Rachawadee Thai Cafe

I've been waiting to try Rachawadee for years. Every time I've popped in, it's been too crowded for my claustrophobic self. Today, we lucked out as there were only 2 people waiting in front of us(speaks to just how good this place is) I really appreciated the manager explaining the spice level business. My wife is a, bring all the heat all day, kind of gal where I'm more of a 2-3. She got an 8 star phad thai,I got a 1. She also got a 4 star tom kah and that was the best tom kah I've ever had anywhere. The phad thai was exceptional and the 1 star is no joke, easily a 3/5 at other restaurants. I loved the vibe, the cleanliness and atmosphere. The food is just beyond fantastic and I'll definitely be back, even if it needs to be take out 😂

Such a great experience! Some of the best Pad thai and Tom kha I've ever had! I sat next to the wok and was able to see my food being cooked right infront of me. It is bar seating so you might want to be prepared to wait if they are full, or order to go.

What. A. GEM!! I'm so disappointed that I've lived here in Skagit Valley for 7 years and NOBODY has told me about this place!! If you're looking for delicious and authentic Thai food, freshly cooked right in front of you, THIS is your place. There's only 8 seats and it's first come, first served, but if you're hungry for some of the best Thai you can find, it's worth the wait (if you have to wait). And to be honest, the atmosphere is great with such few seats. This will be my all time go-to for as long as I am in the valley. 10/10 if I could give it to them, but I can't so 5* will have to do.

Rockin' good Thai, cozy countertop and takeout service, really friendly folks. The food is savory comforty and (if you want) spicy. Legitimately spicier than most other places. Already looking forward to port next meal there.

Probably the best Thai food I've eaten in the US! Really fun place. It is very small, but mighty, with maybe 8 counter dining spots. Loved watching our food be cooked right before our eyes. Very friendly and attentive staff. They helped us figure out what to order, and taught us about spices. We had the Pad Kra Pao, Yellow curry fried rice, and Oyster sauce chicken. Highly recommend this gem!

Rachawadee Thai Café is an absolute gem for anyone craving authentic Thai flavors in a cozy, no-frills setting. The star of our meal was hands down the Thai Red Curry—rich, creamy, and perfectly spiced with a depth of flavor that only a skilled Thai chef can deliver. The heat level was spot-on, giving just the right kick without overpowering the dish. Every bite was a balance of warmth, spice, and savory delight. Though the space is small with limited seating, it adds to the charm—intimate, homey, and clearly focused on delivering exceptional food. The cooks here are outstanding. You can tell each dish is made with care and traditional know-how. The service was okay overall, though one odd moment stood out—when we asked for extra spoons, the staff lady seemed hesitant, almost like we were requesting something extravagant. She kept recounting the spoons and took a moment to hand them over, which felt a bit awkward for such a small ask. Still, the food more than made up for it. This is one of those places where you go for the flavor, not the frills. Highly recommend if you’re in Seattle and love Thai food that delivers authenticity and soul in every bite.

A sit beside the kitchen and get to watch the process place! It’s a very cozy and feel good place. Our food was incredible and left us wanting to come back soon and often. Ask about what options they can make vegan and they will tell you, also let them know if it’s your first time. They don’t mess around with their spice levels! My vegan tofu phad Thai and green tea with coconut milk was so good, I highly recommend!

I've rated this tiny diner style Thai restaurant before, with 5 stars. It's 60 miles away. When I'm in town, I'm definitely going there. It's a small 8 seat counter diner with all the cooking right in front of you. It's some of the best Thai food I've ever had. Wonderful staff. Busy as can be, the phones never quit due to the volume of take out business

This place is the definition of a hole-in-the-wall. No tables, only a counter with 7 seats so a lot of customers do take-out. The had more workers (8) than customers (7). Ordered our favorites pad see ew and yellow curry. Food was ready in 15 minutes and we headed to the nearby park by the river to eat. Pad see ew was excellent. Good flavor, beef was tender and I even liked the veggies. Wife loved the yellow curry. Good portion sizes.

Half was the spice level above no spice, haha. That's the level of spice we ordered and we were glad that they had warned us in advance. And let me tell you, this kitchen does not kid around!! They had diner counter style seating which was filled when we first went in (us being a party of 2 filling it in) as we were nearing 7:30 pm. It seemed like there were a lot of takeout orders. Definitely a hole in the wall spot and cooked with plenty of heart (and heat). I really enjoyed my tofu phad ba mee. It's definitely amongst one of the best Thai restaurants I've been to! I also enjoyed watching them cook up the orders. Post-dinner we took a black rice pudding to go which was also delicious- reminded me of congee pudding in a nostalgic way. Literally found this using Google Maps roughly coming back from a hike at Deception Pass State Park so really truly stumbled upon a gem!

