Never been to Thailand (wish!), BUT have had Thai food in almost every major city in North America, and I gotta say, Boonie Thai in little ol Santa Maria is AMAZING! Its as good as the Thai from several places in SF, LA, Seattle, Portland, NYC, Chicago, DC, etc. I LOVE Thai food but dont get to have it as often as Id like and Boonie Thai is one of my very special treats to myself. The food is far more of my review than the place. This is more of a Thai diner restaurant if you are looking for a posh setting, BUT the food is SO AMAZING. I knew these folks when they had a smaller shop in Grover Beach which closed and it is just so well-crafted, honest, good, real and authentic. All areas of the menu are just as good and well-prepared. Strongly and HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
As for the gravy: First, its too watery and too sweet. I ordered Medium spicy thinking itll be spicy but even my son who doesnt eat spice said its only a little spicy. So the Medium spicy is around 3 on a scale of 10. BUT Its way too sweet. I ended up adding more fish sauce, soy sauce, chili flakes and cook it longer until its not as watery.
This restaurant normally closed at 9pm. My family and I arrived at 7:40pm not only to get turned away but rudely turned away with no explanation. When we first arrived we were told theyd get to us shortly along with others who were waiting patiently as well. Maybe 5 minutes later we were told the kitchen was closing early and they were closing the doors as in locking them. There were still regulars eating inside. We got told to leave but my daughter had gone in to use the restroom so we had to wait. A regular customer I assume, decided to chime in on behalf of the restaurant and tell us we needed to leave and not stand in the waiting area. It seemed as if they thought we didnt understand what the staff had said. I explained that we were going but I wasnt going to leave without my daughter. We came to have a good dining experience but in the end it came to a rude kick out. Based on that I would not recommend this restaurant just based on customer service, environment and just pure respect.
Bonnies looks like they took over an old 50s diner and added some asian flare. Menu choices are vast with many options. I ordered the Deep Fried Appetizers and the Yellow Curry Fried Rice with Chicken. Service was good and the atmosphere pleasant. Food was good with good flavors. Mild spiciness had just the right amount. Only negative would be the soft drinks are from cans and $1.50. Wont let me give 4.5 stars which Bonnie s deserves. Overall I plan on eating here again
The food is amazing!!! My husband and I went for dinner. I had the chicken pad Thai, good flavor and good portion. My husband had the shrimp lo mein with just a little spice. The service was great, food was made in a timely matter. Definitely recommend this place.
Great food! The fried rice was awesome, the yellow curry wonderful, pad Thai noodles nice! The meat from the garlic beef and beef with broccoli was a little tough, but the flavor was good. Usually go to Thai hut, but this might be our new, go to place.
Love this place! Great family running an awesome restaurant. Always quality food whenever we eat here with amazing service, hand down our favorite place for thai food. Would highly recommend to anyone for dine in or take out, we do both!
My favorite place for Thai food in Santa Maria!
I really wish I could give a good review. Boonie was so nice. I ordered the scallop spicy fried rice, with chicken and tofu. My total was $14.80 which was surprising, but I went with it. I asked boonie if the scallops were good and she said oh yes. The scallops are really really good. So I had to get them. Well, boonie handed me my meal and wished me a good evening. I took the food down the street home and dug in. When I opened the contained I immediately noticed that the tofu was not seared, and was just mushy floppy bits. The scallops werent very fresh tasting and were super gritty. The tofu was very mushy, and the bell pepper was nearly raw. The rice was also quite mushy and seemed overcooked and didnt have any noticeable flavor even though I ordered the dish with medium heat. The chicken was really tough and didnt taste very good either. The basil leaf that is supposed to have a slightly sweet taste, tasted like nothing at all. I am really disappointed in this dinner. I dont often go back to restaurants and ask for my money back. And this wouldve been one of the times that I would do that. But like I said, boonie was super nice and i didnt want her to feel bad. I wish I could leave a better review. But if youre a restaurant, and you serve me that kind of food, you get a 1 star.
