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Old Weang Ping
Category: Restaurants Thai Thai [Edit]
6217 MacArthur Blvd(between 62nd Ave & 63rd Ave)
Oakland, CA 94605
Neighborhood: East Oakland
(510) 430-8771
- Hours:
Tue-Sun 5 pm - 9 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual, Intimate
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
126 reviews for Old Weang Ping
Review Highlights
"The sticky rice is so good you could eat it by itself."
(in 37 reviews)
"The Roasted Duck in Pumpkin Curry was a Decadent and Rich..."
(in 3 reviews)
"It's a mom and pop operation also authentic."
(in 8 reviews)
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126 reviews in English
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Review from Winnie C.
Oakland, CA
11/9/2011
Located in the sketchy part of Oakland in what seems to be a hidden treehouse.
It is an ultra ultra cute place, but in all sincerity the chairs aren't that comfortable. I have to admit though when I first saw it, I felt quite the claustrophobic. There is decor, everywhere. Every friggin place they found space.
Here is the thing, they do super old school homestyle Lao cooking. You can't really get the normal Thai style things you find in a different restaurant, but you can have them throw together a couple of items (Which will be stated on the menu, I believe they are seasonal vegetables) and they stir fry it until you get exactly what you want!
The flavors (No matter which dish) are seasoned nicely and hold a strong taste. The combination culminates to a certain type of perfection. I had good times each and every time.
Paired off with deep fried corn or taro cakes and you feel the small home-cooked meal warm you up.
My only complaint was service is a little slow. I just don't have all the time in the world like many of these people seem to. -
Review from Benjamin L.
Oakland, CA
1/17/2012 1 Check-in Here
What is so good about this place? I see people rave about it so i decided to venture out here. And boy was i disappointed, the food was mediocre nothing special about this thai food, they made the pad see eww not with Ho Fun but some different noodle, but i guess people like the decor here and the idea they "might" be in thailand, but all in all the food was just ok and the service was not so good as it is a mom and pop store and things are slow.
4.5? not quite try 3.5 maybe if even that, Champa and Nom Phenh are much better choices and probably in safer areas. -
Review from Robert Y.
10/11/2011
4.5
Looking from the outside of the restaurant it looks like a secret hideout with a bunch of trees as the door is locked for security reasons since its not in the best of neighborhoods in oakland. Call the number and they will let you in.
Inside it first looks like you're walking into a jungle then secondly looks as if you are in a tree house with lots of colorful artwork.
The food is cheap, portions are good, quality is good with vibrant flavors.
spicy basil fried rice ($6.25) w/ seafood (+$1)
Not spicy at all for me with decent amounts of pieces of squid and shrimp. The basil was well hidden and the plethora of flavors and spices made it much better than your average fried rice.
Duck Penang Curry with thai sticky rice ($7.25+$1.25)
The duck was delicious and went well with the pumpkin, pepper, and papaya curry. Its a little watered down but the thai sticky rice absorped the watery curry well.
They also served thai flavored water which was very freshing along with watermelon for dessert at the end.
Overall its a near must try not only for the food but because of the decor. Just come with a friend as the neighborhood is a little rough.
For a more thorough and different perspective please read Tina A's review (http://www.yelp.com/bi...) -
Review from Rosemeri M.
Oakland, CA
1/19/2012
I love this place. It's so unlike any other Thai place I've been to. The decor makes you feel like your in a different country. The food was great; I had the roasted duck with pumpkin- yum! The neighborhood is not the greatest but I didn't feel unsafe. I think they deal with that issue by locking the door (keep unwanted guest out). A must try for sure. Tip: take cash with you since they don't take credit cards.
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Review from Gene R.
Oakland, CA
1/19/2012 4 Check-ins Here
My family and I really love this restaurant. We usually always order a few things off the specials, but always start off with the chicken satay. I can't get enough of the peanut sauce.
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Review from Tina A.
