Tha Phae Thai Restaurant

8 adults, 3 toddlers, and 2 big kids walk into a tiny restaurant… 🫣 It sounds like the setup to a parenting horror movie, but we actually lived to tell the tale! We recently took the whole crew to @thaphae_thairestaurant (📍261 Island Highway East, Parksville, BC). Squeezing 13 people into a smaller, cozy space is always a gamble, but the staff was so incredibly welcoming to our giant group of friends. The Absolute #1 Rule: If you have a big group, it seriously pays to call ahead of time to see if they can accommodate you. I know it sounds like the most obvious tip in the world, but when you're caught up in the rush of family plans, it’s so easy to forget. Crucial Toddler Tip: They only have one high chair available on-site! Since we had three toddlers with us, calling ahead and knowing this beforehand allowed us to plan around it without any surprises at the table. Here is our honest breakdown of how the space handles family chaos: ------ ꕤ Table for Three Scorecardꕤ 🚪 ACCESS: There is a physical step right at the main entrance, so just be mindful of that if you're carrying gear. Luckily, there’s a stroller-accessible entry right on the side! 🛋️ VIBE: It’s definitely a smaller, cozy footprint, but the space is beautifully bright. The natural light pouring in makes the whole restaurant feel way more spacious and open than it actually is. 🚼 FACILITIES: There are no changing pads in the washrooms. Make sure you're ready for an emergency car-trunk diaper change if duty calls! 🦖 CHAOS TOLERANCE: Total family-friendly, welcoming energy from the staff. However, because the space is tight, you definitely have to be mindful of the other guests dining around you. Keep the snack bribes ready to go! 🌿 WIND-DOWN SPOT: Once the kids hit their sitting-still limit, pack up and head straight down the road to the Adventure World Playground. It’s just minutes away on the waterfront and the absolute perfect place to let them run wild and burn off that post-lunch energy! ------ Know a big family/friend group that loves a dining adventure? Share this post with them!