Eem - Thai BBQ & Cocktails

3808 N Williams Ave #127, Portland, OR 97227, United States

Eem - Thai BBQ & Cocktails
About Us

Outdoor and Indoor Seating Available.

Vibrant Thai restaurant & BBQ destination: Vacation inspired cocktails, smoked meats from Matt’s BBQ, and Thai street food from Langbaan / PaaDee. The minds of Shipwreck PDX provide vacation cocktails with a refreshed approach to tropical drinks.

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Eem - Thai BBQ & Cocktails
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Customer Reviews
Diner Review №1

Wok fried greens were nice and crunchy with the right amount of garlic and soy sauce. The chopped BBQ fried rice was really good. The brisket had that smoky flavor to it and was well seasoned. The fried rice it was tossed in complemented that flavor very well. The sweet and sour fried chicken was sweet, crispy, and had a sticky sauce that was oozing with flavor. Also had a 3Pac (old fashion) to drink, great flavor with fresh orange peels in it. I'll definitely come back before leaving Portland!

Diner Review №2

Diner Review №3

Such a great food fusion experience!
Food was excellent, service food, and just so busy! Probably really enjoyable on a slower meal time, but you know it's good if lots of people like it!

Diner Review №4

Amazing flavors, good portion sizes, and great drinks! Had this place on our list to eat when we visited Oregon for our mini moon and we’re glad that we made it! Will love to come back soon!

Diner Review №5

Diner Review №6

Mmmmmmmm good

Diner Review №7

I was so happy I actually teared up a little. This place is amazing. Everything about it is top notch. Amazing drinks, food, ambiance, service and pricing. I would eat there everyday if I could.

Diner Review №8

Diner Review №9

I got a whiskey cocktail that was overly sweet. It was refunded so that was nice. We also found hair in the fried cauliflower and spicy krapao. So that sucked.
Maybe you guys should wear hats when cooking.

Diner Review №10

Diner Review №11

The food was just incredible. It was really busy for lunch but we got seated at the bar and it was good.

Diner Review №12

Diner Review №13

Went here with friends, the place is overpacked and loud. The restaurant is very cute, but it is hard to appreciate it with it being so packed and loud. Wait was an hour. Staff seemed overwhelmed at times. We went on a Thursday night at about 730p. The food was good but not the best I have had. They have a careout area outside with a spot to wait for your food. I don't think I would come back. I prefer a place where I can enjoy conversation with my friends without having to yell or hear other peoples conversations. The prices seemed a little high for what you get.

Diner Review №14

The Lamb Neck Curry is the greatest thing I’ve eaten all year. Staff was super friendly and food was amazing.

Diner Review №15

The food was great, we will be back! It's a bit loud due to music and patrons but it is cozy inside.

Diner Review №16

The white curry was amazing! I would go back for that. The yes no maybe so drink was good. Had to wait 1 hour in line for service. Only accepts large group reservations. Parking was nightmare at 6pm Friday

Diner Review №17

Sure the dishes were good but is it worth that price? I don't think so. This is what $60 will get you here. My partner ate all of his and some of mine because he was still hungry. It also stinks when you order a Thai tea and it doesn't come with any ice. Plus it was tiny. Again, it was good don't get me wrong but at that price for the quantity I low key feel kinda robbed. I personally would much rather have Thai Peacock. I like it more and the quantity and price are better too.

Diner Review №18

In a word, AMAZING. However, I cannot reduce my feelings to a word. The cauliflower balls were top notch. My attitude toward cauliflower is that it’s fun, but let’s just make it chicken. Well good thing the fried chicken dish is fantastic. Loved both curries, and the fried rice was great too. Icing on the cake was a fun vase thing for my Coca-Cola.

Diner Review №19

Amazing but the wait can be difficult

Diner Review №20

Consistently great Thai food in a lively setting. Had to wait quite long multiples times before we have been here to get a table. But this time around got a table in no time as we had gone at around noon. Service was good. Ordered the Hot Fried Cauliflower, Wok Fried Su Choy, Sweet and Sour Fried Chicken and the Chopped Barbeque Fried Rice. Each of the dishes were flavorful, spicy and simply delicious. Highly recommend this place.

Diner Review №21

Outstanding, unique food. Crowded and noisy, 45-min wait, but worth it.

Diner Review №22

yummy food and drinks

Diner Review №23

Starting with cocktails both were on sweeter end. Got an outdoor seating although inside is where all the vibes are, but was here for food! As excited I was all the way in this trip to try at this restaurant, Entrees were served before the apps!!(got a lil turned off by that) Brisket fried rice - loved everything about it except for the burnt taste(didn’t get the bbq aftertaste), have to hand over the best fried chicken I’ve had - succulent and flavorful. Will be coming back next time to try the white curry!

Diner Review №24

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Diner Review №26

Stopped by for lunch as a first-time visitor, and wow, what an experience! The White Curry with brisket? Hands down, one of the best dishes I’ve ever had. The flavors were perfectly balanced—rich, creamy, and just a little kick of spice that paired beautifully with the tender brisket. It’s one of those meals you can’t stop thinking about long after you’ve finished it.

I also tried the chicken, and let me tell you, it was cooked to perfection. Juicy, flavorful, and seasoned just right—it’s clear they put a lot of care into everything coming out of the kitchen.

The service was flawless.The vibe here is great too—chill and welcoming but with a lively energy that makes it feel special. Whether you’re grabbing a quick lunch or settling in for a longer meal, it’s the kind of place that makes you want to stay a while.

