldn't keep his hands off everyone's plate. Try the Mango Fried Rice too! This restaurant will be the reason why I travel to Boston again.
(5)Valerie A.
I don't know what the hype is about this restaurant. My friends all love it so somehow I always end up here but the food is pretty regular, it's not bad but it's nothing to write home about either. I've had better elsewhere, maybe it's because I'm from NY and the selection there can't be beat. For thai in boston, I would recomment this little hidden place on Newbury over Brown Sugar. I don't remember the name of it but what i do remember is that the prices, food, and thai iced tea were better than at Brown Sugar which is all you really need to know.
(2)Leo C.
Very decent Thai food; don't think I've ever had a bad meal here and I go there a lot. Outdoor eating area on CommAve is great in summer. Affordable, too.
(5)L S.
Good food, good prices, good location (if you dont use a car). Great veggie options. yum!
(4)Juliette V.
Really really good Thai food. The atmosphere is soothing and the entrees are creative. Their ribs are perfect and the noodle dishes yummy.
(4)Kiki Y.
Decor is beautiful and the food is pretty good! Pad Thai was a little too vinegary for my taste, but everyone else loved it and the presentation was very aesthetically pleasing. The waitress and other wait staff were very nice and accommodating and our food came relatively quickly.
(4)Jack K.
This. Is. The. Best. Place. To. Get. Thai. Food. In. Boston. The service could use a little help. After my meal, the server forgot to bring me a menu to order desert. However, I won'd judge the place, since she really thought someone brought me a menu and apologized for making me wait. So, onto the food review! I ordered Kow Moo Dang. As listed, it is the roasted pork Bangkok style over rice with crispy pork rind, Thai sausage and hard boiled egg slices topped with House Special Red Sauce. Let me tell you, it was made to perfection and just how I remembered it at home or back in Los Angeles at a good Thai restaurant. So, I can say, with a Thai Guy approval, that this is authentic thai food at it's best! Finally, a place in Boston that has real Thai food. It took me awhile to go eat here, and I used to live down the street for 2 years. I don't know why I didn't go here earlier! It made me miss home and real home cooked thai food. For desert, I ordered the Sweet Caroline, which is sweet banana in coconut milk, callef Kluai Nam Wa. It's boiled up to perfection. It was a small portion for the cost, but it was also really good and authentic. So, yum away into my tummy. The end.
(5)Jennifer M.
Been here a few times--overall very good. I've never had a problem with their food--I've always enjoyed it. But a few of my friends said that their dishes were a little on the salty side. Also, I love their fried ice cream. The restaurant is in a very good space with lots of tables. It's dimly lit so it has a little bit of a romantic/intimate ambience, which can get awkward if you're just dining with a friend. The songs they play for people's birthdays are also very entertaining--along with the light show that goes with it. Definitely worth a try if you're into Thai food!
(4)Netalin T.
Love it!!! I went there for my friend's bd dinner. The food and atmosphere are nice, very present. Also, i am so surprised that they prepare for my friend's bd ice cream, have the disco light and bd song. We were so happy there.
(5)Lucy E.
I work right down the street from this Thai restaurant and in the cold months it is an effort to not eat here every single day. I will warn the reader I always order one of two things, so I personally cannot speak for any other dishes (however my co-workers swear by them all). I cannot get enough of their red curry and drunk noodles (both with tofu or chicken). They are both always packed with flavor and never fail to satisfy! I do wish that their lunch deals were a little better of a 'deal'. Although on second thought it's hard enough to resist.
(4)Sarah A.
I ate here for the first time w/ friends on Friday night. I got a tofu stir fry and it was very fresh and tasted great w/ brown rice. I would definitely go back and try other dishes. Prices are good and the servers are nice. The one suggestion I would make is to take the train because parking is a challenge.
(3)Patrick D.
Simply fantastic Thai food, very accessible (just steps from the B line), great service and awesome price point, this is as good as it gets! My girlfriend and I came here a few nights ago and everything we had was fantastic. We started off with yum lettuce wraps which were awesome, the sauce they come with is delicious and they're very light. In my opinion, these hit all the points that an appetizer should: light, flavorful, and whet our appetites for the main course. My girlfriend had the soft-shell crab pad thai and I had the massaman curry, both of which were awesome. The pad thai was the perfect level of spiciness and the crab and shrimp were excellently cooked. The massaman curry was on another planet, not too sweet, very savory, and the shrimp were tender and flavorful. The service was great too, our water glasses were never more than half empty, the food cam quickly and our waitress was attentive but not annoying. Would highly recommend this restaurant to anyone in the area looking to break out of the pizza rut that so many of us fall into.
(5)Julie M.
Friends took me there to experience some good Thaï food while in Boston. And it was good. They didn't get 5 stars as the place was not totally amazing and service and all could have been better.
(4)Sonia T.
There are four other places in the coolidge corner area we regularly go for Thai food, and while Brown Sugar is on the upper side of the range in terms of price, it is by far the tastiest food. Every new entree i try, I end up gushing "this is the best thai food I've had this year mmmmmmmmmm" The first disappointment was the "yummy lettuce wraps" appetizer we had tonight.... just meh.
(5)Holly B.
Omg! The menu here is so extensive it'll taken you 10 minutes just to limit your choice to 10 items. I finally made my choice I went with the soft shell crab pad thai and boy am I glad that I did. The batter on the crab is super tasty! I defiantly will be coming back to try many more dishes. Staffs a little pushy but what can you do.
(4)Amy X.
Came here at 5 and there were already a substantial crowd. I got Fisherman's madness, which was recommended by the waitress. It was good, but not great - very solid entree, however. Flavor is great, but not as spicy as I wanted it to be. The portions are huge, you can split one entree between two people for sure. The service was great though. Fast and very friendly. Would definitely come back and try again.
(4)Emilio S.
By far the best Thai restaurant in Boston. Try the brown sugar ribs.
(5)Padideh Y.
Healthy food, clean place, nice staff, reasonable price.....Its one of my favorite restaurant.
(4)R F.
Very nice variety on their menu; nice outdoor seating; for an extremely discerning connoisseur, a solid four stars!
(4)casper ray r.
Love spicy Thai food, and this place was solidly above average. Ingredients seem fresh and flavors were really good, not too monotone. Had the papaya salad and the jungle curry. Portions are large. Salad had nice intense citrus dressing. The non-coconut based curry was deeply seasoned, veggies rough cut into large chunks, not too mushy. For me the best part was the fresh hot peppers used to provide the heat. There were large chunks of Thai chili and jalapeno that made me seriously sweat without taking away the rest of the flavor of the dish. I ordered the maximum spice and was getting large bites of pure pepper. Folks who prefer mild spice should be cautious here. Even the salad had some jalapeno kick, and while I go for spice all the time, my friends who aren't as into habanero-level kick all felt the food was spicy, even if they ordered a 2 out of 4. For me, that's how Thai should be. The menu is cumbersome with so many items to sift through, and nothing we saw come out looked like next-level, 5 star concepts, but everything looked consistent, smelled great, and surely beats a large number of other Thai spots I've tried. If I lived in Boston I'd find this place worth a regular visit.
(4)Kim H.
VANILLIA FRIED ICECREAM!!!! i have ended my search for the best fried icecream in BOSTON. must try hands down. Not sure about the food haha I only went there for dessert.
(5)Lauren S.
I usually don't crave Thai food but I would crave this restaurant. I was surprised how good it was considering the location and appearance of the outside. We walked in and it was quite pretty. We sat down and I asked the waitress what to order since I am not as familiar with Thai as other cuisines. I ordered the chicken and asparagus curry and it was awesome. The dish was huge and you can definitely share. My daughters pad thai was yummy and she could have brought half home. I would definitely go back next time I was in Boston. This is what I could call a hidden gem.
(4)Amanda M.
Interesting and delicious Thai dishes mixed with great standards (very good green curry). They have beer and wine but no cocktails. Ambience is nice with high ceilings and asian decor.
(4)D K.
Service outstanding Appetizers are very good. Ordered Basil chicken - very spicy, good pieces of basil and sticky rice. Pad Thai probably the worst I have ever had. The shrimp was thrown on top of the Pad Thai not cooked with the dish. The Pad Thai has so much sugar in it I almost couldn't eat. It was extremely sweet. I have Pad Thai a couple of times a month - consider myself a good judge - I would skip it here if you like Pad Thai.
(3)Mike M.
Been here several times and it's always been for their Pad Thai! Definitely 1 of my 2 favorite Thai Places in the city. Very clean place, very good quality thai food, always fresh ingredients. Have tried other dishes that people have gotten and they're all good. Curries, fried rice, drunken noodles... all delicious! Always consistent!
(4)Skye G.
Yummy and so glad we stopped in. Mr G ordered the Drunken Noodle medium heat and it was a winner. I myself am a wimp so it was too spicy for me. I would have gone mild but for those who like hot...it was not Roni hot. I tried to balance the good with the bad. I really wanted to try the fried ice cream and soft shell crab so I picked the healthy tofu veggies. Tofu with huge black mushrooms and greens. It was so yummy with an awesome sauce. I got some brown rice on the side (other choice was white or sticky). The Tempura soft shell crab was not what I was hoping for but it was ok. Deep fried cauliflower, broccoli, sweet potato, and one crab split in two. I was too full to order the ice cream so I'll need to go back. The menu is big with lots to pick from. I want to try the Basil fried rice and a curry dish next but the crispy Brown Sugar duck was calling me too. The inside was nicely decorated but I am partial to a salt water fish tank.
(4)Hope F.
Great food! Fun atmosphere and the Pad Thai was spot on! Loved it. Fun location with out side seating, lots of flowers and exotic fish. Neat place in the middle of the city!
(5)Scott T.
Went with a group of 6 on a Friday night and was pleasantly surprised. The interior was cozy enough, and although the lighting makes a poor impression on some, it's rather dim and little natural light gets in. The place seemed well staffed and clean for a Friday night. One criticism I would make would be that the technology supporting the staff is way out of date, An inability to efficiently split checks outside of pencil & paper should be a crime in the age of the smartphone. The menu is vast, and I doubt Gordon Ramsey would approve. Some of the indecisive members of our group were left in analysis paralysis feeling forced to actually review the multitude of options. That being said, the food was (ridiculously) fast & no one complained of quality. The low tech registers hold them up, the too large menu did not appear to so I can't really hold that against them. Intimidated of heavy reading to start the weekend, I ordered the first house special listed, "Seafood Volcano" and was not disappointed. Besides being a very tasty seafood medley, it also served as a pyrotechnic announcement to the restaurant of my choice in meal. I left neither starved of a good food nor of attention from strangers. My only real knock is that there isn't suitable tech to ensure the wait staff can optimally do their jobs, to which I sternly wag my finger at the management. Splitting our check was far more awkward than it needed to be and a poor final impression (we had tried to ask for separate checks at the beginning). Needless service delays combined with a huge menu, I also doubt that dining at the restaurant would still be enjoyable if it were to get busy (it was after graduation season, so the Friday night crowd we saw was fairly light I imagine).
(4)marcus r.
If, as we did, you come to this place for the disco birthday, apparently you should not come one half hour before closing, and when your waitress asks you if you'd like to order dessert, you should not demur, citing the probability you'll be stuffed by the soup, 2 apps and an entree you and your girlfriend just ordered. As a consequence, our only lightshow was management flicking on the ceiling lights very bright a few times as we finished our meal. To be fair, they may not have been trying to usher us out, but merely helping the waitresses sweeping at our feet more efficiently find detritus. When I asked our principal waitress about this dismayingly minimal display of their claim to fame, she cited the fact we'd not ordered dessert. Now I may not be the smartest stick in the water, but don't restaurants usually comp birthday celebrant's desserts (the hostess was shown my ID as we entered), and if the sweetness of dishes is what determines whether I get a Toyotathon at my table, I think the Mee Krob more than satisfies that requirement. Under the circumstances, I felt like a very foolish farang for robotipping 20%. But I don't know everything, so I welcome further elucidation on this matter from BSC and more experienced diners, since this electrotacky spectacle looked like a fun thing to inflict on friends and family As for the aforementioned Mee Krob and the lemongrass dressing that comes with the Crispy Watercress, they had the strangeness good ethnic food should have, while the ginkgo entree was just spicier comfort food, and the Liang Soup split the difference between those poles
(2)Stella H.
The best Thai restaurant in Boston! The atmosphere is really nice. Food is really good. Its taste is REAL Thai. Also some food can be spicy, be careful. (but spicy makes food taste good). Food is various. There are many Thai food that even in Thailand, it is difficult to find the place to eat.
(5)Brianna R.
This place is amazing. Everything about it. The decore is authienic and beautiful. The food is always spot on. Their service is friendly and super helpful. They put on a nice production for people celebrating birthdays. I bring my parents here everytime they come to Boston to visit me.
(5)Lauren L.
Bought a car down the street, and came here for a solo dining experience alone to celebrate. I thought I'd be alone here at 5 PM on a Saturday night when I walked in, but the place was bustling! I ordered a "special" off the menu, vermicelli rice noodles with Tamaraind sauce. It was phenomenal. Service was good. Excellent, excellent.
(5)Ice cube X.
I guess they have changed the chef, the taste is going down.
(3)Big S.
everyone i was with loved this place although i cant say i was the biggest fan. the veggie tom yum soup was good. we each got a different dish but i got country pad thai and i thought it was saucy. i like bamboo up the street a bit more. the place was crowded and everyone seemed to like it, maybe i ordered the wrong dish
(3)Kimberly H.
Great place for dinner with a group. The menu has plenty of options and great appetizers for sharing. A friend and I split the Drunken Noodles (flat rice noodles, onions, green beans, basil leaves, and hot peppers stir-fried) and Basil Fried Rice (spicy fried rice with fresh Thai basil, red onions and peppers) and they were NOT disappointed! Great flavors and textures with a punch of heat. I think my favorite part of the night was the little dance party they put on as a Happy Birthday for the table next to us! Lights out, disco ball on! For a second I thought there was a malfunction with the music, but then I realized it was just part of the program. Can't wait to surprise a first timer on the their birthday next time! The service was friendly, they take group reservations, and it's right off a T stop. See you soon Brown Sugar Cafe!
(4)Maya S.
The reason i"m downgrading the stars is because of the service we received at the end. The owner/manager lady actually followed us to the exit, CALLED us out and ASKED for MORE tips. Who the heck does THAT?? Extremely insulting to put it very mildly!! And this was when we had actually tipped them above and beyond what's generally expected at restaurants! Mind you, we were only 5 people at the table and not a large group!! Ughhh...not going back in there. EVER.
(1)Shelby J.
I love brown sugar cafe. Delicious,FRESH, and great portions. I have introduced friends and family to this place and always ask to go back when visiting here. You can't go wrong with the pad Thai, drunken noodle, mango fried rice, and fried ice cream. The food arrives relatively fast, even when crowded.
(5)Eric K.
My chilli duck could've used more duck....but the pad thai was awesome and the mango fried rice as well. Great layout, good service; a true gem for Thai food in the city of Boston.
(4)Colin K.
Brown Sugar Cafe is my favorite Thai place in the Allston area. I've only ordered their noodle entrees, but they have a nice pad thai and their Drunken Noodle is delicious if you like an extra kick. If you like dumplings, I recommend the Thai Ravioli. If you don't like dumplings, I apologize, that's just sad. Their dining room is a decent size for restaurants in the area and has a nice ambiance for dates. They also do takeout/delivery if you are like me and just want to shovel pork and noodles into your face.
(4)Wendy K.
Quite tasty! We got the tofu laab and the 3 Stooges, as well as a Thai iced coffee. The food came very quickly, and the service was good. There is a huge variety of dishes available so we will certainly be back to try more! The interior was nice- a bunch of people mentioned the tables being close together but I didn't feel crowded, and it's not loud as the ceilings are nice and high.
(5)Julia D.
Green Curry HEAVEN! I asked for Thai hot and actually got it! Great sticky rice as well. I can't wait to back. Nice ambiance and good service.
(5)Anne W.
I just went here last night for my friend's bday and first of all, I was surprised how many people come here for their bday! It was like three bdays in one night.. our table being the largest of 28 people. So when it's your bday.. they do this corny thing where they turn off all the lights, turn on disco lights, and play happy bday to you (sung by an Asian man/woman) over the speakers.. oh, and I believe they give you a free ice cream to the bday boy/girl. So corny but cute! Parking kind of sucks around this area... you just have to drive around, park illegally at Star Market nearby, or drive around... The menu is extensive.. a little too much to decide between. Honestly was about 10 pages full of choices.. between Americanized, House Specialties, Noodles & Soups, Thai traditional, etc. I was overwhelmed... so I ended up picking somethinig that just sounded good. It was a seafood stir fry with crab, shrimp, etc. Personally, I would stray away from things like Pad Thai or other boring traditional dishes.. partly because.. it can't really taste that much different between restaurants so you might as well try something different. I think the people who didn't like this place complained about it. It was really good! I was surprised. Not a five star because my favorite Thai place is in San Diego. Even better Thai food resides in Australia.. but they are just good at everything Asian out there. Even though I got my food last.. they actually handled our large party like a pro. No, they didn't bring it out all at once.. it came out in waves. But.. they knew what everybody got without asking again.. it came out within half an hour... and they got everybody their to go boxes immediately. Bill came promptly after that with having no problems reducing the cash.. providing change.. etc. Pretty solid place. I heard they used to have a branch open out in Fenway... oh well, this place is just as good. I would definitely come again.
(4)Guillermo M.
Really good thai food! Every plate we ordered had really good flavor. We had a variety of appetizers and every one of them I liked: vegetable rolls, spring rolls, chicken sping rolls, scallion pancakes. For entree we got a shrimp with vegetables and coconut milk plate that was amazing. Highly recommend the fried ice cream. The best part is the birthday celebration! Good option to bring your friends here.
(4)Delphine M.
Yummy. I don't recommend the sit-down service, prices are highly elevated, portions are smaller and service isn't great. But if you grab take-out during their lunch hours, you're in for a treat. Their pad thai is sweet and flavorful, and the drunken noodles had a great spiciness to them. Plus the portion is filling for under ten bucks, score! I take out from them often when I'm working in the area.
(4)Yen S.
Food came out quick. Server was efficient and friendly. Sauces: delicious. We had the seafood hotpot and for the price expected a bit more seafood. The duck choo chee was one of the best--veggies fresh and sauce was de-licious: plenty of duck. Pad Thai was not extraordinary: have had better. Overall: good place to go to try good Thai cooking. Price a bit high. Portions good. will try again.
(4)Allison L.
I prefer going 2 blocks down the street to Super 88 for Thai food. I'm a vegetarian and I've been underwhelmed by the vegetarian dishes at Brown Sugar--the vegetables are often undercooked and it's nothing special. The dishes at Smile Thai in the Super 88 are bigger, cheaper, and better; and I usually get takeout so I don't care about the dining experience. One thing I do like about Brown Sugar is that they'll happily omit fish sauce and help you make a dish vegan. Edit for vegans: I usually like to order something more exciting than pad thai, but the best dish I've found here is the country pad thai, no fish sauce. Still tasty.
(3)Rathore V.
We sat outdoors on a nice sunny day. Excellent food, great company. We had the pineapple fried rice, and a couple of chicken entrees I can't remember. But they were fantastic. The Thai iced tea is fine as well.
(5)Jen D.
Just had a fantastic dinner here on a first date. We got pad Thai & a charbroiled beef salad. The pad thai was very good, and the beef was done superbly: not overcooked, nice char on the outside, juicy and tender on the inside. Lovely. Sadly, I'm only interested in seeing the restaurant again...It's a little bit of a trek from where I currently live, but I will be back because I want to try the chili scallops!
(5)Christopher Z.
Had dinner here last night before a concert at The Paradise (just a block away) and was very impressed with the Thai food. I went with a friend who had spent a few months in Thailand and even SHE was impressed! It was a Friday night at 8 PM so the place was jumping, but we managed to grad two of the four seats at the bar and were served quickly. The Panang Coconut Curry was delicious and flavorful, but my favorite was the "Old Lady Spicy", which is NOT for old ladies, let me tell you that. This dish brought some serious heat. It has roasted Thai eggplant, peppers, green beans and sweet basil in Chef's Special Sauce and can come with beef, pork, chicken, etc...A couple of Singha beers helped to cool the palate down. It was fantastic. Apparently, Brown Sugar is the place to go for birthday's because while we were there on three separate occasions, the music came down, the lights went off, and a rousing disco version of "Happy Birthday" filled the air, with a crazy laser-light show around the table of the birthday guest. Everyone clapped and sang a long, and it was a hoot!!! If you are in the West Campus area looking for some tasty Thai food, check it out!
(4)lil s.
I ordered the coconut pudding for dessert -- it was horrible. The coconut milk was rancid! They also charged me for a refill on my diet coke. Who does that? I used to like this place but the quality of food has gone down hill over the years. Very disappointed.
(3)Khoa N.
One of the better Thai restaurants in Boston. Although good Thai places are not lacking in this city. Brown Sugar has a fun atmosphere. If you come on the weekends for dinner, high chances you'll experience their exciting way of celebrating someone's birthday. Lights will dim, disco lights will spin, and a loud Happy Birthday song will burst though the speakers for the entire restaurant. You won't be able to help but join in with the cheering and clapping for during the festivity. The food is good. The basil fried rice is so spicy you'll always remember it. Everything else is as good. I try to venture outside my usual dishes of drunken noodles, country pad thai, basil fried rice, kua gai, etc. to try more of their specialties. It'll take me a while to go through the list of their massive menu, and also because I'm so drawn to my already established favorite dishes. But one day, I'll make my way through most of them!
(4)Michelle C.
I've driven by this place a million times but never stopped in.....until yesterday with friends visiting from out of town. Started with scallion pancakes which were nice and crispy, but definitely needed the ginger sauce for flavor. Also tried the spare ribs which was fall off the bone goodness...nice and crispy on the outside and tender in the inside. The Paradise noodle was fresh and tasty and the portions are huge! The waitstaff was friendly and attentive.
(3)N W.
The most amazing pad thai for a very reasonable price! The dishes are relatively large, so splitting them are a great option. Extremely fast service, whether you're in the restaurant or are doing take out. My take out was ready in less than 15 minutes!
(4)Feedbag T.
Probably the best Thai restaurant in Boston at the moment. Their spare ribs,which are topped with a delicious honey based sauce, are divine. Service has always been quick, special orders delivered correctly, all with a smile. The best.
(4)j k.
Pros: Great quality thai food. Romantic ambience. Cons: It's a tiny restaurant, and this place is really pOpular (though rightfully so). And it's always packed with people at meal times, tables are very close together, noise level can be a bit high, and waiting for a table is pretty standard.
(4)Christine H.
I live right next door, so this is my go-to thai place. Amazing food, amazing service, and amazing location. Super convenient being right on Commonwealth. There's a huge selection of food and not to mention it comes out really quick. I've been here a few times, and I always left full and satisfied. My favorite is the pad see ew with their thai iced tea (not recommended if you're watching your weight - packed with calories). Not to mention their friend ice cream - yum. (Getting hungry just writing about it) If you ever get the chance, come here for yours or your friends birthday. It's so much fun, and super amusing. The only thing is that their prices a bit high. Definitely not a place to go if you're low on money. But totally worth it!
(5)Tammy T.
This is 4-star food but down a notch because of how expensive it is. I've never actually been to the actual location (ordered delivery a few times) so I'm rating the taste and pricing. I can't comment on the plating but the food did come nicely packed in plastic containers. Pad Thai Country Style - Tasty pad thai but I suggest those who cannot tolerate spicy food take caution. It's your typical pad thai but spicy-fied with bits of tofu and turnip. This is the best dish! Brown Sugar Mango Curry - Too sweet Green Curry - Your typical green curry, so nothing to write home about. Delivery can take a long time, so order early!
(3)Eva Y.
Came here with a friend a couple weeks ago and i ordered the masaman chicken curry and a thai iced tea. The chicken was a bit too dry/rough for my liking but the curry itself was just perfect.The thai iced tea was also a bit too sweet for my liking, but i would definitely come back here some time and give it another try.
(3)Danielle D.
Have ate both delivery and dine in from Brown Sugar. Their food is delicious and always hits the spot! Delivery is extremely fast. The one and only time the slightly messed up my order they comped meal for my next visit. Will continue to eat here weekly! You must try the crispy pad thai... Amazing!
(5)Darline T.
We came to Brown Sugar on the recommendation of my cousin who lives in Quincy but frequently visits BSC and as a vegan, as long as there was sushi I knew I would have found something to eat so I didn't bother doing research but boy what a surprise! We arrived with family in tow around 5:30-6:00pm on Tuesday and we were greeted and seated promptly. Our waitress got right into it and got us started on appetizers; I didn't get anything but the family got Crab Rangoon and another dish I can't remember, but I do recall them slurping right through it so I'm sure they enjoyed it. I can't recall the name of the dish I ordered but it contained lightly fried tofu with DELICIOUS mushrooms, Chinese broccoli and other mixed vegetables with an add-on of asparagus (which they didn't even charge me for and it would have been only $1; where here in Providence they charge you $4 for 4-6 spears!). I usually have a hard time telling my server my list of ingredient exclusions but as soon as I said I was vegan, she immediately said it'd be made with soy sauce and would ensure no animal-by products would be in the dish. 0_o Imagine my delight when I didn't even have to go into some confusing detail about "why" I can't have it but I guess I need to come to Boston more often! I took one bite and the next thing I knew, my family was telling me to "slow down, you're not even breathing!" It was that flipping amazing! We were all extremely happy with our dishes but our only unanimous complaint was that they lacked the "friendliness" of most restaurants but their atmosphere definitely made up for it. All in all, I will definitely come back here and oh boy, I can't wait!
(4)Michael B.
Great spot for some very good quality thai food. Beyond their delicious pad thai and pinapple fried rice staples, their yellow, red, and masaman curry are flavorful and hearty. The drunken noodle is great if you have a love for spicy food (I mean teary eyed spicy) and I love their fried tofu triangles. It would take months to try every dish, so I would suggest trying one of the aforementioned dishes or something from the "chef's special" part of the menu before venturing out. Great place for takeout, as they are really fast and their metal takeout containers are perfect for keeping your food warm for a long while. A bit on the pricey side, but many times I can only finish half a main dish so it lasts a couple of meals. As a side note, I find their chicken to be a bit bland and spongy sometimes, but their tofu is done really well so when in doubt, go vegetarian. Would deffinately recommend to friends and family.
(4)Youna S.
Came here during late brunch on a graduation day but got seated right when we walked in (for 2 people). I walked in with a flannel, cardigan, and yoga pants but felt a bit out of place since everyone else in the restaurant seemed to be wearing something...nicer. The decorations were a bit fancy- pretty cute! I've been to Noodle St and Nud Pob, and really really enjoyed the food (no complaints at all). However, Brown Sugar topped those two restaurants. We ordered the Thai Fried Rice and the Drunken Noodle. I was warned that the Drunken Noodle can get a bit spicy but since I love love spicy food, I added a bit more hot sauce onto my plate. It got really spicy, but going back and forth with the noodles and the fried rice made the noodles less spicy. Both dishes were beyond delicious. The fried rice isn't just any kind of fried rice....and the drunken noodle isn't like any other at different restaurants..... The best Thai food I've ever had. Halfway through our meal my sister was telling me how they once sang a happy birthday song to one of the customers. Luckily, I was able to experience this the first and only time I came. I didn't notice that music wasn't playing in the background. They turned on a tune that slowly led into the Happy Birthday song and they dimmed the lights. They flashed a couple of lights around the table that was celebrating a birthday. It was cute! Had an overall good first time experience.
(5)Evelyn L.
Just so good. The Pad See Ew and Beef Fried Rice are my go-tos. Also, if you're with a friend tell them it's his/her birthday ;)
(5)Tory P.
absolutely love this place. awesome noodles, fresh veggies, and good spice. highly recommend the drunken noodle, and the tofu is actually pretty good. compared to Noodle Street and Nud Pob, this Thai place is my favorite!
(5)Felix G.
Delicious Pad Thai and green curry! Really outstanding thai food, way above the average. Not that expensive. Love it there!
(4)Marine C.
The food is mediocre, but the environment and service are nice.
(3)Kathy N.
Came here for dinner a week ago. I thought I would be impressed because this place has gotten so many good reviews but surprisingly I wasn't. I ordered the treasure bags as an appetizer and they were shaped in a weird way that I've never eaten them before, but to each their own style. It was sort of spicy too which I wasn't expecting. After, I ordered the yellow curry with chicken. I thought the chicken tasted really rubbery and the curry was way to hot for me to fully enjoy. I've had better curry that was less spicy and better treasure bags elsewhere. My white rice was really more like a sticky rice too which I didn't like. Overall, I'd pick Thai Basil in Copley over this place anytime!
(3)Liz W.
After hearing about Brown Sugar for years, my boyfriend and I finally decided to give it a try. We aren't thai food pros, so much of the menu was foreign to us. We decided to stick with what we knew. We got the brown sugar spare ribs to start and they were dripping with a wonderful sweet sauce and the meat fell right off the bone. I love crab rangoons, so we had to give those a try too. they were decent. Definitely not the best I've had but certainly not the worst. I probably wouldn't get them again, though. For our main course, we split the crispy chicken pad thai and drunken noodles with beef. The pad thai came out as regular chicken pad thai with a sliced piece of fried chicken on top. We probably could have skipped the "crispy" part. It was delicious - the perfect amount of sauce, not oily, not too sweet and the perfect amount of citrus. I'd definitely get it again. The drunken noodles were also delicious, but VERY spicy. We should have known when the waitress asked "is spicy okay?" that it would be packing heat. We are both spicy food fans, and definitely not wimps when it comes to spice, but we both agreed that we would have enjoyed it much more had it be a bit less spicy. All in all, we had a great meal. The service was extremely fast and friendly. I only wish they served booze - the beer and wine selection was less than mediocre
(4)Kyle T.
While it did not occur at the restaurant itself, this is the restaurant my fiancee and I went to the night I proposed. The first restaurant we went to on a date night in Boston when I visited her in college, and now we both live here. The food is fantastic, large portions, and the atmosphere is intimate. The tables are close together, but it's a restaurant on Comm Ave and they're just trying to fit in customers, so no real fault in that. The thai iced tea is a delicious drink. Do not underestimate the spiciness! I am a fan of spicy food, and asked them to make a pad thai dish as spicy as they could; it was wicked good, but I may have come to regret my request later that night and throughout the next day for other reasons. But it's good to know that they accommodate requests for dishes, as I like spice and my fiancee prefers much milder spices. The curry dishes are great, and the fried ice cream is a great finish to every meal. I don't go here too often, because I have never been dissatisfied with my meal and I don't want to ruin how awesome Brown Sugar is by going too frequently. I've still gone more than handful of times, and would recommend this restaurant to any thai food lover. Very reasonable prices for Boston, and what I feel to be one of the hidden gems just outside Allston.
(5)N S.
BSC is a hidden gem in between BU and Allston. I've missed it. Recently, I hosted a work event there and everyone was raving about their choices. The food is excellent consistently. That said, one of our waitresses was a bit curt, enough for my guests to remark. Not cool. Everyone has bad days, so I recommend it strongly.
(4)Ashley L.
I frequented Brown Sugar throughout college and often come back when I'm in town. The menu is HUGE (as are the portions), but once you figure out what you'd like it doesn't take long for the food to be served. The Kua Gai is a definite favorite. I recently tried their Pad Thai, which is not like any other I've had before. Not my favorite but that's just my opinion. I can however, always count on Brown Sugar for consistency and good quality Thai food.
(4)Kat O.
No complaints here, I had red curry and it was phenomenal. My friend also had a few appetizers for her meal and they were all yummy. Service was wonderful too, everyone was friendly. Tons of options, you can't go wrong!
(5)Frank B.
So far, for food quality, this is my favorite Thai restaurant in the greater Boston area. I've had Scallion Pancakes, Pad Thai, Pad Thai Country Style, Drunken Noodle, Tom Khar Gai, and a green curry dish. My favorite so far is the drunken noodle. I believe the soup has chicken broth, so check first before ordering the "vegetarian" option. The atmosphere is fine, the fish fun to watch. The map in the back is fun. I have been here over 5 times. I prefer this location for food quality over their sister location in Cambridge.
(3)Josephine L.
Ehhh..... Nice decor, fair prices (perfect for dates if you're in college/on a budget), friendly service, trippy birthday routine (think strobe lights and loud "Happy Birthday" dance remix), but the food itself is just okay. I probably shouldn't have come here less than a week after having an authentic Thai feast at S&I Thai with two Thai friends, but hey, that's life. Tom Yum soup: One of my favorite soups in the world, but BSC's was just mediocre. Not spicy enough, not sour enough, a little too sweet in a bowl that's just a wee bit small to be costing almost $4. Disappointing. Red Curry: I asked for hot. Spicy. I got bland. Not even a hint of spicy. As in, nary a chili flake or seed to be seen. Our waitress actually offered to send it back to make it more spicy, to which I reluctantly agreed (with visions of line cooks spitting in my food dancing in my head). When it came back, it was maybe half a degree spicier than bland. Which is to say, barely noticeable. I gave up. The curry itself was all right. A tad too sweet for me, but nicely seasoned overall. Vegetables and chicken were appropriately crunchy/tender. Siamese Twins: Think I preferred this because it had more flavors going on. Plus, you can't beat food served in a fruit. Mango Curry: Fine. Vegan-friendly if that's what you're looking for. Still a tad to sweet for me, and I've grown up with Thai/Malaysian food. All in all, a good choice if you're in the area and what something filling for not too much, but I wouldn't make a special trip "just cuz".
(3)Ole R.
Delicious Thai food and good service! A lot of food, so dont't worry about not getting return on your money
(5)Hayley M.
Pad Thai is Pad Thai which is... Pad Thai, right? Wrong. I've been to Brown Sugar a bunch of times. Normally, my friends and I order take-out from Rod Dee, but on occasion we like to leave the house and actually sit in a restaurant. Brown Sugar is that restaurant. Typically I order Pad Thai there, since they have several varieties (regular, spicy, seafood, soft-shell crab), I can mix it up. I like to live, but not too crazily. However, Brown Sugar revolutionized Pad Thai and has since rocked my world. They had Pad Thai served inside an omelette. INSIDE AN OMELETTE. Everyone loves those egg bits, right? Wish there were more of them? Me too! Omelette filled (and I mean filled) with Pad Thai and a side of bok choy. I love it when someone takes a dish I've had a million times and somehow improves upon it. Doesn't happen all that often. But now I may have a new favorite Thai dish. Epic. UPDATE TO MY UPDATE: Just got back from Thailand. That's how they serve Pad Thai. In an omelette. Way to be authentic, Brown Sugar!
(4)Ross G.
Best takeout Thai. This review is only for takeout. I have ordered from many other Thai restaurants in Boston and this is hands down the best value for your $. Pad thai is great, but the house specials are where it is at. Lemongrass Beef, and 3 Cups Chicken are amazing. Delivery is fast, and prices are cheap. If you crave Thai, order from Brown Sugar.
(5)Mike M.
andrea and i had a great time at this restaurant. the atmosphere is very mellow but bright enough were i didn't feel as if they were hiding anything. I forget what i ordered as we went there about a month ago. I do remember, even now that i should give it a positive review. I also remembered i went back the next night and was equally as satisfied. Good job.
(4)Arturo C.
Excellent pad thai, panang curry and mango rice
(5)Priyanka R.
By far the best bang for your buck when it comes to Thai food in Boston! From the moment you walk in the ambiance as well as the service is absolutely amazing. I have had the drunken noodles and the country style pad thai and both were extremely tasty. The portions are fairly big and its a great place to go on a date or with friends. After ordering, the food came out fairly quickly and the waiter was extremely attentive, even if our glasses were one-fourth empty our water was refilled immediately! A definite extra star for the amazing service! I love the fish tanks and the setup of the restaurant. After we finished eating and paying the check we stayed behind to talk for about an hour. They did not say anything and even kept refilling our water. All-in-all a GREAT restaurant! Right across from the T (green line) - extremely accessible by the bus as well! No excuse for you to not have some great Thai food!
(4)Megan B.
I would have never thought to come here if I hadn't lived by the babcock t station while in college, but this is an amazing thai restaurant. The menu is a little pricey for Thai but worth it. I have brought numerous guests here who visit Boston and they are always impressed. I recommend the Kua Gai, Pinapple Chicken Cashew dish (it is served in a half pineapple), and the fried ice cream to finish off the meal. If you need some entertainment tell them someone at the table is celebrating a birthday. You'll get a little entertainment but know that they won't comp the dessert.
(4)Benjamin T.
First of all, my experiences coming here was fun. If you go here with a group of friends and you guys like to tell jokes and be loud this is a good place to be. The restaurant is lively. When someone's birthday comes up they turn off the lights and random happy birthday music plays with someone holding a flashlight swinging it around. Its pretty funny and random sometimes. The food is good and it's affordable. The design of the restaurant is pretty good. The staff is also kind. Over all the enjoyed my time at brown sugar
(4)Angel C.
These guys are pros. I went with a group of about 30, and the service was top notch. People got their dishes and drinks and the servers knew exactly who got what. The food came out relatively fast, which I found impressive given a group this big. They came by a few times to see if people needed anything and fulfilled requests promptly. The bill also was taken care of speedily. Again, kudos to their service. As for the food, I've been here a few times, and it's one of my favorite Thai restaurants in Boston, so the food did not disappoint. This time I got the Virgin Island - a combination of shrimp and veggies with pieces of coconut, in a coconut curry sauce, served inside a coconut. That's right, they bring out a coconut, and the food is inside! These guys get creative with their presentation in some of their dishes; it's awesome. They also make the best fried ice cream I've ever had. The dough on the outside is flavorful and not too thick, the ice cream stays cold inside, and they drizzle it with honey and sesame seeds. YUM!!
(5)Aaron L.
Went for lunch today. The Basil pad Thai is excellent with tons of unique flavor. The setting is nice (high ceilings and comfy) and the service was great. An excellent Thai restaurant priced correctly.
(4)Winston G.
Been here probably over 50 times during my years at BU... Just came back again tonight - the pad see you, the pad thai, and the brown sugar duck are the three dishes I order most. All are delicious. Lunch menu is the same, but definitely cheaper than the same items for dinner, so if you're looking to save a few bucks on noodles, get lunch here. Not the cheapest Thai food for dinner, but won't break the bank either. Oh, tootsie rolls on the way out fo sho.
(5)Bryan R.
I most frequented their other location, which is now closed and is now another Thai restaurant but definitely not Brown Sugar. Normally I would avoid Commonwealth Avenue but would venture the trip for this location. I really enjoy their variations on the normally boring and bland Pad Thai, which I am typically embarrassed to order because I don't like ordering the 'safe' item on the menu, I usually like to color outside the lines when it comes to culinary choices. However, these Pad Thai options are great and stand on their own, great options for someone looking for something with perfectly layered flavors, both sweet and spicy. There is little to no parking, probably the down fall for their other location which we were never able to find parking for. We would drive around for sometimes up to an hour to get a parking spot. For this location usually just as bad, if not worse, even at off hours. The other dishes are above average but not show stoppers like their Pad Thai's. The drunken noodles and crab fried rice are definitely not the best that I have had. Their 'one trick' pony options are probably why they get such mixed reviews.
(4)Diane H.
OMG I LOVE THE BIRTHDAY SONG. i got to hear it twice in one sitting :) anyways, the atmosphere is very nice..very chatty...kinda dim, not really. the tables are set up nicely, very pleasant appearance. they have a fishtank with nemo and dorey!! i ordered the crispy chicken pad thai $12.95, delicious...and green tea fried ice cream..mm wish there was another ball and it was bigger though, but we can only wish. $5.95 my friend got this tofu app, i think it's an app, comes with this sweet/sour sauce/thing. it was okay, taste like tofu so dip it in the sauce!! my other friend got the crispy noodle pad thai and that was very different. i liked it :) their expresso friend ice cream was a bit strong though... i can't wait for someone's birthday so i can come back and hear the birthday song!! they legit dedicate a min to singing you the song with dessert and all the lights out. plus they use real candles at the table.
(4)here t.
Well, all I can say is just cause sugar is in your name, doesn't mean you have to put it in every ingredient. OK well I exagerate a bit but really, every dish was kind of a mess of flavors. Too much of everything. The Headline of This Review should be--GivesThai a Bad Name. Wings appetizer: oddly flavored... "soapy" was the reaction as well as greasy Shrimp based main dish: tons of cocoanut milk, sweet, and a mess of flavor Salmon: pretty good- lots of too sweet cocoanut, but not overcooked. again, poorly conceived dish. I wanted to give more stars but well, they just seem to be slinging this stuff out as the students have returned.
(2)Mike D.
I went here for diner a few months back. The style of thai is definitely amercanized and sweet tasting but also good. The space is a bit crowded with parties right next to you, literally at elbow's width. The service is a good and attentive. The prices are fairly expensive but the food quality is worth giving it a try.
(4)Isabella L.
Thai food galore. Who can go wrong when you enter the doors and you see a crazy packed place on a Saturday night? The prices can be steep for the dishes, but considering the amount that is served, you can basically share everything! Also, the food here is really tasty, flavorful and high quality. My only complaints and the reasoning for the 3 stars would be the elbow-to-elbow seating arrangements and small tables for fitting all of the dishes. It was too cramped to eat and enjoy my company. I would probably preferred ordering food out. It was however pretty lively. Also, when I went last time, there was a birthday celebration, and although I give the restaurant props for having a fun filled bday shoutout and sing-a-long, I think turning off the lights was a bit much. Their other patrons including myself could not see a thing during the five minute "Happy Bday" serenade. I would definitely recommend the Duck in Red Curry, which was very sweet and the Spicy Watercress appetizer (I forgot the name but it was fried watercress with a spicy lime salad dressing). I would recommend trying their sister restaurant, The Similians. It is REALLY REALLY good Thai food.
(3)Jen K.
Definitely my favorite Thai place. Awesome service, love the decor, great food and the best iced coffee ever! I've literally gone there just to get iced coffee. Try the brown sugar spare ribs - unreal
(5)Kim V.
I must have passed by this place a few hundred times on my way to and from school. Finally a friend decided he wanted to meet here and I tried it out. It was ok, but I can't say that anything really stood out. So many people kept telling me how good it was, so I'm glad I had a chance to see for myself.
(3)H T.
