Experience the flavors of Thailand in a warm, inviting atmosphere. Our authentic Thai restaurant serves a variety of traditional dishes, from aromatic curries and stir-fries to signature noodle dishes. Each dish is crafted with quality ingredients and authentic spices for a true taste of Thailand. Join us for a dining experience that’s rich in flavor and culture, with vegetarian and vegan options available. Whether dining in or ordering for takeout, we're here to bring you a little taste of Thailand.
Summer Buffalo is our favorite Thai restaurant in the area and we've tried many. We're pretty basic and always get the summer rolls to start followed by the Pad Thai and Pad See Ew for our mains. For dessert we often get the Mangi Sticky Rice. All of the above are delicious. The only criticism I can come up with is that I wish the tofu in the Pad See Ew was crispy.
Not gonna lie, this place is actually a great addition to the eateries at Melrose...and compared to the most places here, it's affordable. Food is tasty, has a great variety, and they have lunch specials. Definitely would be back to try more things. Only got to try the Pad See Ew, Sweet and Tangy Wings, and the Grilled Pork Butt with a side of rice.
I loved this restaurant!
The food is delicious. I ordered Larb with chicken. I don't know how they made it so tart, salty and flavorful, but I was thoroughly impressed.
My one issue with the restaurant was that there wasn't much seating, it was cramped, and when the door opens, it creates a wind tunnel that is unpleasant to sit in. We had to move tables because of it.
UPD: It has now been 7 years since my first 5* review of this place, and IMHO, this is still the best Thai restaurant in LA. Thank you, and keep up the good work!
Great food. Nothing ordered was a miss. Highly recommend!
Beef curry was really delicious, thought the service was quite good and they had an interesting menu. Clean bathroom and restaurant. Wish they had more seating options but overall was super happy with the food and service. I didn’t think the curry was as “sweet” as some reviewers mentioned and thought the food was high quality, and a good price for the generous portion. Loved the bok choy garnish and the brown rice was beautiful.
Update: We were coming here at least once a month, including for an anniversary, but the last time we were here the service was terrible. We understand that they are short staffed but we have never had an issue before. Also, the dish we had an issue with (just your typical old Pad Thai) was basically almost hard sugar coated noodles with no "char" on them and were basically inedible. The waitress never checked on us during the meal. The waitress then tried to argue when I told her that the dish wasn't good that she'd only give a partial refund and then told me after I pointed out that the noodles were just moved around and barely eaten that I should have told her it wasn't good before. She never came to the table once while we were eating so I guess one of us was supposed to track her down and do her job for her. Could have done without the weird attitude or the bad food. A shame because we have recommended this restaurant to other people and enjoyed going there. An off night is one thing but at least be apologetic when customers are unsatisfied. Also, the bathrooms are no longer clean.
Update: They have improved since this review and it looks like the restaurant is maybe less short staffed and doing better. Food and service are back to normal and so are the restrooms.
UPD: It has now been 7 years since my first 5* review of this place, and IMHO, this is still the best Thai restaurant in LA. Thank you, and keep up the good work!
I came to the spot just because I knew they would let you bring your dog in and I was pleasantly surprised with this being the best Thai food I’ve had in LA
Manager was rude and disrepectful. Bad vides and strong odor in the Restaurant. I wouldn't go again.
I loved this restaurant!
The food is delicious. I ordered Larb with chicken. I don't know how they made it so tart, salty and flavorful, but I was thoroughly impressed.
My one issue with the restaurant was that there wasn't much seating, it was cramped, and when the door opens, it creates a wind tunnel that is unpleasant to sit in. We had to move tables because of it.
Summer Buffalo is our favorite Thai restaurant in the area and we've tried many. We're pretty basic and always get the summer rolls to start followed by the Pad Thai and Pad See Ew for our mains. For dessert we often get the Mangi Sticky Rice. All of the above are delicious. The only criticism I can come up with is that I wish the tofu in the Pad See Ew was crispy.
I come here a few times a week for the AMAZING beyond meat dish selection and friendly staff. Good pricing for what you get too!
A local favorite. Refreshing Thai cuisine. Friendly staff. Cute intimate dining space.
Unbelievably tasty. And I love that they have Beyond meat versions of their dishes. I had the (Beyond) chicken garlic noodles and it was to die for.
Tasty but not clean you'll figure it out the next morning
Best Thai carry out in LA. Curry, crispy egg rolls, pad Thai you can’t go wrong.
