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OBAO - Midtown
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
OBAO - Midtown
8.4
Lively Thai-Vietnamese spot established in 2009 that blends street-food staples with polished presentation, from short rib curries to pho and cocktails. High-volume delivery, years of steady crowds, and a broad menu make it a go-to in Midtown East for groups, business dinners, and pre-theater meals.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pho Bo Short Rib, Masaman Short Rib Curry, Pad Kee Mao
Scores:
Value: 6.9
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: A long-running, high-volume Thai-Vietnamese restaurant where pho, curries, and cocktails are executed with enough consistency to draw locals and visitors alike.
Who should go: Groups and couples wanting lively Thai-Vietnamese with cocktails.
When to visit: Prime-time dinner Friday or Saturday; reserve for larger parties.
What to order: Pho Bo Short Rib, masaman short rib curry, Pad Kee Mao.
Insider tip: Ask for the back section if you want a slightly quieter room with more greenery and space for sharing plates.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in Midtown East; expect metered spots to be scarce after 6pm. Nearby paid garages on 53rd–55th Streets are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Smart casual. Most guests wear neat jeans, boots, or casual dresses; business attire is common on weekdays.
Noise level: Moderate-high during peak hours — lively buzz but you can still hold a normal conversation if seated in the back room.
Weekend wait: 30–50 minutes without a reservation during prime hours.
Weekday lunch: Generally minimal; 0–10 minutes even for small groups.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Solid selection — tofu swaps for most noodle dishes and several veggie appetizers.
Vegan options: Moderate — 2–4 dishes can be made vegan, but confirm broth and sauce adjustments with the server.
Gluten-free options: Limited — some curries and rice dishes work, but noodle options contain wheat; no dedicated prep space.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the lighting is warm, the menu is shareable, and the back room offers a calmer vibe. It’s lively rather than intimate, so ideal for a fun, energetic first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually, but timing matters. Walk-ins are fine for 2–3 people before 6:30pm or after 8:30pm; larger groups should always book ahead.
Is it kid-friendly? Reasonably — staff are accommodating and the menu has mild options, but the space skews busy and loud. Best for kids 8+ who are comfortable in energetic dining rooms.
Best For
Better for: Large groups, mixed Thai–Vietnamese orders, cocktails, and reliable Midtown East availability with steady execution across a big menu.
Skip if: You want ultra-traditional Vietnamese dishes, a quiet meal, or fully gluten-free dining — several nearby spots offer narrower but more specialized menus.
OBAO - Midtown
8.4
Thai–Vietnamese fusion spot in Midtown East known for a deeply flavored pho bò made with a long-simmered beef broth, plus a broad noodle and grill menu. Locals use it as a reliable weeknight and business-lunch option when they want comforting bowls with full-service and a bar.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pho Bò (12-hour beef noodle soup), Pho with Chicken and Vegetables, Sambal Spiced Calamari
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: A rare Midtown East spot doing both Thai and Vietnamese, including serious pho, with high review volume and long-term reliability.
Who should go: Office workers and visitors wanting dependable pho near Midtown offices
When to visit: Weekday lunches or early dinners before the post-work rush
What to order: Pho Bò, crispy spring rolls, sambal spiced calamari
Insider tip: Go early or off-peak and ask for a table toward the back room to avoid the front-door crowd and street noise.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive in Midtown East; rely on nearby paid garages along 52nd–54th Streets.
Dress code: Smart casual; office attire fits in, and polished jeans are acceptable.
Noise level: Moderate—generally fine for conversation, with a busier hum during peak after-work hours.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes during peak periods; reservations help but aren’t always necessary.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait, though the 12–1pm rush can fill the room quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several Thai-leaning stir-fries, appetizers, and tofu substitutions.
Vegan options: Limited—2–3 viable dishes; confirm broth bases and sauces to avoid fish products.
Gluten-free options: Moderate—pho rice noodles are naturally GF, but soy-based sauces vary; staff can guide substitutions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for a casual, low-pressure date. The atmosphere is stylish but not intimate, so it works better for relaxed conversation than a romantic impression.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes. Walk-ins are workable, especially before 6:30pm or late evenings; expect a short wait during prime dinner hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Suitable for older kids who enjoy noodles and mild spice. No dedicated kids’ menu, but portions and flavors are approachable.
Best For
Better for: Consistent pho in Midtown East with a broader Thai-Vietnamese menu and a polished, group-friendly dining room.
Skip if: You want ultra-traditional northern Vietnamese pho, a quiet date-night atmosphere, or a quick counter-style meal.