Reasonably priced Thai food. Tons of options on the menu. The food here is great! Beware of the Drunken Noodle dish. I felt as though I can breath fire with that super spicy dish. It's more manageable with a side order of rice. Service is good for all the times I've been there. Somewhat small. Ambiance is a bit dark but works for me.
(5)Yan L.
I really don't get what's so good about this place. I got the pad thai and it was horrible. It was too sour (because there was too much sauce) and salty. The shrimps were not devained and far from fresh, which added this funny stench to each bite. You can get better pad thai at any other Thai restaurant in Boston. The mango curry was ok, but not deserving of much praise, and the chicken in this dish was overcooked. We got the fried ice cream for dessert, which was way below expectations. In my mind, fried ice cream is suppose to be special because they actually take very frozen ice cream and batter it and deep fry it. But when our fried ice cream came, it wasn't hot at all, and the skin was not crispy. I'm pretty sure what they did was just to "fry" the batter skin beforehand, and somehow attach it onto the ball of ice cream afterwards. That is NOT fried ice cream. Service was bad too. The wait staff seemed annoyed of their work, so don't expect a smile. I would strongly recommend against this place. If you want decent Thai food, go to Thaitation or Rod Dee instead.
(1)Derrick P.
Very ordinary, lack-luster food. Ordered delivery and suffice it to say, the only thing I liked was the bag that the food came in. Unless the food is atrocious, usually several things have to go wrong for me to give a 2-star review. 1. Order: a few surprises. First, at the end of my order they mentioned a $20 minimum. Fine, I ordered an appetizer and my bill came up $9 higher, well over the $20 mark. Second, not until I placed my order when they said that it would take over an hour for the food to arrive (and it's already 830pm). Third, it wasn't until I was at my door when the delivery man mentioned that they don't take credit card. 2. Food: a few disappointments. - Tom Kha Gai soup - nothing special...no real spices and the chicken was dry and over cooked. The soup had no sour zest to it, just pure watered down coconut broth. One of the most basic Tom Kha soups I've had. - Chicken Satay - figured this would cheer me up. Again, a tremendous disappointment, actually one of the worst chicken satay's I've had. The chicken was overcooked, thick, and very dry on the inside. Not sliced thinly and marinated on the inside. Dipped it in peanut sauce instead, but only tasted something sweet and not too strong in flavor - like the Tom Kha, it was watered down and had a single flavor: weakly sweet. I tried a second stick, but had to put it down. - Country Style Pad Thai. I hate to say this, but some of the worst Pad Thai I've had. The chicken was the same old overcooked and dry strip pieces from the Tom Kha soup and the shrimp were small and shriveled. The bamboo shoots weren't fresh and the peanut powder was clumped together in a wierd way. The noodles were cheap and not your traditional pad thai noodles. Overall, tremendous disappointment. I'm not sure how other Thai restaurants compare, but this is some of the most unimpressive Thai food I've had. I can think of a dozen cities/suburbs less cosmo than Boston that serve better Thai food. Perhaps the atmosphere makes up for it - at least the bag was nice and I'm sure the website is too - but, on service and FOOD alone, I won't be back.
(2)Saira K.
What a brilliant use of brown sugar. This is probably one of the best Thai restaurants I've eaten at. I especially love the Shrimp Cashew Nut and the pad thai, although there are lots of great items on the menu.
(4)John L.
Too be honest, after reading the reviews I was looking forward to a meal here so much that I brought my siblings along. We each got pad thai and fried ice cream. One big complaint I had was that the bean sprouts was put to the side and not fried with everything else. This just ruins the meal for me cause the cold bean sprouts taste weird unless it is together with every thing else. The ice cream was great and even had a cherry on it. Prices were a little high and with the disappointing pad thai, it was a bad meal for me in general. The fried ice cream was the saving grace.
(3)Michael L.
What to say that hasn't been said? PLENTY! Most people aren't dicks as soon as they walk into a place. I am! They seated my two friends and I in the middle of the front dining room, and I was like "ehhhhh." I asked to be seated against the wall because I curse a lot and hate sitting next to people who might be decent. They obliged kindly. The bathroom was rather undisgusting. It was also a single, so I was able to pick my teeth with a folded paper towel after eating. The waitress was attentive, bordering on overly so. She unfolded my friend's napkin and put it in his lap, which made him a little uncomfortable, which made me smile. She was extremely difficult to understand, but I am terrible at understanding accents so it's not a big deal at all. All beer (very small selection of 12oz bottles) was $4.50, and meals were $10-15. There was wine but I didn't bother. The menu has a section on what to drink with Thai food. I ignored what they had to say but liked that they had it there. It annoyed me that a side order of rice was like $3.99 I had "Comm. Ave. Noodle" and loved every bite. Every Thai place seems to have a wheat noodle stir fry dish, and I love them. Theirs was light on the sauce (+) and heavy on the veggies and chicken. I didn't specify my meat, so they gave me chicken, and I deserved it. I also asked that they make it spicy, because the dish had no tiny peppers next to its name. It came out very spicy, just barely peeking out at forehead sweat level. My friends had a nice time and delicious food as well, but screw them they can write their own review. I have not had better Thai food in Boston and will be making this walk frequently. It is a very pleasant restaurant to be in, as well as serving excellent food. Note: Music = Kenny G / house dance techno explosion
(5)Alyssa Z.
The environment was so good, and you can enjoy yourself without being disturbed. They even offered b-day cake when that day is some guest's b-day.
(4)Zhibo P.
I like their duck dish.
(4)Anna M.
My first night in Boston, my friend who lives close to Brown Sugar recommended we go here. Being starved after a semi-long flight and walking around in the pouring rain I was down for anything, as long as it was edible. The place was quite busy for an afternoon and the wait staff was friendly. I can't say I really enjoyed the food very much though. I've had so much better Thai for less expensive than here. The portions were pretty decent, but the flavor didn't deliver. Maybe they do Thai differently on the East Coast..
(2)Bassem S.
Do not doubt the heat! I often discount exactly how spicy food can come in New England as that generally is a good rule of thumb. And the wait staff often double checks my order, but to the point of crying wolf. So when I asked for the Basil Fried Rice to be hotter than normal, I thought nothing of it. However, that was a TERRIBLE idea! Not only was it too hot, but it was delicious! So, I just kept eating even though my nose was running and I was sweating and I drank my weight in water. But I would still go back... in a heartbeat. Great food (I also had the scallion pancakes), good portions, and easily accessible (easy parking out front).
(4)Sarah P.
Best Thai in Boston, actually one of my favorite restaurants in Boston/Brookline. EXTENSIVE menu, delicious and fresh flavors, great service, and well priced. The menu itself is several pages and ranges from your traditional Pad Thai (always a solid stand-by) to curry dishes to clean and fresh seafood options. The Pad See Ew is the best I've ever had, with thick flat noodles, chicken and broccoli in a sweet sauce... I always get this and balance it with a spicier dish for a bit of variety. Other favorites include their Green Curry and Tom Kha Gai soup with coconut milk and chicken, both of which can be adjusted to suit your spice preferences. The fried Tofu Triangles with sweet and sour sauce is also delicious; their tofu is smooth and perfectly crispy and can be eaten as a meal in itself or shared with friends for an appetizer. Portions here are very generous - usually enough for two meals. The wine menu is decent (not as extensive as their food menu but offering a quality selection.) And it doesn't hurt that they serve you on beautifully painted dishes in an atmosphere surrounded by exotic butterflies on the wall and exotic fish in the aquarium. The location is deceptively large - the wait is usually minimal if at all, and service is always prompt and courteous. They're open to adjusting the menu to fit your spice level (even if it's somewhat pitiful like mine.) I've brought quite a few friends and family here to eat, and we're always impressed with the food and flavors. This is the kind of place you can order anything from their menu and won't be disappointed.
(5)A P.
This place is by far one of the best Thai restaurants I have ever been to. I travel all around the country and an from Chicago where there are great places to eat as well. Everytime income to Boston I have to drop by. The food seems to just get better. If you know good food you will like this place.
(5)Janice S.
Visiting from Texas and this is the BEST Thai food I've ever had! Service was great, good was steaming hot, just spicy enough for my palette. Pad Thai was awesome and so were the fried bananas and coconut ice cream!!
(5)Lily L.
Too much pepper at the soup I ordered, but others are fine. I guess I am just not a big fun of it.
(3)G R.
Amazing !!! Whats more to say. Our food was incredible and staff very helpful and polite. My favorite Thai place now. !!
(5)Adil S.
The food is ok, the ambience on the other hand is great!
(3)Ana L.
If you love pad Thai you will love brown sugar!! The pad Thai and the pineapple fried rice are to die for!!
(4)Ido W.
Bottom line: I have been looking for a Thai restaurant I would like to go back to in Boston and I have finally found it. The attire is very unique, the service authentic and the food awesome. The pro's: The food. We had two dishes. One of them was a mango curry (marked as very spicy, but was not) and the other was a unique noodle dish called Thao soi. The portions were generous and lasted for more than two meals. The con's: You have to pay to get the food. This place is not cheap enough (in my opinion) to easily become a regular go-to dinner (at least not for me).
(5)Review H.
The Brown Sugar duck is amazing! Ask for it with crispy skin because once it was soft. Even though it's on their dinner menu I order it for lunch sometimes on the weekend. Suki Gai (beam thread noodle and cabbage) without broth is also really good-- so flavorful. This place is so awesome we'll drive out of our way with napping kids in the back seat to take out food!
(5)Flora Y.
I've been to brown sugar cafe several times for birthday dinners and they always had decent Thai food and solid service. I hadn't been to the restaurant for 2 years and a recent visit left me disappointed and frustrated. There was 8 of us for dinner to celebrate a friend's birthday. My husband ordered Chinese Broccoli with tofu and I've never had Chinese Broccoli THIS under-cooked at any restaurant before. It was hard & bitter and my husband couldn't finish it. The sauce was kinda bland too. The Nua Sub (minced beef with diced onions and tomatoes in madras curry spice gravy. served over flat rice noodles) caught my attention so I ordered that. It was my first time ever trying Nua Sub so I have I no basis for comparison, though it was a little too rich and salty for my taste. One of my friends had a curry dish and it was too salty. Other people didn't have problems with their dinner. So after an unsatisfactory meal for me, I was still feeling hopeful for the dessert platter. I placed the order and then we waited. Someone came to collect our dishes but he was in such a rush that he knocked over my water which spilled onto my jeans. I don't think he even apologized or maybe the noise of the restaurant drowned his voice (it was a busy night). I don't know. And then we kept waiting. and waited. and then 20mins later I asked one of the staff what happened to our dessert she said the kitchen is on it. We waited for another 10mins and I tried to get someone's attention but people just seemed to whiz by and ignore me because they were super busy? So I physically got up to talk to someone about our dessert and she said the kitchen will bring it out soon. Another 5mins later I was beyond frustrated. If the dessert takes more than 30mins to make it would have been nice to know ahead of time. But if it's just a platter to assemble ready-made desserts, why did it take so long? In the mean time, the staff knew we were waiting for this long and there was no apology from the restaurant. So we cancelled the dessert and left. Food ranged from meh to bad and service was absolutely terrible. Maybe it was just an off night but given there are many good thai food options in the area, I'm not planning to come back.
(1)Jeremy W.
This place is a little expensive but the food is good. I think the everything is delicious, but the BEST thing to get here is a special that's called something like seafood green curry fried rice. It's listed as a special, but it's always been there whenever I have gone. It's a little bit on the expensive side but I HIGHLY recommend it if you like Green Curry. It's a very large portion and so delicious. Overall though, It's definitely one of the better Thai places I've been to, but just a little expensive for me
(4)Erica Z.
I love this place! This was my go to restaurant when I was in college, whether family was visiting or I just didn't feel like eating in the cafe. There's an extensive menu, but I rarely strayed from my favorite: crispy pad thai. It is without a doubt the best pad thai I have ever had. Several of their appetizers are refreshing and delicious as well, and the thai iced coffee is a personal favorite. Friendly service, pretty decor. What's not to like?
(5)Kate L.
Yum!!! Great food pad Thai and curry delicious. Got side if crushed peanuts bc dish was lacking. Cute cozy ambiance.
(5)Yancey L.
I went there on May 21st, which is the netizen's Valentines day in China. And the restaurant didn't let me down. Food was great, I was actually surprised that they have so many kinds of duck dishes which are hard to find in other Thai restaurants but are exactly what i like. So I ordered Duck Choo Chee, not as that spicy as I expected (they put 2 chilly peppers besides this dish on their menu though), it tastes great. The meat is juicy and the curry is savory. I love their decoration inside the restaurant too. This is one of the best restaurants around BU area.
(4)Navin B.
Great food. We had shrimps, chicken salad and fried ice cream. Everything was really good. I just wish it had more space.
(4)Tim S.
First time here. We split veggie spring rolls and Mermaid Chicken. Delicious and the entree was enough for two.
(4)Tiffany F.
Best Thai food I've ever eaten! Hands down! The portions were huge the food was great. The menu of massive. The choices for food, drinks, and dessert were great. Also a great spot for vegetarians. I had the vegetable tempura and pad see ew. Had enough for anith full meal at home. So good! Highly highly recommend!
(5)Eric S.
I ordered the Soft Shell Crab Tempura, and the Barbeque Seafood. The deep fried soft shell crab was amazing, although I didn't realize that the price of $8.95 only included ONE crab and a whole mess of fried vegetables. The Barbeque Seafood was also amazing. The scallops were huge, there were quite a few shrimp in it, a bit of calamari, and it had a few decent chunks of salmon in it. It also came with slices of orange, grilled onions, grilled broccoli, grilled pineapple chunks, grilled peppers, and grilled tomatoes. The grilled tomatoes had a really weird texture that didn't really work with the rest of the dish, so I took them out, but everything else went together very well. It was $15.95 which is a bit on the expensive side for what you're getting, but it's VERY good.
(4)Ken C.
A good choice for a meal before hockey at Agganis Arena. Would earn 4 or 5 stars in other towns, but not in Boston.
(3)Gabriel U.
Brown Sugar has some damn fine Thai food. The menu is huge, the food comes quickly, and the service is friendly. Also, it's always someone's birthday inside, so if you want to dance to a weird techno-Thai version of "Happy Birthday" under crazy disco lights, this is the place to go. Only problem is that sometimes it takes awhile before they'll take your order.
(4)Amy C.
Being a recent domicile of Allston, MA, my roommate and I ventured down Commonwealth looking for good Thai food. My classmates at school recommended this place, so we thought hey why not? First, this place is hard to find if you are um-familiar with the streets of Boston; you really have to look to find it so just realize that when you're on Commonwealth to look really hard for the number. Once we walked in, the space inside is bigger than it seems. One thing I've realized/noticed about Boston is that stores tend to be elongated and not so wide. I ordered the vegetable Pad Thai because so many people think it's great. I was a little disappointed only because I've worked in a Thai restaurant, and while there are MANY ways to make Pad Thai, this wasn't one of the best. It was a little too tangy for my liking; when I think of GOOD pad thai, I think a blending of savory, sweet, tangy, and a little bit of a kick. My roommate got the broccoli and chicken, and she didn't realize that it was made with chinese broccoli (more bitter than regular broccoli). When I asked her how her food was, she said that it did have good flavors, and she seemed to have enjoyed it. Overall, it's not bad, but for what it is, it's just OK. It would really be hard pressed to not find something better.
(3)Matt R.
Best Thai in the city. Food comes out really hot and is ready in a few minutes every time.
(5)Vinny C.
I simply can't fathom why the people rate this restaurant so high. The decor is very nice, yes. But the food is very bland imo, even by Americanized standards. Went here a couple of times and ordered family style (multiple entrees and our group would share amongst each other) and the food in general was decent at best. The service was ok and the crowd wasn't bad either. Overall: We know there are a trillion Thai spots in the Boston area now and I've been to most of them. Brown Sugar Cafe is somewhere in the middle of that pile.
(2)Helen M.
This place gets really packed so make sure you come early. I've been to this place multiple times and I've left happy each time. The best app is the spareribs. So good! For entrees, I've had their pad thai and a seafood dish and both were delicious. I love coming here for birthdays because they play the fobbiest happy birthday song and come out with a fried ice cream. Perfect way to embarrass friends.
(4)Meagan F.
I think this place is one of the best Thai Restaurants in Boston. It is really clean, the service is friendly, and they do the best birthday celebration if you really want to embarrass your spouse. Strobe lights, loud music, AND the staff will whip out flashlights and blind you and your fellow diners if you ask real nice. Hey, maybe they are hoping that if they blind you, you won't see the lack of chilies in their food? Interesting thought! That being said, ALWAYS ASK FOR EXTRA CHILIES! They will happily bring them too you! Unfortunately, their food isn't punch-you-in-the face-until-you-cry spicy hot; it is more of a what's-that-on-the-tip-of-my-tongue-slightly-Âburning-oh-now-it's-stopped hot. Maybe I am a glutton for punishment, but give me some heat, baby! Their Tom Khar Ghai Soup is just ok. With the extra dried chili powder, you can kick it up a notch yourself. I love their Yum Woon Sen, which is aromatic with lots of celery leaves in it and has a vinegary punch at the end. Their Salmon with Caramelized Onions is a little sweet, but will cool your mouth down if you end up adding too many chilies to their dishes to compensate for their complete failure to burn the roof of your mouth on their own. What can I say, I love it hot, but sometimes I get a little too enthusiastic for their chilli sauce. As I said, it is one of the best in Boston for Thai, but it isn't going to compare to Thai food on the West Coast.
(4)Amy M.
The BEST Thai food in Boston. The BEST. And I've tried a lot. It might even be my favorite Thai food...ever? (Lived in San Francisco, LA, and Denver...) The Pad Thai is perfect, the curries are scrumptious, love the Thai Iced teas, and the atmosphere is just how it should be. I lived here in college and after and much after, too. PLEASE go. You won't be sorry, I promise.
(5)Nick D.
BSC is a BU staple. The food here is very good and reasonably priced. I feel like this is one of the more authentic Thai restaurants in Boston and does a good job in replicating some of the flavors you find there. Despite this they have all the "classics". I would recommend the Gaprow and sticky rice, although I haven't had a dish yet that I disliked. The staff is very friendly and some if not all are Thai, making the place all the more authentic. This place is awesome for birthdays! The whole restaurant goes dark when its time to get your cake and the reserved decor (walls lined with Thai art and butterflies, a huge tropical fish tank by the entrance) turns into an awesome disco laser show.
(4)Valerie V.
Best Thai in Boston, hands down. A little more expensive than your average Thai place but 100% fresh and worth it. The menu is daunting so be prepared to make a decision. I have tried many things on the menu and haven't been disappointed yet. Some favorites: Country Style Pad Thai, Old Lady Spicy, Two Bird in Clay Pot, Healthy Tofu, any of the curry dishes. If you are eating in, their Thai Iced Tea is excellent. Be aware: the delivery will take the full hour to arrive and you have to pay in cash.
(5)Wendy L.
My favorite Thai restaurant in Boston. They have a lot of seating but it still gets crowded during weekends... good thing they have delivery, fast delivery too! They are known for their loud birthday song though - must experience at least once. Food suggestions: Thai Spring Rolls (chicken) - yumm i love the sauce it comes with. Green Curry - sweet and a little spicy with a creamy touch Beef Gaprow - one of the spiciest dishes at BS, flavorful and great with sticky rice Beef Tender Pepper - feel like having some stir fry with spicy beef? get this! Duck Noodle Soup - best Thai style duck I've had, big portion too! 4 stars because they don't have the best Drunken Noodles and Tom Yum Soup. I still love a lot of dishes here - especially the curry. The menu is huge and I'll keep coming back to try more. Fast delivery too!
(4)Annette A.
It's not every day that I can spend very little money, get enough food to make me tip over in my seat, and still be able to enjoy everything thoroughly. Brown Sugar Cafe was as satisfying as it gets. I had a fantastic Mango Chicken Fried Rice dish that I could barely finish, but I was pushing myself to keep going, oh just one more bite... because it was just THAT good. I hope to come back here several more times. They had a huge menu and I instantly picked out 5 or 6 things that I couldn't decide between. Fortunately, it didn't empty out my wallet so I'll be able to follow through with making these hopes into reality. Also, on the service and environment note, this is an excellent place to go on a casual date. The place is dimly lit at night with candles and carnations at each table. Very cute, very comforting.
(4)Michael C.
Best Thai food in Boston hands down. Great food, nice atmosphere and very very good prices. Service is a bit rapid fire which gives you the impression these folks are trying to turn the tables but my advice is just ignore the subtle pressure and enjoy the dinning experience. The duck is awesome as are the drunken noodles. Serving sizes are generous. We ordered 3 dishes for six which was more than enough for the table.
(4)Tom E.
ALWAYS get the Tom Yum soup to start. They do one of the best Tom Yum soups you'll ever touch. Rich, sour and with a kick that's just enough to make your brow sweat a droplet. You're drooling now at the thought of it aren't you?
(4)Sean O.
Ah over the span of 12 years that I've gone there...they've just nailed it. It's a fine spot with fantastic crispy pad thai. Big fish tank is fun and zen to sit beside. The place is busy but somehow they get you seated. Again, Pad Thai, Crispy Pad Thai...don't show me the menu...it's knockout. The "Happy Birthday' riff they have on some lucky soul who is out with a group celebrating is great to witness. Good curry too...the coconut one. Neat, tidy, minimum fuss...you wander onto the street all happy and satisfied. Credit for not letting standards slip!
(4)Jillian O.
Some of the best Pad Thai i've ever had, definitely. It's just a little too pricey in my book @ $12/plate + tax. I eat here maybe 1ce a year, wish it could be more often!
(3)Tara T.
I came here with my family and friends once, back in college about 4 years ago. I had really fond memories of Brown Sugar Cafe from then, so I went back last night for takeout. It fell a little short. I shared a chive dumpling appetizer and it was tasty; had strong chive-flavor, which I enjoyed. The skin on the dumplings was a bit too glutinous however, and a bit too thick (not enough chive to dumpling wrapper ratio). The sauce that came with the dumplings was also a tad too sour for my taste. That being said, I'm far more used to the chive dumplings that Chinese restaurants make, so perhaps I just don't like the Thai-version as much. Also ate about 1/2 of my pad thai (with tofu). I know, I know - with so many exciting things on the menu, why would I pick pad thai? (I was feeling boring, alright?) It was fine, again a bit too sour for my taste. Lots of veggies (broccoli, squash, green beans, bean sprouts, etc.). I ended up adding a smidgen of salt to my entree. Found only a disappointing 5-6 pieces of tofu in my pad thai, but at least the tofu was very flavorful and juicy. All in all, not bad, but not as good as my nostalgia made it out to be. I would probably come back here for takeout, but I might steer clear of the pad thai next time.
(3)Caleb O.
Best Thai food that my fiance and I have had in Boston. I don't know if it is Americanized or not, but it's what I think of when I think of Thai food. Their pad thai was really good! A little expensive, would be nice if there were deals for this place, but I guess they do well enough in their business that they don't have to offer them. Yellow curry was great here! Other places we've gone: Thaitation--almost as good. Bangkok Bistro--great mango sticky rice but they're chicken yellow curry was a bit fishy and made my fiance sick.
(4)Lala I.
went there with my friend for lunch. Americanized thai food. food tasted good, but not the best thai ive ever had. relatively big portions. very cute waiter though.
(4)Dorothy W.
The BU kids love this place. When moms and dads come for a visit, it is one of the prime destinations in the area. Conveniently located, it's a very quick dining experience. A little too quick, for me. I barely glance at the menu- and am asked to order. Barely have a sip of wine- and my meal appears. Barely finish- and my plate is grabbed away. It's disconcerting. There's not a lot of ambiance here. It's just so rapid fire. I would not go here on a date. The portions are very generous and the food is a little sweet for my tastes. I also find the vegetables to be way overcooked. But if you have some BU students in your life who love you, take them here. They will love you even more and who can beat that?
(2)Liana K.
My favorite place for slightly overpriced elegantly presented fruity rice dishes! Can you get thai food for half the cost in other places? Yes. Is this one really that much better than the cheap place down your street? Not really. But will your dish be the prettiest of them all with salivating fruit displace? For sho!
(4)Ninja K.
EXCELLENT EXCELLENT EXCELLENT on all points. Food selection, quality, presentation Excellent! The wait staff is also Excellent. Pricing Excellent. A very nice place. Could be a fun spot for a first date.
(5)Stephanie C.
This is known staple in the BU area. And back when I was in Boston, I used to take the redline to Park St, the Green B line to Babcock Street.. commute took me an hourish (we all know how slow the T is). It was worth the commute because nothing in Cambridge can compare. As an Asian snob, man do I love their split menu: the Western Thai food.. flip flip flip to the back... the REAL Thai Menu. That's more for comical effect, though because it's all good. I come here for dinner; first time with some Brown Sugar true affecionados- and we ordered a loooot of food. A lot of the menu is redudant- key point. So, here's what to get (minus a few things): The house specialties: 1) Thai Chilli Fish...you know this dish...love it deep fried! I happen to think this is the best prep for bass mainly because it's kind of bland, and of course the basil leaves and chillies give it the sweet and spicy kick. Not too oily as it is in other places and de-boned (just the spine..there are little tid bits lying around still, this is the most annoying part). 2) The Seafood Volcano (more for the gimmack as it's lit on fire); my friends like this because of the choo chee curry sauce (which to me, is too watery), and I'm not crazy about the mussuels and random shellfish.. but that's me. Passable. 2) Duck! The first time we got the brown sugar duck, it was deliciously fried, with a good sweet/sour sauce. The second time: it was really dry and I fell out of love. So beware. People say the Rama Duck is good.. with the peanut sauce being the main event. 3) Brown Sugar Mango Curry- very fresh produce with chicken. Rice and Noodle: They do the standard, and they do it well with some unique twists. Pik Pow Fried Rice, kind of like Basil Fried Rice but not as hot; this is more Thai and less of a Western creation. Basil Fried Rice is a good alternative, still Pad Thai Country Style- the usu, *with turnip* :). Turnip is stir fried and a good play on texture. Drunken Noodle and doppleganger Kua Gai which is almost the same, but less hot. I love me the drunken- those are my fave. Soups and Apps: Tom Khar Gar- rich in coconut milk; don't bother with the Tom Yum, it's not sour enough (for those you who may think this is a good thing: aka not enough flavor for true Tom Yum lovers!) Apps: I wish they had curry puffs! The only thing standout (and it's rather ordinary): the tofu triangles. Standard peanut sauce. The wings sound good but they taste weird with minced chicken. I don't care for Asian desserts that much; but I hear good things about their coffee custard. For dessert, I usually opt out of an actual dessert and just order a crap load of Thai Iced Tea- that stuff is like crack. It's so good and you get a tall glass. Cheap at $2.50 (NY prices are nearing $4 for half the size). And it's perfect. All the components are there: tea, condensed milk, ice. Nothing else. It's a big warehouse type of restaurant. Decor is ok. Service is good. I remember the last time I went, we didn't order much (2 soups, and one Brown Sugar Duck) and they didn't pressure us to pay and leave despite a long line (and they are long, even at 7..Boston! The worst it gets is 30 minutes or so.) Prices are not bad. Standard $10-12 for noodles/rice, and up to $20 for entrees. I do recommend the entrees because some of them are truly unique. This places gets a 4 star because I have experience, more authentic and fresher Thai in Queens but it blows the run of the mill NYC "trendy" Thai places...out of the water, and definitely the rest of Boston,
(4)Celeste M.
We used to always pick up food from the other Brown Sugar location, but since it's closed, we come here now every once in a while. Big restaurant, good food, insane birthday ritual. The last time we went, I ordered a seafood volcano that was set on fire at the table. I was a little afraid I'd die, but I didn't (!) and the seafood curry was great. I wish the atmosphere were a little less cheesy with the birthdays, but you basically either have to take it or leave it.
(4)Lindsey H.
I've dined in and had takeout and this is a pretty good Thai place. I didn't love their tom yum soup, but their country pad Thai is quite good. I thought the curries were good.
(3)Ellie W.
I used to live near Brown Sugar on Comm Ave, so I've had Brown Sugar quite a few times...It's good Thai food, but nothing that special. For anyone who's familiar with BU area, it does NOT compare to Nud Pob! THAT is excellent Thai. Brown Sugar's pretty average, but good.
(3)P'raka ..
I don't think I've had a bad dish here but my current "usual" is the seafood volcano - veggies and seafood served in some amazing sauce with a side of rice. It does come out flaming (for show). My only issue with this place is that you can't get through a meal without someone in the restaurant having their birthday. Brown Sugar's Happy Birthday singing is very hard to ignore! It's over quick but after 3 or 4 times in one night you do get sick of it.
(4)Julie R.
I had been craving drunken noodles for a while and knew I must get them soon. I have always wanted to go to Brown Sugar and thought it was time to try it out. The Brown Sugar Spareribs we started with were amazing! Fall off the bone, crispy outside, juicy inside. I could of eaten them as a meal. Highly recommend. The menu was huge, I should of given something else consideration cause the drunken noodles were disappointing. They arrived and I instantly noticed they were dry looking, without much color. The noodles were matted together and they weren't that spicy. Ahhh I wish they were better. The portion size was huge though. Fiance had a basil duck that he enjoyed. It was mixed with generous peppers and basil with a side of rice. The prices for lunch are very reasonable. You can feed 2 people for around $20. Service was very prompt. I would return again but get something else.
(3)Rachel L.
Tonight was my first time at Brown Sugar, and my reaction was that it was only okay. The restaurant decor was very nice - decorated with Christmas lights for the holidays. The service was also good. They were fairly attentive and the food arrived to the table promptly. My expectations were high even through the appetizers (which had good presentation and were tasty). Where they fell short was our entrees. The food seemed fairly bland and unexciting. They definitely did not take any risks. I tried a taste of the yellow curry dish and it was only okay. It could have been better if it had a bit of a kick of spiciness. The pad thai was also only mediocre and the noodles seemed slightly overcooked. Would I go back? Perhaps, but not soon.
(3)mike y.
hands down my favorite tom yum noodle place !! but it's a bit pricey for a thai restaurant. big dining area. street parking.
(5)Amy R.
I'll go as far to say that this is probably the best Thai food I've had in years. My boyfriend and I have gone twice in the past month. I have no idea why I never ventured to Brown Sugar during my days @ Simmons College. I was definitely missing out! The first time I went, I had the Mango Chicken curry. This was extremely good w/ very fresh veggies. My only criticism would be the mango, I couldn't tell if a few pieces were a little past their prime or if they were overcooked. Overall, the flavor won me over and gobbled up most of the dish. The sticky rice was a great bonus to the meal. My boyfriend had the Pad Thai - the best I've ever tasted. The 2nd time we went, I tried out the Country Pad Thai... was looking for something with a kick to it (it had a 1 pepper rating on the menu). I'd say that it was closer to 2.5 peppers... I felt like I was kicked in the mouth a little bit. But, it was tasty. I'd definitely go for the regular Pad Thai next time we hit up Brown Sugar. I have to say that the star of the show on both occasions was our appetizer - Na Tang. It's served with 4 crispy jasmine rice cakes and a "dip" that includes baby shrimp, pork, coconut milk, and peanut shavings. You put a scoop of the dip on the rice cake and voila. Heaven on a rice cake. I could eat this all day long! We also had the Thai Ravioli, which was gyoza'esque, but not really the best I've had. We'll continue to swing by Brown Sugar before we go to the BU hockey games!
(4)Jason B.
Great spring rolls, Pad Thai and Masseman curry. Also, the disco ball happy birthday song was bizarre and funny.
(4)L A.
There are a lot, and I mean A LOT of amazing Thai places in the Boston area, but Brown Sugar has by far the best and most creative menu selection, and is extremely reasonably priced, especially for the quantity and quality of food that you are receiving. I am absolutely obsessed with their Pad See Ew and I don't think they have one bad item on the menu. Although I wish reservations were taken - because the place gets packed pretty quickly especially on the weekends - they are definitely worth whatever wait you have until you're seated.
(5)Jonathan C.
I'm not super experienced with Thai cuisine, but the pad thai here is pretty delicious!
(3)Susan L.
Food was good; service was good; portion was big; and price was decent. These are all of the guidelines that makes a restaurant enjoyable. Not to mention, I enjoyed the ambiance and the decor of the place. I ordered the three stooges, and my friends ordered the thai fried rice, some form of seafood soup dish, chicken satay, and another order of jade noodles. I did enjoy the three stooges except wished that i had ordered a go-to dish like drunken noodles or pad thai. The thai fried rice is exactly what you would expect a good thai fried rice to taste like. The jade noodles wasn't very appetizing and I had much better chicken satay than the satay served at BSC. I also liked their extensive menu, except it took me an extra five minutes to decide on what to order since everything looked phenomenal (especially on an empty stomach). I would definitely come here again. :)
(4)Suzanne S.
Brown Sugar offers pretty solid Thai food. I recall going to this restaurant several years ago when I visited Boston, and I went out of my way to find it again when I returned to town. The location was fairly easy to find since the restaurant is right on Commonwealth near Boston University. Street parking was no problem around 4pm on a weekday. I secured a spot nearly right in front of Brown Sugar. I had the Country Style Pad Thai, which was a spicier version of Pad Thai, which typically is a sweeter, more mild dish than their version. It was awesome! It had the right amount of spice without being in danger of becoming too hot. I kept eating it long after I was full because it was just that good. They served it with fresh lime and a mountain of raw sprouts, which I loved. The dish contained both chicken and shrimp. The chicken meat was actually a bit over cooked in my opinion. That was the one area for improvement. The shrimp however tasted as if it had been grilled and seasoned prior to being added to the noodles so it was quite delicious and was a highlight of the dish. Their Thai iced tea met the standard, though my dining companion found it to have too much ice and ordered a second glass with less ice, which the waiter was kind to oblige. Prices may be a little higher than average for Thai cuisine. My meal was around $11. The quality and ambiance was worth it. I enjoyed sitting by the window so I could watch the pedestrians and the decor of the restaurant was elegant without being overbearing. It was very quiet when I had lunch there, but the dining room is large and can actually accommodate many patrons. Our server was friendly and got our order correct (My friend asked to modify a dish and it was served exactly to his specifications.) The waiter also took a few minutes to chat with us when we engaged him in conversation, which I enjoyed. I would definitely return to Brown Sugar and would recommend it to anyone else who is in the area, even if you have to seek it out after a day of sightseeing in Boston. Delicious Thai food!
(5)Danielle H.
My favorite Thai restaurant in Boston. I have been going here for years, and the food has always been consistent and delicious. Hands down the best Pad Thai (especially the Country Style)- nowhere else has compared. The yellow curry is also super good. When we went last week, our party of 4 had to wait for 20 min despite it being a weeknight so reservations are definitely recommended. Parking is a pain but if you don't find anything after a few circles around, there's always the super 88 parking lot :) Note: if the menu says an item is spicy, they mean it so proceed at your own risk!
(5)Sandra C.
4.5 stars actually. It's upsetting that they don't allow cell phones or outside drinks. It's not like I'd bring an outside drink, because Thai Iced Coffee is my drink of choice because it is BOMB! I also like the Brown Sugar Spareribs because the meat just fallls off the bone, and it is delicious! Fried Ice Cream never fails to make my tummy go yum either. The service is really spiffy too. Yes, spiffy. I didn't realize until recently that on the tables...is brown sugar. I was looking at it wondering what it was (I thought it was sand)...and it just clicked! Request for a birthday song for someone (anyone really)...the funniest thing will happen right before your eyes at the end of your meal!
(4)Emily G.
SO UNDERWHELMING. I don't understand the hype surrounding Brown Sugar. I think all dishes are missing the magical part of their sauces called intense flavor. Spicy dishes are not hot. Service is slow. If I want Thai food in this area, I'd rather sacrifice the atmosphere for the Super 88 Food Connection, which has always served reliably delicious fare. Clearly though, I am in the minority when it comes to this restaurant.
(2)Kate T.
Food was incredible! Lobb salad (cold) is really yummy with crunchy tofu, lime, mint, and veggies. The spicy scallop dish serves up some of the biggest scallops I've seen for the price. The staff is friendly, the food is served incredibly fast, the ambiance is delightful. I really cannot find anything to criticize. Do not overlook this restaurant! Quite possibly the best birthday celebration I've ever seen before too. Laser lights, kitchy music, and grandma leaning out of the kitchen with a flashlight to "spotlight" the birthday kid. Yes, yes, yes!!
(5)Su-Yee L.
My friends had raved about Brown Sugar Cafe so I was really excited to try it. Unfortunately, Brown Sugar is alright, but nothing special. It's a little pricey for thai food in the area (Rod Dee is cheaper and pretty good) and their food didn't particularly blow me away or anything. I ordered the Drunken Noodles with pork (at lunch) which was good although very spicy. The portion size was larger than it looked. The service, though, was a bit off (checking up on us a lot when we were still looking at the menu but then not refilling my water, etc) although the food came out very quickly. It's good if you're in that area but not really worth going out of your way for.
(3)X to the Z M.
Been here 3-4 times in the last year. We have two go-to dishes for every single time we come - pad see ew and cashew chicken pineapple. They are so delicious that we haven't ventured outside of these two safe options. The ambiance is a little funky and the narrow structure of the restaurant lends itself to some interesting seating arrangements.
(5)Food E.
The Satay Chicken skewers are GIANT, tender and scrumptious. The barista is the nicest lady. She will serve you tea while you're waiting for take-out.
(5)S. W.
Brown Sugar is the best Thai Food in Boston. The Country Pad Thai is spectacular! I miss having one near The Fenway but I make the trip out to Comm Ave as often as I can.
(5)Erik P.
This place is way overrated and overpriced. What a waste of money. Stick with the vegetarian dishes because all of the meat including shrimp are dry, tough, over cooked pieces of rubber. Service was not great. Will not be going back with so many better less-expensive places in the area.
(2)Ewart G.
Grat pad thai, great fried ice cream, great duck, great sparkaling lemonade, GREAT EVERYTHING!!!!!. I love everything here. Some of the best Thai food in Boston.
(5)Koneiie Z.
Tried again! As good as always!
(5)Christina Z.
They now have a PATIO? Be still my heart. The see you is still delicious. The golden bags are still the weirdest thing on the menu. The $4 lychee juice is absolutely worth it (and diabetic-coma-inducing). My favorite part is the out-of-place chandelier. Are we trying to be fancier than we are, Brown Sugar? Been coming here since 2005, freshman year of college, and the pineapple fried rice and masaman curry are still as hearty and sweet as ever.
(3)Julie G.
This place has some decent Thai Food. I don't have too much to say about it except that a few years ago, a waitress chased my friends and I outside of the restaurant because she mis-counted the amount of money we left and she didn't think we left a tip. Kind of made me not want to go back because it's not that she didn't think we paid for the actual food, she just thought we left her a low tip. Not a reason to run after us. After that, I should have taken some of her tip back.
(3)Secret T.
This was the first place I think I've been to in 7 years where they said they could offer me NOTHING that was gluten free/vegan. For a place that pedals rice and veggies all day, it kind of blew my mind. The waiter was at least sweet about it.
(2)Mantha D.
I have never been disappointed with the service, food, or anything else at this place. Absolutely awesome food. A little more expensive but totally worth it. Love the brown rice options and their take out is quick. Loved their different fried rices and curries. Pretty big inside too, but they get busy during peak lunch and dinner times.
(5)Lindsay M.
Favorite Thai food in this area, hands-down. Everything is always hot, fresh, and delicious. I've tried most of their soups and apps, and I've also sampled quite a lot of the pad-thai dishes and all have been winners. On my most recent visit with the boyfriend, we shared a massive ball of fried vanilla ice cream which was heavenly. Still haven't fully recovered from that meal, it was just that good.
(5)Fred S.
-1 for seating 5 at a table for 4 -1 for bringing entrée 5 minutes after bringing appetizer/soup and then asking me 5 times if I was done with my soup to clear it Food was ok, but not out of this world. Will not be going back for bad service . . .
(1)dimitry a.
Incredible! I first tried this restaurant when it was in the Fenway area before it relocated to Brookline and imagine how pleased to find out that it is literally a block from where I live now! It makes living in Brookline a real pleasure! I take my kids there on the regular, My little one loves the Mussels dish! Plus they love the happy birthday song! Cheesy but so fun!
(5)Joseph T.
The restaurant isn't above average to my taste buds because I had a friend who referred me to better Thai restaurants and I am a person who cherishes Thai culture and appreciates it's cuisine. Brown sugar doesn't really impress me because of the price, portion size, the authenticity, and tastes. It doesn't make me or anyone to go "WOW" over it, but it's not bad. I wouldn't bother going there after for the first time. The only pro about there is that they serve Singha and other alcoholic beverages to customers compared to other small Thai restaurants. The price at Brown Sugar is a bit of steep and you won't get a bang out of your bucks for ordering something that's a bit of high on the costs and get a small portion and less than average grade Thai tastes. I've went to OC in California and ate a true authentic Thai dish with my parents when I was a teenager. I loved how hot it was and the flavors were explosive. Also, why would anyone want to waste their wallets over something that's a bit of expensive and unauthentic while they can find other places that are affordable and come out satisfied or stuffed. The portion size disappointed me when I went there with my cousin Alan and I wasn't feeling satisfied and stuffed. I am not asking them to go overboard, but just about right with flavors. It's not really authentic. I've been to Rod Dee and Dok Bua and I loved them. Well, I am an avid regular at Dok Bua. God, I am ashamed of myself. =p The tastes of the dishes at Brown Sugar are okay and nothing specular, but they are decent enough to satisfy anyone's palettes. I always believe in eating something authentic because whenever immigrants moved to USA from their homelands, they don't really practice their cultures while living here. It's due to attempting to survive and feed their families well. Dok Bua and Rod Dee impressed me the most because I could taste the authenticity from their dishes and how they interacted with me. I do a bow like they did in Thailand. Brown Sugar's dishes aren't strong on their authenticity points. Like I mentioned about the tastes in the previous paragraphs, the tastes of Thai foods at Brown Sugar isn't really high on my expectation, but I respect everyone's opinions about the restaurant. However, I am really picky about the foods and how I am willing to spend my money on it. They tasted decently enough for me to enjoy through the night with my cousin Alan for a dinner. As Snuffles B. said before, it could have done better. Brown Sugar is a decent place for people to eat Thai foods and get a drink because they sell alcoholic beverages while Rod Dee and Dok Bua don't. It's a place where you can walk by and eat something to fill yourself up, but for the authenticity, tastes, portion size, and price-wise, I would go somewhere else instead of Brown Sugar.
(2)Catherine W.
