4. Restaurants

Bangkok 54 Restaurant & Bar

2919 Columbia Pike, Arlington, VA, 22204
  • (703) 521-4070
  • Store is closed

Bangkok 54 Restaurant & Bar Menu

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  • Sage J.

    We felt very lucky after Bangkok 54 came to the neighborhood and we realized what a gem we had on our hands. I think this is one of the best Thai places around. I usually park in the back and get takeout. I've eaten inside a few times and its a little more upscale than some of its contemporaries.

    (5)

  • Joan K.

    Service was a bit frustrating for us. They weren't rude or anything, just a little bit on the incompetent side which was exacerbated by the fact that we had 4 different servers taking care of our table and confusing each other. I had missed out on brunch a week before so was really craving a mimosa. They had a blood orange mimosa on the menu, which I ordered. One of our many servers put a glass of white wine in front of me and pronounced that it was my blood orange mimosa, and then was dumbfounded and did not know how to react when I told her it wasn't....Just an example of the type of encounters we had with them BUT! The food was reeeeeallly good! Specifically, the green curry and the drunken noodles. The drunken noodles are a lot spicier than I've tried at other Thai restaurants. Very good food nonetheless! Despite the service, I look forward to having their green curry again one day.

    (3)

  • B S.

    Exceptional food and service. The prices aren't a bargain per se, but you get what you pay for, right? Be sure to try the butternut squash curry chicken if you're so fortunate.

    (5)

  • Becca H.

    So yummy! Went here for lunch today and I ordered the Panang Tofu. It was super delicious. Everyone else seemed to enjoy their meals as well! The reason I didn't give 5 stars is because the service was kinda slow. There weren't a lot of people in there but it took a long time to get our meals. But they were definitely worth the wait!

    (4)

  • Andrew R.

    Best Thai food in the area, hands down. The drunken noodles... oh my God, they are so drunk and noodley. I'm not even hungry but I would eat the crap out of some of them right now. Great value too, I think it's like $10/entree.

    (5)

  • Ron M.

    This place is regarded as one of the best thai restaurants in the area, and justifiably so. The past three times I've been there, the food was tasty and consistently good. The fresh rolls were my favorite appetizer, all of the goodness of a spring roll, but none of the fried nastiness. The curries good, but be sure to specify i you want some heat (if you can handle it), sometimes they skimp on that. The crispy roasted duck is another favorite, always hits the spot. While its a bit of a drive to get to, its definitely worth the trip!

    (4)

  • Terri R.

    This restaurant provided one of my first memorable Thai food experiences. I have only been to dine in here once and it was quite good. The experience was fun and the service was really nice. I have had Thai food twice before I had lunch here with a friend one day and all the others left me really disappointed. I must say, that this place has greatly changed my opinion on Thai food all together. When I usually hit this place up it's during lunch time throughout the week. My usual dish would be the Ground Chicken Kaprao. Then my number two is the Pad Thai with chicken. The service here is pretty good. Nothing spectacular but nothing bad either. It's just ok.

    (4)

  • Grace T.

    Nothing like super fast and friendly service. Stopped in on a Sunday night to order some take out, mind you... my sister, cousin and I came straight from the pool, so we were sporting some shorts and t-shirts with some inappropriate wet spots. But we were still kindly greeted and escorted to the back to place our take out order. The man rang us up and said the food would be ready in about 10-15 mins and he was spot on. We got home and the good was still hot and delish. We ordered green curry chicken, pad thai and pad see eew with beef. Will definitely order from here again. The inside was nice and definitely surprised me especially since the area is more up and coming... don't mind the crazies that hangout at the McD's and 7 Eleven next door. But at least there are new fancy condos across the street.

    (4)

  • Miss E.

    We went for a late lunch on Saturday. There were more employees in the restaurant than patrons, but our waitress managed to disappear for most of our meal. My BF's garlic beef dish was very tasty, although not very big. My drunken noodle dish was huge and had the right amount of heat, but it was WAY too oily. The waitress also charged me, like, $3 to substitute broccoli for peppers, which is just silly. Overall, the experience was ok. I don't think I'll be a repeat customer.

    (3)

  • Lucas B.

    I was in D.C. for business and my cousin brought me here for good food, drinks, and the Hockey game. The bartender was accommodating for all three. She probably didn't know what hockey was, but she found Vs. so that we could watch the game. We had our full meal at the bar and then stayed for drinks through the end of the game. The service was all around excellent. We had green curry shrimp, drunken noodles, and stir-fried pork. It wasn't the best thai I've had, but also not the worst, and I'd definitely go back. The drinks were great. I had a few Hendrik's Martinis that were smooth and well mixed without too much water or ice cubes (which I've had at "better" bars). My cousin and wife had mixed drinks including a blackberry mojito and sake, all of which were tasty.

    (4)

  • Charlotte M.

    Yuumm! Loved the roasted spicy tofu with basil- flavorful, solid albeit slightly greasy - inward even craving it the next day! Despite Bankok 54 being less than 2 mins from our house, shockingly we've never tried it- I think the menu used to be different or something and they didn't have vegetarian food. Anyway, this week, my husband & I both have awful colds so neither was up for cooking but wanted some healthy food with spice. We ordered a TON of food to get us thru another meal & weren't disappointed! The tofu would DEF order again & my husband thought it was better than the Hot Wok with chic. Garden veggie rolls- very tasty. Husbands Tum Yum soup very soothing for a sore throat. The veggie buddha's feast was a little sad looking & for $10, didn't have Anything special. They def need to bolster up the veggies. Oh and inside is GORGEOUS! Downside: a little on the expensive side for THAI. Overall: ordering the tofu again ASAP. so good!

    (4)

  • Becky C.

    Bangkok 54 is the best Thai food I've found in the Arlington/NOVA area. I always order the same things - the vegetarian summer rolls and either the papaya salad or tofu pad thai. Everything tastes delicious and is served in large portions. The service is sometimes a bit on the slow side, and they don't have free refills on soda (drives me crazy), but overall, it's good food, reasonable price and a nice ambiance. Parking can be a bit of a struggle on a weekend night. They have a tiny lot that a parking lot attendant helps to get people packed into, but if that's full, street parking can be hard to come by.

    (4)

  • Katharine K.

    I go to this place once or twice a week. The food is great, the restaurant is hip and modern and always has seating, and the prices are really reasonable. The green curry jae is awesome!! Bangkok 54 is by far my favorite restaurant in the area.

    (5)

  • Lee Oh L.

    great location, parking, and friendly staff. We enjoyed the duck wrap for appetizers and highly recommend. The noodles and seafood dishes also very tasty and reasonably priced. Highlight is the great sticky rice and mango dessert. The excellent drink menu ranges from ice coffee / thai tea to mixed drinks. Afterwards, we went to the bar side of the restaurants and enjoyed a nightcap. Great times!

    (5)

  • Yoeun P.

    Look no further. Bangkok 54 is the real deal. Finally, good Thai in DC! Rich flavorful stir fries with fresh ingredients. The only think preventing this from being a 5-star review was the noodles. My girlfriend ordered the relatively flavorless Basil Noodles. Next time we'll try the pad thai.

    (4)

  • Patricia T.

    Since moving back to New Jersey, I really miss having Bangkok 54 right down the street. By far some of the most authentic Thai cooking in the DC area. My favorite appetizers (and I usually can make a meal from them) are the Larb chicken and the fiery beef-lime salad (these are both spicy and will make you sweat but they are oh-so-good). Other favs include almost all of their tofu dishes. I am not a vegetarian but I often order their spicy tofu because it is just so damn good. Anything with their green curry sauce is excellent but I am not a huge fan of their seafood hot pot...it is not as flavorful as I would have hoped. It is pricey but the whole fried fish is always worth it. Perfectly crispy on the outside and tender and flavorful on the inside. You can choose from a variety of Thai-sauces to go with it. Soups are good here too and plentiful. Just be warned: this is definitely more of an upscale dining experience with lots of mood lighting. It is a perfect first-date place, however, and whatever guy or gal you're trying to impress will be inspired by your creativity (I was with my guy a few years ago;) Drinks are pricey here but good. Definitely a much-missed Arlington favorite for me.

    (5)

  • Jamie M.

    We ordered delivery from here last night and despite the awful snowy weather the delivery guy showed up after 35 minutes, like promised, with a smile on his face. The guy who took our order over the phone was also very friendly and helpful. We got an order of spring rolls, chicken lad na, and the garlic chicken. I was really happy with how everything was packaged (I know, kind of a weird thing to be happy about). Most places usually put take out in those dopey little white boxes that leak all over the place and cause a huge mess. Instead, they had separated everything out into these nice little plastic containers, keeping the noodles in one and the huge bowl of sauce for the lad na in another - no spills anywhere! All the flavors were spot on, the chicken was cooked perfectly without being dry, and the portions were huge (I'm going to make three meals out of mine). Delivery was free for orders over $20 for a limited delivery area (I live in Crystal City and it was included). This is definitely my new favorite delivery place.

    (4)

  • K S.

    This is my favorite local Thai place - fresh food, served quickly and with a smile. Curries don't skimp on heat, and the noodle dishes aren't too oily (like a lot of other places/chains nearby). However, I do think in the last year or so they've cut down on their portion sizes (prices are the same). I totally get it, as commodities prices have spiked and of course restaurant business is down, but it's still a little bit of a bummer when your take-out pad see ew container is only 2/3-full. That being said, the dining room is gorgeous and serene, and the service is fantastic, so this makes a great cheap-date-that-doesn't-seem-cheap spot.

    (3)

  • Mary D.

    One of my favorite Thai spots in Arlington. Food is delicious and lots of friendly faces. Love the papaya salad, pad thai, cashew chicken, wonton soup, and summer rolls. The duck roll is also great.

    (5)

  • Sam L.

    The crispy basil duck is my favorite restaurant meal ever. Like most Asian restaurants, they are very understanding of kids. Plus the place is usually somewhat loud, so it drowns out the whining/crying.

    (5)

  • Dawn T.

    I went here for a friend's birthday and was pleasantly surprised!! From the road, the market looks a bit scary- but the restaurant is on the side! The atmosphere was wonderful and the food was amazing!! I found a new favorite drink of mine the Tokyo Rose Martini (YUM)!!! And here is the totally cool part... for the trendy surroundings, fancy food presentation (the spring rolls are served in a martini glass) and the awesome food and drinks it is really fairly priced! We now love going for dinner and drinks at Bangkok 54 and then hop over to the movie theater for a cheap movie and a pitcher of beer!! All in all it is always a good time with the food being my favorite part!!

    (4)

  • Will Y.

    Since moving to Arlington in June of 2007, I have dined at Bangkok 54 four times and have ordered takeout with roommates and friends at least 15 times. I think that their dining room is nice and low key. I have mostly eaten there for lunch and find that their lunch service is prompt, making it an easy spot for those who work around Arlington to drive there and back in an hour or slightly over. Their lunch prices are sick and they give you plenty of portion, meaning you can get in and out for $10 or so. I wasn't terribly familiar with Thai food when I moved up here and most of my experiences with it were at a Thai fusion joint that wasn't very authentic, so I started out ordering more mainstream Americanized dishes like Pad Thai. I think that the Pad Thai at Bangkok 54 is only average. I would recommend avoiding it here, and if that is the only Thai dish you enjoy you should venture to try new things. Their other noodle offerings like Pad Se Ew and their Drunken Noodles offer more subtle flavors and are definitely superior choices . I have tried their 5 spices stewed pork only once and did not enjoy it. I understand from a friend that this is one of their signature dishes. I owe it to them to give it another try, and I will do so the next time I go to the restaurant. I think that it may be more sensitive to delivery, as when I got it it was mushy and undesirable. I have tried all of their Thai soups exactly once and don't care for any of them. I have tried several appetizers- their calamari is terrible- avoid it. Their spring rolls are subtle and satisfying but you only get two small ones with an order. I am a big fan of the various fried rice dishes they offer. Bankok 54's special fried rice, the chili-basil fried rice, and the Thai fried rice are all outstanding. If you are a fan of major spice, I would highly recommend the fiery kaprow. It is intense and refreshing. It will certainly make you tear up. If you like crunchy fried thai food, you may enjoy their crispy duck. Finally, what I find to be really standout, and the reason I give it 4 stars, is the top-notch curry offering. I have tried all of the curries and the only one I won't recommend is the yellow curry, only because it is really an Indian curry dish. All of their other curries are excellent, particularly their panang and spicy duck curry. I think that the curries are the real Hope diamond of Thai cuisine for their subtle and rich flavors and if you haven't tried them, you simply owe it to yourself. In sum, order outside of the box and you'll probably have a great experience. Avoid the yummy phase and you'll likely be very pleased to discover (or re-discover) this Arlington eatery.

    (4)

  • Harry P.

    Several Thai restaurants in the Columbia Pike area of Arlington, but I only had time for one. Although this one has great reviews, I picked it because it has Massamun curry (beef) on the menu, and I'm hooked on this dish. It did not disappoint. It's says slow cooked, and it tastes that way! Think pot roast beef and potatoes, but in a peanut and onion curry base. Beef was super tender. Best Massamun (or mussamun) curry I've had in years.

    (5)

  • Anupama P.

    So, I tried going to Bangkok 54 again last night, hoping my past experience was just a fluke. Turns out they have decided to suck permanently. How disappointing. They have definitely changed their Panang curry recipe to be more watery, and the tofu was still just not quite fresh. Sigh.

    (1)

  • Larkin B.

    My boyfriend and I went here last night as a sort of celebration of his return from the rural hinterlands of New Hampshire. I thought there was no better way to re-acclimate him to DC life than to go get Thai food. And since all of the Thai around us in Courthouse is seriously lacking, we ventured to Bangkok 54. We started with two Thai beers and spring rolls. While there were only 2 spring rolls- yes 2!- they were very tasty and the sweet chili sauce was a good compliment to the roll flavors. Also, the presentation was beautiful in a martini glass. For dinner, I had the tofu drunken noodles and the bf had some chicken fried rice thing. Both were excellent, although I think I drank a gallon of water because mine was quite zippy! The rice wasn't too greasy, as some fried rice tends to be, and my noodles were perfectly cooked. This is definitely going to be our go-to Thai restaurant. Kudos Bangkok 54!

    (4)

  • Frank W.

    Great food, good service and nice atmosphere. Beer and wine selection could be improved but hey they still have plenty of fancy mixed drinks you can try.

    (4)

  • J J.

    The place is nice. Food is great. The only bad thing - sometimes it's impossible to understand servers. They just don't speak English. Pineapple fried rice, fresh rolls, and eggplant in garlic sauce are my favorite ones.

    (4)

  • Betsey L.

    I've had really bad thai food....and Bangkok 54 def does not fall in the category of bad thai food. in fact, it is just the opposite, it is SOLID GOOD thai food. a fried who traveled through thailand enthusiastically recommended this place so w/ her referral I went w/ high expectations and was not let down. spicy basil squid (fried) is very good pad kee mow is very good papaya salad is very good chili basil fried rice is very good the ambiance is nice, feels clean and service is good. they also deliver! ive eaten and had also had food delivered. i def recommend!

    (4)

  • Matherine G.

    Positive: On a random Thursday we ordered Pad Thai from both here and Thai Square. (We had never been to either and wanted to compare). Even though we didn't eat here, we enjoyed the inside of the restaurant. It seemed really hip, really cool. The Pad Thai was also pretty good. Fresh ingredients, decently priced. The egg roll it came with was also pretty good. Negative: Portion size was a little lacking. Overall: This might be a better place to eat at than get take out from. Good Pad Thai though, we've just had better.

    (3)

  • Amber R.

    The food is fantastic but the service sucks! I have gone several times (coming back for the food) and each time been pissed off by the waitstaff. One time we were passed off by no less then 6 people just to be sat at a table all the way in the back. I felt like we were a baton in a race. And every other time I feel like they are looking down their noses at us. That being said, the food is great. I have tried many things on the menu and never been disappointed. My husband doesn't like the peanut-ty taste of many of the dishes but it's never bothered me.

    (3)

  • Stephanie T.

    I eat a lot of Thai food, so when I read about this place, I was like okay lets go there. It's pretty close to work. Our first time, we go during lunch hour, and boy did it take a long time to get the waiter's attention. It's not like we were in a hurry, but I didn't want to fall asleep there. I ordered the Pad Thai, which was okay. It wasn't anything special. Solid I guess, but nothing memorable. So our experience was a three star for food if it wasn't for the service, which was really slow. Oh and they charge $1.95 for a bowl of white rice. I don't know... I know it's not much, but it was just suprising because I think it's been 3 years now since I've been charged for white rice at an asian place (and that's only ONE PLACE EVER- and they even warned me it was extra, this place did not). And I've been to A LOT of asian places. So we went again because we decided okay the food wasn't so bad. This time we went early dinner, and the service was much better. The waitress was attentive and very nice. I decided to get a chef recommended dish which is like crispy chicken. It was TOO SALTY. After a couple of bites, it lost its novelty and tasted wells just salty and boring. Needless to say, I didn't finish and took the rest home. It was thrown out yesterday after I still couldn't get myself to finish it. My boyfriend's dish wasn't too great either. So we have come to the conclusion that we are not going back here again.

    (2)

  • Salil M.

    Bangkok 54 has become a solid staple for our couplesy going-out-to-dinner experience. It's a reliable fallback position that everyone can agree to without hesitation. The food is excellent. Try their drunken noodles. The fried rice is also excellent (though not as good as mine, but at least they know their place). My wife is a huge fan of the spicy eggplant. I like the spicy crispy duck, too. In fact, most of the dishes are in the "very tasty" range, so feel free to roam about the menu--you won't be disappointed. Service is good. The wait staff are attentive, though you might have to wait a while for your hot sauce or a drink refill if the place is very busy. They never forget, they're just running behind a bit. Be patient, it'll be along shortly.

    (4)

  • Michael S.

    I've eaten here a couple of times now and I haven't had a dish I didn't like yet! First off, dining area has dimmed lighting, perfect for dates, with simple wall decorations and doesn't come across as gaudy as so many restaurants can do. They have a full bar and lounge area too. The food well, we'll start with the appetizers: Chicken Satay: Pretty straight forward, chicken on skewers with a highly addictive peanut sauce that I would eat by the tub full. Not a large appetizer, but then again, my usual American appetite needs to be curtailed a little bit. Spring Rolls: Pretty standard, probably the most mainstream dish Bangkok 54 has to offer. Safe, simple...ok for those who aren't exactly into Thai food. Poh Tak: This seafood soup is spicy and very yummy. Its lemongrass broth is tangy and tasteful and they do not cheat you out of some good bits of squid, mussels or scallops. Tom Ka: This soup is an absolute favorite of mine. Lemongrass and coconut milk make up the broth with large piece of chicken and mushrooms, along with bamboo shoots fill this bowl o' perfection. Its a little spicy and has all sorts of different flavors to enjoy. A must order. Beef Panang: Spicy and in generous proportions, this curry based dish is filling and flavorful. With a number of Thai dishes, there is a spice factor involved, but I drool at the thought of some kick in my meals! Bangkok 54 Golden Chicken: This sweetly battered chicken is perfectly breaded and has a glaze coating it with crushed cashews. Pad Sator: As I ordered this dish the waitress asked, "Have you ordered this before?" I answered no and she said that it had a very different taste and smell...as the menu says too. Never one to back down from a change in my usual cuisine, I ordered with no fear. Pad Sator came with jumbo shrimp and pork belly with sator beans in a red hot chili shrimp-curried paste. The sator beans are the culprits of the odd taste and even the online menu states, "Recommended for Thai food eater only" Phaw! I tackled this dish with no hesitation and it was pretty delicious. This was also my first experience with pork belly, not done as traditional bacon. I'm hooked. Delicious, though they are correct, its pretty different so be warned. I'll be back to Bangkok 54 again, I'm sure, and an update will follow. I also believe there is a store next door that sells some Thai food stuffs for home cooking. Parking can be difficult on the street, but there is an additional overflow parking lot behind the McDonald's that you can park in...you can also park there if you're going to the Arlington Draft House.

    (4)

  • Tony K.

    The best Thai Restaurant in Arlington. A friend turned me onto this place a few years ago and its the only place I go for Thai food now. The service is top notch here as well.

    (5)

  • S H.

    Spicy duck salad and crispy catfish curry were really good. Very reasonably priced solid thai food for a strange neighborhood.

    (4)

  • Kristal V.

    Bangkok 54 is my fav Thai spot in the area, which is great since it is so close to me. I have had the Pad See-Ew with tofu, which is great, and the Fiery Kaprao chicken, which was also very good. Particularly with the Pad See-Ew I was glad they didn't skim me on the tofu like some Thai spots around Chinatown. I do wish the delivery minimum was a bit lower, since ordering $20 worth of food isn't something I usually do. It has been awhile since I've been in the dining room, but I remember a pretty hopping happy hour and some good drinks before dinner.

    (5)

  • Jason B.

    Went there for the first time last night after reading about it on yelp. I think that I would describe the setting as a modern or contemporary style bar-restaurant. Upscale and trendy. Outside of a few minor decorations, you wouldn't even know it was a Thai restaurant. Overall, nice decor and atmosphere. The service was excellent. The wait staff explained different menu options and checked up on us periodically. The food was great. I had the spicy crispy duck while my wife had a shrimp pad thai dish. We also had a spring roll appetizer and sodas. The damage - $45 before tip. Not bad. Probably will make this my go-to for Thai. Currently, I've been frequenting Rincome across the street but their food is just okay at essentially the same price point.

    (5)

  • Jeff F.

    My food was OK. My girlfriend ordered the fried duck and about 30 minutes after eating it she was in the bathroom throwing up. It lasted for about the next 3 hours. She absolutely got food poisoning from it. I think the worst part was it wasn't even that good.

    (1)

  • John W.

    I went with a my sister the other day and it was awesome! Great, fast service. A little pricy around $16 for just an entree. One entree is the perfect size not too big you probably won't have leftovers. Free delivery is a plus also when its way to cold. Parking is always a pain around the Draft house so we usually do delivery. Spicy Thai Duck is awesome would definitely eat there anytime. Very vegetarian friendly.

    (4)

  • Ami L.

    Friendly service, lightening fast delivery, great food!

    (5)

  • Christina A.

    4.5 stars... I find most Thai places to be pretty indistinguishable, but Bangkok 54 has a cute atmosphere and good food. Cocktail menu is decent but nothing stuck out to me as something I HAD to try, so I can't comment on the drinks as I was drinking soda. The larb is as good as any I've had... I couldn't bring myself to save any for leftovers. I also wanted something different then my usual pad thai or panang chicken, so I tried the Lad Na (Wide noodles with chinese broccoli and chicken)... it was GOOD. Not amazing, not something I HAVE to go back for, but something I would definitely consider ordering again. My friend got pad thai that was delicious as well. I will be back...

    (4)

  • Yasmine K.

    I came here for lunch on a Sunday and was thoroughly impressed by the food. I had the butternut squash shrimp curry. When the dish came, I was surprised that they had used "nasi dagang", a rice species native to the Southern Thailand area. Most Thai restaurants don't go through the trouble of importing the special rice. Overall, I thought the food was quite amazing and is really much better than the typical Thai fair. I will have to come back to try a broader sample of the menu.

    (5)

  • Mikkela T.

    Drunken noodles were not spicy but good.

    (4)

  • Susan F.

    I have been once this evening and it is the best I have had in a long time. I miss a place in Brooklyn and this certainly competes well. Looks like we found a new Thai place after going to several in VA and more than several in DC.

    (4)

  • Angelina F.

    I have eaten here twice now, and am glad I live nearby so I can keep going back! You really can't find a better balance of ambiance, food, price, and service. The food is delicious and some of their dishes are unique as far as Thai cuisine goes. My favorite is a creamy red coconut curry with roasted butternut squash and shrimp. Instead of the traditional white rice it is served with a brown rice/grain/nut blend that is healthy, filling and so yummy! They of course have the traditional Thai dishes such as pad thai, panang, curries, etc. We ordered two appetizers, the Fresh Rolls which are a healthy, vegetarian version of traditional spring rolls and they were awesome! Veggies and tofu were very fresh and the peanut sauce they were served with was really good. We also had the pork belly, which was tasty but a bit too fried for my taste. Portions were enormous on both the appetizers and entrees and we had plenty of leftovers to take home! The prices are quite reasonable considering the portions, quality of food, and ambiance (quiet, warm and trendy) The shrimp and squash dish was about $16 and the heaping plate of fresh shrimp, scallops, calamari and mussels in a red chili paste was the same price! The calamari was cooked perfectly- I don't usually like it much due to a rubbery texture, but this was soft and delicious. One word of warning re: the spice... when the menu denotes a dish as 'spicy', they mean it! I love spicy food and am always disappointed when ethnic restaurants water-down their supposedly spicy dishes to appease an American audience. So, wanting to make sure I got the heat I wanted, I ordered the dish "quite spicy" Boy, I sure got what I asked for! I am a brave soul when it comes to spice but even I was struggling a bit with this one. Don't let it's location fool you- the ambiance of the restaurant is incredibly soothing and trendy at the same time. It's quiet and perfect for a date. They have a nice little bar and really good happy hour specials. Service was attentive but not overbearing, and they kept my water glass full as I was struggling through my very spicy dinner!

    (5)

  • Adam G.

    I love the food and it has dark, but cool ambiance at night. I would go here much more frequently if it were closer to the Orange line.

    (5)

  • R M.

    Good food! A little crowded though ;(

    (4)

  • Tommy L.

    This is definitely our favorite Thai place in all of Arlington! We've been coming here for a few years now and have had many great meals. The food is delicious, the atmosphere is nice and the people are very friendly. Parking is a pain but it's worth it! Here are 3 recommendations: - Golden chicken -- we always order this one. It's awesomeness! - Butternut squash red curry - Stir-fried spicy eggplant As with most places, you can ask them to make the spicy dishes less spicy. This place is perfect for either a nice date or for families with kids. Despite the nice decor, we always bring our little ones and never have a problem (although others around us may disagree!). The wait staff are always very friendly and welcoming with the kids.

    (5)

  • Michael C.

    From my admittedly limited dining experiences in the greater D.C. metro area, Thai restaurants tend to fall into one of two broad categories: superficially swank establishments with little to offer beyond atmosphere and unassuming eateries that pepper local neighborhoods with hearty, authentic fare. At first glance, Bangkok 54 felt like it would fall in the former category. The restaurant is undeniably gorgeous - an attractive expanse of warm earth-tones, wood and tasteful décor covering a large restaurant and lounge area. To my pleasant surprise, the service and food were just as impeccable. A helpful waitress patiently explained some of her favorite dishes, which was a definite plus when everything on the menu looked like it was worth ordering! The fresh spring rolls and accompanying peanut sauce effortlessly hit the spot, without the overload of cilantro and rice paper that can so easily ruin such a light bite. My entrée, a spicy seafood dish, was loaded with perfectly-cooked, chew-free calamari, shrimp and scallops and garnished with fresh green peppercorns that were well-worth the tingling tongue sensations! Prices for the appetizer, entrée and drinks were all very reasonable, making this an ideal spot for a business dinner. Add the elegant atmosphere and Bangkok 54 also makes for an ideal date spot. postpostscript.tumblr.co…

    (5)

  • Grow u.

    Where else can you get a meal that's enough for lunch and dinner for 7:99? Well apart from cheesecake this place hits the mark. I've eating here on numerous occasions and the lunch special is great. I typically just order out and not dine in so I can't speak to the overall service.

    (4)

  • Ann K.

    We ordered several dishes that we like. It is only OK Thai food. I am not super excited about it. I am Thai and prefer more authentic taste. Yum Pla dung foo: Crispy fish salad. It should have had slightly sweeter taste to balance out the sourness of lime and saltiness of fish sauce. The crispy fish is not that much. Pretty small dish. Good for two. Duck roti roll: more like duck burrito. It is big roll for two. It tastes ok. A bit too much as an app. Seafood chu Chee: it contains shrimps, scallops, and mussels. Spicy and herbal. Spicy Crispy fried fish/ Pla Duk Pad Ped: they deep fried fish fillet instead of crispy fried cut fish. Not as I expected. Pad See eww: this one has smokey flavor without over sweet taste. The best one of what we ordered. The sweet sticky rice with mango is pretty good too.

    (3)

  • Jennifer Q.

    It was okay, prices are moderate to a little bit higher. I liked their srichacha chicken, that was probably only thing that stood out to me. I ordered the pad Thai and it wasn't bad at all but I wasn't crazy about it. It's a little dark in here but nicely decorated. Food arrived to us in a timely matter can't say I was wowed by this place.

    (3)

  • Paul N.

    Went here to check out the lunch specials, which is basically smaller portions of the dinner menu, which gives you the option to add a fried egg roll for .99. Had the Chicken Kapow with Fried egg which was really satisfying. The have a better lunch special option if you take your meal to go, which includes a roll (fried or fresh) with a mango sticky rice dessert. Definitely want to come back and check out their happy hour specials, which include starters for $4.

    (4)

  • Priya S.

    Don't be fooled by their outside appearance. When i got there I thought to myself, is this really where we're going?! But then I walked inside and entered Thailand. The place is pretty big, I went for lunch with about 10 other people. Their menu was good, had the regular Thai dishes plus a few other ones I've never seen. I was surprised to see they had vegetarian duck, however you couldn't get that in any other dishes besides that one dish. Between 2 people, we got the drunken noodles with tofu and the fiery kaprao. The entree sizes were huge so you couldn't even get an appetizer and a dish for 2 people instead of 2 entrees. The drunken noodles were perfect, and the fiery kaprao was so flavorful and delicious. I also got to taste the larb (sounds funny right?) which was minced spicy chicken. It was very lemony and spicy for sure but it was served kind of cold. I don't like eating cold chicken. Ne sure to specify spice level. I chose medium for both and they were perfect for me.

    (4)

  • Kristina V.

    My boyfriend and I still come here weekly and I have to say this place never fails to amaze me. I got something different this Friday just to be adventurous - sweet and sour chicken. Let me just say it was so delicious I ate the whole plate and didn't regret a thing. The pineapples in it were my favorite part. The hostess is such a sweetheart. She remembers us every time (which is extremely important for customers) and tries to accommodates us as best as she can and she always does. I'm so glad we found this place!

    (5)

  • Olukemi A.

    This place is located conveniently on Columbia Pike. The food is so good that if you don't live near here you will want to make the drive. I always grab my food to go so I've never sat down in the restaurant but from what I can see it's nice and cozy there. There's a small parking lot located directly behind the restaurant and there's more parking on the street if you can find it. The best place to park would be the parking lot behind the McDonald's. The food is always good, seasons well, and cooked just right. Asian food isn't considered comfort food but it is for me.

    (5)

  • Shoshana S.

    Literally the best thai food in the DMV and the spicy mock duck is probably the best vegetarian yummy fried thing any nonmeat eater could as for. I love you guys.

    (5)

  • Shellie D.

    After 4 visits, I can now officially jump on the bandwagon and say that this place serves up some good Thai food. I've had different dishes. Not as crazy about the drunken noodles like everyone else. However, the crispy duck (54) is pretty good. I've had duck from other Thai places and I believe Bangkok does a really good job with preparing their dishes. The pad Thai is good too. Everything tasted fresh and the prices are pretty reasonable.

    (4)

  • Chris C.

    The food is honestly amazing and authentic here! We dine in and get take out all the time. They also do delivery as well. My favorite dish is the basil fried rice is which is exceptional. I get it every time I go. It's got that perfect fried rice texture and the taste from the wok is great. They have all your usual Thai menu offerings like Pad Thai, Drunken Noodles, Papaya Salad etc. The prices are pretty reasonable with it being $12-$14 per entree and appetizers are mostly under $10. I also recommend the mango sticky rice too!

    (5)

  • Trang G.

    In the mood for spicy and flavorful Thai food so decided to come Bangkok 54 based on yelp reviews and was referred to us. There's a parking lot in the back of the restaurant. There were plenty of tables at 8pm on Friday night. The restaurant was open, clean, and nice decor. Hostess say us immediately and server came by to serve water and take our order. Ordered firecracker shrimps and Tom Yum soup w tofu which came out quickly. Then had the lightly fried sea bass with chili, basil, and garlic which was cooked perfectly. And ordered shrimp with red curry which we think the shrimps were overlooked. Overall one of the best Thai restaurant in the area. Would definitely come again to try other dishes.

    (4)

  • Tom R.

    Very good, asked for Thai style with wok fried egg on top and they said no, even offer to pay extra. Other than that decent service and tasted great!

    (4)

  • Tina T.

    3.5 stars -- food. 4 stars -- service. It's a bigger restaurant than I expected from the outside. Very nice decor, full bar and has almost every top shelf liquor you can think of. Service is average. Food is okay, I didn't hate it but it's not memorable. Appetizer: fried calamari - they look like onion rings. Taste okay, a bit tougher than I expected and a bit much on the batter side. Entree: panang curry - it's decent but taste like any other typical panang curry. There's a small and limited parking area behind the restaurant.

    (3)

  • Meredith V.

    Bangkok 54 is the shining star on Columbia Pike. This is probably the classiest place on the pike and a definite date night spot. The interior is very warm and beautiful. Chic lighting and finishes give the place a fancy panache. We sat at the bar and I ordered my signature cocktail: Espresso martini. Instead of the bartenders pretending to know how to make it, they owned up that they didn't know what it was but would look it up and make me something I liked. Usually I would be hestiant at this and scrap it (I like my espresso martinis a certain way), but I was curious of their interpretation and wanted to see how they would mix it. And I must say, I was pleasantly surprised that their first attempt at an Espresso martini was close to perfection. They receive that extra 5th star for their willingness to please and great execution. We ordered the spring rolls as an app, which were gummy and excellent. I ordered the Spicy cashew nut stir fry and my boyfriend ordered the roast duck curry. While my stir fry was good, his roast duck curry was AMAZING. I was close to asking him to switch but I was impressed that he decided to try something new and different rather than his typical drunken noodle or pad thai. So overall, the service is on point, the decor is classy and the food is excellent; this is probably the best restaurant on Columbia Pike and the obvious choice for a fancy date night.

    (5)

  • Steven M.

    Delicious. Excellent service. Had difficulty deciding what to order, as the menu has much to offer, and everything looked wonderful. Had the 54's Spicy Duck and Pad Thai noodles and wasn't disappointed. Will need to return to try the rest of the menu.

    (4)

  • Dette T.

    I used to love this place but now, I'm a little skeptical of it.. I came back recently with some friends and I was very excited to take them there cuz they were craving good Thai food... So, hubby got drunken noodles which is always good, still is... Friend got duck curry which he said was pretty good too.. Another friend and I got my all time favorite crispy basil pork and it was subpar. Pork was crispy but it seemed overlooked and very dry. My friend actually chipped a tooth cuz one of her pork pieces were too hard - really bad. Another bad thing, we both got Thai tea and ended up in the bathroom that night - really really bad. Our waitress was nice, service here has always been great.. I guess because we came really late, 40 mins before closing time, that's probably why our food experience wasn't too good. Well, I'll give this place another try... Sometime in the fuuuuuuutuuuuure (after I get over the Thai tea experience).

    (3)

  • James M.

    Can't think of anything negative to say about this place. Although I'm your typical pad thai guy, the dish was excellent. I WILL be back, however I heard the take out is just as good.

    (5)

  • Judith G.

    Ordered delivery twice and the food was outstanding both times. Delivery was timely and the food arrived hot. It was, however. kind of pricey. So refreshing to be able to order in and have a choice other than Chinese and pizza. Highly recommend the steamed dumpling appetizer. Wish they advertised that they deliver. Have lived here for years and didn't learn they deliver until about 6 weeks ago.

    (4)

  • Jennie Jae S.

    I came here w a group of about 25. We did family style and even though I'm not a huge fan of Thai it was so good. The waiters refilled my water about five times and the pad Thai and an octopus dish were really good.

    (5)

  • Linda P.

    Ordered Thai street noodles for take away. Nicely wok charred smokey wide flat noodles with squid and chicken. Not too sweet. Great flavor. Meal came with stick rice and mango and an egg roll (or spring roll if you prefer) all for $12! Three course lunch that's tasty!!

    (5)

  • Young B.

    The restaurant is clean and modern and the wait staff was awesome. The food came out fast and hot and we thoroughly enjoyed our beef pad se ew and beef masaman curry.

    (4)

  • Andy A.

    All of our food came out fast and so delicious. If you don't like spicy make sure you tell them. The papaya salad is super great. It could have been spicier but I didn't want it too spicy because I was sharing with first timers. The green curry was delicious plenty of bamboo and veggies. The spicy rice was good with steak. My friend had drunken noodles and loved it and had never had it before. Great place too. Nice on the inside.

    (5)

  • Megan P.

    I fell in love with Bangkok54 when I moved onto the Pike years ago. Although I was skeptical at first, my old boss urged me to try their Pineapple Fried Rice. Sounds strange, right? I'm not really into mixing fruit with savory dishes (no Hawaiian pizza for me thankyouverymuch), but this dish made me a devout Bangkok54 patron. After moving to NYC and back to DC again, I couldn't wait to head back to my old stomping ground for dinner. We dined with friends and shared the firecracker appetizer -- fried shrimp and veggies. They were delicious but only three come with an order, making it problematic if you're sharing amongst four people and everyone wants more. We also shared the glorious Pineapple Fried Rice which was an wonderful as I remembered. I went for the staple Pad Thai -- it was okay, nothing about it made it that much more amazing than most Thai places -- and hubs got Five Spiced Stewed Pork -- tender, flavorful and served with broccoli. My friend tried the seasonal pumpkin spice martini -- avoid at all costs, it was simply put: not good.

    (4)

  • Joe L.

    Looks nice and I bet the food is tasty, but the menu, prices and ridiculous happy hour stipulations chased me off before I ever had a chance to eat. Upon return I had the Duck Rolls and basically they can do no wrong now so,...

    (3)

  • Cecilia N.

    Most of their dishes are great across the board. Their stand out item for me is their crispy fried whole fish with their crack sauce I mean... spicy basil garlic sauce. I could eat that sauce with just rice alone and call it a day. The fish is always perfectly fried and their seafood always taste fresh. I may have gone on an off night recently since their larb, duck roll appetizer and drunken noodle tasted a little bland/standard in my opinion but I won't stop believing. The crispy fried squid is better at Thai square but for a more consistent dining experience and food I'd go to Bangkok 54. Their tiny parking lot in the back gives me anxiety but there is garage parking across the street that is free after a certain time.

    (4)

  • Johnny A.

    So I'm very picky about my pad thai. The only other place that I really like is up in Silver Spring, but this place beats the competition by miles. To start, there's parking in the back, which is awesome in this this neighborhood. As soon as you walk in, the hostess has a big smile on her face and you feel welcomed. The atmosphere is great and the service is top notch. The food is just really really good. I love their pad thai and I could live off those delicious spring rolls. My friend loves their shrimp fried rice and I can't honestly blame her. It's very good! The drinks list looks great too, but I'm a slave for my Singha so go ahead and judge me.

    (5)

  • Elaine C.

