Pinto Thai Culpeper

A last minute decision to visit Pinto Thai one Friday evening already has my son begging to return. Pinto Thai provided a delightful family outing. We were treated warmly by staff. Certainly by the gentleman who sat us and later took our drink order. I appreciated when he was ready to take our order, he looked to me and said “Ladies, first!” My husband was happy to say the Thai greeting to a lady-server who brought the drinks to our table. She immediately bursted into a warm smile. With an extensive cocktail list, I had a Gimlet which did not disappoint. The liquor was well poured, just the way I like it! My husband quickly settled on Thailand’s original beer, Singha. My children enjoyed their sodas which came with neon-flexi straws. The Thai food was authentic so obviously delicious. We dined on crab flavored and shrimp dumpling appetizers served with a soy-chili dip and shredded carrots. I got my children to eat the carrots, hinting they should dip them into the accompanied dip. The Thai Pinto menu includes a variety of appetizers to include satay, rolls, calamari and mussels and dumplings. A nice variety of Thai soups, salads noodles and fried rice. The entrees include crab, duck, fish, shrimp, beef, chicken and pork. My nine year old jumped to the kid menu which was a mix of Thai food yet American kid friendly, included fries. If you’re a fan of curry like me, you have got to try their red curry. I had their red coconut curry shrimp. I know it won’t be my last. As per usual, I never make it to dessert but I managed to sneak a peek at their mango sticky rice and coconut ice cream. I enjoyed the interior visuals which included: The Pinto Thai logo on the napkins and within the menu. The logo reminded me of a Thai version of the Mr.Men characters. The banana leaf appetizer platters. My daughter’s entree included white rice wrapped in banana leaf. The light fixture above our booth. Each booth protected with Covid design solutions of plexiglass. The bar which left me focused on what looked like colorful stacked food containers instead of the liquor they offered. I appreciated the Thai altar wall set up with pictures and offerings of wine, fresh fruit and flowers for Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej. Even happier to see the Thai flag beside the American flag too. My son and I enjoyed the floating tv which had a segment on how to prepare fish. Pinto Thai will definitely have me return to Culpeper. I look forward to once again greeting the staff with the cheery Thai greeting of sawadee krap/ka. Also they offer DELIVERY for $20 if you're within 3 miles of the restaurant. Catering service is available too.

Over all it's a very nice place. Honestly I don't eat Thai a lot so it's very possible that some of the things I thought were off may be normal. For starters, the calamari was very thick, they were literally the size of onion rings so you knew you were eating squid. We also tried the wonton soup, which was good but it had a little to much soy sauce for my taste. The atmosphere was very nice. Staff were great and other guest were friendly.

Ordered pickup today for dinner. Expected the longer wait time due to their two year anniversary promo - the food was well worth the wait! Everything we had was delicious - panang, volcano rice, kids meals, several appetizers, smoothies for the kids, and cocktails to go. Will absolutely be back and thrilled to support this locally owned business right here in town!