This restaurant is sentimental to me, and I haven't been there in over 6 years. Visited with a group and ordered some of their dishes off their house specialties section, but unfortunately was not overly impressed. We did order pad thai which was good. Next time I visit I would try to order more standard Thai dishes. The service was friendly; the environment was nice for a casual date.
(3)Audrey K.
The food here is average, maybe below average - but decent. They have interesting decor, polite and quiet service. I actually don't think this place is worth checking out, you can easily go a street over to Rod Dee on Beacon Street for an unforgettable meal. This place is cute, and clean - but the food is dull.
(2)Jas L.
alright boys and girls.... this is it. this is your ideal place to get semi genuine thai food. the portions are huge, the quality amazingly consistent, and the menu is absolutely huge. seriously you will be staring at that thing in a daze trapped like a child trying to pick out the one candy bar his mom says he can have at the grocery store check out. i love this place. the pad thai is amazing, with a sweetness that is quite sublime. the spareribs are tasty, not over cooked, and sweetly seasons. the fried rice is nothing to write home about, so whatever, but the pad see ew is one of my boyfriend's favorite, and he is picky about his thai food. so, why the minus one star... sweeeeet sweeet sweet. give the name you should have realized this long before i stated it, but if you havent caught on it is slightly dusted, or i guess a better word is seasoned with a bit of sweetness that you may not like, as such it may be a little less spicy than some of you prefer. its very quick, about ten minutes for take out (huge portions) with big portions for dinner with a wait time that varies from 15 minutes to sometimes 30. service is attentive.
(4)Nadine F.
Hands down the best Thai food I've ever had. Every time I bring someone here they agree; it doesn't get better. The Tom young soup and pad thai with tofu are my personal faves and are outstandingly good!
(5)Nina N.
I wasn't blown away. The flavors were sort of there, but not quite. Had curry dish, curry was runny. Had pad thai, wasn't savory enough. Had a rice dish, not spicy enough. Salad had sprigs of lettuce. Lol. Am I in a Thai restaurant? Their food lacked seasoning. Not flavorful enough for my superior taste buds. lol. Price is above what I would normally pay for great Thai food. It's just has better decor and perhaps, service, but food is not even that memorable . Left me feeling, meh, it's okay, but I have had better. *Edit* If it is going to be runny, it needs to go in a bowl, not a plate. I don't care if the authentic way is for the curry to be served as a soup. I already know that some curry are served as soups. If it goes on a plate, it needs to be thicker. AND!!!! Not all curry is served as a soup. Sorry, this rant is in response to a member messaging me about what authentic curry is and how it is prepared.
(3)Tim S.
Loved it! We'll be back.
(4)Lena N.
After a string of bad Thai restaurants in Boston, I thought this would be my savior from the hell of life without Red Curry and Drunken Noodles. But after trying Brown Sugar several times, I am giving up my search for good Thai food in the area. I will just eat it whenever I visit CA. The fact that this is one of the best Thai restaurants that Boston has to offer makes me cry a little inside. The prices are steep. The portions are small. And the flavors are lacking and boring. Overall, Brown Sugar is a good solid disappointment. The only thing that's maybe worth eating here is their Country Pad Thai.
(2)Izzat A.
Went here for dinner tonight with some friends. I got the asian spring rolls and the chicken drunken noodles. I told them to make it extra hot and boy was it spicy. It was very good though. Other friends got the yellow curry and they seemed to like it. Service was pretty decent. Food was very good. I was lucky enough to see their birthday celebration which was pretty awesome. They turn off the lights and start streaming these lights and singing a techno happy birthday song. It's pretty epic.
(4)Valerie P.
Love this place -- food is close to authentic (judging by my one trip to Thailand), teh service is fast and courteous, and the ambiance is nice. This is my default go-to place when I feel like having Thai food. Thanks for being there :)
(5)Anna W.
I love Thai food. Like, love love love. So, it should come as no surprise that all my friends were shocked that I've never been to Brown Sugar Cafe. You can also imagine my delight when my friend suggested that we go there for dinner last night after work. I immediately said "yes!" Actually, squealed is more like it, but that's semantics. Unfortunately, we got there at 9:50 and apparently they close at 10:00. So, while we couldn't sit down for dinner, they let us do take-out, which is what we opted to do. The food came out amazingly fast -- I would say within 5 minutes or so. I guess that's what happens when you show up minutes before closing. Now, if I have never had Thai food anywhere else before, then this place would probably receive an additional star or two. But, given that I have been to a ton of other Thai places, the food here is just mediocre, and that's my honest opinion. I got a starter of Tom Yum Soup and fried Shumai. For me, those two items are staples on any Thai menu and a must-have for me. The soup was sour. Yes, sour. Tom Yum is supposed to be flavored with chili and it's supposed to be so spicy that it clears your sinuses. Not so much this one... my faced actually winced when I first tasted it. Sour = no me gusta. The shumai were cooked perfectly, but lacked any sort of taste. They were bland. Also, the sauce that comes with it was sour as well (this seems to be a recurring theme). For the main course, I got an order of Beef Pad See Iew. Normally, this is something that really can't be butchered. It's rice noodles in beef, Chinese Broccoli, and egg in a dark soy sauce. Well, first off, they charged me $1 extra for Chinese Broccoli, which is supposed to be standard in this dish. Secondly, the noodles were barely brown, which means they weren't saturated enough with sauce. Flavor was severely lacking and the beef was overcooked and way too chewy. I wanted to like this place. I really really did. But, for good Thai, I will stick with my Harvard Square favorites - Nine Tastes and Spice. Maybe BSC would have been better had I eaten there instead of gotten take-out? I'm not sure, but with the slightly higher prices and less-than-stellar food, it will be a while before I try this place again :-(
(2)Jessica L.
I have a few dishes that keep me coming back for more and recommend Brown Sugar to anyone in the area who likes to try out new Thai meals. I highly suggest the paid thai and the fried ice cream.
(4)Amelia M.
I've been to Brown Sugar a number of times, and have always eaten well. On my latest trip, I got the tamarind tofu, which was incredible. The menu is extensive and some of the dishes seem pricey -- but they give you a lot of food, definitely enough for a second meal. Good service, great atmosphere, and a nice little patio to sit out on in the summer time. Go here.
(5)May W.
Good food and portions but look at the neighborhood. One of the more pricer places to eat. But the excellent service helps too.
(4)Hoyce M.
I love this place. They would have gotten five stars, but every time I'm there the wait staff is kinda rude. I guess they figure their food is good enough that they don't have to be polite. It would be annoying if it weren't true.
(4)Alyssa J P.
Brown Sugar might be my new favorite non-100%-vegan Thai place. They have tons of vegan options and the decor is pretty cool (except for all the creepy dead butterflies mounted to the walls). The prices aren't bad either. I've been for lunch and dinner and was very satisfied both times.
(5)Jennette H.
I have never had Thai food before ever and I had heard a lot of good things about this restaurant from my co- worker said I said that I would try it out one day during my lunch break. I looked over their menu and saw a few very yummy dishes that sounded like they would cure my hunger pains. They are a little pricey to me but hey once i tasted the dish that i had (Comm Ave Noodles) I was hooked. This is some real good food that they got going on here. When I went to pick up my food the people were friendly and the atmosphere was very relaxing. I didn't eat in although I think I will next time because I just felt like sitting down the moment I walked in the place. The dish I had was very good and had a lot of veggies (which I like) the one thing that I can say I could've done without is the enourmous amount of mushrooms that were in my dish. I've never been much of a mushroom eater so I had to pick them out of my food. Other than that though I will be making my way back to indulge in their vast selection :)
(4)Zach W.
First time there, so I'll have to go back in order to be completely fair. But rest assured, it was tasty and authentic Thai food. Got Tom Kha and Country style pad Thai. The Tom Kha was very good (not quite as good as some, but much better than most). Ordered the Country Style Pad Thai, asked how spicy it was and the very nice waitress told me it was not that spicy. So I asked for it to be a little more spicy, like a 6 on 1-10 scale. When she asked me if I was sure I realized I was in trouble. But my spicy pride could not be defeated I ordered anyway.....unfortunately the Pad Thai has gone total muay thai on my insides and is trying to fight it's way out. HOWEVER, right before the Pad Thai decided to kick me in the face, I think I tasted heaven. It was soooo good....until it put me in an arm bar, insulted my family, and made me submit. Overall, it was pretty decent. I'll definitely be back to give this place another chance.
(3)Jenn A.
Some of the best Thai food in Boston. Pros: -close proximity to BU and BC, plus delivery -delicious pad thai, a friend of mine claims it is the best in Boston -a lot of variety on the menu -the Tom Khar Gai soup is amazing and very inexpensive Cons: -over the top disco/birthday celebration you will probably have to endure if you dine in -pad thai was a little bean sprout-heavy for my taste
(4)Kimmy T.
I've went here a few times already, and it's pretty good. However tonight was a very bad experience for me. Went here with two of my friends tonight, and i was upset. We came around 8pm and sat there for an hour or so with no food. 4 tables that came after us got their food ate and left. When we asked the guy in the suit who seated us about our food, he didn't bother listening to us walked away and got our waitress. Our waitress apologized but really DID NOT accommodate us. When our food finally came I was no longer hungry. Mind you i came here starving. My hunger passed while waiting for an hour for our food. There was a problem and they didn't bother fixing it. Oh yea... they shouldn't really shut off all the light and turn on happy b-day songs in 3 different styles every 15mins for someone's party. Its really annoying.
(1)Willie M.
Terrific! Attentive service and a comfortable atmosphere. I had the wings in a Thai sauce over crispy kale for an appetizer that was really flavorfulthe wings were mety and crunchy..and the krispy Kale was something I never had before, but was really good. I then had the country Pad thai which had just the right spice and zip to compliment the dish without overwhelming it. My portion was pretty good size and I left feeling very satisfied.
(4)B W.
I told a co-worker that I was going to Boston, and even before he asked me if I liked Thai food, he said "Go to the Brown Sugar Cafe!" Then he said, "you like Thai, right?" So on to the BSC. With these really big expectations, my husband and I found this itty bity little restaurant on the back streets (seemed to me) of Boston. We squeezed ourselves into the restaurant, sat down and waited for the server to speak. Our server arrived, who was supper sweet. We asked for recommendations. My husband ordered the Clay Pot, I ordered a dish with tempura fried seafood and veggies (don't quite remember the name) in a green curry. What!?! That food was so freaking delicious. After we had a small dessert, I ordered the Thai staple, Pad Thai, to go just to get a full fill (pun intended) of the restaurant. Wasn't super impressed. Actually, I didn't like it at all. All in all, BSC, go. OH, wait, do you like Thai?
(4)Kelsey P.
Affordable and tasty Thai food. Great place for dinner with friends or a casual date. Just wish they had some additional locations in Boston proper AND that they had better parking options near their existing locations. On the plus side - they do deliver :). Suggestions: - Satay Chicken - can't go wrong! - Great soups - My favorites are Thom Yum or Wonton - Thai Spring Rolls - available with chicken or vegetarian - Tempura (shrimp or veggie - you choose) - Scallion Pancakes - Pad See Ew - made perfect. They're also open to order modifications as I like mine with chicken and extra egg and broccoli! Good and fast service each time I've been.
(4)Heather G.
Both Brown Sugar locations are delicious and the food, in my opinion, is similar at both. Very consistent. The service is pretty slow and choppy. After being seated, the waitress checks in...oh, about every 45 seconds to see whether we've decided on food. On your first visit here, that practice can definitely make you feel rushed, but after having visited 5 or 6 times, I know to just continue to calmly tell them I'm not ready, and after about 5 check-ins or so, the server stops coming over to get my order, and waits until I catch her attention to do so. After the food is delivered, I never see the waitress again until it's time to bring the check. That is definitely neither good nor bad, it just is. Though there seems to be no flow to the timing of the service, the servers are always insanely friendly. I have never had a problem with rudeness, order mistakes, or bill mistakes. The food, for the price point, is very on-par with what you'd expect and with the other Thai restaurants falling in this pricing category. The food is always fresh, consistently prepared, and comes out piping hot and with a good portion size. The country style pad Thai is REALLY spicy. It has quite a kick, and I think that Brown Sugar definitely nails this one. Pad Thai is tasty but very forgettable. Steamed veggies are all fresh and come out with a slight crunch to them still (my favorite) and aren't lying in a pool of steam-water like some other places do when they neglect to properly drain the veggies before plating. Tofu is also a great consistency when steamed - not chewy or too liquid. The pan-fried tofu in other dishes, in my opinion, are fried a bit too long, as they are way too rubbery/chewy for my tastes. Yellow curry with onions, tomato, summer squash, peppers, and pineapple is a really sweet dish and very milky, but the veggies are overloaded onto the plate generously (though the meat in the dish is always a bit less-generously offered). Served with rice, this dish is easily 2 meals. Paradise garden (zucchini, bamboo strips, summer squash, Thai eggplant, cauliflower, snow peas, broccoli, carrots, celery, green beans, green & red peppers and sweet basil leaves) is a good vegetarian option if you're not into steamed veggies. These are sauteed in a mild red curry sauce and have a bit more flavor than steamed veggies/tofu alone, but without the heavy sauce/frying aspect. I have never had a beef dish here, so I cannot attest to that, but the veggie dishes and the chicken have ranged from unremarkable to great on the grand scale of mid-range Thai. It won't blow you away, but it's solid, fairly priced, well-portioned Thai. Side note: They used to not accept AmEx . Not sure if this has changed, but bring your backup just in case.
(3)Nishi P.
EXCELLENT delicious food. Good ambiance, and definitely relatively affordable. Be prepared for a wait though, I've never been when they've not been very busy.
(5)Norma B.
Brown Sugar is my favorite Thai restaurant in Boston. The curry is absolutely amazing. Brown Sugar is always crowded, but I am continually impressed with the fast service. When my friends want Thai food, I insist on going to Brown Sugar!
(5)Kylan M.
I love Thai food. This is my favorite Thai restaurant in the world. It is reasonably price, the food is delicious, the atmosphere is pleasant and they offer both Americanized and authentic dishes. Eat here. Do it.
(5)Sisi Z.
Mmmm, Brown Sugar. I'm salivating already. This is my go-to place for Thai food, although their entrees can be a bit pricey on the average college student's wallet. That's why I always stick to the noodle dishes. I also love their Mango Fried Rice, with just the right balance of spices. They don't deliver (last time I checked, maybe Yelpers know something I don't), but their sister restaurant, The Similans, does, and has an identical menu. It gets pretty packed on the weekends though, so if you're coming with a group get the first person to put his/her name down at the door.
(5)Emily M.
They have delicious food and a recently added sidewalk seating area. My friend is allergic to peanuts and he ordered the pad thai but failed to notice that it had peanuts in it. The waitress felt so badly that she had a peanut-free pad thai made for him. It was pretty awesome of them to be so considerate.
(4)Gretchen M.
This place is tasty and the portions are hefty. Want good thai? Get it here.
(4)Merri L.
I went here on a date yrs ago, and had mango curry for i think the first time. it was delicious!! it was a nice thai place, overall. but, we got there late, and the waiter was rushing us. i hate when waiters rush you. bad service ruins a lot. so, typical good thai food.
(3)Kaopectate P.
best thai food i've tried in boston update: i prefer dok bua a lot more.
(4)Amy O.
I'm not usually a Thai fan but I went there for lunch with co-workers and it was delicious! I would recommend getting a bunch of dishes and sharing. That's what we did and everybody got to see what they liked for next time. The place itself is immaculate. The wait staff was nice and helpful. You can tell that they really know what they're doing. I'd go back!
(4)kate L.
The food here is great and it always smells amazing inside the restaurant! They also deliver so if you are to lazy to get up but are having a fit for some Brown Sugar you can get it in the comfort of your own home! I'm getting hungry just thinking about it!
(5)Laura R.
Yum Yum. And if you like spicy, they'll make it hot for you. You shouldn't miss this place. 'Nough said.
(5)Mary L.
Good prices and great staff. What more could you ask for? The food came out pretty quickly and we were constantly getting our water refilled. The service is friendly and the atmosphere is pretty relaxed. Great for a lunch outing with friends.
(4)Rachel E.
I go here a couple of times a month and it is always delicious. I usually get the fresh rolls, papaya salad and country style pad thai. The fresh rolls are delicious and always very fresh, the papaya salad is also great and very spicy (just the way it should be) and the pad thai is fabulous and not too greasy. This is my favorite thai restaurant in Boston.
(5)Ellen L.
I went to Similans first, and it was awesome. I did a little research and figured out that they're the same restaurant and they have the same menu. Quality was consistent across the two restaurants, and the food was tasty. The one thing I liked was that this place wasn't overly greasy. A lot of asian foods are made overly greasy sometimes, and this just seemed like good, quality food. The service was a bit odd here. Spotty at times, but overall my experience was good.
(5)Amanda G.
So maybe you just moved to Boston from some hickville town and your parents come to visit you and you want to share some culture with them - go to Brown Sugar! Delicious Thai food at a reasonable cost and nothing too daring so uncultured people can enjoy it too, well at least my parents did. The middle tables have cushion dining and add a little flare to your dining experience. Definitely check it out!
(4)Angelo S.
We used to cater from a variety of locations... and after a while, we noticed the size of the audience would be heavily influenced by whether we ordered Brown Sugar or not. :) It made decision making easy. Then when I used to live close to their Fenway site... I would have home delivery. The delivery guys used to know by first name basis. So I am a big fan you could say. Sure things not to miss: Choo-chee fisherman, obviously their pad thai is marvelous, the Bird of Paradise.
(5)H T.
I like their mango fried rice and Pad See Ew here, both were really good. Also got the thai spring rolls, but it was nothing too exciting. I can make better. The sauce for the spring roll was kinda weird and not that good, not what I expected. If you're an ice cream addict like me, always into creative flavors- then be sure to try their ogura (red bean) ice cream with sweet sticky rice, as well as other like the mango flavor and fried bananas with ice cream.
(4)Chin C.
Properly my most favorite Thai restaurant in Boston. I always order same dished over and over again. Here are my fav "Tod Mun"(shrimp cake), "Tom Yum Goong Yai Num-kon"(Tom Yum, I think you know what it is), and "Yum Pla Dook Fu"(Crispy Catfish with spicy sauce) . These dishes are definitely HOT and originally Thai style. I always go with many friends to eat many dishes, yeah I couldn't finish all by myself. Without reading a menu, I ordered what I told you. That's make my life easier rite?
(4)Giuseppe F.
The food and service is as good as this review is short.
(4)Shruti V.
I went here once.. it wasn't a superb experience or anything.. I had the pad thai(safest bet?lol) It wasn't exceptional and was a little too sweet for my liking... also very bland. Maybe thats just me.. I don't know. Service was pretty bad too.. they kept walking past us like we didn't exist for a good 20 minutes before we could get hold of someone. The other reviews suggest being more adventurous while ordering.. maybe I'll go again and give it a try:) till then I give this place 3 stars for being just OK. Their sky high prices don't help too much either!!! :-/
(3)Daryl S.
So. Damn. Good. Place is so good was alright with Thai, and this place made me fall in love with Thai food.
(5)dan w.
I was VERY happy with brown sugar. of course I hadn't ventured into the Delicious world of Thai cuisine when I lived 2 min down de road from here. now that I live 600 miles away across the ocean, I love it! visiting Boston last weekend I had to go and check it off my list. the food was great, good portions and great price. the main complaint I have is the vast array of menu items. thy must have about 400 choices. not good when your girlfriend needs to read every menu item 3 times before making a decision. I was even confused though. if they cut down their menu and focused more on certain select items it might be better.
(4)Elisa C.
Brown Sugar has by far some of the best Pad Thai in Boston--and if you're not afraid of a little spice, definitely try the Country Style. It is a little pricey but the portions are a good size. Take out is always a good option since they tend to fill up on the weekends. Otherwise, the service is good and the food is always good.
(4)Jennifer S.
I used Brown Sugar to cater a meeting I had to set up at work and everyone said that lunch was the highlight of the day!! The staff was very friendly and helpful on the phone and the food arrived hot and on time. If you want to place a large order make sure to call at least an hour ahead ( I called the day before just to make things easier on them) and call when the place isn't too busy, don't call during the lunch or dinner rush and try to order food for 50. I'm pretty sure they wouldn't be your biggest fan.
(4)Ryan P.
This place is great, so don't get me wrong, but if you love thai food, quality & quantity, and very reasonable prices you should opt for an even more delicious, casual, and affordable thai restaurant called Dok Bua. Its not too far from Brown Sugar either.
(3)Bradley R.
The Chili Salmon is probably the best salmon I've had in any form anywhere. The setting is pleasant and the service has always been excellent. They missed the fifth star because I haven't been thrilled by some of their other dishes when I've strayed from the chili salmon.
(4)Megan S.
This restaurant was recommended to us by the cashier at the EMS down the street and boy, she was right! We started with the crab rangoon, which was very creamy without being too creamy and had just the right amount of crab! The sweet chili sauce was also pretty tasty, just a hint of spice and not too sweet. I will definitely be getting that again! For lunch, I ordered the Noodles Aspic, which was delicious and full of shrimp, asparagus and shitake mushrooms while the Boy got some chicken, rice, veggie thing that he loved (if I remember the name I'll edit this). We didn't do drinks, we had been walking in the sun all morning and just wanted water, which had mint leaves, orange and lemon slices, giving it just a little bit of taste. The servers were very nice and the meal was fast. The bill was less than $30 including tip for both of us. We will definitely be hitting up Brown Sugar next time we're in Boston!
(5)Jordan K.
I have to chime in here. Brown Sugar is overrated. There, I said it. First you have to wait to sit, then the food tends to take forever, and finally you end up with a dish that is too sweet and a little on the boring side. Much better Thai can be had in Boston.
(3)Daunielle R.
I never knew Thai food until I tried Brown Sugar. Up until that day, as one of Italian background my favorite "Non-American" (what is American food anyways ... !?) was obviously the North End and all its goodies. Upon entering my college years at BU I quickly discovered the deliciousness of Brown Sugar Cafe. Conviently located on the T, and right by BU's West Campus, Brown Sugar has a cute, casually upscale (if that makes any sense) atmosphere and appeal. The menu is delicious and has long since become my absolute favorite restaurant and style of food. Whether its the jasmine noodles, the half pineapple chicken dish or traditional pad thai - I love it all [may I recommend the mango fried rice!]. Prices are reasonable and the staff is efficient, fast and very friendly. The only drawback is that they do not take credit card for delivery, only cash. Being one who only carries cards, I have trudged through winter blizzards for those pad thai noodles - Brown Sugar is *that* good.
(5)Josh B.
Not the best Thai food ever, but pretty darned tasty. Give it a whirl with a couple of friends, since it's best experienced in a group where you can try multiple dishes.
(4)Emily D.
The food here is decent, but overall this restaurant is over-rated. The ambiance at both locations is nice, but the food doesn't measure up. I would suggest going up the street to Bamboo instead: the food is great and the restaurant is cute.
(3)Lacey P.
They have fake duck. Their rice is so good. They have pretty fish in the one on Commonwealth where they have just revamped and it makes you feel like you are royalty. And it could be so much more expensive. I tell everyone I know to go here.
(5)matthew h.
Really good food with a wide selection for veggies and quasi-veggies. Even though you're on busy Comm Ave you never feel like you're being rushed which is a nice change. Parking can be a pain except in the summer when students are out but there's a T stop nearby so anything's possible.
(5)D L.
I've been to a couple of Thai restaurants in Boston.. and I think Brown Sugar Cafe was by far the best one. They have a large selection of foods, and they are all good. I personally liked and recommend the classics--Pad thai and the pad see you. I would definitely go here if you want some good thai food!
(4)Dave R.
5 stars for veggie ham.... I eat meat now but can't stop eating the veggie ham when I go...
(5)Herbert S.
I made the terrible sin of forgetting how tasty green curry was, then i went here. The green curry and vegi ham is to die for, I'm getting hungry just thinking about. I really need to stop Yelping on an empty stomach. In fact, if i wasn't back in the Bay Area, I'd go there right now, there's nothing like a steaming hot pile of toasty curry to warm you up on a cold day. It's cheap too.
(5)Laura A.
the best thai food in boston, hands-down. so incredibly spicy and delicious. they're also very respectful of vegetarians' needs, and if you ask them to omit fish/oyster sauce,they will do so, no problem. the lunch special in particular is a great deal. less than $10 for a ton of food!
(5)Joyce K.
this place is pretty good, their use of spices is quite lovely . i've had a few different dishes here, the highlights were: bean thread noodles, basil pad thai, sizzling combo. the noodle dishes were probably my very favorite, but the sizzling combo had varieties of meat and seafood and fresh veggies, and a really good brown sauce as well. other dishes which weren't quite as good were "avocados dancing", an avocado and chicken dish with fresh ginger in a yellow curry sauce (kind of more reminiscent of Indian food), the avocados were REALLY fresh and good though.. i'm just not as much of an Indian food fan.. and also, brown sugar duck, which my bf really liked but which kinda gave us indigestion later. not sure if that was because of the quality of the duck or just because our stomachs weren't really used to the richness of duck. overall though, a great place with very good service and yummy creative thai food (better than many others i've been to in the boston area).
(4)Melody V.
Brown Sugar is a pretty decent place in Boston for Thai food. This place is always busy around dinner time, so expect to wait and be a little patient. Their appetizer sampler is delicious. The variety of foods on their menu is big, which makes it difficult for me to decide what I want. The portion is good and the price is fair. During all my visits, the servers have been attentive to any requests my table would have. They refill water pretty frequently. I've never had to ask them to refill it because they're on top of their game. There is metered parking all around Commonwealth Ave. so you don't have to worry too much. It's a pleasant place for a gathering with groups.
(4)Leighann F.
Amazing food with not-so-bad service set inside a tiny cafe-style space with cute decor, decent menu prices and a pretty good variety of wine and international beers. Although we were told 15 minutes for our table, and waited more like 45, the extensive menu was worth the extra time. For appetizer try the spicy, tender Satay Beef and for dinner, the "Two Buddy in Clay Pot"- soft shell crab and giant whole shrimp among thin, ginger flavored noodles, vegatables lightly spiced served in a clay pot.
(4)h g.
I seem to remember this place being better; they have certainly gone downhill since I first moved to the area two years ago. We ordered the shrimp and chicken Pad Thai, which was just ok, the Crab Rangoons, which were "different" and Thai teas. The portions arent very big, at least not as big as many other Thai places, we attempted to split the Pad Thai between two but it really wasnt enough.
(3)Anna S.
we had our order delivered. only a $2 delivery fee w/ a $20 minimum. they only take cash though. our food was pretty good. the Thai Spring Rolls (3) were tasty but not worth $5. my cousin wanted a salad so she ordered the Brown Sugar Salad and she loved it. i thought it was a little weird that it had croutons but i'm not a big fan of them anyway. she also got the regular Pad Thai, not Country Style. i kind of wanted her to get the PT CS so i could try it, but she prefers some foods inauthentic, i.e., Americanized. for instance, she likes Americanized Chinese but hates authentic Chinese food. we're sort of polar opposites. anyway, the PT -- she really liked it. it was bland, not too sweet but citrusy and the portion was substantial. the color wasn't appealing. it was all white - noodles and chicken and sprouts. the peanuts were crushed finely which is a major plus in my book. i prefer spicy so i ordered the Drunken Noodle dish. it was very good. not too greasy as some make it, but there was nothing outstanding about the dish. it was good and i can't point out anything wrong but i can't say i can rave about it either. i ordered a Thai Iced Tea - yummy. my cousin got the Green Tea Ice Cream. she loved it. it was a large portion too. i tried some and it was pretty good - creamy and light on the sweet side. good for me since i prefer other flavors. all in all, Brown Sugar Cafe was pretty good but not outstanding. my cousin would probably give it 4 stars but i've been eating a lot more Thai lately and if i could, i'd give it 3.5 stars. b/c i thought the price was a little high for the food, 3 stars sounds fair to me. plus they didn't include napkins and forks, but somehow remembered a spoon and straw for her ice cream and my tea...?
(3)So S.
Best Thai Food Restaurant in town....this location vs the Fenway is the best!. The best pad thai in town and everything else. Amazing curries. Great ambience. Love the fried ice cream here. Good date place. brownsugarcafe.com
(5)Alyssa C.
All you need to EVER eat here is Pad Thai with Veggie Ham.
(5)Melissa B.
Brown Sugar Cafe has really solid Thai food. Nice for a more upscale atmosphere, compared to some other places. The owners recently opened a new restaurant right across from the Cambridge Side Galleria.
(3)Jennifer K.
I love how they serve your pineapple chicken - in half a pineapple. A lot of menus claim they do this, but it never comes out that way. Here, it really does!
(3)Greycella L.
The last few times I've gone thai I was served seriously disappointing dining, so my stars might be a bit generous this time around. Brown Sugah DID undoubtedly step up to the plate today- so to speak- AND delivered. Extensive menu is online and the food arrived super quickly, we were ordering quite a few dishes for a group with several special requests and everything came through correctly. We were on good footing even before I'd touched my plate. Food itself was better than average thai, not too greasy (crucial) and the flavors were well balanced. Pineapple in (an overall too sweet) pad thai is a little weird though, and I would've liked more sauce with my curry dish. The golden triangles- spring rolls in samosa-ish form were probably the best thing we tried. The wide noodle dishes like pad see ew also proved tasty. I'd be curious about the chili crispy fish for a possible next time, as well as the short ribs on the appetizer menu. The most authentic thai ever? No. But a solid choice that I'd order from again for sure- perfect for lazy pajama-clad sunday afternoons!
(4)Alice K.
Simply the best Thai food in town. The enormous menu (it looks like three menus merged) offers something for everyone, done with delicious Thai flair. Highly recommended: the Brown Sugar duck, fried ice cream, anything served in a mango shell. And so far as I can tell, this restaurant can do no wrong with their appetizers. The colorful Christmas lights and glass displays of brilliantly blue butterflies add to the sparkle and the fun of having truly excellent Thai food.
(4)Sara B.
They have a huge menu, though I admit I haven't had a lot of it. I usually try to avoid getting the same thing from a place over and over again, but I just can't bring myself to get anything but the amazing Mango Fried Rice.
(5)J B.
Good solid Thai food at this respectable spot. One of Boston's best Thai restaurants, I think.
(4)Andrew L.
Definitely a great eat. Their thai food is great, portions are a nice size and the food comes out quick. The Thai ice tea is really great and so is the fried ice cream. Definitely a nice place to eat for lunch or dinner.
(5)jkhkjh j.
Crab Rangoon = Love Great restaurant.
(5)Jane T.
Really, really great Thai food. Cute to eat there and great for takeout. Everything I've ever had there is good. They deliver (with a fee) or you can walk there and pick it up, whichever. You can order take out over the phone or at the bar.
(5)Heather Q.
I'd say it's overhyped for dinner. No different from any other Thai place around town. What they do well is catering. For a party or business meeting, you can't go wrong with Brown Sugar. As perfectly serviceably Thai food, it'll appeal to a large variety of tastes. Everybody loves their pad thai.
(4)Avid E.
I had been wanting to try this place for quite some time and finally got the opportunity this evening. The menu was so long that we had to ask the server for some advice and finally settled on a beef dish (I think it had macadamia nuts), a yellow curried shrimp, and the three stoodges. Everything was fantastic and, as the other reviewers have said, served really quickly. Of all the dishes, I think the yellow curry was my favorite, not very spicy at all, but the sauce was amazing.
(4)Paula N.
It's nice place for Thai food. I love their Som Tum Papaya with Sticky Rice and Thai Iced tea. Soups are really good. But their noodles like fisherman madness and pad thai are very oily.
(3)Ebrahim B.
Pretty good thai food although not the best i've had. the atmosphere is good though and the decorations make the place seem inviting. The helpings aren't too big either, just right for one person. Try the chicken kar pao is you want something spicy.
(4)Dan M.
Walking distance from the subway and bus stop. I went there ready to eat a horse and left stuffed off of a vegetarian platter. The place is to die for and would recommend it to everyone. Catch out Brown Sugar after a game at Fenway, just seconds away from the restaurant.
(5)Stephanie H.
Hands-down, the Best Thai food I have ever had. I had the Mango Curry and thought I had died and gone to heaven. Even my father, who isn't all too keen on Thai, couldn't keep his hands off everyone's plate. Try the Mango Fried Rice too! This restaurant will be the reason why I travel to Boston again.
(5)Valerie A.
I don't know what the hype is about this restaurant. My friends all love it so somehow I always end up here but the food is pretty regular, it's not bad but it's nothing to write home about either. I've had better elsewhere, maybe it's because I'm from NY and the selection there can't be beat. For thai in boston, I would recomment this little hidden place on Newbury over Brown Sugar. I don't remember the name of it but what i do remember is that the prices, food, and thai iced tea were better than at Brown Sugar which is all you really need to know.
(2)Leo C.
Very decent Thai food; don't think I've ever had a bad meal here and I go there a lot. Outdoor eating area on CommAve is great in summer. Affordable, too.
(5)L S.
Good food, good prices, good location (if you dont use a car). Great veggie options. yum!
(4)Juliette V.
Really really good Thai food. The atmosphere is soothing and the entrees are creative. Their ribs are perfect and the noodle dishes yummy.
(4)Micah C.
My favorite date place and Thai place in Boston. Always a perfect way to start a nice evening.
(5)Rave M.
It doesn't take a lot to please me at a Thai restaurant -- just great Pad Thai and good spring rolls for this unsophisticated palette -- and Brown Sugar's got what it takes. It's not so fabulous that I'd be willing to wait an hour for a table during the Saturday night dinner rush, but it's great for weekday lunches or off-peak dinners.
(4)Al N.
It's very good, but not great. My family from Indonesia who are well travelled throughout Thailand go to Dok Bua instead, saying it is closer to authentic. Brown Sugar is altered a little more to Western tastes, but nowhere near as much as a place like Amarin. The menu is extensive, with choices for the wimpy and the adventurous. Try things that are unfamiliar--you will most likely be pleasantly surprised. And if you like it hot, let them know and they'll make your life hell (in a good kind of way). The room is beautiful if crowded and the service is very good despite the crowds of students infesting the place.
(3)Clay B.
Fast, inexpensive, convenient. Contrary to so many previous posts I do not rank this as the best Thai food ever. It is consistently better than mediocre. The pad thai (regular style) is too bland and soupy for my taste. The country style is spicier than I like but better than the traditional style (a mon avi).
(3)Ashley T.
i love brown sugar. we went here all throughout college, and everytime i go back to boston, i try to come here again. the thai iced tea, red curry, drunken noodles are all top-notch. highly recommended!
(5)John F.
Amazing Thai food. The menu is expansive, and surely will contain something to appeal to even the most casual enjoyer of Thai food. The place itself IS a bit small, and during dinner hours when they get especially busy can be a bother. But the food makes it worth it, and it least being that close to your neighbor allows you to smell their food, and perhaps find the dish you'll order on your next visit.
(5)Leigh N.
This is the best thai food place in Boston and actually in any other city I have had eaten thai food. So delicious. The prices are a little higher than at Noodle St or some of the other places around but the quality here is excellent. The crispy pad thai is my absolute favorite. Other delicious choices are the fried rice, the vegetable tempura, the curry (any kind), and so many of the noodle dishes. I really really love this place and definitely recommend it. It is a good parents are in town and you want to take them to dinner kind of place. Or a meet the boyfriend's parents place. Or a friend's birthday place. Its the best!
(5)Josh P.
Meh, I went here with my family for lunch, and it was okay. It was a little overpriced, but not that much. The food was pretty good, spicey and tasty. That's just about all I have to say. It's really busy on weekends. The noodles are good, and so is the rice.
(3)Georgia Y.
Brown Sugar is definitely the best Thai I've eaten in Boston. There's a huge menu, with a good selection of drinks. The only thing I dislike about this place is the size - it's a bit too close for comfort when the place is busy - and it's apparently always busy. I had fantastic veggie curry (there are plenty of vegetarian-friendly choices) a few weeks back, and my only complaint is that the waitstaff were overlapping a bit - it took us a while to get our check, in spite of the fact that every waiter in the place was checking on us. Weird.
(4)M B.
Best Thai food I've ever had. We frequent this spot regularly and no matter what I order I am pleased. I love spice, lots of variety and big portions. This place delivers on all there. The atmosphere is casual and fun. Not stuffy or stuck up. Really great for a fun date.
(5)Mika S.
The food isn't bad, but I would rather eat Thai food as takeout, because the food is just as good, and you get the same amount of it for half the price. I split a Combo Platter and a Rad Na entree (with chicken) with my boyfriend, and it was so much food that we were really full by the end of the meal. I liked the Combo Platter a lot, because it allows you to sample 8 of the 16 appetizer options on the menu. My favourite appetizers were the Golden Triangles, the Brown Sugar Rolls and the Spare Ribs. The Rad Na was alright overall, but what really stood out to me were the noodles and the "Chef's Gravy", that they were cooked in. The dish might have been better if I ordered another kind of meat instead of chicken. Since it was my friend's birthday, we ordered her a Birthday Special dessert, which consisted of a scoop of fried ice cream and some fried banana bites. The dessert was by far the highlight of the meal - it was delicious and the restaurant put on a fun "birthday show" by dimming the lights of the restaurant, turning on a strobe light and playing happy birthday, while they brought the dessert out. On the other hand, the dessert cost $12, which was a huge rip-off! I've had desserts at fancier restaurants for cheaper than that.
(3)Rachel L.
We came here for my sister's graduation lunch (it's only a block from her school), and it was a great place for some post-grad festivities. :) We had a party of 10 but we're able to get seated almost right away. We ordered: Yellow chicken curry (5/5): This was my favorite of the two curries we tried and my favorite dish. Slightly sweet, wonderfully milky, and with a good balance of sauce and chicken. Beef masaman curry (5/5): This had such a unique slightly peanuty flavor, while still being unmistakably Thai flavors. My sister said the butternut squash pieces in the curry made it feel like a "Thanksgiving curry." ;) I liked the yellow curry slightly more but this was a close runner-up. Pork laab (4/5) - Cant remember much about this one except that it had a vinegary taste. It was just ok, but I've never really been partial to overly sour tastes. Drunken noodles (3.5/5) From what I could eat or this, this was pretty yummy and I liked the pad see ew style noodles. But it was just too spicy for me to have more than a couple bites. Pad Thai (3/5) It's usually hard to mess up pad thai but this had unusually high amount of bean sprouts. Pineapple Hawaiian fried rice (3/5) This just don't have that much flavor, which was surprising considering that it came with plenty of shrimp and even lobster! It just needed some more oomph.
(4)Special N.
Some of the most flavorful Thai food I've had in a while. Had one of the seafood dishes with chili sauce. Spicy but so good!
(4)Myan T.
Great ambience and tasty Thai food. Definitely a must try. There are some items that are overwhelming sweet, including their sauces (sweet and sour sauce), but overall good dishes. Their coconut beverage is very fresh and refreshing. Tasted like they cracked a coconut open in the kitchen. Both the lunch and dinner menu offer an extensive list of options and is reasonably priced. Service was great. I will note that they attend to you very well. Parking is a pain since you are in the BU vicinity.
(4)Grace M.
Brown Sugar is where I first experienced Thai food when in college, so I have a special connection to this place. It's a solid experience- really everything I've tried has been excellent, from Pad Thai to curries to the Thai iced tea. I highly, highly recommend this place, though I mostly want to comment on take-out orders. I've had 2 instances now where I frustratingly brought an order home only to realize they'd put shrimp in my vegetarian items. So ** VEGETARIANS BEWARE ** to check your order before you leave! The last time this happened, the woman on the phone carefully repeated my order twice and confirmed "vegetarian fresh rolls" and even when I picked up my food, the woman at the counter repeated what I'd ordered and again, confirmed "vegetarian fresh rolls." When I'd gotten halfway home and then decided to check the order just in case, I saw the shrimp in my rolls and called to let them know. Whoever picked up gave me a slight attitude and essentially told me I must have failed to tell them "vegetarian." That left a sour taste for me in terms of customer experience... so just something to note is all. Irregardless, I'm a longtime fan of Brown Sugar. It's my second or third favorite Thai place in Boston, so I highly recommend it!
(4)Adrea G.
The country style pad Thai is tasty and spicy and has bits of turnip in it. Might be too spicy for those who aren't used to spice. The thai iced tea is creamy and strong. Recommended for thai food around Boston University.
(4)Samantha B.
A few steps from the edge of Boston University's West Campus, Brown Sugar Cafe has a warm and inviting atmosphere with high ceilings. Patio seating is available when the time is right. The large menu showcases traditional Thai curries to house and daily specials. If in the mood for sticky rice, recommend num prik ong - slightly similar to larb with ground pork in a spicy tomato sauce with garlic and onions (think ragu), native to the Chiang Mai region of Thailand. Use the firm slices of lettuce to make a wrap with the meat sauce. Old Lady Spicy, with the name suggesting, is a very spicy delight. With choice of protein (always pork), the mix of stewed and smoky Thai eggplant, string beans, sweet basil, and peppers blends the memorable flavors of this dish layer by layer.
(4)Larissa W.
I have never heard of this place until my friend mentioned it to me. I was a big fan of the name so I wanted to see if the food was worth the game! It was amazing! The dishes are huge and the prices are good! Typical prices as expected but was just very impressed with the size of the dish. Customer service was good and they came just the right amount of times to check on everything. I would suggest this place to anyone and the Thai food is AMAZING! There is not another place I could suggest where you can have it all!
(4)Mazyar M.
The drunken noodle is amazing , the price really good and the service is excellent , really recommend Also don't miss the beer
(5)Thanh L.
Come here for superb curry. I've been to Brown Sugar a few times and have been satisfied every time. The foods are incredibly flavorful and beautifully spiced. I've been to a few Thai restaurants where the flavors are just a bit off in terms of seasoning and flavor profiles (overly salted or underseasoned dishes), but this place gets it right every time. Last time I went, we were seated immediately on a Saturday night (we had a late dinner around 8:45). I opted for the Paradise Garden, which was a medley of veggies over a red curry sauce. One of the most delicious curry sauces I've ever had! The curry packed a ton of flavor and had the right amount of heat - the perfect amount of spice. My friend got a spicy shrimp pad thai that was also super delicious. Our meals were also out seemingly within minutes - really fast chefs and service! Service itself was good - they kept coming to refill our waters, which I definitely needed because of my spicy entree. At one point out of nowhere the lights dimmed, club music came on and disco lights started flashing. Hey it was someone's birthday! I thought the fanfare was hilarious, so if you're into having a fun birthday dinner, this would be a good spot. Delicious food and great service. Definitely check this place out if you're craving Thai.