San Francisco, CA
10/11/2011
A hidden gem! thank you robert y. for introducing me to this place.
we drove by a tiny house sized building covered in greenery with a tiny faded old sign, walked through a small door that was left ajar, into a dark, but homey restaurant. it smelled like a dirty mop and the floors were greasy. a kind man greeted us and told us to sit anywhere. half of the restaurant was booths and half were tables. we chose a 2 person booth which seemed to be the most comfortable choice and it was also near some ventilation. the restaurant was decorated extensively, like the tiki lounge in alameda. there were buddhist paintings, porcelainware, tree trunks, lanterns and more all around. certainly made me feel like we were not in oakland any more.
the menus were under the plastic covering of the table. it's a simple menu with choices of meat/veggies/fish with your choice of curry or sate sauces. we decided to order two items:
Spicy Basil Fried Rice
- sweet, spicy, salty, savory, and greasy. more flavorful than your average fried rice. we had ours with seafood, and they were not stingy with it. we had ~8 juicy tiger prawns and ~6 pieces of tender scallop. i appreciate restaurants who are able to cook seafood right. don't let the "spicy" classification scare you. the dish is mildly spicy and the burn does not linger or hurt. its a great combination of flavors so you won't get bored of eating it.
Duck in Penang Curry with Thai Sticky Rice
- sweet curry that was not heavy with coconut milk. there were shredded papayas, sweet fresh starchy pumpkin, and duck meat/skin. one of the better non-spicy curries i have had in a while. we originally ordered the duck with a different sauce, but the owner suggested that we get it with panang. he knows best and that was a great suggestion!
- if you are not satisfied because the curry is thinner than the usual, the sticky rice makes up for that heavyness. the sticky rice was sweet and tastes/feels like it has been cooked in coconut milk. goes great with the curry.
overall, this is a great place to get thai food and i would certainly suggest this to anyone, even if they are picky about food (because they can pick their own combinations of flavors/meats). very flavorful and very cheap.
p.s. their gate is usually supposed to be locked for security purposes. so go ahead and use your cellphone to call the number that is posted so that they can open the door for you. -
Review from Ames B.
Oakland, CA
11/7/2011
I don't think there are going to many places I end up eating after joining a general strike, what with general strikes occurring about as often as Haley's comet appearances. So I expect Old Wean Ping's to hold Best Post General Strike Meal as a lifetime award.
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Review from lexi l.
Oakland, CA
7/30/2011
so I went in today with my good friend Nadia. After moving to mills area less than a month ago I thought I would scout out some new food around the neighborhood. My friend Nick told me about this place and just said that it was good and country thai style. I scoured yelp looking for thai in the area and this place came up. so I thought we should give this a try.
we ordered the mahi with morning glory
the roasted coconut and curry prawn crepe (awesome)
and the chicken with sweet basil sauce.
I like how the set up the menu.
you get options of meats and then a choice of sauces. clever actually
not a vey big menu but really nice flavors.
the mahi was good but the morning glory was amazing I love them so crunchy and delish.
the roasted coconut cree wasn't what I expected but it was amazingly good. I love that when you order wrong and it was better than you thought it could be.
the chicken with basil was good. different than any other restaurant I have had it at, but good all the same.
can't wait to try the other things
good stuff -
Review from tracy m.
Oakland, CA
11/15/2011
This is the closest restaurant to my home, and a damn fine one at that. Prices are EXTREMELY reasonable and the options are plentiful, including some things you don't often see on Thai menus. A plethora of fish choices, all for about $8-10 per entree...stunning!! Love their fish cakes. Not the hugest fan of their noodle dishes but I stick with the curries and fish dishes and have been very happy eating here regularly. Also they let you bring in yr own booze with no corkage fee....yay!! The owner is very nice. Cash only.....
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Review from Galatic O.
Oakland, CA
9/9/2011 1 Check-in Here
All day 5 STAR. If you knew me im hard to please. This spot is a diamond.
It's a mom and pop operation also authentic. Patience is a virtue! -
Review from Mo R.
Petaluma, CA
2/24/2011
Okay. So I haven't been to Thailand yet, so I can't say that I confidently know what authentic Thai food is, but I think it's safe to say that the vast majority of Thai places in the U.S. (even in the West) "Americanize" their food.
But after going to Old Weang Ping, I feel comfortable surmising that they serve as close to authentic Thai as you can get.
Let me preface my review by saying that I'm REALLY hesitant about even writing this review... I almost don't want to contribute to spreading the word about this place. Yeah, it's that good.
This place is keeping it real. For one thing, it's small. Not Minibar by Jose Andres small, but small nonetheless. I'm estimating about 4 booths that hold 4-5 people each and 2-3 small tables in the middle. And with that amount of seating, the space is cramped. The restaurant looks like a converted house, but the decor is really cool - like you're actually in Thailand and you've pulled your scooter over to a random neighborhood hang. I wouldn't be surprised if the owners live in the back and work here in the front.