If you're a fan of heat like I am this is the only thai restaurant that makes food as spicy as you want. Their food is delicious their price and wait times are reasonable. I've only ordered food to go so I can't speak to the dine in experience. There is an open area roughly a block away with picnic tables that looks out over the river, so I've never really felt the need.

Literally a hole in the wall, a counter with a few stools, and the kitchen frantically making wonderful dish one after another. A real delight. We had the chicken satay (peanut sauce to die for) and a magnificent chicken pad thai. Pay attention to whoever takes your order when they ask about heat levels, we went with level 1 and I think level 1/2 would have been more comfortable!

Love this tiny place! It's legit Thai food!! Spicy, flavorful, distinctive. It's my go to spot in Mount Vernon... or really all of Skagit County. I always call in to place an order for pickup... usually to eat at the ferry heading back to Orcas.

Quaint atmosphere- Nice service! We have visited twice. Take their suggestion and read the signs about spice level! 2 stars was plenty hot for me!

My husband, daughter and I tried this place for the first time and we both thought it was the best pad Thai and phad see ew we have ever tried. So much flavor and sauce in the recipe. Customer service was also 10/10, would return. We liked how tiny the restaurant was it was an interesting experience.

Spicy and delicious! Super friendly staff. You eat at the walk up bar style seating. So better for a 2 person date rather than a group.

Terrific dinner once again! There is a mix of locals and tourists that come here for the food. Fast service and you can either have one of the few seats in the restaurant or go and sit outside by the water. We ended up only doing a level one which about a 3 in most other Thai restaurants. They really would do well if they expanded but there is something quaint about being in a hole in the wall type of restaurant.

Excellent food. Even though it's a simple side dish, the blue coconut rice is the best I've ever had. I would dine here often if I lived nearby.

EVERYTHING it's absolutely amazing!, the food, the flavor, the ambience , the service ,first time I was there and I'll come back for sure !, thank you

Well after coming here twice a year since they opened. It is with sad news that I have to take away my previous 5Star. I am just gonna guess that they have new owners? any how. They flavors are missing, and the technique is all but gone. You can have all the recipes in the world but with No wok Hey! Well it's just wok away. Truly crying tears of sadness where there once was tears from real Thai

This place makes the best Thai food ever. It is nice and small, with awesome staff and amazing curry! Really, everything on the menu is outstanding!

I am normally a 3 star on the spice scale kind of person, and one star was perfect. Listen to the signs that warn you that they're spicier than most. Tiny with just a few seats, most of their business is take out which is completely fair. The food was AMAZING. We got a Phad Thai and a Massaman curry and they both tasted amazing. I am sad to live an hour away because this would immediately become my go to Thai restaurant if I wasn't so far.

Best Thai around! Restaurant is small so we usually get take out. Food is excellent. I usually get 4 star at other restaurants but can only handle one star here. Very spicy!

It may appear as a small hole in the wall, but the food is terrific. Just keep in mind the seating is limited. Best to have a take-out backup plan in place.

I used to love this place. With the limited seating I just get take out now and eat on the riverwalk, and the last 4 times my order has been bizzare (like when they put broccoli and carrot rounds on my pad thai) or just not yummy. The basil fried rice used to be my favorite but now it's too oily and lacking flavor... I'm just sad, I want the awesome thai food back

So so good. So slept on!! The staff are so friendly and amazing, and comforting. The plate sizes are enormous!! And the food is great. My personal favorite was the coconut prawns and thai iced tea.

Small but mighty should be their slogan. With about 8 barstools for seating, your best bet unless dining alone is to order for takeout. They slay here, every meal I've ever had has been beyond all expectations. Only caveat is, I enjoy a specific level of spice so I always order with no spice so I can add my own. Consider yourself warned that shit here can get hot since they use super hot peppers. My go-to is Chicken Swimming Rama (a must if you are a spinach lover) add rice noodles & thai iced tea. Try them out for yourself and if you agree, give this review a like

By far my favorite Thai restaurant. I've been coming here for years and it has failed to ever disappoint me! I always get the Fresh Rolls and chicken Pad Thai. I get it with zero spice tho because I can't handle it but if you guys like spicy Thai food this is your place. The service is phenomenal it's very small though. Every once in a while I'll eat in if I've got time but I always order to go! I've also had and enjoyed their Pad See Ew, Tom Ka soup, noodle boat (similar to pho but different spices in the broth), garlic chicken with brown rice, and chicken Rama noodle.

