Summer Canteen

Not what I would call a 'traditional' Thai restaurant. Maybe more Gourmet? I mean, when do you get a ribeye dish at a Thai restaurant?Well, here you can! Like the Ribeye string beans or the Ribeye Steak with Basil or the Nam Tok Neua made with Marinated grilled Ribeye.Yum. But that's just the Ribeye dishes. WHo cares right? It's a Thai Restaurant.Their traditional dishes are also delish:Pad ThaiThe CURRIES!Tom-Yum and Tom-Kha soupsNam Tok NeuaLarb among other things like:Grilled Pork ButtTofu Fries andSpicy Fried RiceI haven't tried the Frog Legs but they are there if you want them!It's not really a family style restaurant where you share the dishes - but you can. It's more like order a dish, get some rice, and dig in. It's all yours.It's a different Thai style of dining, but it doesn't not lack in flavor, variety, with both traditional dishes and unique dishes.Highly recommend if you're tired of 'traditional' and just want something new.

A Hidden Gem: Summer Canteen - The Thai Oasis You Didn't Know You Needed! You wouldn't think this place existed, but there it was, tucked away in a shopping center across from Coffee Bean--as if it were playing hide and seek with our taste buds. Entering Summer Canteen felt like stepping into a secret paradise where the staff greeted us with such warm kindness that I briefly wondered if I had wandered into someone's living room instead of a restaurant. (Can I get a "Welcome home!" with my pad Thai, please?)The atmosphere of this place is hands down chill vibes and cute--like a Pinterest board exploded in a good way. Seriously, if you haven't taken your Instagram feed on a vacation here, are you even living?Now, let's talk about happy hour, which is basically the golden hour for food enthusiasts. From 5-7 PM, I felt like I'd stumbled onto a magical time portal where drinks were cheaper, and calories didn't count. We made it right at the start because who doesn't want to feel like a rock star sipping on Lost Coast Tangerine wheat beer? It was such a crisp taste and smooth--if I could bathe in it, I might consider that as my new self-care routine.We shared dinner plates that were so good, I consider them my new best friends. Honestly, I'm not sure if I was dining or participating in a culinary love affair. Each bite was an explosion of flavor, and I found myself in a committed relationship with their garlic stir-fry. Move over, Netflix; I have plans with my new Thai spot!So if you're searching for a place that feels like a cozy hug while serving up deliciousness, look no further than Summer Canteen. Just promise me you'll save me a seat--preferably during happy hour!

It's been many many years since I've been to Summer. I used to work within walking distance and frequented here at a point. I wanted to come back here to have some of their food again. I usually have homemade Thai food so it's rare I have it at a restaurant. I came for lunch and had the Massaman Lamb curry. I had it with brown rice and salad. The lunch set comes with soup or salad and veggie egg roll. The food is good like it always was. As times have changed so have the prices. This is definitely NOT a cheap lunch folks.

When you hear the word, 'summer'; positive imagery and emotions probably flood your brain. There isn't only because of the summer season but the conditioned idea of summer that is a serotonin boost. Compound the word 'summer' into a restaurant name and it is sure to be a winner, right? That's how I've always felt about Summer Canteen, a Thai-Vietnamese-Burmese fusion eatery in the Toluca Lake neighborhood; but, does this theory hold true?Summer Canteen has been a staple in the double-decker shopping center on the corner of Lankershim/Riverside for a solid number of years. You know the one: across the street from Arco with the Coffee Bean and Dr. Cleaners (my go-to dry cleaners but that's another review!). You can't miss Summer Canteen with its paunchy signage and corner real estate spot. A free lot and underground parking is available so rest assured that is not a stressor when visiting Summer Canteen: easy like summer! Being the sister restaurant to a handful of LA spots such as Gindi Thai (love them), Summer Buffalo in Burbank, Summer Summer and Summer Fish & Rice; the menu at Summer Canteen boasts Asian fusion goodies like satay, larb, curries, fried rice, noodle dishes and an extensive list of plant-based entrees using Impossible brand. This is also a welcoming menu for someone who is Celiac such as myself with gluten free options. So far, so good. My dining partner and I were celebrating my birthday with a casual dinner and chose Summer Canteen as the location. Upon entering we were pleasantly impressed with the interior which is modern, spacious with airy, high ceilings, lots of glossy wood accents, and green (fake) plants everywhere. Summer Canteen has a sort of Boho/Ikea/California feel that certainly fits right into Los Angeles. However, there was an immediate awkwardness as there seems to be a language barrier with the staff. I tried to make conversation with the waitress and also mentioned my birthday and she literally ignored me and didn't respond to anything. It was borderline rude. Again, I suspect a language barrier but this was definitely not a way to 'sell' a business. Trying to ignore this, we focused on ordering. I went with the Braised Lamb Shank in Massaman Curry (lamb shank and peanuts simmered in coconut spice curry - $21) while my dining partner chose Chicken Rice (poached chicken, steam rice, and cucumber - which he omitted- served with spicy ginger sauce - $18.75). The food arrived rather quickly but I was instantaneously let down as we eat with our eyes first. My Lamb Shank Massaman Curry was a small portion served in a huge bowl and was very one-note in color and mostly sauce. Not even a green herb was present. The Chicken Rice looked awful: white boiled chicken and white rice and that's it (granted, my dining partner asked for no cucumbers). It looked like hospital food served to a sick person and most definitely not worth the price. Maybe the flavors made up for this presentation?No. My Lamb Shank Massaman Curry had was devoid of any peanut or coconut flavor and simply tasted like Japanese curry while the potatoes were too large in size (they didn't give me a knife) and were insanely tough and hard. These were probably rocks versus potatoes and clearly weren't cooked long enough. The lamb was tender, at least, and the only redeeming factor. Regardless, not even close to being worth the $21 cost. The Chicken Rice was just as bland as it looked and was only made edible with the Spicy Ginger sauce that was tasty but more of a liquid soup than a sauce. Summer Canteen was not only a bust in terms of a birthday meal but in general, overall. It's a complete waste of money.There isn't much more to say about Summer Canteen. It isn't saved by having 'summer' in its name and is simply a 'no' with its poor customer service and overpriced food that would not be described as delicious, in the least. This is odd because its sister restaurant Gindi Thai is quite good. Summer Canteen is a bust and can be skipped!

Food is amazing and rich in flavor! Especially the pad thai! Service is always welcoming and attentive. A go to spot in noho.

Had the ribeye and string beans, Thai beef salad with noodle and mango and garlic shrimp! It was all delicious! My favorite was the ribeye and string beans. My son's favorite was the garlic shrimp! Thank you Summer Canteen for a delicious dinner!

Summer canteen never really disappoints. Every time I'm back in LA. I make sure I come here. The drinks are awesome, fresh ginger always. Drunken noodles are great and so are the summer rolls. They are always very delicious and the shrimp are fresh.This was my first time ordering the calamari, it was just OK. That's the only thing I would NOT order again. The service was great and the ambience is always a chill vibe and you never know who you may see. I highly recommend Summer Canteen and can't wait to return. Note: they do close early - bummer around 8:30pm.

Tom yum soup is good but super overpriced, nothing special in the soup by the way. I have only tried the Tom yum soup and I paid $12 but was in shock to receive a small sized deli tub... for $12!!! I took it to work and asked my coworkers what they thought and they were shocked too. Just ridiculous so can't recommend.

Ordered some food to go, friendly service. Easy pickup. Crispy egg rolls were tasty and very crispy. Pad thai was yummy, generous portion. Will return to try more things!

Really beautiful place. Easy free parking . Very clean , restrooms, modern and nice plating and friendly staff.