On our regular rotation for takeout. Also great to dine in. This place is solid. My favorites are the wings and summer fried rice!
Darylynn D.
It's been many many years since I've been to Summer. I used to work within walking distance and frequented here at a point. I wanted to come back here to have some of their food again. I usually have homemade Thai food so it's rare I have it at a restaurant. I came for lunch and had the Massaman Lamb curry. I had it with brown rice and salad. The lunch set comes with soup or salad and veggie egg roll. The food is good like it always was. As times have changed so have the prices. This is definitely NOT a cheap lunch folks.
Murray S.
So first off, the food is good. Service is good. Ambiance is good. However, the portions are small for their price. Have been going since they opened and the portions then were much larger then, than now. By about half as much. But the plates are larger. Had the Duck Curry and there were like 5-6 small pieces of Duck meat. Mostly tomato, lychee, and pineapple.
Molly O'Connor
Love the food and options for vegans. The sevice was super and the atmosphere is nice. Perfect for meetings and just reconnecting with friends over good food.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Kristijana O.
Always spot on from the egg rolls to the ribeye and string beans. Thank you summer canteen for helping us erase a horrible lunch experience at a other place today. You never disappoint and the Thai ice tea is just so great. So goood
Alyson P.
This has been my favorite Thai place for years. The lunch special is so delicious and worth the price. Over the years the menu has changed but the food remains excellent. I really like the lamb massaman curry. All the curries are good. The ginger lemonade and Thai tea are the best in LA. Can't wait to try the Thai tea creme brûlée.
Rick F.
Summer Canteen has been a go to of ours for years. So many great dishes. The Savory Nibbles and Not So Ordinary Orange Chicken are two favorites.
Orsolya D.
When you hear the word, 'summer'; positive imagery and emotions probably flood your brain. There isn't only because of the summer season but the conditioned idea of summer that is a serotonin boost. Compound the word 'summer' into a restaurant name and it is sure to be a winner, right? That's how I've always felt about Summer Canteen, a Thai-Vietnamese-Burmese fusion eatery in the Toluca Lake neighborhood; but, does this theory hold true? Summer Canteen has been a staple in the double-decker shopping center on the corner of Lankershim/Riverside for a solid number of years. You know the one: across the street from Arco with the Coffee Bean and Dr. Cleaners (my go-to dry cleaners but that's another review!). You can't miss Summer Canteen with its paunchy signage and corner real estate spot. A free lot and underground parking is available so rest assured that is not a stressor when visiting Summer Canteen: easy like summer! Being the sister restaurant to a handful of LA spots such as Gindi Thai (love them), Summer Buffalo in Burbank, Summer Summer and Summer Fish & Rice; the menu at Summer Canteen boasts Asian fusion goodies like satay, larb, curries, fried rice, noodle dishes and an extensive list of plant-based entrees using Impossible brand. This is also a welcoming menu for someone who is Celiac such as myself with gluten free options. So far, so good. My dining partner and I were celebrating my birthday with a casual dinner and chose Summer Canteen as the location. Upon entering we were pleasantly impressed with the interior which is modern, spacious with airy, high ceilings, lots of glossy wood accents, and green (fake) plants everywhere. Summer Canteen has a sort of Boho/Ikea/California feel that certainly fits right into Los Angeles. However, there was an immediate awkwardness as there seems to be a language barrier with the staff. I tried to make conversation with the waitress and also mentioned my birthday and she literally ignored me and didn't respond to anything. It was borderline rude. Again, I suspect a language barrier but this was definitely not a way to 'sell' a business. Trying to ignore this, we focused on ordering. I went with the Braised Lamb Shank in Massaman Curry (lamb shank and peanuts simmered in coconut spice curry - $21) while my dining partner chose Chicken Rice (poached chicken, steam rice, and cucumber - which he omitted- served with spicy ginger sauce - $18.75). The food arrived rather quickly but I was instantaneously let down as we eat with our eyes first. My Lamb Shank Massaman Curry was a small portion served in a huge bowl and was very one-note in color and mostly sauce. Not even a green herb was present. The Chicken Rice looked awful: white boiled chicken and white rice and that's it (granted, my dining partner asked for no cucumbers). It looked like hospital food served to a sick person and most definitely not worth the price. Maybe the flavors made up for this presentation? No. My Lamb Shank Massaman Curry had was devoid of any peanut or coconut flavor and simply tasted like Japanese curry while the potatoes were too large in size (they didn't give me a knife) and were insanely tough and hard. These were probably rocks versus potatoes and clearly weren't cooked long enough. The lamb was tender, at least, and the only redeeming factor. Regardless, not even close to being worth the $21 cost. The Chicken Rice was just as bland as it looked and was only made edible with the Spicy Ginger sauce that was tasty but more of a liquid soup than a sauce. Summer Canteen was not only a bust in terms of a birthday meal but in general, overall. It's a complete waste of money. There isn't much more to say about Summer Canteen. It isn't saved by having 'summer' in its name and is simply a 'no' with its poor customer service and overpriced food that would not be described as delicious, in the least. This is odd because its sister restaurant Gindi Thai is quite good. Summer Canteen is a bust
Jillian K.