I’ll definitely be coming back to explore more of the menu because if the rest of the dishes are anything like what I had today, I’m in for a treat. This spot is a true gem, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for amazing food, stellar service, and a great atmosphere. Don’t miss it!

Diner Review №27

Stellar service and the food was out of this world. Our waitress actually ran our leftovers out to us, so we are hoping to see her again to give her an extra big tip. Thank you for an amazing first experience! We will definitely be back!

Also, I would have taken pictures of my food if we didn’t enjoy it so much!

Diner Review №28

Diner Review №29

Diner Review №30

Absolute 🔥!!!!!!! Took a trip down to Portland JUST FOR THIS PLACE. Tier one experience for sure. You will see me soon!

Diner Review №31

Hard to get into, and justifiably. One of the best restaurants in Portland. They don’t take rezzies so sometimes the wait can be prohibitive, esp on weekend nights and in good weather. Hard to say what’s better, the food menu or the cocktail selections . Personal fav is the white curry. Can’t go wrong here, but show up for lunch if you want a better shot at a shorter wait.

Diner Review №32

While the portions are small, they make up for it in flavor, originality and quality. Best fried rice in town!

Diner Review №33

Great taste , good portion

Diner Review №34

Diner Review №35

Good food & drinks, but nothing mind blowing, worth visiting but I doubt I'll be craving it 🤷‍♂️

Diner Review №36

Great tasting flavors. We ended up ordering twice cause it was so good!

Diner Review №37

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Diner Review №40

Overall great experience. Only complaint(s) were that multiple dishes were a tad bit on the bland side (for me) and brisket fried rice might need to be just called “fried rice” (no brisket to be seen). Otherwise great service and nice ambiance. Secondary outdoor patio is also very cozy and warm, great for groups that want a quieter area. Expect long wait time if you’re not there early.

Diner Review №41

Diner Review №42

Love this Thai BBQ fusion food! Very rich tasting dishes; cocktails are also amazing! I recommend going in not-peak hours to not wait in long lines.

Diner Review №43

While visiting Portland for my wife's bday, we came here for dinner because it was recommended by a Lyft driver. Upon walking in, we were greeted very warmly with smiles. We were immediately seated. The waitress was very pleasant. I can't remember her name, but she was young with blonde hair and a facial piercing. She provided her recommendations by request. It took us a min to figure out what we wanted, but she was very patient. We ordered the BBQ fried rice and boneless chicken thighs. It all came out hot and tasty. For drinks, we ordered Makers Mark whiskey with coke and cherries and a tequila well drink. Both were delicious. We spoke to our waitress about how our time has been in Portland. She was very friendly. We ended the night with a special boozy slushy shot that she had made for my wife to help celebrate her bday. She put a candle in it and all. We loved that gesture!!!!

We highly reccomend this spot. Oh.. the ambiance was nice as well.

Diner Review №44

Diner Review №45

Service and food were great.

Diner Review №46

Oh heck no! These people are trippin’. The worst fried rice I’ve ever had. Tasted like soy sauce and liquid smoke and had a few brisket scraps. Magic Dragon makes better food and that’s sad.

Maybe I ordered the wrong thing or the kitchen was off their game but there is no chance I would eat here again.

I’m almost offended that I was charged a premium price for a poor quality product.

#gross

Diner Review №47

Diner Review №48

We shared 6 dishes, none of them is worth walking in again. Grate atmosphere and stuff.

Diner Review №49

the food was really tasty overall, though the fried rice just missed the mark due to being a bit overcooked for my taste. the cocktail 'separation anxiety' was decent, but didn’t stand out. I’d visit again because the vibe and flavors were enjoyable, but I feel the restaurant is slightly overrated compared to the hype.

Diner Review №50

Best meal I’ve had in ages. Tyler was awesome and surprised us with some of his fav menu items. Insanely good.

Diner Review №51

Love love love. Food was amazing. Service was fantastic. We had to sit outside on the patio which actually was pretty nice but my butt was cold. Definitely will be back but will sit inside. The drinks are so fun and yummy. The white curry is the BEST 👌

Diner Review №52

Diner Review №53

Good is by far the best thing I've had in years! Very unique and we'll thought out. Small menu, but there is not a single thing I didn't enjoy. Definitely a model most restaurants should adopt. Simple and small menu selection, but very well done. Only thing that keeps me from coming back every week is some of the service I've had. Some people just feel they're better or that you're there interrupting whatever day they were having. It's not a way to treat people, but I don't take it out on the restaurant, it's amazing kitchen crew and the minds who brought it all together. Definitely worth whatever the wait is. Highly recommend ALL the curries, but if I had to pick, I pick green 💚

Diner Review №54

10/10 food and drinks. DO NOT miss this spot if you’re in Portland.

