Maybe it’s because I came in late on a slow night but I was amazed how fast the food came out. The drunken noodles were perfectly executed. Service was excellent - friendly, efficient and effective. The wall decor is a fun series of murals and they have plenty of indoor seating.

My first time trying Thai Lao and I'm really glad this restaurant exists in Hercules because I really like Thai food! I did a phone order for in person pickup. The gentleman who answered the phone was extremely polite and took my order quickly and efficiently, understanding any customizations I wanted to make. I ordered the egg roll appetizer, a Thai iced tea, and chicken pad Thai. Upon arriving to Thai Lao, I was greeted by a gentleman at the front who was again, very polite. He offered utensils for me to take home with me, and rang me up while presenting the food which was nice and hot. I enjoyed my meal and will be happy to try additional dishes in the future. Happy to support a local Herculean business and hope they are around for many years to come!

Ordered the KaoSoy, Yum Woon Sen, Beef Larb & Lao Sausage. The KaoSoy was a little disappointing due to the lack of meat, but the taste was decent. The Yum Woon Sen was a bit on the dry side. Taste was not up to par. Beef Larb had taste, but could have been better. I understand the crowd around the area and they have to apply the taste to a certain group of people. The Lao Sausage was good, again could have been slightly better. Surprisingly they had broccoli and cabbage with the Sausages. The green curry was a mistake by the person who took the phone order. We don't like Thai curry and the mistake order still reminded us that we still don't like Thai curries. In any event, the restaurant has potential, but two visits and I think we're done. Maybe perhaps we'll come again for the third time to make sure it was "off days". Until then, keep eating everyone!

Big Thai food fan; this place missed the mark by a mile. Entres not served as described on menu or with modifications requested. Ordered Pad Se Eww, a go to measuring stick dish for me, and they brought me a plate with a bunch of Pad Thai style noodles instead of the flat wide noodles served literally everywhere else and as described on their menu. That’s not the dish! On top of that, the flavor was not really that great, and also seemed to lean in a Pad Thai sweetness direction. Ordered the eggplant dish and requested to add broccoli which the server said they could do. It came out with no broccoli. When I asked, I was told the kitchen couldn’t add broccoli to an eggplant dish… for reasons?!? Taste of that dish was on point at least, not overly greasy like some places.
Served was apologetic and friendly but didn’t give a heads up or ask if I still wanted either dish before bringing them despite knowing the differences from menu or inability to execute special order after first saying they would.
Atmosphere was meh and room temperature was a little too cold (and I’m usually the guy in the group who isn’t as cold as everyone else).

This is a new restaurant, and I would like to support it. However, not all the dishes were really good.

Nam Khao was very wet/moist. Will NOT order again. It was also too sweet! I never had sweet Nam Khao. It was weird.

The Lao style papaya salad was pretty decent but a bit salty. I would actually still order it again since it’s hard to get Lao style papaya salad.

We liked the pad thai and Lao style chicken larb. Would definitely order again. We got medium spicy for both.

We ordered sticky rice, but they ran out so they gave us steamed rice, but still charged us for sticky rice $3. There is a $1 difference but the lady told us the price is the same.

I didn’t bother to look until I got home. That’s really annoying. I know it’s only one dollar but I don’t want to pay for something I didn’t eat.

Portion size was good. We were a party of two and had a good amount left over. I think it would have been perfect if there were three people.

Other than that, customer service is really good and we will definitely try out the other dishes next time.i

New dining experience tonight
Everything was plentiful and wonderful. We've eaten at thai restaurants before, and they are all a little different. I recommend eating here. Chicken Satay, Pad Kee Mao, Nam Khao and Sticky Rice and Mango for dessert. We also ordered Lao Sausage, but took most of it home with us. Handicap accessible and very sturdy furniture. Parking is not a problem at all.

Love this family owned restaurant. So happy to have great Thai food here in Hercules! Our family goes here and we've loved everything we've had so far. Customer service is always great too!! We enjoy the art showing about the Thai culture too!

