Straits Restaurant

Doesn't Recommend

dhoffmann

Joined 7 years ago

Watch out for inappropriate staff. The quality and price of the food at Straits was good, but my friends and I could not help but walk away in disgust. The hostess sat us next to the kitchen, where we got the pleasure of watching the cooks make our food. Throughout the dinner, the chef's were looking at my friends and I in a perverted and digusting manner. Our conversation was interrupted by their continuous pointing and gawking. When my friend complained to the manager that the cooks were inappropriately staring at us and we couldn't enjoy our meal, he said, "Of course they were." Next time, we'll be sure to choose a more classy restaurant.

Doesn't Recommend

cltonee

Joined 7 years ago

Atmosphere and music. The music was a little loud for my taste, and the prices were on the slightly higher side. The atmosphere and surroundings were nice. The food was very good overall. Nothing was overcooked or bland. The service could use improvement, maybe more busboys to help out the waiters. So of they scored 2 of 4 on my major criteria.

Doesn't Recommend

skjenks

Joined 7 years ago

on the slower side. Though the atmosphere was good, the service was on the slower side. Prices were a little steep, but I guess the high rent there really doesn't give them much choice.

Recommends

changr1

Joined 7 years ago

Poor Thai food ruined by bad service. I'm very disappointed with my last experience at Straits. I called to order ahead of time and still had to wait 20 minutes when I arrived for my order. The part that was most frustrating was that the online menu was inconsistent with the actual menu. The lobster pad Thai was priced at $23 online and $38 at the restaurant. They wouldn't even adjust the price and still kept me waiting.

Recommends

theilan

Joined 10 years ago

I was surprisingly impressed. I went to Straits with a little bit of skepticism after reading so many negative reviews, but I must admit I was very pleasantly surprised with my experience. I came in on a very busy Saturday night without reservations and waited 45 minutes by wandering Santana Row. Upon being seated, service was quick and efficient, the drinks were about the right strength, and the food was delicious. We ordered the baked mussels, the chili lobster, a noodle dish, and two martinis. Food came promptly and the wait staff was very attentive all night. The restaurant was amazingly loud, most likely because towards the evening it's more of a bar than a restaurant, but I was expecting that, so I didn't mind. Overall, I'd definitely recommend it for a night out, just don't expect to have a romantic time or be able to hear whoever you're with that easily.

Doesn't Recommend

uw_badgers

Joined 9 years ago

overpriced, too noisy. This was the noisiest restaurant I have ever been to. The noise level is similar to at a night club. You have to yell across the table to hear each other. The food is good, but definitely overpriced. I much prefer E&O Trader's over Straits.

Recommends

yumat

Joined 7 years ago

Nice Ambience - Good food. Straits used to be one of my favorite place to dine at on a friday night after work (can't do it anymore b/c I moved). Their lychee martini, the banana blossom salad and their lamb dish are delicious. I was disappointed when they took out the foie gras appetizer a few years ago, and the service can be slow when it gets busy, but they still have enough good dishes to make me want to go back to enjoy good drinks and food. If you're looking for a more tame place, I'd recommend the palo alto branch, but for a younger crowd, santana row is the place.

Recommends

lavidaloca

Joined 8 years ago

Inconsistent. The quality of food is never the same. For example: the Rendang Beef is sometimes tender and mildly spicy and other times it is dry and flavorless. That spoils the fun in ordering what you thought was one of favorites! Make a reservation a week in advance if you would like to dine here on a weekend, but that does not mean that they will seat you promptly, especially if you have a large party.

Recommends

sunnyblue

Joined 8 years ago

Worth for a try. we ordered Banana Blossom Salad, Grilled Beef in Grape Leaf , Spicy Basil Chicken, and garlic noodle..they are all pretty good and reasonable priced. One problem is that the salad came last, which i thought should be come first. The waiters are attentive.

Doesn't Recommend

12dine

Joined 8 years ago

So Over-Rated!. The music is so loud in the main dining area, you can't hear your partner. The pepper lobster is divine. The rest--awful. The drinks, for $9, completely lack taste and any sense of alcohol. The service is hit or miss. I ordered Poh Pia because my daughter likes shrimp. I dismantled them tonight, and among the 4 rolls, there was 1/4 of a shrimp. This place is so over-rated it's ridiculous. Even as a singles scene...I just don't get it. Don't waste your time going here. It's expensive and so not worth it.