Been going here since 1995 and we still have never ate such delicious Thai food. Boonie and Otis put care into every meal and service their customers with the up-most hospitality and family like service. This restaraunt is a perfect place to bring your entire family. Do not let the surroundings fool you. the quality of food and family style dining here beats any Thai food restaurant in the entire west coast. If you find yourself stopping in Santa Maria for whatever reason it may be. And you have a thing for Thai food, you MUST MUST stop at Boonies and see what I am talking about. Atmosphere could be better but you will forget all about that once your plate is in front of you
Best Thai food in town. Freshly made by the plate. Otis and Boonie cook with pride and flavorful passion. A memrobile taste explosion. From no heat to medium to hot order for your heat range. Impressive selection on the menu. The soup with lemon grass is one of my favorites, along with the Imperial seafood. A health food addiction that you dont feel guilty about when you are full. Now you have room for a guilty little desert. :)
Chicken pad thai came with shrimp and cooked with egg. Authentic food, fresh egg rolls and thai iced tea. Owners are great!
Always fresh ingredients in delicious Thai dishes. Leftovers heat up well and are close to what was enjoyed at the restaurant. This is a sign of fresh ingredients. One of my favorite in Santa Maria!
Slow omg so slow. Food is the worst Thai Ive ever had. Ordered the panana curry, but got red curry no peanut in it. Ordered spicy noodle came with pad Thai noodles not the wide flat noodles. Young girl waitress was no help, spoke little to no English. Never bought anything we asked for. Had to track down older female waitress to ask for items again. Not planning on going back.
I would not give even one star. There has to be a way to give negative ratings. It is way over rated, truely disgusting food. I ordered basil chicken and steamed rice. What I got was a shocker -- dripping in oil (see the picture attached), and one scoop of rice (which is half cup full, see the picture). The chicken was smelling rotten, totally, disgusting and awful, I have ever seen. They refused to accept the fact that it was rotten chicken, swimming in oil, and replace it. And to top it off, they charge, $3.50 for one scoop of cold rice, not full cup. The chicken meal was $9.50, plus tax. I left the food on the table and paid for something I did not even eat. I have had basil chicken in San Francisco, LA, Chicago, Miami, New York, and even there they do not charge $3.50 for one scoop of rice,..Truely, overpriced, disgusting meals and terribly awuful service. People should avoid this place.
Great customer service... !!!
Always good food, friendly owners/staff.Will keep going back, as I have for years, as its on my short list of reliably good experiences.
Best Thai food on this side of the Mississippi River. Order the green curry with shrimp and you will see exactly what I am talking about. One of my favorite places to eat.
Terrible, ordered Garlic chicken and pork fried rice. Garlic chicken came and my fried rice came like 10 minutes later where my garlic chicken got cold. That Asian woman gave a very terrible service. Do not go there
Best service ever. Best Thai food in Santa Maria . Shrimp rolls are awesome...as is the Thai tea!**i dont add the 5th star because thats too spicy.
I ordered a pad thai and it was disappointing. When I express my self, they say... ohh it happens all the time specially when you come for the first timeUnfortunately I will never come back.However the gentleman who assited us was very polite.
Oh man they make the best noodles...i forgot what they are called but they are a liitle sweet and they are orange. You can ask to have mild spice which is really spicy to me but i like it and they make the best thai tea...yumm i think id go just to enjoy the rhai tea....infact im on my way now.
This local staple was been serving SM for over 20yrs. Authentic Thai food at a reasonable price range. The hrs are complicated to take a look at that before heading there.
Reasonably priced.....however the food was not really all that good. I had basil with beef.....it was way too oily and didnt have the true Thai flavours I am used to.
Food and service was very good. My wife and I had a fun time. Cool old funky diner vibe.
Great food and terrific staff. Try the chicken curry. Seriously, I wanted to eat it out of the bowl like soup. So much spicy, coconut yumminess.
Awesome location, food is hella bomb. Staff is on point. The inside looks very nice and clean.Dont think about it and just try this place out.
I just wanted some won ton soup to go, it took 20 min despite the place being practically empty, ( i even told the lady it did not have to be hot as we would eat it later ), i felt very uncomfortable because i just finished mowing the lawn and didnt look to great i apologized for my appearance only to be met with a comment about how she just got off a plane and people stink .. soup was ok, but with that attitude, i wont be back
Unimpressed. Tofu isnt on the menu, but was available upon request. I was reminded that there is a surcharge for rice. The corn/carrots/peas stewed with the curry sauce were suspiciously like birds eye frozen mixed veggies. In town for a week - Ill pass on a return visit.