    Bangkok 54 is our go to place for Thai food in Arlington. Even though we live within 2 mins (literally) from a Thai restaurant, we will not hesitate to drive for pick-ups or call for delivery. The food is always spot, especially our go to's: basil fried rice, one of their curry's, or pad Thai. For the basil rice, I would recommend trying it with brown rice ($1.00 extra) as it adds additional texture to the dish. Tip: Pick up is always faster than delivery, where pick-up usually takes 15-20 mins and delivery can take up to an hr (depending on order time and distance). If you can wait an hour, I would call ahead, run some errands/gym, and the food will arrive right within the 1 hr time frame.

    (4)

  • Pete V.

    Bangkok 54 is rates at least one and a half thumbs up in my book. Just simply a well run operation. The pros: Good but not great Americanized Thai food Fresh ingredients Friendly and reasonably fast service Cheap beer (think $3.50 - $4.50 for most draft beer) Clean The cons: Parking (they have a parking lot, but it was totally full on the Saturday night when we arrived) Americanized Thai food Wine prices are a bit high We had dinner here this past Saturday and I was actually amazed that we didn't have a wait around 8:30 pm. We started off with the Tum Yum soup and Larb as appetizers. The Tum Yum was very good...the broth was just spicy and sour enough. I thought the larb was excellent. Tender minced chicken with chili powder, scallions, and lime juice. This dish is often not on the menu at VERY Americanized Thai restaurants, so props to Bangkok 54 for offering this item. The larb was definitely my favorite of the meal! For our entrees we ordered off the "Hot Wok" menu. After reading several Yelp reviews and being spicy fiends, we elected to try the Fiery Kaprao expecting it to burn our tongues off. To the contrary, it was actually very mild-medium spicy in my opinion, and no where near the melt-your-face off spicy that several Yelpers stated in their reviews. I was actually quite disappointed in this dish because I not only expected a much spicier sauce, but I thought the dish was just not very tasty to begin with. It seemed very one-dimensional and very Chipotle-ish...that being throw some protein, peepers, onions, rice, and stuff together and yes, it will taste good, and appear healthy, but it just fills you up and not much else. If you are a lover of the unique, sour, bitter, coconut, citrus, and funky flavors of thai food, the Fiery Kaprao just did not do justice to that tradition. I also ordered the "garlic snow pea," which was another hot wok dish with snow peas, shiitake mushrooms and chicken in a garlic sauce. I like this dish a lot and thought the snow peas offered a welcome crunchy texture to the dish. I must say the peas were exceptionally fresh. Aside from the larb, I would definitely consider ordering the garlic snow peas again. Overall, I thought Bangkok 54 was a solid 4-stars. A lot of that is driven by the fact that the prices here are exceptionally reasonable, especially for ambiance that is a step up from a hole-in-the wall. In fact, I would say this place would qualify as a very cheap date destination as I dropped about $60 for two including beers, two appetizers, two entrees, and a tip. Now that is unheard of in NoVA!

    (4)

  • Fedwa D.

    Excellent service and the food was extremely delicious . I highly recommend it for everyone who is craving Thai food .

    (5)

  • Sally M.

    NOTE: This scope pertains to two dishes, one of which is my all-time favorite Thai dish, and has now been consistently terrible for the past 3 delivery orders. Last night was the third time over the course of the past few months where I ordered two dishes - one of which was Pad See Ew - and it was consistently horrible, therefore I have no choice but to (sadly and regretably) update my review to reflect this continued, consistent disappointment. I'm not sure what happened - new cook? New recipe? New ingredients? New management? New budget? - but I can now no longer order Pad See Ew from Bangkok 54, given they have broken my trust. In addition to rubbery chicken - and very low quality meat! - the past two orders, last night I self-corrected my order by requesting tofu, and even then, I got *WAY TOO MUCH* tofu (just like before, with the chicken), and not enough noodles. Seems odd, right? Well, honestly, I don't much like the meat at Bangkok 54 to begin with, thus I'm ordering this dish for the noodles. And they need to be the main ingredient. Also, the flavoring is all wrong. Unfortunately, I do not know enough about cooking Thai food myself to decipher where the problem lies specifically, but the flavoring, ingredients - themselves and/or quality, the proportions, the sauce, the style - everything is just simply wrong. It tastes horribly Americanized. What does that mean? Not really even sure how to properly describe, other than the level of specific, complex Thai tastes are gone. The level of spice (even though this is not a spicy dish) is gone. The intricate flavors are gone. It's basically wide, flat rice noodles (delicious!) overwhelmed by some kind of low-quality meat (that I usually discard - regretably - due to its low quality) that all tastes only slightly Asian, made with very boring Americanized (read: dull and one-dimensional) flavors/spices/sauces. In sum: my "go-to" Thai take-out has just been put on notice, and now I no longer have a "go-to" option. Not to mention the travesty of all this. I was so thrilled to find Bangkok 54 after leaving San Francisco three years ago. Now? No longer. Why 2 stars instead of 1, you ask? Because the pineapple fried rice is still pretty good.

    (2)

  • Jenn M.

    The food is exceptional here! I wish I came here sooner! I live about a mile away and can't believe I waited this long to try this place. Pad Thai noodles - ahhhhmazing! The noodles were on the skinny thinner side but it didn't deduct from the flavor and taste and I enjoyed every single bite. We ordered it with beef and it was good. Roasted duck in red curry - unbelievably great! Goes so great with that white rice it comes with. I immediately wanted to recreate this dish at home! The pineapple really makes this dish! My bf and I both shared these dishes. It's good to share between two people in my opinion. We even had Pad Thai leftovers. We washed down our food with Thai iced tea - a must when eating at Thai restaurants. It was delicious and incredible! I highly recommend this place! I will definitely be back!

    (5)

  • Kimberly S.

    Bangkok 54 and I have been in a mutually exclusive relationship for almost four years now. Like most long standing relationships, I've been getting a little bit bored with my standard rotating order of beef massuman curry, drunken noodles, pad thai, and crab fried rice. In order to mix things up, I have introduced the boy and I have decided to add a new game to our ordering routine to spice things up. Presenting the....post it note game! So we literally have a little can with post it notes filled with dishes on their menu of things that we have never ordered before. We shake the can a bit and then Rob gets to choose our order for the week. ....WE ARE SO OLD AND BORING...I know! But Bangkok 54 does the basics so well it's hard to try new things. A couple of favorite new items on the menu include the crispy squid with basil, yellow chicken curry with roti, spicy cashew hot wok, Buddha's feast (usually bland at other restaurants...here it is perfection), crispy pork belly with chili-basil, and chili-lime grilled salmon. Life has never been more exciting or delicious.

    (5)

  • Dan Y.

    i love this place, and i love that this place delivers. during a rough work week, sometimes you just can't manage to muster the energy to cook yourself a meal, much less go grocery shopping and then cook yourself a meal. if you love thai food. then you will love this place. it has some pretty interesting options with the pork belly dishes, the fried battered duck, etc. their pad see ew is on point and so is the rest of their standard fare. also, their fried rice dishes are pretty good as well. the servings are pretty large and ordering a couple of dishes could probably feed you for a couple of days. the price isn't too bad either. You really can't go wrong with this establishment. I've been to the restaurant as well and remember thinking that this place would make a great date spot. i would give it 5 stars but i don't think they have the best thai curries. so far i think that honor goes to Duangrat's off of columbia pike. Enjoy!

    (4)

  • Tina T.

    Came here to have a quick dinner before the bf and I headed over to the Arlington Cinema & Draft house next door. I had a hankering craving for pad thai for quite some time now and Bangkok 54 satisfied my cravings. The pad thai was delicious and the portions were big enough to share between two people (we planned to eat more at the draft house). We also ordered the beef salad which was spiced perfectly and had the right amount of tangy-ness. Also, the service was quick and efficient and our server/bartender was awesome! Come for happy hour!! Draft beers I believe are $3 and the appetizers are $4 from 4:30pm-6:30pm!

    (4)

  • Caroline C.

    Always good service. Great food. Yummy drinks. This is my go to spot when I'm craving something ethnic. Lunch or dinner this is the place to be!! Panang is insanely good. Drunk noodles is another favorite. You really can't go wrong. Enjoy!

    (5)

  • St. G.

    Went here for happy hour and it was great...price and portion size was proper! I'll be back *2 thumbs up*

    (4)

  • Fang H.

    My wife and I love this restaurant. The food is delicious, the service is friendly, and the drinks are always good. It's great for date night and for a casual evening out. We're very happy to have Bangkok 54 in our neighborhood.

    (5)

  • Pegah Y.

    This is the best Thai restaurant I've been to in all of Arlington (and maybe even DC). From start to finish, my experience here was truly magnificent. Located on Columbia Pike, there is easy parking right behind the restaurant. The service was perfect - we got seated right away, were asked for our orders promptly, and our food came out quickly as well. I ordered the chicken pad thai (I've been ordering that lately whenever I go to a new Thai restaurant, just so I have a point of comparison between all the places I visit) and it was DELICIOUS! Excellent portion, not too sweet, and a perfect amount of toppings (including the crushed peanuts, which I love). I think I've found my go-to Thai restaurant!

    (5)

  • Adarsh P.

    Used to be my go to Thai spot in the Nova area, aside from Pasara. However, I went back to back in 2 weeks and left with mediocre food. The portions were small, the food not as amazing as it used to be. It's not that the food is baddd per se, but I've seen this place when it was at its peak and it has fallen far far from that. The food seemed less authentic and more Americanized. Moreover, their desserts, which used to be to die for, now feel like they come from a box. They used to have fresh made in house coconut ice cream(among other flavors) and was even delivered in a coconut shell. This time, we tried every single flavor and it all had an "you can get this at the grocery store" taste. Can't say I'll be going back...and this is coming from someone who used to rave about this to every friend and take people to from out of town. Do not trust the recent Yelp reviews...

    (2)

  • Eileen N.

    Love this place! One of my favs ever. Fun to to eat at the back bar. Super service. Recommend appetisers thai curry puffs and fresh rolls. Lots of veggie options;, the drunken noodles were fab! Dining companions recommend grilled salmon, flank steak. Some nice cocktails, too!

    (5)

  • J P.

    We placed an order for delivery on a Friday evening after reading the great reviews. I really enjoy Thai cuisine and happy that this restaurant met my expectations. I ordered from Bangkok Bistro before and didn't really love it. I will be ordering from here again! We ordered a couple classic dishes -- with the belief that if they can do these dishes right then it's worth trying some of their chef specialties next time. Delivery - just under an hour, order taker was friendly and concise Portion size - good! our two entrees and dessert fed two adults and had enough leftovers for lunch for the both of us (minus the dessert, we definitely finished that) Green Curry with Chicken - amazing! good amount of spice, lots of chicken and bamboo; not too "watery" ... came with a pint of white rice, I may order an extra side of it next time as we had plenty of curry leftover Pad Thai with Chicken - good, borderline great; the noodles were perfectly done and there were delicious flavoring (not too sweet). wish they had added a lime and more peanut topping (there was just a sprinkle in a corner). Biggest criticism -- this dish did not have nearly as much chicken as the curry. Mango with Sticky Rice - fresh and delicious, the ripe mango was paired perfectly with the coconut milk

    (4)

  • Matthew B.

    Bangkok 54 does not disappoint. The quality of their food is consistently high no matter what you pick from the menu. Solid Thai. Reasonable prices. The Fiery Kaprao is my go-to, either with their fried tofu or chicken. Can't go wrong with their Pad Thai or a curry either. Need a new guilty pleasure? Their Thai iced tea will hit the spot. The reserved parking lot they have in the back makes this spot convenient, which is a nice plus. They've earned a spot on my regular rotation.

    (5)

  • Ellington W.

    Been here for dinner & happy hour. Haven't met a dish I disliked yet. Appetizers Firecrackers - loved them. Perfectly fried all ingredients complement each other. Larb- it was good but I probably wouldn't order again. Just not for me. Thai curry puffs. I've had better but this was damn close. Good! Dinner Red Curry with Shrimp. Good. Yellow Curry Chicken and Sweet and Sour (veggies only) both Great. Fiery Kaprao with Chicken- Excellent. Prices are reasonable. Happy hour even better. Will definitely come back again and again.

    (5)

  • Amber G.

    YUM. Best Thai food around NOVA. Everything here is good. Take out is great too and the service is usually good as well, even though they get very busy. Drunken noodles are on point -super flavorful.

    (5)

  • Kimmy C.

    If you travel in big groups, I recommend calling for reservations =) I havnt been here in quite some time but they are the best Thai food around. Im a girl that LOVVESSS her food spicy. If it aint spicy then don't feed it to me. So when it comes to spice.. this place knows how to win my heart over. You cannot go wrong with anything you order. EVERYTHING is great on their menu. I gave them 1 less star only because parking is a battle and unless you have reservations, you'll be waiting to be seated for EVER.

    (4)

  • MH C.

    Everything started out okay till the waitress brought out the wrong entree (crispy pork chili basil) which is located on the 3rd page of their menu. I ordered and specifically "pointed" at the "pork, chili basil fried rice" which was located on the 2nd page. The skinny female waitress kept insisting I didn't order that. I smiled in awe and said okay I'll stick with whatever this dish is. 5 minutes later she saw me on yelp and then decided to ask if I wanted to order the dish I wanted. I declined because I don't want spit in my food. I "tried" to eat the "super dooper crispy pork". It was hard as hell. I highly don't recommend. My stomach now hurts. I ate half and asked for the check. 15% tip because apparently customers are never correct about what they order. I'm grading this review based on the poor service and the quality of the dish that I didn't order.

    (2)

  • Sadia K.

    Delicious food - we order this regularly. Many times, it comes significantly faster than the 45 minute estimate. We love the Drunken Noodles with Chicken, which has a great kick to it! Have tried the shrimp thai fried rice, but was disappointed by the meager number of shrimp.

    (5)

  • William F.

    Came here on a date. Really enjoyed the duck breast curry. The sauce was sweet (grilled pineapple) and spicy. I wasn't as big of a fan of the seafood stew dish. I didn't really care for the mussels or the octopus in the dish. The sauce in the dish was extremely flavorful. I will always enjoy soaking up all of the deliciousness with my white rice. The cocktails were made perfectly balanced. The staff was really attentive and constantly filling up our glasses of water (which is needed in any restaurant that serves a lot of spicy dishes). I look forward to coming back and trying many more dishes.

    (4)

  • Flo S.

    I've been coming here for over 7 years now since I've moved to the area and I'm so glad that its down the street from me. So many dishes that I've tried so I'll give you my TO DO (TO TRY) list. Please note that they have a store connected that also sells hot food starting at 11am and its pre-packaged, etc. for a good value. DRUM ROLLLLLL...and on to the food: Crispy Spicy Duck - best in the area to me, not as fatty as some around the corner Pad See Ew Beef - excellent Masuman Beef - really good Crispy Pork w/ Basil - add Chinese broccoli Soft Shell Crab - delish Bacon appetizer -its tempuraized and over a bed of salad Chicken Curry - flavorful Duck Rolls - mmmm good Pad Thai - always good Wonton Soup Crispy Squid with basil- nice and crispy and perfect tenderness Whole fried flounder-so good and especially with the side ginger sauce we had with it The hard part is trying to get in the parking lot during weekends, but just drive around the corner and park at the meters or call for pick up and double park while they have their attendant helping outside to manage. There was a time I was coming here almost every week...but now I'm under control. Bangkok has the best Thai food closest to my home..check it out!

    (5)

  • Jamie Q.

    Personally, I think this place is overrated when it comes to Nova Thai food, other people love it, but the quality doesn't match the price.

    (3)

  • Maggee R.

    I ordered the Panang tofu, it was ok. Lacked that peanut flavor I love. The fried tofu consistency was good. Kirin on draft always makes me happy. My friend got the green curry. She was pleased but commented it was a bit too liquidy. Service a s great. We came close to closing hour but were never rushed. The place was clean and nicely decorated. They have a bar and nice size restaurant.

    (3)

  • Jarrod W.

    I went here tonight for the first time after hearing great things about it from friends. I'll start by saying that the menu is large with tons of options which made it difficult to choose from because they all sound so amazing. Smaller setting inside the restaurant, but to be honest, I kind of prefer that over the over crowded restaurants that are too packed and noisy to actually enjoy your dinner. Staff was all very attentive and friendly, on our way out literally everyone said goodbye, thank you, etc. to us no matter what they were doing. Sometimes it's just nice to know that you're acknowledged in what can be a chaotic atmosphere at times. The food was amazing. I'll be honest in saying my previous go-to place for Thai in the area (which shall remain nameless ;-) ) set pretty high standards going in tonight to try out a new place, but I totally fell in love and will now make this my new go-to restaurant when I'm in the mood for Thai dishes. If you're looking for a large menu, great atmosphere and stand up service from the staff, this is the place for you. I'm already looking forward to my next visit!

    (5)

  • Chay T.

    Delicious. We could not decide what to get, so ordered two appetizers and three entrees. I highly recommend the meatballs (appetizer). So delicious and moist. The spring rolls (appetizer) were good, but not something I would order again. It was interesting to try tofu in a spring roll. Not something I have had before. The best entree we ordered was squid and deep fried basil. My dining partner and myself agreed it was the best thing we have ordered out in a very long time. The fried basil added an interesting complexity to the already distinct flavor. Also: if you ask for spicy, it WILL for real be spicy.

    (4)

  • Michael J.

    This is Thai food as good as it gets in the DC area. Enjoy.

    (5)

  • James R.

    Food not so great tonight kra prow salty and the sum Tom aka papaya salad is sour I think there's a new chef in town the service is always good.

    (3)

  • David H.

    My wife and I eat here at least one night a week because we have a long drive home and avoid traffic. Ok, you got me... we LOVE BANGKOK 54's happy hour. Nat the bartender makes amazing boutique drinks that we don't indulge in much, but with $1 shots of Sake and $2 Singhas we usually go that route. $4 appetizers are amazing at happy hour. We always order fried tofu which could make a whole meal if you weren't starved. Where to start... The pork belly appetizer comes in two inch long strips. The flavor and texture is high level. Compared to any Thai restaurant I have been to. The Pad Thai tofu is ten bucks and enough for two people. Best Pad Thai I've had in the area so far. Everything is amazing though... you cannot go wrong with anything on the menu for any price. This is a restaurant with a beautiful modern atmosphere and perfectly attentive service. It is attached on one side by their Thai market so you can only imagine they use the finest ingredients all from Thailand. Most importantly, the kitchen is open to the restaurant in the back. The food is made WITH LOVE for you to eat. This place drips quality and value for the money. Parking is great in the back. (It's right next to the Cinema Drafthouse near Walter Reed.) You cannot go wrong here at all. We've been there dozens and dozens of times over the past several years and escape with our wallet intact, leftovers in the bag, and that satisfied feeling that we had amongst the best Thai food available in this area.

    (5)

  • Matt C.

    Bangkok54 is my new Thai takeout go-to. Ordered: Appetizer 5. 54's Moo Krob ~ It was basically deep fried cross-cut strips of pork belly / bacon with a sweet soy dipping sauce. It was good but it was a lot of .... deep fried bacon. Next I will try the 19. Yum Pla Duk Fu ~crispy fish app or the Crispy Meat Rolls. Pad See-Ew ~ - with chicken. It was very good. Sauce was sweet without making me feel like I had to go to the dentist. 41. Stir-fried Spicy Cashews ~ Very good. The cashews were cashewriffic. I had never been inside before my most recent trip. The atmosphere and decor inspired me to plan on dining IN next time.

    (4)

  • Meredith C.

    Best Thai delivery in S. Arlington. Delivery always comes sooner than quoted, food consistent every time. Out of town friends and family also enjoy. Favorites: Pad Thai, the butternut squash and shrimp dish and Tom Yum soup with shrimp and mushrooms. Soup is always delivered hot, as is the food. Prices = average Delivery time = better than average Try it!

    (5)

  • Patricia F.

    Yummy :) went here for my girlfriends birthday. They were very nice. We had the drunken noodles and three kinds of curry. Everything tasted great and would highly recommend the drunken noodles! A must if you like Thai food!

    (4)

  • Alex T.

    3.5 stars solely on the pad thai...the portions seem a bit small..the flavors wasnt too bad - a little on the sweet side for me

    (3)

  • Michelle N.

    I really wanted to love this place based on its reviews and the fact that my friend who was back in town chose this place and claimed it as her favorite Thai restaurant. The restaurant is around in the up and coming Columbia Pike area in Arlington. While the storefront is on Columbia Pike, you can find parking in the back (turn on Garfield and park behind the draft house) and if that lot is full there is an attendant to tell you where else to park (which honestly left me nervous but my car was without a ticket when I returned, phew!). When you get inside it's a little confusing, especially since we came in from the "back" because you run into the takeout area. Walk a little further and there is a hostess. The weird thing is she is sort of in the middle of the restaurant, so even if you came through the front, you'd still have to walk a ways into the restaurant to get seated. The restaurant may seem small and cramped at first, but there is actually a side room with more seating. While we waited to get seated we hung out at one of two bars. I got the mangotini which I was expected to taste like mango (obviously) but it tasted more like sour lemons. Dislike. Once our party arrived and we got seated, deciding what to order was difficult since EVERYTHING looks good but once we put our orders in, it did not take long for our food to arrive. I went with the penang curry with beef and was slightly disappointed that it wasn't more flavorful. It was just all right. I also got the brown rice but something about it didn't rub me the right way. Like it was *too* puffy yet not soft. I expect brown rice to be a little tougher than white, but there was just something about this rice that I did not like. I have no doubt that Bangkok 54 is a great restaurant, I think next time I'll try something different - both in a drink and a meal. The staff was very friendly and considering how busy this place was, you know it's good. I just need to try other dishes.

    (3)

  • Natalie N.

    First off, I am def a Thai food expert to say the least! I have had Thai food in many different states, and the spoken of the best restaurants. But only once in the U.S have i had Thai this delicious and that was at Lemon Grass in Las Vegas, in the Aria Hotel and Casino. I highly recommend this authentic restaurant to any and all Thai food lovers!! YOU ABSOLUTELY MUST GET THE MANGO STICKY RICE! THE BEST I'VE EVER HAD!!!! ENJOY!!!!

    (5)

  • Jesse K.

    Meh.

    (2)

  • S P.

    Went there on a rainy Tuesday night with two friends. Food was delicious. Our table enjoyed the tom ka soup (coconut lemon grass soup) with fresh vegetables. Would go back for that alone. The panang chicken and rice were outstanding and did not disappoint. Also ventured into a dish I had never tried...green tea pad thai with scallops, shrimp, and red tofu. Tasted like a basic pad thai but none the less good. Not as fancy or pricey as Bangkok Joe's in Georgetown, but overall the food is more authentic, better tasting, and cheaper priced. Additional bonus was getting to go to the thai store attached to pick up some seasonings on the cheap.

    (4)

  • Eric T.

    I can't speak for the other Thai restaurants in the area (yet), but I'm Thai so my benchmark isn't other places. Instead, it's my parents' cooking as well as food I've had in the motherland. The Thai food here is on point. It's very close to Thai food I had growing up. I'm pretty sure most, if not all of the staff is Thai. Thai people cooking Thai food. This isn't rocket science, but it brings a sense of authenticity and not someone who learned the cuisine, but grew up with it. The service is great. They are always helpful and very friendly. The food that I've had so far is: Pad Thai Pad see ew Moo krob (fried pork, so delicious) Waterfall Som thum (papaya salad) Fried tofu Larb Tod mun It's all legit. The pad Thai is good and not too red/orange, which it's not supposed to be. The sauce is tamarind concentrate, fish sauce, and sugar. All of which isn't red. I've made it multiple times. So if you're at a place and the pad Thai is too colorful...RUN!!! Bangkok 54 is a great place for authentic Thai food. My only gripes: maaaaybe more pricey than I would normally expect, but it is a "trendy" kind of place. Knives and chopsticks on the tables? I know that they are catering to the American crowd, but Thais generally eat with a spoon and fork, so I ask for my spoon. Very minor details and it gets a well-deserved 5 stars. Note: I added this after but I think Thai Square is on par with these guys as far as food goes. I need a few more visits, but definitely try them both.

    (5)

  • Matt J.

    Why/When I tried it My gf and I were going to the Arlington Cinema and Draft House, one of our favorites in the area. However, the theater hadn't regained power after the crazy storm that swept through the area last week, so we decided to check out Bangkok 54, which is right next door. Location/accessibility For us, it's great. It's really close to our apartment, but it's also on Columbia Pike, which is a major Arlington bus artery. Also, there's plenty of free parking available behind the restaurant. Atmosphere Nice and simply decorated. I think a bunch of other people tried the Draft House first, then came to Bangkok 54, because about 5 min after we sat down, the place went from a relatively intimate and quiet Thai restaurant to a roaring, crowded Arlington establishment. Menu/pricing The menu offers all the traditional Thai dishes and a few non-traditional ones as well. Moderately priced. Also, they apparently deliver, which I'm definitely looking forward to exploring! Food I highly recommend the chicken meatballs (see my photo!) and chicken pad thai (I ate most of it before I remembered to take a picture). They were both absolutely delicious! My girlfriend got the vegetarian drunken noodles, which she also said were really good. Service Unfortunately, because a huge crowd walked in right after us and there were literally two waitress handling the entire restaurant, everything took a really long time (drinks, placing orders, receiving food, receiving the check, etc). I'd need to go back to Bangkok 54 again on a quieter night to make sure the slow service was just due to the crowd to know for sure. But judging by some of the other reviews, it seems like they're pretty good on any given regular night. Grading Given the DELICIOUS food, great location, fair prices, and the fact that they deliver, this is going to very quickly become my go-to Thai restaurant in Arlington and it should be yours as well. And of course, go-to restaurants can't get anything less than 5 stars!

    (5)

  • J D.

    This restaurant occupies an unassuming storefront on busy Columbia Pike in Arlington and has managed over the years to serve very good Thai food at a relatively bargain prices. The strengths of the kitchen were on display in my most recent excursion. The crispy pork chili basil was an interesting mix of flavors and textures. The chili, bell peppers, garlic, onions and Thai basil were nicely balanced, spicy and savory, with hints of each flavor permeating the dish. The bell pepper flavor was nicely nuanced and not overwhelming. The crispy pork was excellent and was a crunchy contrast with the vegetables. The curry puffs and steamed dumplings were both excellent starters, the puff filling, hot and steamy, with the crispy pastry exterior contrasting nicely with the interior. The sauce with the dumplings was sweet and salty, making a nice dipping accompaniment. The garlic noodles were the only disappointment, a bit dry though the improvised saucing from the crispy pork dish evened things out. I have enjoyed the crispy tofu, spring rolls and fresh rolls in the past. The sweet and savory chili sauce that accompanies the spring rolls is delicious and, truthfully, is great with just about any grilled meat or chicken dish. The chilled fresh rolls have avocado in them - sort of like a California roll less the seaweed and crab, making one feel virtuous while calorically exploding (lots of carbs in the rice paper wrapping). I actually prefer the sweet chili sauce with the fried tofu though the frying diminishes the feeling of health indulgence. The menu at Bangkok 54 has many dishes worth exploring. When you are done, pop in the grocery store next door and pick up a few tidbits to go. It's all good.

    (4)

  • Jihad B.

    The duck here is amazing, whether they put it in curry or just roast it with their secret 54 spices it is the most honorable fowl I have ever had the pleasure of eating.

    (5)

  • Mary N.

    My go to Thai place and they deliver. A little pricey side for the Pike but worth it. About $20/ person. I've tried their seafood combination and the whole fish and you can taste and tell it's fresh. Mussels are huge. I have my usual favorites and I try to try different dishes. 5 Spice Pork, Pad Seewa are my favorites. The mixed Seafood with Peppercorns is also delicious

    (5)

  • Amy G.

    I really like this Thai place. They're classy without being overpriced. Quick service & friendly wait staff. I had the Duck Rolls and they were AMAZING. I tried my fianee's dish: Basil Noodles -- MMMMMMMM! I also liked that they have so many vegetarian options. It makes it so easy to please everybody. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because they have their bussers standing in the shadows at all times. I understand you want to look professional but I felt somewhat badly for the guy just standing there for the hour we were there.

    (4)

  • Lia M.

    Bangkok 54 receives lots of attention, and I can taste why. They produce some tasty, reasonably priced Thai food. Maybe not the best, but good enough to keep returning. I live a few blocks away, and just know we are going to be real close, real quick, and we don't even have to keep it on the dl. I love Thai food. I don't crave it, but it is one of my favorite cuisines. And I can walk to Bangkok 54 or they deliver. Score! I love the lunch specials - $6.95 curries, for $0.99 more, you can add a spring roll. I tried the green chicken curry. I don't even like Thai curries, but this was good. Chicken, bamboo, and Thai eggplants in a spicy green curry sauce, with plenty of rice. Spring roll was crisp and hot and the sauce was not too sweet or too sour. No lunch specials on the weekends, but you for $10 you can get a noodle dish or stir-fry, which is good. I ordered the drunken noodles, which are always a favorite of mine. Here, they are spicy and the portion size was decent. I could taste the grill on the chicken, which I like. I've only done take-out, but service is usually faster than what they quote and quite friendly. I don't really see me eating inside, but the interior is modern and nice - not what you would expect looking at the outside. I am sure this review will be updated, probably soon!

    (4)

  • Denise U.

    You can't go wrong if you start your meal with the fresh rolls and tom kha soup! My husband and I have dined in (or gotten delivery) so many times since 2008 that we have tried everything on the menu at least once! This is our go-to Thai restaurant!

    (4)

  • Angela N.

    Went to Bangkok 54 for a friend's birthday this week because we'd both been wanting to try it due to the rave reviews. I liked the decor and the service was good. I think we both failed in what we ordered however---chicken pad thai. I thought it wasn't possible to mess this dish up, but maybe I hadn't considered how unique it could taste. Bangkok 54's pad thai has lots of different vegetables in it that you normally don't see in pad thai (PLUS!). However, it also has a cloyingly sweet taste, almost as though it's flavored with fruit (maybe oranges). I personally felt it was too sweet and not as savory as I like. The prices were definitely good, service excellent and I liked the place, but the pad thai is not for me. I'll have to go back and try something else.

    (3)

  • Beth B.

    I'm perplexed by all of the good reviews. We usually stick to Thai Square but decided to try this place since people really seem to like it. I totally struck out. I order the Tom Ka soup which I am obsessed with. And green curry tofu for dinner. Totally standard items. When I put the first bite of green curry in my mouth, I said "Yuck, I don't like this." The Tom Ka was also not so great. I figured out that the problem was that both of these dishes are supposed to have coconut milk as a main ingredient but, Bangkok 54 seems to use it only sparingly. My husband's app and main were pretty tasty. But if you like a good coconut milk dish, order from somewhere else. I will say they don't hold back on the spice which is great. Bottom line: Thai Square is way better, more authentic Thai.

    (2)

  • Danny H.

    Pretty damn good Thai food, ranks up there top 3 of what I've eaten. I got the drunken noodles plate. Wow, amazing. When coupled with the spice rack, it jumps to unbelievable. Texture of the beef is very well done (definitely can taste the marinade, not bland at all!) and the noodles (omfg). The only drawback is that it's a bit greasy, evident afterward you dive in halfway. But it seems to go away when you take it to go and warm it up the next day. (MAGICKS?!) My friend got the basil fried rice. This HANDS DOWN best EVER rice concoction I've had at ANY Thai restaurant. Holy crap. We took some home and added more white rice to lower the concentration a bit and it was even better. That was my only gripe at this place...when you reach the halfway point, you're like wow...its a bit too much. Spicewise...the meals are good as is. But my spice tolerance is very skewed and I always pile on the dry spice from the spice rack. If I'm in the area again, Bangkok54, you're getting my hard earned money for lunch or dinner. 4.5 stars.

    (4)

  • Juliet K.

    I would really have given it 2.5 stars, but since i think this place is overly inflated by other reviews, i had to round down. I really love thai food and i heard great things about this place so I was excited to try it out. the decor inside was nice so I was super excited to try it out. ordered: - tom yum soup with chicken - the taste was ok. more sweet than sour. and literally like 2 pieces of chicken. - pad cha with seafood - mussels were WAY overcooked and rubbery. scallops were good. squid was ok. shrimp was ok. this was SPICY and while it did have a "spicy" sign on the menu, it did not differentiate the level of spiciness (which they really should). the bf could barely eat any of it. - roasted duck in red curry - this was ok. it sounded better when the read the menu. while there wasn't anything inherently wrong with it, it just didn't tickle my fancy like i thought it would. this was also marked as spicy, and it was NOT...at all. their service is SLOW. the guy didn't really understand what we were saying. when we said we were ready to order he seemed confused started walking around while we gave him a WTF where are you going stare and then he realized we said we were ready and not give us 5 mins. i had to ask him for a straw twice. they never brought us the additional spices that you normally get a thai place. the soup took forever to come out. overall i prefer thai square or duangrat's over this place, hands down.

    (2)

  • Grace C.

    Bangkok 54 had been recommended to me but it took almost a year to finally try it. Foolish! Bangkok 54 is by far the best Thai restaurant in the DC area. Hailing from Los Angeles with a wonderful Thai community and restaurants, this restaurant is among the best. Everything is delicious from the drinks through dessert. I personally love the Larb & Pad See-Ew. I look forward to meals out at Bangkok 54.

    (5)

  • C H.

    5 Star Papaya Salad, 2 Star Main Courses equals 3 Stars overall. A good Thai Restaurant can be evaluated on its Papaya Salad, usually if they do that well everything else is good. This is not the case for Bangkok 54, they are a pricey Thai restaurant who serve average food. The Fried Veggie Tofu looked and tasted like Chicken (thats not a positive for my wife who is vegetarian) and the Green Beef Curry was below average. The sauce was not thick enough and beef tasted like leather. The only positive was the Papaya Salad which was delicious.

    (3)

  • Jeannie L.

    I was really excited to try this place since I love Thai food and have been trying to find a "go-to" delivery place for it in my area. After reading the reviews, my bf and I decided to order the crispy spicy duck, drunken noodles, spring rolls, and of course you have to try the Pad Thai at any new place... :-p We were very disappointed when our food came over an hour later and everything that was supposed to be crispy (spring rolls, crispy duck) had gotten soggy. The taste of the duck was superb but the texture was disgusting. I really wanted to like it since it smelled so good and the flavors really melded together well but the soggy feel of it on our tongues resulted in us throwing most of it out. The drunken noodles were not that flavorful and I would probably never order it again. Now, onto what I believe to be the determining factor of how good a thai restaurant is..their Pad Thai... So first off, my love of Thai food stems from my love for anything and everything extra spicy. I am one of those people who will order things Thai spicy and be sweating and breathing heavily out of my mouth while I tell everyone else that "it burns so good". So the fact that when I called and tried to order the Pad Thai, spicy and they told me they couldn't do that automatically discounted them as a legitimate Thai restaurant for me. They offered to give me extra pepper spice packets on the side to add for my own liking... seriously?! Nevertheless, since the place got such good reviews I decided I must be missing something so I went through with my order anyway. Now onto point number 2...If you aren't going to let me order my Pad Thai with various spice levels then the natural taste of it better be freaking amazing on its own....It wasn't. I felt like I was eating one of the frozen dinners out of a P.F Changs imitation Chinese food bag in the freezer aisle of the grocery store. All in all, we ate as much as we could to stave off our empty stomachs but were left with an unsatisfied desire for good Thai food.

    (2)

  • Chris T.

    My mom knows the family of the owner and insisted I try this restaurant. Apparently, the kitchen is specially built to allow cooking at extremely high temperature. The food is surprisingly good, especially the dishes cooked on the wok. The high temperature adds this smokiness flavor to my favorite dishes like Drunken Noodle and the Stir fried Watercress in Black Bean Sauce.

    (4)

  • L. K.

    I had heard really good reviews about this place, so I decided to order from here the other night (I've been trying out different Thai places looking for one I love). I have to say, it was okay, but not amazing. I really liked their soft shell crab appetizer that is on special right now. The cashew chicken dish, however, just didn't have much flavor and was lacking on cashews. Normally I love this dish at other places, so I was surprised to find it kind of bland. Interestingly, the menu noted it to be spicy and I (lacking the ability to handle much heat) did not find it spicy at all. And then the strangest thing is that the papaya salad, which isn't noted as being spicy on the menu, was soooo hot it was hard to eat. Even my fiance who puts hot sauce on everything had a hard time eating it. I'm almost wondering if they dumped the spices in the wrong to go container?! I gave this place 3 stars though because the guy who took my order and the delivery guy were really friendly. The food seems like maybe it has potential. I might give it one more shot and try ordering something else in the future. Right now though my impression is it's a bit overpriced for the food you get, but maybe I'll be surprised in the future.

    (3)

  • Hilary G.

    The decor is nice but not as good as the Thai restaurant in Shirlington. There was a strange disinfectant odor in the back that I didn't love. It was early and the restaurant was not crowded but they sat all the customers at tables that were close together which I thought was strange. However, the drunken noodles are delicious and very spicy! The value is good ($9.99) and the portion is huge. I wasn't impressed with the firecrackers and 3 shrimp for $7-8 is a bit much. The chicken satay was good but not oustanding. The Singha is only $3.75 so I thought that was a good deal :). I would come back here for the drunken noodles and to try one of their curries. I hear Thai Square is pretty good and plan to go there next!

    (4)

  • Sean L.

    Got takeout from here - the drunken noodles have the perfect amount of spice, and the service was great!

    (5)

  • Erin S.

    We just moved to Columbia Pike and decided to try Bangkok 54 since Urban Thai refused to deliver to us (we moved from 22202 to 22204! CMON). I like trying new restaurants but when I find something I love I tend to go back (a LOT) and I am pleased to add Bangkok 54 to my list. It is a love-hate relationship, since the delivery takes at LEAST an hour, even on a week night -plus 3 out of 4 times I will NOT get what I ordered....confusing. Bangkok 54's spicy house fried rice (with chicken or shrimp) is OUT OF THIS WORLD. I will continue to order from them in hopes that they will get the hint that this is the dish I want...every. time.

    (4)

  • Rish P.

    So I have to update my review because the last few times I've picked up their they've always made me wait longer. The last time was the worst. When I placed my order they told me 45 minutes to an hour, so I left my house an hour after I called. When I got there (1:15 from when I ordered) they said it would be another 30 minutes. There is never an excuse to wait 1:45 minutes for take out, regardless of how busy the kitchen is. Their food is still great, and I still order from them, but they need to get their act together.

    (2)

  • Eric O.

    Finally, I think my search is over--there does exist solid Thai cuisine in Virginia. Judging from the exterior, I didn't expect much. But once you walk in you're treated to a very upscale and spacious environment complete with full bar and TVs. I've never seen such a fancy Thai restaurant! Service was a little slow, but food and drinks were good. We ordered drunken noodles and my favorite, duck curry. Drunken noodles were excellent--very flavorful and a good amount of spice to make me sweat. The duck curry was also good, though the duck was a little tough. But I'm going to explain this with my theory of all the healthy and therefore, yummy ducks flying south for the winter leaving only the aging and therefore, gross ducks who couldn't make it. Despite this, the curry sauce was great and the veggies were fresh. Thai iced tea was also good though I'd stay away from their special flavored ones. Girlfriend got the Lime Thai iced tea and it tasted like a strange lemonade. No thanks. All that for about $30, not bad at all. I'm excited to come back to try out their other dishes and hopefully make it out for their happy hour. Oh yeah, parking can be a bit tight as the lot is small, so watch out.

    (4)

  • Monika L.