(4)Laura D.
Went to Brown Sugar Cafe with a friend for their Pad Thai with chicken. The place is really nicely decorated and the wait staff is very professional and helpful. The pad thai itself was okay, but seemed a bit too oily. On the bright side, the portion was really huge. Not a bad choice if you're in the mood for Thai.
(3)Khanh B.
I took my family to brown sugar for my girlfriend birthday dinner. We also brought a birthday cake with us and hosted said that they don't allow birthday cake into the restaurant unless we had to order their desert. I found this is very ridiculous. I understand that restaurants are in the business of making money, and selling the desserts on the menu is certainly one way to do that. On the other hand, in order to try and accommodate most situations, why not allow outside cakes to be brought in, and simply charge a plating fee. That way, the restaurant can still make money. I am absolutely loved the food here but service need to be upgrade.
(2)Melissa C.
The chicken kua gai noodle dish is an all time favorite of mine. Fully recommend. Good food and service.
(5)Dona D.
OMG, I know this seems like a small thing and not worth such a rave review, but none the less. I have always loved the thai food from this location, as well as at their sister location "Thaitation" near Fenway. Yesterday, I had their wonton soup for the first time. I think it is the best soup I have ever had of any kind. Seems weird, I know, but I was absolutely blown away! I'm thinking of going back today and just having several bowls of Wonton soup in rapid succession... but that would be weird. That would be weird right? Probably. Maybe I'll just get like 5 soups to go...
(5)Shana S.
My favorite Thai spot. Ambiance is mellow and cozy. Fast service. My favorite dishes are pineapple fried rice, shrimp drunken noodle and Siamese twins..
(4)Nicola Y.
Brown Sugar Cafe is BY FAR the best tasting pad thai in Boston, IMO. I like my pad thai sweet, spicy, nutty, and BURSTING with flavor. Having lived across the street from Brown Sugar for three years now, I can safely say that I am a regular at this fine and authentic establishment. Like I will literally be here at least once a week the entire school year. I just want to say kudos - when I ask for the spiciest level possible (level four) they really deliver above and beyond! For a while they recognized me as the "girl with all the chili" because I would shamelessly pour tons, tons, tons of the tabletop chili powder on my takeout. It was GLORIOUS and I really appreciate that they would watch me amusedly instead of telling me to GTFO their chili. Thank you, Brown Sugar, for being so freaking chill about the chili. Not only can you pour chili but you can also pour straight up BROWN SUGAR on your dish. Ummmmmm yes. A million times yes. Protip: the chili powder on the tables is sweeter and milder, but if you ask for the chili powder from the back it is A LOT SPICIER AND STRONGER. I freaking love this place. Best tasting pad thai on the block, by FAR. The only downside would be that it is slightly more expensive than other nearby restaurants, but you get what you pay for - the quality of food is much better.
(5)Ryan R.
I went here with a friend to grab a bite to for dinner on a week night. The area around BU was pretty dead, but this place was packed when we arrived. Luckily, the space is huge and we were seated at the back of the restaurant. To start, we decided to split the scallion pancake and tempura vegetables. The scallion pancake for me was very lackluster. My friend seemed to enjoy it, but it didn't have enough flavor--especially compared to some of the ones I've had in Chinatown. The tempura vegetables were very good and were a decent-sized portion as well. For the main part of the meal we spilt the panang curry with chicken and the pad thai--country style with chicken. The panang curry was quite large and had just enough spice to provide a nice kick, but not take over your whole palate. The curry was filled with lots of different types of vegetables which was great, but I felt like they weren't cooked in the curry long enough and lacked tenderness and the curry flavor. I was also disappointed that it didn't come with rice (as every curry is eaten with rice) and that the brown rice they brought us was barely enough for one person. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed the curry, just wish it had hit a bit higher of a mark. The pad thai was also very good, but I don't think it was country-style as it didn't have any noticeable spice that I could detect. I did love the consistency and flavor of the noodles, but did wish there was a bit more chicken within the dish. Overall, the flavors hit high marks and the portions are large (as we had quite a bit to take home), but I felt like the dishes fell short of a 5-star rating. A nice little spot with a great atmosphere and friendly service, good for a date or a large group.
(4)Becca P.
I love Brown Sugar. Came here for my birthday yesterday...I dreaded the birthday song part because you get super embarrassed but it's awesome. I will not divulge the details since you will just have to go and see what they do for your birthday..it's unlike other places. FYI, don't bring a cake. They don't allow you to. You have to pay for their desserts (~$15). It's good and worth it. Service is always wonderful. Food is great. I really don't think you can go wrong with anything. I got the Pad Sie Yew (however you spell it). Portion was huge. Saved half for lunch today. My family got the Thai Fried Rice, Fisherman's Madness (with rice), and Seafood Pad Thai. All were delicious. They give you way too much food. Two girls could easily split one dish. For drinks, my mom got the thai tea (hot). It was good! I got the Thai Iced Tea which is delicious but they fill the cup with ice so that sorta sucks. Love this place. Will come again.
(5)Ugne V.
This is by far my favorite pad thai, BUT the service is just annoying! My friend and I went on a Sunday evening, 5 pm, the place was completely empty, it picked up a little around 5:30. When we ordered and our food came, we had three different waiters come every two minutes to ask us how we're doing. Personally I came there to have a conversation between two people, not two people and a waiter. My friend and I slowed down with our food, at which time the same three waiters again came a couple minutes within each other to ask us if we were done. We kept saying "no, were still working on it." Our frustrations, at that moment, peaking, we started slowing down with our food, and our drinks and even our water, on purpose. At this point, it was only half an hour into our stay there. When we finally finished and they took our plates away, they gave us our check, but we were still enjoying our drinks. They kept looking over at us and we kept making awkward eye contact at which point we were just annoyed that they simply wanted us out of there and left frustrated. The annoying part of it all is that it wasn't rush hour, they did not need a high turnover, there were 10 tables free in the whole restaurant. We felt rushed, interrupted and annoyed. I will probably try to find a different pad thai with much less intruding service.
(2)Nancy H.
Maybe I just never know what to order here at Brown Sugar, but both times I've left unamazed and still hungry. Thai food, yah, that pad thai never gets old, but we got the pepper beef and the soft shell crab hot pot too and the flavors did not amaze my taste buds. The portions were pretty small for the prices.
(3)Kat T.
Great atmosphere, amazing food! My first experience at Brown Sugar Cafe was absolutely great! The food was amazing! Plater Combo was really good with various appetizers, good choice if you prefer to try many different things. Penang Curry dish is absolutely mind-blowing! By far, one of my favorite dishes. The combination of coconut milk and spices was incredible, highly recommend. Country Pad Thai was very good as well, can't say it was the best but certainly very good and I would absolutely order it again and recommend to anyone. The prices are not the lowest, but seem very reasonable. The ambiance of this place is very nice and cozy, the aquariums are nice addition to interior. I'd say this place can be great for quick lunch as well as more romantic dinner. Service was quite friendly too. Definitely recommend this place!
(5)Rani P.
I wish there was a half star I could add to this rating. The experience was definitely worth the visit- fish tanks, flashy lights followed by a classic Thai version of Happy Birthday, and a bar where you could order beers and take back to the tiny waiting area. Reservations are for 6 or more, and we found that even though it was a bit chaotic when we arrived, we were sat on a Saturday night pretty quickly. (Probably because the hostess called three other parties before us at a volume only people standing directly in front of her could hear.) The service was friendly and attentive. Even after we had been eating for at least 20 minutes with our meals, someone came by and asked if we received everything we ordered. Thankfully, yes. The food was good- and the bill was at a level of comfort that isn't often felt in Boston. However, I have definitely had better Thai food for less money and less chaos. Probably won't find me hanging by the fish tanks anytime soon, but glad I tried it!
(3)Judy K.
I've come here twice now and while it's not my favorite thai restaurant, I do see the appeal. It's beautiful inside with maps of Thailand, authentic statues and fish tanks to give you a really nice asian environment. The napkins are neatly folded into a fancy crinkled rainbowesque shape, the lights are dimmed for dinner for that right mood and they even have a disco ball for people's birthdays. If I had to name one thing that they do right, it's the ambiance of the restaurant. The food is just mediocre for the price that I'm paying. I can walk a few blocks down to NudPub and get more authentic thai food for a cheaper price! I've had the fisherman's madness and while the seafood was fresh, the scallops lacked seasoning and the sauce overall was too watery to coat any of the seafood. I had to basically drink the soup with the seafood in order for it to have any flavor. I've also had the chicken drunken noodle and the chicken had a funky old chicken taste. Every time I had a bite of the chicken, I thought of chicken that's been left out for too long and forgotten. Not the best, but the noodles were good. The lychee drink was also good, but I would never come here just for the lychee drink... I can get that in a can! This place might be okay for a date, but if you're looking for GREAT thai food place with someone who you're comfortable enough to burp in front of and don't need to impress no more, just go to NudPub. Or you know, if you're dining alone, NudPub will fill the cracks in your empty heart with good food.
(3)Ashley D.
Best place for thai food in the Allston/Brighton/Brookline area. Everything I've ever had here has been great. The pad see ew in particular is made super well and is on rotation with my favorite take-out items. Another favorite of one of my friends is a dish with lobster and brown sauce (unfortunately the name always escapes us). Brown sugar is surprisingly one of the only places in the greater Boston area to incorporate the local crustacean into its food and it's just excellent. The other curries and noodle dishes are also on par with what good thai food should taste like. Also, if you're celebrating a birthday here, good on ya, you will not regret it. A beautiful stunning array of lights and sounds that will make you smile and laugh and remind you to not take life too seriously.
(4)Vivian C.
Don't come here if you're looking for a quiet time out, or a place for a private conversation. But if you are looking for a quick meal or good food, this might be a good option. We came for an early dinner and were the first party to be offered seats in the back beyond their archer statue. But mere minutes later, three additional parties were seated in the same area, with one at the table right beside us. Without any attempt at all, we were privy to their conversation about platonic friendships whenever we had a lapse in our own chat. We knew what we wanted right off and placed our order immediately. 6-7 minutes later, our food arrived! The veggie pad thai $10.95 consisted of two substantial pieces of each veggie, which was a goodly portion, however the noodles - no matter how tasty - were on the skimpy side. Once you allow for the space occupied by the raw beansprouts, it seemed the size of this dish was a tad light. The chicken pad see you $10.95 was a bit better portioned, however I was surprised to see that the broccoli on this dish was the western sort rather than the leafier Chinese broccoli cousin. Fortunately I am a fan of both. But the dish itself was a bit strong tasting, so we were glad we were sharing both. The thai iced tea $2.95 was tasty, and although they could not lessen the sugar since it was already pre-mixed, they were able to adjust the ice and dairy upon request. Credit cards accepted. It got busy as the dinner rush arrived.
(4)Katharine N.
My favorite Thai restaurant in the Boston area! I adore their massaman curry - just the right blend of spices.
(4)Jeremy K.
Brown Sugar Cafe, and its sister restaurant in Cambridge, The Similans, are both excellent Thai restaurants and arguably the best ones in the Boston area. From their succulent curries to their pad thais, and their Tom Kha soup, or even their fried pineapple rice, it's all very delicious and affordable. I'm particularly fond of the latter of the dishes I mentioned, but they also have dozens more, including some very traditional ones. Best of all, most are around $13 and few exceed $20. They also have a beer and wine license but their non-alcoholic drinks like their Thai iced tea is quite tasty as well. Amongst my favorite dishes there are their chicken satay ($7.95) and Tom Khar Gai soup ($3.95). Their pad thai is fantastic as it just about everything else I've had there. I frequently get their pineapple fried rice ($11.95) or their Massaman Nua Moh-din ($13.95) which is a Massaman curry served in a clay pot. But honestly, I've never had a bad dish there so I'm confident that the rest of their menu is great as well. The place is clean, spacious and service very friendly. They also have a beautiful aquarium that people can peer into while they wait for their food. All in all, this place is fantastic but keep in mind that it does get packed as it's located right at the edge of the BU campus, near Agganis Arena and the Paradise Rock club. There's a good amount of street parking in the area, but you can also take the green line there (line B).
(5)praveen v.
One of the best Thai places i have been to and i have been to some incredible thai places across the country. I have been coming here for ages, and there is a reason why. The food is amazing and it is very affordable. The pad thai is incredible as well as the chicken with cashew nuts. Really, i think anything on this menu is going to be 5 stars. I have never been let down by the quality of the food or service.
(5)Fred M.
Started with an appetizer of Brown Sugar Spareribs. Surprisingly delicious with a brown sugar finish. Onto a traditional Pad Thai. Slightly sweet with fresh bean sprouts on rice noodles. Mildly addictive. Slice Chicken mixed vegetables in a mild ginger sauce with pine nuts. Delicious, the peppers and onions were cooked perfect with the jumbo shrimp on top. We added a small white steamed rice. The atmosphere is very inviting. The waiting staff was especially on top of everything. Could've given this a 3 1/2.
(3)Emily A.
Went here the other night around sunset and got to sit by the window. Had one of the best seats in the house. Docking it a star for the service and for how uncomfortably close the tables are to each other. Felt like I was also on a date with these guys from okc. Also we tried ask our waitress why it was called brien sugar and she didn't really answer us... Anywho, got the pad thai and the mansaman curry which were both absolutely delectable. So sweet. So savory. Definitely going to make my parents take me here next time they visit...
(4)Bob S.
The Spousal Unit and I were picking up a rental car at the Enterprise place across the street and needed to eat lunch before blasting out of town. This was their recommended spot so we got right over there. I was thrilled to see Yen Ta Fo (Four) on the menu so there was no doubt what I was ordering. S.U had the Phad Thai. Her's was nice, needed more green onion. My yen ta fo was great. This version had a wee bit of tomato, an addition I've seen before, but not too much. great spice, good amount of seafood and spinach. My favorite dish well done. Boom!
(4)Olivia J.
I dont know much about authentic thai food but I can guess (could be a wrong guess), based on their ubiquity in America, that pad thai, curry, pad see ewe (sp?), and my other go-to dishes are not so authentic. This place though, has a lot more interesting things on their menu, not just the aforementioned items. Some items are named in Thai without English translation but with English description of ingredients. I've tried two of these unfamiliar dishes - can't remember their names, since I don't know Thai. But one was with chicken, pineapple chunks, and cashew nuts and another with chicken, mushroom, bamboo shoots over rice. I really liked both - they were flavorful, not at all oily or fatty, and comforting. I will probably go back to try more of their traditional Thai dishes. If youre looking to eat "normal" Thai food - I suggest Rod Dee instead. Also, Symphony Church meets just a block away; on Sundays at 10:30am at Paradise Rock Club!
(5)Nicole P.
This place was great! The service was really friendly and attentive. I had the duck curry which was delicious. I was in a party of four and everyone ordered something different and raved about the food. I love regional ethnic food. They had a special - soft shell crab pad thai that a friend ordered and declared fantastic. I definitely recommend this place.
(4)Vinay F.
Ok, so i've been scouting for this spicy burmese beef dish for a long time in Boston. Strangely enough i found it here! Well not exactly - the dish used chicken mince. The kra-pow, tofu panang curry and the tom yum soup are probably my favorites (although i go here just for the krapow)
(4)Ayelet R.
I like to think of myself as someone, who at the very least, knows the Thai food scene in Boston, if not quite well. But truth be told, Brown Sugar Cafe made me feel as if I have never tried Thai food before. The place itself is pretty unremarkable from the outside, but a whole other story on the inside - a large dining room full of butterflies and sculptures and tapestries. The atmosphere is definitely very cool and romantic if that's what you're interested in. We were a bit worried about the wait since it was Saturday night and apparently they only take reservations for larger parties but luckily, despite all the people waiting when we came in, a table for four had just cleared up when we walked in and we didn't have to wait after all. Definitely lucky as it seemed at the time that there were no other empty tables in sight. The nice thing about the menu is that you can either play it safe or take a risk - the first half has all the Thai-American standards I was familiar with, while the second boasts both dishes unique to Brown Sugar (such as "Pad Macaroni," a Thai-Italian fusion of sorts) and authentic Thai dishes, with the titles written in Thai. There's a lot to choose from, but admittedly, once I found out they serve Pad Thai inside an omelet, I was sold. We took Golden Triangles for the table and they were delicious. Crispy and just a little bit spicy. Then my Pad Thai came and even before taking a bite into it, I was feeling gleeful. I mean, as someone whose favorite part of Pad Thai is the eggy bits, I was pretty excited about one giant eggy bit on top of it. And though I may have still been playing it a bit safe by taking a Pad Thai dish, this was definitely some of the best Pad Thai I've tried. And packed with so many veggies! Lately I've gotten used to Pad Thais with a few scallions and some bean sprouts, if you're lucky and this was definitely not the case here. I especially loved the mushrooms - I think they may have just been shitake but they were cooked so well. Mm mm mm. I also split the Incredible Fried Rice, which they were kind enough to make vegetarian. It was flavorful, full of a whole other assortment of veggies (packed with really fresh Thai basil), and yes, also pretty eggy. I tried a bit of the Green Curry as well which had a vegetable which looked like a thin pepper but tasted kind of gingery and I am still trying to figure out what it was. Yes, it's a bit on the pricey side, but really, just a few dollars per entree more expensive than most Thai places and you totally get what you pay for. I'm not sure what took me so long, but I think I finally found the best Thai food Boston has to offer.
(5)Kayla S.
This place was amazing. It was so good. I got the jade noodle dish (i forget the actual name but its spinach noodle dish with shrimp and mushrooms) and it was amazing. The staff was super friendly and quick. They came back many times. My bf got the vegetable pad Thai with addition of tofu. That probably was out only complaint. Paying $2 more for tofu but it only came with like 3 pieces. But overall. Everything was. amazing!! Yum yum. Happy eats!
(5)Chelsea M.
On a snowy night, warm curry is always a good decision. Came here with the boyfriend for date night. Brown Sugar is great for a romantic night out- they even have an xmas tree and a giant snowglobe! We noshed on: Brown Sugar Fresh Rolls: shrimp, shredded carrots, cucumbers, fresh lettuce and sweet basil leaves. On the side was an unbelievable house special turnip sauce, topped with crushed peanuts. I was impressed by the presentation, complete with a flower carved from a carrot! Each ingredient was impossibly fresh and crisp. Biting into the fresh rolls, you got a great combination of meaty shrimp, crunchy carrots, and sweet basil. The turnip sauce with peanuts was sweet and delicious. Masaman Curry: tofu, coconut milk, potatoes, butternut squash, roasted peanuts, onions, carrots, green peppers and red peppers, and of course brown sugar. The Masaman Curry was much more sweet than spicy, which made it absolutely delicious. It had the perfect balance of protein-filled tofu, peppers with a kick, and potatoes. Panang Curry: chicken, coconut milk, peppers, snow peas, green peas, green beans, bamboo strips and sweet basil leaves, which was topped with roasted peanut and chopped kaffir lime leaves. It was a bit too hot for me, but is a great dish for the spice-lover. Overall, our experience at Brown Sugar Cafe was delightful. The service was spectacular- our water and tea were always filled and we never had to flag down a waiter. The cuisine was scrumptious and made with fresh ingredients. To top it all off, the decor was top-notch - from folded cloth napkins to giant aquariums, Christmas trees, and chandeliers. I absolutely recommend Brown Sugar to anyone looking to get their Thai cuisine fix in Boston.
(5)Jingyao Z.
You will be attracted by the beautiful flowers outside. People are friend. Honestly it's not so desirable for the price. But it's just around school.
(3)Ankita R.
I love this restaurant. I have been here a couple of times. I love their grapow chicken and thai iced coffee.The service is great too.
(5)Galahad L.
Nice atmosphere, modern contemporary music playing in the background. Waitress was efficient and smiled often. Pad thai tasted a bit sweet and the sliced chicken breast meat was relatively tender. Problem was the shrimp: it all had that "earthy" taste like it was almost bad. A bit expensive but what can one expect on Comm Ave.
(3)Chenkai L.
The thai food here is quite delicious, its never crowded so you can always get a seat. What I love the most about this place is the atmosphere, its pretty quiet and intimate but not too expensive so a good place to go for a first date.
(4)Erica B.
Brown sugar Café is a total staple in Boston. As long as I've been here so has brown sugar. The mango fried rice has been a favorite of mine through the past several years. Both delivery and in house are sure to be so good Being right on comm ave gives it a super convenient location too. (On the b-line)
(5)Brie P.
I go here with my husband and brother in law all the time. I not one to like super hot foods, and this place has great tasting food for all spice levels. The ginger tea is a great drink to warm up on a cold New England evening. All of the appetizers that we have tried have all been delicious and a great starter to a meal. I usually get the yellow curry for my meal. It has pineapple, chicken and a sweetened curry sauce. Also, leave room for some fried ice cream. They have a thinner batter around the than most places. The honey and sesame seeds also add a bit of texture and sweetness, a must have. The restaurant has a lovely and calm atmosphere. It's a decent size location, don't let the small window outside fool you. A great place to grab some great food with friends or have a nice date with someone.
(5)Cher K.
I had been really sick and was just getting my appetite back, so I ordered some veggie rice and scallion pancakes for delivery. They told me it would be 45 minutes, but it was only 25 minutes. The deliver person was very nice and gracious. He carried the food up 4 flights. The food itself was delicious, light and wholesome; just what my body needed.
(4)Ken I.
There are a bunch of Thai restaurants in greater Boston area, and this is the best Thai restaurant among those in my opinion. They serve very delicious and flesh dishes very consistently. Before joining Yelp, I visited this restaurant numerous times. Not even a single occasion I was disappointed. Every time I was asked which Thai restaurant I would recommend, this place has been always my answer. My personal favorite dish is their green curry. Not too too spicy. It is just right amount of spiciness to it, and it is very very delicious!
(5)Mary H.
Got the appetizer Cozy Shrimp. It was really delicious. A jumbo shrimp wrapped in a wonton wrapper and fried. Had the Jade Noodles which were really good. Also had the pineapple fried rice. All three dishes were really good since my picky mom enjoyed all of them!
(4)Alyssa A.
I ate everything on my plate and more. I really loved it. With over 400 reviews I don't think I need to say much more except... Solid 4 Stars. BUT if you want 5 Star Thai go to Bangkok City on Mass Ave.
(4)Claude F.
Claude F. Vs. Luciene Y: The Eating Contest Round #4 For Round 4 we came here for my favorite type of food: The kind I don't have to pay for! Luciene was buying this round so I made sure to choose someplace expensive. ("What?" you say "You paid for Pizza and then you made her pay for expensive Thai food?" To which I answer: "What are international students here for but to be taken advantage of? Ask any college official- who makes them pay double for everything- what's the use of having the world hate us if we can't shake them down a little? Sheeeesh!" First thing you will notice about the Brown Sugar Café is it is much nicer on the inside then the out side and seems oddly bigger on the inside then the out side (sort of Like Dr. Who's Tardis). The Brown Sugar Café is indeed a fine dining restaurant; seemingly better suited for the Back Bay then to be located in the college student Ghetto that is Alston (if a B line goes threw it- it can't be good) Though we had no reservation: we were seated very promptly (one of the upsides of it NOT being in the Back Bay, the wealthy Yuppies are allergic to Alston). The tables are well spaced a part (very atypical for a Boston Restaurant) so you can have a nice conversation with out broad casting it to the world... like I am doing now. For an appetizer we ordered the combo Platter. This is a platter of chicken and beef satay, spring rolls, vegetable rolls, cozy shrimp, tofu triangles, golden triangles, ravioli and sparerib for $15.95" Yeeeeaaah. Since I was not paying I ordered the most expensive appetizer. But it is also the best one- a real taste of a bunch of delectable Thai dishes! I would highly recommend this for any trip to the Brown Sugar Café. For the Entrée I ordered the Tom Zab Pla Salmon which is a Very hot and sour salmon fillet served in a clay pot. (Really GOOD presentation) for $18.95. It was delicious. Luciene ordered the Tom Yum Goong Yai Num-kon which is a Thick and hot and sour large fresh water shrimp soup also in a clay pot. (Also really Great presentation) for $17.95. She said it was "okay" (But I think looking forward to the eventual bill tampered her enthusiasm) For Dessert we both ordered the Mango Ice Cream for $5.50 each. Hmmmmm...it was okaaaay. But when I go back I will try a different dessert. As per the eating contest (sound the Drum roll please) I clearly bested Luciene at eating the appetizer (anything where I can use my hands and long arm reach I have an advantage in) but Lucien swallowed her entrée in what seemed like 3 bites (Drat! I should have ordered the shrimp to!) while it took me a while to get threw the salmon (good for you, buuuuut...you know what I mean. Only a shark can inhale salmon) and when it came to dessert Luciene inhaled the mango ice cream like it was magic ice cream that can make you a foot taller but only if you eat it really really Fast! (which would be a great sales line to sell ice cream to international students) So this round went to Luciene (que sad music youtube.com/watch?v=Kfxq… ) But a VERY GOOD dining experience for both of us! Warning: The GOOD dishes here are NOT cheap. Our Total bill (since the waiter assumed I was paying and handed it to me initially) was $68 with Tax but with out Tip and we did not order ANY of the over priced drinks that would have put the bill into triple digits. So before coming here I would highly advise finding your own international student to take advantage of (Tip: there are a lot them who ride the B line and the best place to meet them is in Shaw's or the Super88. Just go up to them and start talking about food. Works every time.) Note: I noticed the earthy crunchy people sitting in the table next to us could not shut up - in the usual drunk white trust fund kind of way- about how great the vegetarian selections were, so I would add this place to any list to take a veg head to while still being able to enjoy dinner your self. After Round #4: Claude 1 Luciene 3 Next up....AMERICAN FOOD ONLY!!! ..grrrrrrrrrrrr!
(4)Alistair B.
Best Thai food I've had in Boston so far! Fast and delicious. I've had the fried rice, pad Thai, and pad see ew. All great! Lots of veggies and meat, not overloaded with noodles like many of Thai restaurants.
(4)Ama R.
Best green curry with tofu I've had. I've been coming to Brown Sugar Cafe for years and it has never failed to please!
(5)Jason B.
Went to brown sugar cafe for the second time last saturday; place was really crowded but it was only two of us so we were seated right away. It isn't the most intimate setting in boston, another couple was about a foot away to us but I'm not exactly shy so it didn't phase me. The service is fast, maybe too fast sometimes but they put your order through as quickly as possible in order to seat as many people as possible in a dinner session. We both ordered the standard fresh spring rolls and tom yum soup, both of which were excellent. I'm not a huge seafood guy but I was tempted to try one of their crazy seafood dishes but was talked into the 3 stooges, and I'm glad. We both shared fried ice cream for dessert. This is the real deal, not the ice cream covered in cinnamon toast crunch garbage at some places but flash fried ice cream that tastes like a cross between funnel cake and a cream filled donut. The best moment of the night was when someones birthday celebration came on; gotta love the thai techno birthday rendition with flashing lights and thumping bass.
(4)Amy L.
It's okay.. I've tried couple other dishes here before and I personally like their volcano seafood platter and their fried ice cream for dessert. I've had better thai food around the boston but I really think their fried ice cream is best so far! lots of place using a thick dough to wrap the ice cream but brown sugar's ice cream is made out of very thin and light dough covered with honey or maple syrup. When I come here for dinner I always order two fried ice cream:) that good! but the other dishes weren't memorable...
(3)E B.
What's not to love about a place that does karaoke and flashing disco lights on birthdays? I rarely crave thai, but this is my go to place when I want it.... just wish that it was cheaper so that I could get ALL of my faves at once! Crunchy Pad Thai (name might be something else) was deliciously good and crunchy.... the fried tofu is a great appetizer, the mango (and pineapple) fried rice is all sooooooooooo good... and I love the tom kha soup as well. This place can get pretty crowded, but I've never really had to wait very long to be seated.
(4)Liz T.
Brown Sugar isn't bad, but it isn't superior either. Yeah, the decor brings you to Thailand and the servers refill your water every second, but the food is nowhere near as good as Thai Dish or Nud Pob--it's a little overpriced, too. The Thai Spring Rolls are yummy, but there's only 3 cut in half to fool you into thinking there's 6. The Scallion Pancakes are decent-sized and pretty good--I would've been pissed off if the place had skimped on what amounts to batter and green onions. You can't go wrong with the noodle dishes except maybe the Comm Ave Noodle (I'd never order something with that name at a Thai restaurant, but my friend did and it simply sucked). Actually, I wasn't fond of the Pad Thai Country Style either--the regular version is very good. This is comparable to making Joey after Friends. I always enjoy the desserts here, though. The Fried Ice Cream is to-die-for (green tea flavor is great)--it's super crisp and hot outside, cold and not overly sweet inside. I also recommend the Mango with Sweet Sticky Rice--it's fresh, healthy (maybe not with all that coconut milk), and so satisfying. P.S. The bipolar service can be super or super unpleasant. My friend didn't tip once because our waitress was mean--and she actually said to us, "You don't put enough tip!" So unprofessional.
(4)Savannah K.
I hate to say this but.. we had very painful food poisoning . . . Very unsanitary kitchen. I honestly don't know how this place is allowed to stay open. I drove around for 30 minutes trying to find parking because they tow your car all around Coolidge corner. Then waited 50 minutes for the dishes to arrive. There are a couple of places in Harvard square that have good Thai food with real fish sauce.. this is the worst Thai in Boston. Have a glance at the kitchen and you will see why. This place is popular with a cult following of friends of the owner who know how to tread through the minefield of menu items that will send you to the clinic when poorly prepared. This place had a burnt smell racing through the dining room that was the first signal that we should have gotten up and left.
(1)Colin B.
You can pretty much get anything on the menu and be blown away. I had this volcano of deliciousness that included an array of flavors I still can't get my mind around. Perfect for groups but a great date spot too. THE FOOD IS RIDICULOUSLY GOOD - and different.
(5)A P.
I absolutely love Brown Sugar! My boyfriend and I eat there so frequently it's embarrassing. The ambiance is cute and cozy, and every night around sunset they dim the lights and light a candle at every table.The waiter service is great, and attentive (I swear they stand in the corner watching you to see when your glass is empty or you put your menu down.) As a lover of all Asian food (Chinese, Thai, etc) with a nut allergy, I really appreciate how Brown Sugar is very careful in labeling the contents of their dishes. Many other Chinese and Thai restaurants are not. I especially love the Thai Iced Tea, Siamese Twins, and the free Tootsie Rolls on the way out the door. There are just a few things I think Brown Sugar could improve upon. Their menu is huge, but some of their dishes are less spectacular than others. Not that they are bad, just plain. I think the menu could be culled a little tighter so it's not so hard to choose! Also, I don't care for how tight the seating is. I came close to taking someone out with my purse trying to get into my seat today. Additionally, for some odd reason, every time I'm in there I hear a Muzak version of "My Heart Will Go On" playing over the sound system...
(5)Lauren M.
Food is great. Birthday celebrations = amazing. Next time you go, yes, it is someones birthday in your group...
(4)Frank L.
When I first came to MIT, there was a lot of free food at different events. And often Thai food from a place close to campus. It was my first real exposure to Thai and I fell in love with shrimp pad thai. But after going to Brown Sugar I realized that the first place I had pad thai from really sucks in comparison. Brown Sugar's Country Pad Thai is rich and orange with peanut and so good it's orgasmic. I realized now the other place seems white and bland and I will never accept anything less than Brown Sugar pad thai. Once you have steak it's hard to go back to bologna.
(5)Salim C.
Not the best, not the worst. It's better than most of the Thai I've had in Boston. In fact it may be the second best I've had since moving here, but it's still only mediocre. Here's where I act all condescending and say that I've been to Thailand numerous times and none of the food either in people's homes or in the restaurants there tastes anything like what I've had in Boston. And here's where I act like a snooty bitch and say that I came from a city with a lot of great Thai food and why can't I get any in Boston. But hey, I did move here from a city with awesome Thai on every corner and so I guess I was beginning to think it was just a universal thing; Every city has somewhere to get good Pizza, and very city has someplace with good Thai. I was wrong. I'm not trying to insult Bostonians and say my hometown is better than your hometown, because there are many advantages here in Boston that you can't get anywhere else: Your public school system isn't in the toilet like almost every other place I've lived. Gay people can get married here which is awesome and surprisingly progressive. But why do all of these advancements in your culture have to come with the caveat that one must either eat fish&chips or Italian food here. But seriously, if someone can recommend someplace good, I will come over and wash your car. OK maybe I'll just say 'thank you', but it will totally be the most heartfelt 'thank you' you've ever had.
(2)Chris M.
MMMM their red curry is fantastic. Some of the best I've ever had. Need more experiences with them, definitely.
(5)Kayley T.
I am a huge fan. I looved their chicken pad thai, and their vegetarian spring rolls (better than the chicken ones). I wish I lived closer so I could frequent here more often. I can't remember what my husband or sister in-law got, but I tried both and both were delicious.
(5)A A.
This place is pretty good!
(5)Laura P.
DEFINITELY try this place out - even if you don't love thai there are a million menu options for you and its price point is perfect for a casual meal. Went with my bf tonight and the staff was so friendly and helpful in choosing the perfect dish for his persnickety taste buds. He ended up doing a mild veggie curry with chicken and I did a tofu dish - both ultra delicious. The atmosphere is exactly what you want it to be - very oriental with little statues and mirrors everywhere and they put little yellow flowers on the tables - a cute touch. yummmm - just writing about it makes me want to go back tomorrow.
(5)Tom C.
Took my wife here for our first date, so I might be bias. None the less, this is our favorite Thai restaurant in Boston. Restaurant is clean and has a nice decor. The food is very well prepared. If you like spicy this is the place to visit.
(5)natasha g.
Yum!! Love this place. Very clean, well decorated. Delicious caramelized salmon special. Only thing is they mixed up my gluten free order with my moms gluten version. But, since I'm not a celiac and I ate a bunch of soy sauce the night before I wasn't too worried
(4)Tarah H.
What, you might ask, do I have to add after 144 reviews?? How about when I went here for lunch the other day, there was a statue of, I believe, the Hindu deity Lord Rama, wielding his bow, with a giant red sparkly with little hearts heart affixed so as to make the statue seem to be a reference to cupid. Sure the guy fought a war to save his wife, was deeply devoted to both her and his religious duties and you probably want to remind people that Thai food is the food of love so they should eat here on V-day...but was that really necessary? Either way, it provided a good laugh (and a few minutes pondering the possible sacrilege) for our table. Otherwise: bla bla bla the food is amazing. Look at me, I ventured away from the Tom Yum soup and Vegetarian Country Style Pad Thai and got Yellow Curry! Still phenomenal. Fresh. flavorful food. Love the Thai Iced Coffee. Don't love the fish tank, but even that and that freaking heart aren't enough to detract a star. I had my Thai food cherry popped at the Brown Sugar location in the Fenway. Needless to say I was excited and my friends were jealous when my job placed me right near this one.
(5)Amanda Q.
Went here for dinner last week. Food was delicious and the wait staff was ever so friendly. It's known as the restaurant to go to in Boston if you want Thai. The place is popular so make a reservation.
(4)Eric S.
This is kind of an old review - annoying that Yelp won't let you post from their mobile version... anyway, I had dinner at the Brown Sugar Cafe this summer and the Moo Yang Num Tok (pork) was awesome. It was my first time trying this dish, and I loved the mint and chili sauce. Sticky rice was perfect too. If you're considering ordering, it's on the spicy side.
(4)Malavika R.
This is by far the best Thai food I have eaten. PERIOD. I love this place.
(5)Marti S.
First off - the food is pretty good at Brown Sugar. I got the Brown Sugar Mango Fried Rice, which "is very popular dish," with good reason. The ingredients were balanced very well. Everyone else seemed to enjoy their meals as well. But let's talk about the other stuff because while the food was fine, it wasn't great, and there were so many other great things there. First off - the place is covered in dead butterflies, fish tanks, and other curiosities. It's all very pretty, but kind of an interesting decor for a restaurant. Also - the lights kept getting darker and darker as the night went on - and we were only there for about an hour and a half. So, if you're looking for a romantic meal, this might be a good option. God save you if it's your birthday. Basically they turn all the lights off and start blaring what sounds like Adam Sandler singing Happy Birthday while flashlights are waved around. Yes, the dessert looked fairly massive but my goodness. Talk about about embarrassing. So, BSC is solid. Nothing particularly exciting in the food department, but the atmosphere is definitely special. I'd check it out if I were you, but don't expect it to be the best meal you've ever had.
(3)Nikki M.
The two stars are for the green curry, and the green curry alone. I ordered delivery from Brown Sugar with some friends; it was convenient-- they had their menu online, so we based our order off of that. The woman on the phone then said the order was fifteen dollars MORE than what it should have been. Why? Because they keep their menu outdated to trick people. Those are the LUNCH prices. Which have also since risen. We were told about forty minutes for our food. 90 minutes later we called to ask about the food and were told "Oh, he's on the way to your house now. 10 minutes." When we had waited for a total of two hours and ten minutes the guy decided to show up with our lukewarm, overpriced food. Thanks a lot, Brown Sugar. But hey, their green curry was amazing. Once I microwaved it.
(2)Valerie B.
People i knew always hyped this place up saying that it was the best Thai Restaurant in Boston. I guess it's because this is the ONLY Thai place they've ever been to. My friends and myself went here a year ago and the food wasn't good AT ALL!! I got the drunken noodles and they were gross. I ended up eating with my friends and they didn't like their food either. We ended up asking for the check with our plates still full. The staff here was also very sassy. I don't know if it was because we came to the restaurant 45 minutes before it was going to close, but the sas wasn't necessary. After all, Boston is the "rudest city". I don't know if they improved their food or even their staff but i haven't been back since. If you want really good Thai Food go to Chili Duck in Copley. It's Delicious and the staff is super nice.
(1)Sarah B.
My very favorite Thai restaurant. The menu is a bazillion pages long, and Ive been there a bunch of times, yet every single dish Ive ordered has been fabulous. Staple favorites are the Pad See Ew and Mango Rice, but there are a lot more delicious exotic dishes that I cant remember the names of (one involves avocado - amazing!). It can get crowded (because its so good) but if you get there in the early evening, (like 6 or 6:30) theres usually no problem with seating. The ambience is really nice as well - soft lighting and lovely decor. Especially great for birthdays (think sudden thumping bass and strobe lights as the Thai waitstaff sings Happy Birthday). I honestly cant recommend it enough. Definitely one of the best Thai places around, definitely one of my favorite restaurants in Boston. Outdoor seating in the warm months.
(5)HereComesIan H.
ok i dont even know what i ordered matter fact my plate was order for me i loved the peanut hot sauce i had shrimp scallops and calamari (not fried) colorful veggies and hints of ginger great to look at and eat aswell the scallops had no season and were a lil under cooked i liked the fishes in the fish tank (nice to look at) and the butterflies on the wall was a great visual distraction
(3)Jules K.
I really think this is the best Thai in Boston, and I love Thai food, but found many places in Boston a bit bland or different. I used to have Thai all the time with a coworker who was part of a big Thai family, so I feel like I'm not that skewed in my opinion. I love their Jade Noodles, and Comm Ave noodles, which sounds really cheesy, I realize... Their drunken noodle is a bit more spicy then other places, but this place is great. Love it!
(5)Marissa C.
I think Brown Sugar more than lives up to the hype about it. My friends kept telling me it was "soooo good", and so I was very skeptical, but happily, I was not disappointed. First of all, I think the service here is great. They are always busy, ALWAYS, but they make a point of getting around to everyone and check on their customers, which is more than I can say for most restaurants in a college student area. The decor is really well put together and not too cluttered. I know they suffered a terrible fire about 5-6 years ago, but when they reopened, they were back and better than ever. When I used to frequent it, I would usually have the yellow curry which was always delicious with big chunks of potato, pineapple, peppers and chicken. And they don't skimp on the spice either! An ex of mine had the "Old Lady Spicy" once and afterward he said "Wow, that old lady kicked my ass!". Most Thai places look at a white person and hold off on chili paste...at Brown Sugar, they give you what you ask for! My only qualms are that their menu is so long it's a bit overwhelming *(seriously they give Victor Hugo a run for his money) and the prices are a wee bit higher than I would like. But as far as taste, Brown Sugar can't be beat!
(4)Lisa O.
I hate it when things are overhyped as I am usually let down once I finally get around to trying it. I've heard for years that Brown Sugar is the best Thai food in Boston, and once I finally got a chance to try it, I have to disagree. Although I didn't exactly break out of my Thai food shell by ordering Pad Thai, it is a dish I love and have had at numerous other places. Despite ordering my food spicy (and with a warning from the waitress) my food was neither spicy nor flavorful. It was okay, but nothing I'm going back for. My dining companions had similar complaints about their dishes. The wine list, atmosphere and service was good, but my expectations were too high for the food. I'd go back, but I definitely would get something else.
(3)Greg E.
Best thai place a ever! A Boston gem! Love the mango/pineapple fried rice, cashew chicken is also wonderful (served in a hallowed out pineapple)
(5)Ewa T.
If you have a birthday to celebrate..this place is the place to go! Oh..and the food is fantastic as well! I haven't laughed so hard in a while and it wasn't even my birthday! I'm going to keep the surprise..a surprise..no spoiler alert here, but I did experience 4 birthday celebrations within a 2 hour period on a friday night. Who knew dinner came with a show. The food too was pretty awesome as well. I had the spider crab pad thai and I'm still dreaming about it now. Very tasty, very reasonable prices, and an enjoyable atmosphere = a restaurant you want to have on your list of places to try. Popular amongst Bostonians, it is located near the heart of BU, so you know its gotta be lively and "hoppin"
(4)Mel L.
I used to love the smaller location near Fenway Park that closed. I've noticed the differences in taste and experience with the current restaurant. The Pad Thai has been disproportionate... way too many noodles and not enough shrimp or tofu. The main event is over in just a few mouthfuls. They used to have an outstanding crispy Pad Thai that seemed to vanish off the menu.
(3)Ashley B.
Great food, love the decor, fast service, and a nice ambience. I have been going to Brown Sugar for years, great Thai Food, and amazing desserts, MUST TRY THE SWEET STICKY RICE WITH MANGO...I crave it now that I am in Los Angeles. It gets full, but the food is worth the wait and you won't be waiting long.
(5)Wai F.
