Lao’d Bar – Austin’s finest Laotian American Cuisine

Off-Highway 969 is a culinary experience through Laotian American Cuisine. Not only is the food unforgettable, but stepping into Lao’d Bar is an experience in itself. Inspired by a Laotian night market, the restaurant aims to be a breezy, laid-back, no-frills space where you can relax and savor flavorful Southeast Asian cuisine.

Inside Lao’d Bar, is an open-concept space where you can choose to sit at the bar, relax at a vibrant floral table or soak up the sun on the patio. Lining the walls are traditional Laotian kitchenware, woven rice steamers, baskets, and family photos that are incredibly significant in creating this space for Bob, the chef and founder of Lao’d bar. From the moment you step inside, you’ll feel the love and passion for Laotian cuisine in a space created for friends and family to enjoy good food and laughter. 

Food & The Dining Experience:  

From their appetizers to their main dishes, each dish was packed with memorable flavors. There wasn’t a single dish that didn’t have its own distinctive, melt-in-your-mouth taste. Every dish brought something unique to the table.

Whether you’re craving a light snack or a satisfying meal, Lao’d Bar offers a wonderful selection of dishes to satisfy your every craving. You can find familiar Southeast Asian Cuisine favorites like spring rolls, bao buns, skewers, mango sticky rice, and traditional dishes with a twist like Escolar Coconut Ceviche. If you’re unsure of what to get, here’s a journey through our culinary experience. 

We kicked off our meal with the Taro Frites, incredibly thin, crispy, and crunchy fries that were the perfect start to the meal without filling us up. Next, we tried the Coconut Escolar Ceviche, a beautifully presented dish with marinated white fish in a creamy coconut sauce, served in a halved coconut. This dish was as visually appealing as it was delicious.

Their lahb is a testament to fresh ingredients. It is the perfect blend of herbs, seasoned ground chicken, and a lime that creates a truly addictive flavor profile that will keep you coming back for another bite. The steak skewers were another one of our favorites, tender and packed with flavor. For a lighter option, their chicken wings come in four different flavors. We had ours drizzled in caramel fish sauce and it was fantastic. 

While every dish was exceptional, the Mango Sticky Rice is an absolute must-try. I’ve enjoyed this dessert at countless Asian restaurants, but Lao’d Bar’s version is in a league of its own. The indulgent coconut cream takes this classic to new heights. Like nachos and queso, we couldn’t resist devouring every last piece of mango with this sauce, it was just that good. 

Lao’d Bar’s cocktail menu is just as uniquely flavorful as its food. My standout cocktail was the Mak Mo Cooler, this is a rum-based cocktail with watermelon, lime and basil, a splendidly refreshing drink to enjoy with your meal. If you’re craving a frozen drink, we loved their Mekong Sunset. Its mango, pineapple and coconut flavors were the ultimate tropical escape from the summer heat. 

Conclusion

A laid back and inviting atmosphere, Lao’d bar is the perfect place to enjoy a casual meal with friends and family. Their unique flavor profiles are unmatched, and as Austin’s only brick-and-mortar Laotian restaurant, it’s a must-visit. Trust us, don’t skip dessert – you’ll thank us later.