Diner Review №55

Had a religious experience, if you will, with the food here. It was phenomenal. And the perfect send off for my friends visiting from Miami. We sat at the bar and the bartenders were so attentive. Can’t wait to be back. We ate fam style which allowed for different tastes. My fave was the white curry with brisket burnt ends and the hot fried cauliflower! Thank you so much

Diner Review №56

The food was ok. We ordered the white curry with brisket and it was fine curry, but the brisket took away from the dish. It wasn’t that good of brisket. If you invoke Texas bbq in your description, so I judge you that way.
For being “BBQ”, the meat just wasn’t that good. If you want curry, I recommend going to hole in the wall establishments that have bigger portions and tastier options.
We got a pork belly krapow and they said the “egg is the sauce”. Seriously? The egg was ok, but I’m wondering why it was so expensive if it’s just egg and pork fat. We were essentially eating crispy lard with egg and a tiny amount of sauce on the side.
We got the field salad which was unexpectedly fantastic. A coconut flavor which was unexpected and delicious.
We did not order cocktails, got the Thai tea and the Yuzu bliss. These tasted great, but we got about a sip and there was no more drink. So much ice! We poured some water from our cup in the glass, and maybe 1/8 of a cup could go in. It’s just not worth the price.
Maybe we had an off day? I was expecting a lot more since the reviews seem to love it.
Service was fine.
This is definitely a noisy establishment if you have any sensory issues (not taking off for that!!)

Diner Review №57

Diner Review №58

I have seen great reviews and see EEM alway busy. I arrived and stood in side the door for 15 minutes before any person acknowledged me. After the hostesses looked at and walked by me multiple times they then asked how many. Told them 1. Asked how long the wait would be. No answer. They walked off.
The atmosphere is dark. I couldn’t even read the menu with my glasses on. Music blaring, makes it very difficult to communicate with the servers. It doesn’t help being hard of hearing.
I ordered the Very Spicy Papaya Salad and BBQ Fried Rice. The salad was tasty not very spicy. The BBQ fried rice was not that good. It literally tasted like it was refrigerated uncovered for a week then warmed and served. It had cold spot throughout the serving.
It was not worth the $29 I was charged.
Hopefully this was a one off situation.

Diner Review №59

Just waited 40 minutes for burnt fried rice. That rice was a little too fried. Probably 30 minutes too long

Diner Review №60

Stopped in for the reviews of the white curry, but stayed for the very spicy papaya salad and frosty cocktails. Well worth the hype and deeply appreciated the excellent service from staff.

Diner Review №61

If you would to be told there is an hour wait for two for either bar or table-top when you can visibly see (and yes, I counted) 10 open chairs that can accommodate two - all of the same which were open when you had walked by 15 minutes earlier while strolling seeing what in the area - than by all means stop in here! Then, struggle to hold back laughter, and move on to somewhere else. Or, read this review and don't actually bother. Yes, I have been here before, the curries are ok, the drinks are fine, BUT not worth that.

PS the front staff appeared to overly frantic to even bother to be polite about it *eye roll*

Diner Review №62

I was so excited to finally try Eem. For my taste the foods were extremely salty. At least I gave it a try and I don’t have fantasies about this restaurant anymore.

Diner Review №63

Everything else was really good, but I have to read it. One stars because it had no oranges.

Diner Review №64

Diner Review №65

Nice portions, not too big. Pork dishes are very tasty. The chicken app is also yummy. Good cocktails. Great service.

Diner Review №66

Small portion for what you pay for, but even a cheap person like me has to begrudgingly admit that the taste totally makes up for it.

Diner Review №67

Diner Review №68

This place is always crowded because it is so popular. Service was better than expected for a busy restaurant almost always on a wait. Their most popular dish is the white curry with brisket. This dish is interesting as it blends a creamy white sauce with a smokey brisket. It makes for an interesting combo of flavors. I also had the brisket fried rice, I thought it was too smokey of a flavor for my taste. The sweat anD sour chicken was very good, very much like Korean style crispy chicken. If you go, it will be loud, and be prepared to wait up to an hour. Only metered street parking available.

Diner Review №69

Would give it a 5 star but they don't give you enough rice. A restaurant that serves Asian dishes but gives you enough rice just for one tiny ant.

Diner Review №70

Pretty good food. I enjoyed the texture of the dish I ordered.

Diner Review №71

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Diner Review №73

My friend wanted to try this place so we stopped by for lunch. It was busy but we waited only 15 mins or so.

We got chopped bbq fried rice and green curry with crispy pulled pork. I also got separation anxiety for drink and my friend got Thai tea. We got the curry first. It was not too bad but was not any special. Slightly salty for my taste. The rice was also kinda dry. It took a while for the fried rice to come out and it was burnt. The pepper had an unpleasant bitter taste and I think it was over cooked. The rice grains were break, probably cooked too long with high heat. If it were done correctly, it might not too bad. Our server was nice and the atmosphere was warm and inviting but the food was definitely disappointed.

Diner Review №74

I recently visited EEM Restaurant with a party of seven (five adults and two kids) and was quite disappointed with the experience. Although the restaurant wasn’t particularly busy, the waiting area was small and crowded. Despite the bar being completely empty, the staff refused to let even one of us sit there temporarily, which was quite inconvenient.

When we requested a spicy addition, the waiter brought only a single small plate of chilis, which was clearly insufficient for the number of people in our group. The food portions were surprisingly small and quite expensive. To make matters worse, the quality of the food was not up to par with the high prices. To top it off, we were automatically charged a 20% tip, justified by the fact that we were a larger party. This mandatory gratuity felt excessive, especially given the lackluster service we received.

Overall, the experience was not what we had hoped for, and I would be hesitant to return or recommend EEM to others.

Diner Review №75

Our friend told us about Eem being his favorite restaurant (it's his birthday tradition to come for dinner every year), and we completely see why!!

It was our first time and we were completely blown away. The food is so flavorful, with depth and complexity that leaves you craving more. Drinks are unique, balanced, and tasty. Ambience is vibrant, but moody and romantic. Love all the plants and wood throughout.

