- 240 W 14th St., New York, NY 10011
This buzzy Chelsea restaurant is from the team of Thai expats behind Soothr—and it’s just as unique. The Northeastern Thai eatery specializes in rare regional dishes and street food, including skewers, that you won’t find elsewhere in the city. Pro tip: the Ping Yang grilled skewers come in groups of four, and you’ll definitely want to get more than you think, including the crispy okra.
The brightly-lit hotspot, with tropical decor and neon accents, is just energetic enough to feel like the perfect place to spend a Friday night, without verging on being a clubstaurant. And while it’s a meat-heavy menu, there are plenty of options for vegetarians, like the fried mushrooms, which are served with a sweet and spicy dipping sauce.
The cocktail menu is equally inventive—each drink is based on a famous female protagonist from a movie or novel, so you’ll want to read all about them. All the dishes (and the decor) are Instagram-worthy, without being an Instagram-focused restaurant. Its name refers to the Thai word “sappe,” which means “consuming with all of the senses.” Indeed, the decor, cocktails and presentation are truly a feast for the senses.