I was hesistant to write this review, but after scanning the list of reviews I saw my dining experience was not a unique one. Firstly, the menu is vast. I've been in restaurants with big menus before, but this one was over whelming and I had no idea where to start. We got the standard papaya salad, but this one came with a side of sticky rice as well. Cool! Next up was a Tom Yum Goong soup which was delicious. After the appetizers we were ready for our entrees: pad thai and pad woon sen. The portions were huge and we knew immediately that we were gonna have to take food to go. Probably the most authentic Thai meal we've ever had. I've never dined in Thailand, but my wife has and she claimed it was just like in Thailand. A great thing, right? Fast forward 6 hours and I am in our hotel room experiencing some of the most painful stomach pain ever known to mankind. I tried to tough it out and let nature do it's thing, but after 8 hours of suffering I had enough and checked myself into the ER at Brigham & Women's Hospital. Strangely enough my wife did not get sick, but she has a stomach of steel. I did note that she did not touch any of the meat in our entrees, so maybe that was the culprit. Regardless, I'm never going back. Sorry.
(1)Jonathan D.
Yes, Brown Sugar lives up to the hype! I've had a few of their dishes over the last few months, my favorite being their basil chicken fried rice - extra spicy! This generous entree gives just enough kick to keep you coming back for more. On another note, if you're lucky enough to be dining at Brown Sugar when someone there has a birthday, they dim the lights and pound out some intense/electrifying music for about a minute. It definitely caught us by surprise but it made us laugh pretty hard.
(4)Amy R.
I am not generally excited about Thai food as most of it varies more on prices than flavor, however, Brown Sugar Cafe had some genuinely different menu items. I wish I had a chance to try more of their items. My friends dish of a pleasant combination of texture and spice and mine had a welcome tanginess. The Thai iced tea was really quite good (though a pretty extreme orange color) as it actually tasted like tea...namely like if you made tea into a liquid candy. I liked the decor too. Interesting things to look at, a little romantic air, but still a cool place to go with friends. If I lived in Boston, this would definitely be a regular place for me.
(4)Mike G.
the cheap eats guide of boston.com got it right with Brown Sugar Café. can't beat the winning combinaton of good food, choices and affordability. been going to brighton to pick out stuff for a build out i'm doing and this makes the weekly trips something to look forward to. you can eat really well for $10/person for lunch. shared the basil pad thai and pork garlic sauté with tons of veggies. there's much eating still to do here.
(4)Gregory M.
When I first lived in Boston, I was head over heels in love with Brown Sugars Pad Thai, which I had compared to every other Pad Thai dish I came across. Ranging from Virginia to Vermont, nothing would compare to the delicate yet mouth watering taste Brown Sugar had to offer. I had longed to visit my favorite Thai restaurant ever since I left Boston, and now that I'm back living in this great city, I knew I had to take my roommates and friends to experience what I have previously experienced. The decor and overall layout of the Commonwealth Ave. location as opposed to the Fenway location is astronomically more elegant and fine tuned, giving off a generally more attentive vibe. On a Saturday night, the front and back areas were relatively packed with chatting yuppies and mingling hipsters, both obviously aware of what great Thai food tastes like. Our table was a bit cramped, placed close to both tables to the left and right of it. I don't know about everyone else, but I can't converse and enjoy my food properly if I think that my words and elbows are rubbing against those next to me. The waitress was extremely attentive, immediately filling our water glasses and taking our drink requests, which was very surprising given the volume of customers in the place. The menu was a worn brown, which I couldn't figure out if it was deliberately faded and tattered or just used too frequently, but was just extensive enough to please even the most avid of readers. We all decided to order the Vegetarian Fresh Rolls and Beef Satay, which came out quicker than I could have thought. The Beef Satay was incredibly juicy and tender, sliding right off the skewer. The Fresh Rolls were a little underwhelming, though the fresh herbs were very refreshing. After a little deliberation between two dishes, I finally settled on the Paradise Garden, having sort of lost my overall appetite for Pad Thai a couple of years ago. In between the appetizers and the entrees, a couple of birthdays happened around us. The rave-esque light show and Karaoke style "Happy Birthday" was completely amusing, even pulling in the most cynical of eaters into the mood. Even amidst the dimmed lights and birthday cupcakes, our waitress managed to keep our water glasses full, which was very much appreciated after the spicy peanut sauce. In no time at all my Paradise Garden arrived, looking not as I thought it would, being a tad more liquid than I imagined. As much as I was disappointed by this, the sauce was absolutely delicious, soaking into the brown rice like an edible sponge. The various vegetables in the dish, ranging from snow peas to zucchini, from broccoli to eggplant, was mouth watering and just the right temperature, plus the sauce gave it the perfect consistency. Even with a crowd that seems to all have the same birthday as the person next to them, and prices being a bit higher than most Thai restaurants, Brown Sugar manages to bring a formal appearance to a casual dining experience, giving the place a huge amount of credibility. What truly adds to it all is the fact that it is all done with attentiveness and a delicious, spicy flair that is refreshing in the midst of most take-out oriented Thai restaurants. While Brown Sugar now remains as the definitive Thai restaurant that will be frequented by my friends and I whenever we find ourselves in good financial bearings, the high price is truly the only thing that keeps this amazing Boston find from receiving a perfect rating.
(4)Victoria K.
Brown Sugar introduced me to some really great Thai dishes that have kept me happy over the years. I had my first taste of pineapple fried rice, pad thai, and Thai chicken noodle soup here among so many other dishes. I know it's a favorite among Boston University students (I was one!), but it goes so far beyond that. I remember years ago when it burned down--and before it reopened--when dozens of my friends grieved over the loss, unsure whether or not it would ever return to our lives. It did. Thank God!
(4)Alan Y.
This is by far one of the best Thai restaurants I've been to in the Boston Area. The servers are all friendly, the interior is very clean and elegant, and the food was very good. The Drunken Noodles were very spicy, the Pad Thai, Duck, pineapple fried rice were all very well done! The prices are reasonable, and we ended up paying around $20 per person for the meal.
(5)Zach P.
You actually can't find better pad thai than they have here. And that's a fact. Plus if it's your birthday, they have the wackiest birthday celebration ever.
(5)Katie G.
I love Thai food! I liked Brown Sugar! This place is nearly impossible to get a seat at during peak hours, so be careful! Avoid it at these times! Go during off-dinner hours (late afternoon or after 8). The atmosphere is fabulous! The decorations are something to be experienced. They are great! Food suggestions: -Fried ice cream (soooooo good) -Soups (wanton soup, especially!)
(4)Evan R.
Fastest prep you can imagine. Always fast, fresh, and clean. Great ambiance; good spot for a date. Prices are worth it for dinner, but lunch prices are a steal. Great variety on the menu. Some of the best pad Thai and curries in Boston. Brown sugar is for real!
(5)Alyson G.
My friend suggested we go here so she could get dinner. I had eaten earlier but I figured I could get an app. I loved the name and was happy for Thai since it was late and they are usually fast. We got a table next to the window - score! I love people watching. Their menu was ginormous. I am so glad I had decided on something from the appetizer menu because that narrowed down my selection A LOT. Of course I still had to browse for next time. I was hoping for fresh rolls with tofu, but they only had shrimp so I ordered spring rolls instead with a side of peanut sauce. I love peanut sauce so I will pretty much put it on anything. My friend ordered yellow curry. Our food came out really quick and was delicious. We ordered the fried ice cream for dessert - amazing! They put honey on top of the crispy fried goodness. Yum! I will definitely be back soon.
(4)Samir P.
I'm a big fan of Thai food. Being from San Francisco, I get to experience some great Thai restaurants. I'm glad to say that Brown Sugar definitely delivers. I like the location, though sometimes it might take a while to find street parking. The service was very friendly and gracious. What did we have? We went veggie - Drunken Noodles. Some special Mango Fried Rice Dish, and a Veggie Green Curry dish. Everyone loved the Noodles and the Rice. The tofu pieces were a bit too big in the Rice, but the ones in the Noodle dish were perfect. The Green Curry dish was okay. Not bad, but nothing to brag about. But we all really liked the place and recommended it to friends all weekend long.
(4)Bradford M.
Brown Sugar is on my way home from work, and this makes me very happy. Every now and then I want to treat myself to a little Thai that's a step up from the moderately divey place I usually go in Cleveland Circle (which shall remain nameless), so I hop off the B-line at Pleasant St. and head into Brown Sugar. You're going to pay a little more for your Pad Thai/Drunken Noodles here than you will at some other places, but the quality is worth the difference, and their seafood entrees especially are a definite notch up from your average Boston Thai spot. The service is very attentive (sometimes too attentive, but for my money it's better to err on that side), and the atmosphere is consistent with the rest of the dining experience; nice enough to not distract from the quality of the food, low-key enough not detract from your dining experience. Yup, a good spot.
(4)Melissa M.
Sweet name, Brown Sugar...but your food doesn't do it for me. Bland pad thai should be your name. You have a very kitschy decor too, which kind of messes up the feng shui of your establishment. I'd go elsewhere if you are looking for Pad Thai.
(3)A T.
I see no point in reviewing this since everyone pretty much likes it - including me. So, I will. I like the decor, the little candles they place on your table in the evening and some of the food. Thats right, some of the food. Its a hit or miss for me at this place. The first time around I really liked it, not so much for the second time. I do like their chicken satay though. It is delicious. But some of the dishes are plain bland compare to the others. Which is why I'm giving it three stars.
(3)Dygo T.
It's slightly unfortunate that I've only been here on awkwardly intimate dates, but the atmosphere does lend itself to romantic sweetness... I think I've gotten only gotten the pad thai here and it was the one thing I missed when I left Boston- the food here will really keep you coming back. In fact, I probably went on those awkwardly intimate dates just so I could come back here :P Service is friendly, although sometimes I wish they brought out chopsticks by default rather than having to ask for them awkwardly every time. Pad Thai portions are filling and very good; a bit too many sprouts keeps it from perfection, I'm afraid, but the shrimp and chicken pieces are well cooked and the noodles delicious. Milk tea is one-of-a-kind, try it sometime.
(4)Scott F.
Great food. A bit pricey. But still, very good. I recommend the Tender Beef Pepper. It's a shame that the Brown Sugar that was in delivery range of my apartment closed. Now I have to go get it myself.
(4)Sophie B.
I'm going to take a giant leap here and say that Brown Sugar Cafe is hands down some of the best, and best quality food in Boston. I've had their delivery and recently sat down in their cozy restaurant-always a tasty and pleasurable experience. These guys just know food. Their menu has so many options it's bordering on overwhelming-which just means I'll have to keep going back until I've tried everything. Happy Dining
(5)Julia F.
I went here with my sisters months ago, and was surprised to have them tell me I had been there before. I had no memory of the place, the name and location were familiar, but probably because I drive through there often. We were one of a few tables filled around dinner time. Scary to see at a restaurant you have heard hyped up for about an hour. The service was confusing (because we had like 6 different waitresses) and frequently at our tables. The food was good, kept us full for longer than we thought it would have. I think I have to go back here to really get a feel for the place.
(3)Francesca R.
Oh Brown Sugar, are you ever not wonderful? Again and again, you deliver the goods with friendly service, a decor that can only be described as Loopy Oriental, and Thai food that takes me right back to the no-name restaurant on Ko Chang where I had so much delicious green curry and pad thai. A little recommendation - get a bottle of Gerwurtztraminer with your meal. It's got a honey/lychee/cinammon thing going on and goes perfectly with the spicy and hot Thai flavors. Yum!
(5)Jess P.
I can't believe I haven't written a review about Brown Sugar!!! I One of the best Thai food restaurants that I know!! The portions are generous, presentation always cool, and did I mention how delicious the food is. My friends and I were hungry so we decided we were in the mood for Thai food. We decided to go to Brown Sugar. We ordered an appetizer which I forgot the name of (it reminded me of little pakoras...spicy but yummy but nothing to special to really rave about). Let's move onto to the entrees... I ordered the Brown Sugar Hawaiian Fried Rice (which actually came in a pineapple...how about that for presentation). It was really delicious and the portion was so huge that I had enough to take home for lunch the next day. My friends had Pad See Ew (which you can't go wrong with...ample portion size) and Soft Shell Crab Pad Thai which I really like this version of pad thai because the spiciness blended perfectly with the normal sweet flavor of pad thai...oh and the pieces of soft shell crab ...yum! We ended dinner with fried banana and ice cream and we were practically in heaven (definitely trying the fried ice cream next time). So overall great dinner and definitely will be coming back for more!
(4)Casey F.
Tasty tasty food, good service, really cool decor. I love love LOVED the chandelier - the perfect way to fill some of their high ceiling space. My food was delicious, and served piping hot. I got a salmon-on-top-of-noodles dish, which completely satisfied my hunger. And my taste buds. And my happiness receptors. It was accompanied with a glass of cool Savignon Blanc. Dang, these Thai people have got their temperatures down! White wine = cold. Noodles dish = hot. So basic, but seemingly hard to master at other dining establishments! Oh - we got an unmemorable appetizer - tofu triangles. WAY inferior to YoMa's tofu pieces... but the rest of the meal was so delicious that this place gets 5 stars anyway. It's wicked easy to get to via the trusty T's B line. Do yourself a favor and try Brown Sugar (as in the restaurant).
(5)Nadia K.
I've order the panang curry here with beef twice, because it is really that good... in fact next time I go back, I'll probably order it again. Luckily, the other person that I've been with has ordered something different so I've been able to taste other dishes and I know, without a shadow of a doubt, that all their food is good if not great. This last time I went with a friend to discuss our recent break-ups, and if that can't spoil the food then nothing can! He's allergic to eggs and the rice dish we ordered didn't say it had eggs in it- so we had to send it back. Although the woman was a little bitchy about taking it back, spending many minutes reviewing the menu, when she concluded that it said nothing about eggs she took it back and it was not more than 90 seconds before a fresh rice, eggless, was returned to us. I appreciate that they don't play games- we all know that the curry is pre-made and that fried rice takes all of 2 minutes to make, and they send it out asap. As far as I'm concerned, I show up hungry, I don't want to wait for my food any longer than I have to. Truthfully, they don't want me to either- it hasn't been proven yet, but I can say with some certainty that there is probably an inverse relationship between tip and speed of food return. So, order the curries because the vegetables are great, not overdone like they normally are, the meat is tender (well at least the beef is) and the curry flavor is fantastic. The mango fried rice is good, I wouldn't call it epic- it could use some more time in the wok, but it did have a nice flavor. Prepare to be hovered over if you don't order right away, they are a little intense and show noticeable distaste if they seat you and you wait for your friend to show up without ordering something to drink. I told them he wasn't going to be there for another 10 min, he showed up exactly 10 min later and I had already been asked 5 times what I wanted to drink. Rather annoying. Ok but to end on a positive- food is great.
(4)Bernie B.
I have been here probably five times so far and have loved it every time. Each time I went the service was incredibly good, and the food was fast and delicious. Word to the wise -- Drunken Noodles (delicious!) ordered as is is SPICY, more spicy than other Thai places I've been to. The waitress offered to bring me a new dish when it was obvious it was way too spicy for me, which I thought was really nice since I had not complained or asked for it. The Country Style Pad Thai is really really good as well -- medium level spicy, and the tofu is not noticeably tofu-ish, but chopped up really tiny so it just blends right in with the noodles. I also DEFINITELY recommend this restaurant if you want to put your birthday girl or boy on the spot ;-)
(5)James H.
Great food at a great price, with great portions (if you like to eat! I'm not saying its healthy...). Best Thai on campus.
(4)Anna K.
Overpriced considering there are a bunch of other delicious Thai places in the area that are cheaper. I had basil fried rice once and it was way too basil-y, overload in my mouth. I have also had the Pik-Pow fried rice and it tasted like the food you feed animals at a petting zoo. Not that I've eaten the animal food, but Sugar's rice, I'm sure, tasted like it. My friends did enjoy the Pad Thai. You are also constantly bombarded with Happy Birthday songs where they dim the lights and make a scene, which can get obnoxious as the strobe lighting makes it impossible to see your food. Go somewhere else.
(2)gina w.
yay!! from the outside - I never thought the restaurant would be any good but the ratings and reviews convinced me to give it a try. I had a smile on my face the instant I walked through the doors - it was a welcoming atmosphere and it was bustling with business... lucky for us we didn't have to wait for a table, got seated right away and had good service. :) ordered the mermaid chicken, very pretty and definitely yummy!! my only complaint is the dry white rice that came with the dish... I love all kinds of rice but I can't stand dry (al dente style) rice ...blech (minus one star). my dinner date got a salmon dish that was delicious. so I'm thinking that next time, I'll just get the sticky rice instead and hope that is moist and yummy. prices are reasonable and it's right off the green C line T stop - that is a plus!
(4)Meganarama n.
Best Panang Curry I have ever had. Really. Oh and their Thai Fish that comes fried and smothered in chili's and basil - to die for! I was not overly fond of their salmon spring rolls but everything else I have ever had here is tops! The service is exceptional and their beer and wine menu rivals that of most Thai restaurants I have been to. The only thing I would change is to make the tables larger. We all know that Asian food begs to be ordered multiple dishes at a time - so why the small tables that don't accommodate the plates?!
(4)Kathleen Y.
Pros: Delicious, reasonably priced Thai food (Mango fried rice, I love you!) Cons: Crowded like crazy. When we had reservations, we still had to wait for a table. I suggest going to the Jersey Street location instead.
(4)Narin N.
Pretty bangin Thai food, best I've had in Boston so far. Had Pineapple fried rice, papaya salad and few other things. Drinks are pretty good too and decent service.
(4)Hagan B.
Fantastic Lunch location - you can get the same items on the dinner menu for lunch menu prices. I had the green curry with shimp twice and have definitely sampled from my date's plate both times (all three entrees I tried were delectable). Service was nothing special, but as an ex-server, I might be a little more picky than your average Bostonian. Make sure you save room for the fried ice cream, it's an interesting juxtaposition of . . . well fried stuff and ice cream. As for how Thai this Thai restaurant is, I wouldn't be able to venture a guess on that one. All I know is the the ingredients were fresh, everything was cooked to perfection, and it was tasty as hell. Easily one of my favorite places to eat in Boston. Both the Allston and Fenway locations have a non-pretentious vibe and great food.
(5)Layla P.
The Not for Tourists Guide to Boston describes this place as "over-rated Thai" but I whole heartedly disagree. It was great! I always assumed the place was tiny from my little view from the outside, but it's actually quite large. Go on a weekday so you don't have to wait - you'll be seated right away. We started with the Spring rolls with peanut sauce - a must for me! Then we tried the red curry plate with soy "fake ham" (much better than I expected) and the brown sugar special with spinach noodles loaded with veggies and mushrooms with some steamed brown rice on the side. It was tasty and filling! Try not to get too overwhelmed by the menu as it is rather long and it may be nice of them to cut it down a bit. And do get excited about the tootsie rolls on the way out - I love tootsie rolls!
(4)Lisa T.
A tad overrated, but still pretty good. It's not authentic Thai, but it's yummy for what it is. And they sort of have nice service so it's a different experience from, say, eating off of plastic trays at the places in Super 88 down the street. My favorite dish is the Pad Thai Country Style. It comes spicy, and has different veggies in it. It's closer to the kind of pad thai they'd serve in Thailand. If you like things hot, this is a must try!
(4)Emily F.
I've only had really typical, safe dishes like pad thai and fried rice, and am always happy with my meal. They have quite an extensive menu and a fair number of vegetarian (easily vegan) dishes. Good, but not spectacular. If you eat in the restaurant, they serve your food so so quickly. Almost too quickly - when an group of 6 can get all their food within 10 minutes of ordering on a busy night, something tells me it's not made to order... They deliver, but if I remember correctly, they wouldn't actually come to our building on campus (BC), but had us come out to a main driving entrance. Kinda annoying. I get delivery when I'm feeling too lazy to leave my room and feel as though I'm paying them to support this excessive laziness to the fullest extent.
(3)Vicki S.
I've often had mixed reviews about this place, but I went there today for brunch (a little surprised they didn't have a separate brunch menu), and it was one of the best dining experiences. Our waitress was a total sweetheart, and everything we got was delicious. I was going to branch out and get something OTHER than Pad Thai, but let's face it...that's the dish of dishes. Funny enough was that Brown Sugar had been recommended to me in the past, but for their curry. The last time I was there I ordered a yellow duck curry, and I remember feeling it was way too thin/soupy, the duck was too fatty and the staff seemed to be rushing us out of there because it was dinnertime. I suppose this place can be hit or miss. I'm still a bit on the fence, but the overall experience from today will definitely have me coming back again.
(3)Huan z.
Not a fan of the volcado dish. Dont like any thing burning on my table except the nice candle. Food is delicious. Would give four stars. But the service is slow and seat sare very tight. No space to move around. The deco is nice. Its also nice to have group dinner there.
(3)Katherine J.
Mmmm. This place is soooo good. Nice decor, great service and the food is fantastic. At first glance the menu can be overwhelming but once you wade through it you will see that there are a lot of interesting items. I had the vegetarian spring rolls which were delicious. Ask for the peanut sauce as well if you are a sauce whore like me. I like options and the peanut sauce is very good. I also ordered the Tofu Pad Thai which was very well done. For some reason, I'm not a huge fan of the country style but the regular one is good. Mango fried rice minus the meat was fantastic as well. I live right across the street so I plan on visiting this place often and getting all the curries!
(5)Desirae C.
LOVE this place. Excellent food. Awesome service. Never a wait for a table. I think the best part about this restaurant is its versatility. I brought a group of out-of-towners here, and my one friend spent a pretty penny on a fancy duck dish, while another spent $12 on some delicious pad thai. You can also dress up or down for this place. I see people in jeans and T-shirts, and others in pretty dresses (although I wouldn't recommend extremely formal attire). My favorite meal is the country style pad thai, which seems to get increasingly spicy as you get through the dish. Great if you want a delicious, cheap, fun way to clear out your sinuses! I also love that the hot coffee comes with a brown sugar rock candy. Who knew rock candy even existed any more?
(5)Michael S.
food is served very fast but taste is not overwhelming. Overrated.
(3)Liza M.
BEST Thai food ever. the menu is huge and extensive. could eat here a million times and not have tried it all. all the standard Thai dishes are here and are the best versions you will ever have. I really crave their drunken noodle and crispy pad thai. staff is friendly. you will wait a while for a table though and there isn't much room to wait, it's totally worth it though. I've also gotten takeout a lot. they are super quick, and it's so much easier than waiting for a table.
(5)Peter R.
Brown Sugar... Yummy in my tummy - honestly i really only go for two things here and that's the padaprick (i think that's how you spell it) and the Thai ice tea.. *** Padaprick *** this is a whole fish which is deep fried and then smoother ed in this spicy(not too spicy) red sauce, perfect over some rice.. But definably one of the best papadapricks in the city i feel. (if you know better lemme know) also every time i have gone the fish is very large and they really do give you the whole thing head and all which i prefer. Its more then enough to share with the whole table. *** Thai Ice Tea *** can actually be alil too sweet at times for my tastes usually i will share this and actually pour some of my water into it to make it less sweet but nothing really wrong with it and I'm not being cheap or anything just not a big sweet tooth person.. but hey i give them credit for not being stingy on the coconut milk like some places. Unfortunately: - no reservations unless a very large party and the wait can be longer then ones own stomach really wants but once you sit the service is prompt and very friendly. - parking can also be no fun.. but the green line literally stops right in front so that's an option.
(4)Sarah A.
This place is awesome. I crave their pad-thai on a regular basis. So nicely done. The only other place that comes close to pad thai this good is Khao Sarn on Harvard Street in Coolidge Corner. The crab rangoon here is also to die for. Service is also excellent and very attentive. My only complaint is that the pad thai is a bit pricey, but you are paying a bit for the experience of being in a slightly nicer atmosphere than your typical thai place.
(5)Ahsan A.
Amazing place. I have been here more times than I can count. Great menu selection and the food comes out of the kitchen at a furious pace. I recommend the Country Style Pad That and try the fried ice cream for dessert. Even though I have moved out of the city I try to make a trip here every time I am around.
(5)Beth M.
Definitely some of the best Thai in Boston! I used to come here all the time in college, but since I live in Cambridge now and my heart belongs to Sugar and Spice...I haven't been here in a while... Until a couple weeks ago that is...and it was just as great as I remember...my man and I were heading out to see Peter Bjorn and John at the Paradise and decided to grab dinner at BS. It was crowded (Friday night at 7) but we were seated right away, next to a huge fish tank with one lonely tropical fish that I became friends with. We started with the crab rangoon which was really delicious and light-- I think it had actual crab in it, instead of just cream cheese...shocker! We then moved on to chicken yellow curry and pad thai, both of which were fantastic and perfectly executed. We washed everything down with an icy Thai beer and went on our merry way!
(4)Alexandra C.
My roommate and I looooove Thai food so we've been sampling every place possible, and we always come back to BS =) It's on the pricier side but the food has never disappointed us.
(5)Kelly N Z R.
Best Thai food I've ever had. My one friend from Thailand likes this place too. If you order fish, expect the entire thing, eyeball included (my Thai friend claims this is typical). Great for vegetarians-- try the yellow curry with vegetarian ham (which I am pretty sure is not vegan-- the veggie ham likely has eggs) or tofu (which should be vegan). Try the fried banana for dessert, and do not pass up the thai iced tea. My one complaint is that once when I ordered a veggie curry to go, I opened it later to find a shrimp sitting right on top. Turned me off for a while.
(4)Sara S.
Is it strange to give a Thai restaurant five stars? I hesitated but went for it because I have never found any restaurant anywhere that rivals Brown Sugar's pad woon sen. And I have tried countless places. And I do mean countless, since my fat ass orders delivery 2.5 times per day.
(5)Julianne M.
Even though there are over 100 reviews, I will add my two cents. Holy crap, for months I've been walking by this place and saying, I should eat here, but never really did anything about it. It is the best Thai food I have ever had. The menu is a bit overwhelming since it is about 10 pages long. My Pad Thai was delish and I swear they brought it to my table 2.2 seconds after I ordered it. The wait staff is very attentive, however, I don't need my glass of water filled every three times I take a sip. The tables are a bit close together - you can practically eat off your neighbor's plate. None of these little things really matter, since the food more than makes up for the little annoyances.
(4)Rob C.
I never did understand why so many restaurants have fish tanks in them. Fish creep me out and are not appetizing in the least. Having said that, I can deal with it for yummy Thai food. And really, I pretty much only eat Pad Thai, to be fair, but I am pretty darned fussy about that. And theirs is good. And really cheap, for being in the city. I'll just face away from the fish tank.
(4)Rachel M.
Their menu was great... almost TOO good. That's my only complaint. There were too many options, so it took me forever to decide! I ended up with the Caramelized Salmon Noodles. It was unbelievable. I ordered it a bit spicy. Warning. I LOOOVE spice and this was kick ass spicy! The flavor and texture was so absolutely great, though, I couldn't stop eating it. Don't go here if you're on a diet. The food is just too good.
(4)Corey M.
Have always enjoyed their food, however possible food poisoning or bad seafood from a seafood dish last time I went. I suspect the calamari but can't be sure...
(3)Matthew A.
When I first moved to Boston in 98 I had a date bring me to this place. I have been back many times (with other dates) and boy friends as well for our monthly Sunday brunch get togethers. Great menu and some great ginger sweet spicy yummy things. I have to get back soon. Enjoy!
(5)Danielle S.
Excellent food, atmosphere and service! Brown Sugar beats any other Thai place I've been to in the city. I've had dinner there and gotten take out and they really never disappoint. The pad see ew is also to die for!
(5)jb h.
One of the best Thai places in Boston. I went to school at BU so I use to go there all the time and it's been consistently good. I still drop in whenever I am in the area. The food is fantastic with lots of choices on the menu. Having spent 2 weeks traveling around Thailand, I can say most of the food is very authentic. Decor is nice and is perfect for a date, I've had at least a dozen here. I've also been here for quite a few friend's birthdays, the staff will turn off the lights and sing happy birthday for you. The place is a bit small and wait times can be long during "prime" times. Due to the way the restaurant is setup you typically don't have to wait long if its 2 people but if you have a large party reservations are a must!
(5)tracey l.
Best Thai food in Boston!
(5)Sam R.
Went here because all the other local Thai places weren't picking up their phones and I really wanted some good Pad Thai. Not only was this place about $4 more expensive than the places I usually order from, but the flavor was extremely dull. Definitely over-rated.
(2)Kara R.
We ordered some thai food for delivery last night after a thunderstorm made us want to stay in and be cozy. We ordered the Pork Drunken Noodles, Duck Masamon Curry, and Chicken and Shrimp Country Style Pad Thai. The Duck curry was delicious with a decent heat to it and an underlying sweetness. All the veggies were tender and delicious. The duck was nicely cooked. We got brown rice to serve it with and they went together well. The Pork Drunken Noodle was good. It was my first time having drunken noodles and I wasn't too disappointed. I wasn't a super big fan of the pork, but I would order it again with beef. The Pad Thai was delicious (I finished the leftovers for breakfast). I asked for extra sauce on the side (I like my pad thai with plenty of sauce) and was able to put on as much as I like. The dish wasn't greasy and it wasn't completely covered in egg (I can't stand it when they do that). I was so busy devouring it that I didn't even notice that it wasn't the Country Style Pad Thai until after I finished my first large helping. The receipt said country syle, the lid read PT-C (Pad Thai County?) and the lady repeated the order on the phone as country style, but it lacked any tofu or turnips. Oh well, at least it was tasty! Delivery was fast and the food arrived piping hot. Other than that one pad thai mix up I have no complaints.
(4)Krista C.
BROWN SUGAR DUCK! (if you love crispy duck try) That. is. all. (ambiance and service prompt and friendly and my husband has a mild obsession w/ the drunken noodles)
(5)Aleksandr K.
A MUST dessert!! MANGO FRIED RICE! .. Amazing food.. and not that pricey. I will post some pictures later of the food.
(5)Caitlin C.
Love it ... got me through many nights when the dinning hall wasn't going to cut it. Cheap and super tasty. I always stick with the pad thai because it's hard to find something better than simple perfection. Inside is cozy and warm and cute.
(5)Kristyn M.
Loved the food here!!!! Definitely the best Thai I've experienced lately. I had the Jade Spinach noodles with shrimp (and a variety of ingredients I can't recall), and it was very flavorful. Everything was cooked perfectly. Plenty to take leftovers home and have for dinner the next day. Service was satisfactory, and the place is cute inside.
(5)Lisa Z.
I LOVED this place all throughout college!! the one i went to was by the fens but i have been to this one too! i have had alot of stuff and it is all good buttt my favorite is the pad thai- which i know everyone is prob like whatever she doesnt know her food- but actually i never order pad thai cause there is soo much thai love BUT this place makes it creamy which is something i just cant get enough of! im the kind of person that likes pesto with a litle cream not dry and it goes the same for my pad thai and this is the only place that gets it right!!!!! :)
(5)April I.
After years of living and working near Brown Sugar, Comm Ave I wouldn't sit and eat in the restaurant since the service is inconsistent, but great take out!!! Things you must try: *Thai Spring Rolls -- fried tasty goodness, usually with chicken. *Tofu Triangles -- go ahead and convince yourself these are healthy. *Crab Rangoon -- a classic anywhere you go, but perfectly creamy at Brown Sugar. *Golden Bags -- Tofu skin stuffed with minced chicken and shrimp. Kind of weird, kind of good. *Tom Kar Gai -- another classic, but not too sweet here. *Siamese Twins -- a sweet and sour chicken and shrimp vegetable explosion usually served in a pineapple shell. *Chicken Cashew Nuts -- Kind of spicy (there's dried chili in the dish), kind of sweet (chunks of pineapple), and roasted cashews. All around a tasty dish. *Spicy String Beans -- Can be made very spicy, just ask. Otherwise chunks of pork, green beans, and peppers oh my!! *Mango Curry -- Yellow curry with chicken, tomatoes, peppers, and onions -- very mild and good. *Crispy Pad Thai -- Can be served country style (spicy) or regular. Go with the country style. You won't regret it. *Pad Thai -- Plenty of food, served simply, ask for a couple extra limes and dig in. Get it country style if you like a little spice. *Rad Na -- Chicken, broccoli, and carrots with a thick gravy and flat, wide noodles. Yum. *Pineapple fried rice -- Probably one of my favorite dishes. Fried rice with chicken, shrimp, pineapple, baby corn.
(4)Chase W.
4 star's for value! Not the best Thai in Boston, but a great spot to grab a great dinner in my neighborhood with out getting on the bemoned B-Line. The service is always fast and courteous, and the food is brought out quickly. Would I travel from Charlestown or other parts foriegn to Allston/Brighton to check this place out? Heck no! I'd just hit up Chow Thai on Main Street; because that's the Best Thai in Boston period! But if you are in the neighborhoood or live in the area- it's a can't miss.
(4)Sean P.
We enjoyed everything we ordered. Pad thai, the old standby, was superb. The shumai was a crowd-pleaser. The ginger-steamed fish had an aroma that made everyone at the table salivate, even if the fish head made a couple of folks shy away from a tasting (I loved it!). The tofu triangles and Seafood Dynasty were also quite good. The only drawback at the Fenway location is trying to park, especially during a downpour. We won't let that stop us from returning, however.
(4)Haley T.
I love this place. The drunken noodle is amazing, and their fried ice cream is apparently out of this world. Friendly service, and they don't mind omitting fisth/oyster sauce for vegetarians. They a huge menu, and a vegetarian section as well. Not as cheap as I'd like, but the atmosphere is nice and supposedly they deliver. The service is good here as well. I'd recommend this place for a date.
(5)Maggie D.
Brown Sugar is THE ONE. If you want thai in Boston, check it out! This location isn't as cute as the one in Fenway, but there is almost never a wait for a table, and the service is always consistent and FAST! You can get in & out in an hour. They also do take-out and delivery, which is fast as well, and not to mention YUMMY! The crispy pad thai is out of this world, and try the thai iced tea, too! The prices are VERY fair-- most entrees are around $10-15, and portions are big enough to have leftovers! MMMMM!
(4)Dave M.
I'm usually not a big fan of Thai food. Basically I think most of it tastes like bland soggy Chinese food, with some hot pepper tossed in. Brown Sugar opened my eyes to what Thai food really is. I've been there twice now and it's truly amazing. Wonderfully flavorful and fragrant curries. A huge menu with tons of great things to choose from. I took my family here last night and everyone, even my super picky eater mother and my veggie sister found things they loved.
(5)R F.
3rd edit: now 5 stars. It's much bigger than I remembered and it's great for our group night out. The Pad Thai is amazing - as is all of the food that we got - and we filled the tables up real good like... Not too too expensive, their lemon(Lime)ade was delicious and perfect for my ridiculously spicey meal. The fish tanks are cool I feel like every thai restaurant Ive been too has really close seating, but this place has ample tables and space. I bet this would be better if you come here when it's not as busy... Still, an awesome place and really good thai food... yea oh yea - birthday celebrations are hilarious... if you've been there during one, you'll know what i'm talking about.
(5)Praful M.
This place (on comm ave) was always in consideration when going out for dinner while I lived in Boston. I went there 2 weeks back and thought I should write up about this place. With me was my colleague from bay area and even he loved the place. Their dishes have different flavor which you do not normally see in many thai restaurants. My favourite food here is laab chicken and old lady spicy. They have good selection for alcohol too. Now only if they improved their service (it's not bad, but is more towards cheap Chinese restaurant type) they could get five stars.
(4)Neera J.
Why is it that nowhere in New York City do they have Mango curries like they do in Boston??? This place is one of my all-time favorite Boston restaurants. Top picks include the mango curry, the vegetarian spring rolls (unbelievable), mango fried rice, and the 3 taste salmon. All are amazing. Don't forget to order brown rice (another thing new yorkers can't get right - brown rice with thai!!), a limeade (amazing), and the fried ice cream for dessert. I am swooning just thinking about it. droolz....
(5)Joshua H.
Was here again and so so impressed. Awesome curry and basil pad thai.
(5)J M.
First off their crab Rangoon are AMAZING!!! But since i don't like curry I feel excluded from most of the meals. The boiled chicken and vegetables exactly that and had absolutely no flavoring, while the beef and broccoli was a little bit better flavor wise but it always has a fishy taste.
(2)Lauren G.
i had a great dinner here the other night: we came in with no reservation, but didn't have to wait for a table the menu is overwhelmingly huge - i had three meals on three different pages that i couldn't decide between. but i guess that's just a testament to how many great things are on the menu. the portions are just as huge as the menu. i was uncomfortably full after i finally slowed down. steamed shumai, shrimp in red curry, and the fried banana dessert are all excellent.
(4)Karen K.
I have only had take-out from here but it is DELICIOUS!!!! Everything I have had has been great, crab rangoon - I die!
(5)Q S.
This Thai restaurant is among the best ones that I have been to. I have only been here two or three times, but all the times that I've been here, it's been super crowded (which is a good sign that people like it so much making it a popular restaurant on Comm. Ave.). Try the Basil Pad Thai with seafood. It's spicy, flavorful and oh-so-good! The regular Pad Thai is good as well. The price for entrees are not within my budget, but I'll go broke for Brown Sugar anytime.
(5)Sonya Y.
Great food!!! Ambience is good too. Perhaps a tad expensive for what you get.
(4)Andrea U.
I'm starting a brand new year of Yelping with a review of my favorite Boston restaurant :) As a college student, it wasn't easy to find affordable GOOD food, but Brown Sugar's quality, presentation, service, and price kept them at the top of my dining list for four years straight. Personal faves: the fresh rolls, pineapple fried rice, country-style pad thai, the seafood volcano (arrives at your table in a flaming mountain of foil), and their fried ice cream (uhh, YUM). The restaurant is clean and comfy, and the staff is excellent--super friendly and always prompt. And I gotta say that Brown Sugar is one of the best places to cure the munchies (free delivery with $20 min cash only, so order w/ friends). My shining star of dining establishments, I miss this place SO MUCH!
(5)Bryanne R.
Wonderful Thai food! I tried the house special: Siamese Twins...shrimp and chicken mixed with vegetables in a spicy sauce served in a pineapple. (I think I'm a sucker for food served in fruit. I was probably meant to live somewhere tropical..) I'm a wimp when it comes to spice, but even though this had the spice star, I tried and and LOVED IT! The prices are fair for the good service and great food. And it's a great place for a big group! HIGHLY recommended!
(5)Irene C.
I absolutely loved it. I am new to Boston and have been on the search for a good Thai restaurant and this one won by far! Everything tasted so so fresh. Nothing was too fishy...something I often run into with thai restaurants. The distinct and comforting flavors in the Brown Sugar Mango curry was to die for! I tend to order the currys when I go to thai restaurants, but we also shared some tofu pad thai which was absolutely amazing. The sauce was light and crisp, little tart from the fresh lime. I totally recommend this place. The atmosphere was very nice, wait staff was just OK, but it didn't matter the food is what wowed me.
(5)Tracey P.
Best Thai restaurant in Boston! Living in the Philly area now, I really miss this place. The menu is huge and varied, and everything tastes delicious. If you're a fan of pad-thai, definitely check this place out--it's the real deal.
(5)Lindsay D.
Let's start this off by stating what is only too obvious on my personal Yelp page: I love me some Thai food. Brown Sugar Cafe's pad Thai was my first foray into the wonders of the Thai culinary corner and my oh my how delicious it is. The service is good, the portions are large, and the atmosphere is unique-ly Brown Sugar and includes the N'Sync Christmas album in July. Awesome. Vegetarians, you'll find the kitchen is very friendly to special requests - just don't forget to specify no fish sauce when you order. Best Bets: Kua Gai, Pad Thai, and the Old Lady Spicy. Yes, The Old Lady Spicy. Seriously, how can you not love something with that name? You can't. Try. You just can't. Skip It: Drunken Noodle. There's nothing underneath the heat. The Similans in Cambridge (owned by Brown Sugar) has the same fundamental issue. All heat and no flavor --it leaves me with a runny nose and palate craving attention. Also not worth missing: the Thai iced tea and the limeade. Still not my favorite Thai place in Boston, but definitely up there on place's I'm willing to eat at for the rest of my life. EDIT: Brown Sugar, where oh where is my Old Lady Spicy... it's not on the menu anymore!
(4)Joe W.
Let's face facts, Boston has about two dozen quality Thai places, so a Thai restaurant's gotta go above and beyond here to be worth visiting. Brown Sugar Cafe is worth visiting. There's a lot of good choices on the menu, but I like the Prik Pow, the Spicy Scallops, their Pad Thai (I don't like it crispy, but that's a personal thing), Mango Fried Rice, Limeade and Thai Iced Coffee. And their fried iced cream is the best in Boston, hands down. Service is ridiculously fast; I've placed an order on a busy Saturday night and gotten my food five minutes later. Their staff has always been polite and the place itself is immaculate. Disclaimer: this spot is basically where I wooed my future wife, so I've got a personal stake in their staying in business.
(5)Jenn W.
Best Thai food I've had in New England. Their curries, especially the red curry, have such depth and spice without being too overbearingly hot. Like most of the other reviews, I agree that the pad thai is very yummy. Also of note: mango chicken curry, basil fried rice and crab rangoon. Can't decide what to get? Grab a friend--or two, or three!-- and order a bunch of things to split. Their portions are huge, so there'll be plenty for all!
(5)erica c.
It took me a couple years--- but with the persuasion of you lovely yelpers, I finally made it in here... And it is deeeeeeeeeee-lish...I don't even really care for Thai food and I was pleasantly surprised!! My only gripe is that the tofu is pre-fried and then prepared... not fresh...other than that, I loved everything.... I could sip the green curry sauce through a straw and make it a meal....mmmmmmmm
(4)Ashley P.
Great food! I had the Drunken Noodles, which was the perfect amount of spice. I also tried the Mango Rice which was delicious! We also had a bunch of different appetizers and tried many of the drinks (the Limeade and the Thai Iced Tea are great!). The only reason they get four stars instead of five is because the service isn't the best. We came towards the later part of the evening and we felt a little rushed at the end. However, they did come out with strobe lights and crazy music and sing "Happy Birthday" for the guest of honor, and that was amazingly funny! It was a very good place, I will definitely go again.
(4)Deanna L.
My best friend is thai, and her family imports and exports thai products. I've eaten a lot of thai food being her friend. This thai restaurant is STILL my favorite! That tom yum soup is soooo good! Thai friends say the soup reminds of them of thailand. I also really like the pineapple fried rice and their curries. :)
(5)Anna G.