Secondly, there are only two main staff - I think the server is the husband-owner and the main cook is the wife-owner. Because of this assumedly low overhead the food is so inexpensive for what you get. The server-husband is really really sweet, too. :)
When you arrive, the door is locked, so you have to knock loudly to get the husband-owner to let you in. If he doesn't hear you, call the restaurant's number. I think it's his cell.
And so now let me get to the food: Outstanding. Absolutely outstanding. In case you didn't hear me the first and second time, let me say it again: OUTSTANDING. They have regulars in the paper menu and about 5-6 daily specials written on the chalkboard.
On our first visit we had:
Crispy Eggplant and Prawns in a smoky chili sauce (one of the specials)
Pad Thai with chicken
Thai fried Corn Cakes
Sticky Rice
Thai Beer (Beer Chang - the one with the elephants)
We practically licked our plates. The Crispy Eggplant and Prawns alone were ridiculous. And the sticky rice alone I can stuff my face with all the livelong day.
Since then we've gone three more times. Major swoonage on each visit.
So I reluctantly recommend you go.
Just don't spread the word. Okay? -
Review from Eugene L.
1/22/2011 1 Check-in Here
HIDDEN TREASURE, DIAMOND IN THE RUFF= Old Weang Ping!!!
Its located in a real Sketchy part of East Oakland . Its also a House that's been converted into a Restaurant. When you arrive its Camouflaged in Ivy and other greenery . The only tip its a business is the Yelp Sticker on the front door and the lit Open sign. I used my Cell Phone to call for entrance as the front door is locked for security which I liked especially in that neighborhood.
Old Weang Ping is run by a Husband and Wife team . The Husband runs the front of house and the wife is the cook. The Husband opened the door for me . Because of this it has an Old Speakeasy or Gambling den feel to it . Once you walk thru the door you are Matrix-ed to Thailand complete with Water Fountain and Traditional Thai Music and Thatched hut Booths.
I grabbed a booth and was poured a ice cold glass of Thai Ice Tea which was very refreshing. Tip the Menu is mounted under the Plexiglas's table protector. Another Tip they have a Chalk board that has the daily specials on it. They do the daily specials very well.
I ordered Barbarian Soup and Calamari as an Appetizer. For my Main entrees I ordered the Roasted Duck with Pumpkin Curry and Chicken and Prawns with Yellow Bean sauce.
You have to be Patient here because there is only one server and one cook. I was amusing myself with the conversations from the other tables and my smart phone while I was waiting on my meal.
I was brought my Barbarian soup first . You get your choice of meat and I picked Seafood.It was savory and a lot of different textures in a nice spicy Broth Yum Yum.
The Calamari came next with a nice Peanut Dipping sauce . It was a tasty and crunchy treat.
Then my Main entrees came out with a basket of rice.
The Roasted Duck in Pumpkin Curry was a Decadent and Rich Plate . The Duck was very lean and flavorful . Just Heavenly.
The Chicken and Prawns in Yellow Bean Sauce had thick pieces of Chicken and Prawns in a nice tasty Yellow sauce. It was very Hearty and Flavor full - Delightful
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Old Weang Ping is a must try if you like Thai Food and your in the Oakland area. Its definitely and interesting experience and the food is great.
I would take a date here because the food is excellent and it would be interesting to see how they react when you arrive there LOL.Listed in: Asian food, Cheap Eats, Date Joints, Oakland Joints, Thai Joints
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Review from KAI S.
Oakland, CA
2/7/2011
* 4.5 stars *
Hip yet quaint hole-in-the-wall Thai gem in the most unlikely of places!
First off, my favorite thing about this place is the interior look & feel. It's reeeeally cool. Like, hella. I wanna snuggle up in it and get all cozy-like, until I remember it's a public restaurant, and I snap out of it.... I'm sure someone else has aleady said this but you kinda feel like you're in a slightly eccentric Thai person's house and like, I wanna take my shoes off, and stuff...
Now, the reasons this review isn't the full 5 stars is mainly due to the food and the prices of the food... not to say that either is bad.... Just....
.... I wasn't crazy about the Pad See Ew w/ tofu... Like, it was OK, but honestly tasted more like Pad Thai than anything else. Also, the fish cakes were bomb diggity but very expensive compared to other Thai restaurants (they were the same price as the entree!).
*Something awesome is the Thai tea they serve you in place of ice water. It's yumtastic, a tiny bit sweet, refreshing, and... FREE!
