Welcome to Blue Pacific at Hoover Food Mart
Blue Pacific at Hoover Food Mart is a hidden gem for Thai cuisine located at 3219 Lorna Rd, Birmingham. This no-frills counter operates within a gas station, serving comfort food that hits the spot. Diners can enjoy classic Thai favorites like Pad Thai and Spicy Basil in a relaxed atmosphere, ideal for solo meals or casual dinners with friends. The restaurant balances convenience and quality, open year-round and ready to serve delicious Thai eats at a reasonable price range of $10–20. Whether you're picking up for a picnic or planning a dinner, this spot delivers fantastic food with a side of character in a unique setting.
Popular dishes
Restaurant Gallery
About
Blue Pacific at Hoover Food Mart stands out in a city where unique dining experiences can be hard to come by. Located in a gas station, this eatery captures the essence of casual dining while delivering an authentic Thai menu that is more than just a pit stop. The atmosphere is comfortable, with picnic tables for outdoor engagement, inviting families and university students alike. A laid-back vibe permeates the space, making it a popular choice for lunch and dinner.
Situated in Birmingham, access is easy, with ample free parking nearby. The restaurant is wheelchair-accessible, ensuring everyone can enjoy a meal here. Reservations are accepted, helping to mitigate the busy evenings when the restaurant fills up quickly after 5 PM. The attentive staff ensures quality service, delivering mouthwatering dishes with a smile. With an average wait time of 20 to 45 minutes during peak hours, the anticipation makes each meal all the more rewarding. Blue Pacific is a regular haunt for locals, drawing crowds eager to indulge in delightful flavors that keep them coming back week after week.
Working Hours
- SundayOpen
- MondayOpen
- TuesdayOpen
- WednesdayOpen
- ThursdayOpen
- FridayOpen
- SaturdayOpen
What People Say
Most Liked
Regulars rave about the bold flavors and freshness of the food, with popular picks including Pad Thai, Masaman Curry Chicken, and Basil Fried Rice. The quality matches the great prices, making each dish a fantastic value. Customers love the accessibility and convenience, especially outdoor seating that allows for a nice outdoor dining experience when the weather is pleasant. Even with staff shortages at times, the service remains commendable, with dishes served in a timely manner, and many patrons appreciate the effort in maintaining quality during busy periods. The blend of authentic Thai cooking with a quirky gas station vibe creates a unique dining experience that many are eager to spread the word about.
Most Disliked
Despite its popularity, parking at Blue Pacific can turn into a challenge during peak hours, which sometimes frustrates diners. Although the counter service is friendly, busy evenings may lead to longer wait times for phone orders, making it difficult for those who prefer to call ahead. Some guests find the location unconventional, given that it operates within a gas station, which may deter those who typically seek traditional restaurant settings. A minority of reviewers pointed out inconsistencies in certain dishes; while many meals shine, some may not meet the same high standard, leaving diners with mixed experiences.
Reviews
MELISSA D.
We drive 90 miles to come to this place. The food is awesome & so are the people. We’ve been known to order twice in one day just to take some home. We get the Spicy Basil & PadPrik Sot… so tasty!
RC
Probably my favorite local nondescript restaurant in the Birmingham area. With the severe lack of variety in Asian food, this is a gem. Can’t really go wrong with whatever you order, everything tastes great. Parking can be tough during peak hours but it’s manageable. Calling in can be tough too, but if you can’t get in, just go there, order and wait.
Sarah B.
Blue pacific is one of my favorite places to eat in the Birmingham/Hoover area. My husband and I go at least once a week and have never had a bad meal there. They are open Wednesday thru Saturday and you best believe as soon as they open at 5pm the phone is ringing off the hook. Our go-to’s are pad thai (the best I’ve had anywhere in Birmingham), pad kee mao, masaman curry chicken and coconut soup. If you place an order around dinner time it’s usually a 20-45 minute wait, but so worth it! They do have a few picnic tables outside but mostly do pick-up. The parking situation can be tight but there are other places to park nearby. I hope this place doesn’t change, they’re doing everything right!
jennifer w.
Loved everything about this place! Food was fresh, amazing, so delicious. I read they were short staffed, but we got our food in an exceptionally timely manner. They even walked it out to our car. ⚠️ ‼️. This place is highly addictive. I been trying to sleep through Mon and Tuesday because they open on Wednesday (today) and I can’t wait to return!!!! Haha. The food is amazing, I could go on and on. I got the crab fried rice and wings and it literally melted in my mouth. Okay, I’m done. See you guys today🤣🤣🤣
Tuyen
The most amazing Thai food i’ve ever had. Some dishes are better than others but the spicy basil, basil fried rice, and pad thai never misses. There’s a wok hei smell from them using a wok properly. Pad thai should be eaten immediately to prevent noodles from getting soggy. Prices are also very reasonable. I’m here almost every week.
Joe C.
The best and most authentic Thai food in Birmingham. Toned down pepper so Southern folks can handle the heat but they will give you Thai peppers to heat it to native if you desire.
Romara A.
Heard about this place on Reddit, was well worth checking out! We got the garlic chicken(pad ka tem-prik Thai) and pork with mixed veggies( pad prik sot). Both were absolutely wonderful. Will be back soon.