Erawan Steak & Seafood

213-41 39th Ave, Bayside, NY 11361 718-229-1620

Description: QUEENS. Well worth the trek to Bayside, this noteworthy Thai eatery has earned its stripes by serving up spectacular fresh fish and seafood main courses like pan-seared Hawaiian ahi tuna, scallop pad pak and "poor man" lobster curry (made with broiled monkfish). If something more terrine is called for, there's also a steak noodle dish as well as a New Zealand rack of lamb and pan-seared duck breast. As for aesthetics, don't let the modest exterior fool you ­ ESS's features smooth hardwood floors, high ceilings and exposed brick walls handsomely appointed with artwork, rugs and fabrics that capture the exotic flavor of the East.
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Holy Basil

149 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10003 212-460-5557

Description: EAST VILLAGE. Billed by many East Villagers as their neighborhood's best choice for Thai, Holy Basil, it's safe to say, has assumed near mythic-levels of popularity. The mood is low-key, and the dim lighting and flickering candles add a bit of intimacy to the setting. Go for a tried-n-true number like pad thai or Bangkok duck. If you're feeling adventurous, the kitchen also hits the mark with its flavorful curries and seafood dishes. A handful of vegetarian options are available as well. As you scan the menu, single asterisks beside certain items mean "spicy;" double asterisks mean "very spicy." TRAIN: 6 to Astor Pl; N, R, W to 8th St-NYU
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Jaiya

396 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10016 212-889-1330

Description: GRAMERCY. This Murray Hill institution has always enjoyed a fairly consistent group of customers who appreciate the good food and inexpensive prices. Although the dining room won't knock your socks off, you'll forget the diner look as soon as your food comes to the table. Their most popular dish, nam sad, is a heaping mass of spiced pork and lettuce. Be warned, when they say that the food is hot, they aren't kidding. TRAIN: 6 to 28th St
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Jasmine

1619 2nd Ave, at 84th St, New York, NY 10028-4401 212-517-8854

Description: UPPER EAST SIDE. This terrific Thai restaurant, one of the Upper East Side's faves, attracts a fairly upscale crowd, who appreciate the superb food and tasteful yet understated décor. Indeed, if you are looking for a quiet place to enjoy good Thai food and not lose your shirt in the process, head to the crossing of 2nd Avenue and 84th Street and try Jasmine's beef and noodle stir fry (lar nar) or chicken and rice wrapped in banana leaves. Traditional Thai vegetarian options are also available. TRAIN: 4, 5, 6 to 86th St
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Joya

215 Court St, Brooklyn, NY 11201 718-222-3484

Description: BROOKLYN. An urban vibe pervades this Cobble Hill address, where the neighborhood's hip singles gather at night for the trendy scene, the terrific cocktails, the cool music, and the outstanding Thai fare. Indeed, the open kitchen keeps crowds satiated with offerings of pad Thai (one of the place's signatures), nightly fish specials and evocative dessert dishes. If it's nice out, seating is available on the patio to the rear of the restaurant. TRAIN: F, G to Bergen St
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Kittichai

60 Thompson St, 60 Thompson Hotel, New York, NY 10012 212-219-2000

Description: SOHO. Located on the street level of SoHo's fashionable 60 Thompson Hotel, Kittichai specializes in modern Thai cuisine, as interpreted by chef and namesake Ian Chalermkittichai. Among his creations are baked Chilean sea bass marinated in yellow salted beans, braised short ribs in green curry, and spicy duck breast with Hawaiian relish. This smart, sexy space, designed by the innovative Rockwell group, is also noteworthy for its open spaces, Buddha statues, bottled orchids, sleek geometry and atmospheric lighting. Lunch prix fixe $20; pre-theater prix fixe $30. TRAIN: C, E at Spring St
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Pongsri Thai Restaurant