    I came here with my Thai friend one day, we ate $60 worth of food, but he was visiting from out of town and I got a lot of leftovers, so I didn't feel too bad. Some things we got: Larb Tom Yum soup Tom Kha soup (both soups were great!) Sea Bass - I would definitely order this again, it was $18 but they give you a lot and it's really good! Pad Cha from the sea - this was just ok Mango with sweet coconut rice - they forgot to bring us the sweet stuff that is usually poured over the rice. They brought it to us later, but by then we had already ate half the rice. AND...not only does this place have decent, authentic thai food (and employ thai people), they have the best take out containers ever! They have the shallow black ones with the translucent lids. I use them to pack my lunches during the week. Today I got Pad Phrik King takeout, and my container actually had a divider for the rice and chicken/veggies. Awesome!

    (4)

  • Roy S.

    Awesome place!!! Great food and really nice ambiance. 5 Spice pork and cripsy duck were excellent. The masamum curry was decent but there are other dishes that are superior!!! Go here if you are in the area.

    (5)

  • Charles S.

    I've been a fan of Bangkok 54 for several years now buthave always gone for dinner. I had my first lunch there this week. How can you beat a $6.95 lunch special + Thai iced coffee?

    (4)

  • Ave T.

    I love this restaurant and the service is wonderful. Everybody is so friendly and the food is amazing.

    (5)

  • Rahul J.

    I've had Thai food in dozens of places around the country. Bankok 54 did not disappoint. Went with my wife one Saturday evening -Parking- They have their own parking lot A+ in downtown Alexandria. Although if you go their and look at the front of the building, the place looks closed..entrance is in the back! -Wait: None. We were seated immediately -Space: Nice dim lighting and a large high ceilinged space. -Drinks: I got the Patron Margrita - While it packed a punch, the flavor was a bit off 6/10. TIP: Most beers are really well priced at $3-5 especially the stuff on tap. The cocktails are $8+ -Food: Drunken noodle was good. The second best I've had. I like the way the basil pops. The street food seafood mix with calamari, shrimp, scallops etc was also good. I liked that it was spicy. Overall an 8/10. Solid.

    (4)

  • David D.

    Driving back from Florida, we stopped off in DC and found this amazing place. Quite possibly the best Thai food I've had thus far !! Tom yum soup and drunk noodles were sooo good. Also tried the curry puffs and satay chicken and loved it . But seriously if you like your Tom Yum soup and Drunk Noodles, try it here, it's simply is the best.

    (5)

  • Maggina K.

    This is now my favorite Thai restaurant. Period. Came here last night for dinner with the boyfriend and I was weary that my meal would not meet the standards I had considering all the great reviews! We had: -Salt and pepper calamari -Crispy garlic shrimp -Drunken noodles with the seafood combo First, the calamari. I am a very picky calamari eater. Either they have to be the tentacles, crispy yet tender, or they have to be extremely tender rings. At Bangkok 54 they serve the rings. Although I wasn't a big fan of their sauce (it was the sweet and spicy sauce that they serve at literally EVERY Thai restaurant) the calamari was delicious by itself! SO tender and the batter actually had a taste. Kudos to Bangkok 54! My boyfriend go the crispy garlic shrimp and we went into this with low expectations, but boy did it blow our minds! It came on a bed of fried crispy noodles and fried green beans. Besides me loving green beans, they were nothing special really. But the giant shrimp would make up for anything else on that plate. They really were jumbo and unlike any other Thai restaurant, for the price, you really get a decent amount. My boyfriend can put a good meal away easily, but he had problems finishing! The sauce was perfectly spicy and not too sweet but the best part was that the shrimp wasn't DRENCHED in sauce like all other pseudo Asian restaurants. Drunken noodles with seafood, get it. The best drunken noodles I have ever had I would say. It was perfectly spiced, the seafood were ALL cooked to perfect. Usually when you order a combo, the scallop is more cooked than the squid, or the shrimp is dry and tasteless, but no, B54's seafood were all very tender and fresh. This made me happy :-) We were half tempted to get the whole fish, which is pretty decently priced at $30.95 for the market price last night, but were hesitant. When we saw a beautifully filleted, fried golden brown fish being delivered to the table next to us, we started drooling. We will definitely be back for that! Parking wasn't bad at all, although it is a tight parking lot and I can see it getting packed on weekends. Our waitress was almost too attentive, but hey better attentive than no where to be found! DEFINITELY go to B54. I usually don't give 5 stars, but considering my love of Thai food and all the mediocre Thai restaurants around here, this is really a gem.

    (5)

  • Will M.

    The pad cha from the sea is an absolutely awesome combo of scallops, shrimp, calamari, and mussels. The spicy red chili and peppercorn sauce its paired with is a real sinus opener and just combines great with the seafood. The curry puff appetizer is quite good as are the spring rolls. Just can't miss foodwise. Service can be odd. Was never quite sure if our waitress could understand our drink order. Ordering a vodka and soda was a challenge. Otherwise service was quick and the food was spot on. #realdinner

    (4)

  • Jason S.

    Best Thai in the area, AND they deliver. Recommend the fresh rolls, ginger or garlic lover stirfry, sautéed green beans with shallots, and the duck rolls.

    (4)

  • Melissa T.

    The ambiance and professionalism of this restaurant takes you out of Arlington and into Georgetown. Such great promises of all the upgrades taking place in Arlington especially from what they used to be. Appetizers - Firecrackers - basically a spring roll with a tail (shrimp), I hoped it would be spicy. Not quite a big disappointment. However, our friends ordered the Crispy Chicken Meatballs, which was a ball of greatness. It was very unexpected and great at the same time. Being tipsy and hungry, we opted for the standard dishes of Shrimp Pad Thai and Shrimp Fried Rice, which both are delicious enough to clean the whole plate! Mind you, there was only 2 of us eating these family style plates. As we bummed off another bite off our friends' plates, the Golden Chicken is a definite must. Very delicious and again, I tend to stray away from ordering chicken in an Asian restaurant, I usually opt for seafood (my fave). But Bangkok 54 has changed my mind. I just went last weekend and am ready to go again this weekend. The picky hubby is also ready to come back too! **Update** We have been back 4 more times. Our usual menu is Crispy Meatballs, Papaya Salad, Golden Chicken, Pad Thai with shrimp, Simple Fried Rice with Shrimp, and Snow Peas. Delish! Still 5 stars for me and I am so jealous of those who live there and can get carry out. :(

    (5)

  • Daniel T.

    This used to be my go to spot for Thai. It is less than 5 minutes from my home, but i have since moved on. My new favorites are Thai Curry and Duangrat's. Bangkok 54's food is a decent amount saltier to me than the million other Thai places in the area. The service is good and the place is usually bumping. The interior of the restaurant is very trendy and hip. Their parking lot is very small and cramped...it sucks. In terms of the vibe and atmosphere, this place is great. In terms of the food, there are better options.

    (3)

  • Stephen M.

    Went relatively late (8:30pm) on a Saturday night and had a pleasant meal. I had their spring rolls, which came in a shot-like glass standing in a tasty plum sauce, then their fiery Tom Yum won ton soup (I think that's what it's called;-)), and followed by a healthy portion of crispy fried rockfish accompanied by a mild 'hot' chili sauce. The dishes came piping hot, had a nice amount of 'kick', and were very tasty. I had a cocktail and finished with sake, all for $53+ before tip. My only criticisms: the Saketini, with sake substituting for gin or vodka in a martini, was bland and the entree was brought out before I had completed my appetizer and soup. All in all, an excellent taste of Thai for a visitor from Tennessee!

    (4)

  • Angela V.

    Very good!!!! I got calamari with garlic sauce, highly recommended. The service is good too! I love the decoration inside the restaurant

    (4)

  • Joe G.

    All around solid restaurant. Ambience is great with a nice bar and an exposed kitchen. I'm in from out of town and had a taste for Thai. I had a nice glass of Pinot noir and steamed dumplings for starters. Delicious. I went for the drunken noodle with chicken. It was spicy but perfect portion and one of the best I've had! Very happy with the service and when I come back, I will most certainly will visit this restaurant again.

    (4)

  • Paul H.

    Food was ok, but not the best Thai restaurant that I've been to. Service was great, but the food was ok. The pork belly was the better dish out of all the dishes we tried. Drinks were ok as well, but again, nothing spectacular

    (3)

  • Anthony L.

    Food is good but ultimately the service brought my review down a star. I really like the firecracker shrimp followed by the Shrimp Pad Thai. They don't do spicy here but do provide spices to add to your dish. Nice place for sit down meals and vast menu.

    (4)

  • Jenny S.

    The fiancé and I were feeling a little adventurous and decided to ditch our regular go-to thai place. We ended up at Bangkok 54, which he has never been to before and it's been years since I've been here. We started with the 54's Moo Krob, which is just fried pork belly. Very bland and flat, not sure how the menu can describe it as "richly spiced," because there was no flavor profile at all other than the overly salted soy sauce dipping sauce next to it. I guess our adventurous spirit was short-lived after ordering the Moo Krob and being disappointed, we ordered our normal thai order of Pad See-Ew and 54's Spicy Duck, their verision of Crispy Duck Basil. The Pad Se-Ew was delicious, very flavorful and sweet, plenty of chicken and Chinese broccoli and not overly-sauced. The Spicy Duck on the other hand was okay. It was tasty and had good heat to it, only because there was a chili paste sauce mixed in, which caused the crispy duck to become soggy by the end of the meal. (Why fry the duck if you're going to top it in sauce anyways?!) I understand that with so many thai places over in NoVA, you have to try and distinguish your dishes from the next, but there are definitely better executed crispy duck around with a much better crispy exterior. We did enjoy the meal, but like Thai Square much better down the street.

    (4)

  • Joseph W.

    Second best thai food I had in Arlington. The first is thai square. Lol...the food was pretty good and the restaurant looked great inside.

    (4)

  • Kirstie T.

    I am very disappointed to have to write this review. My friend recently ordered take out and got the wrong order. When she called to explain the manager said she had to bring it back to get the right order because he didn't believe her. I believe he did that because she is a Thai native. I wish i was told something like that because I would say u need to deliver the right order to me

    (1)

  • Erin O.

    Great thai food! I get delivery all the time!!! Pad Thai is some of the best I've ever had!

    (4)

  • Katie C.

    Great Thai food- the best I have found in the area. The spices are fabulous and the prices are not bad too. I like the decor but it can be crowded on the weekends and the tables are very close together. I know they get a lot of take-out orders so I will probably do that next time!

    (4)

  • Chasity G.

    Love this place. Great food, great prices, and they deliver. I haven't found a dish that my toddler may enjoy but overall this is the ideal higher end carry out or eat in. Nice for dates as well but maybe rethink smaller children.

    (5)

  • Jacqueline L.

    My husband and I ordered the Duck Roll for an appetizer and then split the Chicken Pad Thai and Fiery Kaprao. It was more than enough food! The duck roll is great for parties of two because they cut the roll in half. Everything was about average... We left with a full belly but aren't itching to get back.

    (3)

  • Billy E.

    Probably my favorite Thai restaurant on Columbia Pike, and in fact VA too. I can't say the food is much different than any other Thai place I've been to, yet the quality of everything from the Thai iced tea to the curry seems just a tad better. The interior is nice, and I like that they use chopsticks for a table centerpiece. A definite recommendation.

    (5)

  • Allison L.

    Best Thai in the DC region... Love the shrimp red curry and the spicy eggplant. Fantastic happy hour choices too! You'll love the warm hospitality, so stop by today.

    (5)

  • Jen T.

    Our first full week as residents of Columbia Pike and we found our new fave spot for drinks and dinner. We went here first on Monday night and sat at the bar in the main restaurant. Came back Wednesday and sat at the bar in their lounge. Service is top notch. Timely, accurate and non- intrusive. Met the manager Ricky who made us feel extremely welcome - right at home! Tried the fresh rolls, calamari, steamed dumplings, chicken meatball, Tom yum soup with chicken, Garlic chicken and garlic snap peas with chicken. Their food gets BF's (who is not a fan of Asian food- yes and I am Taiwanese!) winning approval. Yea! Good portion size to fill my belly up (I have been known to be the bottomless pit). Frozen blue margarita is the bomb! Love the lounge's intimate atmosphere which only opens on Wednesday-Sundays. We fully intend to become regulars that they may sick of us. ;-)

    (5)

  • Brian C.

    Check out the ready-to-go food under the heat lamps. For 6 bucks, you can take home an entire Thai meal that's better than anything you'll have in most restaurants for triple the price. I almost want to keep this place a secret. My wife loves it, too. If you like genuine home-made Thai food, you'll be making a weekly trip. FYI, there's always a parking spot in back.

    (4)

  • Jenny C.

    Authentic, solid Thai food at Bangkok 54. The Pad See Ew with beef was cooked perfectly, and cooked with Chinese broccoli, not the American broccoli that I get at a lot of less authentic Thai places. I would go back for the pad see ew alone. Great crispy calamari appetizer to start off the meal. It was fried perfectly and came with a great dipping sauce. Crispy duck was a bit of a let-down. It was so overly fried that I couldn't take the duck. Also too salty. Ambiance and decor was modern, a good fit for city dining.

    (4)

  • Saara Z.

    Bangkok 54 is awesome. I have had so many great things here that I don't even know where to begin. Just know that you will be pleased with your experience. From the more popular/well known Thai dishes to the more unique house specialties, Bangkok 54 does not fail to please. My recommendations are below. Appetizers/Salads: -Tod Mun - delicious thai fish cake -Nam Tok - spicy grilled beef salad -Crispy chicken meatballs Rice/Noodle Dishes: -Chili Basil Fried Rice -Pad Thai -Pad see ew Curries: -Roasted duck curry -Red or green curry -Lobster and shrimp curry Specialty Entrees: -Pad Cha from the Sea - very unique flavors -Whole fish (pick your favorite) - with the chili garlic/basil sauce Dessert: -Mango with Sticky Rice -Thai Iced Tea (not really a dessert but it's sweet and yummy)

    (5)

  • Anna M.

    Hands down one of the best Thai restaurants I've been to. The Penang chicken curry is fabulous, as are all the other dishes I've tried here. They give you a pretty hearty portion size. I usually get to have leftovers for lunch the next day! If you dine in, they've got some fun cocktails that aren't too pricey (by DC standards)!

    (5)

  • Laurent B.

    Very good food. Both spicy and flavorful. Our waitress was so nice and helpful. We will go back and enjoy another great meal.

    (5)

  • Ryan P.

    Had the drunken noodle chicken with spring roll. So good. Spicy and lots of basil leaves. Authentic. I have lived in Bangkok and this is really good. Got it delivered and they were here in about 25 minutes. Good portion sizes for the lunch. Spring roll and sauce was very good also. They had a $20 min delivery order so I just ordered 2 of them with 2 spring rolls and a Coke to get to $21. Looks like I will have a good meal tomorrow now also!

    (5)

  • yobodish y.

    Found my Thai place! Ordered Drunken Noodles, Chili Basll Fried Rice, Cellophane Noodle Salad with Shrimp, and Salt and Pepper Calamari. It's simply the best I've had in this area. I love Thai Square and Basil Thai but, I heart Bangkok 54!

    (5)

  • Sarah A.

    So I'm a big fan of Thai food and generally everywhere I go there's always something wrong with the place or the food. This place was amazing! The staff were extremely friendly, although I did feel a little rushed in ordering and leaving the place, they were still very sweet. I ordered the Drunken Noodles with Thai Iced tea and it did not disappoint! Very delicious and worth the drive in Arlington, I would definitely come here again!

    (4)

  • Jolie P.

    Ate here for lunch one day after stumbling upon it. Best decision! They have a fantastically priced lunch menu AND parking! You can get a great lunch and park for free...not a combo most places have. Their food is fantastic. I am gluten free and i was able to have a Thai soup with a rice noodle dish (drunken noodles). Huge servings! My coworker also loved his food. The atmosphere seemed quiet and clean. Service was good. Will be back!

    (5)

  • Brian M.

    Excellent fresh food properly spiced and prepared at reasonable prices. Service is excellent. Comfortable seating. Top quality Thai food in an area that has many excellent choices. The best.

    (5)

  • Claire C.

    LOVE Bangkok 54 so very much! I live on the pike so it's very convenient, but I've lived in other neighborhoods and would always make the trip here when craving Thai. Service is always spot on, and the cocktail menu is fun. The prices are very reasonable and ambience is a bit more swanky than your average thai joint. Great for takeout or delivery too.

    (5)

  • Evelyn G.

    I will be coming back for more! Had the pad-se ew and it was on the money. This place has great ambiance and excellent customer service.

    (4)

  • Sunny M.

    Great restaurant. Authentic Thai food with a great menu selection. A bit pricey but as to be expected given the yuppie area. Food was excellent, made exactly as ordered (i.e. spice levels, etc.). The staff is also very friendly and cordial. Been there about three times during visits to the area and will keep going back! :-)

    (4)

  • Brandon A.

    Yes, five stars. I wrote a tip before ordering the entree. It says (summary), "Best spring rolls ever." The service was perfect. Not a hitch. I ordered Lad Na, a relatively easy to screw up dish. Prep, quality of ingredients and timing are critical. A perfect implementation requires experience because intuition (sometimes plain luck) is a key factor and a good cook will know when s/he needs to start it over because the noodles aren't right, gravy got too thick, etc. Anyway, I got it with pork, which was a good choice. Perfect. Seriously. Thank you!

    (5)

  • Clare S.

    Wish there were thai restaurants as good as Bangkok 54 in Virginia Beach! They simply do not exist! We ordered the Thai steak salad (nam tok) and the fried soft shell appetizers. While we weren't as impressed with our appetizers, our entrees were terrific. I highly recommend the drunken noodles, pad see ew, and the sautéed basil chicken. Service was great and the atmosphere was beautiful. Parking wasn't the greatest, but what should expect in Nova? Anyhow, I highly recommend this restaurant.

    (5)

  • Daniel M.

    Bangkok 54 is a good-sized restaurant (like the TARDIS, it's bigger on the inside than it looks from the outside) that serves the best Thai food in Arlington. I disagree with the poster that said Thai Square (a couple blocks away) is better -- I've eaten at both several times and I go to Bangkok 54 for dates or intimate personal meals with friends, and I go to Thai Square for a quick meal. The food at Bangkok 54 is consistently better, and the atmosphere is classier than Thai Square, but it is so popular that it can take awhile for food to arrive at your table. Thai Square is different - less tasty, but simpler surroundings and delivery overall seems faster. The fact that both continue to exist on the Pike shows that they both have their strengths. Anyway, I highly recommend trying Bangkok 54, especially if you want a good meal in attractive surroundings.

    (4)

  • Erin F.

    Perfectly fine Thai food, but nothing in particular that was special. Normally we go to Thai Square, but we wanted to try out a new restaurant while my boyfriend's friend from college was visiting. The menu is extensive and has some very traditional Thai items on the menu. We started out ordering a cappuccino and a chai with milk. Didn't get feedback on the cappuccino but the chai had a strange spice in it that made it just ok. For appetizers, the crispy edamame was ordered. It was a very bizarre looking food. It basically looked like french fries, but with green spots on it. For the main courses, we ordered the spicy mock duck, which was fine. The panang curry was good, but there wasn't a huge portion of it. We added tofu to the pineapple fried rice, and that was fine as well. It was a perfectly adequate Thai restaurant, although I would have liked to see slightly larger portions for the prices.

    (3)

  • Mary Kate M.

    Meh, I think this place is overrated. I held my monthly international supper club last night. I really don't get it. Am I disappointed? Yes. Is there anything I can do about it? No. It is what it is. Bottom line -- I enjoyed visiting with my fellow Yelpers. Here is the breakdown -- I ordered Satay-Chicken skewers for the table which were pretty good. Then I ordered a green salad that came with very little dressing and not flavor. For my dish I ordered beef basil noodles that comes with bell peppers, onions, rice noodles in a brown soy sauce. The noodles were really bland tasting. I also made the mistake of asking them to remove the onions and bell peppers which pretty much defeats the whole purpose of the dish which I realize now. When I tried my boyfriend's lad na, I was very happy with it! I definitely ordered the wrong thing for me. That is obvious. His lad na was tasty and what I should have gotten. Hell... him and I should have switched dishes. I think this place is worth giving a second chance knowing what dish I want to get next time.

    (3)

  • Chitra P.

    Their food is great but their customer service is terrible. They offer delivery, and yet when the delivery driver shows up, they refuse to come up to your apartment and insist on having you come down to meet them at the car. We live in a doorman building, it's not hard to get up to our apartment at all. It's ridiculous that you have to practically beg a delivery driver to come up to your place - I love the food here but they literally do not care about their customer satisfaction.

    (2)

  • Gwen B.

    our favorite thai in the arlington area! This is our go-to place for thai and it rarely disappoints. (Ordering To Go is the only the time we have had a bad meal so make sure to EAT-IN!) Parking can be a little crazy since their lot is relatively small so be prepared for some crazy moves. They have a parking attendant out there presumably to help with the parking but also prevent outside patrons from taking their spots. Our favorite dishes are: crispy squid with basil (a MUST get), pad thai with chicken, crab fried rice, and crispy duck with basil. We've had a few appetizers (pot stickers, calamari) and all of them were good. My husband doesn't even really like seafood but he very much loves the crispy squid! My only downside would be the drinks, I've never had a great/tasty cocktail here so I usually stick with a vodka martini. We very much enjoy Bangkok and highly recommend it for a reasonably priced, delicious meal!

    (5)

  • Amber L.

    Best Thai food in Arlington :) I will have to take my family here one day!

    (4)

  • Vince R.

    Fried avocado for appetizer, yummy! Happy Hour prices to 6:30 - bonus! Basil Curry fried rice with chicken, very tasty!! :)

    (4)

  • Karen A.

    Review on TAKE OUT service: Since I live closer to this restaurant, I have been taking advantage of their take out service. There are a ton of other Thai restaurants around so I have taken my time in trying several of them and have returned to Bangkok 54. This is why: - quick take out - 15-20 minutes for food to be ready - very reasonable proportions in comparison to others. - reasonable pricing. - delicious vegetarian options (Buddhas feast and the tofu curry dish, eggplant dish) - parking lot in back (this is important because no one likes driving around the block 10 times just to jump out for 3 minutes to grab food).

    (5)

  • Bertwin L.

    Usually this is our favorite place for Thai but ever sense the attached grocery store had a fire the quality of food has really gone down. I normally would rate them 4 stars but this last visit gets them 1 star. We almost never saw our waitress and I think the cooks had recently experienced some severe trauma as the seasoning in the food was overly sour and lacked flavor. When we approached the manager with our concern he mentioned that everyone has their own tastes. This is when we informed him that we come there many times over and never had the same problem as today. We felt they were blaming us for not receiving good food.

    (1)

  • Geoff G.

    Always delicious. Always fresh. Reliable spot for great Thai food and their atmosphere is not typical of a regular thai place. Tons of creative and unique dining options. Great fried rice, pad Thai and lots of curry options as well. The Penang chicken and Bangkok 54 fried rice are my favorites.

    (4)

  • Thomas O.

    Great food and service and the drinks were Amazing!!! The drink menu has a lot to offer. We ordered a different drink every time to try out a couple different ones and every drink was delicious.

    (5)

  • Bailey H.

    Bangkok 54 is my go to for Thai food. The spices are amazing and authentic. I usually order the drunken noodles. I cannot get enough of them. There is usually enough to take home and have a second serving for lunch the next day. If I feel like having a lazy night in, they also do take out which is just as good as dining in the restaurant. This place rocks!

    (5)

  • Amanda M.

    I've been eating and drinking at BK54 for years, ever since my first flaming mai thai. (I pretty much skip those these days.) I've been here with groups and by myself and the service has always been great. I stop here almost once a week for dinner on my way home from work. When I am by myself I usually sit on the restaurant side but when there with a group we tend to get placed on the lounge side. Both are nice. For a more romantic evening, I suggest making reservations and asking to be sat in the lounge. I tend to stick with the vegetarian options but every once in awhile I get a craving for the 5 spices stewed pork or the dumplings. The stewed pork is fabulous and is something that I recommend to my friends that claim they don't like Thai food. It is always a hit. The dumplings are good, but not as good as the ones at Po Siam. My go-tos are the drunken noodles, green curry, crispy fried tofu, stir-fried spicy eggplant, and the fiery kaprao (all with tofu). I also really like the butternut squash curry (shrimp). For appetizers I like the fresh rolls, curry puffs, and the firecrackers (shrimp). One bit of advice, order your drink and your appetizer and tell them that you need a minute for your main dish. The kitchen is very efficient and if you don't space out the ordering a bit, sometimes the mains come out while you are still finishing your appetizer. BK54 is a bit more elegant/fancy than the other Thai places I have been to in NoVa and the prices reflect that. But the food and the service are always wonderful and, in my opinion, worth the price.

    (4)

  • Nana G.

    Had a nice time here. The atmosphere of the place is very nice, the bathroom is clean and the place settings were nice. Our waitress was very polite and pleasant. I had the beef pad thai which was a little more sour than I'd like. I'd probably come back, though.

    (4)

  • Ngan T.

    Went here for a birthday dinner over the weekend. The service is great, the food is delicious. The atmosphere is romantic and hip. I would love to come back for a date night. Note: I brought cupcakes for the birthday girl and her guests. There is a "CAKE CUTTING FEE" of $1.50/person. How does a "cake cutting fee" be charged on for bringing cupcakes? There is no cutting required....! My fellow Yelpers, please remember to NOT bring outside dessert into this place as they will charge you. Spend the extra cash on another dish or a cocktail.

    (4)

  • Liz M.

    Excellent dishes. Love the drunken noodles. Excellent Pad Thai. Go for the Thai Tea.. .so addictive! Can't go wrong with ANY main dish here! Best Thai in NOVA!

    (5)

  • Katie L.

    I've been in love with Bangkok 54 ever since I was first introduced to the place in 2005. Unlike most of the above average restaurants in town, you can sneak in any night and get a table with no reservation and a minimal wait. In 2013 Arlington, that's a huge deal. Bangkok 54 has the best (or second best) Thai food I've had in the DC area. I've loved everything I've tried. My favorite dish of all time at Bangkok 54 is their spicy green papaya salad. I've had varying versions at just about every Thai restaurant I've tried, but their version is the best I've found. Spicy, sweet, tart, fresh, and crispy, it's fantastic every time. Unlike so many other versions, they don't go overboard with the garlic and fish sauce. They strike just the balance of ingredients. Other highlights include their spring rolls (crispy, rolled up like cigars, two to an order; I recommend getting two orders) with a tasty sweet and sour chili dipping sauce, fiery kaprao, pineapple fried rice, mango sticky rice, and mango cheesecake. The mango desserts at Bangkok are excellent, and the fruit is always stunning, and at the peak of freshness. Bangkok 54 offers both amazing takeout and dine-in experiences. If you dine-in, the wait staff is perceptive and friendly, and keeps your water and iced tea glass full, which is hugely appreciated by this fiery dish eater. Upon leaving, whether you dined in or are carrying out, the staff makes you feel very welcome and appreciated for your business. The prices are excellent as well, which of course leads to many, many repeat visits. The only ding I can find on Bangkok 54 is its parking lot. It's tiny, crammed, and extremely vexing to navigate. I recommend street parking by a wide margin. Or having your takeout companion circle the block a few times while you pickup the takeout loot.

    (5)

  • Steve H.

    Always good food and personable, if overstretched service. This restaurant is always crowded and usually quite loud. Parking can be a problem. I recommend the tofu bites appetizer, spring rolls, and Pad Thai Jae. Well stocked bar and a nice selection of beers, including Thai beer. We'll be back.

    (3)

  • Audra B.

    Bangkok 54 has the best drunken noodles in Nova and very large portions. I also tried the calamari and pad thai. Both were good. I will keep coming back here.

    (4)

  • Betsy S.

    This review is based on my most recent visit. The boy and I got there at opening time on a weekend morning, and were the only ones in the restaurant. Quick service, etc. He ordered the butternut squash curry and I, the massaman curry. I asked the waiter if they could add some kind of vegetable - carrots, etc. He said - "No, it's pre made. We can't add anything." Say what?! So they served it with a side of steamed carrots, which I added myself. The dish was tasty, and the butternut squash curry was devoured, but I don't really like hearing that my dish at a supposedly authentic restaurant is pre made. Eh. I'll return anyways.

    (3)

  • Anjali K.

    Really good Thai food! Feeling lazy and cold, the hubby and I decided to order delivery from Bangkok 54. I'm really glad we did. We started with the 54's Moo Krob. Crispy, flavorful, utterly delicious. Between the two of us, we gobbled most of these down very quickly. We then shared the chicken drunken noodles and chicken penang curry. Both were absolutely amazing. My favorite was the drunken noodles -- the noodles were perfectly cooked, and the chicken was perfectly seasoned. I felt the heat was great in this dish -- do watch out for the occasional spiced pepper which will have you guzzling your drink in no time. Well worth it though! I also did enjoy the penang curry -- spicy and a touch of sweet. If you like this flavor combination, DEFINITELY get this. I'm just not the biggest fan of that combo, so the noodles won out for my taste buds. However, buds aside, I can tell you that the curry was cooked great, chicken was tender, and there was some great heat in the dish. It's served with rice as well. After feasting on these dishes, I definitely deserved the 2 hour nap I took :). Definitely try out Bangkok 54. We will certainly be ordering from there again!

    (4)

  • Cyndy K.

    Cyndy's Bottom Line: Take advantage of the great happy hour! We stopped by after a movie for drinks and snacks. Awesome happy hour with a wide selection of drinks and assortment of appetizers. We ordered Singha beers and Golden margaritas along with the delicious appetizers: 1. 54's Moo Krob Richly spiced marinated pork belly and fried to a golden brown. Served with sweet-soy sauce. It was fried nice and crispy, a great crunch with the yummy sauce. Pairs well with a cold Singha. 2. Steamed Dumplings Steamed crabmeat, minced pork, shrimp, and water chestnut wrapped with wonton skin. Served with sweet-soy sauce. The dumplings are delicious with a delicate wonton skin and the combination of items in the filling is tasty. 3. Fresh Rolls Delicate rice paper rolled around fresh avocado, carrots, cucumber, fried tofu, lettuces, and vermicelli noodles. Served chilled and not fried. On the side with our peanut dipping sauce. A great healthy option so fresh. There was a good amount of spiciness to our batch of rolls.

    (3)

  • Melissa C.

    If you wanna get your Thai on and also have a more trendy vibe, this is the place to go. I would probably give the food 3.5 stars and the ambiance 4 star. It's good for a date night if you live in Arlington. The food is always good but for more authentic Thai, Thai Square hits the spot (it's spicy) and my overall favorite taste personally is Rincome but the decor is old so always get take out. I will say the Spicy Duck is a good choice here. This place is a bit on the pricier side but you so get the nicer ambiance. They also have nice selection of mixed drinks. There is parking behind the restaurant. Or you can park across the st and around the corner on Walter Reed there is public parking across from Rite Aid underneath the apt building. Went back and had the pad Thai and salmon entree and both were very good as well as the larb app.

    (4)

  • Diana H.

    I am a bit spoiled because I have had A LOT of GREAT Thai food in LA and Thailand. This was just A-OK. The calamari was not good. Don't order it. They're pricey (price shock to what Thai places charge in LA) for OK Thai food. It wasn't bad, it wasn't great.

    (3)

  • Gene I.

    One of the Best Thai in DC metro area... Superb service, great food. MY RATING: MUST TRY

    (5)

  • Ash C.

    I have had better. I guess it's not really fair cuz me and friend only ordered fried rice and drunken noodles which we have had a million times before from different places but the food was nothing out of the ordinary. Everything was cooked nicely and the thai iced tea was good. Next time in ordering one of their specials but I doubt there will b a next time since there are so many thai places to try.

    (3)

  • Funaek A.

    I order from here all the time and it's my current thai favorite in this area. I recently went to the restaurant to dine with a friend and was pleasantly surprised. The food is even better when it comes piping hot and fresh! For appetizers, my all time favorites here are the fresh rolls and the curry puffs. Anytime I see curry puffs on the menu I have to order them. This place doesn't disappoint and the puffs are wonderfully flaky on the outside and deliciously curry and savory inside. They're also served with a vinegary cucumber sauce dish thing. But the best thing here are the fresh rolls, filled with veggies, tofu, and avocado, and served with a side of peanut sauce. These are the the best fresh rolls I've ever had! For entrees, I've had their pad thai (pretty good, but not my favorite, and they never include a lime wedge), chili basil fried rice (love this but without the tomatoes and cucumber - nice and slightly spicy!), panang curry, green curry (this is my favorite of their curries, and I like the seafood mix the best thought I get chicken often), and recently tried their ground chicken kaprao and fried egg (so good and the fried egg has runny yolk which I love!). Their food is always pretty good to great, and they are always friendly and professional. Delivery can take some time, so just factor that in when you order.

    (4)

  • S V.

    Great Thai, consistently great. Been here a dozen times and everyone at my table is happy with the food and service. Nice decor too

    (4)

  • Brian H.

    Our favorite Thai restaurant in the area. Good food, service, and ambiance. Tonight we had an order of spring rolls, drunken noodles with tofu, and golden chicken. All were very good. We washed everything down with Mai Tai 54s, which are generous in size. We won't wait so long before we go back.

    (4)

  • David H.

    My favorite Arlington Thai spot. Usually order the green curry with chicken, and the drunken noodles with beef. Have never had anything bad here. Spring roll appetizers are good too. Service is always on point - mango cheesecake is amazing One thing - wish they would increase their delivery area. I live under 4 miles away and about a 10 minute drive, and they won't deliver to me. But they deliver to friends down the street?

    (5)

  • Alex K.

    Drunken noodles were as good as any, and I was super happy with it. My friend got chicken and it was really good as well. I really like the ambience and the cleanliness. Would definitely come back when I'm in Virginia! Oh, the wonton soup was fantastic as well. Definitely recommended!

    (4)

  • Charles H.

    One word describes Bangkok 54. "Delicious". We started off with Som Tum (Papaya Salad - Thai style) and the Spicy Roasted Duck Salad. The papaya salad was perfectly made, e.g. not too sweet / spicy / sour. The roasted duck salad also had a similar dressing with lime juice, fish sauce, sugar and crushed Thai peppers. The main course consisted of: *Pad Cha From The Sea *Bangkok 54 Golden Chicken *Steamed Rock Fish Pad Cha was perfectly cooked with crushed peppercorn, spicy red chili sauce served over scallops, shrimp, mussels, and calamari. The Golden Chicken resembled the consistency and sweet taste of Korean fried chicken and fresh roasted cashews. The Steamed Rock Fish sauce was seasoned with lime juice, fish sauce, sugar and crushed Thai peppers as well. Desert consisted of a yummy mango flavored cake. Overall, the two appetizers, three dishes, and desert was plentiful for four.

    (4)

  • Rosslyn D.

    nice people and nice food, but they have no idea what vegetarian means. I had some vegetarians in my party and we ordered red curry tofu. one time they said it was completely vegan, another time they said it had seafood. The food is great but i would be cautious if you have others in your group with dietary restrictions.

    (1)

  • Margaret D.

    Food in-house is much better than delivery, especially since the times when you want delivery are probably off-peak, with different chef. Bangkok 54 and Thai Kitchen are my two Thai go-tos in this area. On average Bangkok 54 is saltier and more oily than what I've had from Thai Kitchen, while the restaurant atmosphere is more modern and clean at Bankok 54. Both great choices for to keep those Thai withdrawal symptoms at bay! I love Thai food because it's spicy, savory, and sweet, all at the same time. Until I actually haul my butt down to Thailand - I can't wait to try bat meat! Shh, it's illegal - I have been on the never ending hunt for good Thai food. Duck Roll Appetizer - It's like an asian pancake with generous portions of savory duck inside. The juices will drip down your chin and you will wonder why you ever considered ordering a different appetizer. This is a must try. Watch out though, it can be a bit oily. Green Curry - There's a good kick to their curry, which is well balanced with the proportion of coconut milk they use. Flavorful and goes great with rice. Comes with plenty of bamboo shoots. Drunken Noodles and Pad Thai - Both trustworthy choices at this place. Thai Iced Tea - If you've never tried Thai iced tea, you should. It's a sweet, creamy treat and Bangkok 54 does it right. Crispy Duck - Delicious, spicy, and addictive. The duck is fried but still succulent and juicy on the inside, with crunchy fried basil leaves to punctuate your tastebuds. Do not order this for delivery because the duck will get soggy in transport.

    (4)

  • Amer R.

    Brought my mom here when she came to visit. We absolutely loved it, and being from a Thai background - my mom is the pickiest when it comes to authentic food. We shared multiple dishes for lunch and ended up packing to go boxes because the portions were enough. Nice chic area with decent parking located in the back. There is also a wonderful Thai market next door for those who wish to find groceries as well. I continue to drive here on occasion (about an hour away) when I need my Thai fix.

    (4)

  • Michelle N.

    I had heard great reviews about this place from friends so my boyfriend and I decided to try it out. My boyfriend tends to be picky about his food and even he loved all the dishes we ordered. The tom ka soup was ok, not the best but you can definitely tell the chef went a little overboard with the fish sauce. The crispy fried rock fish was by far the best dish of the night. The fish came out deep fried with a sweet tangy sauce. My boyfriend ordered the grilled salmon and while he said his dish was good, he kept stealing from my plate. Overall, great thai food for a reasonable price. This would've been a 5 star review if the parking was better in the back. Just very cumbersome and packed. We have a small car and it took a couple of tries to get the car out. I recommend parking elsewhere. But other than that, I would definitely come back here with friends!

    (4)

  • Raul R.

    Everybody at work loves this place. And they deliver; we put in a group order on snowy days.

    (5)

  • Heidi B.

    Calamari was chewy and greasy! Beef salad was so strong in powdery hot flavor you would have needed a quart of lettuce to mellow it out! The beef was not very good !

    (1)

  • Eric B.

    Not really for me. Had Calamari and Beef Salad.. Calamari was pure deep fried bar food I would expect at any sports pub. The beef salad was too strong in flavor and spices. The beef was very chewy low grade. On a brighter note... The beer is fine

    (1)

  • Open E.

    the mock duck is awesome.... but you need to order it with another dish, otherwise it would be a little dry. they should include some sort of dipping sauce on the side. regardless, for a vegetarian, this is perhaps one of the best thai restaurants i've ever been to. we had mock duck, buddha's feast and pineapple fried rice. get some extra lime wedges on the side, mix and match a bit on the plate and you're in heaven. will definitely be going back for the mock duck !!

    (5)

  • Henok T.

    Not a fan of this place. I've been really spoiled by good Thai food and I don't find this place to be the spiciest, tastiest, and far from the healthiest. The service could be a lot better as well. The decor inside is sorta tacky (inauthentic). I won't be coming back again.

    (1)

  • Mia N.

    We went for dinner tonight. It was not as exciting as lunch. Maybe we are ordering the wrong things. The fried tofu and calamari appetizer were chewy and tough. Pad Thai was too runny and sweet. My panang beef was a little bit chewy and hard to chew/eat. I brought most of it home, but surprisingly, it tasted better as leftovers the next night. Husband said same about his pork dish. Not so great at dinner, but better next day at home. So still on look out for a favorite Thai place..Going to try Elephant Jumps next.

    (3)

  • Sampad D.