Naturally the service was very friendly otherwise they wouldn't be getting a good review from me. The portion sizes were good, too, however the fish cakes were pretty small, I do have to say.
All in all I really like this restaurant and want to return. It's the perfect place to bring friends for a neat getaway off the grid. We shall return in the near future! -
Review from James B.
Oakland, CA
Updated - 9/23/2011
UGH...hate to say it, but I had the worst Thai meal, maybe my worst meal ever from here. What happened? The red curry with duck was really GREASY and tasted like no Thai curry I've ever had (my wife is Thai, I've lived in Thailand, visited, etc)--awful taste and watery. The mixed veggies were also totally greasy and disgusting. I threw everything away. I asked for STEAMED rice and was given STICKY rice (which is for Laos/Northeastern Thai-style food or dessert...NOT for curry!)...totally inappropriate. It took the guy 15 mins to take my "to-go" order.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/2/2009
The most wonderful, totally ATYPICAL Thai food I've ever had. The owner told us he pretty much… Read more »
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Review from Amanda E.
Oakland, CA
11/17/2011
I didn't find the food GREAT or very spicy. However, the ambiance was amazing. The place literally is captivating - absolutely captivating. We sat in a small booth that was really cozy. I wouldn't want to go here on a first date, but I think it would be kind of romantic if not for the just-okay food. The food is just not good enough to warrant take-out. However, it is super cheap and service is super friendly. I will definately go back - but I am still looking for super spicy vegetarian-friendly thai that is reasonably priced (high bar!).
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Review from Rich H.
Second Mesa, AZ
3/4/2011 1 Check-in Here
This is a tough review. For calibration, this will be my 66th Thai restaurant review, so I've seen a fair share. I've been wanting to try this place since it's somewhat in between OAK, where I am a lot, and Berkeley.
First, the food is fine, based on one dinner, but I think the restaurant cooks to the patrons they attract, so it's somewhat Americanized Thai food. I think if you're not Thai and did some friendly negotiation with the waiter/owner, you could get food that's more authentic.
I had one of the specials--trout with eggplant & basil. As soon as I saw American broccoli on the plate, I knew I should have asked about the preparation more carefully. American broccoli in a Thai restaurant in the US is a major indicator of dumbed down Thai food.
The setting/ambiance is fairly unique and interesting. Not necessarily my style, which is more I-don't-care-as-long-as-the-food-is-good, but definitely an extension of the owners' personality.
Sound in the dining area was a bit weird. I could easily hear every word at a table somewhat removed in the corner, which was a odd.
Service & cost were fine. Parking was easy at night. Area a bit sketchy to some, perhaps.
Bottom line is that I'd probably come here a lot if I was in the area. Since I'm more often in Berkeley, land of cheap, authentic Thai restaurants, I probably won't seek this place out. -
Review from Anita W.
7/28/2011 5 Check-ins Here
not so much of a fan of the sketchy neighborhood, but inside is something you can't find anywhere else (or anywhere else that i know of).
the guy opens the door and takes orders while the lady in the kitchen preps your meal. that means theres only one person cooking for everyone. sometimes it takes a while for the food to come out, depending on how busy the place is.
its not that big of a restaurant and you can definitely taste that your meal is home cooked. points for a unique mom and pop establishment in my neighborhood. -
Review from Joy M.
Oakland, CA
9/2/2011
I have passed by this place about a million times, and never thought twice about what this place actually was. Well, it's a hidden gem that's exactly what it is. I love Thai food, and am just amazed that they are so close to home and the food is great. It's like you are in Thailand once you enter, you almost forget you are in East Oakland. We decided to give this place a try last night and I am happy that I did. More visits to follow.
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Review from Eric C.
2/6/2011 1 Check-in Here
This place has character! It's really easy to miss driving down MacArthur Blvd. The front door was locked (safety, I presume) so we had a brief wait while the owner opened the door for us.
Ordered the 3 dishes. Papaya salad tasted fresh, chicken basil tasted ordinary, nothing special, and the trout special was delicious.
Rating it 4* because I thought it was good, but not spectacular. I think it may have been due to the dishes we picked -- next time I want to try their other specials! -
Review from TIMOTHY D.
