Bangkok Garden
417 W 21st St, Norfolk
(757) 622-5047
Recent Reviews
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Pad Thai was the worst I’ve ever tasted and the chicken was clearly spoiled and had a smell to it. Couldn’t even finish the meal. Their drunken noodles and curry are tasty. Person behind the counter was on their phone and wouldn’t seat me until I said something.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 3
Visiting the area I couldn’t wait to try this place! I asked the server before ordering about the level of spice the server said “It’s not spicy at all” as waited for my food the table next to me complained of something in their drink - but I stayed anyway my food was too spicy so I ordered fried rice - when I asked to have the other order removed she said she couldn’t bc there was no manager to do so- when I didn’t leave a tip bc I had to pay for two meals the server stopped me in the middle of the restaurant to question why no tip I politely explained and said thank you for everything but she cut me off to speak in her native tongue loudly and aggressively to another server . -but I’m ethnic so this could be it bc ppl don’t feel the need to treat brown women with much respect in many settings even when presented with class and manners .
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 5
Service: 1
Takeout order, price between online and calling was very slightly different but they wouldn't honor the less expensive online price. Website rejected the card, I ultimately used in store, three times. Businesses used to give the customer the better price if there was a discrepancy, not anymore.
Decent amount of shrimp in kids Pad Thai, no complaints there at all. Pad Prik with beef was 75% onion, but the beef was dry and flavorless, even if I soaked it in the sauce.
Will not be back.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 2
Disappointingly muddled and low quality, especially for the pieces. Bankok Thai on Tidewater is much better quality.
Food: 3
Generous lunch portions, fresh presentation, and great flavor. Pad See Ew with tofu and vegetables is colorful and balanced, noodles glossy and well-cooked. Pad Thai with chicken comes loaded, authentic taste with lemon wedge and peanuts on the side. Both plates deliver quality and quantity.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Chicken was dry in the chicken/shrimp pad thai. It is an upcharge of $3 for literally 3 pieces of shrimp. I asked if this was intentional and it is standard practice. The pork in the pumpkin curry was chewy. The flavor of the padthai was good but everything else was underwhelming if not bad.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 2
Service: 3
I love the food the atmosphere and the customer service always on point!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Came at 930 and they wouldn’t serve ! Forcing me to get to go. Why doesn’t your website say that we can’t eat dine in at 930!
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
A Neighborhood Staple That's Lost Some Shine
Bangkok Garden holds a special place in the hearts of many Norfolk residents. For years, it has been a go-to spot for Thai food, a reliable fixture in a city with a constantly changing culinary landscape. And while it still offers a perfectly serviceable meal, recent visits suggest it's resting a bit too comfortably on its laurels. It's an old friend you're happy to see, but one who doesn't quite have the same spark anymore, landing it a solid three stars.
The best thing about Bangkok Garden is its comfortable, almost nostalgic atmosphere. The decor, with its classic Thai artwork and warm, intimate lighting, feels like a familiar embrace. It’s a quiet, pleasant place to have a conversation over dinner. The menu is a comprehensive tour of Thai-American classics, and you can find all the expected players: Pad Thai, various curries, and Tom Yum soup. The lunch specials remain a dependable and affordable option for a satisfying midday meal.
However, the execution of these classics can be inconsistent. On a good night, the Green Curry is fragrant and flavorful with a pleasant heat. On a less good night, it can taste a bit flat, lacking the vibrant, fresh pop of herbs and spices that make Thai cuisine so exciting. The Pad Thai, a benchmark for any Thai restaurant, sometimes arrives more sweet than savory, with noodles that can be a bit mushy. There's a feeling that the kitchen is going through the motions rather than cooking with passion.
Service is generally polite and gets the job done, but lacks a certain warmth or attentiveness that would elevate the experience. It feels more transactional than hospitable.
In a city where new and exciting restaurants are constantly opening, Bangkok Garden remains a steady, predictable choice. You know exactly what you're going to get, for better or worse. If you're seeking comfort and familiarity, it's a perfectly acceptable option. But if you're looking for a meal that truly wows you, you might find yourself wishing for a little more of the fire that likely made it a Norfolk favorite in the first place.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 3
The food is ok, it’s like something changed. I also received very poor service. I decided this was my last time ordering from this location.
Food: 2
Service: 1
Restaurantji Recommends
I don’t know what has happened to this restaurant, but it has taken a nose dive. I used to come here when I would be working in this area and the food was very good. But the last few times I’ve gone there. It has gotten worse and worse. It seems as though the other Bangkok Gardens in Tidewater are very good restaurants. But this one is very lacking in both food, quality and service. I went there and ordered chicken pad kemau. I sat there for 30 minutes and waited for the food to arrive. I seriously think they forgot about my order because when it finally did come, it was the most flavorless disgusting thing that I had eaten in a while. All the vegetables were overcooked and soggy. Very disappointing. I recommend the management visit the other Bangkok gardens in the area For some serious training.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 1
Service: 2
Our family has been going here for years; tonight’s order of spring rolls (1 order of chicken & 1 order of tufu) was particularly refreshing, flavorful, fresh, and well-balanced. Thank y’all so much!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Bangkok Spring Rolls
This was so bad I had to review.
When I arrived the guy was picking in his mouth, saw me, and proceeded to take payment and hand me my food. I sanitized my card and bag when I got home. When I ate the soup (which I’ve had at other locations) it was literally watered down. No flavor at all and this is not an exaggeration. The greens were wilted to oblivion, and they clearly used canned mushrooms— CANNED MUSHROOMS. Everyone knows canned mushrooms suck, plus this is a full blown restaurant. Canned mushrooms are unacceptable. I may be coming off harsh, but that’s because I’ve eaten here many times and the quality constantly changes (and so do the prices). I’m done giving them a chance though. It’s no wonder it’s always empty.
They have 2 Portsmouth locations that are always good. This spot though— don’t waste your money.
Food: 1
Service: 1
Picked up my favorite, green curry, on Friday at 5:30 p.m. It was way too salty, and not sweet enough. (I do not like my green curry particularly sweet either). Also, it had too much coriander. I've had green curry maybe 500 times in my life, so I consider myself a relatively good judge, but I do realize there are variations.
I do however really like all the local Bangkok Gardens locations, and I would recommend them to anybody.
Vegetarian options: Tofu green curry is my favorite
Spent over $100 on door dash to order from the location 2 mins from my house that I know is good and instead door dash sent my order to this location. I never had Bangkok from this location but it was so bad it almost ruined the entire name for me regardless of location. The noodles were dry, no sauce, meat was chewy and gross, my fiance said the spring rolls had no flavor.
I'm so done with Door dash and ordering food out altogether.
Terrible food quality
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
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