Social Profile: 
![]()
✔️Lunch ✔️Dinner ✔️Dine in ✔️Take out
… View more
Lao’d Bar is where bold Lao flavors meet unapologetic Austin energy. Founded by Chef Bob Somsith, it’s a homecoming—bringing Lao heritage to life through food rooted in tradition and delivered with raw, street-style spirit. We don’t do watered-down. Lao’d Bar brings the heat, the funk, and the soul of Lao cooking straight to the table. Named Best New Restaurant by Eater Austin 2024, James Beard Award semi-finalist Best New Restaurant and 2025 Best Chef Texas as well as being listed in the New York Times for Best Restaurants in America, we’re proud to rep Lao food in the national conversation. Lao’d Bar. It’s a vibe.
Address and Contact Information
Address: 9909 FM 969 Building 4, Austin, TX 78724
Phone: (512) 902-5048
Website: http://laodbar.com/
Menu Photos
Photo Gallery
Related Web Results
Lao’d Bar – Austin, TX
Lao’d Bar is a counter-service-only restaurant — just walk in, grab a menu, place your order at the counter, wait for your drink and grab a seat at your …
Lao’d Bar (@laodbar) · Austin, TX – Instagram
We’re honored (and honestly still a little stunned) to share that Lao’d Bar has been named one of The New York Times’ Top 50 Restaurants in America for 2025. To …
Lao’d Bar – A Review : r/austinfood – Reddit
Review of Lao’d Bar in Austin. Photos of Lao’d Bar experience … It’s strange (to me) to order sausage in Texas and not get something …
Reviews
MarivicB
An absolutely wonderful restaurant with amazing food. The flavors of the food we ordered were great and unique. We came because we saw it featured in a TV show and it didn’t disappoint. We drove 35 minutes from Georgetown but it was well worth the trip. The owner, Gwen was lovely, friendly and charming. The food and cocktails were delicious and spicy. They don’t serve wine though. We will definitely be back to try the other items on the menu…..HIghly recommended!!!
… moreSon Hong
EXCELLENT FOOD. We weren’t even that hungry and because of how good it was, we ordered a ton more than I took photos of. Well worth it. Great flavors and seasoning. Get it all. Chicken wings and sausage were the stand out for me and so many of the sauces like the sambol.
… moreBrendon Stinson
I visited here on a Saturday evening with my wife and while we didn’t necessarily have a bad experience, we didn’t have a 5 star experience either. I think my biggest complaint is the price to portion ratio. I don’t think I have ever spent $100 on a dinner and still walked away hungry. My wife and I quite literally went home and made another dinner. And I’m 5’11” 145lbs….
We bought the Coconut Escolar Ceviche as an appetizer and the flavors were amazing! We really enjoyed this dish, however it was $17 for 5 small squares of fish – holy smokes! 5 even? I think it’s typical for a couple to go out for a meal, how do you split 5?
We bought the Pork Bao Bun and it was very small but it had a good helping of meat and was super flavorful, this might have been our highlight dish of our experience. However, it was a little disappointing that in the description of the hand held, it listed what was in it and it just mentioned ‘herbs’, come to find out it was LOADED with cilantro, and unfortunately my wife hates cilantro – it tastes metallic to her and I don’t think that this is a completely uncommon issue for people. That was unfortunate to unknowingly be served something so heavily incorporated in the dish like that.
We also ordered the Nam Khao (Crispy fried rice). This felt like it had potential, but unfortunately the ‘crispy’ fried rice wasn’t a pleasant ‘crisp’ it tasted crunchy and stale.
We also ordered a cocktail each. We didn’t particularly enjoy either one. They were both way too strong and way too small.
Because we were still hungry at the end of our appetizer and two ‘entrees’ we ordered another pork bao bun, this time without cilantro. Not only have I never spent $100+ on two people and not walked away full, but I have also never spent that much and been given paper plates and plastic silverware.
As far as the service went, the young male bartender seemed to be working hard, making small talk with us, he was cordial and provided good customer service. As far as the other 3 staff, they felt cold and stand offish. I felt uncomfortable eating as they just stood there and stared.
If Lao’d Bar were to adjust their pricing or increase their portions sizes, I would consider coming back. But if everything were to stay the same, I would not come back. The food was inconsistent, the service didn’t feel warm and welcoming, the drinks weren’t well made, and the prices were just too high to walk away still hungry.
… moreWe bought the Coconut Escolar Ceviche as an appetizer and the flavors were amazing! We really enjoyed this dish, however it was $17 for 5 small squares of fish – holy smokes! 5 even? I think it’s typical for a couple to go out for a meal, how do you split 5?
We bought the Pork Bao Bun and it was very small but it had a good helping of meat and was super flavorful, this might have been our highlight dish of our experience. However, it was a little disappointing that in the description of the hand held, it listed what was in it and it just mentioned ‘herbs’, come to find out it was LOADED with cilantro, and unfortunately my wife hates cilantro – it tastes metallic to her and I don’t think that this is a completely uncommon issue for people. That was unfortunate to unknowingly be served something so heavily incorporated in the dish like that.
We also ordered the Nam Khao (Crispy fried rice). This felt like it had potential, but unfortunately the ‘crispy’ fried rice wasn’t a pleasant ‘crisp’ it tasted crunchy and stale.
We also ordered a cocktail each. We didn’t particularly enjoy either one. They were both way too strong and way too small.
Because we were still hungry at the end of our appetizer and two ‘entrees’ we ordered another pork bao bun, this time without cilantro. Not only have I never spent $100+ on two people and not walked away full, but I have also never spent that much and been given paper plates and plastic silverware.
