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Even though Thai Town is nestled in the heart of East Hollywood and is a mainstay for some of the top-tier Thai cuisine in town, we have to admit the choices are a bit overwhelming. Should you go for the basic pad thai or tom yum soup, or get a little more adventurous and go for the boat noodles or crispy fish salad? Luckily for you, we've narrowed down our favorite joints with some delectable dishes for you to grub on. It's perfect for some late-night hunger pangs (especially after a night out on a bar crawl) and when you're on a budget.
Spare Rib Noodles at The Original Hoy Ka Noodles (Photo by Jean Trinh/LAist)
The Original Hoy Ka Noodles
This little gem is almost always packed, yet you rarely have to wait around for a seat. People bustle in, get their soupy noodle fix on, and then leave. The restaurant even touts its own history: "Hoy Ka" means "dangling legs," and the owners once doled out their famous noodles in Northern Thailand along a river bank, and folks would grub on the delicious bowls of soup while having their legs hang over the water. The noodles are a perfect medley of spices and tangy broth, full of BBQ pork and peanuts and a hearty helping of rice noodles (or egg noodles—it's your choice). A pro tip is to order a bowl of chicharonnes and add it to your Hoy Ka or spare rib noodles soup. Remember to bring cash, and enjoy the service from the friendly staff. Parking is a bit tough here, so pray to the parking gods for a spot.
The Original Hoy Ka Noodles is located at 5401 Hollywood Blvd. in Hollywood, (323) 463-1339
Ruen Pair
The Thai comfort food here is not one to be messed with. An abundance of decadent crispy pork can be paired with the dishes (especially the morning glory) and seafood salads are delicately flavored with lemongrass and lime. The papaya salad reigns supreme here and if you're feeling a little adventurous, you can ask to top that with raw crab. They also carry more common dishes like pad thai and curries. The place is open late night, only takes cash, and has a small corking fee if you choose to bring a bottle of wine. Hint: Rieslings go great with Thai food.
Ruen Pair is located at 5257 Hollywood Blvd. in Los Angeles, (323) 466-0153
Sanamluang Cafe
Like many great Thai places, Sanamluang Cafe is unassuming to the outsider, tucked away in the corner of a Thai Town strip mall. This place is filled with reasonably priced, authentic food— and it's open late. Don't be driven away by the "B" rating. This gem is perfect for your spicy food fix. Go for the pad-see-ew or the pad thai. Any maybe spring for the Thai tea, because why not? - Sarah Parvini
Sanamluang Cafe is located at 5176 Hollywood Blvd. in Los Angeles, (323) 660-8006
Jade Noodles at Sapp Coffee Shop (Photo by Jean Trinh/LAist)
Sapp Coffee Shop
Don't let the name fool you—this place serves more as a vortex of delicious Thai fare, rather than a caffeine fix. Anthony Bourdain featured this restaurant on an episode of No Reservations, and lauded their boat noodles as a necessity. The beef broth is rich and gritty, and the tendon, tripe, liver, and beef slices are reminiscent of ingredients in a pho bowl. Try the jade noodles, a mixture of green-tinted egg noodles (it's just food coloring!), crab meat, roasted duck slices, BBQ pork, and a sweet and savory peanut sauce to tie it all in together. Keep in mind that this restaurant, unlike other Thai Town fixtures, closes early at 8 p.m.
Sapp Coffee Shop is located at 5183 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90027, (323) 665-1035
Jitlada
There is a reason why this beloved Southern Thai restaurant ends up on everyone top lists in town—including celebrities. Off on a busy street corner in a strip mall, excitement bubbles around the intricately-created dishes—from the fresh-made curries to the scents of kaffir lime leaves and lemongrass wafting through the restaurant. The family-run joint is headed by the talented team of Suthiporn Sungkamee and his sister Sarintip "Jazz" Singsanong. Try the crispy morning glory salad and the fried fish melded with fresh tumeric. You might want to order a Thai iced tea because you'll need something to cool down your burning tongue as this place relishes in its spiciness.
Jitlada is located at 5233 W Sunset Blvd. in Los Angeles, (323) 663-3104
Pa Ord Noodle
If you're looking for some of the ultimate boat noodles, Pa-Ord Noodle is just the place. Hidden in a strip mall, and with a cheery staff wearing matching tees, the restaurant serves up Bangkok's popular dish with pride. The savory, dark-colored soup is an explosion of flavors with a hint of star anise, coupled with a hearty helping of offals topped off with some crispy pork skin. Be careful about the spice level because they don't joke around with that stuff here.
Pa Ord Noodle is located at 5301 Sunset Blvd. in Los Angeles, (323) 461-3945
Pad See Ew at Thai Patio (Photo via Facebook)
Thai Patio
Thai Patio is perfect for your 1 a.m. Thai food fix to sop up all the alcohol you've been drinking. Also located in a strip mall, this place is a little harder to miss. Sadly, parking here is no fun, but we're used to that; on the plus side there is a valet there for a couple of bucks. Thai Patio is a great spot to hit with your vegetarian friends. The fried rice with tofu is a party for your mouth and you can't go wrong with the green curry. And for your vegan pals, they'll even remove the egg. - Sarah Parvini
Thai Patio is located at 5273 Hollywood Blvd. in Los Angeles, (323) 466-3894
