Reviews & Ratings for Aura Thai

03/26/09

Great thai food at a modest price

by rtorrino8811

I love this place. I used to work nearby and I would go at least once a week. I've tried nearly everything on the menu and I think the only thing I didn't care for much was the crispy egg noodle dish. Everything else is awesome. Try the steamed fish. I would almost always do take-out because the place is mobbed at lunch time. (good sign, right?)

• Pros: Delicious food, friendly staff, quick prep
• Cons: Lunch time crowd is insane due to popularity

09/17/08

delicious thai foods...

by ThereSea

I've been here twice, and both times I had ordered the panang curry . Thai food is my favorite, and their panang curry is definitely one of the best I've ever tried. They have a large menu selection here, and prices were fair. Staff is very nice and helpful.

Great Thai food for the price. I'd definitely recommend this place to friends.

04/28/08

Average!

by Michelle323

I received a gift certificate for this restaurant, so we decided to check it out. We were seated on the lower level, up against the stairs. It was crowded, the tables are very close together, and it was quite noisy. We were sat right next to a big party- not romantic at all. The food and drinks were okay, a bit over priced, but what isn't in New York??! The customer service was great and much appreciated, but the environment was a let-down.

02/27/08

Fantastic quality price ratio for Thai, pleasant staff

by samatoid

I work in the area and order from Aura about twice a week. I often get the chicken with cashew nuts (not a lunch special, but irresistible), pad see ew, or one of the currys, but I have tried most of the menu. Almost all the dishes are fantastic and unlike other modestly priced restaurants the quality is consistent. The staff is industrious and pleasant although given the small size of the restaurant and the volume of business they often have to be brisk. I am no one special, but they know my name and always take time to say hello.

Tip: I order before I go the restaurant and bring my food back to the office.

• Pros: Excellent thai food for a modest price, pleasant staff, clean and active ambience
• Cons: small space, very busy at lunch time

01/20/08

Really fast delivery; tasty stuff

by ilikemonkeys

This neighborhood is really up and coming (on its way there; not there yet). There's not a ton of folks walking by, so Aura is sort of a hidden treasure, but it's great for the Penn Station and Javits Center crowds. My husband and I actually live down the street, and this is one of our favorite spots for lunch. The broths are a little bland, but I love the Pad See Ew (sp?) and the dumplings, and he LOVES the lemongrass chicken. We actually ordered delivery for the first time tonight, and it was unbelievably fast. Definitely one of the best thai places around. They have a sister restaurant on 39 and 9 that's got good lunch specials too.

• Pros: Fast delivery, tasty sauces
• Cons: bland broth, so-so service

12/24/07

Great Thai Food!!!

by remotecontrol

This is one of my favorite lunch time spots when I'm at work. The food is sooo good. I almost always get the lemongrass chicken (I'm hungry thinking about it!), and when I feel like breaking my non-dairy diet I get the coconut ice cream with sweet sticky rice for dessert- it's amaaaaazing! They also have a fried banana dessert that is really good. Their pad thai is mediocre, but everything else that I have had their is excellent. Also reccomend the Tom Yum soup. The service isn't the best, but it's not that bad either. If you're in the neighborhood, definitely try this out.

• Pros: Great food!

05/10/07

Great choice for the area!

by satellight

Was at the Javitt's Center a few months back. Got hungry and began to dread the food I'd probably be eating at one of the areas around Penn Station. Suddenly got the craving for Indian food and walked into one of the hotels to ask for a recommendation. They sent me to a Pakistani restaurant, but I didn't like the atmosphere. Suddenly, I saw Aura. Ooooh, that looks nice, I thought. The thing I love about Thai food is that it's so reliable. The food was great when I had expected to be eating deli food or cheap fast food from somewhere else. Instead, I was awarded a quiet atmosphere, tasty cuisine (esp. the soup), and quick service. Totally recommended!

• Pros: Good atmosphere, quick service
• Cons: Area around it doesn't have much, but it's a good choice if you happen to be there~!

04/05/07

Best Thai food in NYC!

by dancinkarl

I LOVE this place. I ate here at least 7 times in two weeks (I lost count after a while). The food is fresh, tasty, not expensive and the staff is very nice and helpful. It's the perfect place to eat a casual wonderful healthy meal then get a cupcake for dessert next door at Michael London's :). I got the Lemongrass Chicken every time but also sampled the green curry and the pad thai. All were terrific. I live in LA and will come here a few times whenever I'm in nyc on business for sure. Thanks Aura!

• Pros: Affordable, Healthy, Service, Food, EVERYTHING.
• Cons: NONE!

03/28/07

Very good Thai in a not-so-good location

by mbp117x

An excellent lunch spot -- the prices are very reasonable and the portions are large. The beef salad and the curries are particularly good. Pad Thai is good, but not great. The meat quality is pretty good, too -- sometimes it can be questionable at Asian take-out joints. Not much to speak of visually, but that's the neighborhood. Spice levels are refreshingly strong, and it's a good sign that if you want to go hotter than normal, they use fresh chilis and don't just shake on more flakes. Definitley recommended if you're in the area.

01/07/07

Almost Amazing

by burkens

I love this west-side gem. Before a night out, grab a beer or glass of wine here because the food here is almost amazing. I have to say almost 'cause sometimes I have to add some spice to the red curry. But the green curry gives me the extra kick and hits the spot. Got a cold? Go for green curry duck. Fore appetizers, try 'em all -- hoy jor, shumai, duck roll (I'm a big fan of duck). Not too crazy about the veggie dumplings, but the grilled eggplant is awesome.

• Pros: Fusion food, friendly staff
• Cons: Small dining area