Thai Tom is one of my favorite places in the University District to grab a bite to eat. It's a tiny, hole-in-the-wall restaurant with tight seating, if you're lucky enough to get a seat at all. They have some of the most delicious Thai food I've ever eaten. (Check out this ZAGAT rating for it)
WHAT'S GREAT ABOUT IT:
This little place has wonderful flavors in the food that I've tasted anyway. Unlike some other places, ordering a 0-star doesn't mean you don't get flavor. Being the wimp that I am, I get overwhelmed with heat pretty easily and it's nice to not give up on any flavor, in order to avoid excessive pain.
Also, it's a wonderful little place to go to with friends. There isn't a separate kitchen, so you can usually watch them cook, depending on where you're seated. It's rather entertaining to watch the mastery of these chefs. It's a bit loud to have a conversation, but shouting at your friends is part of the fun.
Another great thing is the price. Thai Tom is very reasonably priced and, for about $10, you can get a great meal (as long as you stick to an entree - those apps and drinks can add up).
WHAT'S NOT GREAT ABOUT IT:
Despite my love for this place, I don't go often and there are decent reasons for this.
First, the wait is often very long. They're popular and small, so even if you do get a table right away, you'll have to wait a while to eat, most of time you go. One way to side-step this is to call in an order on the phone and pick it up. You might still have to wait a little bit when you get there, but it will be substantially less time than if you just come in off the street.
Second, it's pretty greasy. I didn't care for Thai food when I first tried Thai Tom and the greasy pain I felt later really didn't help. I imagine this can vary from dish to dish, but the Pad Thai can be a little on the greasy side, compared to some other Thai places I've been to. It's delicious, but keep this in mind if you have a sensitive stomach.
Third, you have to bring cash. Unfortunately, on my last visit, I completely forgot about this, until I was reminded when I tried to pay with a card. I didn't have any cash on me, which would've been a situation, but thankfully the people with me had some money to cover me until I could get to the ATM to reimburse them afterward. They probably have signs that say "Cash Only" somewhere obvious, but when you're talking to friends, you might be like me and not notice them.
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All that being said, if you're in the University District and in the mood for some Thai, I highly recommend you bring some cash and order some Thai Tom. It's just north of 45th, on "The Ave." It's one of the places I'll miss in Seattle.
You can find Thai Tom at: 4543 University WA NE, Seattle, WA 98105. (206) 548-9548.