Ordered on the phone to go Pad Se Eww and it was very good except the broccoli wasn't cooked enough, still a tad crunchy on the stems and could of used a bit more spice to it. Overall, it was very good besides the flaws. Recommended for people with braces. Easy to eat. ID

Big Thai food fan; this place missed the mark by a mile. Entres not served as described on menu or with modifications requested. Ordered Pad Se Eww, a go to measuring stick dish for me, and they brought me a plate with a bunch of Pad Thai style noodles instead of the flat wide noodles served literally everywhere else and as described on their menu. That’s not the dish! On top of that, the flavor was not really that great, and also seemed to lean in a Pad Thai sweetness direction. Ordered the eggplant dish and requested to add broccoli which the server said they could do. It came out with no broccoli. When I asked, I was told the kitchen couldn’t add broccoli to an eggplant dish… for reasons?!? Taste of that dish was on point at least, not overly greasy like some places.
Served was apologetic and friendly but didn’t give a heads up or ask if I still wanted either dish before bringing them despite knowing the differences from menu or inability to execute special order after first saying they would.
Atmosphere was meh and room temperature was a little too cold (and I’m usually the guy in the group who isn’t as cold as everyone else).

Forgot to give me my complete order on dashboard. I called and they said they would send it with the DoorDash person. Never got it. Get your food order right people.

Food is okay. Communication was challenging for some reason and at one point I felt rude too.

Love this family owned restaurant. So happy to have great Thai food here in Hercules! Our family goes here and we've loved everything we've had so far. Customer service is always great too!! We enjoy the art showing about the Thai culture too!

Maybe it’s because I came in late on a slow night but I was amazed how fast the food came out. The drunken noodles were perfectly executed. Service was excellent - friendly, efficient and effective. The wall decor is a fun series of murals and they have plenty of indoor seating.

Food is Great! Very home-like and comforting.

Appetizers: All very diverse and for vegetarians you may switch out shrimp with tofu !!

Noodles ; I would recommend either the Pad Thai or Pad See Eew !!

Curry; I personally love the Panang Curry (Somewhat spicy : lemongrass : creamy)

From the Salads : Yum Pla Muk ( Calamari Salad)

Pla Rad Prik : Tilapia filet with a fine sweet n sour sauce with basil

Stir fry: Pad Pak Raum mit (Assortment of vegetables with a dominate soy sauce flavor)

Lao menu: Khao Piak, Lao Style Larb , Lao Papaya Salad

Soup: Tom Kha (Coconut milk and lemongrass dominate)

Overall; the owners and people are generally really kind with very loving hearts, they love interacting with customers and truly try their best. It’s not family-owned however they treat everyone like their own blood, where they take care of each other. Small yet intimate restaurant!

My first time trying Thai Lao and I'm really glad this restaurant exists in Hercules because I really like Thai food! I did a phone order for in person pickup. The gentleman who answered the phone was extremely polite and took my order quickly and efficiently, understanding any customizations I wanted to make. I ordered the egg roll appetizer, a Thai iced tea, and chicken pad Thai. Upon arriving to Thai Lao, I was greeted by a gentleman at the front who was again, very polite. He offered utensils for me to take home with me, and rang me up while presenting the food which was nice and hot. I enjoyed my meal and will be happy to try additional dishes in the future. Happy to support a local Herculean business and hope they are around for many years to come!

Ordered on the phone to go Pad Se Eww and it was very good except the broccoli wasn't cooked enough, still a tad crunchy on the stems and could of used a bit more spice to it. Overall, it was very good besides the flaws. Recommended for people with braces. Easy to eat. ID

Abelist business that disregards the law and ADA rights. I will never bring my business here in solidarity for the disabled.

I visited this restaurant for the first time on August 24, 2024, for lunch with some friends who are regulars. The service was prompt and friendly, and our food arrived quickly, served hot and fresh. I ordered the Yellow Curry with rice, and it was delicious.

During our visit, a man and a woman entered with a dog. While I acknowledge that the non-English speaking staff at the restaurant were not fully aware of the policies regarding service animals, I personally witnessed the restaurant worker signaling for the couple to sit at a table. Despite this, after the woman created a scene, the couple chose to leave on their own--they were not asked to leave, as the woman later claimed. The woman raised her voice, drawing attention to herself, while the restaurant worker attempted to communicate in broken English. The worker seemed genuinely concerned, perhaps worried about losing her job if she allowed a dog inside or failing an inspection if dog hair was found in the restaurant.