    Awesome food...Ambiance is also great..They do have a small parking but i guess not difficult to find a spot. the food is just awesome..We orderded Chicken balls..This was just awesome..The green curry and yellow curry was also very nice..Though i would have liked the yellow curry to be bit more spicier.. Overall HIGHLY RECOMMEND

    (4)

  • Lucy X.

    Continually impressed by Thai restaurants, and this is definitely one of them. This particular one is quite huge on the inside, with dimly lit interior and candle-lit tables, that give the place a warm, romantic ambiance, but it also has sort of a modern take on traditional decor. All in all, just not very typical of Thai restaurants. Hence, it makes it a good atmosphere for dates, as well as small groups of friends. My grandiose mai tai came with a flame lit inside half the peel of a lemon, which was pretty genius and SO delicious. Quite possibly my new favorite drink because of this. We started the meal off with eggrolls, which amazed me, again!, because it came vertically dunked in sweet n sour chili sauce inside a long glass (what!). Along with that, we also got the papaya salad which was pretty much your average papaya salad but tasty nonetheless. For the mains, we went for the chili basil fried rice, drunken noodles, and the butternut squash red curry with jumbo shrimp (per waitress rec). Not much to say except that everything was really, really good. I especially enjoyed the butternut squash and curry, which I thought went very well together. For dessert (yes, still had room for it!), we got the taro soup thing (don't remember its exact name because it was in Thai, and can't find it on their website either) but I'm sure if you ask for that, they will know what you mean. Anyway it was this concoction of sticky gooey taro balls in this sweet, thick, gelatinous soup, which ended the meal actually well. Overall a satisfying and enjoyable dinner..highly recommend that you give this restaurant a try!

    (5)

  • Mindi W.

    I'm tempted to give it a 4 because of the crap location, but since the neighborhood is also the crap location of my apartment, to hell with that. This is the best Thai delivery in Arlington. Probably the best Thai carry-out. Potentially the best Thai eat-in restuarant. OK, I've never had something I didn't love, but specifically, do try: The grilled beef salad, spicy roasted duck, green curry and the drunken noodles.

    (5)

  • Linh O.

    Came here for the first time two years ago and had the very memorable Crispy Fried Duck and something else he ordered (it wasn't bad). Actually it wasn't all the memorable since my boyfriend ATE THE REST OF THE LEFTOVERS after I fell asleep! Can't blame him, I probably would have done the same. Recently, we had a chance to eat here again for a birthday and he ordered the Pad Cha on the Sea and I went with the Butternut Squash Curry. The Seafood Pad Cha is pretty spicy and you might not think so after the first bite but it builds and gets more and more spicy; at least that's what my BF said. I had a taste, really good, lots of big chunks of seafood. The Butternut Squash Curry...it's ok. It could be a really great dish but I didn't like the quality of the shrimp used. Didn't taste fresh, and wasn't the juicy shrimp I'm more used to buying/eating. The brown rice was delicious. Salad on the side was a little sad; would have preferred a lighter dressing, maybe something with lime. Not bad but could be so much better. My boyfriend's dad ordered the Fried Rockfish. He passed around the fried skin and it was GOOD. Can't seem to go wrong with anything fried here. Service is good; the waiters know their stuff.

    (4)

  • Lyn L.

    I'm always on the prowl for good Thai food, and I've run across some great places and some places that are "meh"..... This landmark place on the corner of Columbia Pike and Walter Reed in Arlington is popular amongst the people who love delivery and apparently restaurant diners! The ambiance is very romantic and classy, with its running fountain in the middle of the room. Our group got center seating next to the fountain and in front of the bar. Service- a bit slow to start, had to wait a few before the server took our drink orders and he never came back to ask if we wanted seconds. I never got my soy sauce that I requested. Not sure if he had too many tables or not. Food- Amazing! The fried tofu was plentiful, the dishes, all of them seemed like mega portions and the taste was outstanding. One comment by one of our party was that the combo "plate" from the hot wok contained more chicken than beef, but the spice was just right. Note to self, if you like beef, don't get the chicken and beef combo, just chose the beef. I opted for fried, roasted and spicy tofu and it was amazing! I couldn't tell it was tofu. The pad Thai looked fresh and what I call "glistening in grease". I'll get that on my next visit! Drinks- their cocktails run about $9-$10, and the sizes were big but I'm not sure if it was because of the extra juices and lack of alcohol. Overall- Yes, a popular place, good presentation, lovely portions, so check it out!

    (4)

  • Joanna C.

    Ordered delivery. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Here's my brief take: Chicken satay- delicious! Came with two sauces, both good. Fresh rolls- I order these everywhere, and these were the best I've had. Large, fresh, well-wrapped, everything. Tom yum soup- not my favorite. A little too salty and the flavor was just too...strong? I don't know. Not bad, just not my favorite.

    (4)

  • Kimberly K.

    {Ambiance} Don't let the exterior (and awkward parking lot) of this restaurant fool you. Its chic and modern inside. The dim lighting also makes Bangkok 54 a nice place to bring a date. {Service} Upon entering, you are immediately greeted with a smile. The servers are always friendly and attentive. My water cup is always full. {Food} Whatever dish you are in the mood for, Bangkok 54 will season it and present it beautifully. My friends and I have been coming here for over 7 years now, and we have never been disappointed by any of their dishes. Our Fave Appetizers- Green Papaya Salad, Salt & Pepper Calamari, and Thai Curry Puffs. Our Fave Entrees- 54's Spicy Roasted Duck (If you can handle some heat, it's not that spicy), Pineapple Fried Rice, and Panang Curry w/ Chicken (If you don't like coconut, avoid this). Must-Try Dessert- If you like coconuts, you will LOVE their Young Coconut Ice Cream! {Price} Lunch $7, Dinner $7- $16/dish

    (4)

  • CL R.

    This place is exceptional. The food alone gives it 5 stars. But the service is on point, the atmosphere is nice, and the value is great. The drunken noodles are our favorite. They get that good wok char flavor that so many other places are missing. Pad Thai here is also excellent; balanced, not cloying. I had the tofu green curry and it was chock full of a rainbow of vegetables and very spicy. If you get anything from the vegetarian menu, I think it comes with brown rice automatically. So, if you want white, just ask. My normally macho sig had the crispy chicken and said it was "exquisite"-- which made me howl. Great place. Go here.

    (5)

  • Krysta L.

    I have been going to this restaurant for about 5 years now and thought I should finally write a review! I have been to pretty much every Thai restaurant in the Northern VA area and all I have to say is that this place tops them all! The cuisine is absolutely fantastic in every aspect. The spices are authentic and the ingredients are fresh! For first time Thai foodies I recommend the Pad See Ew. Even though "Ew" is in the name it is everything but! It's a delicious noodle dish with a light brown sauce (with a mild garlic flavor), your choice of protein, and Chinese Broccoli (basically broccolini). Don't be frightened by the square shaped noodles either, they are very tasty! I also recommend the fresh rolls too. These are basically a Thai salad wrapped in rice paper filled with fresh tofu, carrots, cucumber and avocado accompanied by an ammmmazing peanut sauce to dip them in! Bangkok 54 also offers delivery, but I do recommend eating in their restaurant. The venue is very nice and would make a great romantic date night spot!

    (5)

  • Deb M.

    I love Bangkok 54! I live right around the corner and love coming here at any chance! Although I usually stick to my fave, chicken pad Thai, the food is amazing! The ambiance is laid back, a bit on the dark side, but perfect for a fate night or hanging out after work for happy hour!

    (5)

  • Chelsea D.

    So this place used to be incredible. Their drunken noodles were to die for. Before a couple months ago, I used to order "non spicy" and what I would get was a less spicy version of the dish. But then suddenly, two times in a row, the non spicy drunken noodles became utterly flavorless. I'm scared to try them again because it's probably a huge calorie bomb and I want it to be great if I partake.

    (3)

  • Alex W.

    They're food is delicious and they have a decent happy hour. They're appetizers are awesome and during happy hour they're fairly cheap so you can get a whole bunch and be satisfied. However, once happy hour is over their drinks spike to almost 10 bucks a pop.

    (4)

  • Marie C.

    This is our go to delivery place. Delivery is usually faster than they say and it has always been hot. We have been ordering from this place for over a year now and have tried a few different items. Pad Thai: Is great, we love it Red Curry w/Beef: great flavor and spice; beef is always tender and delicious Panang Curry w/Chicken: Spicier than we have had before, made the mistake of asking for more spice the first time, will not to that again. Drunken Noodles w/Beef(Chicken): Sometimes can be oily, but delicious flavor as well Duck Rolls: Amazing flavor, was a little soggy when it showed up for delivery, but so so so so so good!!!! We have tried a number of thai places and really like this place. Although we haven't really had Thai we haven't liked before. Def recommend this place!

    (5)

  • Cliff W.

    I have lived for many.. many... MANY years on the pike and all that time I never gave this place a second thought. I wasn't a huge fan of Thai food in general but recently that has changed and nowadays it's become a part of the rotation. The service is good, the food is probably the best in the area that I've tried, and I'm a big fan of the Chicken Basil noodles here. For $9.95 I don't think you'll find a better dish at that price either. Maybe it's because I haven't gone there on the weekends, but during the week it's not very busy at all and really easy to grab a quick meal if you're one of those folks who is consistently busy every evening. A friend of mine who used to live in Reston used to say that this place was the best Thai in the area... I don't know if I can say that but I can't say he's wrong either.

    (4)

  • Michelle W.

    Bangkok 54 is a hidden gem in Arlington. The ambiance is chic, but not pretentious. The food is delicious and the portions are generous. I was not a fan of Thai food prior to trying Bangkok 54, now I am a convert. Prior to Bangkok 54, I found most Thai dishes to have pungent, unbalanced flavors. Bangkok 54 turned that opinion on its ear! Their dishes are fresh, well seasoned, with the right amount of "kick". I tried the fresh roll, stir-fried spicy eggplant, drunken noodles, and was not disappointed with a single dish. An added bonus was their cocktail selection and execution. The drinks were aesthetically pleasing and delicious as well. Score!

    (4)

  • Colin C.

    Been coming here for almost a decade and the best combination of great food, good atmosphere, and good service. Reasonably priced still despite it's popularity and it bought out the restaurant next door a few years back to expand its size and add more of a bar. The spicy roasted tofu or duck are the most unique. You might be in store for some issues the next day but well worth it for the spiciness. The duck roll and curry puff are also very delicious and unique. The place is in a somewhat dingy shopping center but the inside is nice enough to have bday celebrations, work HH's, etc.

    (5)

  • Dana B.

    Parking is available in the lot on the backside of the restaurant. There is also another private lot and street parking available.

    (4)

  • Tasha K.

    Love this place. They have very good salads and appetizers. Some of my favorit ones are: papaya salad, chicken satay, crispy tofu,...try the beef massamum.

    (4)

  • Neha P.

    We have been going to Bangkok 54 quite often but we were extremely disappointed with the food this time. It seemed like they had a back up chef because it was a slow day. We had ordered 5 separate dishes and they all had a sweet taste to them even though we had requested spicy. The food temperature was luke warm. This would be the last time I'm going there. My $60 is worth spent elsewhere.

    (1)

  • Jess Y.

    4.5 stars This restaurant, everything from the servers, the cooks, the decorations, the ambiance, and the food remind me of Thailand. Even better was that when we were seated, I noticed that the customer sitting at the table next to us was speaking in Thai to the waitress. And you know, that's gotta be a good sign. The place is extravagantly adorned and the lighting is intimately dark but not to the point where you cannot read. It is rather upbeat inside and definitely has a bar/restaurant feel with the TVs and music. The menu is extensive and varied. We ordered the pork belly for an appetizer and a spicy fish and the drunken noodles (as recommended). The pork belly was deliciously fattening and crispy. It also came with a great dipping sauce. Kinda makes you feel guilty after munching on them when you think of what they are made of--but...only kinda. The drunken noodles were delicious--definitely had a kick but they were chewy and well-seasoned. I was also really impressed by the fish. It was fried to a crisp and then a spicy/sour sauce was poured on top. Overall, great experience and delicious flavors. I would be interested in coming back to try some of their drinks or desserts!

    (4)

  • Carly A.

    Loved it!!! I was visiting the city and had dinner w college friends. The staff is awesome! They knew my friends drink order and favorite menu items. I ordered Panang chicken and it was to die for. Don't forget you can customize how spicy they make the dish.

    (5)

  • Steve S.

    How can you get excited over chicken meatballs? When they are delicately crusted and accompanied by an exquisite spicy/tangy sauce. What a wonderful menu, from the stds like Pad Thai to Satay Chicken, this is great eat in, take out or delivery place!

    (5)

  • Shannon B.

    There are many Thai restaurants in this neighborhood, some rough-looking yet popular and claim to be authentic. I wasn't sure what this one would offer. I found the prices to be comparable even though the atmosphere is much more ambient, as someone else said, chic yet not pretentious. The food arrived and the presentation was fair-good. When I tasted the food I was blown away. So much attention to detail... It' so rare that I come away from a meal feeling so satisfied. My partner and I had the Larb as a starter - minced chicken. The flavor and texture, it made my mouth sing. For entrees we had the Crispy Squid with Basil and the Pad Se Ew. What a great combo. The squid is cut in and battered in an unusual manner, perfectly spicy, served with rice. The Pad Se Ew noodles were flavored nicely and very complimentary. I loved this meal. I can't remember the name of the cocktail I had but it was lightly sweet with herb infusion, I only needed one. It was all so pleasant. 2 weeks ago and I'm still thinking about it.

    (5)

  • Lauren D.

    This place closes at 10... So If you happen to be arriving at 9:40 you can order, but it's prob best to just do take-out! That said, their tom yum soup and pad thai were amazing!

    (4)

  • Anne C.

    so....I'll admit it....I am not a HUGE fan of thai food in general. I rarely get cravings for it, BUT i do know good thai food when I taste it. and this was some fairly tasty thai food! I ordered take out from here so this review is solely based on that, but we ordered a thai iced tea, drunken noodles with beef and the spicy roasted duck. The iced tea was decent, sweet as it normally is, but not sooo OVERLY sweet like some other thai restaurants that you can't even drink it. The beef drunken noodles were tasty, flavorful, (HIGH SODIUM of course, but it's pretty rare a thai dish isn't...). Now, the spicy roasted duck was a little bit of a surprise to me, I wasn't expecting it to be battered and fried, but looking back at menu description, i saw that it was "crispy duck' in the description, i had only seen "roasted duck" and thought it would be a roasted, non-battered dish, but it was actually crispy...still delicious and flavorful though and not overly battered. my only problem is that duck is such a distinct, flavorful meat that when you batter it up and cook it with all those spices, it really loses the duck flavor you are looking for. You honestly can put that batter on anything and make it tasty. The drunken noodles were better than other thai restaurnats (definitely better than thai square) because it was flavorful adn the beef was tender. An additional upside of it all? Good portions! The only problem with many thai dishes is that a lot start to taste the same with the spices and ingredients they use (typically high sodium, carby dishes), but if you do eat rice with it, it's good and of course eveyrone needs some high sodium, carby dishes once in a while right?! I've only eaten their food once, but I know that if I want thai food again, I would order takeout from here again and avoid some of the other thai restaurants and possibly dine-in. Can't wait to try more dishes and I hope it's consistent!

    (3)

  • Jenny T.

    If you think you can eat spicy food...try the Drunken Noodles. I'm never doing it again. sooooo spicy. Very awesome interior--they have some strange blank canvases hung up, though. I was trying to figure out if that WAS the art and I just didn't get it, or if someone was going to paint something there eventually. Haha I'm just being a hater as usual, though. The decor really is nice, the atmosphere is romantic, and their presentation of food is pretty top-notch. Oh yea, and their food and drink tasted pretty good, too. Again, though...Thai food is one of those cuisines that I've had a hard time finding a place that really messed it up.

    (4)

  • waleska p.

    Another one of my favorites on the Pike, I am a regular here. I love their HH and their food. If you like spicy try the Pad Sator. The Crispy Duck and the Crispy Basil pork are very good too. Seafood dishes that I also like are the salmon and the butternut squash shrimp curry. The green papaya salad is very good, sometimes I just go there for drinks and salad. They have a full stocked bar and the drinks are all good, HH starts at 4:30 and you can get appetizers for half prize. Parking can be a pain sometimes, but you can park on the street or across the street under the Halstead (free after 6PM). Weekends and Friday nights are very busy, so recommend you make reservations.

    (4)

  • Kuen L.

    Never again I would go back!! So I went here for a friend's birthday dinner, we bought a cake and we were charged $2 per person for them to serve "OUR" cake for 10 of us. We weren't told when we handed them the cake and the manager wouldn't do anything about it. Really?? I've never heard of such thing! Foods were alright, nothing I found was much different than a typical Thai restaurant.

    (1)

  • Jessica P.

    Best Thai food I've ever had hands down. Went with the fam for a birthday celebration. Even my picky dad raved about their food, that's when you know. Ordered the: Drunken Noodles - Highly recommended on yelp, lots of flavor but a bit greasy for my taste Pad Thai - Had nice flavor but didn't come with a lime wedge. So it lacked the tangy sour taste I'm accustomed to with pad thai Crispy Rock Fish - Filets of rock fish deep fried & coated with a sweet tangy green mango sauce. Tasted divine! 54's Fried Rice - I would come back here just for their fried rice. Extremely tasty, I could lick the plate clean if I could! Green Curry - A simple curry that packed a punch. Loved the bamboo shoots in there, it provided a unique crunch & taste in the curry All in all I'll definitely becoming back to (re)try their dishes! Bangkok 54 lives up to its hype, highly recommend!

    (5)

  • Scott S.

    Bangkok 54 serves consistently-fantastic Thai food in an upscale yet approachable setting in Arlington, VA, near the Pentagon. Dined with two in-laws very familiar with Thai cuisine and we had a fantastic meal. The spicy som tum (papaya salad) was exceptionally good, as was the Duck 54 and the Pad See Ieu (wide rice noodles with slightly sweet black bean sauce, egg, chicken, and Chinese broccoli). We also enjoyed their specialty cocktails (e.g., the key-lime martini). The ambiance is elegant and the service staff were efficient, attentive, courteous and welcoming. We can't wait to go back.

    (5)

  • Christa C.

    Always happy with this place! Years after moving away from Arlington I still dream of the Pad See Ew and visit whenever possible. Service is reliably good.

    (4)

  • Anastasia S.

    I've walked by this place many times, and finally decided to hop in and try the food here. Food: Drunken Noodles : Ok Tom Kha Kai soup : Good Thai Tea : Bland, no sweetness Service: Not good. Our waiter was apathetic, except when it came to forcing us out of the restaurant. We had just sat down, and he brought us water and asked what we wanted right away. We asked for a bit more time. He returned in about 60 seconds. Before we had finished our food, he laid the check on the table. Basically we were served by a robot. I think I was more bothered by him rushing us because the restaurant was not busy (there were two empty tables on either side of us). We were happy to oblige him however because we felt no welcoming atmosphere. I only give this restaurant two stars because the interior is beautiful. Very clean and earthy feeling. I was impressed with the simplicity and lighting. However, I won't come back again because I can get better and cheaper Thai food with much better service at other locations on Columbia Pike.

    (2)

  • Tiffany W.

    Best Pad Thai around!! I always order it here and whoever I'm with has always enjoyed their meal... most recently someone ordered the drunken noodles and said it was good and hot! The staff is really nice, parking is available in the back though it's packed on a sat night and the restaurant has a nice intimate feel.

    (5)

  • Liz R.

    house special duck rolls for an appetizer are a steal. not usually a huge Thai person but went in support of my SO. interior looks very nice. waitstaff were attentive and personable. would like to go back and try the happy hour menu

    (4)

  • Kelly J.

    i have never had a bad meal. love fried rice, fabulous appetizers, fresh veggies. Best thai resturent .

    (4)

  • Ritzie C.

    Spicy roasted duck. Need I say more? Oh ok, fine. Drunken noodles. Pad thai. Tom yum soup with shrimp. While their crispy basil squid is good, it pales in comparison to Thai Square's. Regardless, Bangkok 54 is consistently good and the decor is very appealing. It's a great place for a date - quiet, ambient lighting, and cozy with a trendy touch at the same time. And (score!) they deliver! Do try it. And when you do, invite me to come along. We can eat family style and I can nosh off of all of your plates!

    (4)

  • B B.

    Nice ambiance to this place. Liked that u could sample different sake for a smaller price. I had broccoli in garlic sauce and it was good and tasty but being new to Thai not sure if it was considered wonderful or anything

    (3)

  • Steve L.

    Good food, at a great price, but: After I asked multiple times for Spicy Pad See Ew, EXTRA SPICY, the waitress told me that they couldn't make it spicy and that she'd just bring me the spice tray on the side. They cater towards Americans here. Go next door to their Bangkok 54 Oriental Food Market if you want some greater authenticity.

    (3)

  • Craig B.

    Really, really good fried basil squid. Ambiance is good for dates. Got the duck appetizer others on Yelp recommended and it was pretty bad, not much meat. I love duck, but don't get that. That basil squid more than made up for it though. They also have a nice wine selection and good bar including Mekhong a Thai whiskey made from sugar cane and rice. Parking is convenient, bonus points for that.

    (4)

  • Mileska R.

    I've never had anything here that didn't taste great! The happy hour is one of the best in Arlington and the service is great as well. I am always down for the Pad Sator and the 54's Crispy Duck, both spicy and different but ultimately delicious. Parking is a nightmare behind it at time so just park under the apartments across the street or do metered parking around the area. This is a favorite hands down!

    (4)

  • HanaDC T.

    I had a duck roll and drunkin noodle. Those were fantastic. I was disappointed at many Thai restaurants that were so americanized and serving super bland taste. This place is not that case. The restaurant is so clean and the waiters were supper friendly. They can speak a good English. This is one of the best Thai restaurant in NOVA.

    (5)

  • Cafe W.

    This place still beautiful and busy as usual. We ordered Mai Tai (alcohol drinks) and the bartender lady that we know. She made it perfect every time.. it's pretty impressive! It taste like fruit punch mix with other liquors, but we will never know the other ingredients. But as long as I can drink it, I don't have any problem...... lol We ordered Chicken Meatballs and Spicy Roasted Duck Salad for appetizers. Chicken meatballs was quite good! Crispy batters outside and minced chicken inside. Plus Thai chili sauce is always irresistible... goes very well with any fried food. Spicy roasted duck salad was also amazing! I don't even like to eat salad, and duck. But wow.. this place sure can made the perfect roasted duck! Crispy skins and good texture. And lettuce goes SUPER well with spicy lime dressing. Entree were also excellent. My mom got Pork Fried Rice. And I ordered Seafood Drunken Noodles. Pork fried rice was very good. It's quite hard to describe but.. Thai friend rice is very simple but they just made it perfectly. Light sweet and salty taste, perfectly cooked rice. It makes you keep eating this dish until it's all gone! Yeah... I'm not even exaggerated. Seafood drunken noodles was SPICY! I'm Thai, but I usually don't eat extra spicy food. But wow, it was very tasty... even though they made it quite spicy! Everything in the dish is so balance. Perfectly cooked shrimps, squid, scallops, noodles. Great service (the bartender lady that we know also served us food) it was great! And it's not that expensive at all.. generous portion of food and drinks. I usually don't get hype over a Thai restaurant..... but this place really is amazing.

    (5)

  • Marian P.

    Overall, good authentic Thia food. Service is just OK. I asked my server what Gins they had available and it seemed like a chore to get that out of her. I visited at night and the ambience seemed very dark. I had the salt and pepper Calamari, it was very greasy....I wouldn't recommend but then I got Lobster and Shrimp curry....very,. very, very good.

    (3)

  • Betty L.

    We have been there many times. Some months we went there 2times a weeks and we usually recommend to our friend in D.C areas go for awesome Thai food. Food was different tonight, not test the same. Service was interesting. It use to be my favorite Thai restaurant but not any more I think tonight it's our last time ever. We start with same appetizer Numtok(beef salad) , Kanom Jeeb( dumpling ) Tom Kha sea food and Yum Pla Duk Pu all were over sour I can't finish the rest, accept Dumpling. We didn't enjoin our supper as we use to at this restaurant.

    (1)

  • Vishal S.

    Definitely one of the best Thai food restaurants in the DMV area. I am a regular customer here and love most of the dishes we try - right from soups to chicken dishes to meat dishes to noodles and fried rice! Only one complaint - limited tight parking spaces at the restaurant and I often have to drive a few blocks to find parking. They are good for delivery too!

    (4)

  • Evonne L.

    My yelping scale goes like this: I will only give one place 5 stars based on the cuisine- ie sushi resturant, only one place gets 5 stars, pizza, only one place, etc etc. Bankok 54 is the proud recipient of my best thai food 5 stars. A banner will be in front of the building very soon. I am never dissapointed in their authenticity, quality, tastiness, awesome service and value. Here's the breakdown of choices you must try: Group dinner: Spicy basil squid (fried) - $12.95 Crispy pork belly - $12.95 Pad kee mow - $9.95 Chili basil fried rice $9.95 Pad See Ew - $9.95 Feeling healthy: Green papaya salad - $6.95 very spicy though, so if you dont like too much spice tell them when you're ordering Tom Yum - $4.25 Also, their trio lunch specials are AMAZING. For $10-13 you a huge entree portion, spring/fresh roll, aaaannd mango sticky rice for dessert. Yes, mango sticky rice. Included with your lunch special! It's a great deal. Thai food at its best, friends!

    (5)

  • Mark B.

    For Delivery- friendly staff answered the phone. Courteously and professionally took my order (chicken pad see ew and chicken kaprao). Promised to have it at my apartment in 45 minutes. 25 minutes later, my phone rings- the driver (Sam?) is at the door. Maybe the friendliest driver I've ever met. Thanked me for handing him a 20% tip which was half in quarters (my bad!) - he should win an award for friendliness. Should have tipped more- this food is KILLER. Flavorful, fresh, NOT OILY (as far as thai goes). I've overeaten and am now in a food coma.... But I am so, so happy. Best Thai I've had in the DMV. Do yourself a favor- order food from here. Support Bangkok 54. Arlington is a happier- and tastier- place for it.

    (5)

  • Tiffany B.

    DELICIOUS take out. I crave this place. The pineapple fried rice and Pad Thai are delicious. I took one star away because it is a bit pricey for the small portion sizes.

    (4)

  • Patricia J.

    My veggie and tofu drunken noodles were just ok. Price was about $10 for dinner. I've had better for sure. I think the dish was just a tad greasy overall and wasn't especially exciting in the flavor department. If you're not into spice, this is definitely an ideal dish. I tend to like alot of spice so I just asked for more on the side. Takeout service was quick and friendly. Maybe next time I should try something more traditional like a curry to get that wow factor I was looking for.

    (3)

  • Phil S.

    I went to Bangkok 54 yesterday for the 4:30-6:30 Happy Hour. $4 starters and $6 cocktails always sounds like a good deal! Especially since it's rare to find a HH on Sundays. I was disappointed with the HH selections. You could only choose from 5-6 drinks and I tried four and wasn't impressed by any. I gave the Fried Bacon a shot which was decent. It came covered in a vinegar/tangy sauced salad which wasn't good to me. The bacon itself was just that FRIED. Always good to try something that isn't normally deep fried but I won't get it again(besides the fact that I want to live). The Duck Rolls are a must!!!! It was absolutely delicious!! All the wonderful textures and tastes of a normal duck dish but wrapped in roti bread which tastes like a buttery croissant!! Try it!! The honey sesame chicken were regular frozen chicken wings with honey drizzled on on top and some seeds dumped on it. It by no means was false advertisement but a little underwhelming. Lastly, We walked in and were seated immediately! I was sat in the front window that faces Columbia Pike. I thought it was the best seat in the house until I realized the kitchen and all the servers were at the other end which made it hard to get their attention. That normally isn't bad but when you're on a two hour time schedule it wasn't the most efficient way to get it done. I would definitely go back and crush the duck rolls!! I feel they can redeem themselves!!

    (3)

  • Brian P.

    I went here on a date and wasn't that satisfied with what 54 had to offer. The food was decent but the seating is weird and spaced out poorly making it hard to have a private conversation. The service was good and the beer was cheap but it's not a place I would go back to again.

    (3)

  • Bim S.

    I was craving some Thai Food and stumbled upon this place after work. The place was clean and the people were really nice. I ordered the Tom Yum and some Drunken Noodles. Let me tell you. The Best Thai food I have had period! I will go there again to see if this was just a one time thing or if the food is delicious always. I recommend this place. You wont be disappointed.

    (5)

  • Laura Y.

    As a new resident of NOVA, Bangkok 54 has become my Thai restaurant of choice in the area. I really enjoyed the Pad Prik King, and the Panang Curry was solid. My husband has had the Firery Kaprao both visits and enjoyed it, although it could have been spicier. The Thai iced tea and spring rolls are standard to any Thai restaurant. The atmosphere is cute-classy. In all, worth a visit if you are a pickyish Thai food eater.

    (4)

  • Alex W.

    On a recent visit, I decided to order a couple of standard entrées. On my way out on my previous visit, I had spied on a noodle dish that was coming out of the kitchen, which made me vow to order it on the next visit. Pad Kee Mao, or the well-known Drunken Noodles, is one of my all-time favorites and it is a must-order when I eat Thai, especially for weekend lunch. This kitchen's rendition comes with a choice of different meats or seafood, and I decided to go full gusto - I went for the seafood combination. The plate arrived with glossy wide rice noodles that have been well-coated with its slightly sweet brown sauce without any excess grease pooled on the plate, with large chunks of tender squid, shrimp and huge sweet scallops barely hanging on to the noodles as if they are about to roll off a mountain - this was truly a seafood delight. I relished every strand of noodle with the obligatory splash of vinegared green chili condiment that came in a flourescent-red basket. I was in noodle heaven. To read rest of review and view photos, check out my blog at Wongeats.

    (4)

  • Daniel B.

    I got the Duck Spring Rolls and a Mai-Thai on a lazy Saturday night. The Mai Thai was literally ON FIRE, and strong enough to make me glad I paid $10 for the drink. The presentation is really well done. Even the duck spring rolls were presented well and were filling enough for a big person like me. I'm going to return there soon to try out more food and probably get a big fruity drink with an umbrella in it.

    (4)

  • Sany N.

    Huge fan of this place. I love Thai Food and after being introduced to this spot, i went back twice in four days!! Spacious interior. Great service. Authentic cuisines and delicious. We ordered the yellow curry, pad see ew and chicken skewers. Gosh i love Thai's peanut sauce!! I cant wait to eat here again. I also love how they have a mini market that sells a lot of their food to go as well. awesome!

    (4)

  • Doug V.

    I'm a huge Thai foodie. I always give each place I try for the first time a "test" by seeing how they do with the good old drunken noodles. They did quite well in my book. I really enjoyed the decor and atmosphere of the place. The larb was a great appetizer as well, though I do wish they served it with whole leaves of lettuce rather than chopped up pieces so that you can use the leaves to scoop up the meat. Overall a solid experience, and I would recommend this place to others in the area!

    (4)

  • Leigh D.

    This is the 2nd best Thai I've ever had. Columbia Pike is where it's at for Thai. See my Thai Square review. It's an awesome option too. My experience was on Saturday, February 9. It was a date with an awesome black chick I met a couple of weeks earlier. We had a nice time and walked next door to the Arlington Drafthouse Cinema for a free comedy show in the Green Room. Check it out if you are over at Bangkok 54 or other area restaurants on a Friday or Saturday. During the comedy show, I had my arm around her, and one of the comedians pointed out to me in the audience and said 'you are a lucky guy to be with her. I never have any luck with black chicks. This guy is doing something right. We need to talk after the show.'. This made me feel great since it was only a first date. This was confirmation that the date went extremely well. However, we could never schedule a 2nd date. She later told me that she didn't feel the chemistry...at least she was honest, but after all that, I thought for sure it was an excellent date. Take away is that I can cherish the memories of the comedy show and our Thai dinner, but most importantly, the excellent food at Bangkok 54!

    (5)

  • Elle C.

    Bangkok 54 looks like a warehouse from the outside but surprisingly has a warm, glossy interior. (Glossy? I don't even know...) I came here once for a friend's birthday dinner and was happy with the experience (food, service, ambience) so I came back because I happened to crave Thai food while I was in the area. We went at an awkward time (3pm onna sunday) so clearly no wait, though I think for primetime hours you should make a res or at least call ahead. Today we ordered the pad thai with shrimp (classic), chili basil fried rice and the bangkok 54's crispy duck which had a "must try!" In the description on the menu. The pad thai was delish. Perfect in every way. The fried rice was kind of mediocre. Didn't have a kick of flavor the way I thought it would. And the duck was okay. I really liked the crispiness along with the tender duck but in my opinion, the dish was overly salty. It needed a lot of rice to balance out the flavor. I probably wouldn't order that dish again. All in all, I think its one of the better thai restaurants I've eaten at. :)

    (4)

  • Ed D.

    Solid thai food. Which for some odd reason is not easy to come by in the Arlington area. The place itself is actual quite upscale. Don't get me wrong, it's not like a Thai version of what Studio 54 must have been like in the day (as the name might have you believe), but it is quite sophisticated. Great lighting (not too light/not too dark) and a semi-open kitchen to watch the food being made makes this a nice date place. I had the chicken red curry - extra hot. And, even after saying "make it as hot as you can possibly make it" and "give me THAI hot", it was still a weak sauce. (Which may be a misleading statement as the actual curry sauce, while not "burn your mouth off hot", was still quite tasty). You might have to become a regular before they pull out the "big guns" for you. That said, I'm sure you as a reader don't care about my spicy dilemmas, so bottom line, if you're looking for solid Thai in the area, give Bankok 54 a shot. (Added bonus: there is a parking lot in the back... to save you the hassle of street parking)

    (4)

  • Jamel V.

    I have been a fan for over 5 years and I've experienced ups and downs with this place. I LOVE the food however sometimes there are questionable instances in which I find myself questioning if I need to find a new Fav Thai place. I've decided I only do take out from now on since my last visit ended with a roach crawling on my table and all after I bragged about it being the BEST Thai in NOVA to a coworker. However I've experienced peanuts although I ordered the Pad Thai without and was reassured it didn't have any even after showing up to pick it up and the person taking it to the back with a soon in hand. I asked several times while checking out and paying and was assured it definitely didn't have any. Needless to say I came home and discovered not only peanuts but also hair. The quality is usually pretty good however this place has had hit or miss moments lately. Although on a good day its definitely the BEST Thai in NOVA. I would suggest getting the Fiery Ka Praw and the Pad Thai. The lunch deals are pretty good as well.

    (3)

  • Tara M.

    My friends and I have a special kind of love for Thai food. We eat it way more than any other type of food and we always like to try new restaurants. Bangkok 54 was the most disappointed I've been about Thai food in awhile. Not that it was awful or inedible, it was just extra average tasting. There was an Americanized or "contemporary" infusion in most of the dishes and it tasted like what I imagine it would be like if someone with little to no culinary background had prepared our food by following some Thai fusion recipes they found on reddit. Also their prices are about 30% higher than most Thai food restaurants, possibly due to their "contemporary flare." Finally, the sticky rice broke my heart and left me feeling hallow and unfulfilled. We really should've gone to rincome right across the street, they have excellentially savoracious sticky rice and everything's a little cheaper.

    (3)

  • Daniela P.

    My friends and I came here for dinner and let me tell you everything we ordered was superb! every dish was really really good and the best part is that it is not as expensive as some other restaurants in the area. Also, they have delicious cocktails and service was great too!

    (5)

  • Katie L.

    It used to be my favorite Thai restaurant until today. I came here on a Tuesday night and got drunken noodles with shrimps. It costs three dollars more but I ONLY had four shrimps! This is so ridiculous! I've never got only four shrimps in my noodles from any Thai restaurant. The noodles were also burned. It was nasty and oily. I am not sure whether I will come back here any more. It's just getting worse and worse during the past few months.

    (2)

  • Christine H.

    One of the usual lunch places on rotation with my work girl friends. We always get good service and good food. The lunch specials are decent and I usually get the drunken noodles or wok fried rice. They re-opened their store next door to get thai/asian specialty foods, so make sure you walk by after, and get a dessert or prepared foods area for your next meal...

    (3)

  • Jini K.

    I generally judge a thai restaurant by their panang curry with tofu/vegetables, which also happens to be my favorite dish. I love when restaurants serve a thick and creamy panang curry, which is hearty and flavorful. Unfortunately, the panang curry at Bangkok 54 is watered down and not as flavorful as I'm accustomed to. For that alone, I have to deduct 2 stars. The remainder of the food is solid, with the exception of the Mock Duck, which is stand-out! The Mock Duck used to be known as a special tofu dish, but the name has been changed. It's essentially crispy tofu pieces, which are seasoned incredibly well (a bit salty/tangy/spicy). If Bangkok 54 ever changed up their panang curry recipe to make it less watered down, I would give this place a solid 5 star rating, because the Mock Duck is simply amazing and they are one panang curry away from being out-of-this-world GOOD!

    (3)

  • Jigme U.

    Excellent environment. Beautiful decor brought from Thailand. Full Bar. Private Parking. Finally a Thai restaurent that balances it's basil and cilantro on its dishes. Starter: Yum Pla Duk Fu. Shredded and battered fish with green mango salad with peanut, cilantro and vinaigrette. Excellent. From the Hot Wok the Fiery Laprao Seafood combo. Fiery chili garlic, bell pepper, onions and fresh basil leaves. Excellent. Crispy Fried Rock Fish. Do not get this if you plan to get the Yum Pla Duk Fu. Half a fish fillets topped with shredded green mangoes, etc. very much like the starter.

    (4)

  • Joanne B.

    The hype is real! We went to Bangkok 54 last night and we loved it! Still going through withdrawals from our trip to SE Asia last month we were craving some Thai food and this place did not disappoint. The duck rolls were meaty and delicious. Not too much mustard in the sauce which was good. We ordered the pad see ew (wide noodles), pineapple fried rice and the crispy pork (all requested mild due to my lightweight hubby who can't take the heat ;). Every thing we ordered was on point. The wide noodles were full of meat and crisp, hearty Chinese broccoli. Cooked perfectly and not too greasy. The pineapple fried rice was tasty and had enough pineapple in every bite, yet it wasn't too sweet! And the crispy pork was divine! Perfectly fried with bell peppers with a fragrant basil sauce, yum! We didn't finish all our food but were excited to have leftovers. Although they forgot to pack our white rice in our take out bag I won't hold it against them. I think this might be the best Thai in the DC metro area! Can't wait to come back and try more things on the menu. Why is all the best Asian food outside of the city?! *sigh*

    (5)

  • Rakesh N.

    One of our favorite place in Arlington for thai. We like Bangkok curry puff and drunken noodles

    (5)

  • Rebecca M.

    Have been here dozens if times over the past few years. Meals have always been consistently delicious. My chicken has always been tender white meat, good quality... no scary parts. Flavors always bold and tasty. Specialty drinks are very tasty, but usually pretty weak.

    (4)

  • Huy H.

    Very reliable Thai place. The duck rolls with roti bread were alright but nothing to write home about -- they seem to use a smoked duck or something so it's not super fresh. The roti bread is what makes the appetizer stand out. Their pad thai is decent though my noodles came out on the raw side.

    (3)

  • joe w.