As far as the service went, the young male bartender seemed to be working hard, making small talk with us, he was cordial and provided good customer service. As far as the other 3 staff, they felt cold and stand offish. I felt uncomfortable eating as they just stood there and stared.
If Lao’d Bar were to adjust their pricing or increase their portions sizes, I would consider coming back. But if everything were to stay the same, I would not come back. The food was inconsistent, the service didn’t feel warm and welcoming, the drinks weren’t well made, and the prices were just too high to walk away still hungry.
Ariane Ramchandani
This is easily one of the best restaurants in Austin. I’ve tried everything on the menu and it does not miss. Textures, flavors, spice…it’s all on point.
Personal favs: Ribeye Lahb, Lao’d Dogg, Papaya Salad, and I got these Dill Pickle Wings they had on special during SuperBowl Sunday and I’m still dreaming about.
Also the chef and his wife are awesome, the service in general is great!
If you’re into bold flavors and spice then this is definitely a must. Menu is well-priced as well.
… morePersonal favs: Ribeye Lahb, Lao’d Dogg, Papaya Salad, and I got these Dill Pickle Wings they had on special during SuperBowl Sunday and I’m still dreaming about.
Also the chef and his wife are awesome, the service in general is great!
If you’re into bold flavors and spice then this is definitely a must. Menu is well-priced as well.
janna k
Casual restaurant in a cute eclectic location. You order at the counter and sit either in the dining room, at the bar or outside. Fantastic drinks at good prices. The food is good, but a bit pricey especially for counter service. A bit too much red onion in the dishes we ordered: Papaya Salad, Coconut Escolar Ceviche, and the Shrimp Lahb… the Fried Whole Prawns were good, but not exceptional. The Shrimp Lahb was not spicy enough. Honestly the chicken wings and the ribs looked really good, but I do not eat warm blooded creatures. So this is not a whole encompassing review, only limited to the items we ordered.
… moreMariah Whitney
Laod Bar is such a gem in Austin — not only are the cocktails incredible, but the food completely blew me away. Every dish had layers of flavor that felt creative yet comforting, the kind of food you can tell is made with passion. The chef’s talent really shines through in the details, from the way everything is plated to how the flavors balance each other out. Pair that with the laid-back vibe and friendly bartenders, and it’s honestly one of the most memorable spots I’ve been to in Austin.
… moreCharles Parsow
Very creative, fun restaurant!
For drinks, we got the OOO-Bae and the Lemon Basil soft drink.
For dinner, we got the nam khao, fried chicken wings (caramel fish sauce with crab fat), single smash burger, fried pork ribs (a special that day), and mango sticky rice for dessert.
Next time, I want to try the Pork Bao Bun, Lahb, and Sugar Cane Pork Skewer.
… moreFor drinks, we got the OOO-Bae and the Lemon Basil soft drink.
For dinner, we got the nam khao, fried chicken wings (caramel fish sauce with crab fat), single smash burger, fried pork ribs (a special that day), and mango sticky rice for dessert.
Next time, I want to try the Pork Bao Bun, Lahb, and Sugar Cane Pork Skewer.
Willie Jenkins
Walked in on a Saturday night, not busy about 14 people inside. Beer is cold, atmosphere is nice, food is unique in a good way. Double smash burger and a beer, cost me $28.99. $13.00 for burger and $13.00 for beer and there is a 3% up charge for using your card. Service is subpar, not a smiling face in the building. If you ask them a question, they seem like it’s a bother. Service is badd but food is good.
… moreGTownJenny
There’s still opportunity for improvement with Google and how the restaurants are categorized. This isn’t the first time I’ve gone somewhere because of glowing reviews and it was nothing like what I perceived.
It’s difficult because most places in Austin are “casual”, even the fine dining venues. However, there needs to be a way we can distinguish places that are more of a lunch vibe or an in and out place.
For Lao’d, I envisioned something more in line with a Bar Tote or an upscale bar/restaurant combo. I was wrong. It’s metal chairs with some outdoor seating and a very casual Tiki bar atmosphere.
The food was ok but not fabulous. The smash burger and pork bao bun were good but the fried wonton were all fried together (see photo) with no flavor. The ceviche super bland as well. We went on a Saturday at 5:30 and were the only people at the bar and 1 other family at a table. Super surprising after all the hype I’ve read recently.
Very cute, “casual” area with food trucks and another bar. No non alcoholic beer options which is disappointing for this day and age.
… moreIt’s difficult because most places in Austin are “casual”, even the fine dining venues. However, there needs to be a way we can distinguish places that are more of a lunch vibe or an in and out place.
For Lao’d, I envisioned something more in line with a Bar Tote or an upscale bar/restaurant combo. I was wrong. It’s metal chairs with some outdoor seating and a very casual Tiki bar atmosphere.
The food was ok but not fabulous. The smash burger and pork bao bun were good but the fried wonton were all fried together (see photo) with no flavor. The ceviche super bland as well. We went on a Saturday at 5:30 and were the only people at the bar and 1 other family at a table. Super surprising after all the hype I’ve read recently.
Very cute, “casual” area with food trucks and another bar. No non alcoholic beer options which is disappointing for this day and age.
MC S
Hot Sunday noon! Came with family but they were about 10 minutes late to opening. Had to try a lot as this place was voted as top five new place to go. 1 in Houston. 1 in San Antonio and 2 in Austin. Not sure if it’s a hype but the food was good! Tried the pork bao, pork rinds, fried wonton wrap (the sauce made the difference), the ribeye, and a lot more. The place was hot the ac didn’t do it for the crowd. This place is popular. I tried the oobae and it was good! I have to try it again when it’s cooler maybe my perception would be better. Not too pricey. Small portions.
… more