Obao

Obao Restaurant Review:

Every theater-goer knows that Ninth Avenue is stocked with Thai restaurants. Thai-oriented Obao stands out among the lot with its stylish décor, bi-level seating, Vietnamese additions and a menu that’s focused on street food from Southeast Asia. The usual Thai standbys are all there, from pad thai to green papaya salad, as are pork chops and crispy spring rolls found at most of the city’s Vietnamese restaurants. Try the caramelized pork belly served with pickled vegetables, or the vegetarian-friendly dumplings filled with taro, jícama, spinach, sweet potato and shiitakes. Kimchi fries are unusual and spicy, and the roasted duck noodles will please a carnivore. The restaurant buzzes starting after work with happy hour pricing and continues well after the shows let out.