Sabai-Dee

11/06/09

Best Neighborhood Experience Around!

by Tuscano at Citysearch

My wife and I go to Sabai Dee on a regular basis. Having traveled extensively though out S.E. Asia for months at a time, believe me we are well aware of good Thai, Vietnamese, Laotian, Cambodian etc. cuisines. Folks - Sabai Dee hits it! This may be the most authentic SE Asian food you can get in the city (and I have tried nearly everything I can get my hands on); it's out of this world good and by all rights should be kept a secret. The food is always hot (the peapods are done to exact perfection and the eggplant is heavenly. The prices are quite inexpensive (shh) and it’s far less expensive and cleaner than the usual Argyle suspects. Unlike some of the local Vietnamese places, Kevin (the owner) not only appreciates your business, but also makes you feel like you are eating in his living room.

You can't beat it folks. I don't want to say it out loud because I would like to keep getting a seat, but at the same time I want him to keep adding to his menu. We have introduced several people to Sabai Dee over the past year and we are told that each of those people have become regulars.

The stuffed wings are a must have! Contrary to what someone else has said in his or her review, the portions are pretty large (they may have been smaller in 2007, or the reviewer is use to Big Boy’s all you can eat salad bar) and the prices are $5.99 – $8.99 per entrée (though a whole fish will cost you more).

By the way, no one at Tank has ever said thank you to me (Tank take notice) - Kevin not only says it with a bow and a smile, but he sends it with a tasty treat coupled with your bill.

On a last note, Sabai Dee seems to garner quite a few regulars and he knows what EVERYONE likes – I use to go to Tank twice a week and they still don’t know me never mind what I like… Needless to say, Tank is off my list and Sabai Dee is so ON it!

• Pros: Great Food, Clean and a Wonderfully Friendly Owner.
• Cons: Simple decor, but I am told that will change.

12/28/07

Not Our "Cup of Tea". Nothing Special. Overpriced tiny "entrees" . Luke warm food raises safety concerns.

by mrjustice at Citysearch

Sounded new and interesting, so I gave it a try.

Sorry ... but not "my cup of tea".

Don't mind the spartan dining-in faciility, but the both my wife and I thought it was like eating "cafeteria food" ... certainly is served that way. The 'Laotian" dishes were nothing special. And, like some other reviewers, have some health concerns/fears due to luke warm food ... added to fact it's just sitting around for who knows how long in the serving pots. Finally, what bothered me the most is the price for what you get. Sure, it's 'only' $3.99 per "entree" ... but, the "entrees" are served in a very tiny bowl ... barely appetizer size in my opinion. i.e. Poor value for $ in my opinion, especially when only a few blocks away is Vietnam town, with some great food at great value. (e.g. Tank Restaurant). Not sorry I tried it, but unfortunately won't be back.

• Pros: Owner is Friendly. BYOB
• Cons: Overpriced Tiny Entrees. Luke Warm food raises concerns of food safety.