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Lantern Thai Kitchen
Master Critic Review
Lantern Thai Kitchen
7.9
Lantern Thai Kitchen has been serving Brooklyn Heights for nearly two decades with a broad menu of curries, noodles, and a surprisingly strong bar program. The dim, brick-lined room leans a bit moodier, making it a neighborhood move for casual dates or cocktails plus pad thai.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pineapple Roasted Duck, Crispy Basil Duck, Pad Thai
Scores:
Value: 6.5
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Longstanding neighborhood Thai with a moody room and cocktail-friendly menu.
Who should go: Locals wanting reliable Thai plus drinks.
When to visit: Weeknights for easier tables and calmer energy.
What to order: Pineapple Roasted Duck, Crispy Basil Duck, Pad Thai.
Insider tip: The lunch specials are quieter and noticeably better value than dinner.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is metered and tight, especially after 6pm; nearby garages on Montague and Fulton typically run $18–$28 for the evening.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans and nice tops are fine, but many diners lean dressier for date nights.
Noise level: Moderate — lively enough to feel energetic, but you can still hold a conversation without straining.
Weekend wait: 30–50 minutes without a reservation during peak hours
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or under 10 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple noodle and curry dishes can be made vegetarian with tofu.
Vegan options: Limited but workable — several veggie dishes can be prepared without fish sauce if requested.
Gluten-free options: Some naturally gluten-free dishes available; sauces often contain soy, so it’s best to ask the server.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the dim lighting, cozy brick-lined room, and cocktail program create an easy, low-pressure date-night vibe that still feels a little special.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes on weeknights or earlier in the evening, but Fridays and Saturdays after 7pm usually involve a short wait without a reservation.
Is it kid-friendly? Earlier in the day, yes — kids who like noodles and mild curries do well here, but the darker room and bar crowd make it less ideal late at night.
Best For
Better for: Cocktails-plus-Thai nights, casual date dinners, and business lunches where you want ambiance but not full fine dining.
Skip if: You’re seeking ultra-authentic regional Thai or a bright, family-first dining room — simpler neighborhood Thai spots will suit those needs better.