Rain

In Short – Culinary bad boy Michael "Bao" Huynh has seen more than his share of career praise, blame, and burned bridges; his latest effort comes in the space occupied for 13 buzz-less years as Rain. Hunyh has rolled out a big Vietnamese menu featuring both classics (spring and summer rolls, a "Mekong market clay pot" with giant prawns) and fusion takes (a duck bacon and daikon "hash" with a fried egg on top.) There's a big lounge and an even bigger dining room, both meant to evoke a shabby-chic, prewar Vietnam of a kind suitable for snacking and snoggling. And to a great extent, they…

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Editor's Tips

The Extras:: In the mood for an intimate, Vietnamese-themed birthday party? The chef's table will hold 10 and is perfect for small gatherings. Reservations are suggested.

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User Reviews (33)

ambiance	100.0% positive	“The cocktails are pretty awesome and will soon have you floating off into the atmosphere and if that doesn't float your boat - try the cracked lobster - for a true out of body experience.” “Wonderful atmosphere as well and the prices are also not too bad.” “The atmosphere was warm and lively.” “Food, decor, and service are all great.” “Busy, fun, good drinks, great food!” “Lighted with a warm, intimate gold and always full to the brim with people enjoying their dinner, Rain is a pretty relaxed, fun place to find yourself on a Friday evening in the UWS.” “The ambience was warm and the service was superb!” “Upon sitting down amidst the warm, inviting decor we found the service to be attentive and friendly, our glasses never empty, our table never messy.”
drinks	100.0% positive	“The bartender was friendly and recommended three drinks that were fantastic; my personal favorite was the Rain Mojito: a concoction of rum, mint, tamarind and chopped chili?” “Huge portions, terrific drinks, great service in a warm and sensual space.” “Busy, fun, good drinks, great food!” “The cocktails are pretty awesome and will soon have you floating off into the atmosphere and if that doesn't float your boat - try the cracked lobster - for a true out of body experience.” “Rain was exceptional --- from the service, to the food, to the bar --- everything was outstanding.” “It is a nice place to sit back and enjoy a glass of wine.”
food quality	86.21000289916992% positive	“Great Asian food” “The food is decent.” “The apps and entrees were very tasty.” “The food was fantastic, a feast for both the eyes and the mouth.” “great mix of all forms of Asian cuisine in a great room.” “The food is yummy.” “Busy, fun, good drinks, great food!” “As appetizers we had calamari and something called Roti Canai (a flat bread dish that we will be having again).” “Their Thai food is great, but their Vietnamese food i.” “This is a reliable go to restaurant for absolutely delish food.” “Now, in December 2007, the service is lousy, and the food is basically a "spice dump" -- everything on the plate was completely overpowered by every possible spice they could add to the mix.” “ate here a few months ago and came back and forgot how great the food was!” “when the concierge at our hotel recommended this thai restaurant, i was thinking it was going to be a fairly priced and authentic thai restuarant.” “have had awesome food and service their (don't get me wrong) but lately I would be wary of taking an important guest their or try to impress someone with what used to be a great night out.” “It's such a reliably delicious and enjoyable option.” “The duck was fantastic, as were the short ribs, and the green curry chicken.” “The wait staff is friendly and attentive and the food is just downright splendid.” “The food wasn't even great.” “Whatever happened to good food here?” “The steak was phenomenal, and the penang was outstanding.” “The food is incredible, plentifull, and I would recommend this place to anyone who wants to get together with friends, family or even a date (as in my case).” “would highly recommend this restaurant to anyone who enjoys great Thai dishes.” “Rain was exceptional --- from the service, to the food, to the bar --- everything was outstanding.” “The food was excellent.” “It's cool but not too trendy, sophisticated but casual, expensive but not too extravagant, and the food is good but not too exotic.” “At Rain you can have a great meal without going broke or hungry for that matter.” “and the delicious peanut dipping sauce.” “do not recommend this place at all, you're better off geting Thai Food in Chinatown for a better price and better food.” “The food is excellent.”
overall	100.0% positive	“What can I say - Rain used to be a great place to eat.” “It is a nice place to sit back and enjoy a glass of wine.” “Rain is a great "first date" place.”
service	89.21999931335449% positive	“Our waiter was not only adorable but, very helpful.” “Upon sitting down amidst the warm, inviting decor we found the service to be attentive and friendly, our glasses never empty, our table never messy.” “The wait staff is friendly and attentive and the food is just downright splendid.” “Rain was exceptional --- from the service, to the food, to the bar --- everything was outstanding.” “Huge portions, terrific drinks, great service in a warm and sensual space.” “The service was great, our waitress was very attentive.” “While the hostess was helpful, the service was TERRIBLE.” “The ambience was warm and the service was superb!” “The staff is so friendly, too!” “Lighted with a warm, intimate gold and always full to the brim with people enjoying their dinner, Rain is a pretty relaxed, fun place to find yourself on a Friday evening in the UWS.” “will say that the service at our table was fairly slow, but our waiter was very helpful and friendly.” “have had awesome food and service their (don't get me wrong) but lately I would be wary of taking an important guest their or try to impress someone with what used to be a great night out.” “The bartender was friendly and recommended three drinks that were fantastic; my personal favorite was the Rain Mojito: a concoction of rum, mint, tamarind and chopped chili?” “Food, decor, and service are all great.” “Our server was super friendly and attemtive.” “The bartender was outstanding.” “Now, in December 2007, the service is lousy, and the food is basically a "spice dump" -- everything on the plate was completely overpowered by every possible spice they could add to the mix.”
value	75.0% positive	“do not recommend this place at all, you're better off geting Thai Food in Chinatown for a better price and better food.” “It's cool but not too trendy, sophisticated but casual, expensive but not too extravagant, and the food is good but not too exotic.” “Wonderful atmosphere as well and the prices are also not too bad.” “Huge portions, terrific drinks, great service in a warm and sensual space.”
wait time	66.66999816894531% positive	“will say that the service at our table was fairly slow, but our waiter was very helpful and friendly.”