We got the white curry with brisket burnt ends, vegetable fried rice, life of luxury (whiskey cocktail), acid test (bourbon cocktail). All of it was incredible and memorable.

Service was outstanding. Our server was very friendly, attentive, and relaxed in our interactions (despite how busy it was).

Overall we loved our experience here and will definitely be coming back again and again. We highly recommend Eem for date nights, special occasions, or just because you want incredible food!

Diner Review №76

Excellent curry

Diner Review №77

Misinformed me about their time to stop seating people. I was told 10pm on the phone but when I arrived at 9:45 got turned away

Diner Review №78

2nd visit and again it was delightful! Service is great, food and drinks were great. Tried Green, White and Jungle curries. White was a favorite. We enjoyed both fried rice dishes. Carrots appetizer was very flavorful. Boneless chicken was tender and tasty.

Diner Review №79

The food and service were great. While light and casual, there was absolutely nothing Thai about this restaurant's atmosphere other than some hints of Thai seasoning in the delicious food. I was with a group of four, and we all agreed on the quality of the food and service and the need for a more extensive menu.

Diner Review №80

This is such a cool concept for a restaurant. It’s American BBQ fused with Thai. The white curry was the standout though the other curries we go were good. The very spicy papaya salad lived up to its name and was the perfect balance of sweet and sour.

Diner Review №81

Diner Review №82

I find it rare to find restaurants that hit the spot all around, but I was blown away!!! My friend and I made a reservation as we were told it gets busy. When we came back to dine at 7, the place was lively with a long wait. *So make reservations ahead* There’s so many reasons why this restaurant is a must. 1) The customer service is top tier. Everyone is extremely friendly and welcoming(and stylish). Huge shoutout to our server Tyler. I was indecisive between two options and he surprised me by bringing the other dish out as it was a must try. 2) The atmosphere! It’s so vibey and gives the feeling of an urban/rustic environment. Perfect for a date night or dinner with friends. 3)Lastly ofc the FOOD! My friend and I were both blown away by the taste of every dish we had. The pork belly was so tender and melts in your mouth. The wings are karaage style if your familiar with Japanese culture, they’re a must! The white curry was absolutely delicious as well. Lastly the fried rice pairs good with just about anything. The drinks were the perfect cocktail to pair. I found myself “wow”ing with every dish. I’ll be coming back and 10/10 recommend!

Diner Review №83

This place is awesome and worth the wait.

Diner Review №84

Best restaurant in Portland! I ordered every week! Best restaurant in the entire PNW!

Diner Review №85

Amazing every time I visit. The drinks are great, the food is superb, the staff is friendly. 100% recommend!

Diner Review №86

Diner Review №87

Great food and service, we ordered four different items to share and they were all great. Looking forward to returning!

Diner Review №88

It was too salty.

Diner Review №89

Love going to Eem for dates with my partner or dates with friends! The vibe is very cozy with the indie music and the food is super yummy. I’d recommend the White curry or the krapao 🤤

Diner Review №90

Food is just ok and expensive

Diner Review №91

Very good. A marriage of deeply flavored Thai food and beautiful BBQ.

The cocktails are a bit pricey ($13-$16) and most of them are very much on the sweet side. Still, the drinks are pretty and fun, and the bartenders are more than capable of making something you like (a couple standouts on the menu are the Nocturnal Worker and The Thing I Want).

Burnt end curry is very good, though the new white curry is not as good as the old format. Maybe it was the brisket this round, but the pepper dominated all other flavors. Jungle curry, sausage and papaya, sweet and sour fried chicken, and BBQ fried rice were all wonderful. Pork steak leaves something to be desired.

Definitely worth multiple visits.

Diner Review №92

Too much flavor in every single thing we ordered. Absolutely amazing food. Great taste from end to end of the experience. Even the drinks were 3 delicious

Oh and That secondary dining area they took us to?!? That mf was wayyyy better than the main dining area. More spacious. AND the music was slappin crazy af

Diner Review №93

Diner Review №94

Diner Review №95

We had a wonderful lunch here. Came on a Saturday and it was bustling but not uncomfortably crowded. We ordered a Thai iced tea and a mocktail, and they were some of the best drinks we've ever had - at a reasonable price too! We enjoyed reading the creative drink names. We got the spicy papaya salad and vegan red curry, which were quite good. Decent portion sizes. Reasonable prices. The service was great and our waitress immediately asked about dietary restrictions and spice preferences. The interior is airy and bright, with lush plants! The menu is small but there are options for vegans. I would definitely come back!

Diner Review №96

Awesome place. I had the White Curry Brisket and it was amazing. Would highly recommend if you are in the area.

Diner Review №97

Eem ruined my Thanksgiving. First, after being pinged that our table was ready, my party returned to the restaurant only to find out that they had mistakenly noted us as 2 people instead of 3 (this was in despite of the fact that they told us it would be a 1-2 hour wait for 3 people when we put our name on the waitlist and then told the couple behind us it would be a 45 minute wait for 2 people). We ended up having to wait an additional 15 minutes after arriving. Not a big deal if that was the only thing that went wrong. However, second, Eem has made my sister and I physically ill. I ordered the massaman curry, which my sister and I shared, and we have been up all night sick to our stomachs, unable to keep anything down since. We’re both still incredibly ill and have to now go to urgent care. I was supposed to host Thanksgiving dinner tonight but obviously that is not happening given my current state. The kicker out of all of this is that the curry wasn’t even that good. I was so excited to try Eem as everyone raves about it, but the lamb was weirdly dry and the base of the curry tasted somewhat artificial.