    Recommend the pad thai noodles, spicy tofu, potato dish, and curries with rice. The staff are proficient at speaking Thai (saw-wah-de-kah). Also recommend Thai desserts of coconut jello and thai custard too. Note one can expect delivery to Pentagon City mall area to take about 20 minutes.

    (4)

  • AM C.

    I have been here 3 times. First time loved it, the food was delicious and the ambiance was great Second time, the food was good but I wished I ordered curry instead of the duck (just personal preference, but duck was great). Third time... Disappointing. I went with someone that had never tried Thai food before. One of the dishes we ordered was Panang with chicken thinking you can never go wrong.... well it was terrible. No taste and the sauce was watery. With so many other great Thai places, I won't be coming here again.

    (3)

  • Hilary J. A.

    I love Bangkok 54! I'm practically an unpaid spokesperson for it I think! They have wonderful entrees, great flavor! I wasn't a Thai fan until I ate here--which, I still don't do the spicy meals but I love the pineapple pork rice with cashews and other rice/noodle dishes. Their interior is decorated really cool--the 'restaurant' side is a little more 'casual' and the bar side sort of has ambient lighting and is decorated very calming and modern. --one note I will leave you with is that I would caution you to order the catch of the day unless you are extremely familiar with fish (head and all...)!! Prices are seriously amazing, for two people with drinks, appetizers, entrees we usually spend about $60!

    (4)

  • Darcey K.

    I've realized I'm not a huge fan of Tai and I'm ok with that. If unique flavors and lots of meat is what your after Bangkok 54 will definitely be a good pick. As an adventurous foodie I like to think that I still try to make healthy choices however I wasn't finding it or I was just too picky this night. The food was delicious and full of unique flavors. The parking is limited in the rear (however better than in the city), the service was mediocre/poor on my 2 visits, and the lack of healthy options were the cons to my recent experiences. Atmosphere : Contemporary and inviting Service: Mediocre Food: Good however lacked healthy options Price: Low budget and affordable for all (singles, couples, families) Overall experience: Ok

    (3)

  • Katie G.

    Hm. I'm a regular, being so close by, but I had take out the other day and it was so.very.ordinary. The coconut milk in the soup had turned and the beef with broccoli was not tasty and they'd added carrots to it (not a good idea). Are they getting cocky?

    (3)

  • Alana G.

    This place has over 100 reviews with an average of 4/5 stars, which sounds great. And the friends I went there with had eaten there several times before and had always enjoyed it, so I was looking forward to good Thai food. The food was excellent, I will give them that. Frustrating that the dishes can't be ordered in varying degrees of spicy. But, the service was SLOW (took almost 20 minutes to get soup, then another 30 minutes for entrees). Took 10 minutes to flag someone down to get the bill, then another 10 to sign for our credit cards. But, the worst was that within the few first bites of soup, my friend and noticed not one, but three, cockroaches joining us for dinner. When we informed a member of the wait staff, she ran to tell the manager, and we offered another table. And a few minutes later, the explanation that a bug guy was coming in the morning (which, after reading another Yelper's comments, I have my doubts). And, other than an apology, no comp to the bill, nothing. It might have been better to just get up and leave after the bug incident. I'll be finding other Thai places to dine at.

    (1)

  • Elina T.

    One on the best Thai places in the DC area. The decor is beautiful, elaborately and thoughtfully done but not gaudy. It makes me feel like I'm back in Bangkok. The food always hits the spot and the portions are great for the price. They have a lounge with live bands on various days. Good happy hour prices as well - $5 mixed drinks and $4 appetizers. Tonight, we stopped by for drinks and appetizers before going to see a movie at the Cinema Drafthouse. We had the summer rolls and the crispy edamame sticks, which we both delicious. The edamame sticks are a Bangkok 54 invention and they're great. The summer rolls are generous in size and are loaded with avocado. We also had their nigori (unfiltered sake) which was very good and well priced ($15 for the bottle). The have a very good drink menu, with lots of cocktails, beer, wine and sake varieties. The wait staff and bartenders are very friendly and we always feel welcome here.

    (5)

  • Jackie W.

    Drunken noodles and spicy roasted tofu keep me coming back almost every week. Amazing food at good prices. Sometimes the spice can give you a good kick, but this is one of my favorite Thai places in all of Arlington.

    (4)

  • Angela G.

    Incredibly yummy Thai food and not overpriced, per se, but Thai Square down the street makes all of the same dishes without the fancy garnishes and with much bigger portions. That all being said, Bangkok 54 is not meh, but spicy, bold and flavorful. Sometimes I'm in the mood for fancy pants and other times I want to be a plain jane. This is my go-to for times when my pants are indeed looking fancy. I'm an avid fan of their Drunken Noodles, spicy and wonderful with large tender shrimp. Tod mun (fish cakes) are savory though a little chewy, but fresh rolls are delightful and full of crunchy herbs. Satay and steamed dumplings are both good, but standard. Spicy tofu with basil is piquant garlicky goodness. And 54's fried rice lifts the ordinary dish out of mediocrity with delicious flavors. I usually get takeout, but the decor of the sitdown restaurant is rather lovely - enough to make you forget you're on Columbia Pike (or maybe a harkening of what's to come once they finish the revitalization). All in all, solid and delicious, with the 3-star rating only for the comparative value.

    (3)

  • Scott B.

    What a wonderful discovery. I live over 30 miles away from Bangkok 54, and just had my second visit last night. Stumbled upon it here on Yelp, looking for somewhere cool for my birthday dinner on the way into DC. Nearly everyone thought it was the best Thai food they had ever had. It probably depends on the dish, but we've tried lots of appetizers at this point, and several dishes. The first trip, the big hit was the waitress recommended Pad Cha From The Sea. Wow, simply amazing, if slightly heavy on the baby peppercorns. Last night, many of us went for variations on their Drunken Noodles. Also amazing, but blazing hot (a few people said too hot), so be prepared. I didn't try it, but apparently the Mai Tai is world class. Friendly servers, intimate atmosphere, this will always be a favorite when in Arlington.

    (5)

  • Andrew K.

    CONSUMER ALERT - this place is so overrated it pains me. Here is a summary: Thai Square was closed. So, walked in and was like "wow - this is off the hizook" - ambiance is unexpectedly modern and totally zen - capped off with a Thai lady praying to a Buddha icon." So, ordered a bunch of food and had some BAD experiences. Tea: was not Thai red tea, but rather a jasmine tea bag. Rice: was not sticky, starchy jasmine rice, but Uncle Ben's (though when prompted, they will lie and call it jasmine) Papaya salad: was normal; could have had more flavor, but papaya was fresh and crisp. Tom Ka soup: shrimps were good; but, soup lacked some essential ingredient. Duck roll: Looked beautiful - duck wrapped in a roti was like reconstituted duck jerky OR maybe duck made for astronauts. 54's salad: the salad was not interesting; the peanut dressing lacked spice or zing despite the description; the criminal aspect was the fried tofu. It was dehydrated tofu from a plastic bag. ICKY and a SIN. Green curry chicken: almost good, but lacked an X-factor. Something was missing. Panang beef: beef was tender; sauce was too smoky - like it had liquid smoke; broccoli was fresh and well-cooked. In summary, this place should close.

    (2)

  • Mark S.

    Had a very good meal here. I enjoyed the green curry, while my wife had mixed seafood with broccoli. We both ordered soup as well. The spice on my curry was noticable, but not overwhelming (which is exactly what I look for). Service was good. We ate early (5:30PM) because we had a later commitment, but the place was fairly crowded when we arrived, and packed by the time we left (always a good sign).

    (4)

  • The T.

    I've made many a believer in the chili basil fried rice with chicken. Spring rolls are also good but are pricey and only come in 2. Great for dinner.

    (4)

  • Cassie C.

    The food is good and authentic at Bangkok 54. Service is good. Staff are friendly. There is parking in back. The atmosphere is nice. I like the drunken noodles, the squid, and the honey roasted duck.

    (3)

  • Catherine L.

    My fav thai restaurant in this area so far. Great thai food!!

    (5)

  • Jennifer K.

    Little Gem in Arlington! I love Thai food, and this place definitely satisfied my cravings. I went for a date night and it was the perfect spot. We were sat in the back part of the restaurant, in a comfy booth. The place is cozy with curtains and pillows and warm lighting. We got the spring rolls as an appetizer, and were a little dissappointed when just 2 came out..but nonetheless it was in a cool presentation in a martini glass with sauce to dip at the bottom. I ordered the Basil Noodles--YUM and my date had the Pad Thai with the added seafood combination on top. We left full & happy~

    (5)

  • Julie J.

    Bangkok 54 is a pretty swank little restaurant located directly behind the Arlington Cinema and Drafthouse. The decor is very eye pleasing and it looks to be a popular after work spot for locals, but it didn't make a good first impression on me because their parking lot is a disaster - it's small, it's difficult to find a spot in, and it's impossible to get out of! That said, I still managed to have a good time catching up with my brother and chowing down here. We started off with firecrackers - jumbo shrimp wrapped with shredded vegetables and fried, served with sweet-chili sauce. The firecrackers were very good, but they served three, which is too few and an odd number... Then, I had my usual drunken noodles with chicken. It was decent, but I think my local Thai delivery place does it better. The service was also exceedingly slow. I probably wouldn't make a trip to the area to eat at Bangkok 54 again, but I would definitely stop here if I was in the area.

    (3)

  • Billy M.

    My wife and I have been ordering takeout from here for years, and we both enjoy it thoroughly. I generally find most Thai restaurants to be kind of boring; they're the kind of places that you can take a picky eater who wants to feel like they are being adventurous without actually trying anything interesting. Thankfully, Bangkok 54 is not just another boring Thai restaurant. They have all of the Thai standards and favorites, but they also have some more unique items that you don't see a lot of places. Our go to item is the spicy roasted tofu with basil; I've never had a similar dish anywhere else, but that may be function of the fact that I don't generally seek out Thai food. We never skip this one, and everyone that we've shared this with has loved it. Definitely worth a try! We usually order an old standard like pad thai or drunken noodles to go with. The Bangkok 54 golden chicken is pretty solid; it's a little sweet, but not overly so. We've recently discovered the house special duck rolls appetizer, which is quite tasty as well. I have been disappointed with the crispy pork belly with chili-basil, which sounds great in theory, but is a little tough for me. We also decided to try the pad sator one night (the "Recommended for Thai food eater only" disclaimer is basically a dare, right?), but it seems that the sator bean (also known as the "stink bean") is definitely an acquired taste; a little too weird for me! Bottom line, this is a solid Thai joint. Thumbs up!

    (4)

  • Erica G.

    Simply the best & here is why: 1. The food is made with fresh ingredients. You can clearly tell when eating the crisp vegetables which easily become overcooked at most restaurants but not here! 2. Great flavor profiles, well seasoned, tender proteins. The chicken satay was falling off the skewer, had great grill marks & flavoring (but not too much to take away from the peanut sauce which accompanied this app) 3. The spicy cashew hot wok is a delicious savory dish. The mushroom sauce pairs well with the cashews! 4. The drunken noodles are great (especially if you dine in at the restaurant-they seem to taste better/fresher opposed to delivery/pick up). I wouldn't recommend ordering the shrimp with these because they don't give you many (4 regular-sized shrimp at most- I thought this was a fluke the first time I ordered the dish for delivery but it happened again when I ordered it a second time in the restaurant as well). The beef and chicken are very good so I would recommend ordering these proteins over the shrimp. 5. Really friendly staff make for a pleasurable dining experience! :) 6. The dining atmosphere is very relaxing and great for a date night! Overall, LOVE this place and so happy I found it!!! UPDATE: I had to change my rating from 5 stars to 4 stars because I ordered the usual (drunken noodles with chicken & spicy cashew hot wok with beef) on 11/5/12 and was disappointed with the quality of the food. The chicken and beef were both tough, chewy, and very oily. The meals did not taste fresh but tasted more like 2 day old leftovers that they put in a pan of oil to heat up. The food was very greasy and had that leftover taste to it. Even the noodles were all clumped together and tasted way overcooked/soggy. I ended up throwing away majority of the food. I guess this place is hit or miss.

    (4)

  • Kimberly W.

    The food is pretty good. I ordered the Pad Thai it was good but I found it to be oily.

    (3)

  • Debi N.

    I don't see what the hype is about this place. The food is good, not blow me away amazing. There's nothing really special about this place. Besides that the decor is nice and it's a nice place to bring a date, I don't think I'd go out of my way to come here. The food is typical. The price is moderate. It gets busy during peak dinner times so be aware. They also won't seat you until your entire party is there. Nothing I've tried on the menu stands out.

    (3)

  • Kevin C.

    I have been here twice and was not disappointed. We had a couple of things that were "off" the menu since my SIL from Bangkok was with us. Everything was great from the Pad Thai, the curry puffs, the Panang and Massuman curries. Even the Mango and sticky rice was delicious. The only drawback is parking as a few other eateries share the same complex. All in All, cannot wait to go back.

    (4)

  • Claire G.

    So yummy! I got so full, but I didn't wanna stop eating :) Great service, great decor. I would definitely go back here.

    (4)

  • Jessica B.

    When that "itis" sets in, that's a pretty good indicator that the food here is good. This is definitely one of DC's top 5 Thai restaurants. Although parking is a huge pain in the ass (hence why most people in Arlington County metro/cab it everywhere), I was able to find a spot in the the crammed parking lot in the back. Service can be slow, but it's to be expected in a place that's usually packed like sardines almost every night. The food here is just that great. Unlike some of the reviewers here, I have been fortunate (knock on wood), to have never come across any creepy crawlers upon any of my visits here. Anyway, I'm a sucker for crispy and greasy duck, and Bangkok 54 definitely delivers with their Spicy Roasted Duck dish. The duck was cooked to perfection. The portion was so huge that I seriously thought I was going to have my friend drag me out of the restaurant.

    (5)

  • Joe N.

    I give it 3.5 stars. They have a parking lot in the back and have a person that will direct you to spots. This was one of my first places that I had Thai in the DC area. The place is consistently good. Pretty much everything is good and you can't really go wrong. My favorites are the Drunken noodles, and the Panang curry.

    (3)

  • Kelly C.

    Be careful when you say "you like it hot." You've got to mean it. Consistently good Thai food and great for vegetarians. I only wish they delivered to my area.

    (4)

  • Daniel A.

    The food was good...definitely on par with other Thai places around. It would have been an overall 3 star place based if there wasn't an incident with a bug in one of our dishes. That in itself is not a good sign but their reaction is what will dominate this review. I was disappointed with the wait staff and management for how they handled a bug in the food. It took 3 different people to verify that there was a bug in the food before they believe us and took the food away. We ate most of my dish but upon noticing the bug, it became a distraction and basically lost our desire to eat at this place. They provided us with a free dessert but I expected them to comp the dish as well, so it was very disappointing. With the abundance of Thai restaurants in Arlington, I can't see ever going back...at least not anytime soon.

    (1)

  • Charde' B.

    I visited this establishment for a dinner service. I made reservations and my table was ready as soon as I arrived. I have never eaten Thai really so I was unsure what to order. I had the drunken noodles. They were extremely spicy but good. I grew tired of the dish after a few bites and was unable tofinish. I believe there is basil in the dish so that added to the flavor intensity. Everyone at the table enjoyed their meal. My father had a stir fry with rock lobster in it which was good. My mother had shrimp fried rice. The shrimp were HUGE and the meal was delicious. I am looking forward to returning to this establishment. It had a very nice atmosphere and decent service. Definitely worth checking out if you are in the area.

    (4)

  • Zack F.

    I am conflicted. I used to love this place but it went downhill in service and food quality the last couple times I visited. I love the edamame sticks which are edamame beans stacked and tempura fried. They have a nice drink menu and a good sake selection. Nice atmosphere, decor and menu selection. Thai basil, drunken noodle, and Panang curry are all favorites. Plenty of vegetarian selections.

    (4)

  • Ashley C.

    Have not been let down by any dish here ever. Firecracker shrimp a particular fav. And the 54 maitai. And the drunken noodles. And the tom ka.......

    (5)

  • Donald P.

    Too noisy, could not converse w/o shouting.. Pad Thai too sweet and too large a portion. Pretty place though

    (2)

  • Kevin W.

    Bangkok 54 rice delicious

    (5)

  • Brent S.

    I was very happy to get a delivery menu in the mail for Bangkok 54, I didn't realize that they delivered to Ballston. The food here is really good. The drunken noodles that I just had were delicious. The other things I've gotten were pretty good too. I was brave and tried the Pad Sator one of the other times, which the menu specifically says is for "Thai food eater only" - in other words, not for the white yuppies that frequent here. It definitely tastes different than any Thai food I've ever had, it was good, if you're brave and want something new go ahead and try it. Parking here is a little tight but on one evening they had a guy in the lot directing people where to park. Overall I'd rank Bangkok 54 just slightly below Duangrat's for the best Thai in the area.

    (4)

  • FU Y.

    My favorite Thai place. I've yet to have a bad meal, after about a dozen visits. I personally love the Duck and Drunken Noodles, but many of the menu items are good, including curries and appetizers. Food is also prepared consistently - it's always a good meal! Recommended.

    (5)

  • Amanda S.

    Delicious! I have lived on the pike the past few years and could eat here every day. My favorites include: Fried tofu with chili sauce Fresh rolls Roasted spicy tofu with basil Green curry and Pineapple fried rice I have eat ten in and carried out and it is always fantastic! I highly recommend this restaurant. Check out their happy hour deals!

    (5)

  • Jocelyn H.

    My favorite Thai place to eat. Im not a fan of spicy food but i will drive from MD just to go out to eat here....the Lychee Martini are the bestest...I took my boyfriend here and he loved it...Healthy...quick...filling and AWESOME..what more can you ask for! I always look forward to my trips to Bangkok54 ive been a fan since 2010. TWO THUMBS UP

    (5)

  • Toni A.

    Great food, terrible service. Over the course of dinner, we were waited on by three different wait staff. 20 minutes into being seated we had not received water or been visited by any waiters. We had to flag someone down. It took close to an hour from the time we arrived to get our food. The food is delicious, but the service dampened our experience. I recommend take-out.

    (2)

  • Anthony H.

    Bangkok 54 is an excellent restaurant. Food, service, and environment tuned to provide a fantastic meal experience. "Whoa, Wow this is good." "Man, I can't believe how the duck has...JUST the right amount of crispy-ness!" "Please, more fish." "(sigh) mmmmm (in spontaneous unison)" These were some of the quotes of the night. Each was preceded by long periods of silence while stuffing our faces. I came to this restaurant thanks to a Thai friend and some checking on the Yelp reviews. The parking was rather difficult but this in a city; what would you expect. I ate here with three friend and upon entering we were quickly ushered to a nice table. The lighting was just a little low for me, but good enough to spot the bones in the fish. For starters we ordered the Green Papaya Salad and Satay Chicken. Unfortunately, I am allergic to peanuts so my friends ate while I enjoyed a Thai Iced Tea, waiting for the main meal. My friends, are from Cambodia and Thailand itself. They stated the Green Papaya Salad is the best in Metro DC while the Satay Chicken is not the best, but good. Now the main dishes. Fried Pork and Chinese Broccoli Drunken Noodles Boneless Crispy Duck Steamed Rock Fish Fried Pork and Chinese Broccoli - Excellent crunch when you bit into the vegetables while the pork had a light thin crispy texture with a deep savory taste of fat and meat. The browned pork was cut into square columns which balanced nicely with the deep rich green random cuts of broccoli. Drunken Noodles with Beef - Great taste, the noodles and very sweet peppers were nice in combination with the pieces of beef. This dish just slightly fell short, in that it wasn't pepper hot enough. Boneless Crispy Duck - Wow this is a must if you visit Bangkok 54. The pieces of duck are just crispy enough, like a thin shell holding in the great flavor of the duck. Then as you chew you find that what was just a thin shell has a great flavor itself. Overall this dish has a saltiness and sweetness that would win it the best dish of the night. However, it had to compete with the Rock Fish... Steamed Rock Fish - This was a surprise for me. I didn't expect this to be my favorite fish as I don't usually eat fish. Mostly that is because I always get disappointed at the fish when I do order it. This whole fish was placed in front of us and we all instantly began to adjust our utensils and plates around to prepare for some good eating. The fish was cooked well. The flavors in the skin and meat were fighting to fill my mouth with their own unique characteristics until they joined together making me savor each piece. Overall Bangkok 54 is an excellent way to eat Thai food.

    (4)

  • Jay T.

    I was there on Friday for dinner and ordered Pad Cha with seafood. IT WAS THE BEST! The waiter was really nice. I've always tipping them well because of the good service. I like the bar seating area, it's more relax with a subtle lighting and candle. A+ Just a note: I don't like the manager who looks up tight. I smiled at him and he didn't smile back. Welcome smile please?

    (4)

  • Alexander C.

    Searching for authentic Thai cuisine, but overwhelmed by all the choices? You've found the right place! I've been coming here for a few years and the service has always been pretty good, although when it gets extremely busy it can be a bit slow -- but I feel the food makes up for that! I love their Fiery Kaprow Tofu, Panang Curry, Crispy Tofu w/Basil and often we request a Larb Tofu salad which is custom made for us. I give them extra credit for making a dish especially for us and being so accommodating!

    (5)

  • Cindy M.

    Having two entrances makes the service of getting a table a little slow here, but it didn't take too long to get a seat. After being seated we were provided with only one menu, despite being a party of two, and the server took some time to bring another. The decor is very modern and minimalistic. Trendy place to take a date, but it was very difficult to hear each other speak. The tables and shared booths are very close to each other, so privacy might also be an issue. ENTREES: Golden chicken - served with brown rice that was a little dry, but the dish itself was great. It's sort of reminiscent of crispy beef, and it was perfectly made. It's a sweet dish so it can begin to wear on you as you go. A great tasting dish, and probably a good idea to share some. Roast duck curry - I would definitely get this again! The red coconut milk curry was perfect and just spicy enough for me without affecting the taste of the other food. The duck was thinly slice and honestly not that memorable. However, the pineapples and tomatoes were delicious in the curry. ATTN: They charge $1.95 for extra bowl of rice (which you need for the amount of curry they give you!) DESSERTS: Cheesecake with mango sauce - The cheesecake was perfect, smooth and creamy. Unfortunately, the mango on the side and the mango sauce on the cheesecake was bitter. The mangoes were a disaster, probably just some bad ones, but we're willing to give it a second chance next time.

    (4)

  • Vanessa O.

    I used to live a block away from this place and I would go there often. They will never disappoint. The decor is nice, the food is amazing, and the service is outstanding. I'm a big fun of Thai food and I've tried several places in the area, and this is by far the best of the best!! Amazing!!

    (5)

  • Justin T.

    This place is really close to where I work so I hit it up about once a month for lunch. I've gotta give it to 'em, they've never let me down. It's a solid lunch spot with good prices and awesome food. I normally call my order in and go pick it up but the few times I've eaten there the service has been great.

    (4)

  • Geee P.

    Nice ambiance. Thai people work there but the food is Americanized Thai- not that is a bad thing but the drunken noodles did not much flavor. The curry was good but had a bit too much coconut milk. I'd go here again but will have to try different items. Not in a rush to come back.

    (3)

  • Brian P.

    This was my first order from Bangkok 54 (delivery). I don't eat much Thai food and this was only my second restaurant I've tried in the Arlington area. The woman who took my order was friendly, patient and helpful. She warned me about the spice level of a dish I ordered (and she was right, good thing I like spicy!). The catfish curry was delicious and the duck roll appetizers were also quite good. Food came before the estimated delivery and the driver was pleasant. I will definitely be ordering here again, and look forward to dining in person.

    (4)

  • Helen W.

    I never had Thai food in Virginia. But I heard it's great and it was very true. We had the drunken noodles, beef salad and a rice with eggplant and pork belly. I forgot the name of it. The food was delicious. I love the strong basil flavor. It was spicy enough also. The thai iced tea was really good.

    (4)

  • S A.

    Best Thai Restaurant in the area! I dream of their panang and fresh rolls. Perfect for a sacual date or family dinner. Very authentic and great service.

    (4)

  • Pedro R.

    Food is good a little pricey unless you come during lunch.

    (4)

  • Lauren M.

    This truly is the best Thai food in Arlington and it's certainly worth the trip down to Columbia Pike. While I've never dined in, I've used their takeout service which is generally reliable. The drunken noodles and the Thai curry puffs are my favorite - the drunken noodles have just the right amount of spice and aren't soggy like many other Thai places in town. The Thai curry puffs are to die for - a perfect blend of vegetables, potatoes, and spices served with a sweet cucumber sauce. The portions are large enough to have leftovers which keep surprisingly well for lunch at work the next day. An all-time favorite!

    (5)

  • Anny W.

    Want really authentic Thai food? Go to BKK 54. Good food and ambience. Frittered catfish over a bed of green papaya salad. No other Thai restaurant serves this. And try the deep fried whole fish with your choice of sauces. Wow! We chomped that one down. Been going there for years. Highly recommend it.

    (4)

  • Biran Z.

    Had a double date at this fine establishment for dinner, the parking was awesome, there was a dedicated Asian man standing outside in the freezing cold directing traffic in the restaurant's parking lot, and we were able to get a spot right next to the door, VIP style. We had a couple of appetizers, the chicken wings were very meaty and my fried pork belly reminded me of when back in china, people fried fat for oil and eat the rest with salt, not good for your cholesterol but definitely rich and delicious accompanied with steamed rice. For entrees, we had the mixed seafood dish, drunken noodles, crispy duck and more of the fried pork belly. Note to people who don't eat spicy, make sure you tell the waitress. The drunken noodle and the mixed seafood were spicy as hell, but that gets extra credit in my book. The flavors were surprisingly seasoned, tasted more authentic than your regular Americanized Thai places. The portions were OK, luckily my tiny gf can only eat so much, but that's also just what I have to accept when eating at Thai places, not saying that they are cheap but I am just saying :)...

    (4)

  • Nancy S.

    I love this place , the food is great and spicy it's not that expensive it's not for romantic dinner but it's good for friends

    (5)

  • Benjamin B.

    great thai food, i love the flavors, if u like your thai food packed with flavors, this place is your heaven. the place looks like a dump from the outside, once you go in, it looks much nicer. I give it 4 stars only because the portion size is on the small side.

    (4)

  • Aashti Z.

    We order from Bangkok 54 on a regular basis and have been to the restaurant quite a few times as well. It's a lovely space -- not your typical Thai kitsch -- rather soothing, in fact. There is never really a wait to be seated and the service is snappy. But the food is the real reason to frequent Bangkok 54 (or order delivery). Yesterday, we ordered a spicy grilled beef salad, summer rolls, and a chicken and eggplant stir fry. The grilled beef was spectacular; perhaps the best I've had in this area. Spicy, nicely grilled, and fresh. The summer rolls were good as well, and the added avocado gave them a nice texture. The stir fry was solid as well. I love eggplant and I would never think to combine it with chicken but this worked well. Solid A.

    (4)

  • R K.

    I can't speak to authenticity, but Bangkok 54 looks so classy for such reasonable prices that I was immediately won over. The parking was convenient, the service and food were good, and my pineapple ice cream dessert came in a cute hollowed-out mini pineapple! Bangkok 54 wins.

    (5)

  • Sunny C.

    I've been to several Thai restaurants, and this one is my favorite. The food is definitely worth the price. Food presentation is great. The service is quick, very attentive, and the waiters/waitresses are very courteous. The panang curry and pad see ew dishes are so delicious! From the outside, the restaurant looks okay, but the interior looks very trendy and beautiful.

    (5)

  • Alexis W.

    I am a regular at Bangkok 54 and absolutely LOVE it! Having lived in Thailand for a year, I know good Thai food. And this is the best Thai that I have had in the DC area. Their tofu dishes are out of this world. The spring rolls are amazing (though only 2 with an order is a little skimpy, in my opinion), their pad thai is the most authentic that I've had in the States, and their curries are to die for! They also have a lot of fun, very well made drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic). I have been to many Thai restaurants in DC, and this is the top of the list!

    (5)

  • Jason Y.

    The food is good. While the food isnt quite as good as Thai Square, it si good and they have parking, a winelist, and better decor. Try both restaurants. B54 has a Thai grocery as well.

    (4)

  • E I.

    Best Thai restaurant I've been to in the DC/Northern VA area, hands down. Winner of the Pad Thai taste test 3 years and running. Reasonably priced and easy to find parking most of the time. Always a treat.

    (5)

  • vinnie t.

    pretty good Thai food here. pricey for the portion you get. service there is pretty good as well

    (3)

  • Ms. Monet A.

    Great fried rice and salmon dishes

    (4)

  • Reginald T.

    On our way home tonight from work me and my girl thought we might try our new Chinese place Bangkok 54. We first found this place when we were making a trip to the Cinema Draft House to see the Sing Along version of Mamma Mia. I'm a fan of the movie but we will save that explanation for another time. Anyways, Bangkok 54!!! We stuck our head in and it looked like a classy joint. We have eaten there three times and have yet to be disappointed. I usually get the crispy duck but decided for the crispy pork tonight. My gals fav is the sweet and sour chicken. She's a fan of the dish and figures its a safe choice. What a chicken!!! with sweet and sour haha. Yeah bad joke. Service was good and prompt, especially when it came to our beverages. I really needed a drink bad because I was on the wagon for about a week. Not sure if being sick counts as being on the wagon but a week without drinking for me is an accomplishment . Can't go wrong with some hot saki and a nice cold can of Sapporo to was it down. No dessert tonight but was very satisfied after a long day of work. Peace Out!!!

    (4)

  • Rolando R.

    This was my first time visiting this restaurant and I was pleasantly surprised once I entered the building. You wouldn't think the inside was as nice as it is. We managed to get seated quickly even though they appeared to be quit busy. Unfortunately we had to wait quit a bit for our food. Appetizers were received about 25-30 minutes after we ordered and entree, well you can guess. The food did however end up tasty, but I did expect to see a little more than we received. It's a good thing I'm on a diet or we could of had problems. Next time I will make sure my group isn't as hungry as we were last night.

    (3)

  • Katie Q.

    Excellent Thai food (and great for large groups). They accomodated our party of 15 with same day reservations. Every person in our party was from somewhere across the map...Prague, California, NY, Louisiana, etc...every person LOVED their dish. The service was excellent and even though we had a huge party our food came up hot and fast...gotta love that. Kudos Bangkok 54!

    (5)

  • Wont T.

    Dependable, reliable Thai food served by an attentive, friendly staff. It's not quite as good as my favorite, Ocha Classic in LA. And parking can be a challenge. But, for DC, it's hard to beat.

    (4)

  • John B.

    Had lunch today (Wednesday) with a friend; he had duck curry and I had chicken panang. Both were good, and service was good (frequent ice tea and ice water replenishments). A good place for lunch because it's not crowded, and there is easy parking (in back). We stayed for a while after we were finished eating, and no one hassled us about the lunch bill sitting on the table, which was nice. Definitely recommended.

    (4)

  • Brian G.

    Since the closure/remodel/makeover of Tara Thai into Temple, I've been looking for an equal Thai place in Arlington. The interior is attractive, menu prices fair, but I don't think the food is on par with Dungrats or Tara Thai. I had papaya salad and cashew chicken. The salad had some kick, but was missing some of the sweetness. Chicken was good, but the sauce wasn't spectacular. Service was good.

    (4)

  • Michael W.

    I decided to stop by at this place because we were in the area and saw that it was listed on Washingtonian's Cheap Eats list, which I keep at my car all the time. The parking lot of the restaurant was very full but we were lucky enough to find a spot. Since it was late at night and we were in a group of 5 (4 adults and a baby in a stroller ;-) I thought we would have a problem to find a table. The place was packed but it only took 5 minutes to get a table and, in spite of the stroller, the waitresses didn't complain at all and were very friendly. The decor is quite nice and the place is divided in two ambiances (one tending to a pub and another tending to a fine dining restaurant). Since we had a baby, they decided to place us in the pub/restaurant area. The place is a little bit noisy but I think that I only say so because of our little Sophia. In regards to food and drinks, this place is amazing. There is a Sake menu which has plenty of nice options for a good price (~US$13 for a bottle of sake) and it serves a large variety of drinks. The food is not as cheap as I would expect (ranging from 10-15 US$ per entree) but the presentation was very nice and the food yummy. We ordered Spring Rolls and Yum Pla Duk Fu. The rolls were very small but were pretty good. The Yum Pla Duk Fu (crispy fish with vinaigrette) was really crispy but not too flavourful. As an entree I had one of the 54's recommendations (i.e. 54's Spicy Roasted Duck) and the waitress was careful enough to ask exactly how much spice I wanted and checked twice if I really wanted it spicy (I asked for "American spicy and not Thai spicy"). My wife had Tofu in Chilli-Basil Sauce (she asked it not to be spicy). Both of us liked our dishes. Mine was on the very spicy side but it wasn't too spicy for my palate. My wife's dish came as she requested. At the end each one of us ended paying US$20 (tip not included). It was totally worth it.

    (4)

  • Kristen J.

    I've liked every dish that I've ordered from here. The panang is my favorite! They also have a really good drink menu (if you like fruity mixed drinks!) and the atmosphere is very nice. At first glance I thought the tables were a little close together but when a party was seated next to us I hardly even noticed. Definitely one of my favorites!

    (5)

  • Pumpkin S.

    My disclaimer is that my review lies mostly on my very positive experience with two dishes out of four. The drunken noodles and pad see ew were nothing special, just like any other moderate Thai restaurant in the city. (By the way, I'd like to add here that Thai restaurants in DC are generally mediocre...) What turned everything around was that I found yam woon sen (I think they called it "cellophane noodles" or something like that) in the appetizer section... having eaten a god-awful version of it at another Thai restaurant in the area, I was reluctant... but I gave it a shot. And WOW, it was the best yam woon sen I've had in DC. I ate yam woon sen all the time when I lived in Bangkok, and I would always order it when I would eat at a particular Thai restaurant in NYC. I've been craving it forever, but have been disappointed by all the Thai restaurants I've tried in the DC/VA/MD area because they either don't serve it or it's just done wrong. Bangkok 54's yam woon sen was DELICIOUS! I ended the meal with a mango and sticky rice dish, and the mango was ripe, the sticky rice just the right consistency. Perfect. Forget about all the other dishes...

    (4)

  • Jerm G.

    This is one of the places that I frequent. Most of their dishes are fairly priced considering their suburb service. Staff are very professional. I really do appreciate it. I haven't tried many of their dishes myself but my wife love the ones that she has tried. I only get one dish and that's their Drunk Noodles. If you are someone like me who is into hot spicy food, this is definitely a dish to try out. You should 'INSIST' that you really want the Thai spicy version and then you will get it. Otherwise, you will get the American version which is not so spicy. Though the portions are kind of small, I do enjoy their spices. I do recommend this place to others not just for the spice but the atmosphere as well. I have recently converted a friend of into liking Thai food. So that tells you something. However, I think they can do something better about the bar tenders. The bar tenders don't look so inviting and friendly. Never sat at the bar though.

    (4)

  • Lalida T.

    A little Thai market with groceries and prepared foods. Similar to what you would find in Thai Town in Los Angeles, but smaller. They have a lot of the things you'd need for cooking Thai food (fish sauce, fresh noodles, curry powders, rice, fresh bok choy, etc.) and some Japanese and Vietnamese items as well. Prices aren't exactly cheap, but where else are you going to find these items? Overall, pretty good place to find Thai cooking ingredients.

    (4)

  • stella b.

    i dont know of one better in the area. their tom yum mushroom soup, their pad thai, their veggie dishes, their fresh wraps...i know what im having for dinner tonight, and you do, too.

    (5)

  • Andrew P.

    Good food. Little on the expensive side. The place down the road is superior and is cheaper. As far as how authentic or westernized it is, I don't really know. I make Thai food at home and it's all about the same to me.

    (3)

  • Claiborne I.

    I've been many times, and I always walk away happy. It is the best and most consistent Thai food that I have enjoyed around DC. Good selection of food and drinks at what I consider a good value for what you get. The service is good, and they offer take out and even delivery. This is at the top of my list when I'm considering Asian/Thai for dinner.

    (4)

  • Doug N.

    Never eaten at the actual restaurant but have gotten takeout multiple times which has been good.

    (4)

  • M P.

    I am a huge Thai fan and Bangkok 54 is one of my faves! You have got to try the duck rolls, they are amazing! I dont get there as much as I would like to, but when I go, I always eat well! Although it looks like nothing from the outside, the inside of the restaurant is really nice and has a great ambiance. Looking forward to my next dinner there!

    (5)

  • Rachel W.

    Loves it! It's usually consistently delish, although during the really busy hours the quality can go down hill a bit. Everything I order here seems to turn out well....give it a try, at least there's a parking lot behind.

    (4)

  • Anne G.

    Bangkok 54 is a MUCH needed addition to the Columbia Pike corridor. The atmosphere is cozy, warm and inviting. Great comfort food and excellent service. The fiery beef salad and fresh summer rolls are to die for! My husband and I like it even better when delivered! A must have at least once a month!

    (4)

  • David M.

    Home of my current favorite appetizer, the Thai curry puff. (It's always on the weekly specials menu; same for bottles of Rogue.)

    (5)

  • J C.

    This is in my top 5 Thai restaurants in the DC area. It is just what was needed along the columbia pike corrador. The atmosphere is terrific and the food, is consistant. The fresh rolls are one of the best things on the menu! The only downfall is that they don't always take reservations---on a Saturday night even when they say it's a 10 minute wait, you can expect to wait 1 hour for a table.

    (3)

  • Jane P.

    I really liked their happy hour menu and I feel like I should have stuck to that. Happy hour is definitely worth your time because everything we got off the happy hour menu was delicious. Happy hour is daily from 4:30-6:30. They have drinks and appetizers to choose from. I tried their sesame chicken and steamed dumplings. Steamed dumplings were flavorful and delicious and the chicken was crispy and had a delicious sauce on it. I got a pad thai and it was way too salty for me. I couldn't enjoy it because of the salt level.

    (3)

  • Karen G.

    My husband and I have visited this restaurant 2 times. The food is really good and the service is excellent. The prices are reasonable for the quality meal you get. Their drunken noodles and Pai-Thai are my favorite. The only thing that disappointed me last time (last night) we visited was that we ordered shrimp drunken noodles and only 4 small shrimps were in it. The restaurant is clean with good Asian decor. Overall I definitely recommend this place.

    (4)

  • Mina C.

    Honestly, I had low expectations coming. This place ended up surprising me and not in a bad way! I had the eggplant and chicken, which is one of my go-to dishes at a thai place. This one was perfectly made, but not spicy enough :(. I am a selfish spicy eater, especially at a thai place. I expect to feel the heat. Most of the time, it falls short of my expectations (because I want this to hurt for most people). My bf ordered a delicious seafood mix dish, this came out MUCH spicier than mine, but it was salty. Too salty. Sister got roast duck curry, which was delicious! I really love that coconut milk taste in the curry. Her bf got the drunken noodles with shrimp. He asked for it to be spicy, but it came out pretty mild. Not salty though. Service was good, and not overbearing. I felt bad for the server when a couple came in and grilled her nearly to death. Overall, our meal was solid.

    (4)

  • Anthony T.

