Where would you go if you wanted to try the best Thai food in Washington? If you’d be inclined to head to the Seattle area, you wouldn’t be wrong—you’ll find all kinds of tasty Thai cuisine in the 206. But if nothing but the best of the best will do, you’ll have to get out of the city… although you won’t have to go far. Just take a 20-minute ferry ride from West Seattle to Vashon Island and check out May Kitchen and Bar.

At first glance, you’d never know May Kitchen was anything special.

David La Frenz / Google The exterior is so modest, you might walk right by it if there wasn’t a welcoming sign.

But once you step inside, you’ll realize you’re about to have an out-of-the-ordinary dining experience.

MAY KITCHEN + BAR / Facebook Almost everything here has been imported from Thailand: the 150-year-old Thai teak paneling, whimsical art, and collectibles. The idea is to make you feel like you’ve been transported to another place, if only for a meal.

The restaurant is owned by Chef May Chaloey, who opened it in 2012.

Evan Blaser / Google May, who is originally from Bangkok, previously co-owned a Thai restaurant in Seattle’s Wallingford neighborhood.

The dinner menu has all the Thai classics you could imagine, showcasing fresh, local ingredients.

MAY KITCHEN + BAR / Facebook Ordering here is simple. Once you’ve perused the menu, simply fill out an order sheet and hand it to your server. There’s no need to try to pronounce anything tricky.

The star of the show here is the classic Pad Thai, which is prepared tableside.

Jessica Wick You get to choose your protein when you order, and then you’ll decide how spicy and sweet you’d like your Pad Thai.

You also can’t go wrong with curry, Larb (a meaty Thai salad), or a wok stir-fry.

Jessica Wick Bring several dining companions with you if you can—you’ll need help eating your way through the menu.

May Kitchen is a popular place, so try to make a reservation before you go.

MAY KITCHEN + BAR / Facebook When the weather allows, the patio is the perfect place to enjoy a meal.

Have you ever tried the Pad Thai at May Kitchen?

David La Frenz / Google

The exterior is so modest, you might walk right by it if there wasn’t a welcoming sign.

MAY KITCHEN + BAR / Facebook

Almost everything here has been imported from Thailand: the 150-year-old Thai teak paneling, whimsical art, and collectibles. The idea is to make you feel like you’ve been transported to another place, if only for a meal.

Evan Blaser / Google

May, who is originally from Bangkok, previously co-owned a Thai restaurant in Seattle’s Wallingford neighborhood.

Ordering here is simple. Once you’ve perused the menu, simply fill out an order sheet and hand it to your server. There’s no need to try to pronounce anything tricky.

Jessica Wick

You get to choose your protein when you order, and then you’ll decide how spicy and sweet you’d like your Pad Thai.

Bring several dining companions with you if you can—you’ll need help eating your way through the menu.

When the weather allows, the patio is the perfect place to enjoy a meal.

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Address: MAY KITCHEN + BAR, 17614 Vashon Hwy SW, Vashon, WA 98070, USA