Berkeley, CA
11/6/2011
This place gets my special 5+ star rating, also known as the 'THIS IS THE BOMB" rating. Let me tell you about it. It's located in a godforsaken area of Oaktown that is so desolate that the door of the restaurant is locked during the restaurant's open hours so that young swaggering tough-guy shitheads cannot simply walk in and demand food. You ring to get in, they let you in. Inside is dark, weird, with artifacts and strange decorations all over the place, a bit reminiscent of Disneyland's Adventureland or a tiki bar. A middle aged man who is probably the owner takes your order. Very nice fellow. So the interior is perfect: a bit David Lynchian, quite mysterious. The food is Godlike. I recommend a crepe with large shrimps on it: completely fresh and delicious. The pad thai is awesome. We had chicken in peanut sauce that was amazing. The sticky rice is the bomb. Instead of water they give you some yellow liquid that tastes vaguely of tea and is very refreshing. You can bring your own wine and they open it for you. The whole thing is incredibly cheap: 3 of us plus a small child ate and ate and ate and it ended up at something like $30. This is exactly what I like in restaurants. They do not take credit cards.
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Review from Patricia M.
Oakland, CA
8/3/2011
If you prefer a mysterious setting, with a congenial host and superb food, this is your grotto. From the outside, you can hardly tell anything is there, but when they unlock the door and you follow the path by the fountains, you'd think you stepped through a tiny warp in the time-space continuum, to emerge in someone's rendition of their favorite visit to Thailand.. Cozy booths and amazing food! We really enjoyed the coconut curry prawns on their little filo-type crepe and the exotic herb salad! The sticky rice was beautiful. Just so simple and delicious -- vaguely jasmine-scented, unless that was my already stimulated imagination. Either way, works for me. Note: if ordinary is a must for you, give this place a wide berth. Otherwise, enjoy!
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Review from Amy Z.
Oakland, CA
8/10/2011 1 Check-in Here
What? It's in the 60s? Ummm..But it's cool. I got the BF with me. Good thing I didn't let the location get to me. Once you get inside (have to call at the front door usually because they keep the door locked), you're transported to a little hut in Thailand. I LOVE the service. Wife cooks (you know the food is good if the lady of the house cooks--same goes for those Korean restaurants) and the husband is the server. I found this surprising as usually it's the ladies that run the floor and the men are in the kitchen. We had a salad; it's been a while since my visit so I don't remember which one but it was GOOD. We also ordered a serving of soup. Yummy too! Coconut rice..Mmmmm. I wouldn't come out of the way for the food though but definitely for the atmosphere and to support the couple that run the place.
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Review from Kiya B.
Oakland, CA
7/24/2011
Authentic thai food, and a quaint, tropical, beautiful atmosphere. Prices are low, service is "mom and pop" friendly. I will definitely go back here!
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Review from Sydney H.
San Francisco, CA
8/25/2010
This place gets uber points for atmosphere and service. The husband/wife duo that runs it really knows what they're doing--I've never had such attentive service when only one waiter was on duty. The experience is very intimate and the decor is fantastic: it feels like you've left the country for the duration of your meal. You have to ring the bell/call to get in, which just amps up the otherworldly feel, though that is most likely a security thing because the neighborhood is a bit sketch. The panang curry was decent but not the best--I've been told since to order off the specials menu.
Get the barbarian soup. It's delicious and a bit spicy. They also do wonderful thai iced tea that does not taste like it's from a mix.
The only problem with the fact that the space is so tiny is that you can hear the conversations of any patron seated close to you, often with graphic details about their latest visit to the doctor's office. -
Review from Adele H.
Oakland, CA
10/18/2010
Sooo good.
Prices are beyond reasonable and the food is fresh, complex and thoughtfully prepared. I've only had take out from here but the ambiance is intriguing. Its small, the kitchen is in plain sight, the decor is jungle-chaos meets monastery. Although its in the hood, Weang Ping is a baller place to bring a date, and my go-to for take-out food parties. $20 can feed a small army at this place.
I'll support small business's like this one till the day I die.
Green curry, barbarian soup, and the tom ka gai are my favorites. -
Review from Darrin G.
San Francisco, CA
8/22/2010
Never have I ever eaten such amazing Thai food!
My friends were telling me that here it's a lot more authentic and less Americanized. The food is a lot lighter than what I'm used to, and simultaneously much better seasoned.
Prices are kept inexpensive because the owners don't hire servers. Nothing was more expensive than $7.25.
The atmosphere is cute- to enter you walk through a small garden. -
Review from Gabrielle T.