    Bangkok 54 is one of a trifecta of Thai restaurants situated on the eastern end of Columbia Pike. Although my expectations were pretty high given my experience at Thai Square, I have to say that Bangkok 54 mostly satisfied them with some reservations. I came to the Bangkok 54 on Labor Day for a lunch with my mom. The restaurant was quite large compared to others on Columbia Pike, and you will definitely notice the space given its interesting design elements and interior. Food-wise, my mom and I ended up ordering Chicken Satay Skewers as a starter, Pad Khee Mao (aka Drunken Noodles), and Pad Thai. The skewers came out first and were served with a peanut dipping sauce and sweet and sour cucumber relish. Honestly, the satay skewers didn't "wow" me. They were small (and appetizers cost about 75% of an entree) and lacked any real punch or curry flavor. The peanut sauce, for me, was a bit sweet, and I would've appreciated a bit more spice overall. The entrees fared better. Both were quite large for the price ($10.95 for chicken, pork, or tofu) and tasted flavorful and fresh. Notably, Bangkok 54 states that it doesn't use MSG in any of its dishes. I think I may have liked the Pad Thai better overall, thanks to its marrying of salty, sweet, and sour flavors indicative of a good pad thai. However, I would've liked a bit more spice for these noodles. The drunken noodles, while definitely appreciative of the spice and thai basil, was a bit oily for me. Bangkok 54 is a solid choice for Thai food on Columbia Pike. While it may be overshadowed by its rival, Thai Square, I think Bangkok 54 wins in terms of space and ambience. So, if you aren't keen on making the trek down to Glebe Road, or if you want to try one of Bangkok 54's lunch specials, definitely give them a shot to impress you.

    (3)

  • Ben S.

    This is one of the best Thai restaurants I have ever tried. They will deliver for those evenings when you just don't want to go anywhere. The restaurant is very nice inside. Well decorated and great atmosphere. There are two big rooms, one is more of a dining room and the other room is more for dates/ special occations (similar to a lounge area). Both rooms have a bar with a tv. The service is usually very well. Sometime the waiter/waitress is hard to understand. The Drunken Noodles are the best that I have ever had and can be very spicy. The thia iced tea is very good. My favorite item on the menu is the Crispy Pork Chili Basil. So good! I have never been dissapointed with Bangkok 54!

    (5)

  • Cassie H.

    The Thai tea is awesome! I normally get the dumplings and the chili basil fried rice. They have never complained about my pickiness. I always ask for them not to make it too spicy b/c I do not enjoy sweating and having a running nose when I'm eating. The price is reasonable and whether I dine in or carry out I always get the same quality of food. Love it!

    (4)

  • Dana Z.

    I've been to a lot of Thai restaurants in the area and this one is my favorite! It was the best spicy duck I've ever had. I usually get the Sweet & Sour Chicken and it is so good! I've been here a dozen times at least and I've never had a wait... they have plenty of tables. I've had a lot of different things on the menu and each one has been delicious Also love the grocery store they have next door! I bought some asian food items and made my own yellow chicken curry at home. They also have plates and other asian themed items. You will not be disappointed!!

    (5)

  • Renee L.

    Tum Yum soup. It really is yum for your tum. Go get it. Mmmmmmmm. Seriously though, you need to try this soup.

    (4)

  • DDA R.

    This is by far one of the best Thai restaurants I've been to. The staff is nice and courteous and the food is excellent. Every dish I've eaten here have been exceptional. Great price, great service, and great food!! The only bad thing about this place is parking but carry out is easy and they offer delivery!

    (5)

  • Ali M.

    Love their pad Thai!!! Their service is not the best but their food is really good! I normally order take out for my pad Thai fix :)

    (4)

  • Mike R.

    Finally tried this place a couple weeks back, and we've already been back a second time...that should say it all. I think we have a new go to Thai place. I'm not going to comment too much on the food, it's Thai and it's better than my old favorites. I will point out some standouts, the duck roll starter served on roti is amazing and their pork belly dishes (both apps and meals) are yummy. The prices are right and the setting is nicer than most Thai spots. If you like Thai and haven't tried this place you are missing out.

    (4)

  • Sapna B.

    Wonderful!! Came here last weekend with some friends and had a great experience. Service - The service was great. The waitress was super nice and gave us recommendations that we asked for. The only thing I wasn't thrilled about was that there was NO gap between the appetizers and entrees! Literally like 5 minutes! We were still eating our appetizers when our entrees came out. Food - For appetizers, we got the Fried Chicken Meatballs and the Steamed Dumplings. The meatballs were just average but the dumplings were SO good. For dinner, I got the Chicken Drunken Noodles. At first the chicken looked a little burnt, but when I tried it, it had this smoky/charred taste to it that went really well with the dish (I don't know if that was just a fluke -- when I try it again I'll update)! My husband had the Chicken Green Curry which I thought was definitely the best dish from our entire group. He told them to make it super spicy and it was actually spicy so we were thrilled about that! It was SO good...all the flavors were prominent and nothing was overwhelming. One of our friends got the Chicken Pad Thai, and I was debating on getting that but I'm glad I didn't cuz it was sweet! I don't know if maybe he added a sweet sauce to it from the condiment tray or it came out that way, but I'm not a fan of mixing sweet and savory. My other two friends got the Buddha's Feast and the Vegetable Green Curry (vegetarian entrees) neither of which I tried but they loved them both! This restaurant is right across the street from where we live so we will be back for sure!

    (4)

  • N D.

    This is my favorite Thai restaurant in the DC area. I've had a lot of the food from the vegetarian menu during the past few years, and it's always been great. Also, they are able to accomodate food allergies, including nut allergies, which is highly unusual for Thai restaurants. The desserts here are definitely worth trying. They change frequently, depending on the season; however, I just had a pumpkin custard today that was wonderfully paired with sticky rice. The servers are always easy to communicate with, and the restaurant has a nice ambience.

    (5)

  • Buddha N.

    Yes I am a fan an so is my GF who is a vegetarian. Everything we get here is so flavorful and awesome! anything you order off the menu will be good. drinks are good service is good atmosphere is grown and sexy good! if you want good Thai food then come here! its decently priced for what you get . I always ask for the side cart of spices to add to my food.

    (4)

  • gladys L.

    I really like this place. I'm new to the area and I have to say, I've never seen so much selection of Thai restaurants. I've been to Thailand twice with Thai friends so I got a pretty good idea of what's authentic. I'm sorry Duangrats but you come at a close second. It probably helps that I come to this place with my thai friend so maybe they kitchen knows to make it authentic, I don't know. However, I've bought ready made fresh food at their store next door and it's just as good. The only difference is that in Thailand they like it really hot! Highly recommend and the staff are very friendly

    (5)

  • Jess M.

    Delivery Review: Why so much grease in my noodles guys? We ordered the lunch specials this afternoon and it took about 45 minutes to arrive, all the portions were large enough to share or save for later. Beware- there is no beef option with the lunch specials, you get chicken, pork, tofu, or vegetables. Overall assessment: If you live in the Arlington area, Crystal Thai has better flavor and less grease, and they also deliver in about the same amount of time. Fried spring rolls- came with the house duck sauce, which totally beats the crappy packets you normally get at other places. Chili Basil Fried Rice- was smothered in oil and thus the texture was mushy. The flavor was there, but I felt like a fatass afterwards. Pad Thai- was alright. Not the best, but not the worst sauce around. I'd like to see how much time the chefs spent with all the ingredients in the wok, because it tasted like the rice noodles didn't have enough time to soak up the flavors. Pad See Ew- greasy city dude, avoid! Not as flavorful without beef as well. Dine-In Review: The parking lot worries me. Service is solid.

    (2)

  • John S.

    Parking is a little cramped in back, not a problem, just be aware. Ordered the chicken panang off the regular menu, although a lunch special menu is available it didn't have the panang. Order taken promptly, greeted by several folks, seated quickly. Food arrived quickly and steaming hot. No worries grabbing lunch here. Cost is reasonable, I would like to see a lunch panang, but that's me.

    (4)

  • Trevor B.

    I'd been to the Drafthouse next door numerous times back when I lived in DC, and never really noticed this place until I stumbled across all the positive reviews on Yelp. Went here with a group of friends (9) and the staff was very accommodating in letting us up the reservation last-minute for a late addition. We grabbed drinks at the bar beforehand (we later learned there's actually two), which were a little pricey but satisfying overall - the mango mojito had a healthy pour of rum and lots of mint, just how I like it. They also had a decent selection of bottled and draft beers (most Asian, but also some random European ones as well) which were modestly priced overall. All of the food we tried was tasty and well-portioned. Spring rolls were really good w/ large shrimp but probably a little pricey at $6 for two. The pad thai definitely wasn't the best I've ever had, but it was satisfying; the drunken noodles were much better and more flavorful. The decor is very dark and swanky, which is a welcome change for a mid-priced Thai restaurant. Overall, a great place to check out if you're in the area.

    (4)

  • Ross S.

    The Mai Tai are the best here. If you love spicy food, this the place to go. I love spicy but not that crazy spicy. On the menu, you will see one chili right next to the food, that one chili is sooooo hot. I asked the waiter to make it medium but still it is very hot. Thai HOT.

    (4)

  • Kseniya K.

    Went here about a month ago for a birthday party. It was a Thursday night and they were not great with accommodating larger parties. Didn't give us enough menus, were not prompt with drink or food orders. I would give the service maaybe 3 starts. What was truly disappointing was the food. I got spring rolls and beef salad. The spring rolls were meh, very small. The beef (or maybe steak?) salad was AWFUL. It was completely covered in salt, burned off my taste buds. I got a side of rice to try to even out the salt and that didn't help. It was supposed to be spicy, not a plate of salt with some lettuce/beef. Drinks were ok. Overall, nothing special and nothing good, won't be going back.

    (2)

  • Christine P.

    Staff is SUPER nice but I was a little disappointed with the food. With all the great reviews, I was expecting better. We got the spring rolls, fresh rolls, drunken noodles, and pad thai. The rolls were great but the noodle dishes both seemed over seasoned. I was so thirsty for the rest of the night I think I drank a whole gallon of water. I also got maybe an older version of the menu that had a happy hour $3 starter menu and a 1 drink minimum per 2 starters. when we got the check, we got charged full price for both starters and because the waitress' english wasn't very good, I couldn't even really explain what had happened. I just gave up, paid the full bill and I probably won't be going back.

    (3)

  • stephen c.

    I send friends here! Hip lounge atmosphere with a great menu selection to treat your friends or coworkers. Can't get enough of this menu of fresh veggies, yummy curries, and tender meats.

    (5)

  • Desiree D.

    Great quality Thai food with nice lunch specials and good service. This is our go-to place for lunch take-out at work. Definitely better than many Thai restaurants.

    (4)

  • Yuvia M.

    I've tried about six or seven Thai restaurants in the DC area and Bangkok 54 is by far my favorite. The service is great and we have yet to order a dish we did not enjoy. We have visited many times and our favorites include the Drunken Noodles, Green Curry and Pork Belly. If you have somebody in your party who is not very adventurous or doesn't like spicy food, I would recommend the Bangkok 54 Fried Rice. It is really good and it has just the right amount of spice to be different than your typical fried rice. If your threshold for hot foods is high, try the Papaya Salad as an appetizer. It is delicious!

    (5)

  • Sarah S.

    The fiery drunken noodles with shrimp or beef, sans basil, is absolutely delicious. (Ask for some extra spicy seasoning for some added kick*) The pork belly dish is also a stand-out, although it's a heaping portion and you may become quiet tired of eating it by the end of the plate. Bangkok 54 is quite hoppin' for its less-than-ideal location. I suppose this has a little something to do with their moderate prices, nice-sized portions, and all-around tasty Thai food.

    (4)

  • Chris D.

    I make no bones about the fact that I will step on children to get to a bowl of fried rice. So consider that when I say that Bangkok 54's fried rice concoctions ARE THE BEST I'VE EVER TASTED. The 54 Fried Rice comes with a whole fried egg on top. That's right: A WHOLE EGG. It's like Christmas on my plate every time I eat there. My wife and I have tried virtually everything else on the menu, and we've never been disappointed. It's our go-to place for awesome thai and Asian food. The Pad Thai is amazing (they don't skimp on the peanuts!), and I effuse over the Chili Basil Fried Rice (HOT HOT HOT!) every time I get it. It is NOM INCARNATE. People here go out of their way to display extra-sensitive customer service, from the in-house servers to the folks taking your delivery order on the phone. It's also an Arlington staple, having been around for quite some time, so you owe it to yourself to have a try. Plus, it's right down the street from the Arlington Cinema and Draft House!

    (5)

  • Karthik E.

    Great food and service. Must tries: 1. Chicken meatballs 2. Drunken noodles with chicken 3. Fiery Kaprao with chicken 4. Chili basil fried rice with chicken

    (5)

  • Alicia H.

    I'm definitely sold. Considering that I usually get to try this place as part of a "working lunch" I was not too reluctant to spend my own money and finally decided to place a lunch delivery order. Not that I expected the food to be any different, but free food always tastes better right? I ordered the butternut squash curry shrimp. No chicken for me! It was sooo good. (I have tried the chicken too and it's great even for someone like me who doesn't really like chicken). The squash is cooked perfectly, the curry is not too spicy, which is great for me, and the brown rice is cooked to perfection. I also love their lunch box that has the sweet rice and mango. I ordered their steamed dumplings and ate most of that as my meal instead of the curry because it was filling enough on it's own! When I did finally eat the curry and the "mixed greens" that they serve with it, I was pleasantly surprised to find the mixed greens was actually a really well dressed side salad. The place delivers, the employees who take the orders and deliver the food are also very honest and I appreciate that. He let me know the lunch box wouldn't be the best choice to order since the mango was not that sweet the particular day I called. I would encourage anyone to try Bangkok 54. The price is comparable, the serving sizes are plentiful, and the food is exceptional.

    (4)

  • Niya N.

    Not the best service, especially on a busy night, but the food is excellent. I appreciate that they have a separate vegetarian section and are willing to make otherwise non-vegetarian items, like the papaya salad, vegetarian. My standard order is papaya salad (phenomenal), veggie pad thai, and mango sticky rice. That's usually enough to put my husband and me in a near-food coma. Have come back many times.

    (4)

  • Donald P.

    Impressive. I'm torn between whether I like this place or Vannipa better...although I may have to say this place simply because the restaurant is larger, and portion size is bigger than Vannipa and about the same price for lunch anyway. We had for lunch, the Chili-Basil Fried Rice and the Pad Thai, and both were very delicious and flavorful. Loved the way the basil just popped in your mouth. The Pad Thai was perfectly flavored as well. We'll definitely coming back here.

    (5)

  • Jon F.

    I'm not sure how I missed reviewing this place (one of my 3 favorite restaurants in Arlington) this long. The food is mostly amazing (with great vegan options), the decor and ambiance are great, decent cocktails, really no problems. The "spicy roasted tofu with basil" is neither roasted nor tofu, but it IS simply amazing deep-fried mock duck (and is quite spicy). Every time I take a group here this is everyone's favorite dish (vegetarian or not). The papaya salad is also a beacon of how good that dish can be. Crisp, extremely flavorful, and searingly hot, this makes a perfect beginning to any meal. Be warned that the things that look like thin green beans are slices of green chili peppers. I'm also a fan of the vegetable curry puffs. The only reason I'm deducting one star is that while the best dishes here are ridiculously good, several of the other vegetarian dishes are just "good" (3-4 stars). The drunken noodles, curries, etc. are all delicious enough to satisfy, but lack the artistry sometimes seen in exceptional Thai restaurants (and evident in the papaya salad and spicy roasted tofu). You can order "brown rice" by request, but it's actually red rice (not brown) and they charge extra.

    (4)

  • Lisa A.

    I wanted to give this place more stars but I couldn't based on a recent experience. I ordered the house specialty of fried chilean sea bass based on a suggestion from the waitress and do I regret it now! Based on my digestive issues, I believe this fish is mislabeled as chilean sea bass but is actually escolar. I don't know if the mislabeling is a result of ignorance or deceit but I'm paying the price either way. Just google "escolar digestion yellow oil" so that I don't have to get so graphic on Yelp. On the plus side, the shrimp & crab fried rice was good. The prices were reasonable & the ambience was very lovely. It'd be a nice place for a date as long as you stay away from the fish!!!

    (2)

  • Samnang S.

    A lot better than THAI in shirlington! A little more expensive ($2-3) than other Thai places but they also give you more! I had leftover and that is rare. The decor is nice and the service is great.

    (4)

  • Alexis A.

    Worst vegan food ever. I tried the roasted spicy tofu as recommended on yelp. Well for one, it isn't tofu. The "tofu" is actually seitan that has been deep fried, greased and prepared only to clog those arteries of yours. The dish is so fried that I couldn't even tell what was buried underneath all of that unhealthy hot mess. I ended up throwing it away. If you are vegan look else where. If you are health conscious look else where. Just thinking about it grosses me out. Needless to say I will not be returning.

    (1)

  • Brian D.

    I guess I might have been a tad to overzealous with my 4 and five star ratings recently, or maybe I have just been really spoiled by food where I have gone. Stopped by here with my parents when I was in town recently, and found it to be a pleasant surprise, we went there right around 5 o'clock and the whole restaurant was completely empty. We were quickly seated, and waited a bit longer then what I would like to be finally served. It was happy hour so we got some appatizers for four dollars. (Fried Edamane, and Chicken Satay) both were served quickly and given a nice presentation, the sauces that came with both were spicy, and delicious. I ordered the Chicken Pad Thai, and my parents got some drunken noodles The portion size was very reasonable for the price in this area, and the flavor was excellent. The chicken had a great taste to it, but it was not spicy, and pretty bland on the hotness scale. I like thai places where I can adjust my heat preference. Still the food was above average in taste, and quality. The drunken noodles blew my mind ! so good. The sauce was subtle at first but had a comfortable heat to it as an after thought. The chicken was very tasty, and if

    (4)

  • Andy T.

    Thai restaurants are everywhere and they all have similar menus and taste but I was surprised on the food here (it was very good). Had dinner with friends so we all got a lot of stuff and just had a family style dinner. We went on a Wednesday night so we figured it was not going to be busy to begin with. Appetizers: 1) Salt & Pepper Calamari: Had a good sauce and batter to it but it was perfect shaped rings which were a little rubbery. (The baseline for me would be Coastal Flat's calamari). 2) House special duck rolls: Very good, but not much for $8.50. Entrees: 1) Bangkok 54 Golden Chicken: Recommend. It's got a light flash fry to them that was sweet (like long chicken tenders). Never had this before in a Thai place so it was a pleasant surprise. 2) Beef Massamun: So the flavor for this was stew like and I liked it a lot, however the beef was rather dry on the inside (not sure if it was suppose to be like that, but I didn't like the texture). 3) Yellow Chicken Curry: Was very good.. Service: They were on top of things with us. Good. Environment: The place has space (you can come into the area from the back (small parking lot in the back - likely able to find parking) or the front (where you would have to park on the side roads then) Food: Cost was very affordable and you get a good portion overall (perhaps enough for light lunch the next day). Would I come here again: Yes

    (4)

  • David W.

    This restaurant features the XLERATOR hand drying system, offering one of the most exciting hand-drying experiences available on the market today! Watch in wonder as your flesh in squished and rippled by a powerful jet of water evaporating awesome.

    (5)

  • Miss T.

    Went here last night for dinner. We were sat right away as the restaurant was not very busy. Service was friendly. Tried the drunken noodles per other yelp reviews and was NOT disappointed. They were fantastic. My cousin had the bangkok chicken and that was amazing as well. Took a carry out menu as I live in the area and plan to order take out in the very near future. Also had a cocktail, one of the sake martinis. Very, very good. Will be back. Would be a great date spot

    (5)

  • Carlos D.

    Thai food here is very good, best one I have tasted in the DC area so far. Totally recommend. I love their fried rice and veggie dishes. There chicken with cashew is extremely good must try.

    (4)

  • Christine S.

    Really good- probably the best in Arlington/DC. I have both eaten in and ordered delivery from Bangkok 54-- the decor there is really nice, very pretty and the delivery is always faster than the time they quote you. Beware, even if you order the curries mild, they are still very spicy! Pretty much what I expect from authentic Thai- the green curry is really nice, but be sure to have a glass of milk handy. The Pad See Ew is always delicious, and the Pad Thai vegetarian style (with red tofu) is flavorful- not as bland as I've had Pad Thai elsewhere. I get mine with extra crushed peanuts and cilantro and highly recommend it. The Fresh Rolls (basically summer rolls with tofu, avocado, basil, lettuce, etc. in a rice wrap) shouldn't be missed- the peanut dipping sauce is really nice. The cellophane noodle salad with the minced pork and shrimp is really nice, as is the grilled beef salad- beware, though, they are sneak-attack-super spicy! Highly recommend.

    (4)

  • Katie W.

    Came here for friend's birthday dinner. Was pleasantly surprised by the nice decor and upscale ambiance. The food was ok. We're vegetarian so we tried the Panang Curry, Pad Thai and the Drunken Noodles all with tofu. All were lacking in flavor and spice, despite asking them to make it spicy. Not impressed.

    (2)

  • Jessica H.

    3.5 stars. Decor/menu is more sophisticated here, but food is better a couple blocks away at Thai Square. The food is fine, but Thai food around here really does run the gamut, so you're not actually stuck with "fine." Crispy pork belly with basil was fine, but drunken noodles were inedibly hot. Tom kha gai was fine. They also brought me a Thai iced tea when I requested a Thai iced coffee, so enunciate when you order, I guess.

    (3)

  • Renee C.

    This is our favorite place in the area for Thai food. We like to go in the early evening and the place is usually empty at the time. The staff is very nice and attentive, and the food always comes out very hot and promptly. Even on the weekends they have happy hour specials for both food and drinks. We try to order something new every time, but our favorites are the green curry, the eggplant in garlic sauce and the drunken noodles. My husband also really likes the duck curry. We frequently order delivery from here and it always arrives much faster than we anticipate and its always hot. We highly recommend this restaurant and will definitely be returning.

    (5)

  • Diana K.

    Overall, I'd rate this place 3.5 stars. I'm not a fan, but it's not just A-OK either. (I rounded up to 4 stars.) The interior decor succeeds at being attractive and trendy, while still maintaining a cultural appeal. In terms of food, it's above your run-of-the-mill Thai food, but not by much. I will say, though, that the service is good and the servers are very friendly. Also one of the better Thai restaurants I've been to.

    (4)

  • Victoria T.

    I sometimes eat here several times a week, back-to-back. My favorite appetizers include the fresh jae rolls (veggie, with avocado), the crispy spring rolls, and the deep-fried battered edamame sticks. My favorite entrees include the panang jae, the yellow chicken curry, crab fried rice, crispy tofu (imitation chicken), green beans, pad thai, soft-shelled crab--so many choices, so little tummy space! Unless I get fried rice, I usually order their brown rice, which is often on the softer side. My favorite desserts include the many ice cream flavors on hand (green tea, coconut, Thai iced tea) and mango sticky rice. I often have the Thai iced tea drink as well, sometimes two orders of it. For those of you who like to drink, they have a full bar, and they often make drinks that are set on fire. They also have tv's, including one at the bar, which allowed me to watch "The Mummy Returns" one time I was there by myself. The restaurant is very spacious, so it's great for large groups and parties. It's quite convenient to get to--it's half a block from the 16 Metrobus stop (for buses 16A, 16G, 16etc.) and they have their own private parking lot (though it's tight and it fills up quick). There's street parking if all else fails. I couldn't believe they also do delivery! Usually when I'm in a rush I just call ahead and drop by to pick up and pay for my orders (I usually order multiple items, all just for myself). The wait staff are friendly, prompt, and do their jobs. They seat you quickly and don't rush you while you eat. The prices are reasonable, though we tend to order everything that catches our eye, so we always rack up a huge bill. I've now eaten at probably two dozen Thai places in the DC area, and Bangkok 54 still never fails to be a destination for me.

    (5)

  • Janae H.

    When we came in through the back the place looked much larger from the outside but The pineapple fried rice with shrimp & firecracker shrimp were AMAZING & a must have dish

    (4)

  • Jenn H.

    Eh, this place was only ok. We got one drunken noodles, and one pad see ew--I think the pad see ew was actually better than the drunken noodles. Both had somewhat soggy noodles. The drunken noodle's flavor was kind of...one-dimensional, wish it was a little more complex and exciting. The pad see ew tasted a little burnt, but otherwise, fairly standard.

    (3)

  • Michico F.

    Most of the food are good and they have a great grocery store next door...i love it.

    (4)

  • Patty R.

    We eat in at least once a month at this place. Their carry outs are also great. Awesome portions (two people can easily split an order), and their service is always fantastic! They are not as kid friendly as we wished, so we carry out more now than before kids. They are really good at adjusting your order depending on dietary conditions. We love their Chicken fried rice and the classic Pad Thai is very well done.

    (4)

  • Ryan R.

    After reading all the reviews and having a craving for some spicy noodles ... I knew it was Thai time! Bangkok is just a short hike from my place of residence and it gave me a chance to reflect on what I was about to taste. I recently moved here from Hawaii and knew it would be pretty difficult to beat my fav Thai place on the island ... Maile's Thai Bistro! We walked in just before 8pm and were sat right away. Surprisingly, this place wasn't at all as busy as I thought it would be for having such great reviews. Their menu had a ton of choices and were separated into categories fro easy picking; appetizers, appetizer salads, soup, curry specialties, hot wok, rice & noodles, vegetarian plates, and 54s recommendations. Everything was pretty well priced from $6 dollar appetizers to $20 dollar entrees. We went with one of the hot wok dishes: the Garlic Lover, and had a choice between chicken, beef, shrimp, or a seafood mix. We chose the chicken ... gently stir-fried with a tasty garlic sauce served with steamed broccoli for only $9.99! And got a side of brown rice. For a second dish, the Drunken Noodles with tofu (I love tofu!) ... soft wide rice noodles, onion, tomato, and sweet basil stir-fried in a fresh chili garlic sauce. The hot wok was essentially just a heap of stir-fried chicken with shards of broccoli in Bangkok 54's most coveted garlic sauce ... and it was awesome! The Drunken Noodles were of perfect texture, both soft but yet firm enough to embrace the zesty onions and sweet tomatoes while accentuating the chunks of fresh tofu throughout this amazing dish. The tofu was perfectly cooked ... slightly stir-fried on the outside, giving it a light brown coating while keeping the tofu warm and smooth through the middle of each chunk. It had just the right amount of spiciness with hints of sweetness in every bite! The restaurant is a lot bigger than you would think by looking at it from the outside. There are plenty of tables, a few booths and a very cozy bar/lounge that started filling up once we were ready to leave. This place is at the top of my list as far as Thai restaurants in Arlington ... next time I'm going all out with the Pad Sator (jumbo shrimp and crispy pork-belly quick-fried in red hot chili shrimp-curried paste) or the Crispy Pork Belly with Chili-Basil (crispy pork belly dish tossed with spicy garlic chili sauce, topped with crispy basil leaves) ... OMG! We walked out paying under $20 dollars (before tip)! Not bad for a Friday night out! Service was excellent and the restaurant is both warm and inviting. For the avid bar goers, they have a great happy hour on weekdays from 4:30-6:30pm ... 50% off cocktails and $4 dollar starters.

    (4)

  • Vincent C.

    I decided to give this place another try. I was so happy I did. They have stepped up their game. The service and the food were all on point. I don't have one bad thing to say. I noticed that the staff was a new batch of people and they were more than friendly and always came to ask how everything was. This is how you have repeat customers.

    (4)

  • Charity B.

    Simply put, I love Bangkok 54. I've been coming here for years. The food is just delicious. It is the only place that I will order spring rolls as an appetizer. You know sometimes you get them and they taste like they just got pulled out from a freezer? Yuck. Not here. Always fresh and delicious. The staff could not be better. This is the kind of place where they remember you and always make you feel welcome. I usually get the same thing every single time I go, but I was pleasantly surprised by the meatball appetizer. Thai meatballs? I thought that sounded crazy too, but they are delicious. I would definitely recommend going for dinner, the atmosphere is nice and you forget that you are right on Columbia Pike. Great place. Of course I will be back.

    (4)

  • Miriya C.

    The best!! Lunch package is awesome, taste is no doubt, delicious! Staff are great : friendly, accommodating,fast. I came here twice and order different kind of meals and share it, all great. Very satisfied! Thank you chef.

    (5)

  • max j.

    Nice Decoration, food is good and service is very good. Parking is bad, I parked in the back of the restaurant and took me a while to get my car out (space arranging is very bad there) it's better off to find a street parking around the restaurant. On the other note, the grocery next door which is own by the same people is nice, it has almost everything you are looking for from a Thai grocery and the cooked food they sell there very authentic and reasonable price ($5-8 for a meal in a box) They also have hard to find food/snacks.

    (3)

  • Bro H.

    Best Thai in the Arlington area. Worth the drive to the Columbia Pike area.

    (5)

  • Lauren W.

    This place is SO awful I would give it 0 stars if I could. I live 2.4 miles away and have ordered from them once before through my girlfriend from my house. I thought oh hey I should give them business again. The guy doesn't know my number so I say I'm a new customer and he says sorry we only deliver up to 3 miles. I say great because I only live 2 1/2 miles - nope sorry he won't do it. I say I've had food delivered to me before he says that's for old customers and makes me give him my gf's phone number. Still not good enough. When I try to - uhhhhh give him money/business/place an order??? - he hangs up on me. Sorry but the language barrier can only be an excuse for so long. Freaking ridiculous customer service. Too many other Thai options with manners to choose from. Hi, you're delivery. Try going more than a mile. Dialing Thai Peppers now, boom.

    (1)

  • Eric W.

    My favorite Thai restaurant in the D.C. area. Even the standard Thai dishes that you can get anywhere (sweet and sour pork, cashew chicken, etc.) are a step above what you'd find elsewhere. Recommended.

    (5)

  • Kelly G.

    I needed Thai after the previous night of revelry. Sitting by the pool at the Dolley Madison, we ordered for delivery: Chicken satay. Green curry shrimp. Fiery Kaprow beef. Seventeen minutes later and $34 lighter, we dove into Thai food pretty doggone authentic. Huh. I say that as a person who has had Thai food all of, eh, nine times, max. The green curry shrimp was "sneak up on you and bite you in the tonsils" spicy. The shrimp were tender and the bamboo shoots, eggplant, etc. had been cooked in the curry liquid, but was not the unrecognieable mush some other Thai restaurants dole out. It was quite delicious. Quite. The chicken satay: tender while still perfectly done. Plenty of them, and plenty of yummy peanut dipping sauce. Love that stuff. Mmmm. I tasted the beef. Either it or the Thai basil got caught between my teeth and I was chewing for days. Needed floss to free that debris. Ok, TMI. Anyway, The food was good. I'd actually go to the restaurant one of these days.

    (3)

  • Liz C.

    One of the best Thai places in NoVA. Great food at good prices. The location and parking kind of sucks but it's worth it. The people are nice, the food is tasty, and the portions will fill you up!

    (4)

  • Koseth M.

    The best option for Thai food around the area. The food is flavorful at the perfect temperature and they give you generous portions. The place is nice inside and the servers are really friendly. I went several occasions and they are consistently great at times and the quality of food. I'm a Thai food addicted because of this wonderful place! Highly recommended.

    (5)

  • Wes F.

    The pad see ew (wide noodle) was great. The gai kaprow (chicken basil) was good. The (coconut milk) soup was not good. Way too sour, and the spices were a bit off. Flavor: 4 stars Authenticity: 3 stars Price: 3 stars

    (3)

  • Joseph W.

    My preceding review still stands for delivery. The dining in experience is actually pretty nice. Its probably the nicest restaurant in the area for a date. The food improves enormously and this establishment really seems like a place that knows what they're doing. The pad thai is much, much better and I like the spicy green beans. It's still not amazing, but it is pretty good.

    (4)

  • Chunnu B.

    Holy wow! Hands down a 4.5 meal, service, and atmosphere. Nothing pretentious, but you will be satisfied with your food and beverages. The people here were great and very accommodating to our large party. For those who were unfamiliar with dishes, the staff here were more than happy to make suggestions of their favorites (as well as their dislikes and dishes which usually don't suit most palates.) Whatever you get is more than likely to be a solid choice, but if in doubt, the servers at Bangkok 54 will be happy to help you out. My spicy cashew chicken was amazing. I only wish it had been warmer when served. Everyone in my party was more than pleased with their dishes and every dish had an excellent presentation. Make sure to grab a cocktail pre-meal time - they are pretty good! I may just have to come back here around happy hour - their specials for food and drinks are right up my ally.

    (4)

  • Miriam W.

    Ready to whip up your first Massaman curry, Pad See Ew or Tom yum goong? Perhaps you're not the cooking type but would love some freshly prepared mango and sticky rice or banana fritters to go? Maybe you're throwing a party that wouldn't be complete without a case of Thai beer? If any of the above apply to you, Bangkok 54 is a great place to start. This relatively small Thai grocery store carries a bountiful supply of Asian foodstuffs ranging from fresh produce to beer and wine as well as prepared food from their attached restaurant.

    (4)

  • Ahmed R.

    We just moved into the building right across the street and had to try this place b/c people had been raving about it. Let me start by saying I'm not a huge fan of Thai food. I got a rice/beef dish and my wife got chicken drunken noodles. The portions were very large. I thought my dish was good, but LOVED my wife's drunken noodles! Now I know why my friends were raving about the noodles. I highly recommend trying the drunken noodles. I enjoyed it to so much, we have already come back here again. The Thai iced tea was pretty good, but I have had better. Considering the portions of the food, you would think they would give you more iced tea. But overall, I was very satisfied, esp for the price.

    (5)

  • Jade W.

    If you like food with no flavor, go here around lunch time! The papaya salad was mushy and my soup tasted like dirty sink water. I know people really seem to rave about the food but the key is consistency. Never again.

    (1)

  • Jan B.

    Best Thai food in Arlington! Delivery is always quick, food comes hot and best of all, the quality and taste is just great. Even when dining in, the place is nicely decorated and comfortable. Great menu and great staff!

    (5)

  • Nemo O.

    It is not really really Thai food, but it is tasty and fresh and well done. If you want real Thai food, then go next door to the Thai grocery store and enjoy some of the wonderful dishes they have prepared and sell for Thai people. I ate that food every week for two years. I am giving the restaurant 4 stars for good service, really friendly staff, who are all Thai (Hi everyone!), and the bar is nice. One bar is set away from the main restaurant, and I liked that one more. Kind of miss it.

    (4)

  • Alisha D.

    The chicken phad thai is hands down the best I've tried in Arlington. You would never guess in million years how nice the place is by the outside appearance. The inside is classy and clean. Service is a little slow, but the place is always packed.

    (5)

  • Anjaly P.

    Yelp helped me trust that Bangkok 54 is delicious, so I am long overdue in returning the favor to scream my sentiments. I'm a fan of so many dishes, I shall not name them all. Curries and hot wok items are my favorites to eat with their specialty 54 Rice. The rice is spicy so, I don't add more heat to my dishes, but I think that they can go up to Thai hot (aka, make you sweat). Delivery minimum is $20, but picking it up for takeout is fast. The dining room is a decent size, not too big or too small. The kitchen is right in front of you when you walk in from the parking lot. Parking! It's a tight fit, there's an attendant there most days, and parking is free. I've done all three and no complaints.

    (5)

  • Franz W.

    One of the best Thai restaurants we've found. The food is always amazing and the prices are pretty good too. Sometimes the service is a little slow but all in all, it's a great place to checkout.

    (4)

  • Alisa M.

    We were originally going to try Thai Square but read that they only had about 14 tables, and on a Friday night we dint feel like waiting so we decided on our go to-so glad we did. Bangkok 54 is always good. Great atmosphere, great food, great times! We ordered flaming Mai Thais, Penang chicken, papaya salad, pad Thai vegetarian, five spice pork is always a favorite. Sticky rice & mango is always a must. Coconut ice cream was good too! Service was good. We also love hitting the Thai grocery store before dinner. Also learned that they deliver within 3 miles!! That really made my evening!!

    (4)

  • Christina W.

    I've been to at least 15 different Thai restaurants in the NoVa area and I must say, this is the BEST Thai place I've been to. :) I LOVE their drunken noodles because it's filled with all these great ingredients (tomatoes, onions, basil, enough meat, red peppers) that some other restaurnts deny you of. I also love their pad thai, there is something about the texture of their noodles, that sets them apart from other Thai restaurants. They seem to know exactly how much seasoning goes into each dish so it's never too salty, too spicy or too sweet for my taste! I also really love their pork belly dish with string beans, so if you are looking for something new and different besides the usual Thai noodle dishes, you should try that! I've been to Thai Square, which is is 2-3 blocks away. That place is good too, but once you go to Bangkok, Thai Square is just eh.

    (4)

  • Chitrali S.

    I have been going to Bangkok 54 for about 2 years now. I love the vegetarian spring rolls as well as the tofu pad thai. Those are my favorite dishes. Also, they don't make their food spicy but will bring you a side of spices so you can adjust on your own. Their drinks are pretty tasteful too, they have this one drink that they light on fire (I forgot the name of it) but it's pretty good. The Thai iced tea is better than most Thai places I have been to as well. I like it better than Thaiphoon. The prices are quite reasonable. Sometimes when we are getting a table, they never seat us in the back side (the nicer area) even when we ask. They say that it is full or that they have no seats open, when clearly there is seating available. Otherwise the staff is pretty nice. Can't beat good food for the price and service!

    (4)

  • David K.

    Very stylish interior paired with great Thai cooking. With the overflow of Thai restaurants in the DC area, Bangkok 54 stands out as a leader in the Thai realm, as well as a leader in the revitalization of the Columbia Pike corridor. Specifically, the drunken noodles has the perfect amount of char to make it special. The Five Spices Pork is the best dish on the menu. With a mysterious blend of spices, it comes together to make the perfectly cooked, tender pork a great dish. Bangkok 54 also features unique cocktails featuring lemongrass, basil and other thai herbs/flavors. They recently opened a lounge which is stylishly decorated, and allows couples to have a private nook with hanging fabric acting as a separator of space. A great pre-Drafthouse meal.

    (4)

  • Norlie L.

    ordered her many times. todays items: roasted duck curry and pad see-ew with beef. Both really good-- lots of heat in the red curry dish! Pad see-ew perfectly seasoned- beef slightly on the tough side today.

    (4)

  • Cris A.

    I've lived near the Walter Reed-Columbia Pike intersection for many years and decided to compare all 4 Thai restaurants near there (Rincome, Thai Square, Bangkok 54 and Manee Thai). I have been comparing Drunken Noodles, the seafood soup, a spicy chicken dish and a few others. Bangkok 54 gets five stars for having great food and great decor. Every dish I've ever had there has been great. If you want a good sit down place among the four, choose Bangkok 54 though it's the priciest and chicest of the bunch. For takeout, Rincome edges Thai Square for price, amount of food and quality and taste of the food. Thai Square had some good dishes but the quality has been inconsistent for me. Not bad but Rincome delivers the goods consistently.

    (5)

  • Allie I.

    BEST Thai in Arlington!! I love the grilled salmon entree and the crispy spring rolls with the sweet chili sauce is amazing! Great happy hour during the week too. I've been going here for years and I can't think of a better Thai place I would go to. I like to go here sometimes before the Cinema and drafthouse.

    (5)

  • Kacey C.