Very tasty food, I usually eat the curry, highly recommend.
fresh ! super good ! very kind staff ! love the dumplings in the green curry !
Waitress (Asian) who worked on April 4th night was extremely mean! Never coming back
On an Ocean of Thai restaurants, this restaurant follows a classic formula that creates a successful business: family owned and operated along with quality ingredients that are cooked on the spot instead of pre-cooked food. The ambience was authentic and comfortable. A plus was the tea and beverage selection
Everything is PERFECT! Esse restaurante é incrível! Ambiente super agradável, organizado e limpo. Funcionários super prestativos e educados. A proprietária do restaurante, Kate, é um amor de pessoa. Um dos melhores restaurantes que já fui na minha vida! Vocês precisam conhecer esse local! Eles têm um menu vegano e vegetariano). Eu não como carne e tive uma experiência única ao provar alguns pratos de seu menu vegetariano. Amei! Super recomendo!
The BEST restaurant. It's suuuuper good, a very nice experience. Big veggies and vegan menu too.
Nice place to enjoy Thai goods
Best Pad see u and pad thai ive ever had !
Stumbled upon Summer Buffalo for dinner and had a mixed experience. They were severely understaffed and we didn't mind waiting or the hectic service. Unfortunately, however, we ordered their beyond meat pad see ew and specifically asked for it to be vegan (no egg). Didn't realize when it arrived that it had egg in it and my partner, who is a vegan of 4 years, was eating the egg, which really made her feel off. The kitchen made us another one but unfortunately the staff weren't very apologetic nor did they offer any kind of compensation. It concerns me for people who might have allergies. At the end, our bill had vegan (no egg) written on it, so it's worrying that the kitchen aren't reading the orders properly. No fault from the front of house staff who were doing their best with little help. Food was tasty but the evening was spoilt by the mistake. When a restaurant advertises that they are vegan friendly (and states this specifically on their vegan friendly menu), it's disappointing when egg or meat products are given to customers.
Best place to eat so far I’d give it 10
Chicken was dry. Sat for about 10-12 minutes before anyone took our order and there was one other table. Waitress was busy with phone orders. Didn't offer us water and had to chase for it. Disappointing all around. They utilize a parking in the back? That was also a bit confusing if you had to pay or not.
Oh my goodness these frog legs are unbelievable. I’m getting two orders next time. Super kind service as well.
I got the chicken satay and the inside was completely raw, overall everything ordered was undercooked, be careful!
Panang beef rocks!!!!
Everything was really except for they forgot to give me my fortune cookie so that’s why they get a four next time I just need to be more details on my order extra pineapple used for my pineapple rice next week I’ll be trying another dish and maybe the rating will change but I really wanted my fortune cookie
Not gonna lie, this place is actually a great addition to the eateries at Melrose...and compared to the most places here, it's affordable. Food is tasty, has a great variety, and they have lunch specials. Definitely would be back to try more things. Only got to try the Pad See Ew, Sweet and Tangy Wings, and the Grilled Pork Butt with a side of rice.
Tasty food. I would recommend
Best Thai food around! Everything they make is magically more delicious than standard Thai food. Such a special treat to get to eat here
One of my favorite Thai restaurants in LA! Just different enough to stand out with enough traditional flavors to get you what you want! Highly highly recommend.
Excellent food. Satisfactory service. Very small quarters, and very small menu. But worth it!!
I came to this place to pick up the food. I talked to my friend over the phone when I wait for food. There did not have any customers in the restaurant at that time. The server talked to me not so politely said that” you are so loud” I was so shocked.
I am 100% certain this is the best Thai food in Los Angeles.
SO GOOD! Ive been twice in four days 🤤 Glad I stumbled across this place, it’s a new favorite for me!
So yummy yaaay
This place is a little unassuming but is all around great. Fast service, very good quality and better than average Thai. We had the beef Panang curry and the pad kee mao - one of the best I’ve had.
I love the food
Summer buffalo makes the best pad thai in LA, hands down.
**Takeout review** 4.5 stars. I got beef panang curry, hub's got pad kee may (drunken noodles). Apps were grilled pork butt and frog legs. Splurged on the herb drinks - ginger lemonade and lemongrass (they didn't have the lotus root). The curry was sooooo delicious and just so yummy! The beef was a bit too dry. Pork butt was exactly what you get at the Vietnamese restaurants (lemongrass) - mouth watering but so not worth the price! It was barely any meat in such a big container!