Love this place. Pad Thai to die for. Ask for the Chicken Wing appetizer. Great food
Food is awesome well prepared fresh and delicious. I just tried fish in the red curry sauce and fell in love with the flavors.
Best Thai food Ive had since moving to California, and we have been looking all over the area.
Once they know you, they remember your favorite order & any changes/ substitution(s) too. Youre greeted & treated like family and friends.
Best thai food hands down, weve been going for the past 15 years and have never been let down!!
I love how the owner remembers what Ive tried and reminds me when I get stuck on what to order. I love all the food, Ive never had anything but fresh hot food.
Best Thai food in town. The staff really goes out of thier way to make you feel welcomed too
We were there half hour before closing. They sent us away. 2 stars for the cleanliness.
Tasty Thai food and the owners are some great people that will take care of you!
Boonies has great thai, especially the seafood. If Otis is working, ask him what sounds good, he has never not delivered.
I enjoyed the curry and Thai noodles....i hope dining inside will be possible soon...yummy
Best Thai Food in California! If I could give them more stars I would!
Great Thai food in Santa Maria, I find the curries to be especially delicious...Owners are awesome people, highly recommended!
Food was ok but service was very strange. S l o w and without any customer appreiation. I dont think we would go back to Boonie.
Otis hot juice is the best
Love Boonie and Otis. Great food, but be careful if you ask for spicy. ...it will be hot!!
My husband and I are snobs when it comes to Thai Restaurants. This place is a gem food is clean and not premade like other Thai restaurants wish they were in Santa Monica
Great food! The server always remembers me and is always very pleasant.
Im used to more traditional Thai, but it was ok... surprised they didnt have fresh rolls.
Love this place in Santa Maria, the owners run the store and service is always great, so is the food
Delicious! And great kind service! The tom Yom was amazing
I ate here and had the best Thai dish that I have ever had, definitely coming back here.
GREAT FOOD!!! And very friendly staff best Thai restaurant in Santa Maria
Have ALWAYS loved the food here! Awesome family restaurant!!
Best Authentic Thai restaurant in town!
So so seen better. Waited for ever for service and food...Food was okay. No complaints here.
Best Thai food in town.. the love boat n chicken curry are 🔥
Food was delicious, panang beef curry and tom ka Gai soup (sorry of misspelled) but was delicious
Poor service and even worse managementI called to order take out and the lady answers and said we are closed than hangs up.... Why even answer the phone
Favorite place for Pad Thai noodles, family owned, great service.
Not sure what was better, the food or the service!! Super clean also.
Always great! Owner and staff and very nice. This place should be busier.
It is a good thai restaurant here. The tomyam soup is very delicious. Must try!!!!
Visited here a few months ago. Loved the Thai Food.
Host/server was rude, and the food was too salty and greasy. Service wasn’t great at all
Good food, reasonable prices, delightful service!
Best Thai food in town... Boonie cooks it all herself in the back
I ordered red tofu veggie curry. That was awesome
Delicious food and great service.Always friendly.
The food is delicious! Otis and Boonie are great people.
Pineapple curry is the best. Friendly service. Cozy environment.
Very good classic Thai food, best in town.
My experience was great super clean great customer service I recommend it 100 percent
Put closed sign on the door as we parked our car. At 10 to 8 on a Saturday night!!
Good Thai for the area, polite wait staff and clean humble environment
Exellent food, great service, and owners will hook you up.
Nice place to eat, food are good, service Also very good
Food was good, but the Service needs improvement.
Delicious Thai and seafood🐙 coconut ice cream with peanuts is the best🍦👌
Great food & Great Service. Loved it ❤
Very nice funny and food was exquisite thank u very much.
Great customer service good, I need to try others plates
Always great service and good food
Not what you expect. .servers are friendly enough but the food is barely edible
Best tai food around #88 hot is awesome!
Great food! Best Thai food around!
Delicious food plus very nice people!
Very friendly, Food always freshly made.
Worst Thai food i’ve Ever had!!!
Authentic Thai food.
Food here is always to notch, Otis and Boonie are the best.
Sometimes this place is good with friendly service and sometimes its the opposite
Wonderful Food and The Staff is Amazing!!!
Very authentic food. Very friendly staff.