I work next door to Brown Sugar and eat there often (perhaps too often). The food is good, specifically the curry dishes. However, my biggest issue with this place is that they take away your dishes while others at the table are still eating. There have been numerous times when it is two of us and they will remove my friend's plate before I am done. I hate when restaurants do this- not only is it rude, but it is awkward and uncomfortable. ALSO- on two different occasions I have see large bugs scatter across the walls. The wait staff quickly squashed them on the wall but did not seem concerned. Therefore, Brown Sugar goes down a star or two in my book. Best bet- order take-out.
(2)Bene K.
I heart Brown Sugar Cafe!!!! I have ordered so many of their many many more entrees , and I have my favorites..which are always good. I go to Brown Sugar for good food, spicy food , sweet food and of course comfort food. I love the Thai iced tea and coffee . I love the papaya salad and the fisherman's plate------but go for lunch and save a few bucks. The service is speedy so don't spend too much time chatting while eating those appetizers. I don't usually order appetizers since the entrees are so filling. Now, go ahead and give it a try--you'll love it!
(5)Jim C.
My favorite Thai place in Boston. Consistent, authentic, and tasty Thai dishes with good prices in a comfy and bright environment. Parking is tricky sometimes along Commonwealth Ave but usually you'll find a spot. Bottom line: Yum.
(4)David V.
I had eaten once at the old Fenway location and was impressed. Recently I ate lunch at this Comm. Ave location with a coworker and I was once again impressed! I had a dish which consisted of slices of roast duck served over white rice with Chinese-style broccoli. This place has delicious food and fast service. It is excellent!
(5)Colby H.
I think all that needs to be said of this place has been said, but I want to add that the shumai is fantastic, and the Na-Tang is perhaps the best, most interesting starter I have ever seen on a Thai menu. The Pad Thai, as may be expected, was very good, without that hint of cat food smell some tend to have. Four stars may be overly generous but for the value and good selection of Thai beers. Keep in mind Brown Sugar is not a four star restaurant; it is a four star value restaurant, a deliciously affordable destination.
(4)Lillian W.
When it comes to Thai food, I'm lame and I almost always order Pad Thai, mainly because I can't do spicy. Alas, I ordered the Pad Thai and it was good. Nothing out of the ordinary or spectacular about the dish, but I'll come back for sure and try some other dishes since I live so close now.
(3)Geraldine K.
My college years were partly spent in trying out Thai cuisine because I simply love the savory, sweet, and salty amalgamation of herbs, fish sauce, spices, and curry. I discovered the Brown Sugar Cafe, and it is indeed one of the best restaurants for Thai food in the Boston area. The decor and ambiance is unassuming and casual and prices are reasonable (even for students!) I came here with different friends to try out various items on the menu, and overall, the food was tasty. I'd like to come back to dine here the next time I'm in Boston!
(4)Jessica L.
Yummeah! My favorite Thai place in Boston. Comprehensive menu with tons of options. Everything I've had there has been excellent. But, my favorite is the Massaman curry--it's incredibly flavorful and I love that they include sweet potatoes since many places do not. I miss this place....
(5)Michael G.
The only thing that disappoints me about this place is they appear to have no combo lunch special comparable to other Thai restaurants. Where's my combo lunch special? Adding a dollar and shredding some lettuce with a tiny spring roll doesn't count. That said, Brown Sugar is a good example of Thai cuisine. The food comes out quickly, the waitstaff is friendly and helpful, and the atmosphere is exactly what I want in a restaurant. You won't necessarily find anything incredibly exciting or original here, but it's a solid Thai restaurant. The Siamese Twins was a good dish, and the chive dumplings appetizer was tasty. The spice level seems to be well controlled, so the food isn't ridiculously hot and practically inedible like some places. The portions are also pretty big, so you can easily get a second meal out of one entree.
(4)Jess W.
Maybe I ordered wrong for take-away or just hit them on an off night, but I was pretty disappointed with my food. I ate a bland cup of tom yum soup and a limp, uninteresting green papaya salad that was at least 45% dried shrimp. My dining companion had the Lady In Green, which she enjoyed quite a bit. Meh. There's enough generic thai food in the world that I'd rather pay much less money for it.
(2)Jonathan F.
Best Thai I've ever had. I am serious people. The best fucking Thai. Recommendations: Emperor Tofu, Paradise Garden, Chili Shrimp, Drunken Noodles, Crab Rangoon Note: my friends got super sick after eating here, but i was totally fine, so they still get 5 stars
(5)Jacqueline D.
Brown Sugar is possibly the best Thai I've ever had. The food comes out fast and hot, and it's perfection. The prices are completely reasonable too.
(5)Anonymous P.
Usually Thai restaurants become poorer as they diverge from authenticity, but that's not the case for Brown Sugar. What it lacks in spice, it makes up for in fresh ingredients, solid cooking, and appealing display. If I were alone I'd go to Dok Bua, which is much spicier and more authentic, and which has more interesting, exotic desserts. But I'd definitely take most company to Brown Sugar. This location is more spacious than the one in Fenway, and my service was better.
(5)Lindsey W.
Best Thai I've had, even better than places in San Francisco. This place is super out of the way for me but definitely worth it for their curry dishes. My only complaint is that they don't serve mixed drinks, still have wine and beer though. Gotta try it!
(5)Andrea S.
I dream about brown sugar. I dream about a huge serving of Tom Yum soup (the best I've had anywhere- ANYWHERE) and Pad Thai Country style. Sometimes I dream about the crab rangoons and Chinese broccoli, but mostly the soup and pad thai. This shit rocks my world. I don't think I could live with myself if I was in Boston and didn't have Brown Sugar.
(5)Maile S.
Brown Sugar has the freshest, tastiest Thai food in the city. If you've never had their pad thai (or their drunken noodles or their yellow curry...I could go on and on), you need to hop on the B line RIGHT THIS INSTANT and get your butt to Brown Sugar. The service is great, and the food always comes out incredibly fast. However, I would happily wait for hours and endure abuse from surly waiters if I had to, for a plate of their noodles with asparagus.
(5)Diane C.
I'm a fan of Similan's in Cambridge, Brown Sugar is just as delightful. Beware if you are planning a trip to enjoy food AND outdoor seating as there is not outdoor seating (at least not on in April on a beautiful day).
(4)Chrissy F.
Ok, so I sorta wish yelp would allow half stars on personal reviews...but more on this later. My roommate and I decided that tonight we were going to go out to dinner. Not only that -- we decided that we were going to get dressed up for it. Not clubbing outfits, but nice pants and a long coat. Why? Why not. A classy girls night out. We both wanted Thai -- and were both wearing heels and didn't want to walk far from the T. So, BSC it was! (Don't you love our way of making decisions?) Man was this place crowded (What else should I expect at 7:30pm on a Saturday in a college town a half block from BU?)...We waited about 15 minutes (10 minutes less than our expected time). I'm usually used to people faking names and trying to get in ahead of the crowd, but not so much here. The hostess actually remembered who we were and came right up to us when our table was ready (instead of calling out "Jane Doe, Party of 5!"). If you read my review about Thai Grill in Chicago, then you know about the high standard I keep Thai restuarants at. The food here was that good. It actually reminded me of Thai Grill (only TG is not usually as packed). The service was good. The tables are really close together so it's hard not to eavesdrop on someone else's conversation, even if you try not to. Someone at the other end of the restaurant was having a birthday, so they dimmed the house lights so that everyone could sing happy birthday (Unfortunately the only people expecting this were those who were with the birthday person. Until they started singing, the rest of us wondered why we were suddenly unable to see our dinner.) So about that half star... Does anyone know if this restaurant is owned by the same people who run The Similan in Cambridge? The menus are exactly the same (and I'm not talking selection wise, although that's true too. I mean it's the exact menu...paper selection and all). I have nothing against the fact that they might be run by the same people, it just ruins the illusion of visiting different Thai places and comparing food. Anyway, yea...definitely recommend...
(4)Nausheen M.
Excellent thai food is served here! try their vegetable fried rice with pineapple, beef with basil, and chicken satay for sure. I love the decore of the place too. What really impressed me is that they actually dim the lights and light up candles for you at your table. The servers are very pleasant too.
(4)Katie L.
I could eat Drunken Noodle everyday...so spicy and so delicious. I can't wait to come for my birthday too...Dim the room, put on the disco lights and blast that birthday music...Love it! :)
(5)Alice T.
I am impressed with the food. I ordered mango fried rice and it was awesome! I went to silimian and ordered the same dish (the menu are the same from both places, they might have the same owner) and it was not nearly as good. I will definitely go again.
(5)Gabrielle A.
The pad thai and fresh limeade are my two favorite things in the world. I'd eat here every day if I could. Best Thai in Boston hands down.
(5)irene p.
mmm mmm mmm. how have i not written a review about brown sugar?? i just had this delectable thai food earlier today, and it was just as good as i remembered it being a year ago. the mother ordered the beef basil special dish order and i got the chicken pad see ewe. amazing! but beware, the beef basil is SPICY. even if you order it medium spice level. and the chicken pad see ewe was a bit on the really sweet side. but it IS called brown sugar cafe. the waiters / waitresses are SOOO efficient here - they refilled my water quickly and smoothly. our waitress in particular had customers outside in their front (is that new btw?? how come i don't remember that being there!! the flowers are BEAUTIFUL!) and within 2 minutes was refilling our waters, asking how everything was, etc. the check took a bit to get to our table, but i am willing to let that slide because it was nothing compared to the rest of the stellar service that she gave us. beware, there are a lot of tables in the restaurant, and so it gets crowded quickly. and sometimes a bit awkward to maneuver around. all in all, a great place for thai food. :) will definitely be back!
(4)jim I.
Brown Sugar takes a nice spin on traditional Thai by spinning it with some sweeter sauces and things you won't see on too many other menus. In particular if you like food with presentational flair check out the 'served in pineapple' dishes - (I think there are better tasting things on the menu, but the presentation is pretty money.) There can be a line so calling ahead is a smart. The atmosphere is nice, but not over the top. Accessible by T from the B Green line.
(4)Phil J.
This is a good Thai place for a nice casual night out with friends. Atmosphere is lively, food is good, and the menu offers a lot of choices, so everyone can find something that they like. The dishes that stood out for me were the stewed beef (so tendor and flavorful!) and one of the seafood curry dishes (can't remember the name). They also have a really bizarre birthday celebration dance--the place goes dark, some awful dance music comes on, and lights start flashing everywhere. But since I think that the point of any restaurant birthday dance is to embarrass the birthday boy/girl, it is totally appropriate.
(4)Ilya Jacob R.
Fast. Great Thai. Some of the best in the city with great ambiance. For apps, get the Fresh Rolls or Satay Chicken (if you like peanut sauce). I'm a fan of curries so get any of the curries here. I love duck - check out a curry with duck and you'll never go back to anything else. If you've (NEVER) had thai iced tea - get it. And make sure you try some Fried Ice Cream! What a treat! Make sure you're ready to eat once you order - the entrees come out fast.
(4)Archana V.
Best Pad Thai ever! Tried the barbecued seafood based on the waiter's recommendation, but it was a little too sweet for my liking. There are so many choices int he menu, I will definitely be back to sample more.
(4)Sham Y.
We had a pretty good experience with this place. I've had better but I was generally happy with my meal. We got a spicy pad thai that was really good and also some sort of yellow curry that was rather average. The sticky rice there was so dry you're better off with jasmine or brown rice.
(4)Ben L.
Freaking fan-tastic. I was uber psyched when I went inside and saw how classy this place is. You don't feel like you need to get dressed up or anything but it gives you a little ego boost when you are inside. I went on a weeknight and though it didn't fill up completely it was a bit packed so expect to have a bit of a wait on fir, sat. I was pleased to see their little bar area. It work well with the place and generally the restaurant makes good use of their interior room. I did have a bit of a convo loop with the waiter as I asked if they had Tiger beer and had to point out that I was asking about Tiger not Thai beer. I lost. Overall the wait service though courteous was just a little under par and keeps me back from the bestowage of 5 stars. The food however does not. It was fantastic and mouthwatering. They spices and seasoning are blended perfectly and dishes explore all five dimensions of yum. This though is the monster tip for Brown Sugar cafe. Either take someone that you know there for their birthday or just say that it's one of your friends birthdays when you show up. They have perhaps the best birthday performance in town.
(4)Courtney E.
Yet another review?! Is it even necessary? Well, it's my 100th, so yes. Here's my 2 cents: I love Thai curry, and this has to be the BEST I've tried in Boston or Cambridge. The red and green ones come with plenty of fresh green beans and just enough curry to soak up my (brown) rice. All I can say is WOW, and best of all, I don't feel nauseous afterwards. Their curry's like magic in my stomach!!
(5)J S.
So so. No lunch specials.
(3)Olivia K.
I am kind of embarrassed to admit that i have only tried two dishes at brown sugar. So, you're thinking I shouldn't even have the right to review it right? NO. For my particular situation, a BU freshman living in West Campus (a 2 minute walk to Brown Sugar), living on a tight budget and doing almost anything to avoid the harsh weather as a California native, I can't help but love Brown Sugar. The Pad Thai, a classic, not the best I have ever had but definetly deec. For $9.45 you get a SHITLOAD of food to the point where you dont want to finish it. you no you shouldn't but you most likely do. I tried venturing outside the norm and it was one of the most mediocre curry dishes I have ever had. I give Brown Sugar a tentative 4 stars Brown Sugar works for me. Stick to the Pad Thai, order take out.
(4)Simon L.
I like this place a lot. Everything I or one of my friends has had has been very good, and so I have no complaints. I like places that experiment a little bit more and feel a little less like a cafeteria, but I guess they have found a good thing and they're sticking to it. If you can get over the tiny, tiny tables for two people, they do have some really distinctive signature dishes. They also have some nice touches, little things: their fresh spring rolls are not at all like a conventional spring roll--rice paper around a bulky center--Brown Sugar's are delicate, small, and served with a really elegant vinegar sauce to pour over it before eating. I was impressed. Overall, definitely my favorite Thai in town.
(5)Michael W.
I can walk to both locations, but i usually dine at the one on Commonwealth Ave. I tried something new last night, which was the tasty lettuce wrap, which had fried noodles, chicken, shrimp and some spice served on lettuce, which was quite good. it was served with the traditional Thai sauce... I also had the Thai spring rolls, which were great as usual. Other favorites include the crab Rangoon, the golden bag, and stuffed chicken wings. Anything on this menu is great, I don't normally eat pad Thai, but a friend has told me its quite good. Last night, I had the beef macadamia which comes with assorted mushrooms, that my girl friend just loved and some red and green peppers and was a very tasty dish. My Girlfriend loves the Bird of Paradise, steamed seafood in a very hot broth, and its awesome, hands down great every time, however, the amount of seafood varies from time to time, and last night seemed a little skimpy on the scallops and lacked squid. Other great dishes include the chicken and cashews which is served in a half pineapple, and any one of the ducks dishes they have on their menu. I have tried most of them, and are in a wide variety in flavor and temperature, and are always awesome... They have a small, but very tasty wine list, with especially good white wines... I dont know why it looses out every year for best of Boston... what the hell...
(4)Nicholas L.
Not a fan of this place at all. I thought it was average Thai food. The service was not good, and we ordered the duck that came out dry. We sent it back, and they gave us half order of another entree after trying one piece of the duck, and charged us the price of the duck for another entree that was 5 dollars cheaper.
(1)Captain H.
We used to hit up Brown Sugar all the time, until one time we got a pad thai to go and it was drenched in liquid (my noodles were swimming) and lacking with flavor. In my opinion, it's pretty hard to screw up pad thai. That said, everything else I've had there has been delicious. The menu is huge. My favorite dish so far is the caramelized salmon noodle.
(4)Hiroko S.
I went there for dinner. Friday 18:20 no need to make a line. If you go there after 19:00, I think you have to wait for a while. Pad Thai country style was good, I like it. This restaurant was good but I just wonder why people are crazy about here.
(4)Rosanna P.
Delicious food, great prices...by far the best Thai I've had in the area. The Pad Si Ew is my favorite...the brown sauce is so sweet and not salty at all, which is what I don't like about some other thai places I've been to. and the best part of it is, my husband's favorite dish is called "Two Young Guys"...;)
(5)Ana M.
Crispy. Pad. Thai. This is the best dish ever, although I haven't had many others here. I'm stuck in that limbo where I love the CPT so much that I can't bring myself to order anything else. The ambiance is also great although be careful during weekend nights because this place gets packed with BU students.
(4)R G.
ok, I figured it out. it's genius, really. excellent business strategy. brown sugar is so successful because of this: their menu is so huge that, even in a large group, you will only sample a tiny fraction of it. thus, when you are disappointed with your dishes, you convince yourself that you must have 'ordered wrong'. So you go back, hoping to stumble across the good dishes. repeat. by the time that you figure out that there was nothing wrong with your ordering all this time, that there's actually something wrong with the food, they've captured your repeat business. bravo, brown sugar cafe! I went here after the Similans (falling for the above trap). Because we were a party of two, we got to jump in front of the larger parties waiting to be seated. The staff wasn't nearly as obnoxious as at the Similans. We ordered: the 'Golden Bags', some 'Spicy Lady' (or similar) eggplant dish, and a salmon dish. My boyfriend very accurately pointed out that the golden bags tasted like chicken mcnuggets. Pass on these. The eggplant dish was so-so. The salmon was the best of the three by far. Slightly overcooked, but still tasty. The overlying problem is that everything is too saucey (hiding what seems like some good, fresh ingredients) and too sweet. I get it-- the brown sugar thing-- but you can't do that on every single dish! Offer some contrast! There's nothing terrible about the food, I might eat there now and again, it's just not "the best thai food ever!!!!" (if you think it is, I have serious doubts about your thai food experience.) I prefer this over the Similans (much better atmosphere, even if a bit cramped), but I wouldn't wait long for either. Try Bo Thai instead! (disclaimer: it's mostly take out with just a few cafe-style tables.) and no, I don't work for them, I just prefer superior thai food.
(3)Arestia R.
I love this place to get my Thai food fix. This is also the place my dad always requests we have dinner when he comes into town, and that man is a Foodie with a capital F, so you know it's good (don't mess with my Pops and his restaurant choices). The pad thai is delicious and I love their green curry. The staff is prompt and friendly and the place is really nice; good for date night, gentlemen. I keep coming again and again!
(4)Ed Konagaya K.
The best Thai food EVER!! Especially their special noodles and mango curry!! Place is not very expensive (approximately $8~10 ) Though I only went there for lunch, I think the atmosphere of the place is very good and recommend going in any occasions!!
(5)Susan D.
After reading all these reviews and happening to dine here after BU's graduation, I was a bit disappointed with this restaurant. We ordered the pineapple chicken and the standard pad thai. The chicken and shrimp were tough due to overcooking. The pad thai was sorta runny and lacked that oomph that I normally expect from the mixture of flavors (fish sauce, lime, sugar, peanuts, etc). The ambiance was amazing, a great location, stylish decor, but ordinary food. Though I much prefer the Thai Basil on Newbury Street.
(3)L C.
Try the Brown Sugar mango yellow curry chicken! Wow, this was yummy, with the soft and slightly caramelized warm mango chunks. I can see why this place is so popular, and I totally understand why my friend gets takeout from here all the time. Most of the entrees are under $10 and the servers are sweet and the food comes out super fast.
(3)Junius H.
The category: Good eats The seven-word skinny: Worth the wait, best Thai in Boston The review: The Allston/Brighton dining scene may be the best-kept secret in the Bay State and Brown Sugar Cafe is one of its crown jewels. When I lived in Allston, I needed a Brown Sugar fix at least every other week. The food is definitely the highlight but the dine-in experience is a good one too, especially for college students looking for a nice place to take a date, without having to eat PB & J for the ensuing month. All the dishes are great for family-style dining and the service is excellent. Their Thai ice tea is always a great complement to the Brown Sugar Duck (their specialty) and somehow, their Mango Fried Rice ALWAYS has sweet mangos, anytime of year - a true feat in Boston. The star of the show: unforgettable Thai food The good: Ambiance, service, multitude of tasty dishes (most items are can't miss) The bad: sauteed soft shell crab special: for those of you who love the taste of deep-fried soft shell crab, do not be fooled the - it's no the same! butterflies on the walls (I know it's art, but there's something eerie about eating with hundreds of dead butterflies around). The notable: There's a second location (which I have not tried) near Fenway. The Junius pick(s): Brown Sugar Duck, Mango Fried Rice The person you're dating: Should be brought here. The significant other/spouse: Should also be brought here, but not at the same time. The last time I was there: February, 2005 The number of times I've been there: More than 30.
(5)Victoria N.
So it's been well over a year since I've actually written a review on here, but I never felt as compelled to do so as I did last night. I've talked about going to Brown Sugar since I first came to Boston for school, and after more than three years of not doing so, we actually went for the first time last night. I've got to say I'm with those few on here who don't get the hype surrounding Brown Sugar. It makes me so sad to see how well all these restaurants lining Comm Ave are doing, while my parents struggle every day with ours back home. Anyhow, back to Brown Sugar.... The atmosphere was nice, right? That is, until I noticed the cockroach out of the corner of my eye scurrying up the wall just inches from my face. We flagged down a waitress who came to see what's up, saw the roach, and just said 'oh' with a tone that implied that this was not of big surprise to her. Uh.... I had actually read the review on here which talked of a similar story with bugs scurrying around the walls, but I was hoping that was just a one time thing. Apparently not. So the waitress basically just came over with her wash cloth, attempted to catch the roach more than kill it, and pretended that she got it when we clearly saw it just fall beneath the table. She apologized and just went on her merry way. Although she did come back and offer to move us to another table. You know...I'm pretty sure the little guy didn't just decide to chill beneath our table after being attacked. Not even three minutes later, the table behind us spotted another cockroach crawling up the wall by them. Uh...what is going on?? I'm not sure if they had asked for assistance to no avail or if they just didn't get a chance to ask, but one of the ladies actually had to stand up on her chair with shoe in hand to kill the roach herself. "Just imagine what their kitchen might be like," one of my friends said. Oh, god. Okay, so bugs and critters aside...the food and service was decent, but not worth going in my opinion. The food took quite a while to come out, even after the entire roach ordeal. The app we ordered was tasty, but not worth the $8 that can get you an entire tasty entree at my parents' restaurant, or plenty of other places, for that matter. The entrees were tasty as well, but nothing too special. My green curry felt like it was trying to take me back to Thailand but really just couldn't quite cut it. But really...the worst came with the fried ice-cream for dessert. So I like reading people's reviews and recommendations prior to going to places and believe them to be true for the most part. Especially when multiple reviews recommend the same thing. But I was so fooled! And especially fooled into thinking we were going to get a ball of fried GREEN TEA ice-cream, which was what ultimately made me want to try it. But no. It was vanilla. Now, there is nothing wrong with vanilla. But to be fooled and then disappointed...it just made me sad that I had ordered it when my friend was footing the bill. We make a heavenly fried vanilla ice-cream back home, but what was this? It almost seemed like the ball had come out of the freezer pre-fried. Is that even possible? I like my fried ice-cream with that light, flaky tempura crust, but we got this ugly-looking ball that reminded me of Cheese on a Stick (yes...you New Englanders are missing out on Hot Dog on a Stick), except....not good! I also like my fried ice-cream freshly fried, so that it's still warm when it comes out and slightly crinkles when easily broken into, resulting in this amazing melted goodness of warm tempura and chilly ice-cream. But what did we get? This cold, ugly-looking ball that was not fun to break into at all with hard, hard ice-cream inside. Ughhh..... Omg, I can't believe I almost forgot to mention that that joke called fried ice-cream there was $6! Are you people insane?? Okay, yeah. Now that's enough about fried ice-cream. So needless to say, it was just an immensely disappointing experience. Although I suppose we were lucky enough to see how birthdays are handled there, since I had heard so much about it from Yelpers. But then again...that bangin' music just fooled me into thinking I was going to relive a ladyboy show back in Thailand. Mph. --------------------------------------------------Â------------------------------------------- I love that Yelp has filtered out my review for Brown Sugar. Why? I think it was cos I kept mentioning my parents' restaurant back home. Yeah...because our little establishment clear across the country is really a 'malicious competitor' to the almighty Brown Sugar.... This really fuels my love/hate relationship with Yelp. =\
(1)Ben K.
This place was just OK for me. The pad thai was nothing out of the ordinary, but they somehow manage to charge $11 for it. We got in around 9:35 but were pretty rushed for our whole meal by our waiter and other staff who kept insisting on clearing out plates before we were finished. I tried my friend's duck dish, which was really bland. Probably won't be going back. ------------ Revision: Went back to Brown Sugar tonight for dinner and had yet another bad experience. The waitstaff was soooooo sooooooooo annoying-- about five people asked us if everything was ok with the food, even though we said "no" each time because two of our entrees came out five minutes before the other two. My entree, the pad si-ew, was cold, gummy, and overpriced, and the server came back three times to clarify what I meant by "extra Chinese broccoli $1," which is an actual option listed on the menu directly below the entree description. When we went to pay, we told the waitress we'd put half on the card and take care of the rest in cash. She demanded that we provide the cash immediately or else she wouldn't run the card. We said we'd take care of it when she finished running the card. She still refused to budge until we put cash into the presenter. I just don't iike being harassed by servers whilst paying exorbitant prices for unpalatable Allston food.
(1)Kim P.
Really amazing Thai food, though not the best in the world. 3 stars for the food. The best Thai food I've ever had has come from most likely cockroach-infested restaurants in NY and LA. So because this the fanciest setting I've ever experienced Thai food, 5 stars for that. And so 5+3/2=4.
(4)Lorrie V.
EW. This place makes me nauseus when I think about it. Definitely, absolutely, completely not the best Thai food around Boston. Maybe I came on a bad night cause other reviewers seem to like this place, but my experience here irked me. It's very tacky with random wall decorations everywhere. There seems to be no rhyme or reason to any of it. All the food I tried here consisted of way too much fish sauce in it... which is a staple in thai dishes. I don't want my chicken to taste like fish please. I think it should be subtle. I also got to witness the cheesiest "Happy Birthday" singing thing I have ever seen in my life. I was eating then all of a sudden the lights turn off, strobe lights/blinking lights come on, waiters come out, LOUD as hell weird birthday song comes on with some thai guy singing happy birthday into a microphone. He had a very thick accent too so it was pretty funny. Was it supposed to be funny though? I don't know. But felt very awkward for the whole restaurant at that moment. Never want to go here again.
(1)Rudi W.
Always amazing, worth struggling with the occasional wait person to get straight any special requests. If you sit by front window, you won't have the noise problem. Only problem.. Too much wonderful choice's extra time to peruse the novel sized menu. Although............I have to delete a star. If you ask for anything slightly different (say you are allergic to peppers or ask about sodium..., even for medical reasons, it is a HUGE ordeal to ask for even the slightest substitute, or deletion. There are a LOT of bell peppers, vegan ham (??), pineapple in everything.
(4)Stephen S.
Given the unimpressive facade of the building I wasn't expecting much...definitely not what I found inside. On the student-est stretch of Comm Ave Brown Sugar is located yet doesn't feel like it should be located in a student neighborhood at all. The presentation was very nice, my meal was served in a halved pineapple and was completely immersed in sweet sauce. I went for the Siamese Twins (chicken and shrimp) and was more than sated by what I received. I am a firm believer that you can tell a good Thai place from a bad Thai place based on their sweet chicken. The correct dish mixes a sweet sauce with naturally sweet fruits (typically pineapple and/or mango) to give it an overall sweet but refreshing taste and adds protein and veggies for texture and subtle flavor. Brown Sugar nailed it and I will go back for more guaranteed. The service was quick...perhaps too quick. I got the feeling they were trying to rush us out of the restaurant even though it was half empty (late lunch). Otherwise the waitstaff was very friendly.
(4)Joel R.
Went here for dinner with a small group. The service was fantastic. The staff is very attentive - I don't think my water glass was ever empty. The food was definitely good and prices were fair. I would go back again.
(4)Benito B.
I love the Country Pad Thai! I can't say enough about it. Recently, I did try something else and it was absolutely Delicious too. I enjoy the atmosphere there as well.
(5)Nikki W.
This was my first experience with Thai food and I must say I thoroughly enjoyed it!!! I got chicken and cashews which came in a 1/2 pinapple. The presentation was really quite creative. For dessert my boyfriend and I split some sort of fried ice cream, and it was superb. I will definitely be returning at some point!
(4)alex l.
mmmmmm all i can say is you HAVE to try the Kao Soy(sp?) pronounced "cow soy". it is this succulent Thai curry chicken noodle soup. It's the only thing I ever get there so sorry I can't review many of the other dishes. I think it is only on their lunch menu but I order it any time of day and they have it.
(5)Amelia E.
I LOVE BROWN SUGAR!! They have amazing pad thai, it's fun and not too expensive. AND they have tootsie rolls instead of after dinner mints.
(5)Rhiannon L.
perfect thai dinner: - start with tod mun, tasty fish cakes - move to pad thai, country style. spicy with the right amount of peanut. - next, brown sugar mango curry. - finally, mango split. ripe mango and coconut ice cream with a mango reduction sauce. brown sugar is probably my favorite thai in boston. i've never eaten a dish i didn't like and the staff is always courteous and quick.
(5)Michel R.
One of the better thai food places in Boston. The only disadvantage: there is always a sizeable wait but they do take reservations. The crowd is very young and very lively, always having groups of friends having dinner and maybe going to catch a show (think paradise rock club) or a drink at a nearby bar (tonic, wonderbar etc...). Their food is exceptional and their service prompt. I would definitely recommend this place for a group outing.
(4)Jeremy L.
The first time I went here I wasn't as impressed, as the noodles lacked the flavor I was expecting. Every other time I've gone, though, the food was superb. Drunken noodles came with a mound of fresh vegetables I ought to have split with someone instead of greedily cramming in my face. Portions are large and the prices are reasonable. This is a great place for a group to order several dishes and share. Wait staff were attentive and my water glass was never empty.
(5)William B.
Definitely my go to thai place when I'm in boston. I've tried several different ones from the place on mass ave and newbury, to noodle street, to nub pub and Brown Sugar takes the cake. I always get the chicken pad thai which in my opinion is the shit. Not too greasy which can be a problem with thai food and the portions are real good. On friday/saturday nights this place can get cranking so I use to order takeout from here to avoid waiting for a table. Service is always right on point and I've never had a bad meal here. If you're looking for a solid meal around the BU west campus area this is your spot.
(4)Walter G.
this is my new favorite thai place in boston. the food's great, the menu is HUGE, and the wait time on a busy saturday night was only like 20 minutes. not too shabby. i don't get why people think it's "cheap" cuz it isn't. i'm not claiming it's really expensive, but when i drop $35 per plate for dinner (appetizers, entrees, wine) i'd say it's pretty middle of the road. ALSO - the waitstaff was cool, no problems with speaking or listening comprehension as far as i could tell. so apparently brown sugar is THE PLACE for asians to go on their bdays (which i think is a pretty hearty endorsement) because there were THREE birthdays celebrated over the course of my time there. it's a cool production - the lights dim, the music fades and is replaced by a techoy "happy birthday" song, and the staff claps along and brings you some kind of birthday dessert. the thing that surprised me was that the staff was equally excited about the third birthday as they were about the first. the clapping/dancing/smiling all seemed sincere. i dunno apparently they think birthdays are REALLY special. my only complaint is that it seemed like i was always RIGHT in the middle of telling a story when the birthday music started blasting. i've only been once, so i don't know if this is common, but i don't feel like having my dinner interrupted THREE TIMES within an hour... whatever, it's a minor complaint. the place is great check it out.
(4)Sean C.
The best Thai food around the Allston area. The food is both inexpensive (comparing with all other food) and expensive ( comparing with other Thai food around the area). Strongly recommended. My favorite is Madness Fishermen and it is really spicy and tasty.
(4)Julia W.
By the far the best Thai food in the area. I cannot recommend this place enough!!!!! As Coke has been associated with all soda, so Brown Sugar, to me, is the epitome of Thai food. The curry, pad thai, tom yum soup, and basically everything else is superb and is not expensive in the slightest. The waitstaff is friendly, the atmosphere is young and modern, and the food rocks. What more can I say, you need to try Brown Sugar.
(5)Cecilia L.
Brown Sugar is my comfort food. I used to work at the high school next door, and while they do have a heavy hand with the sugar the food is yummy. The pad thai is awesome, pad see ew just right. The mango curry is like ambrosia, a sweet golden curry thick with chicken, squash and chunks of aromatic fruit. Drunken noodles are hot hot hot ouch! and beef kaprow is zingy and satisfying.
(3)Christian H.
Easily the best Thai in the area, and they have an awesome decor and good choice of beers. I highly recommend the Chicken Cashew Nut--if you order there, they serve it to you in half a pineapple!
(5)Keely G.
The last time I was there, this was still my most favorite Thai restaurant! I have tried many, and nothing has even come close to the delicious taste that Brown Sugar creates. Ahhhh...I absolutely love this place. Right now, Spice and Rice in La Jolla, CA is in a distant second place.
(5)Sunil U.
I was a big fan of this place until last weekend when I discovered something new - recommended tipping 18% or 20%. Are you kidding me? This restaurant is not upscale by any means of imagination. Being ignorant of this rule, I went with my regular tip of 15% before tax. Just as we were leaving the Thai waitress came over and asked us if we found everything alright. I took it as a courtesy question and answered politely in the affirmative. She then went on to ramble about the tip that I had left stating "if you don't know how to tip you can see it in the bottom on this slip" pointing me to the 18% and 20% tipping guidelines. I increased the tip by a couple of dollars (which I now repent doing). She then went after our friends who were waiting for us near the door. I thought it was just the waitress but if the restaurant has the gumption to recommend an 18% tip for a party of 4, I'm sorry there are better places around. I feel sorry for them since they are just being greedy in a great location. Who doesn't want to push the envelope a little these days?
(1)JDrake W.
Just like any Asian restaurant, you have to know what to order, and I took a chance and gambled on the soft-shell crab pad-thai. It paid off big-time, best asian dish I can remember having. The portions were large, and sitting on top of a bed of sweet aromatic noodles, a large quartered fried crab, complete with sprouts and fancy garnishes. I am a big fan of fancy garnishes, it shows they are willing to put in the extra effort, shows their heart is in the right place. Also similar to most asian restaurants, the servers were overbearing and you get the feelin they want to drag you out the door the second after you put your fork down. Menu was quite overwhelming, but the food makes up for all the negativities. Dine well.
(4)Andy S.
I went several times to this place. First time, with some non-Thai friends and thought it was pretty good. Then, recently, I went with some Thai buddies and I dont know exactly what they ordered up, but it was amazing. Definitely a different feeling with a big group and is a party atmosphere when its someones birthday. (just say its someones birthday and youll see) Something that stood out is a spicy fish. It is very large and is for a large party. Sorry but cannot remember many names on the menu.
(4)Sarah F.
Yum. Food is always tasty, service is always polite and accommodating, and lunch is always fast (take out or dine in). The menu is overwhelmingly large, but I've never ordered anything I didn't enjoy. I definitely prefer this spot for lunch though, the dinner menu is much pricier.
(4)Amanda L.
I heart Brown Sugar. They have really gigantic proportions and their menu is ginormous. The prices can be deemed a tiny bit on the expensive side but is worth it. The place is pretty cute inside, if a little cramped, I remember having to sit against the wall and I couldn't really move....but that's besides the point. They have amazing crab rangoons, and crab rangoons are my favorite so I'm very tough when it comes to that. I also remember really loving their desserts...I haven't been in a while so I don't remember exactly. But like I said, the only reason I don't go more often is because they are a tad on the more expensive side.
(4)Susan L.
I could be wooed by the atmosphere, but i still liked what i got. A little pricey, but sizable portions and very tasty. Waiters need to stop refilling water after every two gulps. We ordered a crab rangoon, crispy chicken pad thai and a yellow curry of some kind (not mine!). 5 peices of rangoon, one was cold in the center. No biggie. The pad thai was what was expected, but also had chicken in it as well as a very generous portion of fried chicken on top. A little over done with the frying, but they were thing and delicately cut so i wouldn't be harsh on that. About $12 i think, large portions that filled me up to the point of forgoing dessert in case of stomach burstage. Atmosphere like i said, very nice, candles and flowers at every table, soft lighting, good for dates and what not. Definitely a nice place to take a special person if you aren't looking to break the bank. Service prompt and waiters nice. Only complaint about them is.. gosh please stop filling up my water! I mean yes, good service, but I realized while dining here that there is such a thing as too much service, haha. And their receipts had tip calculator that started at 18%, just saying. Ended up just shy of $40 including tip, not a bad price for the sizes if you aren't a stingy freak like me, and like i said, very good for special occasions. Give it a go!
(4)boston y.
we loved every item.. tum yum soup, spring rools, incredible friedrice, duck choo chee, thai chilli whole fish... country pad thai... were so full, that could not try the desserts, will come for desserts specifically one day
(5)molly b.
i have always enjoyed their food but i will not be going back anytime soon as last night, while we were finishing our meal, we saw two cockroaches climbing up the wall right next to us! when we pointed this out to our waiter, he killed one of them and said "oh, we are fumigating downstairs so they come up." oh, okay. they did not seem the slightest concerned about this and he just brought us the check as if nothing had happened. we couldn't wait to get out of there! also, this place is pricey. there is much cheaper thai that is just as good, in my opinion.
(2)La Lilly B.
I love this place. Thai food is one of my favorite foods. Basil and peanut sauce what and awesome duo. I do not go as often as I want to save my ass from getting huge. The portions are good and if you go during lunch it is cheaper. They have vegetarian options as well. I love the country style Pad Thai. This place does get busy, but it is worth the wait. Yumm Yumm all around.
(5)Shradha A.
my brother took me here for dinner and i really enjoyed my pad thai overall. the service was good too. the one less star is because there weren't very many vegetarian options - although i do appreciate them having a "vegetarian" section!
(4)A L.
Simply the best Thai food you can get in Boston. If you choose to sit down, it's a great atmosphere and great service for the prices, which are only slightly more expensive than your run-of-the mill Thai restaurants. Heaping portions, great flavors! I go here whenever I get a chance!
(5)Tracee D.
Yes! I'm the 99th review. That makes me very important. And very lucky. I was born on the 99th day of the year. We went here before a concert . I hadn't eaten all day. Poor Annie, I was having the worst ever blood sugar weird almost pass out-sweaty palms dizzy spell. I think she was scared. I didn't even know where we were. Annie says " hey is this Similans brother?" "No" I replied. "that's Brown Sugar". At that minute I looked at my menu and read B-R-O-W-N S-U-G-A-R, oh, I guess it is. We already knew it would be good. I got a basil minty shrimp salad (it was nice and hot, and I'm very critical of hotness)she got soup. Coconut juice for me and a beer for the lady. We split Tod Mun and an app. The service was great. The place is great. Standards for fat Americans to eat and Thai specialties for those who know what they are doing. This chubby lady couldn't decide what ice cream I wanted so I ordered both. The server didn't even snicker in my direction. Well done.
(4)Brandon A.
Yuck, the reports of roaches have been verified and they've failed their latest health inspection: boston.everyblock.com/re…
(2)Sue M.
quick service - kow pok appetizer fresh, lots of ginger, good -- cashew chicken in pineapple was fun -- roasted duck with red peppers was good and had a zing -- fried banana with ginger ice cream was just OK - great setting with lots of flowers
(4)Lala L.
You would go here for the atmosphere. Dim. Decorated. And no elbow room. I usually order from the back of the menu where it's so authentic, there's no english name for the dishes. You know, none of that fancy stuff. I rely on the description for each dish. Also if you're a duck fan...they have a good crispy duck.
(3)Erik G.
Great food, great environment, good service, and again great food. Probably the best Thai in Boston. The ratings are so high overall that it kind of speaks for it self. It's definitely hyped up and there are comparable places for cheaper but the whole experience is solid. I've had the Pad Thai and the salmon... both were so good that I'm drooling right now...seriously
(5)Kassia K.
Though it may be in a less-than-stellar location (on an ugly stretch of Comm Ave near the Planned Parenthood and a sporting goods store), Brown Sugar is probably the best restaurant within the BU campus limits. It's a tad pricier than a typical Asian restaurant, but they give you well-sized portions with artful embellishments, have incredibly fast service (or did the last time I ate there), and serve overall delicious food. Everything I've tried on the very comprehensive menu has been great. Their desserts are particularly good. I wouldn't call it my favorite restaurant, but it's worth an occasional visit.
(4)Tiffany D.
I've only been here once but I remember it being pretty good! I had one of the really spicy dishes!!! And the person I was with had the volcano with all the seafood? Overall, I'd come here again... but it wasn't anything so super that I just HADDD to go back to it!
(3)Tony P.
kept meaning to write in about this place and have forgotten . . . hands down, best thai in Boston (that I have tried--only lived heren for eighteen months)-- get the country pad thai if you like a little spice-- the hot chili/basil with tofu was scrumptious, the yellow curry was good (but not the best I have ever had) and included nice veggies, like squash, in addition to tasty pineapple, etc . . . Very nice experience and I will be back . . .
(4)Felix L.
Brown Sugar has good Thai food, its pretty difficult to find a place thats an order of magnitude better. The menu is huge, like some other places, and the prices are reasonable. What IS amazing is the speed at which your food comes out. This may be the fastest restaurant to serve you (only Giacomo's can compare). Boston is horrendously slow at cooking for some reason, but luckily, Brown Sugar doesn't follow the trend. There's usually a wait on weekends due to all the good press, but its okay because the food is good and its fast. The fish tanks are awesome too.
(5)Kirby M.
I was so pleased to find this place. I love thai food but only when it's really done right and Brown Sugar definitely knows what they're doing. I've even called ahead and picked up dinner on the way home from work before. Some old co-workers and I met up here and it was great for family style eating. My dad, who likes dry turkey on white bread and would be content to live on that for the rest of his life and could care less to taste flavor ever again, even still talks about how much he enjoyed his meal here. Definately a must-eat by my standards.
(5)Liz C.
Love this place. Amazing food, great waiters, and decent prices. Everything a college student is looking for in a real restaurant.
(5)monkey l.
eh. three years ago, when i moved away from boston, i loved brown sugar. brown sugar made pad thai that would make me want to weep. brown sugar was delish in so many ways. i went back last week when i was there and was unimpressed. the prices seemed to have increased (along with the gas prices) and the portions... did they shrink? we ordered 4 dishes and an appetizer and were nonplussed. or is it that thai food in sf is better? nonetheless, must find another thai place in boston when i return next time. brown sugar did not quench me hungry estomago!
(3)Jungmin L.