Diner Review №98

Amazing delicious food, but the service really felt impatient and like they have a chip on their shoulder. I know this place can get hectic and busy (it wasn't when we visited) but it really felt like we were a burden. Rude staff just shouldn't be acceptable.

Diner Review №99

Amazing food! Excellent drinks. Only slight request is coffee or black tea to enjoy with dessert. When we were there they said the only hot non-alcoholic drink they had was green tea. I would have loved a coffee with dessert. We had the roasted carrots, massaman curry, green curry, and panna cotta. Truly delicious!

Diner Review №100

Amazing food!! LOVED the fried cauliflower, the BBQ rice, and the coconut curry (my favorite). 10/10 recommend and would come here again.

Diner Review №101

Diner Review №102

Delicious food to share. Gone here multiple times with my family and everyone loves it. Fried chicken is amazing and green and white curries are also highly recommended. Brisket fried rice is a hit with my friends and family as well.

Diner Review №103

White curry bump so hard

Diner Review №104

Diner Review №105

Great food!

Diner Review №106

Diner Review №107

I loved that my diet coke came in a Goonies pirate mug. I ordered the white curry with burnt ends... the menu is small and you can't change the spice level. I didn't break out sweating but it was a little spicier than I would have liked. The burnt ends were good but I just didn't feel like they went well with the curry... I sat at the bar, and the draft from the door can be chilly. It was fairly empty at 6pm but by 7pm people waiting to be seated were bumping into me...

Diner Review №108

Food was excellent so delicious 😋 thank you

Diner Review №109

Will review later

Diner Review №110

Great Thai food

Diner Review №111

Really good. Staff went above and beyond to fix a small mistakes. Classy. Food is excellent. Crazy drinks.

Diner Review №112

Nice small place for sharing some Thai food, yuzu drink, sweet and sour fresh chicken and green pork curry hot the spot. Will come back for sure 😊

Diner Review №113

I send all of my friends here. The white curry is unbelievably incredible and I crave it every time I come to Portland. The salad is also one of my favorites.

Diner Review №114

A must stop. Everything on the menu I’ve tried is worth it. BBQ rice, chicken, brisket curry, cauliflower. The cocktails are standard, a bit pricey but that’s how it goes.

My only qualm is that the take out price is significantly more than dine in. Chicken and rice would be $29 dine in. The same meal for take out is $37.50. To clarify that is not a delivery fee - it is pick up. Not sure what necessitates an $8.50 surcharge. But I’m less inclined to order takeout. I assume they’re overwhelmed with orders so the extra price slows down take out. Who knows. I’ll still dine in probably once a month though.

Diner Review №115

The food is absolutely amazing

Diner Review №116

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Diner Review №120

White Curry with Brisket Burntends 7/10. Green curry w crispy pork 7.5/10. Passionfriit Blood Orange Guava sorbet 8/10. Thai oat iced tea 7.5/10. Inline prickly pear beer 4/10z

Diner Review №121

Amazing and extraordinary food. Great surprise combinations, and a great atmosphere. Get here early or there may be a wait!

Diner Review №122

Great food, but the aggressive electronic music drowned our conversation and really messed with the vibe

Diner Review №123

Eem Thai BBQ had been on my list for a while, and it didn’t disappoint! The vibe was great, with a warm, welcoming atmosphere and friendly staff. The food was definitely worth trying, with unique flavors and creative dishes. I did feel the menu was a bit limited in options, but the cocktails were the highlight for me—absolutely fantastic!

Diner Review №124

Absolute to die for food. Worth a wait or a line but they do take reservations for large parties. I went with a big ground of 15+ and did a tasting of everything on the menu, and it was one of the best culinary experiences I've ever had in Portland.

Diner Review №125

Stopped by for lunch today. 1st timer. Sat at the bar. I tried the recommendations by Adrian my bartender. Everything that he suggested was absolutely amazing. The White curry with brisket was one of the best dishes I’ve ever eaten. Chicken was so delicious. The service was impeccable. Great vibe and atmosphere. I definitely will return to try other items on the menu. Another one of these gems. Highly recommend.

Diner Review №126

I don't know how they get so much flavor into the food, but I love it. We had white curry with brisket burnt ends and the pork krapao. They were both phenomenal.

Diner Review №127

I've never had a bad experience here! I've tried almost everything on the menu and it's all so good. My faves are the white curry and hot cauliflower. Cocktails are incredible too!

Diner Review №128

Don’t know how I haven’t reviewed them alr. This is my favorite restaurant on earth. It is so good please go there. I love it so much

Diner Review №129

Our first time. The four of us ordered a lot. All excellent food. So yummy. We recommend for sure!

Diner Review №130

Diner Review №131

I'll keep this relatively short because Eem has so many reviews already, but this place is not only very good but unique in my experience. Yes, a *unique* eating experience still exists.

Eem combines excellently prepared Thai dishes, many of them classic Thai curries, with smoked brisket and pork. Yes, it's a Thai barbecue joint. Tasting that smokey pulled pork goodness swimming in a delicately spiced green curry is a different kind of magic. The fried rice comes with chopped up bits of smoked brisket that make me think of Texas on the gulf... the Gulf of Thailand. A green salad with tamarind dressing and hot & spicy fried cauliflower started things off with a real bang.

Food delicious the service was good, dinged one tiny star on atmosphere because it is pretty noisy.

Diner Review №132

The food is so good. Place is very busy and no reservations.