106 Bayard St, at Baxter St, New York, NY 10013 212-349-3132

Description: CHINATOWN. Pongsri, one of NYC's oldest Thai restaurants, is one of those diamonds in the rough, so to speak, making it immensely popular with the "in" crowd and many celebrities. This spacious restaurant offers diners the chance to dine in a traditionally decorated eatery whose waitstaff is both fun and attentive. In addition to their yum yum and noodle entrées, several spicy curry dishes are available ­ the "Gang Karee" and "Gang Kiew Wan" are excellent choices for those wanting to sample the real thing. Pongsri also offers an excellent prix fixe menu. Reservations are suggested. TRAIN: J, M, Z, N, R, 6 to Canal St
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Prem-on Thai

138 W Houston St, New York, NY 10012 212-353-2338

Description: WEST VILLAGE. Located on the southern rim of the Village, this chef-owned eatery teases with the sublime. Chef Prem-on's artistically presented dishes are beautiful to behold and stunning to savor ­ tamarind chili red snapper, roasted duck topped with orange-ginger sauce, and sirloin with yellow curry sauce. Meanwhile, the space isn't cluttered like many neighborhoods; instead, Prem-on looks smart and contemporary, using only a few pieces of traditional art to decorate its symmetrical dining rooms. TRAIN: 1 to Houston St; A, C, E, B, D, F, V to W 4th St; N, R to Prince St
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Pukk

71 1st Ave, Between 4th & 5th St, New York, NY 10003 212-253-2742

Description: EAST VILLAGE. Green is the dominant color at this funky, East Village Thai, and for good reason. The menu is all-vegetarian. That in no way limits the kitchen's capacity for creativity, as evidenced by appetizers like spinach toast or Thai pancake with curry dip. Main courses take things to a whole other level, and it doesn't matter if you go for the gravy noodles, the pineapple red curry with tofu, or the spicy watercress duck (made with soy) ­ chances are good your palate will feel roundly rewarded. Best of all, the great prices let you pull off the trifecta: Trendy, healthy and thrifty. TRAIN: F, V to Lower East Side-2nd Ave
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Q2 Thai

788 9th Ave, New York, NY 10019 212-262-2236

Description: HELL'S KITCHEN. Dashing streaks of pink that run across the ceiling make sure that diners won't mistake this Hell's Kitchen Thai for any other. Q2 - the clever name refers to quantity and quality - specializes in serving up generous portions of dishes like Pad Ped (grilled and marinated meat sautéed in red chili paste, kaffir lime leaves and basil). The heavily aromatic and spicy entrées serve as nice counterpoints to lighter appetizers, such as the fresh summer roll served with a peanut tamarind dipping sauce.
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Regional Thai Sa-Woy

1479 1st Ave, between 77th & 78th St, New York, NY 10075 212-744-6374

Description: UPPER EAST SIDE. The sister of Chelsea's Regional Thai Taste, this Upper East Sider specializes in traditional Thai cuisine. Spices and creative twists add to the delicious taste of food here, from the deep-fried chicken bits served with sweet and spicy dipping sauces to pad Thai and many other spicy dishes ­ some enhanced by the delicate flavor of curry. The regal dining area features chandeliers and red walls, and the formally clad waitstaff goes the extra mile to ensure that you won't soon forget dining here. Prices are as high as you might expect, but the tasty portions won't disappoint you . . . besides, this is New York. Reservations are suggested. TRAIN: 6 to 77th St
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Regional Thai Taste

208 7th Ave, New York, NY 10011 212-807-9872

Description: CHELSEA. Thai cuisine is featured at this hip spot in Chelsea, to the delight of a mostly young neighborhood crowd. Great flavor and a creative twist add to the delicious taste of food here, from the deep-fried chicken bits served with sweet and spicy dipping sauces to pad Thai and many other spicy dishes ­ some enhanced by the delicate flavor of curry. During summer months, a large storefront window is opened to provide a fresh breeze. Prices are higher than you might expect, but you won't be disappointed in the taste or portion sizes. TRAIN: 1, 9 to 23rd St
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Royal Siam Restaurant

240 8th Ave, between 22nd & 23rd St, New York, NY 10011 212-741-1732

Description: CHELSEA. This no frills Thai spot with the bright blue banner serves great Thai food. Here, inexpensive prices do not mean that the food is average. Diner-style with little atmosphere, the restaurant features delicious beef satay and nutty pad Thai. Appetizers start at $4.95 and entrées start at $9.95. No matter which entrée you choose, you will be pleasantly pleased by the great taste. TRAIN: C, E to 23rd St
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Sea

