"You’ll spot the crowds waiting outside of Bhan Mae Vane before you actually see the door—this Lao and Thai spot is the West End’s hottest group dinner destination. They only accept reservations for parties of eight or more, so plan ahead or prepare to join the waiting masses. But once you fill a table with tapioca balls stuffed with ground pork and peanuts, crispy fried pork belly, and slow-simmered red curry, it’s easy to forget about the time it took to sit. The room feels like a loud, chili pepper-fueled party—just use your outside voice and keep the Singhas coming." - Julia Chen