Diner Review №133

Delicious pork belly, drinks were amazing and the vibe was exactly what we were looking for.

Diner Review №134

Diner Review №135

Came here on a Saturday at 2 pm and it was packed! For a party of 5 we waited almost an hour. The staff were very friendly though and the food came out quickly once we ordered and were seated. We ordered the hot fried cauliflower, sweet and sour chicken, smoked pork krapao, white curry with brisket burnt-ends, and chopped bbq fried rice. Honestly, everything was so good and I have a hard time picking a favorite item. I highly recommend trying them all!

I have a severe peanut allergy and had no issues eating here, just let them know about your allergies before ordering.

This is definitely my favorite restaurant in Portland and will definitely be back!

Diner Review №136

This place is overhyped and the food is so subpar.

The rice was soaked in oil, and there was no flavor to it expect for leaving a lingering burnt oil coat on in my mouth.

Service is terrible, not sure how they hire the staff but they are entitled, rude, and could not care less about their jobs. We were not checked up on at all, and they messed up our order.

After not leaving a tip for the terrible food and horrendous service, they decided to tip themselves and charged a 20% tip that we did not authorize.

Diner Review №137

Diner Review №138

This place is all cocktails and atmosphere. The services was terrible, half of our order never arrived, and we were essentially ignored from being seated.

I'm pretty easy to please. I love Thai food and BBQ this would have been an easy slam dunk for me.

The food itself is mediocre and gimmicky at best. Portion sizes are "fine dining" sized, but the quality doesn't carry that weight. The fried rice was terrible, hardly any brisket or flavor. It was hard oily rice with almost no discernable seasoning or flavor. I wish I could comment on much more, but again, half our order was never served. Once we finally waived down our waitress she sheepishly informed us that it would be "just a few minutes" nearly an hour after our first two dishes were served.

We canceled and left.

The icing on the cake - I pointedly did not tip. We received a square email receipt, and it seems that the service staff decided to tip themselves 28% that we did not authorize.

Diner Review №139

White curry and sweet and sour fried chicken are our favorites. Mushroom fried rice was a little spicier than expected and a little heavier than desired. Fantastic cocktails

Diner Review №140

Diner Review №141

Diner Review №142

Food had good flavor, not bad ( not better than Dallas, NY or LA)

Diner Review №143

Eem in Portland offers a unique fusion of Thai cuisine and BBQ, combining flavors that you wouldn’t typically associate with either style. The menu is creative, featuring dishes like sweet and sour fried chicken, BBQ fried rice with brisket, and red curry with seasonal vegetables. For those who appreciate a bold mix of flavors, the BBQ and Thai curries are an interesting balance, but if you’re looking for traditional Thai dishes, you might find the taste a bit unconventional.

I personally prefer more authentic Thai cuisine. For instance, the papaya salad was way too spicy for my taste, and it lacked the vinegar balance typically found in traditional Thai versions. The pulled pork curry had great flavor, but the texture of the pulled pork didn’t quite work with the curry. The BBQ pork fried rice had excellent wok hei, but the pork was tougher than expected.

Eem’s cocktails are inventive, with drinks like the Salad Days and Strawberry Almond Cooler offering fun and refreshing twists. The decor adds to the cool, modern vibe of the place, though the prices are on the higher side, especially compared to what I’m used to in LA. Overall, it’s a great spot for American BBQ lovers who enjoy Thai-inspired flavors, but it might not hit the mark for those seeking traditional Thai food.

Diner Review №144

The massaman curry and sweet and sour chicken are to die for

Diner Review №145

It's with a heavy heart that I write this review. My wife and I have been going to eem for over 3 years and have had great experiences in the past. But the last few times we've ordered takeout, the interactions with the takeout staff have been terrible and the takeout portions have been much smaller than if we had dined in.

The staff working the takeout shack was short and talked to me and my wife as if we were stupid. And while the food was delicious once we got home, the brisket and massaman curry was smaller than normal, and the white curry only had 3 small pieces of brisket. Not what we have come to expect for our favorite $25 dishes.

The atmosphere of eem is great and we've always had excellent experiences with staff when dining in, but I can't say we'll be doing takeout from Eem for a while.

Diner Review №146

Diner Review №147

Diner Review №148

Dazzling! We heard about this place through word-of-mouth & it exceeded every expectation. Given how good takeout is, I can’t wait to come visit soon!

Diner Review №149

This is a fusion we did not know we needed. If you are confused what to eat for the night. Go to Eem and order just about anything.

Diner Review №150

Quite the culinary experience, just the best food I've ever put in my face. They work magic with meats and curries, do recommend!

Diner Review №151

Diner Review №152

The food is an amazing and unique combination of texas bbq and thai food. You won't find anything quite like it anywhere else. And the staff are all very kind, helpful and generous. Keep in mind that this is a VERY popular spot, and reserve in advance if at all possible

Diner Review №153

Update. Still amazing. I could eat the white curry daily and never get tired of it.

Lunch was exceptional. Pork belly, lamb curry, salt and pepper squid all on point.

Diner Review №154

Diner Review №155

Massaman curry was very flavorful and good portion size. Fried chicken was excellent!
The fried rice, however, was way too smokey for my taste. If you really like smokey, charred flavor, this dish would be great. I felt it overpowered the other flavors, though.
The atmosphere was cozy, but sounds carried way to much and made the place very loud. Would be nice if they got some acoustic blocks in the ceiling to help dampen the noise a bit. Everyone had to speak loudly to be heard.
Service was great!

