Char's Thai Restaurant, Tucson, Arizona, Thai Restaurant Details

Food:

The decor is wonderfully kitschy. Clearly it was a mexican restaurant at one point and the murals (which I love) have been adapted to the new theme. Service isn't bad, just not particularly American, they have always been willing to talk to the cooks for me, leave a water pitcher if I was thirsty, etc.

My problem is the food seems just kind of disappointingly compromised for a Thai restaurant. They never have fresh Thai chili, which is odd to me since that is the first ingredient in any Thai curry, so it's impossible to get any of their food decently spicy without them drowning it in crushed red pepper to the point where it is crunchy. Fresh basils and cilantro and green peppercorns and all these herbs which seem so essential to Thai food are just noticeably missing from their dishes. Instead their menu has weird chinese items like egg rolls and mongolian beef.

There are some high notes, I like them adapting whole fried fish to our local rainbow trout. Their Larb is good. The portions are usually generous. I will continue to eat here from time to time, but with a trip to lee lee's market and a little research you can make better thai food at home.

Food:

After living in Thailand this is refreshingly original Thai food. Atmosphere is not western, if you are looking for americanized Asian food, go to Panda express. All Thai cooks and owners as far as I can tell. I doubt you will find better and more authentic.

Food:

Had a horrible time, I took some friends here and was embarrassed by the horrible service. The food was not great as I did not finish my plate.

Food:

Went here with coworkers at their recommendation. Venue/decor is bleak and dreary. The food is subpar in both quality and appearance. Both the food and place can be a lot more vibrant. There are better thai places to eat. Dont bother with anything else besides the curry here.

Food:

terrific thai restaurant. consistent over many years. imo the best in tucson and comparable to my favorites in ny, seattle, and la. best items are larb, thai toast, pineapple fried rice (best i've ever had), panang curry, other curries (ask for them spicy), pad thai. gai satay is solid but used to be awesome till they switched to a sort of pressed chicken. good soups.