The best Thai food in Skagit County! You won't be disappointed... Pad Thai 1 star is my fav!

Amazing authentic Thai cuisine! It's a very popular spot for the downtown folks on their lunch hour. I feel lucky to find a seat whenever I get to go here. If you're a fan of authentic Thai spices, you'll love their spice tray that is often given along with a smile and the cautionary warning of their respective heat levels. I'm a spice warrior so Bring it on ! A happy hidden gem in downtown Mount Vernon !

The food is authentic and always delicious. The spice is always excellent, they are spicer than most Thai restaurants which my husband loves. Our server Rocio was very knowledgeable and friendly. Always enjoy having take out or dine in.

5 stars all day. This place is a very small alcove next to a large pub. Inside is small. The whole operation is visible behind the counter including the kitchen. The only seating is stools along the long counter old time diner style. If you're old like me and from the Bay Area you would compare it to the old Doggie Diner. The seating is like that. I had the chicken phad see ew. It was very good. They tell you right away their spice numbering is different. They say your number is double what it is at other places. After getting the food I believe it. We had coconut shrimp too. Very good nutty flavor. Prices are fair for these days of high inflation. We got our stuff to go and sat out by the river. Most people do that. Give them a try.

Best Thai food in the PNW and definitely rivals some of the best in the world. I realize that sounds crazy but I've been to Thailand and had gourmet Thai food in big cities and I honestly would rather have Rachawadee any day!! It's a family run business that has never tried to expand (even though they definitely could) and limits their hours to core eating times, instead of being open all day, every day. This has allowed them to focus on what's most important, providing the best quality Thai food to its customers. If you love Thai food, then I promise you won't be disappointed!!

This little hole in the wall, will serve you up some of the tastiest, most vibrant and if you desire absolute hottest Thai you've ever laid your taste buds on. Now open again for in door seating, but be forewarned the fresh Thai chili's used in their cooking can sometimes make you wish their were still in door mask mandates. Like military grade tear gas status. Excellent food, neat around by a long shot.

Amazing! Such big flavor from this tiny restaurant! Just beware, their stars are a bit more realistic than most places. A two star here is a four star elsewhere.

Overall, a really good experience. Ordered all at spice level #3...and it had a really good kick for me...I like it hot! Happy there are places like this that I don't need to simply default to the highest spice level. Seasoned well even beyond the spice factor. Bit pricy...w tip over $40 for two entrees. Also order early because I had to wait almost an hour. I'd go back!

Food and staff are great. I have been there multiple times over the years and have zero complaints. It is a smaller building (9-10 seats in total) so if you are in a rush or all the seats are taken I would definitely recommend take out. The food is great regardless.

5 star critique and 5 stars on that Mao so you can watch eyes bleed. Bomb ass spring rolls got ye going gaga. Come see god get fucked up at Rachawadee on any given Sunday.

When viewing the lovely tulips in Skagit Valley, please make this your stop for a "must eat". Diehard spice fans- this will not disappoint. We ordered basil fried rice, and Phad Kee Mao, so delicious and so flavorful. Set up for To Go only, but don't let that stop you. Plenty of outdoor seating next to the water and if you're lucky, a local musician will be around to entertain you while you're eating!

Great food and service! I would recommend to anyone who wants to eat yummy and healthy food!

Good food but make sure you pay attention to their star scale! And they even say that!

Amazing food ,fast, fresh everything's taste great. working my way through the menu.check Facebook page for open hours Rachawadee Spring RollsBasil Fried Rice top picks

Spent over 20 years traveling the world as a Navy Aviator. Wish I would have never stepped into this restaurant because it has ruined all other Thai restaurants for me. Best thom ka I've ever had.

This place is absolutely amazing! My bf grew up in this area and this restaurant has been his favorite Thai place even after moving to Seattle for 10+ years. Finally I got an opportunity to try, so we ordered a lot. Haha. Everything was very tasty. It's definitely a family style restaurant with fresh ingredient and warm service. I chatted with the lady sitting next to me and she said that she came here all the time just to have their curry. We didn't order curry, but hearing what she said, I decided to come back and have a meal of only curry. Of course my bf is on board. I am used to eating Thai food in Seattle and Bellevue area, this place is definitely better than any places I have tried.

Best Thai food I have ever had. Every dish is wonderful with true authentic Thai spice levels. Every time I come here I leave extremely happy. Their wide rice noodles are amazing any any dish with them is always fantastic

Best thai food in the area for sure! Would eat it every week if I lived nearby. delicious food and amazing service

Rachawadee will be a favorite for life, and if I ever have to move outside of the PNW, I'll come back and visit just for the Kao Soi or Pad See Ewe. You literally can't miss on the menu, everything is that good. Try to sit in if you can -- don't worry the line moves fast -- for the best experience freshest Thai food you'll get in a 50 mile radius, straight from the pan to your plate.