Diner Review №156

Diner Review №157

The food was just ok compared to any other Thai place in Portland. Flavor is ok but seemed heavily salted. The menu is very small and only one relatively substantial vegetarian dish with no protein. Found it odd there is not tofu at all. Family style served food and in a group it was difficult to find what to order with such a small menu. Even my friends that eat meat said the mushroom fried rice was the best dish out of the beef, pork, and chicken they ordered. If you are in the area and there is not a wait it would be worth it for small bites and cocktails- which were good. But not worth waiting in a line or more than 5-10 min for. Atmosphere was nice and service was good.

Diner Review №158

This place rules. Nuff Said!

Diner Review №159

EEM has quickly become my go-to spot for delicious Thai cuisine in Portland. With an extensive menu, I've had the pleasure of trying a variety of dishes, and each one has been a hit. The White Curry is a creamy and comforting delight, while the Sweet and Sour Fried Chicken offers a tangy kick. For something truly unique, try the BBQ Fried Rice or the Smoked Pork Belly Krapao. And don't forget to save room for the addictive Fried Cauliflower. While there might be a bit of a wait during peak dinner times, it's well worth it for the exceptional food and atmosphere.

Diner Review №160

Diner Review №161

Diner Review №162

A spot that definitely lives up to the hype. The bbq fried rice was a 10/10 - one of best dishes I’ve had in my life! Cocktails are good, especially the rum based ones. Sweet and sour chicken was also very flavorful and fresh, but is dark thigh meat so be aware if you don’t prefer this. Service was excellent and food came out quickly. If you’re not up for waiting for the dinner rush, try stopping in for lunch. Don’t miss this Thai food gem!!

Diner Review №163

Your's favorite Thai food in town.

Diner Review №164

Diner Review №165

Diner Review №166

Very good and busy! Food was well flavored but portions were a little small so my partner and I shared 3 entrees which was the perfect amount for us. Club music was interesting but energizing.

Diner Review №167

Diner Review №168

Saw the reviews so had high expectations but unfortunately it was not good :( flavor profile is just salt basically…very flat. With all the spices available in Thai cooking at their disposal and they come out with this?

Diner Review №169

Very very cool experience with the only trouble being that it takes a long time to get into the place because it's so popular! That being said, it's definitely worth the wait. If you do have to put your name down to get a table, I suggest checking out a few of the other cocktail bars in the area while you wait.

In terms of Eem, I love the concept of having a barbecue curry restaurant. The group that I went with had the Fried Chicken, Jungle curry and fried rice. We also tried a few of the cocktails. Everything was absolutely brilliantly prepared and the flavors were unbelievable. I do have to say if you are not a fan of spicy, the Jungle Curry might be a little bit much however, it was absolutely delicious. Thanks guys and I hope to visit again the next time I'm in Portland.

Diner Review №170

I liked that the tastes were strong, and that it didn’t feel like what you get at every other Thai place. Great atmosphere, good portions!

Diner Review №171

Adrian, the bartender, was great company 👌 which made it great since I am solo traveling, and having someone to talk to made it go by quickly. I'd definitely come back for the food and service just that alone.

Diner Review №172

Diner Review №173

Diner Review №174

Green curry was amazing!

Diner Review №175

Diner Review №176

Diner Review №177

Inspired craft cocktails AND best burnt ends!!

Diner Review №178

A fairly busy restaurant in Portland, so we had to wait about 1 hour. Very good atmosphere, but it’s not a place for those who don’t eat spicy food. I think that’s something they need to improve, although the waitress mentioned that everything is mild, to me it’s a bit more than mild.

Diner Review №179

That white curry with brisket is a fan favorite for a reason! The brisket was tender and the broth was seasoned and flavorful. I would order it again 10x over!

Diner Review №180

Heard delicious details so my super hot girlfriend and I dropped in for dinner. We had a couple of frosty drinks which are fun. But the food really hit the spot. We had the sweet and sour chicken which had a really nice crispy fry on it. While still being juicy. The massuman curry with lamb is very aromatic and had a very creamy flavor. Went well with the rice. Lastly we had the pork belly burnt ends which had a very spicy flavor i enjoyed. While being crispy and richly delicious. Come give them a try.

Diner Review №181

Pretty good curry with rice. Got the massaman curry and the lamb really shined through. I loved the nutty notes with the peanuts. The topped bowl of rice was comforting and hearty, but was a bit awkward to eat with the curry. Service was also quite on the slow end.

Overall, not a bad spot for an elevated bite. Probably a vibe with friends (especially if you order some of their fancy cocktails), but there are better spots to eat if you're dining solo.

Diner Review №182

Delightfully rich and unique flavors

Diner Review №183

A delicious blend of Thai food and American BBQ meats. The fried chicken is so addictive, I always order an extra portion to enjoy the next day!

Diner Review №184

Food was good but not unbelievable like everyone said. Service was bad. We had to wait forever for the waitress to come and take our order. Place was cold and noisy. All the tables are very close to one another and so it was hard to have a private conversation. It was in the low 60s and they had the doors wide open. It was cold. There are many great Thai restaurants but this is not one of them.

Diner Review №185

Small food menu. Ceviche was the best dish. Chicken, Fried Rice, and curry were all pretty mid. Cocktails are above average in Portland, but nothing too special. Service is great, but host needs some training. Waited an extra 15 minutes for the bar when no one was there.

