Lao'd Bar
Restaurant seen on Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives

About
LAO'D BAR

When a restaurant earns a nod from the James Beard Awards and gets featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives in the same year, you know it’s more than just hype — it’s something truly special. LAO’D BAR, the Laotian-American fusion restaurant and cocktail bar lighting up the Austin food scene, is one of those places that delivers on every level. Award-winning. Flavor-packed. Completely unforgettable.

Whether you’re chasing the newest Triple D hot spot or just looking for a knockout meal in Austin, LAO’D BAR is a destination you’ll want at the top of your foodie bucket list.

James Beard Accolades Meet Flavortown Fame

First and foremost, let’s give credit where it’s due — LAO’D BAR was recently recognized as a 2025 James Beard Award Semifinalist for Best New Restaurant. That alone should tell you something. But now that Guy Fieri has given his stamp of approval by bringing the Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives crew through the doors, this modern Laotian bar has officially been crowned with a ticket to Flavortown.

Run by Chef Bob Somsith, this place is the embodiment of culinary heritage meeting modern creativity. He opened LAO’D BAR in 2024 with one purpose: to celebrate his mother’s traditional Lao recipes and flavors — but do it his way, with heart, vision, and a whole lot of boldness. The result is a vibrant Laotian-American bar and restaurant that is equal parts heritage and Houston street food with cocktails, atmosphere, and personality to match.

A Laotian-American Flavor Explosion in Austin

So, what kind of experience is waiting for you at LAO’D BAR?

Picture a chill cocktail bar with ultra-slick décor, welcoming staff, and a food menu that hits you with flavor from every direction. It’s bold, it’s bright, and it doesn’t pull punches. That’s what makes it so good.

Here, you’re not just ordering dinner — you’re diving headfirst into Lao fusion that combines classic Laotian techniques and ingredients with a casual, bar-food twist that fits the Austin vibe perfectly. Whether you're stopping in for a drink, sharing apps with friends, or going all-in for a sit-down meal, LAO’D BAR nails it.

Drinks That Wow and Dishes That Deliver

Let’s start with the drinks. If you're into cocktails, you’ll find LAO’D BAR’s beverage menu a true playground of flavor. One of the must-haves is the Frozen Ube Drink, a rich, creamy, perfectly purple concoction that hits that sweet spot between cocktail and dessert. It’s unique, colorful, and a great conversation starter — not to mention Instagram gold.

But don’t sleep on the food. Chef Somsith and his team are rolling out some of the most original Asian fusion eats we’ve tried anywhere, and we’ve got the highlights to prove it.

Flavortown Favorites at LAO’D BAR

Here are just a few menu items that we can’t stop thinking about:

Pork Skewers – Char-grilled, deeply marinated, and served up hot off the fire. The perfect blend of smoky, salty, and sweet. A bar snack that could easily be your main.

Shrimp Lahb and Ceviche – A citrusy explosion of textures and heat. It’s tart, bright, and beautifully balanced. You’ll want to spoon up every bite.

Spicy Papaya Salad – A true Laotian staple done with precision. Fresh green papaya tossed with chilis, lime, fish sauce, and herbs. It’s crunchy, spicy, and totally addictive.

Nam Khao – One of Laos' most beloved dishes, this crispy rice salad is full of fermented sausage, herbs, lime, and just the right amount of funk. A must-try if you want the real-deal Lao experience.

Crackling Lettuce Rice Wraps – Interactive, textural, and packed with flavor. Wrap them up, dip them, and crunch down. It’s that kind of fun food that’s also seriously delicious.

Ribeye Steak Skewers – Tender, flavorful, and grilled to perfection. The umami hits hard, and the seasoning is unforgettable.

Fried Spring Rolls – Crispy on the outside, packed with savory fillings on the inside, and perfect with one of the house-made dipping sauces.

A Place That Feels Like Austin, But Tastes Like Laos

As much as we love the food, it’s the ambience at LAO’D BAR that really elevates the experience. The vibe is chill and inviting, with a design-forward space that combines street-casual with upscale touches. Whether you’re hanging out at the bar solo or coming with a group, it never feels pretentious — just comfortable and cool.

Service here is top-tier. The staff knows the menu inside and out, and they’re more than happy to walk first-timers through recommendations. They want you to love this place as much as they clearly do.

Come for the Hype, Stay for the Heart

With all the attention from the James Beard Foundation and Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, it would be easy to assume that LAO’D BAR is all about hype. But once you visit, you’ll see that the heart behind it all — the heritage, the passion, the dedication to flavor — is what makes it worth every bit of buzz.

Chef Bob Somsith has done more than just open a bar and restaurant — he’s built a love letter to his roots. And in doing so, he’s brought Laotian food into the mainstream spotlight in a way that still respects the traditions, while making them accessible and exciting to a new generation of eaters.

Final Bite: Make the Trip, Bring Your Appetite

If you’re in Austin, or even within road trip range, you need to make a stop at LAO’D BAR. Whether you're an adventurous eater, a cocktail lover, or just someone who wants to experience something bold and new, you’ll walk away satisfied and inspired.

So raise a glass of that Frozen Ube, dive into a bowl of Nam Khao, and experience what a modern Laotian-American bar can be when it’s done with heart, soul, and a whole lot of flavor.
Aired on August 22, 2025
Updated July 10, 2025

Address / Location

9909 FM 969 Building 4
Austin, TX 78724

512-902-5048 website