Promthep BBQ touts charcoal all you can eat seafood and warm welcome but hidden surcharges and swarms of flies make the meal a regret
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Promthep BBQ: a split personality of good ingredients and sloppy execution
Quick headline: the place sells a lively Thai charcoal BBQ experience with fresh seafood on ice and free parking, but reviews split between glowing praise and sharp complaints about flies and surprise charges. The aggregate rating sits at 2.9 out of 5 from 7 reviewers, which tells you the restaurant does something right sometimes and something very wrong other times.
What the numbers hide
The visible reviews cluster into extremes: multiple 5-star reports celebrate the all-you-can-eat format and fresh shrimp and crab, while at least two 1-star reports complain about hygiene and billing disputes. That bimodal pattern suggests inconsistent day-to-day execution rather than a steady average experience.
Pricing: advertised base rates, frequent add-ons
Guests report a base price around 329 baht per person for the buffet-style selection from an ice bed. Some reports list a 400 baht variant tied to shrimp-heavy options or seafood upgrades. Several reviewers mention an extra 100 baht charge for adding a charcoal grill or for equipment changes, and drinks are repeatedly called out as extra rather than included.
The practical takeaway is that stated prices are conditional: expect seafood surcharges and equipment fees unless you confirm otherwise at the door.
Menu and quality — mostly positive on the food
Multiple diners praise the variety on the ice buffet, the freshness of shrimp and crabs, and options that include pork, crab sticks, vegetables, mango and watermelon. One report specifically notes choices between a barbecue griddle, a pan for pan-frying, or a combo with charcoal for an added fee.
Food quality appears to be the restaurant’s strongest point; positive reviewers consistently highlight freshness and quantity rather than fine dining finesse.
Service and host behavior — inconsistent hospitality
Some guests describe an incredibly welcoming owner who helps with seating and offers translation assistance when language barriers arise. At least one guest, however, felt pressured into an extra charge by a nervous hostess and left vowing never to return, which signals inconsistent policy enforcement and variable staff demeanor.
Because staff behavior appears to vary, confirm price and equipment choices before sitting down to avoid awkward confrontations mid-meal.
Hygiene and the fly problem
One reviewer documents what they describe as a severe fly infestation that persisted even after staff moved their table, turning the meal into a fight against insects rather than a relaxed dinner. That specific complaint is not matched by the glowing accounts of taste, so cleanliness appears to be an intermittent but serious issue.
If you are sensitive to insects or worried about food contamination, this single hygiene complaint is enough to make the restaurant a risky choice.
Logistics that matter
- Payment: NFC payments are accepted and the restaurant is not cash-only, which simplifies transactions for visitors without local currency on hand.
- Parking: both a free parking lot and free street parking are reported, making the place convenient for guests driving from nearby accommodations.
- Location context: nearby lodging options are listed in available data, which makes the restaurant a plausible option for guests staying in adjacent hotels or villas.
In short: the mechanics are tourist-friendly but execution is uneven.
Who should go — and who should stay away
- Go if you want a cheap, hands-on charcoal barbecue with a wide selection of seafood and you can tolerate variable service and insect risk.
- Skip it if hygiene is non-negotiable, if you hate negotiating extra fees at the table, or if you expect consistent, professional service every visit.
- Consider it if you have children, because one report notes children eat free under the stated pricing structure.
Actionable rules to follow at the door
- Ask explicitly for the full price breakdown before ordering: base buffet cost, seafood surcharges, charcoal grill fee, and drink policy.
- Confirm which beverages are complimentary and which are chargeable; one reviewer reports only water being free.
- Request an indoor or fly-controlled table if you notice insect activity on arrival, and be prepared to walk if staff dismiss concerns.
- Use NFC payment to avoid fumbling with local cash, and rely on free parking if you drive from nearby hotels.
Final verdict
Promthep BBQ offers what looks like legitimate value for diners who prioritize fresh seafood and a hands-on charcoal experience and who are willing to tolerate operational rough edges. The low aggregate rating and the starkly polarized reviews mean you’re gambling on the day and the staff on duty. Confirm costs up front and inspect seating for flies before committing to a meal.
For cautious diners who want a consistently pleasant evening, this is worth skipping unless you get clear answers and visible cleanliness on arrival. For adventurous eaters after inexpensive seafood and an interactive barbecue, arrive informed and accept the trade-offs.
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7.765094, 98.312027
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