Matt C.
Yelp
Real deal Pad Thai and other traditional dishes made right in front of you. Here's what you need to know:
+ On 16th Street Mall.
+ A tiny kiosk with usually one person working.
+ Only open during the week.
+ Cash only.
+ Prices are stupid affordable for the quality and quantity.
+ Two orders per person.
+ No website, no phone number, and no social media.
+ Don't be a hero and order Thai hot. You won't wake up.
Liang's has a lengthy line regularly. And for good reason. It's damn delicious. The food comes up piping hot, ladled from wok to styrofoam container at the counter. The luscious noodles eagerly waiting to be slurped. If this isn't heaven, I don't know what it is.
This year, they landed on Yelp's Top 50 Places to Eat in Denver list. I popped by for an afternoon snack after a meeting nearby. That snack turned into two orders of Pad Thai, which ran me $23. FOR TWO FULL PORTIONS. I'm certain I've paid the same price for a single serving at fancy Thai restaurants.
Liang's is undeniably better. Locals in Denver are keen to avoid 16th Street Mall, known as a tourist trap to many. Liang's is the exception to the rule. You go out of your way to come here. Yeah, you'll wait a bit of time for it. But just like the finer things in life, something's gotta give.