Lao’d Bar
Restaurant · Walter e Long Lake
9909 FM 969 Building 4, Austin, TX 78724
Highlights
Fiery Laotian American cuisine, craft cocktails, tropical vibe
Fiery Laotian American cuisine, craft cocktails, tropical vibe
"In a city overrun by smashburgers, this is one of the more interesting options. Lao’d Bar uses pork patties topped with cheese, bacon, rice-fermented pickles, and a jeow bong aioli that gives the burger a nice hint of tanginess. It's not nearly as heavy as those ingredients make it sound, though. Add on an order of the fried chicken wings tossed in caramel fish sauce." - nicolai mccrary, raphael brion, matthew jacobs
"A casual spot in far southeast Austin serving intensely flavorful Laotian-American food, complemented by fun Southeast Asian cocktails and a funky ambiance—an adventurous, flavor-forward option within a short drive of the airport." - Nadia Chaudhury
"Start driving east from Central Austin. Just when you think you’ve gone too far, go a little farther. Lao’d Bar is located on the outskirts of Austin, next to Sign Bar. It’s an open-air spot with pulled-up garage doors that spill light (and humidity) into the dining room, transforming summer’s relentless heat into an experience that almost feels like a tropical vacation. The menu blends classic Lao dishes and fusion flavors, so you’ll find spicy chicken laab next to a smashed pork patty burger. Stop by for a bite and a drink after checking out the eclectic graveyard of Austin marquees next door, or just make a dedicated trip to try some of our favorite wings in town." - nicolai mccrary, raphael brion
"The 2024 Eater Award-winning Far East Austin bar is chef Bob Somsith’s fully realized vision of fiery Laotian American cuisine, which he started during his food truck days. Lao’d Bar is all about full-on spices, from the nam khao (crispy fried rice with red curry) to its papaya salad, to the meaty skewers with dipping sauces (try the chicken with yellow curry and pineapple jicama slaw). First-timers should not miss the coconut escolar ceviche — escolar tuna cured with coconut water, coconut cream, and punchy vinegar — served in a fresh coconut bowl; it’s never too soon to order a second round. The converted space has garage doors for patio season and stellar tropical cocktails like the frozen guava-lanche margarita. Must-try dish: Get as much of the menu as you can, but don’t skip the nam khao or the rib-eye skewer." - Erin Russell
"An Austin bar involved in Sake Week, featuring sake cocktails and pairings." - Courtney E. Smith
