A gorgeous multi-room Vietnamese restaurant on the Upper West Side, complete with contemporary Vietnamese art and classic Southeast Asian dishes.

by Josh Ozersky

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 do.

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

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,

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!!!!

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

11/28/06

Editorial Review

by Contributor

Serving authentic Asian cuisine in an elegant setting.

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.

• Pros: Terrific place to bring everyone you want to please.
• Cons: Can get crowded at the bar.

09/29/06

Great Dinner, Great Lounge!!!!!!!!!!!

by newyorker4ril

I had dinner at RAIN the other night. I hadn't been there in years. The place looked GREAT. Our server was super friendly and attemtive. Great reccomendations. I had the Orange Beef, and my wife had the Green Curry chicken. They were both DEEELICIOUS. After dinner we sat in the comfy lounge drinking White Rain martinis. Great place for a ROMANTIC night out. We'll be back..

• Pros: Food, Drinks, Service
• Cons: Kitchen Closes at 12.

07/26/06

Great affordable Thai!!

by joshmos

I recently ate at Rain and had an amazing night! From the service, our waiter, who was soo helpful in guiding us thru the menu..to the atmosphere, which catered to our birthday party fantastically (super cocktails!)...our group was more than satisfied!! If we have an event in the future were coming here!! Get the Crispy Whole Fish...my my my!!

06/08/06

favorite Thai in New York!

by mnyc229

Long before this new wave of Thai restaurants started opening, there was Rain!! I've tried these newer downtown restaurants and they were fine...I prefer to go to Rain. It's such a reliably delicious and enjoyable option. The staff is so friendly, too! Today, it isn't easy between the casual dining a la 'small plates' and fancier more formal restaurants. At Rain you can have a great meal without going broke or hungry for that matter. Congratulations to Rain on it's 10 Year Anniversary!!!