A few additional points:

1. It's important to respect a restaurant's preferences and policies. While service animals are essential for those who need them, it's worth noting that the woman was accompanied by an adult companion who could have assisted her. There was no visible physical disability, and it was unclear why the companion could not provide the necessary assistance.

2. The dog was wearing a regular harness with no clear identification as a service animal. If the dog had been properly identified with an appropriate vest, the non-English speaking staff might have better understood the situation.

This restaurant does not discriminate against people with disabilities. In fact, the owner reached out to the complainant to apologize for the miscommunication with the staff. The woman's claims of discrimination were not an accurate representation of the events I witnessed. Unfortunately, she has taken to Nextdoor in an attempt to discredit this small business and encourage the community to boycott it.

In these challenging times, especially post-COVID, it's crucial to support small businesses. This restaurant is trying its best to navigate difficult circumstances, and I will continue to support them. I encourage others to do the same.

Refused to serve a disabled person, they were informed of the law, they kicked her out. Establishments such as this are legally required to serve disabled. After witnessing this, will not be supporting this business.

While you’re in the town of Pinole, Richmond and Hercules, you must try this authentic Thai-Lao cuisine

Ok peoples, I had the Khao Soy, loved it, so damn good, I gonna say it, and probably will get a lot of hate, but it is better than pho. Try it and prove me wrong😁.

The customer service was really good. The person taking my order was very patient

We had diner at Thai Lao restaurant this evening with some friends and got a wonderful experience. The restaurant is very cosy and well managed, the food is delicious healthy and the plates well served. People are efficient, dedicated and polite. Special thanks to the boss, a wonderful women, Merci beaucoup et q bientôt!

The owner is the loveliest of people - generous, sweet and gracious, soft-spoken but very friendly.
Food here is delicious and the only reason I don't visit more often is the operating hours - they are closed between lunch and dinner and on Sundays.
It's a small, cozy place and great for meeting friends over a shared meal.
Looking for a great local small business to support? Thai Lao is a Win-Win!
Just a heads up.. I was charged more than the price listed on the menu, but only once that I noticed.

1st meal in California. It was delicious. Will definitely go back!

This is an AMAZINGLY DELICIOUS restaurant. I tasted the Pad Kee Mau and Kra Prow with shrimp, both were the best I've had locally! And the mango sticky rice did not disappoint. Please support this business, they are well worth it!

Stepping into Thai Lao restaurant is akin to embarking on a culinary journey that authentically captures the spirit of its origins. Owned and operated by a dedicated family, this establishment has cultivated a stellar reputation for delivering an exceptional dining experience. The heart and soul poured into each dish are palpable, resulting in a menu that showcases outstanding Thai cuisine.

A particular triumph is the unforgettable fried rice, a dish that embodies the perfect balance of flavors and textures. From savory to aromatic, every bite tells a story of culinary mastery. The desserts, equally impressive, add a sweet finale to the gastronomic adventure, leaving diners with a lingering sense of satisfaction.

Beyond the culinary delights, Thai Lao restaurant pays attention to the finer details. The tasteful decor creates an inviting ambiance, while the commitment to cleanliness and organization adds a touch of refinement to the overall dining experience.

Practicality meets comfort with the provision of a spacious and well maintained parking lot. The ample parking space enhances the accessibility of the restaurant, ensuring that patrons can focus on savoring the flavors without the hassle of searching for a parking spot.

In essence, Thai Lao restaurant has seamlessly woven together the authenticity of its cuisine, the warmth of a family owned establishment, and the practicality of a well designed space. It has become a local favorite, drawing in patrons not just for a meal but for an immersive and satisfying culinary adventure that celebrates the rich tapestry of Thai flavors.

