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Sabai Thai
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Sabai Thai
8.6
Opened in 2018 on Park Avenue South, Sabai Thai is a polished NoMad dining room pairing classic curries and noodles with a strong cocktail program. Locals lean on it for sit-down dinners that feel a notch more refined than the neighborhood’s takeout-heavy Thai options, especially for groups and date nights looking for a comfortable, modern space.
Must-Try Dishes:
Duck curry with jasmine rice, Pad see ew with beef, Soft shell crab fried rice
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Stylish Thai dining room with balanced classics and cocktails in NoMad.
Who should go: Groups and couples wanting polished Thai without formality.
When to visit: Evenings, especially weekends, for full room energy.
What to order: Duck curry, pad see ew, spring rolls.
Insider tip: Book ahead for prime-time tables near the bar where the room feels liveliest.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is very limited in NoMad, especially after 6pm. Nearby paid garages on Park Ave South and 28th–30th Streets are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Smart casual to slightly dressy. Jeans are fine, but many guests lean into date-night or cocktail-attire vibes.
Noise level: Moderate to lively — you can comfortably talk at your table, but the room hums during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation during prime time.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or a short 5–10 minute wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several curries, noodle dishes, and appetizers can be made vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited but doable — staff can guide you toward a few plant-based curries and stir-fries when requested.
Gluten-free options: Some naturally gluten-free Thai dishes available, but cross-contamination is possible in the kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the polished room, strong cocktail program, and shareable Thai dishes make it comfortable, social, and not overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? You can try on weeknights earlier in the evening, but weekend dinners are much easier with a reservation unless you're willing to wait at the bar.
Is it kid-friendly? It’s more of a date-night and group-dinner spot than a family restaurant, but older, well-behaved kids are fine earlier in the evening.
Best For
Better for: Sit-down Thai dinners with cocktails, group outings, and dates that want ambience along with classic dishes.
Skip if: You want ultra-cheap takeout-style Thai or a quiet, low-energy dining room.
Sabai Thai
8.3
Sabai Thai is a modern Thai restaurant in NoMad where curries, stir-fries, and seafood dishes meet cocktails under warm lighting. It’s a go-to for groups who want reliable pad thai plus shrimp-forward specials in a stylish room.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tom Yum Shrimp, Crispy Garlic Shrimp, Pla Rad Prik
Scores:
Value: 6.4
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Lively Thai dining room pairing crowd-pleasing dishes with a full bar.
Who should go: Friends sharing Thai curries, noodles, and shrimp plates.
When to visit: Evenings or happy hour for energy and drink specials.
What to order: Tom Yum shrimp, crispy garlic shrimp, whole fried fish.
Insider tip: Reserve for peak hours; the room fills quickly with groups.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive in NoMad; nearby garages run $25–$45 for evening parking. Rideshare is strongly recommended.
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy casual—jeans are fine, but most guests lean toward polished nightlife attire.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—conversation is easy at early dinner but gets louder as cocktails and groups fill in.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation during peak hours
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or under 10 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several customizable curries, stir-fries, and noodle dishes can be made vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited but workable—plant-based curries and vegetable stir-fries available upon request.
Gluten-free options: Some naturally gluten-free Thai dishes available; soy-based sauces may require modifications.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—warm lighting, cocktail energy, and shareable Thai dishes make it social without feeling awkward or too quiet.
Can I get a table without a reservation? You might at off-peak times, but evenings and weekends often fill up fast—reservations are strongly advised for groups.
Is it kid-friendly? Best suited for teens rather than young kids—the vibe is lively and bar-forward, especially at night.
Best For
Better for: Group-friendly Thai dining with cocktails, shrimp-forward seafood dishes, and a polished nightlife vibe.
Skip if: You want ultra-authentic, quiet Thai cuisine or a low-key neighborhood noodle shop atmosphere.