Huge fan of this spot! Amazing curries, dumplings, roti, and especially love the Summer Buffalo wings! Great service as well.
Rich V.
I love this restaurant right around the corner from our place. Great Thai food, a nice outdoor seating area (though small) and excellent Thai Iced Tea, along with alcoholic drinks. The banana dessert is excellent as well. Specifically, I love the summer rice, the spring rolls and the pad Thai, though everything we have had is good.
I've been visiting Summer canteen for at least the last five years. Probably longer. It is good food. I wouldn't say it's completely authentic Thai food and it is a little bit on the sweeter side. I do think it's a solid choice for Thai food in the area though. The atmosphere is okay. I find the dining area a little uncomfortable and it's usually kind of cold inside....but I would rather that vs too hot. Most of the dishes are very good. I will say that orange chicken is consistently overcooked.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 3
Anthony R.
I haven't been here in a few years. But the food is a good as I remember. The pad Thai and Larb are tasty and fresh. The chicken/shrimp noodle soup is also on point
German K.
My favorite Thai food in LA. The best sour chicken soup. The quality of ingredients are very good and fresh. The people who work there always nice and welcoming. I will definitely recommend this restaurant for every person who likes Thai food.
Nicole Z.
My husband and I have been patrons of Summer Canteen since we moved to Toluca Lake in 2016. The food has always been excellent, but we can longer justify the insanely high price markups. $11 for two servings of Tom Kha soup is not worth the price. Pad see ew is up to $16 and $17 for fried rice is absolutely inane. Including tip, that is over $50 for three dishes! I understand that small businesses are struggling and I sympathize with their plight, but 150% markups and smaller portions will drive dedicated clientele away. Additionally, our take out order did not include the signature sauces that are normally always provided without asking. No utensils or napkins either. Overall, we were very disappointed in our takeout experience. We have not dined in for quite some time, but the ambience is usually inviting and the service is friendly and attentive.
Nichole J.
Food: we had the lunch special and it was the perfect meal! I had the Pad Thai and my husband had the Orange chicken. It was soo delicious It was the BEST noodles ever!! Service: They were so friendly and fast with the meals Ambiance: It was so cute and clean! I love how the have hooks for the purses
On our regular rotation for takeout. Also great to dine in. This place is solid. My favorites are the wings and summer fried rice!
It's been many many years since I've been to Summer. I used to work within walking distance and frequented here at a point. I wanted to come back here to have some of their food again. I usually have homemade Thai food so it's rare I have it at a restaurant. I came for lunch and had the Massaman Lamb curry. I had it with brown rice and salad. The lunch set comes with soup or salad and veggie egg roll. The food is good like it always was. As times have changed so have the prices. This is definitely NOT a cheap lunch folks.
So first off, the food is good. Service is good. Ambiance is good. However, the portions are small for their price. Have been going since they opened and the portions then were much larger then, than now. By about half as much. But the plates are larger. Had the Duck Curry and there were like 5-6 small pieces of Duck meat. Mostly tomato, lychee, and pineapple.
Love the food and options for vegans. The sevice was super and the atmosphere is nice. Perfect for meetings and just reconnecting with friends over good food.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Always spot on from the egg rolls to the ribeye and string beans. Thank you summer canteen for helping us erase a horrible lunch experience at a other place today. You never disappoint and the Thai ice tea is just so great. So goood
This has been my favorite Thai place for years. The lunch special is so delicious and worth the price. Over the years the menu has changed but the food remains excellent. I really like the lamb massaman curry. All the curries are good. The ginger lemonade and Thai tea are the best in LA. Can't wait to try the Thai tea creme brûlée.
Summer Canteen has been a go to of ours for years. So many great dishes. The Savory Nibbles and Not So Ordinary Orange Chicken are two favorites.