Drunken noodle was okay but I've had better. Frog legs are so yum but would be better if a bit more crunchy and not so chewy.
If you want good Thai food, GO SOMEWHERE ELSE.(Hoy Ka) The Pad Thai was cooked with to much oil and the soup was salty.
BEST THAI IN LA. Hands down.
It's THE best! I'm addicted!
Try the Thai Fried Rice and the Mango Sticky Rice! Yum
Food is really good, but service...they are friendly but they take too long serving food. The pacle is small but nice. I liked it, they just need to be faster.
Really great Thai food, in a nice setting for a reasonable price. Highly suggest the curry dumpling appetizers, the curry sauce was incredible
delicious thai food
I love the food here! It’s really good and the prices are very reasonable. My go-to is the avocado shrimp mango salad, I absolutely love it!
Hate to say it but I got food poisoning here
One of my fav Thai spots in LA. Cute little spot.
The very best in service and Thai cuisine!
Good food good prices
EASILY the best Thai restaurant I've ever been to. Almost uncomfortably delicious - you WILL overeat. Do not hesitate, this amazing place is the real deal.
Great Tom Yam soup
Good
Amazing food and great service. One of them best Thai restaurants I have been to recently. The only slight minus is lack of alcoholic beverages especially beer on the hot day.
Best Thai food I've had in LA, and I've lived here for over 20 years.
Great Pad Thai, great atmosphere!
Went couple times during lunch . They offer lunch special dishes which comes with Salad and spring roll. Friendly service and good tasting Thai food. Had pad thai chicken (slightly sweet ) and beef Curry, both are good. Will be trying other dishes next time.
Very good
good service
As an American living in Thailand, I enjoyed the food very much! The portions are very large... well worth trying.
I was so surprised but this place was very good. Everything we ordered was amazing and full of flavor.
I have eaten here at least 10 times, clean and excellent food. Recommend green curry with chicken delicious.
Curries are delicious, food is great, sometimes it could be a while to get the order, but highly recommended
This was my first time here. A great local Thai place. Menu is simple but flavorful. We ordered a bunch of dishes and shared. Everything was good and even had leftovers to take home.
Not very vegetarian friendly. Limited menu not like most Thai places so not much substitution available. Will not go back.
Great authentic food. Friendly staff. Nice interior.
Food was fresh and flavorful! Portions are generous. Try the frog legs if you love garlic!! Yum!!
Garlic edamame is a must try
La sopa exelente y buen servicio
The garlic pepper wings have to be the best that I have ever had. The edamame- phenomenal . Orange chicken and garlic chicken and noodles... smh. Perfect introduction to Thai cuisine. Thank you guys
Great flavors. Delicious! Just a bit noisy.
Aweful! Tasteless soup and the pad Thai was vomit inducing
The food is really good, I would say very good quality. Even the name doesn't sell as a Thai food restaurant it has been a good decision coming in by first time and won't be the last. The service is fast and friendly. I recommend to try the Mango & Avocado Shrimp Salad 🥗👌🏻
Meh. Very underwhelmed by the food. We had the chicken larb and the orange chicken. Flavor wasn't anything special. The decor was really cute and the server was super nice. I don't see myself going out of my way to eat here again.
Great price and great food! Love the summer fried rice.
Amazing lunch specials, efficient, kind service. It feels like you are sitting in a nice family run place where they also care about the presentation of their food. Authentic Thai food. Their Thai iced tea looked delicious as well, but ask to go easy on the ice. Parking can be challenging on Melrose, but there is metered parking and limited street parking - read the signs!
Great food and excellent service! Try the Summer fried rice which comes with shrimp, chicken and peanuts. One of the best I've ever had!
Food and service were terrific. Suggest all the garlic vegetable dishes, because the sauce is delicious. That said, EVERYONE in the party needs to partake if you are in close proximity.
This is my favorite Thai place, Might have some modern or fusion'y aspects to it, but it's good.
Absolute best Thai Food ever!
Nice staff, pleasant space, and somewhat unusual dishes. The curry dumplings were great and they will make them vegetarian if you ask. The almond tofu was fun but not earth-shattering. The peanut dressing on the summer was tasty and the ingredients very fresh.
One issue was that the air conditioning didn't see be powerful enough on the very hot day we came. It was hot and steamy inside.
