Keo’s Thai Cuisine is a venerable institution in Waikiki. I first ate at Keo’s when it was down on Kapahulu Avenue many years ago. The current location has a much better atmosphere. It’s open and cheery. There are flowers everywhere, however increasingly silk ones, I notice. The economy has everyone economizing.

The problem with venerable institutions is that they often get complacent and let things slip. I’m not happy to report that Keo’s has indeed slipped. It hasn’t fallen in to the depths, but it’s not the superior Thai food I’ve come to expect.

We arrived at prime time on Friday night and were promptly seated. That was a surprise. I guess visitor count is really down. Our sever was prompt in greeting us and did  a fair job all night, but I suspect he left most of our food sitting under the warming lights for a while. It wasn’t hot whe

n it came out. Warm yes, but not fresh from the pan hot. Our spicy sea scallops weren’t cold, but not far from it. They certainly weren’t spicy either. A real disappointment. The penang curry was better and warmer. The chicken drumettes came out a few minutes later and were fresh from the fryer and piping hot. They had some spice on them that I don’t care for. The sauce was sweet and tasty.

I haven’t given up on Keo’s but I’d much rather go to his Mekong II on S. King St. On my recent visit there the food was much better than here at Keo’s. Plus, the entrees are a dollar or two less.

Keo’s Thai Cuisine  951-9355

2028 Kuhio Avenue

Honolulu, Hawaii,96815