Very good food nice people
Wait is forever but you can call ahead and order
Best thai food i ever ate!!! #Phad thai
Super nice amd great food
Very nice great food!
Family to me. Hard to choose with so many favorites.
Always great Thai food!!
Best Thai food on the Central Coast
Good food. Friendly service
Great people....great food.
Amazing Red Curry and good prices
Always great food!
Been going since 2002 NEVER GO ANYWHERE ELSE FOR THAI
One of the freshest places to eat.
Nice and yummy food
Love me some Thai food
Best thai food ever !
Best Seafood Noodles!
Excellent service and food
Best Thai food in town
Really really good food
Higly recommended good food
Thats all good
Best Thai in town!
Awesome food!
Love the spice noodles
Liked the food
Great food !
Food was delicious.
Simply awesome!!
Good
Bad service
Love it!!!
Foods good
Great food
Great food💖💖💖
Excellent place, delicious Thai cuisine...
Attentive service, delicious and plentiful dishes.
Good food and a very good sauce
Total reviews rating 4.3
142 Reviews for Boonie Thai Cuisine 2024:
Review №1
2023-03-16 06:08:12I love walking into a restaurant and receiving an enthusiastic, happy greeting!! I got that here!! This is my first time ordering here from a recommendation we received from friends. The food was excellant. I came in to order out since I didnt know the menu. The service was outstanding and the food as well. This is our new Thai food restaurant for sure!The Eggrolls are made in-house and the best Ive ever had! The flavors are vibrant and satisfying!! After 28 years and going strong, you know they are doing it right!Love the clean, comfy atmosphere. The prices are very reasonable, and the portions are large!I ordered 2 orders of Phad Thai and requested 1 Hot (spicy) and 1 Medium (spicy). They were both excellant; the rice noodles were cooked to perfection and bursting with flavor, the Medium Spicy was perfect, I do like spicy food. The Hot was perfect as well, not overwhelming, just a really good even heat and flavor was so good.I highly recommend you try it out. I doubt youd be disappointed! Im already looking forward to going back and having a great meal there! But that will be in a week because there is enough left over for a couple more days!👌👌👌👌👌🥢
Review №2
2022-10-20 22:28:25This place was amazing. My friend said it would be good so we went there. There was no ambient music or anything. She was like you don’t need it coz the food is so good. Thai tea was 💯 and pad thai was chefs kiss and all the other food I got was just the best. Very impressed by this place and the workers are very nice. Friendly neighborhood place I would highly recommend this place is worth a try forsure
Review №3
2023-08-17 05:53:30Did not have the time to eat, but their service is incredible! Very friendly and kind! I will be back for food the next time I am down in Santa Maria
Review №4
2023-04-09 03:12:19Good Tom Kha Gai soup!! Fast service
Review №5
2022-07-08 04:46:52Good food and super customer service. It seems like family run business. Our order was taken quickly and food came out quick. There was an issue with one order as it has eggs and we requested vegetarian, however they acknowledge it and quickly replaced it. I must say they know how to serve customer well.
Review №6
2023-08-18 21:44:19Excellent food served and prepared by cool people.
Review №7
2023-07-22 06:08:58Pretty rough. Sauce was watery and unflavored. Not coming back. Also expensive.
Review №8
2017-08-14 21:42:18Sad to see some poor reviews. I absolutely love this place. Been coming for years. It is definitely a hole in the wall with excellent menu choices. Shrimp on toast is well worth the wait, the best thing Ive probably ever consumed on the central coast. Give this place a chance, and try the spice tray, you will get the hottest stuff youve ever tried.
Review №9
2019-12-10 16:46:41I ordered the seafood noodles and my friend the chicken noodles. It was brought out in two platters and we had our own dish to share if we wanted to. You have choice of mild, medium or hot. We both chose mild. If I ordered again I think I would choose the medium as it was very mild. Very delicious and enough to take some home. Service was fast and friendly. Large menu to choose from, hard to decide as it all sounded good. Not my first time there and it certainly wont be my last.
Review №10
2021-07-02 03:36:29Quality has bottomed out. They used to be pretty good but feels like they aint even trying anymore. They are super weird and rude when you call in but are only open for to go orders anyway. Food is poor quality, hardly any protein in dishes, noodles were old and stiff. Meh, wont be going back anytime soon. Disappointing 😞