    Other than Lost Dog, it is hard to find decent food on the Pike. My boyfriend and I went on a whim last weekend, it was a nice night we figured we'd walk up the street and find something (don't judge me for living on the pike!!). We stopped in around 7:30, it was really quite empty but then again it is a large space. The decor was minimal and the atmosphere was enjoyable. Our waitress was friendly and attentive. The prices weren't bad and the food was pretty good. I'm a veg and there were plenty of options.

    (4)

  • Mangala M.

    Hands down some of the best Thai food I've had. I've already been here twice now, and I simply love it. I especially liked their drunken noodles, and a roasted tofu dish was quite unique. The fish appetizer I got was so yummy as was the papaya salad! They will make it vegetarian if you ask them. The drinks are very interesting and tasty. I am interested in trying out their happy hour, looks like they have some pretty good specials. The food itself isn't that much on the spicy side, so I would suggest you ask for it spicy (that is if you like spice!). This place will definitely be in my regular rotation.

    (5)

  • Boon K.

    This is modern thai food, something you see at newer thai restaurant in Thailand. The presentation is beautiful and good favor. The beef salad was nice and tender and light, I really like the golden chicken and Pad Cha was just the right amount of spicy. I'm a bigger fan of the grocery store selection of take out which is more traditional street vendor food, like grill chicken stick, Khao pad Kapi( my favorite dish), and the salted fry fish. Plus I get to buy grocery for the week. they have all the thai ingredients I need. Just wish they had more fresh veggies.

    (4)

  • Jenny T.

    Whenever I'm craving some authentic Thai Food, Bangkok 54 pops into my mind. Located in Arlington, the restaurant opened in 2004 and is thriving today. It's modern design and impeccable menu has made it a local hotspot for younger crowds and couples. Bangkok 54 is a small restaurant with a big impact that deserves a little more love. When walking through the cramped parking lot, the outside entrance seems shabbily decorated with flowers. However, upon opening the door, there's a direct view of bustling cooks behind the kitchen counter so you are greeted with wonderful smells and a warm environment immediately. The mix of traditional art and contemporary architecture is just a sight to see. The interior designer gets two thumbs up for a wonderful job with the decoration. Once you settle down and finish ogling the art, it's time to ogle the food! Starting with the appetizers, they are wonderful for couples but the small portions may not be so good for large groups. That being said, the salt and pepper calamari is to die for. The calamari is lightly battered, fried, and then meant to be dunked in a sweet & sour sauce. Sometimes I go in just for that and some soda. The entrees listed all sound appealing on paper, but the one area that Bangkok 54 excels in is their curries. The green curry is especially good because unlike other thai restaurants, thai eggplants are used . The little green slices of eggplants add authenticity to the dish that is already great. While very sweet, the green curry also has a mean and spicy kick to it. Their yellow curry is a perfect blend of spices, potatoes, chicken, and onions. Each spoonful of the curry is rich and savory. While some people say that the curries are a bit salty, it's because the curries are meant to be eaten with the rice and/or roti (fried bread that is more like a pastry puff). The roti is addictive and could certainly be eaten by itself due to its buttery taste and crispy texture. For the not-so-adventurous , pad thai and drunken noodles are good options to pick. The flavors are milder but still spicy and memorable. The Hot Wok options are also good because there's a variety of options that range from sweet and sour stir fries to the fiery kaprao. The Lad Na and Pad See-Ew are severely lacking in taste though. Both feature soft, wide rice noodles that are mixed with chinese broccoli. The only difference between the two is the sauces used. One is black bean while the other is soy. Those two dishes are just soupy messes and either need to be reworked by the restaurant or taken off the menu. Dessert is icing on the cake for those who are not stuffed. For a traditional thai dessert, try the sweet sticky rice with fresh mango. It's a bit filling due to the sticky rice, but it's nice to have a dessert that's not cake or ice cream. Service is the only thing is spotty and poor at Bangkok 54. Some nights you'll get the kindest and most attentive waiter or waitress and some nights you'll get the rudest. It all depends on how busy it is and also who you get. I don't know the interview process or how Bangkok 54 hired any of their people , but it's just unfortunate that their customer service is unpredictable. So despite the fact the service is poor, the food and atmosphere outshine it. People that want to come into a restaurant for a culinary experience and will definitely get one at Bangkok 54.

    (4)

  • Derick K.

    BEST THAI FOOD I'VE EVER HAD!!!! I'm a guy who love love love love LOVES spicy food. When you put my plate down, I prefer the sweat to begin beading up immediately. I have often complained about restaurants adding stars and chilis to food items in their menu to indicate spiciness and ultimately being altogether inaccurate and failing to produce even the mildest of stimulation in my mouth. Often, because of my doubts as to the accuracy of all purported spice levels, I typically add one or two more stars/chilis beyond what is offered to indicate that I'm OK with that uncomfortable feeling that might follow tomorrow. Our appetizer choices were winners, both the Firecrackers and the Duck Rolls. If you're someone who enjoys a good dipping sauce, Bangkok 54's are pretty impressive. Between the Panang Curry and the Fiery Kaprao, my friend and I split what was a perfect balance between a flavorful and a spicy Thai dish. That balance was actually the most impressive aspect of the entire meal because, in my experience, the kitchen is only successful at providing one or the other. I don't think I could be more pleased with a plate of Thai food.

    (5)

  • Ned W.

    Consistently good -- wonderful and chic atmosphere for a sit-down dinner, and for delivery they're absolutely the best Thai food around. Fabulous curries and unbeatable drunken noodles.

    (5)

  • Renita W.

    I have eatean at Bangkok 54 as a dine-in and delivery customer. In both instances I was pleased with the food and service. Dine-in: we went for an early Saturday lunch. I ordered the Pineapple Fried Rice and the Fried Chicken wings appetizer. The dipping sauces for the wings was yummy! Nice tangy-sweet sauce, that had a very unique flavor. The Pinepple Fried Rice was my firstexperience with the tropical fruit, raisens and cashews mixed in my fried rice... but I enjoyed. We didnt realize there was a parking lot in the back, so parked in the garage for the Halstead apartments. For delivery: The food quality was great given the 55 minute wait time for delivery. In addition to the Pineapple Fried Rice, we ordered the Chicken Pad Thai. The Pad Thai was not the best I've had in Northern Va ... but not bad. Not sure if it was the fish sauce... but there was a very pronounced flavor that overpowered the dish. I prefer the pad thai at Thai Shirlington. Its great having good establishments along the Columbia Pike corridor, so I will definely eat there again.... gotta support the local businesses.

    (4)

  • Sarah C.

    Stopped into this restaurant a couple weeks ago for dinner with two of my dear friends. From the outside, the place looks super tiny, but from the inside... HUGE! We wound up getting seated in this semiprivate area. It was quite lovely and intimate. From a service perspective, it wasn't the best I've ever had, but the restaurant was also packed and the waitresses were running around trying to cover many tables. So, I give them a pass. Water was filled and drinks were brought regularly. Works for me. The food was top notch. I had the panang, my one friend had pad Thai and my other friend had something else (I forget the specific item). We were all VERY pleased. Flavors were bold, spice level was perfect, portions were very large and prices weren't half bad. A very impressive value for the area. I will definitely be putting Bangkok 54 on my list of go-to places.

    (4)

  • Tierra H.

    I don't know what it is, but no Thai restaurants want to give me what I ask for. I want pad see ew with garlic sauce. That's all. But when I ask, they tell me "no". Who does that?!?? It happened here, of course. But here's how I left satisfied instead of wanting to pour chili sauce in someone's eye: The waitress asked me to describe what I wanted (the flavors, noodles and such). I did. She produced drunken noodles. YUM! We also had the spring rolls. Meh. Nothing to write home about, but nothing bad. Boyfriend had pad thai. He seemed to like his food. In addition to my drunken noodles (sans spice), I got a Thai iced tea. It was good, but I didn't like that it was already sweetened. I'm an independent woman. Let me sweeten my own tea! So it was solid Thai. Its down the street from me, has a parking lot, and yummy. Nice decor. Clean restrooms. I'll go back when I'm looking for Thai and refuse to trek down to Georgetown to Bangkok Joe's.

    (3)

  • Joe L.

    I really liked this trendy Thai place. The inside of the restaurant has a very modern, trendy feel to it, but the smooth jazz music they were playing didn't really match up, but I'll forgive them because the food was very good. I ordered the Spring Rolls and Pad Thai. Even the presentation of the food was cool. They brought out the Spring Rolls dipped in a glass in an x-shape topped in thin sliced carrots and the sweet sauce on the bottom of the cup. Just a unique presentation that was a bit of a change from your typical Thai place. The Pad Thai was very tasty and was a generous portion. The price was great also....for a dinner portion including chicken it was $10. I always feel that Pad Thai dishes are enough to eat some and take the rest for later and this place definitely lives up to that. Lastly, the staff was very friendly and attentive. I'd definitely be a regular here if I lived in DC.

    (4)

  • E L.

    I went to lunch there today, got the drunken noodles with chicken. The restaurant is very nice, clean, and stylish. Got the addon spring roll for $.99, it was pretty much what you would expect - greasy, empty, some crappy veggies - not really worth it. The food is pretty good, it was very palatable to American taste; my only gripe with this place is that portions are too tiny and they try too hard to over present what is basically solid Thai street food. Still, not bad! May well go again.

    (3)

  • Eliza L.

    Bangkok 54 is one of the best of the best of the pike. Even the market is worth going to next door. I have my food delivered most of the time. I had the mango and crispy shrimp salad VERY good. best days are monday-friday. it gets crowded on weekends

    (3)

  • Lauren K.

    Best summer rolls I've ever had. I loved the drunken noodles with tofu as well. This is a good place to go with a group of friends or a casual date. Also love that I found out that they deliver to my house! Drunken noodles for everyone!

    (4)

  • E L.

    Salt and pepper Calamari - 2 stars Satay Chicken - 2 stars (Satay sauce was watery) Spicy roast duck salad - 1 star (only give you 6 little piece of chewy fat duck meat) Tod Mun - 3 stars Drunken Noodles - 3 stars Service - 3 stars (a little pushy on the upsell)

    (2)

  • Robert P.

    Went with friends after seeing Bourne Legacy at Cinema and Draft. I ordered the duck rolls and a glass of Riesling. I am addicted to these rolls. This is an appetizer that will totally fill your tummy. No need for entree. Friends ordered Panang Chicken (it's spicy so careful with this one). Other friend ordered Pad Thai. We all enjoyed our dinners. Service was very good. Points off for noise level. I would eat here again.

    (3)

  • Francis R.

    An excellent Thai eatery! It's my favorite in the DC/Arlington/Alexandria area. I've stayed in Thailand & find BKK 54 to be the most authentic in taste & service. The prices are fair & the smiles are always big. I'm in there at least once a week & is probably my favorite restaurant (all cuisines included) in the area.

    (5)

  • Melissa M.

    Best Thai in Arlington, hands down. Atmosphere is comfortable and away from the crowds and tourism. The exhibition-style kitchen confidently displays cleanliness along with the restaurant's skilled team of culinary professionals. Take your family and friends here the next time they are visiting DC.

    (5)

  • Food E.

    In a word - yes. This place is great. On the Washingtonian Cheap Eats list, they definitely deserve the kudos. We had the 5 spice pork and the duck curry, both of which were delicious. The potato puff was more like a samosa - don't recommend it if you want thai food - but everything else was delicious. We didn't try any drinks, but they had some good ones, and a decent happy hour listing I'll be checking out as well. So many dishes looked great here, I know I'll be a regular. Best Thai food I've found here in the year I've lived here. Oh, and did I mention that it's trendy and cool, and there's a Thai grocery store adjacent to the restaurant that's affiliated with the place? No? Well, they have those things. Go check it out.

    (5)

  • Paul D.

    This place has an OPEN KITCHEN. How many restaurants have open kitchens, allowing you to watch them make your food? Bangkok 54 is one of the best Thai restaurants in the Washington Metropolitan area. They also have several dishes that you can't find anywhere else, such as Cellophane Noodle Salad or Pad Sator. Also, they have THE BEST Drunken Noodles I've ever had! I won't eat at just any Thai restaurant after eating here. This place is a bench mark for good Thai food. They have a separate entrance in the back for carry out. I bet they do just as much carry out and delivery business as they do in their dinning room. They also have a full bar and a nice selection of beer. I can't say enough good things about this place. I've never been disappointed with my food. bangkok54restaurant.com

    (5)

  • Jessica S.

    I guess beef fried rice is really hard to mess up, but I think it was some of the best I've had here. Chive spring rolls are also really great.

    (4)

  • Brandon F.

    As soon as I walked in to that beautiful smell of spices, I knew I was in for a treat. Everything from the service to the food was great. At least until desert. I love green tea ice cream, but this tasted freezer burnt. Yuck!

    (4)

  • Brianne C.

    This place gives me Thai blue balls. Discovering that Thai Square didn't open until noon, we walked into Bangkok 54 from the sizzling sidewalk and were immediately impressed with the tastefully modern Asian decor and generally serene atmosphere. Sliding into a booth with triangular arm cushions that made for surprisingly comfortable props, we looked over a number of mouth-watering specials featuring soft shell crabs (a bit late for those, isn't it?) and crunchy basil, and finally decided on a papaya salad, the 54 salad, green and panang curries, and the roasted duck rolls. As I have had a bit of a cough for the last few days, we also started with the Thai tea. We should have sensed trouble when jasmine tea (weak at that) arrived instead of our beloved red tea. The roasted duck roll was the most gorgeous appetizer I have ordered in recent memory, featuring two beautifully browned roti filled with hunks of duck, green onion shoots, and a fragrant duck sauce. At least, that's what the artfully arranged food resembled. In reality, we ate two browned cylinders of what seemed to be crescent and phyllo dough dredged in oil, filled with rubbery, dry hunks of something, with a flavorless duck sauce smeared inside. I took two bites and pushed it to the side. The accompanying 54 salad featured leaf lettuce, an unexciting bottled peanut dressing, and flavorless tofu crisps straight from the snack section of an Asian market. After tasting these starters, we were apprehensive about the main dishes. The papaya salad showcased unripe papaya in julienne strips (at least the knife skills were decent) with a simple dressing that needed some kick. The green curry fared best, filled with chicken and peppers, but still lacked a couple of background flavors. The panang curry with beef had no complexity and was redolent of liquid smoke. But, the disappointing rice took the top prize, being a dead ringer for Uncle Ben's. Don't tell me I'm eating jasmine rice when I'm not. Needless to say, I will not be going back.

    (2)

  • Lindsey T.

    New favorite place to eat in the area. The panang curry was simply delicious--they even steamed my tofu instead of frying it upon request. Wonderful price ($8.95) for a filling but not ridiculous portion of fresh vegetables cooked perfectly in a flavorful sauce. The spring rolls are a bit small for the price, but the presentation is fun, and they are perfect as well. My new addiction: the lime thai iced tea. My goodness, it's slightly spicy, slightly sweet, slightly citrusy, and all incredibly tasty and refreshing. The service is great--attentive but not pushy--and the decor is really nice. Nice lighting, music, and color scheme. Feels fresh and clean, yet warm and inviting. Plus, the kitchen is open for all to see if you come in the back door, and it's spotless and full of good smells. Full bar, nice place out-of-the-way place to wait if you get take-out, good-sized parking lot, and decent location in an up-and-coming section of the Columbia Pike. I will definitely definitely return here many times.

    (5)

  • Matt E.

    This restaurant is my only place for Thai anymore. I've been here an uncountable amount of times. I've tried most everything on the menu and only been disappointed once I believe. My favorite is the Spicy Eggplant and dishes from the hot wok, but the curry is just as delicious. I've tried 5-6 places in Arlington for Thai food. This place is the best because the food is delicious, the service is fast and prompt, it's reasonably priced and the decor is up there with any of the nicest Thai restaurants. I've also been here for some birthdays, the mai thai's on fire are very fun.

    (5)

  • Aaron S.

    Spicy Roasted Tofu is the greatest vegetarian dish in the Thai Universe. Decor is spot on, service is nice and helpful. Have been here a dozen times and always had good service and food. People compare this to Thai Square, but honestly I don't find many parallels. Thai Square (which I agree is EXCELLENT) is good for exotic Thai food closer to what you would find in Thailand. Bangkok 54 is a little more Westernized, which some people think means is not genuine. I personally can't understand this generalization; just because something isn't the same as it is in the originating country doesn't exclude it from being better. The best pizza is NOT served in Italy (personal testament). Back to Bangkok 54 though... it has ample seating (you are always being stared at by people waiting for a table at Thai Square, which is uncomfortable), and a nice decor (Thai Square has some old tourism posters from the Thai press section, it seems). All in all, Bangkok 54 is an excellent restaurant for taking out of town guests, and has many good pescatarian and vegetarian options.

    (5)

  • Tina C.

    We'd heard great things about Bangkok 54 so we finally tried it and I loved my meal. The aftermath wasn't so great...food poisoning isn't fun ;-/

    (1)

  • Tina H.

    I've never gone into the restaurant&bar side but I always go to their grocery store. The best place to go if you're craving for authentic Thai food at very affordable price and just want to grab and go. Ready made food section has pretty good variety that changes daily. Some of them you can't find on restaurant menu. I'm a very frequent visitor and never been disappointed.

    (5)

  • Seth M.

    nice atmosphere modern and dark. ordered the 'fresh rolls" - pretty much summer rolls. pretty good. got a peach paradise? drink... very good and very girly. which i'm fine with. got the butternut squash curry for my dinner. very very good. no complaints. i shall return.

    (4)

  • Hass L.

    My favorite Thai place in the area. Generally excellent dishes, excellent ambience/presentation/service. And the biggest bonus of all, a boutique Thai Grocery store next door - the only place I can find that sells Broken Rice! I would only warn against the fried crispy duck; I've had it twice (the second time with the hope it would turn out better) and all it tastes like is burnt krispies! LOL, lot of greasy crunch, not a lot of juicy flavor there...

    (4)

  • Armi C.

    Thai rice is spicy but so good, and their pad thai is excellent. The fried tilapia goes well with the fried rice and the grocery store adjacent to the restaurant is a plus. You can buy cheap take out food there. They have these sweet buns with custard in the middle and sticky rice with fresh mangoes on the side and some good tamarinds that you can take home and enjoy.

    (4)

  • Paolo S.

    This is some of the best Thai food I have had in Arlington. Just the right amount of spice, great lunch special menu and tasty/strong signature drinks. Highly recommended.

    (5)

  • Lia G.

    Yum! At Yelp recommendation, I got the Spicy Roasted Tofu, which is amazing. Even my carnivore hubby liked it. Also liked the Curry Puffs (they weren't on the main menu, but when I asked, the super-nice waitress pointed me to the specials menu). This is a restaurant with fresh food, sweet waitresses (I heard a jerky cranky old man yell at one of the waitress because he asked for "sauce" and she didn't know that meant soy sauce, and she handled it remarkably well), a clean interior that makes you feel good about eating there, and a really nice decor. Definitely one of my new favorites. My husband and I spent $40 (before tip) on two appetizers, two entrees, a Coke, and a plum wine. Oh, and they had a "Yelp" sticker on their door. Cool :)

    (4)

  • Trina T.

    The best Thai food I have had in the DC metro area (which says a lot!). I got the duck dish for the entrée and mochi ice cream for the dessert - both were equally delicious. I would definitely come back.

    (5)

  • Candi W.

    My office did a take out order today, of course I got on Yelp to find a good spot to order from. I got a dish which was their special recommendation of street noodles, it tasted like a pad Thai see wee (how ever you spell it). But.........what got me was the lunch box that it came in , it had the noodles, a spring roll and a side of sticky rice with mango. Over all I was happy with the price but I would like to dine in one day to get the whole experience!

    (3)

  • Gwen B.

    I have eaten here both dine-in and take-out. Both times I had low expectations, but both times I was pleasantly surprised! From the outside, the place looks kind of run down, but the inside was beautifully decorated with very attentive waiters. While dining in, I ordered the golden chicken, which was a little bit pricy, but WELL worth it--that is one yummy dish! For take-out, I had the chicken lad na, which I really had no clue what I was going to receive. Turned out to be almost chicken soup, with a separate platter of the best asian noodles I've ever had! One of the better hidden gems in Arlington!

    (4)

  • Brian J.

    Best Thai in DC area. Great atmosphere, great service, incredible food. Good, yet small beer selection. They even have Guiness on tap? Awesome. Go to 54. Get the seafood salad or the fried fish appetizer, get the spicy duck, get the 5 spice pork. So good. You'll be back.

    (5)

  • Frank H.

    Bangkok 54 put the heat back into DC area Thai food. I often hit up different Thai places and ask it for so called "spicy" or "hot" as they describe. I'm usually insulted by the level of heat they put in the food. I try to convince them to make it spicy by saying can you make it the way you would eat it. It's hit or miss, but this place had my taste buds blazin'. The missus and I ordered take out of Pad Thai and asked for hot it scorched our insides. It was good. We went on another occasion and the basil beef, yum woon sen (clear noodles with a lime/pepper sauce), and deep fried pork belly. Everything was pretty good; however, I think the flavors were a little off. The ambiance is nice and this would be a pretty good first date kind of place. It's not the whole in the wall kind of Asian restaurant but actually really nice and intimate feeling.

    (4)

  • Taylor G.

    I have been here twice and enjoyed it. The service is good and friendly. In fact, writing this review makes me want to go now!

    (4)

  • Katie S.

    Atmosphere is good, staff is attentive and friendly, food is usually good- can sometimes be a little salty. Things we love- fresh rolls, crispy calamari, crispy pork (could use more heat), whole fish, any curry, garlic lover hot wok, tom yum. Yum!

    (4)

  • Angie K.

    I got the Drunken Noodles and the Spring Rolls. The rolls were fine but the drunken noodles were disgusting. I couldn't even finish it.

    (1)

  • E E.

    -They have Kirin on tap -Food is reasonably priced -Food is pretty good (but stay away from the "calamari") -Good atmosphere -And... free delivery if you live in the area!!! Great for lazy lunches...

    (4)

  • Jennie K.

    3.5 stars Ambiance: Although the outside of the restaurant was quite ghetto-looking, the decor inside was cozy, romantic, and filled with small buddha figurines, cool light fixtures and wall decorations. They have a bar area as well. Food: They have HH specials from 4:30-6:30, so we ordered $4 mojitos :) The HH specials included appetizer food, but we decided to just order 2 entrees from the main menu and share. We ordered drunken noodles with beef and spicy roasted duck. They were both very tasty! However, the duck dish was actually deep fried. It was good but I felt quite guilty afterward :p Service: Attentive servers.

    (3)

  • Jeff W.

    Being right down the street from the great Thai Square gives this place a bit of competition, but after going here last night I see they definitely both have their place. For strictly food purposes, I'd choose Thai Square everytime. For an all-around experience, however, I'd choose Bangkok 54. One key thing is the parking lot. It's cramped but is a lot better than to have to drive around and park down the street many blocks away. The other thing is just how nice the place is. Very open but cozy at the same time. Great decor without feeling too trendy or snobby. Finally, the prices are fantastic! Most entrees (noodle dishes at least) are under $10 for dinner. Not something you see everyday, especially at such a nice place. Overall food quality wasn't unbelievably, but it was definitely above average. My noodle dish was a little burnt and dry but my dining companion's "garlic lover" dish was great, though the leftovers didn't leave my car smelling too great afterwards. If I'm by myself, or with a foodie, I'd go to thai square; but for an all-around dining experience with friends, or a date, I'd probably pick Bangkok 54.

    (4)

  • Dustin S.

    Had the Chicken Fiery Kaprao and it was great...very spicy but very good. Will definitely go back again.

    (5)

  • Jessica M.

    Hubby found this place and took me/us. can't wait til we go back. it's great price and great eats.

    (4)

  • Julie V.

    Take out is quick, delivery in bad weather, bar specials decent. What more could you ask for? This place never disappoints.

    (4)

  • Moon S.

    I don't understand why this place has a 4 star rating when it really deserves only 2 stars maximum. I had far better food in less rated restaurants. Chicken satay was ok, the peanut sauce that came with it was bad - more oil than actual peanut cream. Thai ice tea... I would rather call it Thai tea ice, because I had never seen so much ice being put in an ice tea, and the tea actually lacked its flavor. Mushroom tom yum soup was ok, only mushrooms were old and if you know that old mushroom smell and taste, you know what I mean. Drunken noodles - what can I tell? Basically tasteless. For the first time in my life I actually regretted that my drunken noodle dish portion was too big. I had tried this dish many times in many different Thai places, but this has been the worst so far. Mai Thai cocktail was good. Our waiter was bad. She spilled the drink on our table and never came back to clean it. When she brought a bill she practically threw it on the table and dropped complimentary mints on the floor, and she never picked them up. Boo! She also seemed like she was in hurry and wad rushing us through the order. All in all, most likely I won't come back. I recommend Thaiphoon on pentagon row over this place.

    (2)

  • Eric H.

    My wife and I went first time last wed. Parking was easy and the décor was pleasant. The wait staff was attentive and the tables while small are nice. Menu has a lot of items and listed a happy hour in several spots with happy hour pricing but u only find the Happy Hour times on last page and ends at a disappointing 6:00pm. We ordered the green papaya salad as a starter which was good but lacked the real zing that it should have had and that I experienced with the last Thai restaurant I went to in DC called the Thai Place, Inc. My wife ordered a dish from the Hot Wok section with beef that was pretty good but nothing extraordinary and after asking for guidance from the wait staff they recommended I get the Bangkok 54 Duck. This was very disappointing, very salty and little better than something I could of made at home. The duck was deep friend and tasted old, granted most Thai places boil meat rather than grill or stir fry but this duck tasted little better than left over chicken battered and fried to try and bring back a fresher flavor. Why I won't be coming back, the bill, totaling $72.00 with tip!!!! Food of this quality should run two people no more than $40.00 tops!!! This is sub par Thai for the most part. Too many Thai restaurants around DMV no reason to settle for overpriced average at best Thai food.

    (2)

  • Jinn S.

    By far Bangkok54 is my favorite Thai restaurant. Service always friendly. And the food is always tasty and has good quality. Crispy pork belly/squid with basil, honey roasted duck, yumm..

    (4)

  • Poyz C.

    This is not authentic Thai food; this is an Americanized Thai food. The ingredients and taste are not real Thai. Too sweet and oily. I would expect a lot more from the rating here in Yelp. Although the atmosphere and staff are great, I will not be there again. Really disappointed! I rather go pick up the take-out food at the Bangkok54 grocery next door. Their taste is way better and more Thai.

    (1)

  • Johnny C.

    Very good Thai food the panang curry is awesome . Nice service as well.

    (5)

  • bill b.

    Great, reliable and walkable for me. THE Arlington go-to for Thai. I try others for variation and always get disappointed. The servers here all smile a great deal. Sometimes so much that coupled with their red and black uniforms, I think they might be vampires. But only for a second. Pineapple Fried Rice!

    (4)

  • Kim T.

    This is one of my go-to Thai places in Arlington. Best squid ever (Spicy squid with basil). I am absolutely addicted to the stuff. Their curry is also very good, as are their specials. But who am I kidding? I get the squid 80% of the time! The decor is fantastic, clean and modern. Plus, they recently expanded, so there's lots of space. The service (on my 30+ visits) has also been friendly and fast. Also, this is one place where if you ask for extra spicy, they will give you extra spicy (something I've found Thai places sometimes don't do -- maybe they are worried Americans can't handle the spice ^_^). Their larb is just ridic spicy when you get it "extra spicy" and it's the best damn thing in the universe. Their Thai iced tea is better than others' in the area (Thaiphoon, Sawatdee, etc), and they have some fun cocktails. Their desserts are pretty good (I'm partial to bean and coconut milk concoctions, as well as mango sticky rice). I'm not sure why Cathy D. didn't feel she had enough food -- usually I have to save half my portion for lunch the next day. My husband, who's from Asia, claims that most of B54's portions would feed four people back home. Haha! Well, I'm guilty of finishing everything sometimes...especially when it's the squid.

    (5)

  • Adrian C.

    My friend and I stopped in last night for some take-out. I had never been here before but a friend recommended it. We only had to wait about 10 minutes for our food and the prices seemed reasonable. Although we didn't stay to eat, the interior was very cute and looked nice and clean. By the time we got home, the food was still piping hot. I ordered the Penang which was delicious, a little on the spicy side but very good. My friend ordered the duck red curry, which she said was ok. I will definitely go back to try other dishes!

    (4)

  • antonio m.

    This is a super duper place. The food is like awesome and as others have described, the open kitchen and overall decor make you feel at home. Our waitress was smart and accommodating. The calamari appetizer was the best ever - super tender and very favorable. The Drunken Noodles are a must and frankly the best I've ever tasted. The Green Curry was very tasty - we order the seafood combo and it was perfect - enough to feed four people. Our curiosity got the best of us and we ordered the Pad Sator - yes, the waitress warned us about the smell. Well, it did smell a bit, but nothing bad, and the dish was pretty good, especially the pork component and the shrimp. Our stir-fried watercress was a bit of a disappointment - very tough, but the flavor was good. All in all, it was a delightful meal and we'd go back in a jiffy.

    (5)

  • Cathy D.

    One star for the restaurant's decoration and vibe. Grace and I came here after getting shut out of the advanced screening at Arlington Cinema 'N Drafthouse for "Into the Wild." First of the all, the back parking lot of the restaurant is tiny! Good thing I found a spot to squeeze into and didn't have to go through the hassle of double-parking. I was in a vegetarian mood that night and wanted to order a meat-less dish so I chose Panang Jae (fried tofu and mixed seasonal vegetables in a Panang light curry sauce with sweet basil). When my dish came, I was surprised at the lack of tofu. All I could see was some bamboo shoots, peppers, snap peas and even those were scant! Before I even started digging into the dish, I counted the number of tofu: four measly pieces. This is when my customer satisfaction alarm went off and I politely alerted our server who was a newbie and grabbed the manager. First of all, the manager was not apologetic at all and was instead, defensive. She took a look at my dish and said that the dish's name was Panang Jae and it was supposed to be a mix of tofu + vegetables. Uh...yeah. I got that part. I can read the menu! Then the manager continued to say that if I had wanted more tofu than vegetables, I should have let the server know when I placed my order. Extremely annoyed by her response, I told her if I'm paying $7.95 for the dish, I just wanted some more (damn!) tofu. I mean come on, tofu is not that expensive! I think she was fed up with me at this point and begrudgingly took the dish back and added more tofu. But oh, no, the experience does not end there. Grace was eating her Pad Phrik Khing and noticed that every other string bean tasted a bit sour. Since I was waiting for them to add more tofu to my dish, I ate off her plate and concurred the funky taste. Yeah, you know where the story is headed. When they brought my dish out, Grace complained about the bad string beans. The manager took the dish back (not sure if they were doing their own taste test or what), came back and admitted that some of the bad vegetables were mixed with the good ones. She then asked Grace which new dish she wanted to order, but the manager was so exasperated with us at this point that she brusquely suggested they would prepare a chicken dish with no vegetables just to be on the safe side. Hmph, this lady needs to learn some customer service skills. The restaurant did have potential. After reading so many rave reviews, I wanted to like Bangkok 54, but I will never come back here. The food was good, but not amazing enough to risk enduring that kind of service again! On a funny note, after adding tip (calculated accordingly, natch) the last 3 digits of Grace's bill came out to $6.66. She was too nice to leave it as is, but I would've. I'm taking my patronage to Thai Square.

    (1)

  • Paul W.

    To me this place is all atmosphere and no delivery when it comes to the food. In my opinion, with Thai Square next door, they have to try harder. Get it together Bangkok 54!

    (2)

  • Amy L.

    Love this place! Plus they deliver. Everything I've eaten has been good from here.

    (4)

  • Don M.

    Good Thai food - from someone who knows good Thai. Lunch specials are an excellent deal. It's hard to find such authentic Drunken Noodles and Pad Prik. Plenty of parking in back.

    (4)

  • Jess M.

    Really great Thai food in a really random part of town! Upon our first drive by of this place I was a little bit skeptical, but hey there was free parking so I couldn't really complain! I was pleasantly surprised by what a fun and lively atmosphere this hole in the wall provided. I think this is a great place for groups because the service is more than snappy- I mean literally the servers roam around just waiting until the moment you're ready to order- but I didn't feel rushed, and the food came out in an appropriate amount of time so no problem there. Start off with a drink- I LOVED the mojito's here- they made them with Dark Rum and to my amazement they were some of the best I've ever had- although potentially not the most authentic! My favorite app was easily the summer rolls- the addition of avocado in these, which I've never seen before was absolutely delicious. The Tom Ka soup was everything I hoped it would be- and I also loved the beef with broccoli and the Pad See Ew. The prices were OK- but I think Thai food could be cheaper- however the atmosphere probably makes up for the price. I think it's some of the better Thai food I've had in the DC area, I only wish it was closer to the city!!

    (4)

  • J G.

    Bangkok 54 tries to stand out as a classy place, but definitely falls short of being a place I would care to come back to. My date and I entered and was immediately impressed with the interior of the restaurant. The inside if very pleasing on the eye, and has a modern appearance with some old-world flair. We then stood for a few minutes waiting for someone to notice us. Eventually a busy waiter sat us at a table that was still being cleaned. Our waiter took about 10 minutes to get our drink orders, just as happy hour ended at 6:30 PM. It took another 10 minutes to receive our drinks. The entrees were ordered along with two appetizers. $4 spring rolls consisted of two tiny spring rolls in a large martini glass, both of which were slightly large enough to find. The entrees were decent, especially for the price. The crunchy/spicy duck was literally nothing more then a plate of deep fried hunks of duck and a small bowl of rice. After two or three tries we managed to get some spicy sauce delivered to our table for my dates more than bland pad thai. All the while we watched as our neighbors walked to the bar to get another beer because all the waiters were suddenly missing... again. Bangkok 54 wants to be a hip place that people line up to get into, but they sure don't want to put the effort in to get there.

    (2)

  • Hebob B.

    Loved it. Good food, good drinks, great service. Will totally go back!

    (5)

  • Judy C.

    Bangkok 54 is a hit or miss for me. I've twice had dishes that were so salty that I couldn't finish the dish. But, other times the food has been really good. The atmosphere is nice. The restaurant is long and narrow, so tables are close together. It can get packed and noisy on weekends. The service is also hit or miss. Parking in that area can also be a pain, since Bangkok 54's lot is small. If so, park at the new parking structure across the street. It's free on weeknights and weekends...at least for now.

    (3)

  • John H.

    Friendly staff and some of the tastiest Thai I've had in DC area. Sauces tend to be flavorful, but not heavy. Vegetables are generally cooked perfectly--still crisp. Portions are on the small size, but enough to be filling.

    (5)

  • David R. S.

    The decor is beautiful; the silver traditional Thai statues and art pieces adorn the walls and entrance of the restaurant tastefully. I went there for lunch on a Saturday afternoon and it was pleasant. It was my first time, but I noticed the staff interacting with other customers who seemed to be regulars with a very warm familiarity. We ordered the green papaya salad, beef panang, 54's fried-rice and garlic snow peas. The green papaya salad was the best I tasted in Virginia with nearly all the ingredients you would find in if you went to Thailand yourself. The dish may look simple, but the "authentic" taste is derived with the perfect blend of Thai ingredients and spices. The beef panang was very good, but I think Crystal Thai does it a bit better because the meat is very tender over there and the curry is spicier (I tend to enjoy a spicy kick with Thai dishes). The signature 54's fried rice was a bit too sweet for me, but may appeal to American or non-Thai people because it is different from the usual fried rice fare. We ordered the garlic snow peas so that we could have some vegetables with our meal; it was good and the neutral taste doesn't diminish the taste of the more flavorful green papaya salad and panang when eaten together. I wish they would have made the dish more "garlicy" and the snow peas more crisp. All in all, it was one of the best experiences of a Thai restaurant with native decor environment and food; a great place to take friends to transport to another world while dining.

    (5)

  • Chava C.

    Widely known in the DC area by those who love Thai food as one of the best Thai spots aside from Thai Xing / Thai Crossing(which a word of warning takes many hours and is extremey spicey, but delicious for anyone who can take the heat) Bangkok 54 was worth the trip. The restaurant is pretty big and fully appointed with various Thai tchochkis and dim lights. The music, which drew interest from the group was chilled out techno versions of popular 80s songs. The menu is long and includes a large number of vegetarian friendly items delineated by vegetarian and mish-mashed amongst the noodle entrees. There is a long cocktail list that included such gems as blue margaritas, and 'nutty favority' which mixed Rum, almond liqour, pineapple and strawberries in a blender. Asahi's were cheap too, clocking in at $3.75 per bottle. The group sampled fresh rice wrapped spring rolls with hoisin dipping sauce, calamari, and fried edamame sticks with sweet-spicy thai dipping sauce. All were good, especially the edameme sticks which were a new offering to us. Two of us got Pad Thai with chicken or tofu, which for the spice lover was delicious but not so great due to lack of heat. The portion was enormous, no one should of finished (but we did anyway). Another got Bangkok fried rice and the Kleiner had green curry tofu which he says was delicious but heat shy me though was so so spicy. The atmosphere is sparkly and fresh, but still homey and good for a date, an easy weeknight/week end meal, or for a special occassion (there was a party there that night). The cocktails were good and cheap, so bring a designated driver because it is not so close to the metro. All and all, while most Thai in DC is simply average, Bangkok 54, in the Klein/Kleinettes opinion is absolutely worth the trek due to the fantastic selection and preperation of food, great price/quality ratio and cosy/well decorated interior. We will be back.... and we ask, can this open in Columbia Heights?

    (5)

  • Anson P.

    This is one of those restaurants that I keep handy in my repertoire. This place has not let me down thus far. The duck wraps are money as well as the fried edamame sticks. I'll have to try the crispy squid since everyone is recommending it. The pad thai is pretty good and I tend to rate Thai restaurants solely on the pad thai. The only dish that I've had there that I wasn't a big fan of was the beef massaman. You must finish off your meal with the coconut ice cream. It comes in the coconut shell and is totally "mint". (That doesn't mean mint-flavored, I'm just trying to incorporate some new slang into my vernacular. My apologies.) You have to get here earlier on because their parking lot gets very cramped very quickly.

    (5)

  • Andrew R.

    My friend and I decided to eat here after he heard good things from coworkers. There was ample parking in the back. A friendly attendant told us exactly where to go. It was a Saturday night and we didn't have reservations so I had expected to wait but we were seated immediately. Our waiter was nice but had some trouble with English. I ordered a Corona and the Pineapple Chicken Fried Rice, which was very good; sweet but not overpowering and with lots of chicken. The food was served quickly and the portions were large. The restaurant was crowded, and at times a little loud, but it wasn't a big deal. My bill was $14.66 which I found very reasonable.

    (4)

  • Jaye V.

    3.75 Stars Had the crispy pork belly and a roasted duck dish. Both were solid. It's nice to see meal-sized noodle soups on the menu for lunch; I'd like to try that duck noodle soup the next time I get a chance. Decor is much nicer than your typical Thai restaurant in the DC area, too.

    (3)

  • Jennifer S.

    Once inside you can almost pretend that this vibrantly decorated restaurant sits in the middle of Clarendon or Courthouse (I wish it were actually true!). Despite the fact that you have to navigate S. Arlington (I'm not a fan), there are several great reasons to do so: 1. Great food (especially for the price) - forget Chicken Soup - Chicken Galangal soup could probably cure cancer; 2. Free, convenient parking; and 3. Great atmosphere (especially when you consider what exists outside those four walls). GO. Enjoy!