They can take all my money coz I just love them! This is the best Thai spot in all of Weho! Service, food and ambiance is just lovely. Don't waste ur money anywhere else...
I love this place! Great food! Fast service. Yummy. Had the fried rice and yellow curry with noodles(!). I love the fact they give you noodles instead of rice for the curry to sit on. Definitely my favorite dish
Great food, authentic Thai flavors lightened up slightly with some dishes from other south east Asian countries thrown in (the Burmese tea leaves salad was amazing)
The cooks definitely pay attention to detail. The recipes are sophisticated,....tasty not bland. But overall the two curry dishes we tried (vegetable tofu green curry and beef panang curry) were just a tad too sweet. The chicken fried rice was also a bit too sweet. But the drunken noodles were very very good.
The food is sooo good!!
Awesome service and a quality food!! A Must visit place!
Really good good and service. Please come and enjoy this place cuz is the best. Yummy food
Green papaya salad is the best in LA.
Great customer service
Very nice 😀
We got fried rice drunken noodles and the wings. Everything was excellent with service and atmosphere to match.
YUM.
Just the best thai food. I had the salmon curry noodle dish. Such a good choice on a rare rainy california day. I also had the thai iced tea and the mango sticky rice. Best decisions of my life. The nuance of flavors and the friendliness of the staff is incredible. Delish all the way.
Some of the best Thai food that I've had in LA. Ingredients are fresh and taste authentic, and the prices are very reasonable.
love the food (get delivery frequently) but the dining area is cramped and the southern exposure is brutal if you're next to the window during the day
Amazing american experience.
love the spicy thai basil rice. it's always prepared with just the right amount of spice and the service is quick and attentive.
Delicious gluten free food. Knowledge of cross contamination if you're celiac. The beef panang was so amazing.
I love this place. Fresh and delicious food..
Me and my roommate always get the pad Thai & fried rice.
Nice portions so we always share
Authentic and well prepared. Service can be better.
The food here is absolutely delicious. Making me hungry just thinking about it.
Great food, good ambience, decent prices...service needs work!
The food was delicious. However I like thai food when it is a little more savory than sweet, and this restaurant goes to the sweeter side of things. The interior of the place is very charming and cute. It's a little on the pricer side too.
Relaxed atmosphere. I had the Tom Yum Soup with white rice. Great flavor. Highly recommended to anyone the loves Thai food.
Our meals were fresh and copious ! Although it is Asian (mostly Thai) cuisine, the meals are prepared to please Westerners' tastes in that matter.
Great food and service. Consistently. Highly recommended.
- 8 photos
- 189 reviews
- 4.5 Health Rating
- Contact: +1 323-938-8808
- Website: https://summerbuffalo.com/
- Location: 7275 Melrose Ave A, Los Angeles, CA 90046, United States
- Map: 34.083726899999995, -118.34840919999999
- Thai restaurant
- Asian restaurant
- Restaurant
- Southeast Asian restaurant
- Monday: 4–9:30 PM
- Tuesday: 11 AM–3:30 PM–4:30–9:30 PM
- Wednesday: 11 AM–3:30 PM–4:30–9:30 PM
- Thursday: 11 AM–3:30 PM–4:30–9:30 PM
- Friday: 11 AM–3:30 PM–4:30–9:30 PM
- Saturday: 12–9:30 PM
- Sunday: 12–9:30 PM
- Delivery: Available
- Takeaway: Available
- Dine-in: Available
- Fast service: Available
- Great tea selection: Available
- Lunch: Available
- Dinner: Available
- Solo dining: Available
- Wheelchair-accessible car park: Available
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance: Available
- Wheelchair-accessible seating: Available
- Wheelchair-accessible toilet: Available
- Alcohol: Available
- Beer: Available
- Coffee: Available
- Comfort food: Available
- Healthy options: Available
- Quick bite: Available
- Small plates: Available
- Vegetarian options: Available
- Wine: Available
- Lunch: Available
- Dinner: Available
- Dessert: Available
- Seating: Available
- Toilet: Available
- Casual: Available
- Cosy: Available
- Trendy: Available
- Family friendly: Available
- Groups: Available
- LGBTQ+ friendly: Available
- Transgender safe space: Available
- Accepts reservations: Available
- Credit cards: Available
- Debit cards: Available
- Credit cards: Available
- Good for kids: Available