Oakland, CA
1/19/2011
HEAVENLY. Seriously. All of those capitals were completely necessary.
Delicious, fresh, and thoughtful dishes that are sure to please any palate. Although, truth be told, I get the tofu with eggplant in sweet basil sauce every single time. But their signature seafood dishes are usually the preference of anyone who comes with me. Their list of sauces that you can choose to accompany your dishes is extensive, to say the least. And whether you choose sticky rice or steamed (I always go with steamed), you're going to enjoy your dinner. (And probably for less than ten bucks.)
The personable atmosphere and helpful staff make this place feel less like a restaurant and more like an extended living room, complete with the smiles and genuine care that would greet you in your own home. (Or maybe not, if your home sucks. Just another reason to get out and come on down!) -
Review from Chanel A.
Daly City, CA
2/22/2011
Beautiful place, Great Service, Good Food.
My bff who is the pickiest eater alive actually ate here & loved it! lol We went here because of YELP & all the great reviews...& they were right!
Right when u walk in it shocks u cause its so beautiful. The older man who was our waiter was so nice =)
We got the speacials on the chalkboard & were very happy!!
Our new favorite spot-cant wait 2 try other dishes!! -
Review from Chad L.
San Leandro, CA
1/15/2009
Few words that I can conjure up will do justice to describe the experience of Old Weang Ping. Even if you read all of these reviews, (of which I recommend you read at least several) your experience will be your own and I can not tell you what to quite what to expect, but I will try. First thing that you should know is that it is polite to call ahead and let them know what time you're coming. This enables them to plan for seating and it's just courteous. They have a camera out front to let you in if they see you come to the door as a drop in customer, but for me it just feels weird to stop in unannounced.
The first thing you will notice is that it is smack dab in the middle of a tiny neighborhood just between two big intersections. While it's not hard to find the street it's on, the easiest way to find the restaurant is by looking for what look to be Christmas lights, (this becomes a moot point in December obviously). When you see that you are getting closer to the address you should just park as soon as you can. It is way easier to get here on foot by following addresses than to try and drive up and down the street. You will find as others have pointed out, that this place has two signs one up above and one that is somewhat covered by an overgrowth of ivy. The point is, your here!
You will probably be let in by the owner, since the front door will probably be locked. Once inside the first door you will walk, (or crouch if you're 6'5'' like me) through the plants and past the fountains in the entrance. You will then arrive at the second doors. Entering into what is the most eclectically wondrous place I've been to in some time. Grab a booth against the back wall if you're a bigger than average person like myself. I have seen others complain of space, but I saw a yelper quite a bit larger than myself take down four helpings of food and still get out of his booth alright, so stick to the big booths on the back wall and you should be good.
The owner is nice and the more he gets to know you, the chattier he will become. He and his wife run the place all on their own, so the words mom and pop take on a literal context here. The ambiance is lost on some, but I like it. The point of coming here is not really to look at the walls though, it's to eat so check out the menu, (under your plate) and the specials on the chalkboard by the counter and find out what you are craving.
I will not tell you what to order. I will tell you that the peanut sauce and pad thai are not overrated despite the rants posted here. The sticky rice is a meal all on it's own and every special I've had here is awesome. Everything here is fresh because it is all bought the same day and you can get almost everything here made Vegan! Even the water here is damned good! I'm serious, there is some mixture of vanilla and lemon grass infused in the water, check it out I'm not crazy. Whatever you get I hope you enjoy it. Just know that even before you leave, you'll probably be thinking of reasons to come back.
CHADListed in: Top Restaurants
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Review from Max A.
Oakland, CA
6/2/2007
Ok, so this place deserves 5 stars for ambience, for sure. And the food is probably worth 4. But there is one thing that really brings me down about Old Weang Ping, which I have been to three times. The seating is so bad! There is not a single chair in that place that is comfortable for me as a large person. So, if you and your dinner mates are skinny, you will enjoy it. But if you're not, you'll be much happier to go have Cambodian food instead at Phnom Penh on the other side of Mills.
Fat-friendly rating: no stars. Not even one.Listed in: Fat-friendly (and…, East Oakland grub
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Review from Cassidy P.
Chicago, IL
7/26/2006
I used to live a block away from this great place and go here at least once a week. The decor makes it a total experience. The restaurant is a converted house that looks like a thatched roof hut on the inside. It's just amazing. And, the food is as good as the decor. There's lots of options to choose from for vegetarians and I loved the green curry and sticky rice (it comes in a basket, very nice). Their specials are also fantastic, so keep your eyes on the board. And the mango and sticky rice is out of this world. No seriously, they make it better than any other restaurant I've been to, I don't know how.