It's pretty acceptable thai food. Not as sweet as other places, and spicy dishes are actually spicy. Very average.
(3)Mini S.
I used to live in Thailand, so I am pretty picky with Thai Food. Well, Brown Sugar Pad Thai, Cuntry Style is pretty close to what I used to have when I was living in Bangkok. One down side is that I wish they don't use big chunks of vegetable; squashs, green peppers and carrotts in the food.....
(4)Stacey D.
Best Thai in Boston! Everything is delicious & the service is good. Many of the tables are pretty tight together (so, not much privacy - you could basically reach over and grab a bite off your neighbor's plate!) and it can get loud, but for a delicious and well-priced Thai meal, there's no better place.
(5)brewgirl b.
Nice and spicy veggie pad thai (country style) and tom yum goong soup. Thai iced tea was strong, sweet and creamy. Liked sitting by the sunny window for lunch. Service was good. Lots of street parking during the weekday.
(4)Jenny W.
Really good Thai food. It's much better to go there than to have it delivered, unless you order well in advance or on a weeknight maybe, as delivery on a weekend night can take up to 90 minutes. We walked in on a Friday night, saw all the people waiting and instantly thought we were out of luck, but the wait was about 5 minutes tops. The staff was very attentive and friendly, and the service was quick, but not rushed. I'll definitely go back.
(3)Julio R.
The food is not as it used to be at the Brown Sugar. Tom Yum noodle soup did not taste very authentic, and even though i asked for extra spicy it came out mild. The rice was slightly too dry. The atmosphere is nice and the service is very friendly. Good date spot if you dont mind the quite average food.
(3)Jesse B.
This is the best Thai place in Boston. The menu is endless and can be overwhelming but it's great for folks who are tired of the same pad thai everywhere. My wife and I keep going back and trying new stuff every time, never disappointed. It's also great for when you're going to gigs at the Paradise. It's only a block away and the service is quick enough that you don't have to worry about missing the show.
(5)Alex L.
I love Thai food and Brown Sugar definitely delivers. Food wise it is always a safe bet when you're in the mood for Thai. While the food itself is not outstanding, it is solid and you can't go wrong. My biggest complaint would be their restaurant was rather cold last time I went, and even after I asked the waitress and manager to turn the air down, it seemed that neither complied with the request.
(3)Jason L.
There are plenty of Thai restaurants in Boston that serve delicious food at fair prices but, for me, this has always been the best. Their spicy Gaprow Chicken is phenomenal! I was very disappointment that they closed their other location in the Fens but thankfully their Allston spot is just as pleasant inside.
(5)wsl l.
I went to Brown Sugar a few times and I dont know what all the rave is about. The food was only mediocore. Ive had better authentic Thai dishes at Rod Dee. If anything, their ambeince, decor is proabbly the best in any Thai restaurant in Boston.
(2)Erin M.
I went to this restaurant based on the good reviews I had received from co-workers and friends who have eaten there. We went on a Tuesday afternoon... the dcor was nice, there were some authentic statues and Christmas lights up with two colorful fishtanks. The table flowers were sub-par (carnations and baby's breath, ew) and they played awful music the entire time (cheesy soft rock --- not very authentic Thai). There were only 2 other tables of people, which made us believe we were going to have great service --- however this was most definitely not the case. The service was AWFUL. It took them 20 minutes to bring out our appetizers, which were actually tasty, then about a half hour to bring our entrees. I ordered vegetable pad thai (as I always do) and it arrived with huge chunks of vegetables... not cut down into small portions (think a 3 inch in diameter hunk of cauliflower sitting atop noodles...). The meal was "ok," not great for Boston thai food. We saw someone drinking an iced tea that looked appetizing at the other table while we were eating our meal. My boyfriend asked if he could have what they were having. We were brought over an iced tea with milk on top of it (not what the other people were drinking). We made attempts at calling the waitress back over to tell her it was not what we wanted, and she paid absolutely no attention to us. By the time she finally ended up coming over, we were completely done with our meal and wanted the check. We asked for the tea to be taken off the bill as it was not what we ordered and she never came over to correct it. She called the manager over to speak with us, who offered us desert --- which was at least nice of her --- however we explained that the service had taken so long and we were completely full and finished with our meal, and that we tried to get their attention to fix the problem and they paid us no mind so we needed it taken off our bill, which we thought was a pretty standard request. The manager then proceeded to argue with us and said she couldn't take it off. It was the most uncomfortable I've been in a restaurant ever... we asked for the check and assumed they could not take it off because of an electronic register or something like that. When the bill came, it was HAND-WRITTEN and in PENCIL! How can you not erase something from a bill? I am just a recent college graduate and I don't expect the best service from restaurants, but I do expect common courtesy from managers and we received none. My boyfriend is a waiter, and he knows that in the restaurant business, the customer is always right... and the folks at bamboo are just plain slow and rude. The food and service at Bamboo in Brighton is ten times better... I will never be going to Brown Sugar again.
(1)K M.
DELIVERY SERVICE: I have always had an excellent experience at the restaurant Brown Sugar, but this review refers to their delivery service. Please do not use their delivery service; see if any other place is open. My food was cold, the driver requested a bigger tip, and then called up to make sure I didn't owe him another $5. The only thing saving it from a one-star review is that apparently my roommate prefers cold crab rangoon. Who knew?
(2)Nick M.
Everything here tastes roughly the same, but fortunately this isn't a bad thing. This place has become my benchmark for Thai food and they have a great selection for vegetarians, including dishes with veggie ham. The pad thai is solid and the prices are fair, yet the portions are a tad small.
(4)Jennifer Y.
I would have gave this 4 or 5 stars if this didn't happen. We were celebrating dads birthday and we we made reservations got seated right away but didn't want to order until sis came who was late. No problem.. My daughter who is 10 became restless and hungry. She doesnt eat anything on menu so my dad went out his way to find a place that will have something for her to eat. He does come back with a Canes kiddie meal when all she eats is fries but so the wait staff says no you cannot bring food from the outside in we cannot serve you. I said ok but she's a picky eater she's hungry this is all she eats. My dad who is 64 begins to say that she has to eat something and the waiter than says hold on or wait a minute and walks off. He is taking forever to come back so O took it upon myself to explain and talk to manager myself to try to resolve this. As I walk up to front all wait staff were there nobody was on floor as before everyone of them were walking up and down aisles to see or assist every table there. He was conversing with the manager and as he was done I explained that my daughter is a picky eater and she doesn't eat just anything. I will put the fries on the plate which is all she eats and the rest and carton tray will be put away. She still says yes but the policy says no outside food brought in we tell all our customers that and that would be unfair to other people if they see this. I asked can you make one exception I will emty container, put fries on plate because shes hungry now and put everything else away. They the customers won't see it. Can you make just this one exception. It won't happen again. She says yes this one time. I go to the the table explain the situation to the family and that mgr sd yes. Then sis says they wouldn't let me bring cake in either but they offered to hold it to keep chilled until we left. I said oh wow it's becsuse they want people to buy their food I understand concept. Yes and I do understand that its just can be rude to any establishment to bring other company food to an establishment i get it it could say oh there food is not good enough that they have to buy outside. I get it but the cake come on !!! I've been to restaurants and they're ok with a cake and will even surprise and sing happy birthday. So anyhow after that prior situation was settled we were already to order. So were waiting to get order put in for about 15 min now and we notice our previous no longer wants to help us, acknowledge us, and helps everybody around or next to us but us. Then finally another woman comes to take our order. She takes our order and food comes out and is excellent and she comes to check on us and everything is good from there. I've been to there establishment in fenway before so I know food is never a disappointment. So other than previous delemna end result was good. But does this mean if we packed her food from home and we brought it would it be same issue hmmmmmn.....
(3)K. Brooke Z.
My one main complaint is that the menu is too big. It's hard to narrow it down with similar flavors on each page. I had the lemon chicken with a fun side sauce you top it off with. The crispy chicken as part of the dish was a bit overcooked, but the overall flavor was good. The waitress was very kind and they were very timely with all the dishes. I'd like to see specials over a crowded menu personally, but all the dishes at my table seemed fine. I'd go again, but not make it my regular stomping ground.
(3)Ambrose C.
A Little Thai Sophistication Is it really possible to get some tasty Thai food in a place that has a sophisticated look on the inside? I think so. The reason why I mentioned that this place a sophisticated look on the inside is because the ceilings are high in this place, there's a large chandelier under the ceiling, the tables look like they are made from a very smooth stone, the bathroom is fairly clean, the carpet is not bad, and there's actually some artwork. During my first year as a University student, this was the place that a lot of the people in my dormitory went for evening dinner appointments on the weekends, since the prices at this place are fairly moderate but never too expensive. Eventually, I would have a dinner appointment here with a friend. I had the Tom Yum Soup and the Pad Thai noodles. The Pad Thai was not bad, but I thought the portions were not so generous. The Tom Yum Soup had a nice spice, and it's not a bad choice for a light appetizer. I recently came back here again and actually had one of the most expensive dishes here, the Brown Sugar Duck. At almost $20, the portions are excellent, and the duck has a nice flavor and a nice crispiness. Mixing the duck and the vegetables with some rice, and it's definitely a delicious dish. I think it is probably one of the best dishes this place has to offer and with two bowls of rice, it should be enough for a light dinner for two people. As for other dishes, I also came here to get the Beef Pad See Ew dish, and it's not bad. The noodle portions were moderate, vegetables were freshly cooked, and the noodles and beef were good. Overall, this is a pretty good choice for Thai food in a sophisticated environment in Boston, but I would not recommend coming here if you just want Pad Thai. Instead, come here for the big and special dishes, and I think you should definitely come here with a group of people, ranging from four to eight people to make your dining experience enjoyable. It may not be the best place to have a dinner appointment with someone, but it is not a bad choice if you are just looking for a moderately Thai priced restaurant in the area.
(4)Diana T.
I love the drunken noodles from here. I order drunken noodles at every Thai restaurant I go to and I have yet to find a place that makes them better than Brown Sugar. They have a HUGE menu so take your time to look through it. Everything I've tried here has been delicious. Definitely get a Thai Ice tea with your meal too, its so good!
(5)Arti P.
My most Favorite Spot in Boston for Thai food! Love this place. Specially as I have a Spicy tooth that runs in my species LOL, I love their Basil Fried Rice w/ ham !! Awesome place
(5)Winnie C.
Came here a couple of times. Food is delicious, portions are decent, and atmosphere is admirable for a inexpensive Asian place. The birthday surprise they have is just awesome. The restaurant tends to put the tables real close together, I'd suggest asking for the booths in the back. Everything I've ever tried were delicious, especially the baby back ribs. Warning: service is a little anemic during the dinner rush, but the staff se friendly enough.
(5)Kiki P.
Brown Sugar Cafe is a nice Thai restaurant with an authentic touch. I wouldn't say it is super authentic but the food is the most authentic you can get for a fancy Thai restaurant in the Boston area. The last couple of pages of the menu are authentic thai dishes even written in the Thai language! I have tried the Papaya Salad. For those of you who are unfamiliar with this dish, it is a populat Thai spicy salad. It contain fresh shrimps tossed in lime juice and small Thai chili with papaya strips, minced dry shrimp, tomatoes and peanuts. I thought Brown Sugar's take on this dish was okay. Certainly not as authentic as the papaya salad you get in Thailand. For dinner I tried the drunken noodles which were pretty delicious. I also tried the Pad Bai Gaprow which contains minced meat stir-fried with Basil leaves. This dish is very flavorful and spicy. I have been to Thailand before so I have pretty high standards for Thai food and this place is probably one of the better restys in the Boston area. I plan on returning to Brown Sugar Cafe the next time I get another Thai craving.
(4)Nidhi M.
2 Pad Thais (1 veg, 1 non veg) Thai iced tea Homemade lemon soda FRIED ICE CREAM so amazingly sweet $37
(3)Navid R.
Beware Brown Sugar has cockroaches in their soup! So I went to eat at Brown Sugar today, they are usually really good with the food and service but today was just horrible service, on top of that there was mini cockroaches in the Tom Yum soup! Absolutely disgusting, showed the waiter and cancelled all our food, the manager came over and gave us a $30 gift card. So pathetic, I should have taken a picture and send it to health inspection.
(1)Emily S.
This is our go-to place for take out on busy nights. Amazing, delicious food that only takes 10-15 minutes to be ready, and we can usually get 2 meals out of each dish so we have leftovers! We also really appreciate that they can make dishes gluten-free. Our favorite gluten-free dish is the country style pad thai (made with fish sauce). The Pad See Ew is also great (though it can't be made gluten-free)!
(5)æ‚
Really good food.
(4)Pam K.
Love this place. I'm Thai myself . Various kind of Thai food. Place can be crowded and small table but food is great. I love Yen ta fo is my favorite dish. Street parking can be the pain but worth try it
(5)Helen S.
If you have a birthday dinner, you should have it here!!!!!! They will turn this place into a nightclub for the 20 seconds it takes to sing happy birthday! We were enjoying a nice quiet dinner when all of a sudden, the lights dim low, disco balls start flashing, and an electronica/dance version of The Birthday Song blasts on. It took me a second to realize it was a birthday dessert coming out. Decent Thai food (got veggie dishes only). But, as many others mentioned, really pricey!
(4)Wasim Q.
For some reason, Boston has the most amazing Thai food, with a ton of great options, and Brown Sugar takes the crown in an area of stiff competition. The menu is huge and has a lot of stuff I haven't seen before at Thai restaurants (e.g. the Siamese Twins is a sweet and sour chicken/shrimp dish served in a pineapple shell that will make you star of the table). And it has all the classics too (the Masaman is really well done). My advice is to jump to the back of the menu where it says something like "Thai Style Dishes" and has a lot of stuff written in Thai. I think this is basically like super authentic homestyle Thai food that only people who can read Thai like to get. That's how you know it's going to be good. Definitely don't miss the Longan juice. I have no idea what this is, but it is crazy good. Sort of like a mix between prune juice and tamarind and flat Coke. Wait, that sounds disgusting...but trust me you'll like it. Try to come on your or a friend's birthday or if you lack morals, just tell them it is your birthday. They do a fun little show where they sing in Thai and turn the lights off and disco ball on and use a flashlight as a makeshift strobe. They have a sister restaurant up in Cambridge-- The Similans--but Brown Sugar is way better. Easily worth the extra 20 minute drive, even though I'm walkable to the Similans. P.S. Apparently Longan juice is just lychee juice, but the way they do it here tastes nothing like lychees. It's much better.
(5)Rajveer K.
Brown Sugar cafe is Tidy, nice and pretty reasonable. Food is delicious and really nice flavor. loved their special mango Curry. I like the atmosphere but i think tables are very close and makes it little uncomfortable. Service is a little slow. Must Try.
(4)Elizabeth K.
Yum. Okay. If you want to try some authentic Thai food, come here!! Go straight for the last few pages of the menu where you can't even understand the titles of the food (unless of course, you know the language) and ask one of the many servers waiting on you for help. At first, one of the servers recommended the drunken noodle or pad thai, but you can get that Americanized stuff anywhere. So when I found a description in the back of the menu and later asked her about it, her eyes widened with joy, and she mentioned how it is just like how you would have it in Thailand. So obviously I was sold on her reaction and ordered this spicy seafood noodle soup. Man oh man, it was AWESOME. I don't think I've ever had authentic Thai food, and it certainly was very new to me. There were a few ingredients I had no idea what it could be, but I just asked our servers, and they were happy to let me know. The best part of my experience was when the lights suddenly turned off and colorful disco lights were shining around; then a super uppity, almost techno birthday song was blaring. How cool is that? The best birthday song/special I have ever seen a restaurant do! Despite its lack of $$$ fine dining, proper restaurant ambiance, the authenticity of the food and chill/helpful servers and the rad birthday extravaganza, I'd love to come back here the next time I'm in Boston.
(4)Stephanie S.
My favorite Thai restaurant. I've been going here for 4 years now. I usually don't go to other Thai restaurants, unless I'm ordering delivery (unfortunately they don't deliver to my town). Their customer service is always good. Nice interior and atmosphere. Their spring rolls (fried) are the best in town. I always get them every time I go. All their items are generally good. I've only have one bad experience with one of duck entree. It was very dry and tough (the other time I ordered the same thing it was fine). Tom Yum noodle soup is my go-to entree. Their country style pad thai is very good as well. And i always love their duck entrees. I usually don't like any kinda of curry, but I would eat their curry. Their portions are huge. I always have left-overs. Also, you have to try their fried icecream. To die for.
(4)Miranda S.
Loved this place! Came here for lunch while my car was being repaired. I got the country style pad Thai, spring rolls, and some tea (I think jasmine). The waitress was so nice, she helped me decide on what to get and came back to see how I liked it when I got my food. She also refilled my teapot so I could get another cup out of my tea bag. She let me enjoy a slow lunch as I had time to kill and didn't bother me at all. But she was still attentive if that makes sense. It was nice to sit there and people watch over some tea. Also, the music selection in here is great - they have good taste. The music alone made me want to stay a little longer :) I'll definitely be back!
(4)Ashley K.
Four words: Roasted Pork Noodle Soup. It's not always on the menu. It's not to be confused with the regular Pork Noodle Soup, which is good, but not nearly AS good. You should order it at least once, because it is the single best broth in the history of delicious soup broths ever. If you don't see it on the menu, but you ask nicely, they'll make it for you. And when you get it (it'll be a little later than the rest of your party's dishes, but well worth the wait), everyone around you will ask WHAT IS THAT because you'll have a bowl the size of your head filled with seemingly never-ending noodly bok choi and pork deliciousness that looks and smells downright amazing. Tired of Pad Thai (they make a mean Pad Thai that I can't order anymore now that I know about this soup)? This is the dish to try. Also highly recommended: any of the Pad Thais, Chicken Cashew Nuts, Thai Iced Tea, the spring rolls. Yum, yum, and yum. Service is great and food is consistently awesome. Bring someone for dinner on their birthday, and be sure to mention it's their birthday to watch some REAL fun ensue.
(5)Celin W.
Drunken noodle could be spicier and more flavorful (shrimp was fresh, noodles nicely cooked and a heaping portion of vegetables), pad thai was solid - preferred it to my drunken noodle actually. Service was efficient, polite, and portions very generous.
(3)Heidi D.
I got the papaya salad and egg drop soup, and both were really good! My sticky rice was a little bit drier than I would've liked, and the prices are slightly higher than I would like, but the portions were good, the staff was attentive and friendly, the ambiance was wonderful, and it wasn't too cold (a lot of restaurants blast the air conditioning way too much for me)
(4)Francis S.
I cannot recommend this place highly enough. The food is, firstly, amazing. The prices are very reasonable if you don't go crazy with drinks (tip: fruit juice refills aren't free...), and portions are really big and satisfying. Not only that, but they are FANTASTIC for people with allergies. I am allergic to many, many things very badly, including soy (which might be a problem at a thai restaurant) so going out to eat can sometimes be a life threatening experience. But these guys just took notes of everything I was allergic to, walked me through the menu and pointed out stuff I could have! And they were friendly about it. They even have a replacement for soy sauce they can use if you have a soy allergy. In short: very allergy friendly. The restaurant is also very nice inside and has two large tanks of fun fish that are always entertaining! Just do yourself a favor and go here immediately.
(5)Devika G.
Awesome ambience. The food was great. We had came over for frnds birthday little did we know about the birthday cliff, so we missed it. The dumplings were awesome. Should try the chefs special no.7 on the little yellow menu. I also liked their iced Thai coffee. I love Thai food and place made me love it more.
(4)Anna L.
WARNING: Kitchen is not Gluten Free and poor on food allergic awareness. We go here all the time and the service is OK if you are a regular. If you order Pad Thai you have to tell them, you want the real thing with Fish Sauce of they will simply make you the popular American egg dish. I think the biggest problem with Brown Sugar is that there are so many customers that the workers many times grab the wrong dishes in the kitchen - causing sickness as was with our group.
(3)Tara T.
really good, authentic Thai food. none of that watered down, mild tasting crap -- this is the real deal. I had the spicy panang curry (Thai version) and it was divine.
(5)Jason Z.
American-Thai Fusion foods catered to the general public. Nothing really separates this place from another Thai restaurant I have been to. Nothing very memorable beside the annoying service. After I sat down, the waitress picked up my almost finished ice coffee and told me that they have to hold it because it's their policy. When I told them that I would just finish it right away (to save them from the trouble of keep the coffee for me) She told me that I will have to finish it outside the restaurant. I would have walked away if we were not with another couple.
(3)Evert R.
My wife Maggi and I have been visiting Brown Sugar Cafe for 20 years. It is our favorite restaurant and the food is always terrific, but just as important the people are just wonderful and welcoming and helpful. We love coming here and highly recommend this restaurant.
(5)B.M S.
Good solid Thai restaurant. Nice atmosphere, not fancy but still decent to go out to diner even if you are the lone non-frat bro living in Allston. Not what I would call incredibly fresh or authentic, more like nice comfort food. Super sweet staff. Generous portions.
(4)Mizzez W.
This is one time the positive yelpers have let me down. I love Thai food, saw the rave reviews on this place and figured I'd check it out. Appetizers: stuffed wings and golden bags. This dish never fails at most places like Spice and Rice. Here the flavor profile was not appealing at all. My daughter and I picked one little piece each off of the wings and asked the waitress to exchange for scallion pancakes instead. She said ok, but your still going to pay for it?!?! I was not in the mood to make a scene but how dare she!!! We barely touched it and in my 40 years of dining out, I never had to pay for something I didn't eat. That blew it for me. Golden bags were more like dirty diapers. Absolutely disgusting. Why did the Drunken noodles have 2 different types of noodles in it?!?! Never ever have I seen this before. My daughters seafood pad tai had fried crab in it that wasn't cleaned out, the crab had gunk In it and a foul taste. The only thing they did right was the Fried Ice Cream! The ice cream taste rich and full of flavor. We had green tea and coconut that would rival any gourmet shop. That's it though. Go for dessert and get your Thai Food elsewhere!
(1)Alex K.
I've been here many times, but never really reviewed it. I came here for a birthday dinner, but I didn't get the whole disco ball with the singing and whatnot since the dinner actually wasn't ON my birthday. This review is more about the food/ambiance. A lot of people say that this place is overpriced and overrated, however its very hard to find a Thai restaurant with the casual upscale vibe that Brown Sugar Cafe has along with food that is pretty good. I ordered the Seafood Volcano and my girlfriend got the Birds of Paradise and needless to say, the food was good. It was really embarrassing because we were seated in the corner next to the window and people were staring as this aluminum volcano ON FIRE was makings its way to our table. If you're looking to eat just quick Thai food like most of the noodle dishes and stuff, it may be worth more of your money to go elsewhere, but the other items on the menu taste really good. Just remember you're paying for not only the food, but the ambiance and feel of the restaurant too. Good for groups of max 6-7 and for couples or even just for dinner alone! Love ya Brown Sugar :)
(4)Cherry B.
I am Thai, I've tried Pad Thai and Chicken basil here, everything so sweet?It may because a lot of customer cannot take spicy and love sweet taste. If you dont like something too sweet you have to tell them in advance. Staff were friendly.
(3)Theresa P.
Pineapple fried rice was amazing and the serving size was huge. Placed an order there for take out and it was ready within 10 minutes. Also ordered the mango fried rice but it was lacking all the flavors of the pineapple fried rice.
(4)Jennifer L.
The portion is good!! One plate can spilt into two meals for girls even though I finished it. The atmosphere is pretty good too.
(4)Chris L.
Solid place for Thai food. Probably among the best for Boston (arguably with NudPub and King and I on Beacon Hill and Sweet Lemon in Weymouth). There are three restaurants by the same owners/group/, the Brown Sugar on Comm Ave (BU West) and then the Symphony/Fenway location, which is harder to get to via public transportation and a little more hidden, and then "The Similans" in East Cambridge. Probabably been to: Comm Ave 6 times, Symphony 4 times, Similans 8 times. Liked the food and service. Desserts were tasty too (sticky rice pudding, sticky rice sticks, mango split). Decor was nice -- Thais statues, aquariums/fish tanks, maps of Thailand. I've had a variety of their dishes ranging from spicy to mild, all very tasty. There are warnings for the more spicy dishes (Old Lady Spicy, Drunken Chicken Laab, Fisherman's Madness, Gaprow Chicken or Beef), but these aren't killer. Nice slow burn ramp up. Very good portion sizes and value as well as aesthetics and quality. Seats: 50-75 comfortably, good for parties, good for dates Bring your appetite!
(4)Eunice E.
Hands down, my favourite Thai restaurant. It's always a treat to come here, and I try to take any and all out-of-town guests to this place while they're here, so I always find myself with more than a few occasions to treat myself.... but, hey, I'm not complaining. The last time I was here, I was with a big group of colleagues, and we ordered several appetizers, family-style, including the brown sugar spareribs (drooling as I type the words...), fried vegetable dumplings (not on the menu, but you can ask them for it), crispy spring rolls, and scallion pancakes. All were awesome, but I have to say, the spareribs are a MUST-GET. I always order these, and am never disappointed. Fall-off-the-bone tender and sweet, these are the ultimate appetizer. I tend to almost always order the same thing when I come here, namely the country-style pad thai (extra spicy), but I've also ordered the Drunken Noodles, as well as the curries before, and they're all so delicious, I can't decide which one dish is my favourite. But there's something for everyone, from herbivores to meat lovers, from those in the mood for sweet and those for savoury. Speaking of savoury... I had a few bites of the pork kow rad gaprow kai dao (minced pork with Thai spices over rice, sometimes ordered with an egg on top), and that was beyond words good. Spicy and succulent... I think I'll have to order this for myself the next time I come here. One of my other constants, in addition to the brown sugar spareribs, is the Thai iced tea. I love it here. I've also had their Thai iced coffee, and that's nice as well. They do it all so well at Brown Sugar... including the service! They're always on top of refills, orders, and clearing things away. It's oftentimes very busy in the restaurant, but the wait staff are always smiling and efficient. Highly recommended to anyone who loves sweet / spicy / all of the above.
(5)Sebastian N.
Pad Thai. Pad Thai. Pad Thai. Pad Thai. Pad Thai. Pad Thai. Pad Thai. Pad Thai. Pad Thai. Pad Thai. Pad Thai. Pad Thai. Pad Thai. Pad Thai. Pad Thai. Pad Thai. Pad Thai. Pad Thai. Pad Thai. Pad Thai. Pad Thai. Pad Thai. Pad Thai. Pad Thai. Pad Thai. Pad Thai. Pad Thai. Pad Thai. Pad Thai. Pad Thai.
(5)Andrew L.
Came to Boston from SF excited to eat every type of food except Asian. Somehow ended up at Brown Sugar and it was as good or better than most Thai places in the bay area. Portions were bigger also. Started with the golden bags from the appetizer section and papaya salad + sticky rice from the "authentic thai" portion of the menu (in the back). Both were on par for what you would expect at a good thai place. Had the country pad thai and chicken larb for entree. The larb was really good and served with authentic sticky rice, which a lot of places in the bay area don't do. Pad thai was solid for what you would expect- I couldn't really tell the difference between country pad thai and normal pad thai though. I would come back and try more things off the menu next time Im in town.
(4)Irene J.
The thai food was okay. It had a lot of flavor..but way too overpriced.. I honestly do not get what the hype is all about... ehhh...i'll only come back here if the people I am around really want to go here, but I would never choose to come here on my own will. Try Nub-Pub...cheaper and tastier.
(3)Deven M.
What a great restaurant! My fiance had been hyping this up for a very long time and we finally made it! Food came out incredibly fast, tasted great, and the service was awesome! We ordered chicken basil, tofu pad thai, and tofu basil fried rice. I ordered very spicy and it actually came spicy which is rare! Prices are a bit high but it doesn't detract since the portion sizes reasonably. Definitely enjoyed and we hope to be back soon!
(5)Tanner B.
I love curry. Try the massaman curry and you won't be disappointed by it's delicious sweetness and not to mention the restaurants lovely and romantic first date atmosphere. Enjoy love birds! *wink*
(5)J K.
Sorry, but the food is super sweet: veggie pad tai and masaman curry. The curry was a little better than the pad tai. Ambiance is nice and welcoming but you might need to wait for attention from the waiters. They did returned our money on the pad tai after we were asked twice if everything is all right.
(2)Olivia R.
Brown sugar cafe has some of the best pad thai I've found in boston. They have three different versions to accommodate for meat lovers, vegetarians, and country style lovin. I used to order their spring rolls all the time however the sauce has become on the spicier side. I wouldnt recommend the golden triangles spring rolls, they lack flavor and are not very good.
(4)jerry m.
Fast service. Friendly wait staff. Clean restaurant. Creative menu. Great dinner! I will definitely return.
(5)Kartik P.
Went there for dinner and am more than pleased to write a review for this restaurant. Its a nice place, lots of place to sit and doesnt feel crowded at all. Very good portion sizes and fairly prized. Dinner for two costs around $32 with appetizer, an entree costs around $10-13. Quick service, tasty food and cozy place. 5 STAR.
(5)Marc B.
Have been coming here for several years, and have never, ever had anything less than a very good experience, each and every time. Brown Sugar scores high on all scores. The decor is above average, if hardly unique. Stylish chandelier, mounted tropical butterflies, salt-water aquariums and marbled tables. Service is generally a strong point, with attentive and helpful staff and management. Much less impersonal than most Thai restaurants. Food is excellent in every respect. The menu offers all the usual suspects, plus a handful of less-often seen country Thai dishes, like Pork Belly sauteed with Chinese Broccoli. Ingredients are fresh, vegetables plentiful and crisp, sauces not overly sweetened and protein portions generous. Everyday dishes like red curry and Pad Thai offer a little more complexity than the norm. If you choose just one appetizer, go for the exquisite Chive Dumplings. There's abundant on-street parking, and a tiny but pleasant sidewalk patio during warm weather months. And Brown Sugar really goes all out for birthday celebrations; just cue them in and stand back. Ignore any previous posts regarding upscale pricing. Tariffs are extremely reasonable for this quality.
(4)Jeffrey A.
Hanging with friends. Pad Thai was a solid "good". Green curry was delicious. Pad Seiiew was good portion and good flavor but not great. And veggie tempura, was good but nothing special.
(4)Colleen W.
A bit overrated, I must say... especially for the high prices! I'd been dying to try Brown Sugar Cafe since my first day in Boston because of all the high yelp ratings. I ordered the drunken noodle extra spicy and one of my friends ordered some type of fried rice. My dish was nothing special. Lots of vegetables and fresh jalepenos, but nothing extraordinary in terms of flavor. My friend complained that her dish was bland. On the other hand, the service is fantastic. If you're afraid of creepy crawlies, seat yourself facing away from the wall of dead butterflies. Stare at the fish...
(3)Ben L.
Such a great place! please consider this 4.5 stars though. I had thai food for a while and I wasnt a fan but thats only because I grew up in a small town with only one thai restaurant so it kind of gave me a bad name for thai food. But after my brother recommended this place, i decided to give it a try and wow was it great!. I had the chicken pad thai, my cousin had the mango chicken curry fried rice, and my brother had some noodles that I forgot the name of it. Very fancy looking place, nice and clean and the waitresses were very attractive! (obviously a plus). Usually the thai food i have is often too oily, sweet, or just disgusting when having it left over. This place really gives thai food a great example to try. Only flaw, its a little pricey but I definitely cant say that it is not worth it I am definitely coming back when i need my spice
(4)Kyle E.
I've never had Thai food before but this restaurant came highly recommended. Had a large party for a bachelorette. Food and service were amazing. Loved everything about it!
(5)Janet K.
Pretty decent Thai food but I've definitely had better. The pad thai was a little too sweet for my liking and the Jade noodles lacked flavor. I'd go back to try something else though since it's got good reviews overall...
(3)Lola A.
The food is okay here. For vegetarian fare, I've lucked out more with appetizers than actual entrees. The one entree that took the cake, though, was the pineapple fried rice. Add the vegetarian ham. I don't know what it is exactly- soy product, glutinous pink thing, 72 different chemicals that make a tasty concoction? Just try it. I know people typically go to restaurants because they're hungry, want to eat food, yadda yadda, boring boring, etc. Let me tell you why you should really come here. You come because it's your birthday! You come because you want all of the house lights to get really dim, disco lights to come on, and a smiling woman to hold two flashlights and move them in circular patterns while "Happy Birthday" plays over the speakers LOUDLY. You come here because birthday celebrations at other restaurants are kinda lame and none of the staff really want to sing or clap for you. You come here and it will be the best experience of strangers celebrating your birth!
(3)Karina L.
This is a pretty solid Thai place, but I'll only give it 3 stars considering the other options that are around (i.e.: Dok Bua on Harvard St and Bamboo Thai Restaurant further down Comm Ave). I got the chicken pad thai and found it solid, but definitely forgettable. I thought the chicken was a little dry. The service, however, was super attentive and polite. We got our food quickly and the ambiance of the place is definitely more high-end than what people usually come to expect from a Thai restaurant. It's kind of dark in some corners (We got stuck next to this dark corner and had to use the light of the nearby fish tank to read our menus...). That said this might be a nice place to bring a date, wink wink.
(3)Hannah K.
I have celiac disease, and Thai places are usually the best bet for people who need to eat gluten-free. Rice noodles are naturally gluten free, as is Thai soy sauce. Unfortunately, Brown Sugar cannot accommodate this dietary restriction whatsoever -- making me feel a bit uncomfortable about the quality of their food. They can't simply buy a bottle of authentic gluten free soy sauce to accommodate their gluten-free guests? Pad thai should CERTAINLY always be gluten-free, and the fact that theirs is not and cannot even be altered to be made gluten free is sad and confusing. Get with the times, Brown Sugar! Don't alienate your Celiac/Gluten Intolerant customers when it is such a simple fix!
(1)Bill M.
Prices are a bit higher but for the variety and quality it is worth it. Disappointed they removed all of huts from inside! The laab is the cats meow! (Not literally)
(4)John I.
If you love Thai food you simply *must* eat here! I stopped in on a Friday evening around 5:30 PM and was immediately seated. I noticed the large number of waitstaff in the restaurant which had about only 6 tables (out of many tables) occupied. I ordered the Avocado Dancing which they describe as "A special coconut-free yellow curry, northern Thailand called "Hung-Lay", with diced tender chicken, potatoes, shredded ginger, garlic and aromatized with galanga & lemongrass, wedges fresh avocado on the side. Served with sticky rice." I describe it as a piece of gastronomical heaven on earth. I savored every mouthful, taking my time to finish the meal. While the dessert menu looked tempting I found an ounce of will power to resist topping things off with Ginger ice cream. After I paid my tab and got up from my table I was surprised to see all the waitstaff now busily tending to tables which had filled up during time I was dancing with my avocados. :) I can't wait to return to savor a new item from their menu!
(5)MaiLinh H.
Great Thai restaurant and I will tell you why. I have a soft spot for restaurants with good interior designs. This place has that. It has a mix of industrial design (which was probably left over from a previous Italian restaurant - my guess) and Thai architecture. The walls are covered with huge fabric rugs with sequin details and classic Thai symbols like elephants. The space is much roomier than what it looks like from the outside. Food is decent. We got tod munm, spicy jamaica, drunken noodle, and brown sugar duck. Loved the tod munn!! Loved brown sugar duck too - skin is crispy but meat is still tender. Someone had a birthday that day and they turned off the light, played a clubbing styled Happy birth day song and turned on disco lightings lolll. Nice touch to the whole dining experience.
(4)Erin L.
We ordered two dishes. 1. Chicken with broccoli and brown rice. The dish was not fully flavored, and the carrots that came with it were not fully cooked. 2. Pad Thai. It's too sweet. Both dishes came with really big portions, which is way beyond the normal Thai standard.
(3)Steven R.
Food was really good. They have all the basics boring Americans like myself love, but also a long menu of really interesting choices. Someone's food came out on fire- and it looked amazing! The artwork in the restaurant is also really nice. And they have a solid bar with all the drinks you could want. Prices start around $12 and go up from there for entrees.
(4)Nishant Y.
We actually ordered take out from here and the good was just way too spicy. I'm used to eating spicy food, but the food here is inedible unless you eat it with a lot of rice and yogurt or a glass of milk.
(3)Claudia C.
I've been here multiple times as a college student and decided to stop by again on my short trip to Boston. What I love most about Brown Sugar Cafe is the interior decor (very ethnic and comfortable) and friendly service. The thai iced tea here is also delicious! The food is traditional Thai fare, and I've mostly enjoyed the dishes I ordered. When I last went, we got the: Chicken/Beef satay appetizers: Highly recommend! Both the chicken and beef were grilled to perfection. Siamese Twins: It was alright, there was only 4 pieces of shrimp and the sauce was really basic. Something I probably could've cooked. Pork Pad See Ew: The sauce was delicious, but the noodles and pork were overcooked. They were also pretty lazy about slicing the pork as they were extremely large pieces of pork about the size of my palm... All in all, even though the food isn't life-changing, I would still recommend Brown Sugar Cafe to stop by at if you're craving Thai food. It's a good experience.
(3)Aron Y.
Our first meal in Boston for the conference week. This was one of the restaurants recommended by the organizer. All of us were simply hungry and thought that Thai would be a safe option to satisfy our hunger first before exploring. Overall, their menu looks really interesting. There were quite a few items I wanted to try out of curiosity but decided to just settle for a simple Country Style Pad Thai w/ extra Shrimp. I also got myself a Thai Tea as a treat. However, there's a big problem. The Pad Thai came out EXTREMELY sour, and I can't tell if it was by mistake or by design. I've had pad thai in many states before but I've never had one that's cooked with this my vinegar (or any vinegar at all). My friend even choked on his first bite because he wasn't expecting that much vinegar. The strange thing is that everything else was delicious. The noodles were great, the toppings were great, and the proteins were cooked well. The thai tea was refreshing as well. What a bummer. I'm just gonna convince myself that it was simply an unfortunate mistake and give them a pass. No one should be eating that much vinegar. It's like eating a sour patch with every bite... but w/o the sweet right after.
(3)Ami P.
I've come here way too many times and never a single bad moment here... Best THAI food IVE EVER HAD and I could order anything and LOVE IT
(5)Khanh P.
It's hard for me to judge Thai food because I don't eat it that often. All I can say for Brown Sugar is that it was decent food. The taste overall of the food was pleasant although some dishes were way too spicy for my liking. We ordered the drunken noodles which in my opinion was the best out of all the dishes (of course it would be the pad Thai) being that it was nicely seasoned and better tasting than all the other ones. Downside was that the noodles were overcooked and one big mush. We had the brown sugar duck I believe but it's basically one of their more well known dish. I was disappointed when it came out. I mean where was the duck? Instead all I saw was a big plate with veggies and dark dark brown salty chunks. Really not worth the $18. Also had the pineapple fried rice and fishermans seafood. Beware of this seafood dish, you'll be choking and gasping for water. The ambience itself I guess is representing the culture and puts out more of a less contemporary feel. Overall for a first time experience, there wasn't anything real negative to say but I don't think I would necessarily say I'll be screaming to come back.
(3)Vic G.
I dig beautiful Thai food. Applying the principles of Direct proportion (Mathematics/Algebra), I dig Brown Sugar Cafe! For my maiden visit to this outstanding restaurant, I stand at a loss of words(?) - to find any flaws. So without any further delay, let the praises begin! Ambiance: The owners have made the most intelligent use of the interiors by putting in as many tables as they possibly can, yet making sure the decor and the overall look and feel gives the restaurant a rather cool vibe. Where I would deem another place with tables crammed next to each other as sacrilegious, BSC has done a fab job of making the inside feel warm and sophisticated. How they managed to do that, I leave it for you to look at and decide! Right from the entrance that greets the patrons with a duo of pretty little fish tanks, to the tiny bar, to the dining hall with its subtle lighting and of course the very neat and clean restrooms, everything is just right. Score - 5/5 Service: This one deserves bullet points rather than a short story. So here... - All the boys and girls walking around have a constant smile on their faces - If not, they definitely look happy and enjoying their jobs for sure - They DO NOT rush you into ordering nor are they hovering around, trying to check a million times with the "how is everything" queries - Yet, they will magically appear out of nowhere the moment you start thinking, where is the dude who was serving us - Finally, maneuvering around those very tight corners (remember so many tables?), they make it seem like they are serving in a football field. Beats me! Score - 5/5 Location: Bullet points again: - Bang next to the Green B Line T-stop Babcock St. - Perfect for a meal before events either at Agganis Arena or Paradise Rock Club - I cannot say great for the hundreds of college students in the city because they will get anywhere, anyhow. Clearly, this place is full of em too. - Enough on street metered parking for those who prefer wheels over the "fabulous" MBTA Score - 5/5 Food: I would really love to write a big paragraph on this but knowing the word count for each review, I will keep this short. PLEASE ORDER THE CRISPY SPICY WATERCRESS FOR AN APPETIZER AND RELISH IT SLOWLY BEFORE PEEKING INTO THE MENU FOR YOUR MAIN COURSE. THIS DISH IS OUT OF THIS WORLD (all caps font for the prior statement was intentional and on purpose to emphasize the importance of the message!) We also ordered the Choo Chee Fisherman and the Pork Laab. Both dishes were fantastic. The first one had a penang curry base - on the heavenly spicier side. The Laab had a super lemony / tangy tone throughout and a spicy surprise of an unexpected effect mid way through the process of enjoying the dish. The app was the absolute star and I will be back again for the same and try a new dish for the main course every time. Score - 5/5 Summary: And out of nowhere - from the stereos, starts blaring the very loud and an 'OMG where did this come from' moment striking HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU song for a table at the extreme end of the dining hall - far far away from our table - right when I was about to savor the next spoonful of my main course. And I loved it! And so did everyone who was not part of the birthday party. Only BSC can pull such a thing off! Score - 5/5 And so Ladies & Gents, I declare, my favorite Thai restaurant, in the proper Boston city limits - as yet, till someone better comes along and snatches this title away from them, the one and only, Brown Sugar Cafe!
(5)Stacey G.
Excellent vegetable pad Thai, reasonable prices. I would like more veggies and tofu. I would like less sprouts. There were a few chunks of pineapple- I'm not sure if that was a intentional or accidentally added from a nearby dish, either way it was a nice addition.
(4)Kelly C.
Brown Sugar is spectacular. Any food that comes served to me in a halved pineapple is more than okay in my book. It's really all about presentation. Food is delicious but very pricey. Lots and lots to choose from on the menu. If you come on your birthday they play this ridiculous version of Happy Birthday which is flat out mocking Asian people but I guess it's good to laugh at yourself. Haven't gone in a while but have been drooling over the though of it for quite some time. Only street parking has something to do with it and parallel parking would be my arch nemesis.
