Best Thai in Portland?:
With hundreds of Thai restaurants, many reviewers have called Pok Pok the best. It certainly is a favorite, and it's unlike any other Thai restaurant in town.Inspired by the Street:
In Thailand, food vendors crowd the streets at all hours of the day and night. Everyone sees to enjoy the what the vendors sell, and it's incredibly inexpensive. Pok Pok's food is inspired by Thai street food.The Shack or the Whiskey Lounge?:
Pok Pok is like two restaurants in one. The shack, which is a tiny building facing SE Division Street, is where Pok Pok began. They offer a limited menu and outdoor seating. It's a great option for to-go. Inside, you can choose from a wider menu, enjoy the bar, and soak up the Pok Pok ambience.The Wait:
Don't expect to waltz right into the Whiskey Lounge (the indoor part of Pok Pok). There's nearly always a wait, and it can be challenging to seat larger parties. That being said, if you have a group larger than 5, you can reserve a table.Prices and Portions:
Don't expect the same prices and portions as you would at other Thai restaurants. Pok Pok focuses on quality, so the portions are smaller and you'll pay more for them. For example, an order of the famous fish sauce wings is $12, and they rarely make it into a to-go box.Don't Believe the Hype:
Pok Pok has been written up in many national magazines, including Gourmet. But it doesn't really matter what they think. Try it for yourself! If you're not sure about waiting, go during lunchtime and you might breeze right in.