According to an East Bay Express article, the place has been run for twenty plus years by owners Pat and Jook Sawanwatana. They've created a truly amazing experience and well worth the trek over to the East Bay (if you happen to live in the city, like I do now). Writing this review almost makes me want to move back to be closer to this restaurant!
One thing you should know--they're not open on Mondays, but they are open the rest of the week. -
Review from Jon W.
San Leandro, CA
4/20/2009
What a wonderful strange trip. I kinda wish I was shroomin before eating here. Its truly a flashback to another time and world.
Extremely friendly owners who operate the restaurant that seems to be part of their home. You should call to let them know you will be arriving. They keep the door locked so they dont get robbed by the local ESO (east side oakland) ghetto mofos. Once you get in, youre in a 3rd world country somewhere on the farmlands. The place is old and so-so on the cleanliness. The menus are under the glass table top, but order from the chalkboard specials.
Ordered the pad thai, curry pumpkin duck, and some sort of veggie beef dish. Typical of thai to have their curry a little runny. Pad thai was good. The food had a homely country style to it. With sticky rice (how do they wash that wicker basket?), a soda, and a singha, we got out of there for like 28 including a fat tip. They dont do credit or atm cards, so bring your cash and your gun.Listed in: Asian
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Review from Noelle M.
Berkeley, CA
2/18/2006
This restaurant is hidden away on MacArthur avenue near seminary. The atmosphere definately evokes a foreign land. Funky to say the least- but in a good way,
The food is AMAZING. Like no other Thai food. The peanut sauce to end all peanut sauces. Enjoy it by dipping handfuls of sticky rice in the sauce or the panang chicken or vegetables. Try the coconut curry prawns even if you do not like coconut . . .many a non-conconut eater has been shocked at how much they love this dish.
The catch: Sometimes Pat and his wife go back to Thailand and then every thing changes to a mediocre thai place. And that is upsetting because you never really know when and if they are coming back. I have been eating here since the late 80s and on two separate occassions, they were gone for more than a year. Luckily, someone always found out when they came backListed in: My Neighborhood, Top Restaurants
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Review from Andrew L.
San Leandro, CA
4/14/2007
"Do you like Thai?"
"Thai good, you like shirt?"
Fantastic food in a quirky little house. You have to wait a couple of minutes until they come and unlock the front door, but once they do, you're magically transported to an east asian little hideaway.
The Chicken satay was probably the best I've ever had, and the salmon in panang curry sauce was awesome too. Agree with everyone else about the sticky rice, just perfect.
It's an awful neighborhood, but well worth the trouble. If you like Thai, you'll love this place.Listed in: East Bay A-Go-Go.
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Review from Brian S.
Oakland, CA
10/28/2009
Gangsta location, gangsta good, wannabe gangsta prices.
You know you're hard when you require that people knock so you can look them over before you let them walk into your business. But it's really not hard to love this traditional and fairly exceptional Thai restaurant.
Looking like the Southeast Asian part of the "It's a Small World" ride and located in an area more accustomed to drive byes, than to seriously authentic .... uh, anything, this hidden East Oakland Buddhist shack may give you the "up and down" before they let you dine (secret: don't come to the door in a hoodie), but after you get in, nothing gets in your way of some seriously tasty "mom and pop" thai food, especially the $6.95 average entree price.
Take your East Bay haters, and your out-of-towners for a little "we might get shot, but it's sooooo worth it!" adventure. You certainly won't have to worry about your good time being ruined by a Walnut Creek douchewaffle screaming into his bluetooth.
1 star deduction for take out missteps -- the curry melted the styrofoam container. -
Review from Aja D.
Camarillo, CA
1/26/2010
This place is wonderful!
Cheap prices, delicious food, delightfully fun southeast-asian-version-of-Disney's-tiki-room decor, vegetarian friendly, and very kind owners who always make me smile.
Its not in a place you'd expect to find a restaurant, let alone one as good as this. I live in LA now and hadn't eaten here in a year so I was a bit surprised to see the door locked with a "call us" note on the door. We knocked loudly and were greeted by the warm smiles of the owners. They are always so warm and welcoming. I'm pretty sure the restaurant is connected to their home and I feel like this kind of guest. Its really a shame that someone took advantage of this hospitality and tried to rob them. I don't know the details, but this is what lead them to have the locked door.
