Ресторан · New York · ⭐ 9.7/10 · 8289 reviews · $$ · updated: 2026-06-30 19:08:18
Address: 1411 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10021, United States
Up Thai: Street Food, Upgraded and Queuing Out the Door
The Upper East Side is not famous for lines, yet most evenings one forms here. Up Thai took the loud, fragrant energy of Bangkok street cooking, dressed it in lantern light and turned it into one of the neighborhood’s hardest-working dinner tickets — proof that uptown will absolutely wait for chili, lime and lemongrass done right.
The Concept
The kitchen reimagines Thai street classics with sharper ingredients and chef-driven builds: familiar comfort on one page, genuinely creative signatures on the next. It is Thai food with its identity intact — heat, funk and brightness — polished just enough for a stylish night out.
What to Order
Go beyond pad thai: the Kang Kua soft shell crab curry is the signature flex, the duck roti roll a perfect opener, and the crispy duck in tamarind sauce a masterclass in contrast. Braised beef short rib, massaman curry and Thai crepe dumplings round out the hits — and yes, the pad thai is excellent too, if the table insists.
The Space
Rustic brick, warm wood and a ceiling alive with hanging plants and Persian-style lanterns — moody, buzzy and closer to a downtown date spot than a neighborhood takeout joint. Evenings hum; the crowd is a mix of regulars who order blind and first-timers photographing everything.
Who It’s For
Date nights that want flavor over formality, spice chasers, group dinners built around sharing — and anyone who thinks great Thai food should not require leaving the Upper East Side.
Good to Know
How spicy does it get? As spicy as you ask — heat levels are adjustable per dish, and the kitchen takes “Thai spicy” requests seriously.
Do they take reservations? Yes, and prime-time slots go fast; walk-ins should expect a wait on weekends.
What should a first-timer order? One signature (the soft shell crab curry), one comfort classic and the duck roti roll to start — instant credibility.
Is it vegetarian-friendly? Very — most dishes convert with tofu or vegetables, and the kitchen handles requests smoothly.
Does it work for takeout? Yes, delivery and pickup run briskly — though the lantern-lit room is half the experience.
Opening hours
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 11:30–22:00 |
| Tuesday | 11:30–22:00 |
| Wednesday | 11:30–22:00 |
| Thursday | 11:30–22:00 |
| Friday | 11:30–23:00 |
| Saturday | 12:00–23:00 |
| Sunday | 12:00–22:00 |
Photos
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Visitor reviews
Reviews last updated: 2026-06-30 19:08:18
Data is refreshed monthly. Sources: manhattan-trend.com and editorial picks based on reviews.
THE BEST THAI FOOD I'VE HAD IN NEW YORK, PERIOD. The clay-pot rice was my favourite, so tasty with generous portions of meat. The pad see ew was also wonderful, super chewy noodles. The pork chop rice was so unique, with…
I really enjoyed the food at Up Thai! The Thai-style Poh Tak was hearty and tasty, with lots of fresh shrimp, mussels and squid. The broth was fragrant, and the garlic bread on top was the perfect addition. Everything wa…
UpThai is my favourite Thai restaurant in New York, one I absolutely have to visit whenever I'm in the city. The cool atmosphere, warm lighting and fun, friendly vibe make this place so pleasant for a meal. Everything on…
I read the reviews and saw the photos, but actually eating there was completely different — in the best sense. I love trying new Thai spots, and Up Thai didn't disappoint. The food was tasty, and the room has such a cosy…
We recently decided to have lunch here and check out the lunch specials. The place is in the middle of the block on Second Avenue, between 73rd and 74th Streets. It was very crowded, and while waiting for a table there w…