On a patio bathed in sunlight and surrounded by dragon statues and a mural of a Vietnamese village a couple sits and enjoys a sip of the premium Sake that is always available at the Clay Pot restaurant in downtown Waco. One of the owners of the eating establishment, Thanh Le steps out onto the patio and surprises her guests with something “off the menu.”
Thanh is known for bringing unique cuisine to the patrons of the family-owned restaurant—a tradition started by her mother-in-law when her husband’s parents opened the first Vietnamese restaurant in Waco more than three decades ago.
“My mother-in-law loved to cook, and she was great at it,” Thanh said. “When she moved [to the US] she wanted to open a restaurant. She got the whole family helping her. Now, we continue her legacy.”
Thanh and her husband Phong took over Clay Pot in 2007 and have helped it become one of the most popular places to find authentic Asian cuisine in the area.
From Pho soup to fried rice and egg rolls, Clay Pot can make it all. And they offer up their signature dishes for rehearsal dinners, bridal showers, and other small events on the premises and off. The restaurant’s beautifully decorated patio area is partially covered and can seat up to 80 people.
“It’s a really nice patio. We have misters for the hot weather and heaters for the winter,” she said.
Thanh believes their traditional cooking methods and homemade, in-house culinary creations make Clay Pot a one-of-a-kind place for any event or get together.
“If couple’s want a unique dining experience with an Asian atmosphere at a reasonable price, then they should book their event with us.”
For more information about Clay Pot and what they can do for you, visit www.claypotwaco.com or email thanh@claypotwaco.com.