Ordered the KaoSoy, Yum Woon Sen, Beef Larb & Lao Sausage. The KaoSoy was a little disappointing due to the lack of meat, but the taste was decent. The Yum Woon Sen was a bit on the dry side. Taste was not up to par. Beef Larb had taste, but could have been better. I understand the crowd around the area and they have to apply the taste to a certain group of people. The Lao Sausage was good, again could have been slightly better. Surprisingly they had broccoli and cabbage with the Sausages. The green curry was a mistake by the person who took the phone order. We don't like Thai curry and the mistake order still reminded us that we still don't like Thai curries. In any event, the restaurant has potential, but two visits and I think we're done. Maybe perhaps we'll come again for the third time to make sure it was "off days". Until then, keep eating everyone!

Food is not so great in this place

Amazing authentic delicious food! Like a tour of Thailand to my tastebuds!

A great dîner with a very warm welcome. The cuisine is excellent. Thanks, I'll be back

We had been a few times and the food was very good but we went yesterday and acouple of the dishes we ordered were unedible. It was dishes we'd had before, but they were terrible. The Nam Khao went from being the best I'd ever had to the worst. Not sure what happened. The service was still good.

This is a new restaurant, and I would like to support it. However, not all the dishes were really good.

Nam Khao was very wet/moist. Will NOT order again. It was also too sweet! I never had sweet Nam Khao. It was weird.

The Lao style papaya salad was pretty decent but a bit salty. I would actually still order it again since it’s hard to get Lao style papaya salad.

We liked the pad thai and Lao style chicken larb. Would definitely order again. We got medium spicy for both.

We ordered sticky rice, but they ran out so they gave us steamed rice, but still charged us for sticky rice $3. There is a $1 difference but the lady told us the price is the same.

I didn’t bother to look until I got home. That’s really annoying. I know it’s only one dollar but I don’t want to pay for something I didn’t eat.

Portion size was good. We were a party of two and had a good amount left over. I think it would have been perfect if there were three people.

Other than that, customer service is really good and we will definitely try out the other dishes next time.i

I took my son here because we had to visit Home Depot and we were hungry. There were many food options in this corner of the shopping strip, but the lights were on bright at close to 9 pm. The waitress was kind and said she'd serve us even though they were closing. It looked like they were still prepping for the next day or something like that.

In any case, she recommended two noodle soups, and both were perfect. It is just like a GREAT home-cooked meal. Kudos to the cook. Authentic tastes, prices were solid good, and Service was excellent. Even though they were closed, the waitress advised us to continue eating. She and other staff were still busy doing other things. We thoroughly enjoyed our dinner and plan to come back again!

Very tasty and affordable. Staff was super friendly and helpful. Cool atmosphere. Thank you.

No less than 5 stars. Food, service was the best. Will defiantly eat here many more times. Really liked the personality of the server/cashier. She has an incredible work ethic.

New dining experience tonight
Everything was plentiful and wonderful. We've eaten at thai restaurants before, and they are all a little different. I recommend eating here. Chicken Satay, Pad Kee Mao, Nam Khao and Sticky Rice and Mango for dessert. We also ordered Lao Sausage, but took most of it home with us. Handicap accessible and very sturdy furniture. Parking is not a problem at all.

We finally were able to stop by Thai Lao, and we really really enjoyed our meal! We tried the Pad Kee Mao with Beef and the fresh spring rolls, both were wonderful. My husband also had the Thai Iced Coffee and was very pleased with it. The service was very attentive and friendly without being invasive, and the space is decorated very nicely. We will absolutely be dining here again.

Kinda bland eggshell in egg the staff was nice though

My friend and I went there for lunch on a Saturday a few weeks ago, very nice place and the food is delicious! Had green curry chicken w/jasmine rice, chicken pad thai, egg rolls and thai ice tea. SO YUMMY AND SO FRIENDLY....you must try! :)

Specializing in great tasting Thai Lao food. Great Thai artwork on walls, clean restaurant and excellent service. Truly recommend this place to anyone who loves Thai food.

Larb and green curry were excellent. Will definitely be back.

Excellent Excellent Delicious Delicious 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

Delicious dishes. Very friendly staff. So glad we now have a great restaurant in Hercules. The owner and co-owner even spent good minutes with us to thank us for visiting.