Portland-Vancouver, OR-WA (1888PressRelease)
March 20, 2009 - When husband and wife team Pim and Piya Promlukkano opened their latest Thai restaurant, Iyara Thai, on North Burnside, just about a year ago, they didn't count on a national economic meltdown to mark their first year in business.
Yet, at a time when dining out is taking a nosedive, Iyara has quickly established a reputation for dishing up healthy, fresh and tasty Thai cuisine at a variety of price (and spice) points.
The restaurant's $5 to-go lunch boxes, popular happy hour menu, and affordable eat-in lunch and dinner options are some of the best kept secrets in Northwest Portland. But not for long. Reviews by Iyara's growing legion of raving fans can be found with a quick Google search.
"The restaurant's well balanced prices allow everybody to have an affordable night out," says Pim Promlukkano, who manages the restaurant. "We are very happy with the positive feedback from our guests, and the growing number of regulars confirms people are enjoying their time with us."
What truly sets Iyara apart is Piya Promlukkano's unusually extensive menu, drawing from old standbys (Pad Thai, Pad Kee Mao, spring rolls), personal favorites not often seen on western menus (Yen Ta Fo, Khao Souy, and Green Peppercorn Lamb) and his grandmother's secret curry recipes. House specialties include Mussaman Curry, Panang Salmon, Kai Yang (Thai Style Barbecued Chicken) and Bangkok Catfish.
Warm lime green light fixtures and grey industrial floors tie together a modern yet elegant environment equally suited for date nights or a family night out. Open seating offers options from intimate tables for two to a party of 20. Outdoor seating is available on warm Portland days.
Iyara Thai is located in the retail level of The Civic Center at 1914 W. Burnside, Portland, OR 97209. Validated (free) parking is around the corner at the Morrison Apartments on Salmon Blvd. Max stop: PGE Park.
Open for eat-in or take-out lunch: Mon-Fri: 11:30am-2:30pm, Dinner: Mon-Thurs: 4:30p.m.-9:30p.m., Fri 4:30p.m.-10p.m., Sat: 11:30a.m.-10p.m., Sun: 11:30a.m.-9:30 p.m. For information, please call 503-477-8990 or visit www.iyararestaurant.com.
What Yelpers are saying about Iyara:
"If I may speak candidly, this place is fan-freakin-tastic."
"This ain't yo mama's Thai food...but it will forever be my first choice in Portland.”
"And now an introduction to the different types of Amazing."
"Let me make it easy for you: the service: impeccable. the food: yummylicious. the cocktails: delish. the decor: gorgeous. the price tag: perfection."
"I have eaten at a lot of Thai restaurants in Portland and this place is one of the best!"
"This place is soooooooooo good. It makes my mouth water to just think about it."
"Offering alternatives to the usual bland Thai food at other restaurants."
What Citysearchers are saying about Iyara:
"No Thai restaurant has given me such a delicious, authentic, healthy, home-style Thai meal— ever."
"Love, love, love this place. I've never ordered anything that I didn't like. When people ask for recommendations. I say, 'Everything. Eat it all.'"
"I went to Iyara Thai the other night & was blown away!"
"Everything at Iyara was so fresh and flavorful I will be going back to this place again and again."
"I cannot say enough about the spice level at this restaurant— hot enough to wake you up and warm your skin, but not so hot it hurts."
"This place has it all: great customer service, authentic Thai-family owned, authentic Thai food, good prices and an even more pleasant eating environment."
"Hard to get better than this in Thai category."
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