I've lived within walking distance for about 4 years, so I've eaten at Purple Haze countless times. This is not the type of place that you "must" try while you're in Beijing. I wouldn't take out-of-town guests here either. But if you are in the area and hungry, Purple Haze is fine.
The food is ok. Purple Haze's potato chicken curry isn't bad and they don't skimp on the rice, but you can exactly replicate the dish at home with store bought curry paste. Their "Thai burritos" make for a decent lunch dish. I'd avoid most of the fried dishes because they are often oily and over done. The chicken soup is tasty but be prepared for some strong flavors.
The interior is reasonably comfortable although it hasn't been redone in several years. The dining area and bathrooms are clean. The chairs and sofas are comfortable (think: second hand couch you'd find in a college dorm room).
I've had great, inattentive and horrible service. Service standards are pretty random. Typically, no one is going to ask you if you want a refill but the staff won't go out of their way to ignore you.
My bill usually ends up around 100 RMB per person, not counting adult beverages. That's about right. Purple Haze isn't a high-end, destination restaurant but it's not a dusty noodle & dumpling shop either.
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