Review: Papaya Thai spices up east Mesa neighborhood
Tuesday, May 6th, 2008 by Jess Harter
East Mesa probably isn’t the first place that comes to mind when you think of good Thai food. Papaya Thai, a two-month-old eatery on the northwest corner of University Drive and Lindsay Road, is trying to change that.
Tucked into a strip mall next to a dollar store and across the street from a trailer park, Papaya’s light blue and cream interior belies its location.
Fourteen purple-tableclothed tables feature floral arrangements, stemmed water glasses and china plates. Three pairs of loveseats separated by short walls make private “booths.” Walls are nicely decorated with elephants and other icons.
Customers tend to be older, not a surprise given the neighborhood, but Top 40 dance hits play on the house speakers.