I love this place!! Yes, it's small. The decor is a bit seedy. During the winter it's freezing. Suck it up or get carry out.
On the plus side, service is great and fast! (mainly because when I go I'm the only person there) The lady behind the counter is there all the time and she's always welcoming.
You don't go to Vientiane for the ambiance, you go for the food!! My favorite is the Pad Lao, it's like Pad Thai's spicy dirty cousin. I get three stars but I've heard that most people can't handle past two. I love to get my spicy fix and most Madison restaurants claiming spicy food tone in down for wimpy Wisconsinites. Vientiane does not.
I am on my way there now!