Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know
General
What is Laughing Monk Cafe?
Laughing Monk Cafe is a Thai-Japanese restaurant group based in Boston, MA. We combine authentic Thai cuisine — including Isan specialties — with Japanese sushi and omakase, in a warm, community-centred atmosphere.
How many locations do you have?
We have three locations: Mission Hill (our flagship), Wellesley, and Allston. Each has its own personality and menu focus.
What are your hours?
Hours vary by location. The most up-to-date hours are always shown on each location section of our homepage, or you can call the location directly.
Do you have a gift card?
Yes — gift cards are available online or in-store at any location. Redeemable at Mission Hill and Wellesley.
Do you have parking?
Street parking is available near all three locations. Mission Hill has limited street parking; we recommend public transit (MBTA Orange Line, Ruggles Station is nearby).
Do you take walk-ins?
Yes. Mission Hill recommends reservations on weekend evenings; Wellesley and Allston are walk-in only — just come by during our hours.
Is there a dress code?
No formal dress code. Most guests come in casual to smart-casual — we want you comfortable.
Are kids welcome?
Yes — all ages welcome. We have high chairs and a few kid-friendly Thai dishes (mild curries, edamame, rice, simple rolls). Ask your server for recommendations.
Events & Live Music
Which location has live music?
Live music is coming to Mission Hill, starting with small sets. Questions? Call Mission Hill at (617) 925-MONK (6665).
Is there a cover charge for live music?
Live music at Mission Hill will generally be included with your dining experience — no cover. Some special events may carry a ticket or cover charge, announced in advance.
How do I find out what's on this week?
Check our Events page and join our list to hear when live music starts. You can also follow us on Instagram and Facebook for announcements.
Can I book a musician or artist for an event at LMC?
Yes — we work with artists directly. Use our Artist Booking form to pitch your act or enquire about a slot.
Do you host private events with live music?
Private events are at Mission Hill, where live music is just starting with small sets. See our Private Dining page and mention music when you enquire.
Reservations & Booking
Can I make a reservation?
Table reservations are taken at Mission Hill on our Reservations page. Wellesley and Allston are walk-in only. Walk-ins are always welcome based on availability.
How far in advance can I book a table?
The calendar on our Reservations page shows every date open for booking.
What is your cancellation policy for reservations?
Table reservations can be changed or cancelled at any time, at no cost — just let us know, so we can give the table to someone else. Prepaid bookings and private events have their own terms, shown when you book.
Do you take large-group reservations?
Groups of 8 or more should contact us directly to arrange the best setup. For parties, see our Private Dining page.
What if I'm running late?
We hold the table for 15 minutes past your booking; after that we may release it. Please call Mission Hill at (617) 925-MONK (6665) as soon as you know.
Private Dining & Party Room
Do you have a private dining room?
Yes — at Mission Hill only. We offer a semi-private or fully private section for groups and special events.
How many guests can you accommodate for a private event?
Capacity details are listed on our Private Dining page. We host seated dinners and cocktail-style events; contact us for exact numbers.
Is there a room fee or minimum spend?
Yes. Pricing varies by day and time. See the Private Dining page for tier details.
Can I host a corporate dinner or team event?
Absolutely. We cater to corporate groups regularly. Custom menus and A/V arrangements can be discussed at enquiry.
Can I bring my own cake?
Yes, with a cake-cutting fee. Decorations are also welcome — nothing that requires permanent fixing.
Can I arrange a surprise — proposal, anniversary, milestone?
Yes. Add a note when you book on our Reservations page, or email host@laughingmonkcafe.com with the date and what you have in mind. We'll coordinate seating, timing, and small extras with you in advance.
Omakase
What is omakase?
Omakase (お任せ) means 'I leave it to you' in Japanese. Our chef curates a multi-course tasting of the day's best ingredients — no ordering required.
Where is omakase available?
At Mission Hill and Wellesley. Allston does not currently offer omakase.
How do I book an omakase experience?
Omakase is on a break and is not taking bookings right now. It returns this winter on a schedule of set dates, and we will announce them when booking opens. Sign up to hear first.
Is omakase available to take home?
Omakase To Go and Chef at Home return this winter with dine-in omakase. See the Omakase page for details.
Can omakase accommodate dietary restrictions?
Please mention any dietary restrictions when booking. We can often adjust for shellfish, nut, or other allergies — give us as much notice as possible.
How far in advance should I book omakase?
Omakase runs on a schedule of set dates, not every day. We will announce the dates and open booking this winter — join our list to hear when they open.
Ordering, Delivery & Pickup
Do you offer delivery?
Yes — all three locations offer delivery. Order on our website and a DoorDash driver brings it; Mission Hill and Allston are also on the DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub apps.
Can I order ahead for pickup?
Yes — order online from any branch via our Menu page. Pickup is usually ready in about 20 minutes.
Do you offer catering delivery?
Mission Hill and Allston offer catering delivery; Wellesley is catering pickup only. See our Catering page for trays, lead times, and ordering.
Can I customise my online order?
Most modifiers (spice level, no peanuts, swap protein, etc.) are available in our online menu. For complex changes please call the restaurant directly.
Can you cater for an office or large group?
Yes — family-style trays for offices, schools, dorms, and home gatherings. Order online or send a custom enquiry from the Catering page.
Business & Tax-Exempt
Can my non-profit, school, or government office order tax-exempt?
Yes, with your organization's Massachusetts Form ST-2. Your first tax-exempt order is reviewed by our team before anything is charged, and tax-exempt orders must be paid with organization funds. Questions? Email hello@laughingmonkcafe.com.
Do you offer corporate accounts or invoicing?
For ongoing catering relationships we can set up invoicing and a dedicated point of contact. Send a note from our Catering page or email catering@laughingmonkcafe.com.
Can you resend a receipt?
Yes. Email hello@laughingmonkcafe.com with the date, branch, and approximate time of your order and we'll resend the receipt.
Contact & More
How do I contact a specific location?
Phone numbers for each location are listed on the homepage under each location section. You can also use our Contact page for general enquiries.
How do I apply for a job?
See open positions and apply on our Jobs page.
Can I order catering for an off-site event?
Yes — visit our Catering page to order online or submit a custom catering enquiry.
I have feedback or a complaint — who do I contact?
We take feedback seriously. Please use our Contact page and a manager will respond within 1 business day.
Still have a question?
Our team is happy to help — reach out any time.
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