Tong Thai Brasserie
(212) 253-2696
39 E 13th St
New York,
NY
10003
40.7345
-73.9918
Neighborhoods: Greenwich Village, Downtown
What People Are Saying About Tong Thai Brasserie
The Editor
Brian Merchant
Citysearch
In Short
Lenny Limleartvate, owner of casual-chic spots SEA, Spice and Peep, adds a sleek new restaurant to his trendy-yet-accessible Thai empire. Stark orange and black walls may lend the decor a sort of Halloween-nouveau look, but Tong Thai is both sufficiently hip for the young East Village set and relaxed enough for the meandering lunchtime visitor. The modern setting points to a more adventurous menu than at most standard Thai spots (no endless indiscernible variations on Pad Thai dishes here) including skate wing in banana leaf and braised free-range pork in hung-lea curry.
Hits: The lunch specials alone are worth dropping by for. Enjoy them in the relaxed, capacious two-story dining room where you'll have plenty of room to breathe. Plus, the staff is ultra-friendly.
Misses: Avoid the dumplings and other easy-to-cook en masse entries on the menu. They've obviously been pre-prepared, and, tasting spongy and a little tough, they taste it.
User Reviews
ireneleung
February 06, 2009
Their food began to decline in quality by November (within two months of opening). By January, Spice (from University Place) moved in and it's the end of quality regional Thai food. Crowds continue to pack into the space for lunch etween thumping techno music and bland food... This is really sad.
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babywong
November 28, 2008
Went for lunch special, $8.50 includes appetizer, main entree and rice. Ordered the Braised Pork, excellent, succulent, juicy with a little bit of spice. Very good, extra bonus, due to price.
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evillagefoodie
November 24, 2008
alright alright the neighborhood definitely did NOT need another Thai/Pan-Asian restaurant at all, but this place definitely delivered with well-priced and delicious food with a good ambience. The menu is not your typical Thai but definitely more french and euro-influenced with some dishes that are unique to Tong. I would recommend the skirt steak entree, the omelet side, and any of the yummy appetizers!
read full reviewThe Details on Tong Thai Brasserie
When to Go:
There are a couple of lunch specials--light meal-and-tea combos and Kantoke northern style lunches--that offer a satisfying meal, complete with thoughtful preparation, on the cheap.
Where to Sit:
To best impress a date, reserve a table on the more intimate second floor dining room.
What to Drink:
Don't leave Tong Thai without trying one of its more than 40 trademark teas, including the house-recommended white peach and chadum tea.
