Lao’d Bar
Restaurant · Walter e Long Lake ·
Bold Laotian flavors, tropical cocktails, night market vibe
Bold Laotian flavors, tropical cocktails, night market 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
"There aren’t many Lao restaurants around these parts, and this counter-service spot is the sticky-finger-food jolt that Austin has been waiting for. When we visited Lao’d Bar even when the window units struggled to keep up with the summer heat. Start with cocktails, specifically the Yum Chelada, which is like a tom yum michelada made with tamarind and lemongrass. Share a handful of dishes, and make sure one of them is the chicken wings tossed in caramel fish sauce with crab fat. Fusion-y finger foods, like a pork patty smashburger with cheese, jeow bong aioli, and rice-fermented pickles. In a city overrun by smashburgers, this is one of the most interesting." - matthew jacobs, nicolai mccrary, matthew jacobs, matthew jacobs, nicolai mccrary, nicolai mccrary, nicolai mccrary, matthew jacobs, nicolai mccrary, nicolai mccrary, nicolai mccrary, nicolai mccrary, matthew jacobs
"The Eater Awards 2024 winner for Best Restaurant that delivers the feel of a Southeast Asian night market and serves spicy dishes like nam khao with crispy fried rice, cured beef nam, and a refreshing ceviche presented in a halved coconut shell." - Courtney E. Smith