Diner Review №186

I really wanted to love this place because of all of the recommendations I received from my peers however, it definitely fell short of my expectations. We had to wait nearly an hour to get seated, the food was pretty bland and the drinks were only okay. I was also surprised to see no pad Thai on the menu. The service was good but not really memorable. Overall, I would not go back unfortunately.

Diner Review №187

Diner Review №188

Had Never Been Before, Totally Loved It

Diner Review №189

I was visiting Portland for work. I was told that this was one of Portland's best restaurants. I would have to agree. I had the white curry with brisket. It was so flavorful. Jeannie was my waitress, and she provided amazing service. If I'm ever in Portland again, I'll be back.

Diner Review №190

Amazing food and cocktails. We got the sweet and sour chicken (my husbands favorite), bbq fried rice, and white curry with brisket. Zero notes. Absolutely delicious. Just the right amount of spice!

Diner Review №191

Delicious food and cute vibe!

Diner Review №192

Diner Review №193

Holy shit Eem was awesome. Only not awesome fact is that they don’t do small reservations so you’ll likely have to wait 45 min for a table. But we walked the area and got a text which made the process easy.

Foot and service were both phenomenal. We were seated at the bar and once ordering promptly received our food. Everything was tasty. We got the white curry, fried rice, yu choy, and sweet and sour chicken. White curry lived up to the hype and was so flavorful. I also loved the fried rice which had a more unique smoke. The slushy drink my gf got was the perfect level of boozy while still being delicious. Everything came out pretty fast as well which I was impressed by.

Would absolutely come back here in the future. The food was amazing and atmosphere is fun.

Diner Review №194

Nice fusion restaurant
Family style is recommended
Service is not good
We were given 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minute wait
We came back after we received a text and checked in
We waited but didn’t get called so I checked again and the host said my table was sat because I didn’t check in thru text (???)
After another 20 minutes we got sat but it’s Portland they don’t care what you waited or what happened so don’t expect superb service.

Our table tried the white curry 👍🏽
Papaya salad (actually spicy) 👍🏽
Burnt ends 👍🏽
Bbq fried rice 👎🏽
Wings 👍🏽

Phuket cafe has much better service and food.

Diner Review №195

I came here a month ago, and their incredible white curry with brisket burnt-ends has been on my mind everyday since then. This one is truly special, and is an absolute must. We ordered about five different dishes, and they were all amazing. Eem also has really fun energy, great cocktails and a wonderful staff. Can’t wait to come back

Diner Review №196

At EEM, they’ve masterfully combined the bold flavors of Thai cuisine with the smoky goodness of barbecue—and let me tell you, it’s a match made in heaven. The modern, refreshing ambiance sets the perfect tone for a dining experience that’s both fun and elevated. It’s the kind of place where you can chow down on some seriously delicious food, all while feeling like you’re in the cool spot to be.

The Thai barbecue dishes are a revelation—flavor-packed, tender, and leaving you wanting more with every bite. Pair that with a laid-back but trendy atmosphere, and you’ve got a spot that’s perfect for a casual dinner or a night out with friends. If you’re in Portland and looking for something that mixes comfort food with culinary flair, EEM’s got you covered.

Diner Review №197

rude customer service from the hostess and the waitress. food was good

Diner Review №198

Did was great
The separation anxiety drink is delicious
Staff were kind and didn't pressure us to leave even though we took quite a bit after our food got to the table

Diner Review №199

Food was amazing!

Diner Review №200

Details
  • 18 photos
  • 200 reviews
  • 4.6 Health Rating
  • Contact: +1 971-295-1645
  • Website: http://www.eempdx.com/
  • Location: 3808 N Williams Ave #127, Portland, OR 97227, United States
  • Map: 45.5506551, -122.66652119999999
Menu Highlights
  • Thai restaurant
  • Barbecue restaurant
  • Cocktail bar
Opening Hours
  • Monday: 11 AM–9 PM
  • Tuesday: 11 AM–9 PM
  • Wednesday: 11 AM–9 PM
  • Thursday: 11 AM–9 PM
  • Friday: 11 AM–10 PM
  • Saturday: 11 AM–10 PM
  • Sunday: 11 AM–9 PM
Service options
  • Outdoor seating: Available
  • Delivery: Available
  • Takeaway: Available
  • Dine-in: Available
Highlights
  • Fast service: Available
  • Great cocktails: Available
Popular for
  • Lunch: Available
  • Dinner: Available
  • Solo dining: Available
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair-accessible entrance: Available
  • Wheelchair-accessible seating: Available
  • Wheelchair-accessible toilet: Available
Offerings
  • Alcohol: Available
  • Beer: Available
  • Cocktails: Available
  • Coffee: Available
  • Comfort food: Available
  • Late-night food: Available
  • Small plates: Available
  • Spirits: Available
  • Vegetarian options: Available
  • Wine: Available
Dining options
  • Lunch: Available
  • Dinner: Available
  • Dessert: Available
  • Seating: Available
Amenities
  • Bar on site: Available
  • Toilet: Available
Atmosphere
  • Casual: Available
  • Cosy: Available
  • Trendy: Available
Crowd
  • Family friendly: Available
  • Groups: Available
  • LGBTQ+ friendly: Available
  • Tourists: Available
  • Transgender safe space: Available
Planning
  • Accepts reservations: Available
  • Usually a wait: Available
Payments
  • Credit cards: Available
  • Debit cards: Available
  • NFC mobile payments: Available
  • Credit cards: Available
Children
  • High chairs: Available
Parking
  • Free of charge street parking: Available
  • Parking: Available