Jason: Recently a buddy told me that if I wanted great Thai food, I needed to get out to 72^nd Street and try the Thai Hut 2.

Jake:  Good location Jason, it's located directly off I-5 in a major strip mall, so it was easy to find and easy to park.

Jason: The place itself is also quite large and could accommodate large parties if needed, plus you can see the open kitchen from certain angles. I like a kitchen that has nothing to hide.

Jake: Must be a story there Jason, but for another time. I noticed the openness of the Thai Hut 2 right away as well, and the service was quick, which I always appreciate when I'm hungry. I ordered the Thai Hut fresh rolls ($4.95), a combination of crisp lettuce, chicken, shrimp, basil, carrot and cilantro wrapped in rice paper, served cold with peanut sauce for dipping. Fresh is the key word to this appetizer; the vegetables were crispy, and the peanut sauce was just the right flavor to begin my meal.

Jason: I skipped the appetizers and went straight for a beer and dinner. An entrée titled "What a Feeling" is absolutely begging to be tried ($8.25). The entrée combines chicken, beef and pork with bamboo shoots, onions, bell pepper, zucchini and basil in a hot chili paste. I have to admit, I love just about anything that combines this much meat into one dish, and this was no exception. The veggies were still crispy and flavorful, and the chili paste gave a bit of a kick that sneaks up on you with the right amount of heat.

Jake: I skipped the traditional Thai spice and ordered the garlic salmon ($12.95), which seemed simple enough with fresh garlic and ground pepper topped salmon served with steamed vegetables. This turned out to be a bit more than advertised, as it was served with an amazing sauce that really kicked the dish up a notch. The salmon itself was overcooked and dry around the edges, but once I made it to the middle of the serving, it was moist and flavorful. I'm certain that if this were cooked correctly, it would quickly become one of my favorite dishes.

Jason: The Thai Hut 2 also offers many Thai favorites that I simply didn't have the time or stomach room to try. In addition to pad Thai, it offers several salads, including som tum (papaya salad), several curry and noodle dishes, fried rice and even several vegetarian dishes.

Jake: The menu was quite extensive Jason, as I counted more than 78 items to choose from, so it would be difficult to not find whatever Thai you were craving. Additionally, the Thai Hut 2 serves lunch Tuesday through Friday, and is open till 9 P.M. every night except Sunday.

Jason: So, good location, available parking, good service, large space and menu, including take-out . . . I now see why so many people told me to give this a try.

Thai Hut 2; 1901 S. 72^nd St; Tacoma, 253.475.1214