LY'S CAFE - CHOOSE YOUR ADVENTURE
I get asked frequently to recommend the “Best Joint” in town. I am not a “Best” kinda guy. Can I honestly say Coyote Bluff’s burger is better than Blue Sky’s or Golden Light’s? No. I’m more of a “Top Five” guy. All three of those are Top Five. “Best” is one person’s opinion. I do not care for lettuce on my burger and you may think a burger is not complete without it. Mayo or Mustard? Pickles or no pickles? My point is to stress “Best” is infrequent. “Best” is subjective.
The most common “Best Joint” request I get is “Best Thai Joint”. Other than Mexican food, I think there are more Asian restaurants in town than any other cuisine. Previously, I discussed Amarillo’s complex history of Asian food. Most joints in town offer a medley of Chinese, Japanese and Thai, with a sprinkling of Vietnamese and Laotian for good measure. To narrow it down to Thai only would be a challenging task, as I don’t know of a joint in town with a Thai only menu. When I get the “Best Thai” question, I will ask where they have been and what they like. Bangkok Tokyo, My Thai or Taste of Thai are usually in the conversation. Very seldom do I hear “Ly’s” which is an easy “Top Five.”
I’m born and raised, live and work on the Southwest side of town as are most people in my circle. For us, Ly’s if off the beaten path. It is located in Eastridge on Amarillo Boulevard. Even if planning a lunch from downtown, getting there, eating and getting back is not a quick trip. You gotta want it. And you do want it. It is a delicious experience offering some of the most distinct examples of Asian food I have encountered in Amarillo.
THE JOINT EXPERIENCE
Ly’s has a striking similarity to some other joints I frequent: it isn’t packed. I am shocked every time I go to place that has killer food and it is 2/3rds empty. The first time I went to Pollo Sinaloa, we were the only ones there. Same thing at Sushi House and Indian Oven. Ichiban is packed ALL THE TIME. Coyote Bluff is too. But Ly’s seldom has more than 10 patrons in there, but those ten are in for a treat.
Two things to remember at Ly’s: don’t miss the Beef Jerky and Sticky Rice and don’t miss the Lao Pork Sausage. They are both part of a balanced breakfast. Anything you order after that will just round out the experience. I have not had everything on their menu, but everything I have had is Top Notch. The Lad Na is amazing with little crispy bit of mystery. I have no idea what it is and I don’t care. It’s delicious. The chicken wings and the Pad-C-U are fabulous. The Mee Ka Tee is amazingly smooth and mild. I prefer it at Ichiban, but Ly’s is right up there with a more subtle flavor. Their menu includes a Thai-Chinese section with Fried Rice, Egg Rolls, Cashew Chicken and Beef Broccoli, so don’t be afraid to take less adventurous buddies. Pro-Tip: when getting the Beef Jerky and Sticky Rice, ask for both sauces. The tomato sauce usually accompanying it is delightful, but the spicy choice only offered by special request is a tasty option.
Eastridge is becoming a destination for anyone wanting to go explore authentic Asian food in Amarillo. Within one block of Ly's, there are no fewer than 6 restaurants vying for your attention. Embrace the adventure. Who knows, you might find the "Best" joint in town.
5615 E Amarillo Blvd
Amarillo, TX 79107