When I went inside, the place was still packed with happy people of a variety of races, cultures, and ages.
Everything on the menu is good (and can be made vegetarian), but be sure to try some soup. The Coconut Milk Soup is only $2.50 and delicious. I've never tried the barbarian soup, but I hear its HOT and great. Also, you MUST get a little basket of sticky rice for $1 and ask for peanut sauce to dip it in. Its great finger food.
Please yelp readers, check this place out!
Note: They are closed on Mondays. -
Review from Jennifer A.
San Diego, CA
11/23/2009
I gotta say, it's the strangest thing that you need to call ahead because the door is locked...I imagine they've had some unpleasant experiences...but once you walk in it's like you're transported to another place!
The food is great (yum sticky rice, coconut milk, crunchy stuff, salmon in panang curry) and the service is genuinely nice. Hey, it's gotta be good if you're still in business with locked doors!Listed in: It's Thai Time!, My Home Away From Home...
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Review from Mary R.
Berkeley, CA
9/17/2008
The ambiance is a little overwhelming and eclectic (imagine stuffed dear heads, vinyl chairs on rollers, and some ethnic lanterns). It was a little distracting for this first timer.
The short menu is under plexiglass on the table and the daily specials are written on a small chalk board.
The dishes are pretty unique - duck salad with scallions, celery, cabbage and dressing; palm size pieces of calamari topped with other good stuff; string beans and grilled mahi; and coconut curry with shrimp. The menu has a lot of seafood options and seemingly fewer chicken/beef/pork options.
The owner (?), Patrick, is really nice. You should call ahead of time to let him know that you're coming so they can expect to open the entrance for you when you arrive. You may have to wait about 15 seconds at the door before he comes out to unlock it. There's no buzzer or doorbell, just hang tight.
The restaurant was about 3/4 full the Wednesday night we went and the customers were representative of the diversity in Oakland.
I'll definitely introduce this place to others and support this small family owned business.Listed in: Best of Oakland, For out of towners
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Review from Jay D.
New Orleans, LA
8/13/2008
Mmmm. The duck and pumpkin curry was divine, perfectly seasoned, lots of yummy pumpkin nuggets, bamboo shoots and broccoli mixed in with plenty tender and succulent slivers of duck. Their rice is the thai sticky kind, like an unsweetened version of what comes in mango sticky rice.
I didn't think there was any gourmet dining in my neck of the woods out here in the cut of East Oakland, but lo and behold, this is some of the best Thai food I've had in the Bay Area. And yes, I'm very picky about my Asian food, particularly Thai and Indian.
The atmosphere as others have mentioned is quite unique, an oasis in the hood. You need to call to get in, as it is in a rough area of town, but the owners are sweet, personable elder folk...if they can afford to run this business out here, I bet you can take the risk and go eat there. Walking through the water fountain and foliage filled front entryway, into the bamboo and wood dining room with vintage booths and trinkets, you feel like you've suddenly been suddenly whisked away into a village eatery in Phuket. This food, and establishment, has been homecooked with lots of love.
I just ate there for the first time tonight and cannot wait to go back! Oh, the icing on the cake: it's cheap too. -
Review from Rob L.
Bay Area
10/7/2009
HIDDEN THAI RESTAURANT WITH KITSCHY INTERIOR
My friend T is very familiar with Oakland so she helped me find this vine-covered Thai restaurant. We tried to locate the doorbell when the door mysteriously opened. We entered a dimly-lit restaurant that was filled with plastic plants, thatched roofs, mix and match booths, paper lanterns, and paint by numbers paintings. The owner served us some watered down Thai tea and we looked around the restaurant enjoying the funky atmosphere. We shared the following:
Exotic Herb Salad--This dish was composed of shredded cabbage and fragrant herbs in a spicy sauce. It was a simple dish but very addictive.
Duck Curry with Pumpkin--Slices of roasted duck, pumpkin, bamboo shoots, and broccoli were layered in a thin curry broth. The duck was not very warm and the curry needed more kick.
Morning Glory with Fish--Morning glory was sautéed with fish in this unusual dish. I probably would have liked this dish more if it did not have the fish. The fish did not work at all for me.
Pad Thai--An average version of pad thai; good but not memorable
If you want to dine at an unusual out of the way place, Old Weang Ping is the place for you.