114 N 6th St, Brooklyn, NY 11211 718-384-8850

Description: BROOKLYN. Williamsburg is all abuzz about this seductive Thai restaurant, where ultra-sleek design juxtaposes a Buddha, a reflection pool and live plants with sultry lighting, retro white bubble chairs, and cool bar area that attracts a veritable who's who of the neighborhood's best and brightest. In fact, DJs and dance music tend to reign the late night hours, cementing Sea's rep as a place to be seen. Even so, the food isn't to be missed, and a fairly-priced pre-set option includes an appetizer, main course and dessert for under $30. TRAIN: L to Bedford
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Spice

199 8th Ave, New York, NY 10011 212-989-1116

Description: CHELSEA. Once you have passed the entrance and entered the dining room, you'll be amazed that such a friendly and professional staff, delicious Thai food and low prices could all be found under one roof. They serve delicious authentic Thai dishes but also have a great deal of variety that will have something for everyone. Spice serves great pad Thai, in addition to many awesome vegetarian choices. TRAIN: C, E to 23rd St
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Spice Market

403 W 13th St, New York, NY 10014 212-675-2322

Description: MEATPACKING DISTRICT. Located in the far west corner of the Village, an area known as the Meatpacking District, this key player in Chef Jean-George Vongerichten's restaurant empire takes the hawker (street) fare of Southeast Asia and gives it a contemporary, some say sexy, interpretation. Indeed, dishes like Vongerichten's pork vindaloo, mussels steamed in lemongrass, and curried duck are nothing short of unforgettable. With its antique art imported from Burma, India and Malaysia, embroidered curtains, and exotic furniture, the restaurant itself is a cool product of conceptual design. TRAIN: A, C, E, L to 14th St
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Sripraphai

64-13 39th Ave, Queens, NY 11377 718-899-9599

Description: QUEENS. Authentic Thai reigns supreme at this casual Queens kitchen, where walk-ins are welcomed with a friendly smile and the fare runs from Panang beef to catfish fried to a golden crisp. The interior is understated and lacks the flash and flair of the high-profile chains, but if you're looking for something a little different to spice up your trip to the Mets game, this is the place (Shea is less than 10 stops away, after all). And if this is your first time enjoying Thai cuisine, do so with this word of advice: At Sripraphai, "hot" means HOT! TRAIN: 7 to 61st-Woodside
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Thailand Café

95 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10003 212-477-1872

Description: EAST VILLAGE. Tucked away between Fifth and Sixth Streets, this East Village Thai restaurant is popular with locals for three simple reasons: great food, friendly service and reasonable prices. A word of advice: when the menu indicates that something is hot, you should take that to mean HOT! Take out is available. Reservations are not accepted. TRAIN: F to 2nd Ave
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The Elephant

58 E 1st St, New York, NY 10003 212-505-7739

Description: EAST VILLAGE. The Village is synonymous with quaint, Parisian-style cafés that are great places to sip coffee and engage in an intimate chat, right? Well, with the leopard and disco ball, the tropically themed Elephant, located between First and Second Avenues, is not one of these. The restaurant's Thai-French menu echoes the eclecticism of its trendy crowd of beautiful people and hip Village denizens. Expect to find everything from Chef Eric LaGrange's special Thai Burger with mixed greens to his bold beef salad with mango chutney and garlic confit. Dinner reservations are suggested. TRAIN: F to 2nd Ave
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Topaz Thai

127 W 56th St, between 6th & 7th Aves, New York, NY 10019 212-957-8020

Description: MIDTOWN WEST. Although an odd mix, Topaz Thai has a nautical theme and traditional Thai food. This restaurant is known for the homemade soups it creates. Other items of interest include the spareribs and the curry puffs. The fact that the prices go easy on the wallet makes this small eatery even more appealing. Reservations accepted. Casual attire. TRAIN: N, R to 57th St
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