Mai
Brooklyn, NY 11217
Phone: (718) 797-3880
- Price:
- $$
- Cross Street:
- Between Nevins Street and 3rd Avenue
- Directions:
- B, D; M, N, Q, R; 2, 3, 5, 6 at Atlantic Ave/Pacific St
- Hours:
- Tue--Thu 12pm--10:30pm, Fri--Sat 12pm--11pm, Sun 12pm--10:30pm
Editorial Review for Mai – by Justin Hartung
The Scene
Located at the crossroads of Boerum Hill, Fort Greene and Park Slope, Mai beckons in diners with a bright yellow awning. Exposed brick dominates the interior, with large pillows lining the banquettes providing vibrant splashes of color. In the back garden, which doubles the seating, a gurgling fountain housed in a thatched hut offers a serene alternative to rumbling traffic out front.
The Food
Thai restaurants clog the surrounding neighborhoods, but this gem is worth a stopover for its authentic mix of cuisines. Start in Vietnam with the mouthwatering pancake appetizer, loaded with plump shrimp and dunked in a fiery sauce, and crispy monkfish wrapped in lettuce leaves. Cardamom and anise lend unexpected depth to Malaysian-style seafood soup, while tender short ribs are bathed in a pumpkin Thai curry. The tapioca dessert erases all memory of Mom's mushy version, its sweet beads perfectly balanced with the smoky flavor of grilled bananas.
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
Know Before You GoMai is BYOB for now, and the super-friendly staff will gladly put your wine in a bucket of ice.
The ExtrasThere are a few vegetarian options on the menu, and many dishes can also be requested meat-free.
User Reviews for Mai
08/27/2008 Posted by henigushi
I took a friend of mine here for a delectable meal of grilled fish, noodles, and shrimp pancakes. While there aren't many Vietnamese offerings in the immediate area, Mai would go head-to-head with some of the best Vietnamese restaurants in the city. I won't go into menu recommendations, as this is a wonderful place for your own exploration, though I do have to make one exception: get the shrimp pancakes appetizer. Absolutely delicious. If I'm sent to hell for not eating Kosher, I'll at least have the wonderful memory of the taste of this dish! While I went with a friend, I must say it's a great place for a date. The staff are pleasant and attentive, and unlike those at the majority of New York City restaurants, seem to have very real affection for their jobs. Don't hesitate to ask questions - they're there to ensure that you have a delightful experience. Five stars for Mai. I'll most definitely be back!
Pros: Wonderful food, warm service, lovely ambiance
Cons: A mosquito in their beautiful garden had the audacity to bite me!
03/20/2008 Posted by bluelight
What I know is that after I tasted the "PHO" and "CABAM" Oh! yes the Grill Calamari stuffed with glass noodle ,shrimp with a bit sour taste of turmeric dipping sauce,. It tasted so good, fresh and very reasonable price. . Another reason why I like to dine in "MAI" is that the environment is so well coming. When you eat inside the dining room you feel like in Vietnam and when you eat outside garden you feel like you are on vacation in "Bali". So far I see mostly customer are New Yorker . Of course I will recommend my friends and family to eat in Mai. Good food, good service, good environment. The garden is the best place for parties.
Pros: Parking in front or behind of the restaurant , easy
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