My bestie and I stopped into Rachawadee for lunch after browsing the Tulip Festival street fair. Rachawadee is a pepper-heads dream. Heat is guaranteed. Flavors are on point. Indoors is teeny. Seating is bar/counter style. There are about seven stools. Rachawadee is not ideal for groups or children due to the cramped space. My bestie and I had fun sitting at the counter observing all the food being prepped, cooked and plated. The phone didn't stop ringing once during our visit. Phone to-go orders were handled in an organized manner. My bestie and I shared the Chicken Garlic Sauce for $11.95: chicken breast, broccoli, carrots and cabbage in a savory fiery garlic sauce. Served with a side of Jasmine rice. Our lunch was also served with a complimentary cup of Hot & Sour soup. The vegetables were crisp-tender. The chicken tender. Our whole meal was absolutely delicious. The only thing missing with our lunch was an ice-cold beer. Sadly, Rachawadee doesn't serve booze of any type. Next time I'm in the area I will place a take-out order to eat at the nearby brewery. The staff were friendly and knowledgeable. Rachawadee is an example of efficiency at its finest.

The best Thai food I've ever had. I worked in a Thai restaurant for years and so did my mom (I was a server and she was cooking in the kitchen) my mom is also an amazing cook (she is Filipino, so we know a thing or two about good Asian food!). This food is legit spicy. Please take their warning seriously. I currently live in Seattle and always get this Thai food when coming up the the Valley and it never disappoints. It's a small mom and pop shop so I find it's better for take out.

What a cool restaurant, right next to a river park. We had a few dishes - pud Thai, Tom yum soup and a spring roll. They ask how much heat and you'd better take them seriously when they tell you their chilis are on the hot side! Yowzer!! I usually ask for a 1-2 heat. The guy recommended I try 1/2. I didn't listen and asked for a 1. Hoo wee it was spicy! Their ingredients are extremely fresh and delicious. She finished it all, with help from cold water. I'll be back as I moved to Sedro Woolley. Looking forward to it!!

Love me some Thai food but most never come up to the flavors found at Rachawadee! Authentic dishes, cooked fresh in a clean, visible kitchen! (You're sitting across the counter from prep & woks, flaming the spices you crave into a delectable platted goodness!) They go take-out, which I often do!

Amazing food, authentic! Their spice rating runs SPICY- I usually order a level 2 and am down to 1/2 with these guys, but SO GOOD!

Went by recommendation from a complete stranger in the airport. Fantastic food, fast service, friendly people. I live in Seattle but would definitely plan a day trip to go to the area just to be able to visit this restaurant again.

I have this place a 5 Star not only because their food is Amazing but if you order 5 star, you will sure be drinking from a fire hose followed by a trip to the ice cream parlour to cool off the Burn. Unexpectedly very good food from suck a small place.. give it a try but seriously...1 Star would suffice

Delicious lunch, long wait, but worth it! Small restaurant with hour long wait times, you can order ahead but it sounds like an hour pick up wait time as well. They keep things moving and very friendly and pleasant. I ordered the Garlic Sauce with Chicken and Chicken Pad Thai-both great. The iced Thai coffee was good but on sweet side. Watch your food prepared right in front of you. Fresh veggies & good quality. Love open kitchen! Hard working restaurant & great food. I will definitely be back.

Hands down the most delicious, authentic Thai around! The service is quick, efficient, and always friendly! The restaurant is very small mostly just a seat at the counter. I've never had the opportunity to eat in but if the spots were open, I'd love to. Highly recommend this little gem in Mount Vernon!

Years later....we still love the food and the staff!! The only reason for 4stars previously is the seating situation. We can't bring the kids when they're seating indoors otherwise the whole family will take up the whole place and it'll be hard to feed toddlers across the bar stools. So the park near by park helps with that situation. Still the best Pad Thai we've had! We travel all over the US and keep coming back here. The rest of the dishes are flavorful with pretty good portions. They always have enough meats and fresh veggies unlike other restaurants... Fyi- we tried that high rated (not sure why) thai in Burlington, although the dishes were pretty they were bland in comparison!

The best Phad kee mao I've ever had in my entire life! (I've eaten a lot of Phad kee mao). Everyone was really friendly, the service was excellent, and the food smelled amazing. Only a quick 10 minute wait for dine-in