(4)Lisa R.
I was excited about going here after hearing all the hype. I liked the decor upon walking in but was a little overwhelmed by the enormous menu. Everything sounded delicious though. I started off with their homemade sparkling limeade which was absolutely delightful. The limeade was tangy and lightly carbonated, very refreshing. My boyfriend tried the singha beer and liked it. We started off with a beef satay appetizer. The beef was incredibly tender but there wasn't enough satay sauce. The satay sauce was very creamy and light, and milder than I've usually had it. I almost wish it was heartier and spicier. The beef was tender enough that we didn't complain though. I ended up deciding on the Avocado Dancing and asked for it a little bit spicier (since I only noticed ONE chili pepper next to it on the menu!) I very much regretted this decision later. The flavors were robust and satisfying but entirely too spicy for me. The avocado slices underneath the hearty chicken and potato pieces had a nice cooling effect. I wish there was more rice and that it wasn't so stuck together and hard. I imagined sticky rice to be a little softer. My friend had the Brown Sugar Mango Chicken Curry. He, too, asked for it a little bit spicier and quickly regretted the decision. The coconut curry was delicious but way too hot. He agreed about the sticky rice. The dish was still quite good and the chicken pieces were tender. The waitress was over our shoulder the entire time refilling our water glasses (thankfully!) and we liked the attentiveness. I coerced my overly full boyfriend into sharing the fried ice cream with me. It pushed my 3.5 rating to a solid 4 stars. We tried the espresso ice cream, which was nicely hard and cold on the inside, enclosed in a delicious cripsy crunchy honey and sesame seed glazed shell. Heavenly. On a side note, the crazy birthday song mini-raves were annoying. However, this didn't completely ruin our experience and I would still recommend Brown Sugar for dates. The decor was classy and pleasing, the waitstaff was attentive, we got our delicious spicy food quickly, and the fried ice cream is a MUST! 4 solid stars.
(4)Tom C.
This is absolutely the best Thai food I have ever had, and I like Thai food so I have eaten at many Thai restaurants. The selection is extensive and everything is really good.
(5)dave r.
So, let me begin by stating that I've eaten at Brown Sugar upwards of ten times, and previous to today I would have thought of it as a definitive four star establishment. Not mind-blowing, but a solid choice for the occasional lunch and for most dinner groups. My service has always been pleasant, quick and courteous; the establishment has always been clean and the prices fairly reasonable. Today I found out that they've been making the vegetable curry, clearly identified in their in-house lunch menu as "vegetarian" and a separate item from the other meat-y curries, as made with ONLY a fish sauce. And I only found out because the server asked me, for the first time ever, if I wanted a soy-based sauce for my vegetable country pad thai, because usually they make the base with a fish sauce early in the day. When I asked to clarify, they said that they could make up a special batch for me. I didn't want to cause a fuss, so I said I'd just go with the vegetable curry. That's when my world fell apart. The curry sauces are ONLY made in the morning and they NEVER serve it with a vegetarian base. Even the vegetarian-marked vegetable curry that I've had possible EIGHT times. This vegetarian is NOT PLEASED and will not be returning.
(1)Nilay C.
This was my second time in Brown Sugar. I will have to agree with Fred. the place is terrible because of the service. I could not believe how bad it was. First time I thought that it was an exception. But no: it is a statistical fact that they have the rudest and servers in Boston. So here are my bullet points: * The food was *really average*. There are some good dishes, but nothing pops out.... * They religiously make sure that if you are a group of 4/5 people, your seating is uncomfortable * The waitress was rude and saw her come off on other customers. Never going back...Not worth the money and mental energy... If you want really standard Thi food and nice service, try Pho Basil on Mass Ave.
(1)christine c.
Country Pad Thai. So. Good. Love this place.
(4)Eric B.
Favorite thai food in Boston! absolutely love this place! not too fancy/expensive yet it tastes like it should be. Always get the Thai Spring Rolls as an app. been trying different things, but you can always count on the Mango Curry dish to be amazing! They always say the wait time is long, but Ive had it be real quick on some occasions Also if your celebrating a Bday there, let them know and the staff will come out with flashlights spinning and you get a little thai-disco birthday party
(5)Theodore W.
I get why this place is so popular, I really do - great atmosphere, the pad thai is delicious (probably the best I've ever had), and the birthday celebration is...unique. But three (and a half?) is as high as I can go for two reasons: 1) Reservations - do you take them or not? We called ahead of time twice, both times they said they don't take them, and when we got there not only was there a 30+ minute wait, but other people with bigger parties had reserved tables. Annoying. 2) Rad-Na Noodles. Unfortunately just not very good. It's my favorite thing to get at Thai restaurants (especially at Rock Sugar, downtown), but here is was bland and tasteless. It was in complete contradiction to their Pad Thai which was incredible, but my order was barely mediocre. I tried to 'salt and pepper' it up but it didn't help much. At least I know for next time, but I won't be in such a rush to return.
(3)Craig K.
Let me start out by saying I've only had takeout from here. The inside looks very nice (furniture, fish tanks, etc), but the food is less than ideal. I love thai food, so much so that i eat it, on average, 4 times a week. It's just that there are so many places to choose from in Allson, and this one, for some reason, has a very strange combination of being the least good (I won't say worst, because its not necessarily 'bad') and the most expensive. Pad Thai runs you up to $12, where all the other places (S&I, Thai Place, and the under-renovation Bo-Thai) have(/had) it for $7-8. I can understand this mark up if the food was $4 better, but in my opinion, its not. Its possible that my taste in Thai food isn't 'authentic' enough, but i don't see the point in making pad see ew taste mostly like the oil it was cooked in, or have dry, flavorless sprouts sit on the side of pad thai, instead of mixed in with the other ingredients during the cooking process. Again, I'm sure someone could tell me that its more authentic that the many other places to pick up Thai food, but if that's the case, i think someone needs to ship Thailand some of our less authentic food, and see which one wins out...
(2)Jessica S.
Went last night. Service is good. Very good food overall. Beef satay and combination skillet is good. also tried pad thai and chicken lollipops. Skip the emerald soda and banana dumplings. Tables are too small for my taste
(4)Jamie B.
THE place to go for Thai food in Boston. Great atmosphere, definitely worth having a sit down meal at as opposed to doing takeout/delivery. The pad thai is AMAZING and I've also enjoyed the chicken curry dishes that I've tried. Portions are huge, definitely enough for leftovers. Everything is extra fresh, extra hot, extra flavorful... just all-around yummy. I live in Somerville, but definitely think it's worth taking the trek into this part of Boston for some seriously good Thai cuisine. Can't wait to try out the rest of the menu!
(5)Lee O.
went again last week, union boss bringing me out to dinner. Sunset Cantina was lines out the door. took a risk, and didn't pay off. this place just gets worse. in EVERY aspect. nothing good to say about it. just nothing. N is for never again. I know that's two words but they're not getting more comedy out of me, they serve it on plates. Doh! there I go again. Seriously, stay away.
(1)Angie G.
... ... I basically used to keep this place alive. I swear to goodness. When I worked full-time at PPLM, I would order from here twice a week. Their food is DELICIOUS. When you look at the price, it's really not all that expensive. If you want better Thai Food, go to Thailand cause Brown Sugar's got it on LOCK. The staff is literally waiting to wait on you. Literally. You walk in and BAM there are like 20 mofos in your face asking "Table? Here or to go?" And you're like ".. yes.. table.. for 2." You sit down and BAM menus! water! You order your food and it's basically on your table within 5-10 minutes. ... ... They kinda rock.
(5)Rita A.
The flavors of lemongrass, galangal, Thai basil, tamarind and hot green chilies burst in your mouth. Spicy food warning - when they put two chilies next to a dish, they mean it! This is some of the best Thai food I've had in the Boston area. Service is very prompt and the menu on Friday was filled with specials including a host of non coconut curries that was very welcome. The presentation of each dish was excellent. Definitely worth a second visit!
(5)A. C.
Excellent. I usually avoid Thai curries because I'm not a fan of coconut milk but the words "coconut-free" in the description of the Jungle Curry immediately caught my attention. The dish comprises a variety of vegetables (eggplant, green beans, broccoli, cauliflower, and peppers, etc.) and your choice of meat. The spice indicators on most restaurant menus have been disappointingly misleading but I was happy to find that the Jungle Curry was spicy enough to induce sniffling. It's served in a clay pot with a side of rice. My other encounters with Brown Sugar Cafe involved basil fried rice and pik-pow fried rice which were decent but not as exciting.
(4)Joanna M.
I liked this place quite well. We semi-randomly went there on a Friday night, and it was packed. There were people hanging outside the door and on the street in front of the place. I thought we'd never get seated in a timely fashion, but the hostess called us in after about five minutes after giving us a fifteen minute estimate. It's more difficult for larger parties, and there were a few groups of people who were not pleased that a two person table was seated so quickly. The decor here is pretty; Tiffany style overhead lamps and arrangements of pinned butterflies (danaus plexippus and maculinea arion? likely morpho didius) on the walls and a big tank of tropical fish near the front. On the tables, they have salt, cayenne, and a small jar of their namesake, brown sugar. Their servers and busers are attentive and friendly. I never felt rushed despite the business of the restaurant. As for food, I was craving tom kha (available veggie here) and country style pad thai, and Brown Sugar certainly delivered. My friend also had tom kha gai and a dish called "Old Lady Spicy," which, while tasty, was not what either of us expected in terms of spice- roasted eggplant, peppers, green beans, and ginger over rice. The portions here are enormous, so if your eating habits are like mine, you will probably have about 2 or 2.5 meals from dinner here. They have an extensive menu. I would definitely go here when I need some masaman curry. WARNING: if it is your birthday, you will be totally embarrassed!
(4)Melissa M.
AMAZING!!! I love Brown Sugar. Best things: Huge selection of food Yummy perfectly seasoned food Very reasonably priced Almost zero wait time for food Gracious, effective waitstaff Things to improve: NOTHING! I have loved Brown Sugar for years and have never once eaten anything bad here. Even if you don't think you like Thai food-- GO! Your stomach will thank me later!
(5)Casey W.
By far the best Thai food we have had since moving to Boston. The menu is extensive, prices fair, service & ambiance welcoming. The best thing about it is that its within walking distance to our house!
(5)Tim C.
I was very underwhelmed when I finally tried Brown Sugar. I got Pad Thai. It's kind of an obvious choice, but I get it everywhere the first time, to compare it to other places. The portion was not filling, and there are other places in the area where you can pay a few dollars less for more food. Overall, it is not a bad place, but I think their reputation is far better than the quality.
(3)sonya h.
Delicious food...friendly servers....nice abiance and nice presentation of the food. We ordered several items to share among four people (pad thai, pineapple fried rice, pad kee mow, chicken wings, blk pepper beef, basil chicken). Everything was delish with exception of the beef...it was too salty. I only ate 1 slice of beef and avoided the dish. minus 1 star for that...everything else was awesome. Will come back again next time I vist the area.
(4)Kate D.
Ah, Brown Sugar. Before I was a yelper, I was a little baby BU student living on West Campus and saving her work-study paychecks to afford take-out from this place. Then, I moved to Kenmore Square, and then Cambridge, and suddenly last week, I realized I haven't been to Brown Sugar since 2005. So of course, we went! At 9 pm on Thursday night, it was full but not overcrowded, and we were seated easily. We got our usual Thai starters: Tom Kar soup, Tom Yum Soup (the best in Boston is found here), Som Tum Salad (that's shaved green papaya salad, and it is a revelation, especially when first experienced in Thailand), and veggie Spring rolls (blame the boy). Then I got Pad Thai Country Style, cause I love myself some spice. The boy thought he was ordering chicken basil and actually ordered chicken basil fried rice, so he was a little disappointed about that (it was his own fault). The country style pad thai was actually way too spicy for me this time around, and I ended up drinking so much water that I couldn't take more than 5 bites of it. All was not lost though: I mixed in all the bean sprouts, let it sit in the fridge overnight, and it was a great office lunch the next day (the lean cuisine/hot pocket crowd was totes jealous). The place is beautiful too-- a mixed decor of modern, thai, & classical, and the employees are super attentive. Despite the location, it wasn't a huge BU undergrad scene.
(4)CeeCee R.
If you are the type of person that only order Pad Thai at a Thai restaurant, you are definitely wasting your time by going to this place. Try out different non-boring options such as the Pla Rad Prik (read: Deep Fried Fish in Spicy Thai Sauce), Rama Duck (read: Stir Fried Duck), Pad See Ew (read: Thicker Noodles with Veggies), etc. Love the fact that you have the option to have jasmine/brown rice with your meal. If you are up for an adventure, do go there to celebrate a birthday, you can bring a cake for the birthday person and make sure you notify the waitstaff. Boy, you are in for a treat. The whole entire waitstaff will dim the lights, play a Happy Birthday song in Thai version accompanied with a disco ball by the bar, come over to the table to present you the cake. My friends and I always try to celebrate birthdays there as we do find it hilarious. I always use the Thai menu, everything is pretty much great. They don't take reservations, so it's suggested to call and check in before going there as the line may get a bit long. In the summer they do have a cute little outdoor seating. They are always good for large groups as well. Parking may be problematic for dinner at times. Brown Sugar Cafe is my favorite Thai place in town!
(5)vinny f.
I was disappointed with their drunken noodles dish. It wasn't rich and felt like the noodles were just cooked in microwave. anyway, the other dishes like pineapple fried rice, pad thai were great. Definitely priced right and overall good service.
(3)Enjella L.
Why oh why do they not have Thai food like this in LA? This place is so cute, charming, and delicious. It's perfect for any occasion - a date, with friends, with family.
(5)Gina C.
After hearing the name "Brown Sugar" always paired with lustful groans and "oooohhh my god"s, I was dying to check the place out. I went for lunch and was seated at the coveted window table (SCORE!). The two of us were admittedly very dehydrated, which put Brown Sugar's water-filling skills to the test. They excelled-- the waiter returned to the table a half-dozen times throughout the meal to top us off, and the water had a refreshing squeeze of lime yumyumyum. I normally go for a dish with a lot of Thai basil, so Drunken Noodles with decent heat is my favorite, but my boyfriend had been to Brown Sugar before and cautioned me of its intense heat. Ehhhh so I got the Veggie Pad Thai country style. The food came out surprisingly quick, and in generous portions. My Pad Thai was full of vegetables-- baby corn, celery (I know, right?), peppers, carrots, onions, snow peas, string beans, mushrooms...there was even some pineapple thrown in there. It was delicious and only $9. I fought the devil inside me to resist ordering the Fried Ice cream...I love the stuff and next time I go I will let Lucifer win.
(4)Andrew R.
For the past few years, every time I went to Brown Sugar I would get the Pineapple Fried Rice because it's so damn good. I just switched it up and got the yellow curry and coconut milk with chicken, rice, onions, tomatoes, summer squash, pineapple chunks and green peppers. Best lunch I've had in a while, and it was about what you pay to eat at the chain places on Comm.
(5)Jen S.
When you walk in, you are blasted by a mouth watering aroma. The place is busy for a reason. If you have to wait, WAIT, it's usually not the longest wait ever. Once you are seated, it doesn't take long to order and then RECEIVE your order. Sometimes you receive your order tooo quickly, though, especially if you have an appetizer! The waitstaff isn't RUDE but they aren't so accommodating. Especially when you're still on your soup/appetizer and they try to bring you your entree. Sometimes it takes them awhile to check on you. i tend to go through my drink fast, so it's annoying to have to flag down a waiter/waitress! I'm not a seafood or duck person, so I usually stick to the most basic types of meals (sweet and sour chicken, chicken and basil, chicken and asparagus, crispy chicken pad thai), and I'm always blown away. I'll never get tired of it, despite eating the same things over and over. A glass of Young Coconut Juice is a perfect accompaniment to a meal. I usually go for dinner, but I really want to go there for appetizers one day. i've heard great things about their ribs and satays. If it's your birthday, they'll turn on a disco ball and play a recorded 'Happy Birthday' song for you. You know you like the attention. The food is pricey, though. Too pricey for the amount your receive. So that's a disappointment! But at least it tastes delicious!
(4)David H.
One of the best places I ate when I visited Boston! We had friends that told us what to get so that helped. I tried the thai stuffed chicken, coconut soup, and the duck. Service was good and the prices were very reasonable.
(5)Susan K.
A friend took me here for dinner and I thought "a thai restaurant called brown sugar?! Sounds like a dessert place to me." Still don't know why its called brown sugar but that's besides the point. The place was easy to find. Right off the B line on the T. The place looked small from the outside. As I stepped in, the atmosphere was nice and warm. Loved the saltwater aquarium by the door. The table set-up was elegant but simple. It had a calm feeling to it. The staff was polite and treated their customers well. When I heard thai restaurant, there was one thing I wanted: Pad Thai. But when I read through the menu, they had different kinds! It was interesting but I picked one that was slightly spicy (cause I love spicy food). My dish was very good with nice presentation. The portions were big but that was okay cause I took the left-overs home and as a poor graduate student, left-overs are money & energy savers. Thank God for microwaves and toaster oven. Anyway, definitely a nice place to have a date or just a casual meal with a friend or two.
(4)Jen H.
Pretty good food, service has been decent both times I've gone, and can I say their decor is super cute?! Loved the Thai Iced Tea, thought the Comm Ave Noodle was decent, but nothing wowing, and the Pad See Ew was pretty good. My friend's Mango Curry looked AMAZING and I must try this next time... because she gobbled it up! Looking forward to trying this place again.
(4)Julie T.
I love Brown Sugar! I love the Pineapple Fried Rice & the Pad Thai, munch munch munch. The Limeade & the Thai Ice Tea is so good. Yeah, so I haven't really tried the majority of the food or drinks here but from what I've had, I've been in love. But I must say, I liked the Brown Sugar that was near Longwood so much better (Too bad they closed down there, nooo). Oh & Fried Ice Cream = *Angel Choruses*! The only con I can think of is their crazy Congo birthday music! Even if it makes me laugh like crazy.
(4)Nancy Z.
Yes, I did the birthday celebration thing that everyone talks about to my sister's fiance. Not only was there a fobby version of Happy Birthday being played on the loud speakers to him, strobe lights sporadically dancing on the walls, and lasers darting everywhere- the waitress managed to find a flash light and swing it around throughout the whole song just to put the cherry on top. I like duck. (I enjoy the transition as well) But I do! The Brown Sugar Duck has won my heart... Crispy, sweet, brown sugar caramelized skin, overlapping a tender piece of duck meat... Love at first site- kind of like Homer Simpson meeting a donut. It is what completes him. I also like the Pad Thai, which probably makes me sound generic, but damn! The Country Style Pad Thai is my absolute favorite. It might be the small turnips they put in there, or I don't know what, but you have to try it at some point. The Drunken Noodles are also one of my favorites here, because they don't drench it in the chili basil sauce like most places do- it's just enough... and it's actually spicy. There is nothing more disappointing when you see a bunch of chili pepper signs next to a dish and you barely get any heat. I always come here, and you should toooo!!!!
(4)Hussam B.
It has been a while since I've been here but I remember the food was generally good.
(3)Rae S.
We stopped in Brown Sugar Cafe while walking around Fenway before the game and had one of the best Thai meals ever! Way better than the places I've tried near home or in NYC. The portions are huge (sadly, we couldn't take our leftovers into Fenway) and the balance of flavors was just amazingly spot on. The pad thai is a fantastic plate of awesomeness...if you love pad thai, you must must must try it at Brown Sugar. And if they have limeade on the drink menu, it's the perfect compliment to your meal!
(5)Rocco R.
One of my favorite thai restaurants in Boston. Located right on Comm Ave by BU. Chicken pad thai is the go to, and the noodles are fresh. They also deliver which is great if I dont feel like getting on the MBTA. Also do not pass on desert and get the fried ice cream, you wont regret it!
(4)Susan A.
Crowded restaurant, hectic atmosphere. Have been once when it wasn'as crowded either, but the dinner rush is definitely no fun. The prices are a little high for Thai food, especially considering how many other options there are for Thai in Allston/Brighton, but their selection of food does outweigh that of their competitors. The green curry left much to be desired though. Have had it better at other restaurants and was so disappointed, couldn't even eat this after a few bites. The soup is wonderful, but you can also get it at other places as well.
(3)Francisca W.
there's always a huge line during meal times, and there's no lot for parking. also, seats are a bit tight amongst one another, and you're risking to brush off people's food from their table as you pass. service is ok, but sometimes a bit tough. if you can get over those few things, this place does have very good thai food. it's been a while since i was last there, but i remember their duck curry was sooooo good. creamy, not too spicy, just pure goodness. although the next time i went back and ordered it specifically to relive the moment, the curry that time was way spicier than i remembered it. so, a little inconsistency there. other signature dishes like pad thai and tom ga gai, always good. used to crave this place every now and then when i lived in the area; haven't been back for a while. but if i ever crave thai food, that's gonna be one of my choices unless it's in the middle of hard, bitter cold winter where we wait outside till we all freeze up. :)
(4)Alex A.
Went here before a BU hockey game. Plenty of tables an hour before the game. Service was fast, and the food was good. Had the Thai Spring Rolls appetizer, which was as expected. But the Pad Thai that I had for dinner was awesome. The noodles weren't in a big gelatinous lump like you get at so many Thai places around Boston, and the veggies were fresh. I'll definitely head back again before another hockey game at Agganis.
(4)Jennafir E.
One of the better thai places. The food is good but the wait is insane! I'm glad I ordered out because people were waiting at least 40 minutes to eat there. The pad thai was good, not the best I've had, but good. The spring rolls are tasty. The crab Rangoon wasn't anything to write home about. The decor was cute and it looked like it would be a nice place to go on a date or have lunch with a friend.
(4)diana t.
Wonderful service and spacious seating. The wait area was a bit small that created a bit of awkwardness when it got crowded. The food came quickly and was delicious. We tried these 3 dishes. Stuff Chicken appetizer - chicken leg meat was removed without breaking the skin (always amazes me how it's done), minced, mixed with other chopped vegetables, then stuffed back under the original skin. Tasty appetizer and fun conversation topic for people sharing it. Country Style Pad Thai - flavorful. As expected for Pad Thai dish, the sauce is on the sweet side. Even though it was billed as a spicy version of the regular pad thai, I found it not spicy. Beef Num-Tok - my fav. dish of the 3. It's a spicy dish served at room temperature. Charcoal grilled beef was cooked to soak in the charcoal flavor while retaining plenty of tenderness. The mint mixture lime dressing then added a beautiful flavor to the beef. This dish carried heat (spicy kind) that I was glad that it was served at room temperature. Overall, I'm very happy with the place and want to go back to try many other delicious looking dishes on their extensive menu.
(4)Glen T.
Love this place! go great to get the real deal in the center of the menu, go for some something exotic you wont be disappointed!
(5)James B.
My girlfriend and I went here tonight and it was absolutely amazing. Our appetizer was fried tofu triangles with a peanut sauce that was sweet and super savory. We also ordered Thai Ice Tea, which if you enjoy a sweet drink, will lift your spirits and certainly get you going. For my meal I ordered the Paradise Garden with brown rice. The sauce was amazing; I think I could have drunk the sauce by its self, I know gross but that's how I felt. Not sure if the sauce had a coconut base, but I tasted basil and a spicy coriander as well. My girlfriend ordered the tamarind Tofu. She described her meal as, Succulent. Yeah she's talking about her food. To top everything off we finish our full course meals with the ultimate dessert, coconut ice cream with mango and a cherry on top. I would recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for a home run of a meal. No flaws, great service, great food, great atmosphere. There was even a serenade of Happy Birthday to our neighboring table with strobe lights, clapping, and everyone singing, slightly creepy but it was pretty cinematic. Check my Instagram out for a look at our food. My Instagram - web.stagram.com/n/infash… Coconut Ice cream -http://web.stagram.com/p/123380050780249803_22702Â070 Fried Tofu Triangle - web.stagram.com/p/123379…
(5)Marie N.
YUM YUM. I visited my good friends in Boston and they absolutely did it right when they suggested this place. Decor: very cute, clean, and bathroom was clean. Food: I ordered the Brown Sugar Mango Curry with tofu. Upgraded to a lunch combo with rice and veggie egg rolls. It was delicious. There's really only a few GREAT Thai places I've been to and this one is right up there. The Mango curry was spicy but sour and a hint of sweet. The tofu was firm on the outside but soft in the side. The loads of vegetables with a scoop of rice hits my taste buds right. Waitress was very nice. Everyone in table enjoyed their dish and no complaints from anyone. Great place to visit for great Thai food if in the Boston area.
(5)Brett W.
Yikes. I've really been in New York for too long--so sad to hear about the Fenway location closing. BUT LISTEN. GET THE CRISPY PAD THAI AT LEAST ONCE IN YOUR LIFE. I know it's "just" Pad Thai, but it will change your life. I've searched high and low for Crispy Pad Thai--emphasis on the CRISPY--and it seems to only exist at select restaurants in Boston. I can't find it ANYWHERE in New York. And I have often debated jumping on a bus to Boston JUST for this special sweet treat.
(5)Patrick P.
Have heard good things and finally got to give it a try. Went in the middle of a Saturday afternoon and it was empty. It was a weird time to go, but had just gotten out of work. Had Tod Mun and Steamed mussels for appetizers. Both very good and a decent size for apps. Followed with Beef Garlic which was very good. Gaprow noodles with minced chicken and thai basil was very good. Spicy, but not a killer and lots of flavor. Basil Pad Thai was excellent. Spicy, full of seafood and lots of Thai basil. One of the best Pad Thai dishes I've had. It was a little expensive, but not too bad. Really quite nice.
(4)Sarah P.
Love this place! I must drink about 4 Thai Iced Teas every time I come and the limonade is refreshing. The menu is huge and if you can't find something you like then there's something wrong with you. I've never had to wait more than 10 minutes for a table, even on a busy Saturday, but if you get seated in the back you're going to be a bit cramped. Try to get seated in the front by the windows where there's a little bit more room between tables. The service is great. Their wait staff are friendly and helpful, and if your server is busy don't be surprised if another checks in on you for drink refills. I don't think my water glass has ever been empty long. The portions are spot on for the prices and I typically end up needing to box up my leftovers.
(5)Karl R.
Absolutely delicious. The food is scrumptious and the quantity you get for the price (especially during work-week lunch) is awesome. I always order one of two dishes: "Pad Thai Country Style" or "Seafood Pad Thai." I have tried some of the other dishes (like "Pad See Ew") and have never been disappointed. If I feel like splurging, I'll also order a Thai iced tea (so yummy). If you are coming in for dinner on a weekend, I recommend making reservations. The restaurant is usually packed and the wait can get very long. Don't forget they have another location in Cambridge called "The Similans," which you can try in case Brown Sugar has no room. A must for Thai fans.
(5)Kyra T.
This place is amazing for many reasons: 1) In need for a quick Thai fix? This is the spot for you 2) Conveniently located right off the green line- Babcock St. 3) Take out orders never take more than 20-30 minutes 4) The actual restaurant is good size, very clean, and the service is top notch. 5) Menu is extensive--many options to please Thai lovers
(4)Liz M.
You come here for the ambiance and to feel special for eating Thai. You don't come here to satisfy your tummy with Thai food. I've gotten various curries and standard fare Thai food. The spice is flat -- don't know how else to describe it. I got the mango curry and the mango pieces were way too big. It was just awkward to have to cut it up even further on my plate. If you want real Thai food and at a better price, check out Rod Dee.
(2)Mary K.
best, most authentic thai i've had in boston. if possible go on your birthday for a special surprise!
(4)Shirley F.
This was the first thai restaurant I ever ate at when I was a freshman in college. About ten years later and I still have memories of the green curry. Thank you brown sugar for turning a small town girl into a big city lady.
(3)Deidred A.
If you "like" Thai food this is the place. Huge menu and food was incredible. Fair prices too. My only complaint was that the food came out too fast. Pretty looking restaurant too.
(4)Lauren K.
Country style? THE ONLY STYLE. I used to go here and order the same two dishes every time: Tom Yum soup and Pad Thai Country Style of course. Haven't ever ventured to try anything more exciting here and my general feeling is, why bother? There are absolutely other Thai restaurants in Boston that might offer a higher-end meal (and price), but Brown Sugar Cafe is my go-to spot in Allston for easy, quick and cheap pad thai. They also get an extra star for being located down the block from the old Jasmine Sola, where my bestie worked. Ahh, but that was a different era...
(4)Michael K.
Heard a ton of good things about this place and thought I'd give it a shot (seems to be a common theme). A couple friends and I went for dinner for my birthday last week. We came pretty late on a Saturday night so it wasn't terribly crowded so we were seated right away. Place was cute, kind of a funky vibe. The menu was HUGE! Tons of options. Food came out super fast. Had the Thai fried rice, a traditional favorite, and it was great! Definitely held up to the competition. Everyone really enjoyed their food and we were definitely happy with the choice. Also, if it's your birthday, be prepared for a mini dance party to be thrown in your honor. My only con- maybe it was because of the night, but the service wasn't as fast as I had hoped. When we sat it took what felt like forever for someone to take our drink order. It got a little quicker as the night went on, but pretty sluggish before our food came out. Overall a deliciously good time. I will definitely be returning soon!
(4)John B.
Ate dinner here last night for the first time with friends. One of my friends had suggested Brown Sugar Cafe as it's favorite Thai restaurant in Boston. It's now my favorite as well. I'm a vegetarian and we had ordered the scallion pancakes as an appetizer as well as chicken satay for the others. They were fantastic. Everyone at the table enjoyed them not just me the veg. My entree was Vegetable Curry which was excellent. It was spicy and delicious. I was also impressed that I was offered a choice of brown rice in addition to white rice. I opted for the brown and like everything else served it was perfect. The decor was very pleasant and the size of the restaurant was surprising given most eateries on Comm. Ave. are very small. Can't wait to return!!
(5)Nik B.
I thought Boston's Thai food wasn't as good as Chicago's. Today I was proven wrong. I can't say one surpasses the other, but I had the country style Pad Thai today at Brown Sugar, and I have to say it was among the best Pad Thai I've ever had. It was very spicy, but the spice was a perfect counter-balance to the odd sweetness Pad Thai normally has. I really liked the crumbled tofu and egg bits cooked into it. However, where Brown Sugar cafe fails in its country-style Pad Thai dish, is the meats. The chicken is a bit overcooked and dry, and the shrimp doesn't taste so fresh. The atmosphere is done well, however. The butterfly pieces on the walls are really cool. And of course, there is the standard aquarium here and there. It could definitely make a good first or second date place.
(4)Shelby D.
The best thai food I know of in Boston. Delicious, fast, and a beautiful atmosphere. Try the panang curry or the masaman curry, and don't forget to grab some crab rangoons as an app! It's also a great quick eat before a show at The Paradise, you never know who you might run into! My friend and I saw Dr. Dog eating there right before we went to the show...very cool!
(5)Elicia G.
Found a 2 1/2" grasshopper in my drunken noodles. This USED to be my favorite place for Thai food. Not anymore!
(1)Melanie R.
I didnt want to give this place a low rating because I have such fond memories from my college days in Cambridge.... but something has changed... the food just didnt hit my tastebuds like it used to. Was a bit disappointed with the duck, but there you go - not much you can do with duck other than rich sauses and \i was expecting a bit more from these guys/ My lobb salad was yummy, but i was really in the mood for a hearty meal and felt my order fell short. Not to say that I didnt eat the meal and enjoy the evening. But i think my reaction was how this visit compared with others that had been so wonderful in the past.
(3)Betsy D.
My favorite Thai food in Boston -- they deliver, it's relatively cheap, and the pad thai is absolutely amazing. I could probably eat it every day and never get sick of it. Also like the spring rolls and pineapple fried rice, and excellent seafood dishes. The soup that has cucumber in it is awesome too. Order delivery from one of their 3 (?) locations on a cold night when you don't feel like cooking or going out!
(5)Anna L.
Brown Sugar Cafe is one of my favorite restaurants in all of Boston. I have been to Brown Sugar a countless number of times and have never left disappointed. The Pad Thai with Shrimp and Chicken at Brown Sugar is to die, the Chicken Panang Curry is nothing short of perfection, and the Tom Yum soup always hits the spot. Oh, and this place also has large servings of Thai Iced Tea? Wonderful in every sense of the word! Food aside, the restaurant itself is well decorated, prices are extremely reasonable, service is attentive, and wait times are always impressively short. P.S.Brown Sugar is a great place to go for a date!
(5)Mark T.
Delivery driver pounded on the doorbell of my property so hard that it broke - still awaiting a response from the owner. Buyer beware!
(1)Vera S.
I lived in Thailand for a year, and have been looking for a restaurant that serves the authentic dishes that I came to love in Thailand. I finally found it in Brown Sugar... They finally prepared their curry the right way. Americans are accustomed to having a curry be like a thick sauce or gravy. In Thailand, curries are soups. They come in bowls, and the rice is a side. I have been searching for a soup like curry sauce since returning to the states, and I found it! This green curry was awesome. It had all of the proper ingredients in it, and tasted like a true, authentic green curry, which was something I ate daily in Thailand. The pad Thai was made properly too, and tasted just like it did back in Bangkok. This place was awesome, and has a truly authentic menu. The spiciness has been brought down a few notches, since most of us Americans can't eat as spicy as the Thais do. Just ask for your food to be "extra Spicy" and you'll get what you want. There are parts of their menu that are americanized and not entirely authentic (crab rangoons, scallion pancakes, egg drop soup, salads, etc...), but this restaurant is really excellent.
(5)Sam H.
Probably the best Thai food I've had in the Boston area. Amazing curries...
(4)Andra Z.
Brown Sugar melds two of my favorite things: pad thai and pretty ambiance. Now, I'm not really a fan of all thai food. Either I don't know how to order it, or I'm stuck on my good ole Pad Thai. Regardless, Brown Sugar is nom. Strike that. Double nom. The food is great and it has this wonderful elegance to it that you see little of in cheaper restaurants. It's not high class by any standards, but I like it for a nice date night with my boyfriend. Best part about this place though is the birthday celebration. The music they play is amazing and it's just all around fun. I highly recommend for a birthday outing.
(4)lesley s.
Whenever I make it back to Boston, I try to get to Brown Sugar for some of my favorite Thai food. YUM. 'Nuff said.
(5)Tammy H.
I'll look for the crispy pad thai next time, but I gotta ask (like I've said in another review) ... why do people keep ordering the standard dishes (e.g. "regular" pad thai, pineapple/mango friend rice)?? But I should digress. As you read on, you may think I am a hypocrite, and I will do my best to assure you I am not. Anyway. Here's how the ordering went down. The menu is EXTENSIVE. I hate menus. BUT! I'm glad that I'm given many many choices aside from the aforementioned dishes. The Boy and I ask the waiter for suggestions, and we made it very clear that we weren't their usual customers. Give us something that most American Thai restaurants don't have, something that also tastes good. We ended up with (menu # included for your convenience): - TD03. Goong Chae Num Pla: raw shrimp appetizer. This was more than the boy and I could eat! I swear, there were 10-14 shrimps. Not necessarily the freshest, but it was definitely a taster. - CS16. Avocado Dancing: a dry chicken curry with avocado and sticky rice. We had an avocado curry before at Lemon Thai (Somerville), and that one kinda sucked. This one kinda rocked. One thing to keep in mind is that this is a DRY curry, and the avo really helps to moisten the bites. - CS47. Incredible Fried Rice: seafood fried rice that's sauteed in green curry. Sure sure sure, fried rice seems like such a cop-out order, but I love green curry and trusted the waiter's suggestion. Not your usual [pineapple/mango] fried rice! And loads of meat! My one cop-out that I cannot excuse? I got the Thai iced tea. (But I rarely ever get this 'cause most places over-sweeten it! This one was perfect.) The Boy ordered one, too, after he decided that he didn't like the Ruby Soda (which he says tasted like medicine ... I thought it tasted like melted Jello). We were pretty happy with the dishes, and our waiter was fantastic. Oh, and we ate out on the patio for this weekday dinner, so good moods were just floating around ... And you can't really tell from this review, but I HAVE been here before (over two years ago), and the only dish I really remember was the duck choochee and the green tea ice cream. That's probably because I thought they were well done. Oh, and I'm a big fan of the birthday-disco-thang they put on. Hilarious.
(4)Carly D.
Another restaurant that I sincerely wish had followed me when I moved to California two years ago. Amazing Thai Iced Tea Tast Pineapple Fried Rice Lady in Green (salmon) is MEMORABLE I hate to ask, but do you have a cousin in California? MISS YOU!
(5)Lisa D.
People swear by Brown Sugar, I have to say, it's only okay. Those who are in love with the place are probably more charmed by the restaurant, the dim lighting, and the ambience. It's a good choice to bring a date! It's kind of small and cozy, but honestly, I've been here numerious times and I can name other thai places I'd rather go like nud pob and rod dee, but they mostly do take out, but you get a bigger portion for a better price and it's tasty and perhaps tastier! Also, Brown Sugar refuses to seat your party unless you are all there at the same time.
(3)Chenna V.
One of the best Thai restaurants. I like their crispy pad thai.
(4)Melissa K.
Absolutely amazing. But, I warn you that it may take half an hr just to decide what you want to order. The menu is incredibly long. Highly recommend the Tom Yum Goong soup for those who like something with a bit of a kick. Best version of this soup ever. Also, birthdays there are very entertaining.
(5)Karen C.
Brown Sugar is by far one of my favorite restaurants - fast service, amazing fresh food, and nice atmosphere. There is a large menu for everything. Dishes run around $17 and portions are large enough to feed two. The Comm. Ave one is usually packed with BU people but still worth it. A must try is their fried ice cream dessert. ***Note: The Jersey St. location closed down after this post.
(5)Aaron C.
Good location and great tasting Thai food. The only reason that I took a star away from this is because the prices are a little high for the real value of the food. But other than that the food is terrific. The first time I came here I was a little suspicious of the authenticity because it's tailored to other nationalities, mainly caucasian. But its funny in a way because they try so hard. I can never get enough of their curry, pad seu, pad thai, and their thai iced coffee. I would recommend any of these dishes for anyone cause it's the best thai food that you'd find in Boston hands down. There's usually a small wait on weekends but that's a no biggie. Go here for authentic Thai food in Boston!
(4)Luke L.
This is the best thai restaurant in Boston. Because I am a Thai food fan, I have tried many thai restaurants in Boston area and found this is the best. I ordered BBQ spareribs, Country style phad thai, and a bowl of rice. Everything tasted great. When I got a to-go box, I could get a free new rice, too. Employees' service was also good. If someone is his birthday, they play a birthday song although it's too loud. Toilet was clean.
(5)Yuko I.
Moving from L.A. I never understood the standard of Thai in Boston, always too sweet, not enough spice.
(3)Austin T.
People say this is the best Thai food around Boston University... ... what people don't say is that it might be the ONLY Thai food around BU West. [is it? I'm just guessing..] The atmosphere was very confusing: lighting, [chandelier + hipster dual fan lights + old school fake glass lamps?!], decor [giant pieces of Thai bas relief, it's fine], and music [techno lounge bounce?!] And what's with the menu? It's a thin novel, with four non-consecutive pages for appetizers!? I got pretty tired of reading... The food came out extremely quickly, but maybe they could have taken a couple more minutes to cook the vegetables. The HUGE cuts of vegetables and bordering-on-uncooked potato chunks did not flatter my dish. Also, the curry base was too sweet, although that's not surprising. And for the price... I'd rather have gone somewhere more satisfying. Maybe I ordered terribly, and I will give Brown Sugar a redeeming chance, but ... it left me with a strong 'meh' impression tonight based on food alone.
(2)Cyn C.
What might this eleventybillionth review of Brown Sugar add, you ask? I'm not going to rave about the food overmuch (b/c you know by now that it's terrific Thai food), but I'll rave about the service. I've never eaten in, as I've always ordered. Not only does the food come lickety split, but they'll even do special orders. Example: I was in charge of ordering a large quantity of food for a group lunch, and I knew that we were out of the delivery zone. But I called anyway, hoping that they'd be flexible since it was a large order. SURE, they said! I spoke with Rooney (sp?), and not only did she assure me that they'd do the delivery for me, she even helped me order the crowd pleasing dishes. ON TOP OF THAT, she made sure I was being economical about how I ordered the food ("why don't you order the large orders of the same dish, and then you'll get more food?"). When they delivered the food, it was in HUGE containers, included silver (er, plastic) ware, plates, napkins, and SERVING UTENSILS. So. Let me sum up. Food: five stars Value: five stars Service: five + stars
(5)Keiko Z.
It's been a few months since I've eaten there, but for the 4 months I lived at the Packard's Corner mishmash of Boston, Brighton, and Allston, Brown Sugar was my go-to Thai place. What kept me coming back: - The food. Really well done. My husband is a devotee of the crispy pad thai, and my dish of choice was the caramelized salmon noodle. - Thai Iced Coffees and Thai Iced Teas. Dessert in and of itself, and wonderfully refreshing on those hot summer nights. And potent. They'll keep you going on a caffeine high for hours. - Disco-ball Asian accented versions of "Happy Birthday" played over the sound system. Need I say more? - The service. The line cooks would make Gordon Ramsey proud with how fast (and well-prepared) they get your order to the table. I never felt like I was waiting around for an appetizer or an entree. Why I'd opt out in favor or somewhere else: - The prices. Honestly, for what you get, you could knock a couple of dollars off of each entree. - The menu. Their food is great, but the menu is nothing short of a small dissertation on Thai cuisine. If you know what you want, that's good. But for the first time there, or if you're simply craving "Thai" and can't pin it down from there, the menu is downright overwhelming. - The wait. Brown Sugar is pretty darn popular, and so if you don't time it right, you'll wait for upwards of 2 hours. - The "intimate" atmosphere (read: cramped). While it's definitely a fun place for groups, you are packed like sardines. And for couples, it feels like every table is a double date with how closely the tables are placed next to each other. Even the wait staff seems to suck it in just to squeeze past everyone. While I still crave a good Thai Iced Coffee from Brown Sugar every once in a while, I haven't been back there in quite some time. That area of the city can be frustrating to navigate by car, and feels out of the way by T. And honestly, for what you pay, I don't know if their food is THAT good to warrant the price. But if you're in the Allston/Brighton area (as a friend of mine has said that every Bostonian has lived there for at least 3 months out of necessity), it's not a bad choice to hit that Thai craving.
(3)