When you hear the word, 'summer'; positive imagery and emotions probably flood your brain. There isn't only because of the summer season but the conditioned idea of summer that is a serotonin boost. Compound the word 'summer' into a restaurant name and it is sure to be a winner, right? That's how I've always felt about Summer Canteen, a Thai-Vietnamese-Burmese fusion eatery in the Toluca Lake neighborhood; but, does this theory hold true? Summer Canteen has been a staple in the double-decker shopping center on the corner of Lankershim/Riverside for a solid number of years. You know the one: across the street from Arco with the Coffee Bean and Dr. Cleaners (my go-to dry cleaners but that's another review!). You can't miss Summer Canteen with its paunchy signage and corner real estate spot. A free lot and underground parking is available so rest assured that is not a stressor when visiting Summer Canteen: easy like summer! Being the sister restaurant to a handful of LA spots such as Gindi Thai (love them), Summer Buffalo in Burbank, Summer Summer and Summer Fish & Rice; the menu at Summer Canteen boasts Asian fusion goodies like satay, larb, curries, fried rice, noodle dishes and an extensive list of plant-based entrees using Impossible brand. This is also a welcoming menu for someone who is Celiac such as myself with gluten free options. So far, so good. My dining partner and I were celebrating my birthday with a casual dinner and chose Summer Canteen as the location. Upon entering we were pleasantly impressed with the interior which is modern, spacious with airy, high ceilings, lots of glossy wood accents, and green (fake) plants everywhere. Summer Canteen has a sort of Boho/Ikea/California feel that certainly fits right into Los Angeles. However, there was an immediate awkwardness as there seems to be a language barrier with the staff. I tried to make conversation with the waitress and also mentioned my birthday and she literally ignored me and didn't respond to anything. It was borderline rude. Again, I suspect a language barrier but this was definitely not a way to 'sell' a business. Trying to ignore this, we focused on ordering. I went with the Braised Lamb Shank in Massaman Curry (lamb shank and peanuts simmered in coconut spice curry - $21) while my dining partner chose Chicken Rice (poached chicken, steam rice, and cucumber - which he omitted- served with spicy ginger sauce - $18.75). The food arrived rather quickly but I was instantaneously let down as we eat with our eyes first. My Lamb Shank Massaman Curry was a small portion served in a huge bowl and was very one-note in color and mostly sauce. Not even a green herb was present. The Chicken Rice looked awful: white boiled chicken and white rice and that's it (granted, my dining partner asked for no cucumbers). It looked like hospital food served to a sick person and most definitely not worth the price. Maybe the flavors made up for this presentation? No. My Lamb Shank Massaman Curry had was devoid of any peanut or coconut flavor and simply tasted like Japanese curry while the potatoes were too large in size (they didn't give me a knife) and were insanely tough and hard. These were probably rocks versus potatoes and clearly weren't cooked long enough. The lamb was tender, at least, and the only redeeming factor. Regardless, not even close to being worth the $21 cost. The Chicken Rice was just as bland as it looked and was only made edible with the Spicy Ginger sauce that was tasty but more of a liquid soup than a sauce. Summer Canteen was not only a bust in terms of a birthday meal but in general, overall. It's a complete waste of money. There isn't much more to say about Summer Canteen. It isn't saved by having 'summer' in its name and is simply a 'no' with its poor customer service and overpriced food that would not be described as delicious, in the least. This is odd because its sister restaurant Gindi Thai is quite good. Summer Canteen is a bust
Huge fan of this spot! Amazing curries, dumplings, roti, and especially love the Summer Buffalo wings! Great service as well.
I love this restaurant right around the corner from our place. Great Thai food, a nice outdoor seating area (though small) and excellent Thai Iced Tea, along with alcoholic drinks. The banana dessert is excellent as well. Specifically, I love the summer rice, the spring rolls and the pad Thai, though everything we have had is good.
Restaurantji Recommends
I've been visiting Summer canteen for at least the last five years. Probably longer. It is good food. I wouldn't say it's completely authentic Thai food and it is a little bit on the sweeter side. I do think it's a solid choice for Thai food in the area though. The atmosphere is okay. I find the dining area a little uncomfortable and it's usually kind of cold inside....but I would rather that vs too hot. Most of the dishes are very good. I will say that orange chicken is consistently overcooked.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 3
I haven't been here in a few years. But the food is a good as I remember. The pad Thai and Larb are tasty and fresh. The chicken/shrimp noodle soup is also on point
My favorite Thai food in LA. The best sour chicken soup. The quality of ingredients are very good and fresh. The people who work there always nice and welcoming. I will definitely recommend this restaurant for every person who likes Thai food.
My husband and I have been patrons of Summer Canteen since we moved to Toluca Lake in 2016. The food has always been excellent, but we can longer justify the insanely high price markups. $11 for two servings of Tom Kha soup is not worth the price. Pad see ew is up to $16 and $17 for fried rice is absolutely inane. Including tip, that is over $50 for three dishes! I understand that small businesses are struggling and I sympathize with their plight, but 150% markups and smaller portions will drive dedicated clientele away. Additionally, our take out order did not include the signature sauces that are normally always provided without asking. No utensils or napkins either. Overall, we were very disappointed in our takeout experience. We have not dined in for quite some time, but the ambience is usually inviting and the service is friendly and attentive.
Food: we had the lunch special and it was the perfect meal! I had the Pad Thai and my husband had the Orange chicken. It was soo delicious It was the BEST noodles ever!! Service: They were so friendly and fast with the meals Ambiance: It was so cute and clean! I love how the have hooks for the purses