    (4)

  • art f.

    Dark, sophisticated atmosphere with an assortment of small Thai sculptures on display . I appreciated that the server counseled us way from over-ordering - the fresh rolls are much larger than at many restaurants - and very good. The menu is a little different than many Thai restaurants, and the food rated as hot has a genuine bite. Both lunch and dinner have been very good.

    (4)

  • I. D.

    LOVE the Spicy Roasted Tofu. (But I don't think that it's tofu.) Whatever vegetable protein it is, it's delicious! Should satisfy any vegetarian who loves spicy, Asian flavor.

    (4)

  • SC O.

    A great find, hidden in an area that has yet to be discovered - although it looks like condos are coming up quickly. The food is wonderful, service is cordial and attentive, and the overall experience is worth it. There is a nice mix of classic expectations, try the garlic beef - yum. A perfect spot to enjoy a relaxed, casual meal.

    (3)

  • Justin B.

    Great mixed drinks, good thai food. I also appreciate the Asian grocery next door. I think the duck could have used a sauce but the flavors were there. The Tom Ka soup was good. This isn't the best Thai food I've ever had but its the best I've had in DC.

    (4)

  • Suzanne P.

    After visiting several more times, I discovered Panang shrimp and the chewy delights of spicy duck salad. The duck, paired with chili peppers and pineapple, is amazing. Although labeled an appetizer, it could easily be an entree itself. I finally got the spice I have been craving. And the spice is niceeeee.

    (4)

  • Jared L.

    Excellent and pretty cheap! One of the best Thai places I've been to

    (4)

  • J R.

    This place is extremely RAD! I went there with my Thai friend Bo Bo today. I loved it. They also have a great Thai Grocery Store next door. If you go there tell them J Rock sent you. Peace Out!

    (4)

  • bob a.

    One of the best Thai joints in the area. They have the best spicy fried duck and fresh rolls I have ever had! There Pad Thai and Drunken Noodles are also very very good.. But across the street at Rincome.. they have the best Drunken Noodles ever! They have good spring rolls, and Spicy Eggplant.. Blue moon and Sam Adams Seasonal on tap. Their Thai Iced Coffee is also a super sugar explosion.. but that is what its supposed to be. Very helpful and kind staff, and you can sub Brown Rice for white rice at no extra charge. Gets really loud when full.. Has a nice lounge area to eat at night.. Enjoy.. its my go to Thai place

    (4)

  • Al E.

    I wish I could tolerate spicy food better. Most of the menu here is a little too spicy for me, but everything is delicious. I usually have veggie spring rolls and a nice pad thai and then I try to eat some of gf's curry. Cute, affordable, and best Thai in the area I think. Great service too

    (4)

  • John D.

    This restaurant is wildly overrated. The WaPo and The Washingtonian seem to love this place, but it's average at best. The only thing that distinguishes this restaurant from the others is they charge for soda re-fills. I'm sure that's not a deal breaker for most, but it seems absurd compared to virtually every other option in the area, including other Thai restaurants. If you want average food, average (at best) service, typical Thai restaurant ambience, and to pay extra for drink refills, this may be your place.

    (2)

  • dan g.

    Althought it is only a few blocks from a number of other Thai restaurants that get rated higher (Duangrats, Thai Square)....Bangkok 54 is solid. Good service, good food.....good times. The crispy roasted tofu is one of the best dishes i have ever had. Although, don't be fooled by the title....apparently in Thai, roasted means deep fried.

    (4)

  • Ross M.

    Good Thai food if you are in this area, but I don't think it's the best. We had some salads (som tum, larb gai, yum ped) and they were pretty good, except for the pineapple in the duck salad, (obviously canned and had a funky sweet and alcohol like flavor, yuck!). I've heard others say their noodles and curries are the win, so I'll have to go back and try those next time. I'll still be frequenting Ghin Na Ree, Thai-Thai, Po Siam, Thai Square, and even Nava Thai up in MD. They each specialize in their own thing, but I just want to point out - Bangkok 54 is not the best. It is nicely decorated though, if that's your thing, but I'd rather have amazing food in a cafeteria like pho, you know what I mean? I think the real treasure here is the market next door. Although it's not as great as Duangrat's in Falls Church, they still have a lot of stuff - and they even have a food section with pre-made stuff. I wish it was made to order. FYI Bangkok 54 the restaurant will not make any items they have in the market. I asked, and I was denied.

    (4)

  • Heather M.

    What do you do when you haven't posted a review in months and you've acquired 5+ unfinished reviews in your queue? You start a review about something completely different. [I don't make the rules.] So...it was time for someone's birthday, and any of you who have become known as the "person who Yelps" amongst your friends know that means you're probably going to be the one scoping out locations and securing a reservation. Thank Zeus for parameter searching. Bangkok 54 was actually the third place that I called, and they were the only place that was able to answer on-the-spot about my request for a large party reservation. They were already winning points in my book [it's chartreuse and I keep it in my purse]. When the answer that came back was, "Seven thirty, right? We can do that," I added five more points for good measure. Parking here is somewhat chaotic. I think you can find places on the street, but the designated lot is small-ish. Not a problem to maneuver into a spot if you've got a sedan, but good luck navigating that when you're driving a Toyota Sequoia that eats mid-size SUVs for breakfast. I'm just saying: leave the boat at home. Plan accordingly. Half of us were late [as it tends to happen with large groups], but the wait staff didn't flinch and moved some tables around for us. Five minutes later we were seated and ordering drinks. A small tip for those who might not know: when making a reservation for a large party, make it for an odd number of people. Most tables are made to accommodate even numbers, and that way if your "on-the-fence" friend or someone unexpected shows up, you can slip them in, no problem. I knew there would be at least twelve of us, so I made our reservation for thirteen. Fourteen people came. Looking back on the night, there were two main things that really impressed me about Bangkok 54. 1. Acoustics. I'm not certain of exactly how much control restaurants have over this, but we were hitting that perfect noise level. It was loud enough that the rather heated debate between four of us over whether we'd rather sleep with Jack or Sawyer on LOST [I kind of derailed that one when I said neither and chose Desmond] wasn't obnoxiously dominating the room, but soft enough that everyone could hear each other without shouting. 2. Service. We had one server officially assigned to our table and another playing assist. I don't know their names, so I'm going to refer to them as Yogi [because she truly was smarter than the average server] and Boo Boo. Yogi was very attentive, and apparently had very good hearing [or maybe mine's starting to deteriorate] because there were several times when I thought she hadn't caught something we'd thrown in intermittently or at the last second, but everything was perfect. She also didn't hang around our table, which can get awkward, but managed to show up rather promptly whenever we needed something. I noticed this about halfway into the meal, because it was really was starting to border on ninja-like behavior. It turned out all she was really doing was watching our table. Not in a creepy way, like the way I was probably observing her for a good five minutes, but glancing over every minute or so and quickly identifying that lost, anxious look people tend to get when they need their server. Yogi also remembered everything that we ordered and WHO ordered it without writing anything down [at least I don't think she did, I might have been yelling something about Desmond being hotter than Jack at that point]. That doesn't impress me as much as it used to, but when you've got a table of fourteen, props are in order. Boo Boo was waiting on several other tables, but she kept on top of all of the things you take for granted when done properly and get annoyed about when they're ignored. I can't recall my water glass ever being empty at any point during the night. We definitely tipped generously. Other things of note - the food was actually pretty damn good. No lines to be scribbled outside of the box of typical Thai/Asian fare, but everyone seemed to be thoroughly enjoying what they'd ordered. A little oily, yes, but I got the pineapple fried rice with beef and while I wouldn't kill a baby to have some appear in front of me right now, I'd certainly think about running over a squirrel. The portions are somewhat large, and when they say things are spicy, they do mean SPICY. You have been forewarned. All in all, it was a really nice dinner. I can safely say that it's an EXCELLENT location for groups, and given the general atmosphere it'd probably be a nice first date place, too [like many others have noted]. The only reason I'm leaving off a star is because, while Bangkok 54 perfectly suited our needs for that night, I have a suspicion that for my normal dining excursions it would read as slightly above mediocre. Final words: it's worth a visit if you're in Arlington and enjoy Thai food [especially if you have fifteen of your closest friends in tow].

    (4)

  • Mimi V.

    Baby's first foray into eating out. Her crying immediately stopped once in the restaurant as she was mesmerized by the lights - A+ on ambiance! Bangkok 54 had been one of our go-to restaurants, and now that we're back in DC, it was our first choice when deciding on our first outing as a family of 3. Food is delicious - there's nothing on the menu that's not yummy. Service is friendly and efficient; decor is modern and chic. A great date place, local hangout, and foodie haven. 3 thumbs up!

    (4)

  • Chris B.

    I was going to Arlington cinema draft house with a date and we arrived early so we decided to get something to eat. Usually I would go to Matuba next store to get some sushi, but we decided to go next door because the place looked so nice from the outside. We walked in and it was incredibly designed. The place has all kinds of art on the walls, colorful paint and perfect mood lighting. The menu had a vast array of options. I went with the beef panang curry while my date got some type of crispy pork in ginger hot sauce. I have to say I was blown away. Both dishes were very flavorful. When I got the bill it was also rather affordable. I would have given this place five stars except for the fact that the portions were too small. Nothing is more frustrating then getting the perfect tasting meal and still being hungry at the end. I would rather they increase the price and expand the portion. Would definitely go again.

    (4)

  • Hallie J.

    you have got to me joking me... what horrible service. We called for delivery apmt 8 on a Friday night because my husband and I had been hearing great things about Bangkok 54 from friends and other reviews. When we called we gave them our phone number and because we had never ordered from them before they told us that they were too busy for new costumers and they wouldn't deliver to us. WHAT? Have you ever heard of that? Great way to ensure that we will never order from them EVER!

    (1)

  • Jackie M.

    Bangkok 54 does me a solid on Thai food. I don't eat Thai food enough to be a real connoisseur on what constitutes good Thai food and what constitutes great Thai food. If I had to hedge a bet, I would say that Bangkok 54 resides in the realm of better than average to good. I've been a resident of south Arlington off and on for the past 8 years. I lived here from 2002 - 2006 and then again from 2009 - now; doing short stints living elsewhere, like Virginia Beach (ugh), Falls Church, and Alexandria. The Columbia Pike corridor, between S Courthouse Rd and Glebe Rd, has always been a no-man's land of sorts. There has never been much there: no metro, old apartment buildings, a random smattering of restaurants, gas stations, car dealerships, a bird shop (?), a comic book store, the Draft House (yay!), the Ski Chalet, CVS, and a store front that is laden with religious candles and idols. But that's changing. Now when you walk down Columbia Pike you see a lot of development ... condos, new restaurants, and fresh coats of paint. Bangkok 54 has been there since I can remember, but I think I had written off all the Columbia Pike restaurants as not being at the top of my priority list. None of them really stood out for me as places I would want to try on a whim because the couple I had tried had been so-so to just, no. I went to Bangkok 54 for a birthday of someone that I didn't know, but who was friends with one of my friends. My first thought was that it was a lot bigger and nicer inside than I had originally thought. I instantly liked it. Bangkok 54 provides a vibrant and comfortable atmosphere. The birthday celebration was more of a 'lets meet here and get appetizers' kind of thing. Once I had my drink, I looked over the menu and thought I would order some spring rolls, just to try them out. I wasn't super hungry, but looking at the menu was making me hungry. That tends to happen with me. I can usually convince myself I am hungry at any time of the day or night. The spring rolls were very good. My only complaint was that I burned my tongue because they came out of the kitchen scalding hot. But that's probably my fault for eating them too quickly and not the fault of Bangkok 54. The waitstaff were very friendly and the bartender was quick with the drinks even though the restaurant was relatively crowded. After leaving the party that I night, I made a mental note to eat at Bangkok 54 again. So, a few weeks later, my boyfriend and I got take out. We ordered the chicken pad thai, Thai fried rice, spring rolls, and calamari. The calamari (as take out) was not that great. I think calamari is something that needs to be served hot and eaten hot. If it sits around for too long its not good. The chicken pad thai was very good and they gave a generous portion of food. Likewise, the Thai fried rice was good and so were the spring rolls. Now, when we feel like Thai food we order from Bangkok 54. It is close and convenient and makes for an enjoyable meal. Is it the greatest Thai food ever? No. I feel like Neramitra in Crystal City offers a similar quality of food. But its acceptably good and satisfies a craving.

    (3)

  • Phil H.

    There are several Thai places on Columbia Pike up the street from the Pentagon. I have been to all of them and this is the best. I almost always order delivery from here. It's great, the food is solid, and it always arrives hot and perfectly ready to eat. They have the same driver which is cool and consistent. The sit down service is good too. I almost always get the chicken pad thai and have some of my best long runs after a lunch of eating here. Some of my co-workers here like the pad see ew , pineapple friend rice and the crispy pork with chili basil. I have tried the yellow curry and wasn't too impressed with it. Ditto for the panang curry. Which is ultimately why i gravitate back to the chicken pad thai.

    (4)

  • Krissy R.

    I really like this place! The staff is friendly and there is a great selection of sake and interesting dishes. This is a fun place to bring out of town guests because you can always expect a consistently delicious meal and a wonderful experience.

    (4)

  • Jennifer T.

    I attended a party here last night and it was awesome! There were about 20-25 people there, the staff was friendly and attentive, and the thai was amazing! Absolutely loved this place!

    (5)

  • Hakimora R.

    I don't see why everyone raves about this place. I ordered the Panang Beef, and not only was the beef of poor quality but the sauce they used tasted horrible and rancid. This is not Thai food. Mae Fim in Seattle runs circles around this place. Just so that I was not confused, I ordered the spicy fried tofu, hoping that the food would improve, Nope, it got worst, with a horrible aftertaste. The food took FOREVER to get to our table and quite frankly I am not going back, the food is horrible and the service is just as bad. DO NOT EAT HERE.

    (1)

  • Pheniece J.

    Definitely the best Thai in Arlington. Every dish from here is delicious and sumptious. Very good prices and always great service. Stand outs include the fried tofu appetizer, basil fried rice, drunken noodles, and hot garlic wok. For me, this is comfort food and it doesn't get any better. Plus the decor is contemporary and inviting.

    (5)

  • Mimi K.

    One of my favorite places to eat. The area is not the greatest but there is always parking and the food is always good.

    (4)

  • Chris G.

    I love me some Thai food, and this place is pretty damn good! Go with the Drunken Noodle, but ask them for less spicy, it's HOTT! (but delicious), top it off with a Thai iced tea.

    (4)

  • Jayson H.

    I have eaten here 15 times or more and enjoyed every dish I've chosen. Awesome appetizers, good happy hour drink and appetizer specials. Entrees are large and full of flavor. Staff is friendly and helpful.

    (4)

  • Elena P.

    My fiance took me here before he became my fiance. It is a great date locale. The decor was festive and pretty, the service was attentive and the food was very tasty. I ordered my usual Chicken Pad Thai and was very pleased. I read below about a roach and question the validity of the experience. It just doesn't seem likely in a locale as nice as this. They are so attentive that I find it hard to believe that something of that proportion would occur but then again I also thought, "Maybe someone put it there one purpose?" I like to think the best of people but every now and then I wouldn't blame a waiter or waitress for trying to get a certain clientele to leave. I mean, with technology today - and Yelp - I'm not so sure I'd go *that* route, but hey, you never know!

    (4)

  • Kathleen R.

    I live within walking distance of 4 different Thai restaurants, but I only ever order food from this one. They are great for take-out or delivery, but also wonderful as a nice place to sit and eat a good meal with friends. I always feel welcomed and at home here.

    (5)

  • Doug K.

    Bangkok 54 Golden Chicken with the Brown dirty rice - incredible - kick it off with the firecracker shrimp - you won't be sorry! Service tonight was a bit slow - according to the waitstaff because of the onslaught of carryout orders - I sort of read them the riot act about that but that didn't seem to speed things up. Fortunately we weren't in a hurry....

    (3)

  • Jen C.

    Excellent thai food. fast and efficient service. parking. I like the green curry. and i like the decor of this place. It is not a dumpy place--- it has atmosphere. They have a salmon dish with some spices on it that is also very good. Anyway. I recommend.

    (4)

  • Gening L.

    Really delicious.. probably my new favorite Thai restaurant in the area. Really good curries, panang is my favorite and they do it really well with the tofu. The pat see ew is good, and I LOVE their special appetizer, the thai curry puffs. Super rich and decadent, but if you like curry and pastries, you'll love it. One of the few places you can still get a quality, affordable meal in the area. And for dessert, make sure you get the coconut milk dessert with the taro and rice balls in it. It's like a two word thai name that starts with a "b." I completely forgot the name.. but definitely order it! You will be so happy you did!

    (4)

  • T N.

    Not a bad Thai restaurant, but definitely not the best compared to Thai Square, its neighbor. It's definitely a very fancy and well-decorated place but the food wasn't that authentic and did not suit my taste and I've tried most of the things on the menu.

    (3)

  • Clare O.

    I love Bangkok 54! My husband and I go here for nice date nights when we don't want to spend a ton, but want great food. I've also taken girlfriends there and they've enjoyed it too. I really need to branch out and try other things, but I always get the same thing - an order of Crispy Spring Rolls for an appetizer and the Fiery Kaprao with mixed vegetables instead of meat or tofu. Both are absolutely divine. Hubs and I have tried to split the spring rolls and only eat one apiece, but it's impossible, we have to get our own orders now because they're so good. It's nice that they will make the Fiery Kaprao with just vegetables, even though it's not on the menu. Hubs has gotten it with chicken and beef before and both are good, but are lacking veggies. He's also gotten the Duck Curry, which was good. I tried the Larb appetizer once and it's very hot! My girlfriends have gotten the Pad Thai and Drunken Noodles and been very pleased. The atmosphere and decor is nice and classy. We like to sit at the bar sometimes for our meals. The only negative I can say about this place is the draft beers are pulled very sloppily and often have a couple inches of head on them. Would be nice to get a more neat, properly pulled beer.

    (5)

  • Miles W.

    Great meal, I loved the creative take on Thai food. The spicy baked tofu was really awesome, a dish that worth making the trip just to try.

    (4)

  • Kay H.

    This is a really pretty and clean restaurant. I met with my friend there for an early dinner to catch up because we hadn't had a chance to talk in forever, so we knew we would be there for a while. Everyone who made eye contact greeted us very warmly. Our server was courteous and the food came very fast. The Thai iced tea was yummy and the food was GREAT. The menu items weren't very expensive, either. I think the most expensive dishes I saw were for around $12. We finished our food and still had a lot to talk about so we hung around for quite a bit. After they took our plates away, it seemed like they were trying to rush us out of there. It wasn't even busy yet, even though it was a Saturday night. She brought out our check before we asked for it and as soon as we signed the slips, she took it away and paid no more attention to us except to glare at us for still being there. I really didn't appreciate feeling like there was a time limit to how long we could be there. We were not difficult or demanding at all and it wasn't like there was a wait for people to eat. Like I said, the food was great, but I'm really hoping that when I come back there, the service will be better.

    (3)

  • Virginia C.

    The grocery store (haven't tried the restaurant, yet) is wonderful--best place for prepared foods. Great prices and fantastic food.

    (5)

  • leah k.

    Bangkok 54 is definitely one of the best restaurants on the Pike. The food is amazing! This is definitely the best Thai I've had. My friends and I have tried most items on the menu and have never been disappointed. I will warn, however, that some dishes are pretty hot (even for those of us who like spicy). The tum yum and tum ka soups are both terrific. The decor is also a nice surprise. Driving by, I wouldn't expect much, but inside the restaurant is really nicely decorated. Bangkok 54 is not inexpensive but not too over priced for the most part. I do agree with the comments that portion sizes are shrinking and appetizers are pricey for just two or three small bites.

    (4)

  • Julie B.

    With a movie to see in Arlington, we consulted Washingtonian Mag's September 2011 l00 Bargain restaurants list, and were intrigued with Bangkok 54---we love good Thai, and the mag highlighted the crispy duck with basil as one of their "best dishes." We'd go back again, but would pass on that dish. Imagine a kind of MacDonald's chicken nuggets, a nice pop of taste of duck, but greasy and tough. Green payaya salad, a longtime Thai favorite, can be exquisite, but in this case, with the unusual addition of halves of cherry tomatoes (?) and soaked in dressing, the gloppy pile was limp and forgettable. Much better was the soft sauteed eggplant, with just the right amount of chili heat and seasoning, but again, way too much pooled oil. The house Chardonnay was, well, drinkable. A pity because the restaurant itself is stunning, a sophisticated cut above what you'd expect in a bargain dining destination: contemporary, airy and handsome. Bill for two: around $45.

    (2)

  • Katie K.

    I'm so happy to find my thai take out place. And only a few blocks away! The food is naturally flavored with fresh vegetables, garlic, ginger, all the good stuff, not artificial at all. Perfect take out place. Also nice because the decor is stylish and it's a good place to go when you want to feel like you are at a nice restaurant but not pay over $10 an entree. That's my definition of good Thai food, which is why it gets 5 stars. I love the shitake and tofu dish, loaded with bean sprouts. Healthy and delicious. I was disappointed my the panang curry, which is my favorite Thai dish, but I have convinced myself that there was a crazy kitchen mishap, and that if I order it again it will be perfect. Denial? We'll see...

    (5)

  • Kim S.

    I think Bangkok 54 and Urban Thai are the two best Thai restaurants in Arlington. I go to Bangkok 54 about once a month and the food is always amazing. I normally order the yellow curry and pad thai and they never disappoint. I recently tried their mango smoothie, which was light and tasty. It is more of a slush than a traditional smoothie, which was good because I didn't want a 'smoothie' to take precious space in my stomach away from the food. I will keep going back for sure.

    (4)

  • Petra S.

    The dishes here are "ok" but nothing like the dishes that King of Thai in the SF bay area makes. The fried spicy squid is pretty tasty though it's a bit on the hot side and the fried rice is "decent" however not as flavorful or seasoned as the thai places I've always enjoyed in SF. The prices are a bit too high for asian food in general in this area and most are only mediocre compared to those of the SF bay area or possible even NY which make them very authentic and less pricey.

    (3)

  • G B.

    The place that Thai say is best Thai food in Virginia (though my Thai friends admit Mai Thai in old town is close second). Fast service. Papaya salad had very complex flavors, but could taste papaya, lime and pepper. I always get the soft-shell crabs while they're in season, but duck and Green curry is excellent. alternative. This neighborhood coming back, and soon this will be a more desirable location. But as it is, it's well worth the trip!

    (5)

  • Sharmili E.

    NOTE: This review is only regarding the take-out experience. I've been hearing about Bangkok 54 for a while and my husband and I were craving Thai, so we figured we'd try it by ordering take out. We ordered Moo Krob, Beef Fiery Kaprao, and 54's Fried Rice with Chicken. I'd never had Moo Krob before, and it was like crackling deliciousness in our mouths! Never having pork belly before, I was very curious, but the saltiness of the pork was offset by the tenderness of the meat and the crispiness of the fried parts. The Kaprao was also very tasty - none of the flavors overwhelmed each other and next time, and the level of spiciness was perfect (we never said anything about the spiciness level) - not too spicy, but enough heat that would build on each bite. The 54's Fried Rice was also the right amount of heat, especially for rice, which I'm quick to mix with everything else. The only thing that I wish I had known was that there was nothing with the rice besides the spices and fried egg. I assumed that there were other ingredients mixed in. I may try the chili-basil fried rice next time, just because I enjoy some veggies in with my fried rice. However, the 54's Fried Rice was great, especially with the Kaprao sauce. The food was tasty, the right amount of heat, and tasted fresh and flavorful. We ordered it for take-out, so I know nothing about the rest of the restaurant, or any other dishes. But we enjoyed what we got, and it traveled well back to our apartment (we only live about 10 minutes away).

    (4)

  • Tia K.

    Wonderful place. Very swanky interior with some of the best Thai food in the area. Some traditional dishes in addition to some unusual pairings that really work. I recommend the Spicy Roasted Duck Salad, the green papaya salad, and the green curry jae. April 2007 update: They are expanding the restaurant area. No date set for opening the space, but it is under construction.

    (5)

  • Jeremy B.

    Having lived in Burma for 7 months, I got some really good Thai food and this place has the feel of one of the nicer Thai places I visited. The veggie rolls might have taken the cake for best dish on the night. I had the Yellow Chicken Curry which had a little bit too much potato for my taste. My fiance' had the Red Curry Shrimp I believe, which was a little better. The Roti that came with my Chicken Curry was delicious, I'm a total bread hound and love it with Thai or Indian food. I liked the ambiance a little more than the food- I would definitely go back, but the crowded parking lot at 7pm would detract me from going on a Friday again.

    (4)

  • Jimmy R.

    this place is the Bomb Dot Com! best Thai food outside of Thailand. do yourself a favor and go!!

    (5)

  • V. B.

    I ordered the crispy fried squid--excellent dish! The squid was not overcooked, and the dish pleasantly spicy. A bit one-note, though--a huge pile of squid. Definitely share. And I'll return for this dish again--but not much else. 5 others at my table ordered what turned out to be variations on stirfry with a sauce and white rice. Not too appealing to me.

    (2)

  • Jennifer C.

    This is the worst tasting thai food I've ever had. I have been eating thai food for years and have traveled to Thailand so I have tasted native Thai food and know what to expect. What I had and why it's bad: The chicken lahb salad - had a crunch to it, meaning the rice the salad is made with rice which was not cooked. I've had chicken lahb many times and I have never been able to taste the rice in it. Also, it was not served with lettuce leaves used to wrap the lahb with the way you're supposed to eat lahb. This place does not serve authentic Thai dishes to me. Papaya salad - tasted bland to me. Papaya salad is usually very spicy. I could not taste any spice at all. I think this place is a rip off and I will never eat here again.

    (1)

  • Mme T R.

    Solid food, nothing special. Average service.

    (3)

  • Maria K.

    This place was divine! Went there for my birthday last week, and they had quite a selection of dishes to choose from. We got the butternut squash red curry, drunken noodles, and crispy tofu, and it was all so good; presentation was nice as well. I need to go back and try some of their other dishes out. The restaurant had two parts, one with a very nice ambience, the other side was more casual. My new favorite Thai place in the area. Service was nice as well.

    (5)

  • M D.

    I love coming here! The staff is always polite and friendly, the food is out of this world, and the ambiance is great, especially now that they've opened a lounge next door. Though it's not so much a lounge as a darkened restaurant with booths and ottomans. That said, I come here all the time. I recommend the duck rolls (a MUST!) and pineapple friend rice.

    (5)

  • B. S.

    I'd say strong to quite strong... though sometimes the drinks are a little weak. excellent food, cheap.

    (5)

  • Ali O.

    First off, the food was great! When you walk up to the place you might not think much of it because it's in an older part of Arlington, but once you walk inside you'll be amazed. The decor is really nice and the service is wonderful. They have a very friendly staff and again the food was great.

    (4)

  • Kenneth L.

    The portions are small for its price but eating here is quite pleasant. Great cocktail and dependable dishes. Head to Thai Square few blocks down for a more authentic experience.

    (3)

  • V In T.

    i've only been here once so by rule, had to have the pad see ew with tofu. it was probably the best i've ever had.

    (5)

  • Tom D.

    December 07 update Seems as though a lot of recent buzz about this place has been more negative.... Previous post I like Thai Square (just down the street) a lot more than Bangkok 54. It's a little more "polished" and westernized than Thai Square -- and reminds me more of Thaiphoon and Mai Thai.... Thai Square seems more like home cooking to me and perhaps a little bit more authentic. Nice atmosphere and attentive service -- fun drink menu too.

    (3)

  • Kathy D.

    I was there as part of an 11 person group. The service was pretty remarkable for a group as large as ours. The food was brought out in a timely manner and the wait staff was extremely friendly. Someone in our group brought cupcakes from another restaurant and they even offered to put them in the fridge while we ate (that's rare - usually restaurants get huffy if you bring in outside food). I ordered fried rice with shrimp. For $12.95 I thought I would have more than 5 shrimp on my plate. Maybe 6 or 7, but 5? Granted it was really well made and not greasy like I've had it before, but the sticker shock is still with me. Had some drinks at their bar - the mojito was really well made and it was only $7. I would go here again, but maybe order something else.

    (3)

  • Kadian F.

    Great Thai Food. I like everything that I try on the menu. The ambiance is good and the service is fine.

    (4)

  • Vik K.

    Food was really good, I ordered the panang chicken curry and the drunken noodles. Both dishes were money, I think this is a legitimate 4-star place. Only problem here is the staff try to rush you a little bit but if you give them the stare they'll back off.

    (4)

  • Lynn C.

    One of the better Thai restaurants in the area. I prefer this place over Basura. The food was really good, great service, and its pretty nice inside. Parking can be kind of a pain but there is always someone out there to find a parking spot for you. I love the Chicken Penang!

    (4)

  • Jason D.

    My girlfriend and I came here last Sat. for chicken pad thai and beef panang curry. The pad thai was the best I've had in Arlington. They were sufficiently coated in sauce and a good mix of sweet, sour, and spicy. The dishes run around $10-12 and are generous portions. I think this will be my new Thai place and will have to come back, because unfortunately, I'm out of delivery range.

    (4)

  • Ian D.

    Definitely gone down in quality over the past few years. The last two times I've been here it's taken almost an hour to get my food on slow nights. Food seems to have lost its kick. I'll try it out again in a few months... maybe.

    (2)

  • martha f.

    the food is fabulous and from the moment i walk in to the moment i leave i never feel like i'm in arlington, virginia. i feel like i've taken a wonderful international trip. love the ambiance! and the service. get the edamame!

    (5)

  • Chris M.

    Yes, I've returned to provide a review on another solo-dining experience. Dining solo always changes the restaurant experience. It allows me to soak in the food and atmosphere without the added chemistry of a date or group of friends. It also provides it's own unique set of challenges. For instance, what exactly does one DO when waiting for the food service? People watching is out of the question. ["Marcy, that guy sitting all by himself keeps looking over here. Gross, I think he's a perv - creeepy"!] Watching the TV in the corner really isn't an option because the people in between me and the TV are unaware that I'm looking over them, and watching the screen (see the aforementioned dramatization with Marcy for potential issues). Therefore, the solo diner must plan ahead and obtain appropriate reading material to pass the time. This also presents it's own unique set of challenges. What? You think you can walk in there reading a novel? No way, solo diner with novel = psycho with fifteen cats. Magazines lack the necessary gravitas to maintain a dignified, solo-dining experience. The newspaper is the way to go. The Post is fine, but don't be afraid to look like a real mover 'n' shaker with the Wall Street Journal, or appear to be a Washington insider while perusing the pages of the latest Roll Call. So with the neatly folded Post tucked under my arm, I entered Bangkok 54 for the first time. I've read a number of reviews here about the local Thai places. There are a fair number of Thai Square and Duangrat devotees that sneer at the comfy, urban hipness of Bangkok 54's atmosphere, or dismiss the food as "Western-ized". Well, I've never been to any of the local establishments before now, and carry none of the pre-judgments of a seasoned Thai food diner. I'm new to the scene and am prepared to offer a fresh perspective. Parking: Bangkok 54 has a convenient, private parking lot for its customers - a real asset in the tight, business quarters along Columbia Pike. It's not huge though, so plan ahead and arrive early or after the rush. Atmosphere: As I arrived I was pleased to find a clean, modern, comfortable interior with warm lighting and an inviting mood. This is a very cozy spot, well-matched for a quiet date but casual enough for family dining and dining solo. Service: The friendly and neatly-dressed staff is focused on providing attentive service. I did have a slighter longer wait for the server to pick up my card and bill to pay the check, but another server was tracking it and came to the rescue. The wait for the food service was minimal and quite reasonable. So far, so good...now on to the food! Food: I started with an item from the menu supplement, that does not appear to be on the regular menu, the Thai Curry Puffs. My plate held 3 flaky and pastry-like shells wrapped around the spiced potato and curry goodness within. Absolutely delicious! My entree was called 54's Spicy Roasted Duck. A crispy roast duck sauteed with fresh chili peppers, garlic and fresh basil leaves. There were pieces of my entree that tickled my taste buds with a tangy, garlic sweetness. Yet, other pieces remained spicy, yet bland. Also, there was some extra chewiness that indicated my duck was over-cooked. The single order was big enough to feed two diners. I ate half and had the server pack the other half for later. I finished up with an order of coconut ice cream. The serving size was easily large enough for two to share and had a great flavor. It wasn't amazing, however and have had the same quality of coconut ice cream from grocery stores like Trader Joe's. 4 stars - I like Bangkok 54. I enjoy finding a place that would fit a wide variety of occasions. From a romantic dinner for two to a casual chow-down with friends and family - and of course dining solo - Bangkok 54 has a lot to offer. The entree was okay, but the Thai Curry Puffs were wonderful and hinted that there are probably some hidden gems in the menu. One thing is for sure, I will definitely return to sample the rest of their creations! Happy dining!

    (4)

  • Andrew D.

    Went out for a quick bite to hold me over till dinner this past weekend and ended up here. My cravings took over and Bangkok sounded way better than lost dog across the street. The decor does not belong in this area, but I'm not complaining. It really does look like a nice posh Penn quarter type place. If this was DC, I definitely would have felt under dressed, but hey its Arlington -- bring on the athletic shorts and brown sandals. I started with something called puff balls (?) I'm not really sure what they were called, but they were small pastries filled with curry spices and potatoes and served with a cucumber dressing. Reminded me of a very refined (and small) saltena. It was good, but i wouldnt spend $7 for 3 bite sized pieces again (plus i like my saltenas as a cheap on-the-go food). Entree was the Bangkok 54 spicy duck. I'm a sucker for duck and really cant resist it when I see it on a menu. This was probably the best thai-style crispy duck I've ever had. It wasn't knock-me-out amazing, but it was pretty damn good and got better with every bite. it was light, crunchy, and had a little bit of kick. Only thing that sucks, and I really don't understand why all Thai places are like this, is that they always charge extra for white rice. $2!!! for a small little cup. common!! seriously? I buy 25lbs of rice for $15. That means you probably buy it for $10. I think you can afford to hook it up with a cup to cool off the heat from some of your dishes. Someone please explain this to me. I'm Asian, and I love rice. I thought Thai culture fell under the same category. its cool if you guys don't use chopsticks, but you have to like rice... right?

    (4)

  • Somer P.

    How have I not reviewed this place after living less than a mile away for 6 months?? Well, now at least I'm well versed in the wonderfulness of Bangkok 54. I only eat-in at the restaurant occasionally, but regularly order their food for delivery - as do all my friends who live in the neighborhood. We all agree that Bangkok 54 is the BEST Thai around! My friends are crazy for the spicy duck salad, panang chicken curry, and larb. I can't handle the spicy foods, so I usually stick with the yellow chicken curry (which can be ordered with roti - yummy sweet/salty flat bread) or the pad see-ew. Their delivery is always quick and I've never had them mess up an order. If you're opting to eat at the restaurant, the ambiance is mellow - lots of dark browns and reds make for cave-like, but modern, space. And the service in the restaurant is always good. Bangkok 54 is one of the reasons I love my new neighborhood!

    (4)

  • Margaret C.

    Currently my favorite Thai restaurant in Arlington. They are consistently good, but I knocked it down a star because some of their dishes are quite bland or just not well-executed. Most dishes, however, are wonderful, and a plus is that they serve brown rice if you request it with your meal. The service is fine, and while they do have a parking lot, it can be quite a challenge getting in and out of there when the restaurant's busy.

    (4)

  • Dan R.

    This is one of the better Thai restaurants in the DC area. I love their fiery kaprow as well their five-spiced stewed pork. Pretty much everything is good except the noodles. My friends have tried their pad thai and drunken noodle and they said it was not good at all.

    (3)

  • Burger B.

    This is the closest place in Arlington to find my favorite hot chili sauce. w00t!

    (5)

  • Heath A.

    Terrific Thai brightens up the Columbia Pike corridor with this gem of a spot. Bangkok 54 offers up some of the tastiest Thai in the DC metro area. The food is outstanding, the service is friendly & knowledgeable and did I mention that the food is great. Starting off on your taste bud adventure are some top staples: Spring Rolls (crispy served in a martini glass with sweet chili dipping sauce) Salt and Pepper calamari (light, crunchy, with a fresh chew), and Satay with all the right spices. For something different try the salads. These offer a yin yang effect with spicy food paired with cooling ingredients. Winners include the Spicy Roasted Duck Salad, the Fiery Grilled Beef Sald and the Pla Goog (Shrimp tossed in a spicy lemon grass dressing). For dinner my favorite is the Crispy Pork Belly with Chili Basil. The pork belly is a smokey treat with the firey sauce and presents a delicous balance on the plate. The Crispy Whole Fish is another winner with choices of toppings. I reccomend getting the sauce on the side to not drown out the delicate flavors and to enhance the dish. Other winners include the selection of curries, drunken noodles and Pad Thai. Bangkok 54 is located next to the Arlington Cinema drafthouse and makes a perfect combo for a dinner and movie night incase you're not in the mood for theater munchies.

    (5)

  • Fernando D.

    Awesome place. One of the few good things that I miss from the old neighborhood

    (5)

  • Dan S.

    Bankok 54 is the best Thai food in NOVA. There is plenty of other Thai restaurants, which are routinely bad to worse. This is not the case for Bankok. The ambiance is trendy. The food is the real deal. Staples like Pad Thai are bonified. The curries are excellent. Do not order the firecrackers for an appetizer, since they are the one thing on the menu I had in several visits that were not good. Instead the spring rolls (not the fried ones!) were fresh and delicious. Enjoy!

    (4)

  • Lena T.

    Don't get me wrong, I do like this place. The ambiance is great for a lower key night out when you're not in the mood to go to the city. And the food is good (when is Thai food not good?) But I think the food is over-rated and a tad expensive.

    (3)

  • Sean C.

    Thanks to Kainanny C and Kim T for their review recommending the Calamari (technically the dish is called Crispy Squid with Basil). I had it and it was awesome. I've never ordered anything other than Green or Massamun Curry in a Thai restaurant, so it was nice to branch out. This place is very sleek and unusual for its surroundings. We went before seeing a movie at Arlington Cinema and Drafthouse and it was perfect for that. However, I would call this a destination place on its own.

    (4)

  • d c.

    This place is pretty good. Downside is that it attracts people from north arlington who sit and say things like, "I do wish this establishment was in Clarendon or Courthouse, dahling, don't you? It would be ever so much nicer without all the riff raff outside these four walls. I find it absolutely dreadful that I have to navigate south arlington's confusing streets to get here." But, if you can ignore all that, dinner will be enjoyable.

    (4)

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Map

Opening Hours

  • Mon :11:00 am - 10

Specialities

  • Takes Reservations : Yes
    Delivery : Yes
    Take-out : Yes
    Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
    Good For : Dinner
    Parking : Private Lot
    Bike Parking : Yes
    Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
    Good for Kids : Yes
    Good for Groups : Yes
    Attire : Casual
    Ambience : Trendy
    Noise Level : Average
    Alcohol : Full Bar
    Outdoor Seating : No
    Wi-Fi : No
    Has TV : Yes
    Waiter Service : Yes
    Caters : Yes

Bangkok 54 Restaurant & Bar

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