Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to California

Lively Thai food

Thai food that brings the heat and the flavor while maintaining a lively energy that doesn't feel forced.

Based on 542 Opinions
+539
User
User
User
Updated May 2026
01
Haidilao Hot Pot Irvine image 1
Haidilao Hot Pot Irvine image 2
Haidilao Hot Pot Irvine image 3
View all
Hot pot restaurant

Hot pot restaurant offers spacious, clean design with personalized sauce stations and interactive dining including a dancing noodle show. Atmosphere feels warm and inviting, suitable for families with children who receive toys and special meals. Amenities like hair ties and complimentary snacks add unique touches to the experience.

Tom yum soup stands out with its lemongrass broth and strong flavor. Chicken and tomato soup bases also appear often, alongside spicy pork dishes.

A lively atmosphere fills the space with a friendly vibe that suits both intimate dinners and group gatherings. Staff bring a kind and energetic presence that keeps the mood upbeat and welcoming.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh and delicious."

"You have to try the tom yum soup base; it's citrusy and flavorful."

"The staff here is so kind and lively."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required before visiting, especially during peak hours.

2

The weekday happy hour offers a $2 shabu beef deal.

3

Happy hours are available Monday through Thursday before 5 pm.

02
Nice to Meet You Skewer Hot Pot - Now AYCE image 1

Hot pot restaurant offers all-you-can-eat skewers with a self-serve fridge stocked with diverse meats and vegetables. Interior blends modern and traditional Chinese decor creating a warm, cozy atmosphere suitable for groups and casual dining. Sauce station and drink bar add customization and convenience to the lively dining experience.

Broths stand out with Thai Tom Yum's tangy flavor and the Spicy Miso's extra punch. The lemongrass broth suits seafood well, tasting like Tom Yum Goong.

A lively atmosphere fills the space with a modern interior and attentive staff keeping tables active. The vibe stays cozy yet energetic, fitting for casual dinners with friends or family.

People are saying

"The soup bases here are rich, flavorful, and satisfying."

"The broths here are so flavorful, you won't even need sauces."

"I loved the all-you-can-eat Thai food hot pot."

Good to know

1

Lunch special is available until 4 p.m. on weekdays.

2

Reservations are highly recommended, especially on weekends.

3

Dinner costs $38.99 plus tax and tips, while lunch is $28.99.

03
yun tea house image 1
Bubble tea store

Spacious tea shop with modern minimalist decor and ample seating draws many who come to study or relax. The atmosphere stays cozy and lively with good music and free WiFi, while board games add a playful touch. High-quality tea offerings and unique toppings like sticky rice set it apart.

Mango sticky rice stands out with its adjustable sugar level and unique flavor. It pairs well with extra ice and no boba, making it refreshing and suitable for sharing with kids.

A lively and energetic atmosphere fills the space with friendly staff adding to the vibe. Music stays at a comfortable level, making it easy to study or hang out among the busy crowd.

People are saying

"I found the tea here to have a great, strong flavor."

"You have to try the mango sticky rice; it's super unique."

"The staff here are so friendly and helpful."

Good to know

1

All milk teas are dairy free, making them suitable for lactose-intolerant customers.

2

Prices are slightly cheaper than other boba places in the area.

3

They offer free samples of their popular drinks.

04
Wagyu Factory | Lake Forest image 1

Restaurant offers modern, well-ventilated design with clean, relaxing atmosphere that avoids lingering BBQ smells. Energy stays easygoing and comfortable, suited for casual dining or dates. Guests experience unlimited soda and a 90-minute dining limit with a unique ordering system.

Tom Yum soup stands out with a rich flavor but leans a bit salty. Fried dishes and stone pot rice deliver solid taste, while unique items like Wagyu bibimbap add variety to the Thai offerings.

Energetic servers like Gia and Talia bring a friendly, upbeat energy that lifts the whole experience. The place has a cute, upbeat vibe that matches the lively service.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and served in a timely manner."

"The servers here are so energetic and friendly, making the meal more enjoyable."

"The Thai Food here is amazing, with Gia cooking wagyu to melt-in-your-mouth tenderness."

Good to know

1

There is a 90-minute dining limit at Wagyu Factory.

2

You can only order 6 items every 30 minutes.

3

Kids eat half off or free if they're small enough.

05
Night + Market Sahm image 1
Thai restaurant

Lively Thai restaurant with a night market vibe and buzzy atmosphere filled with loud punk rock music. Seating is cozy but casual, featuring bright, fun decor with some plastic elements. The place draws a crowded, energetic crowd and is not suited for quiet conversations.

Thai food here tastes authentic and delicious with standout dishes like pad Thai, pad kee mao, and massaman curry. Unique options like pastrami pad kee mao and mango sticky rice add variety to the menu.

Energy fills the room with a lively vibe and warm service. Music gets energetic and loud during rush hours, adding to the noisy but fun atmosphere.

People are saying

"The Panang Curry was amazing, truly unlike any Thai food I've had."

"This Thai food is so flavorful, it's the best I've ever had."

"The food here is so delicious, I couldn't leave anything unfinished."

06
SAGO image 1
Asian fusion restaurant

Lush jungle-themed decor creates a stylish, intimate atmosphere with dim lighting and comfy booths. Live DJs and bands keep energy high, blending electronic and tropical vibes for a fun yet relaxed night out. Signature cocktails and Asian fusion dishes complement the upscale, warm environment.

Salads stand out with a refreshing cucumber salad that blends citrus and green curry vibes. Dishes like chicken satay, lobster bao buns, and crab rice offer solid, flavorful options.

Cozy yet lively ambiance sets the tone with great cocktails and incredible food creating an upbeat vibe.

People are saying

"The food, especially the chicken and steak skewers, was amazing."

"The food and cocktails here are impressively delicious and perfectly balanced."

"The cucumber salad has a refreshing, tangy vibe."

Good to know

1

Around 10 pm, tables are removed to create a dance floor.

2

A DJ plays music towards the end of the night.

3

Expect high prices for tapas, around $20 per plate.

Discover more

California

Area guide
Loading Map...