12/31/07

Change for the worse

by nycdogowner

What can I say - Rain used to be a great place to eat.

Now, in December 2007, the service is lousy, and the food is basically a "spice dump" -- everything on the plate was completely overpowered by every possible spice they could add to the mix.

Whatever happened to good food here?

Pros: Lots of space, great location
Cons: Terrible food, inattentive service

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12/19/07

A Great Experience!

by melli7

I at ate Rain for the first time recently and had a phenomenal experience. My 2 friends and I showed up a bit early for our reservation as we heard how good the drinks were and wanted to sample a few before sitting down to eat. The bartender was friendly and recommended three drinks that were fantastic; my personal favorite was the Rain Mojito: a concoction of rum, mint, tamarind and chopped chili?s?delicious.

Upon sitting down amidst the warm, inviting decor we found the service to be attentive and friendly, our glasses never empty, our table never messy. Our server was quite busy but never made us feel like she was in a rush. Upon the arrival of the food he took the time to go over each dish in detail so we knew what we were getting ourselves into. The food was fantastic, a feast for both the eyes and the mouth. We were tempted to take photos but didn?t want to be like the corny table in the corner. As appetizers we had calamari and something called Roti Canai (a flat bread dish that we will be having again). The duck was fantastic, as were the short ribs, and the green curry chicken. Hearing that it was our first visit, the manager (Brad) came by to check on us and really made us feel welcome. We were too full for dessert but if the entree?s are any indication I?m sure the dessert is spectacular as well. A great experience from start to finish! Would definitely recommend Rain!

Pros: service, cocktail selection, food
Cons: parking,

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03/21/07

NO CALAMARI!!

by slewis10

I've been a loyal customer for ten years and was quite disappointed to learn that they changed their menu- they no longer have calamari or heaven's beef!!! The portions are also much smaller. The rock shrimp was very salty and inedible. When I asked the waiter why the calamari had been removed from their menu he said, "time for a change" and walked away. Change indeed-I won't be returning anytime soon!!!!

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12/14/06

Wonderful Food and Ambiance

by mpierro

I've been to Rain a number of times, and I never seem to get tired of eating in this wonderful restaurant. The wait staff is friendly and attentive and the food is just downright splendid. Wonderful atmosphere as well and the prices are also not too bad. I would highly recommend this restaurant to anyone who enjoys great Thai dishes.

Pros: Service, ambience

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11/10/06

Best flirtinis in NYC

by rowdy88

We went recently and just loved it. Huge portions, terrific drinks, great service in a warm and sensual space. The food is excellent.

Rain

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Editor's Tips

12/31/07

Change for the worse

by nycdogowner

12/19/07

A Great Experience!

by melli7

03/21/07

NO CALAMARI!!

by slewis10

12/14/06

Wonderful Food and Ambiance

by mpierro

11/10/06

Best flirtinis in NYC

by rowdy88

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