Playground

- 71-30 Roosevelt Ave, Jackson Heights, NY 11372

For New Yorkers craving a truly authentic and boldly flavored culinary journey to Thailand, Playground Thai Restaurant in Jackson Heights, Queens, stands out as a highly recommended local favorite. This establishment is celebrated for serving traditional Thai cuisine that is full-flavored, pungent, and expertly balanced, avoiding the overly sweet profile often found elsewhere in NYC. It is a destination for discerning locals and college students alike, praised for its genuine taste—often described as being "just like real Thai cuisine."

Playground provides a casual, cozy, and trendy atmosphere, making it a great spot for various occasions, from a solo lunch to a lively group dinner. The staff is consistently noted for being incredibly friendly, welcoming, and cheerful, ensuring a pleasant and efficient dining experience. Customers frequently highlight the fast service as a key differentiator, which is essential for busy New Yorkers.

The menu at Playground is extensive, organized into clear sections that cover the depth and breadth of Thai gastronomy. Diners can explore everything from classic street food appetizers to lesser-found regional specialties. Key menu categories include a variety of APPETIZERS (like Crispy Tofu, Spring Rolls, and E-San Thai Sausage), refreshing PAPAYA SALADS (SOMTUM), and fiery SPICY SALADS (YUMYUM). Main courses feature rich SPICY THAI CURRY / SAULTEED options, various THAI NOODLES / OVER RICE dishes (including Pad Thai and Pad Kee-Mao), and a dedicated section for Fried Rice/ FISH ENTREE (M/P).

Signature dishes and fan favorites often include the intense Kua Kling (sautéed ground pork with lime leaves, red peppers, and spicy curry paste), the flavorful Green Curry w mixed seafood, and the array of spicy salads that truly challenge and delight the palate. It is important for new visitors to note that the spice level is often described as being at a “Thai level,” meaning the “mild” spice option here can be similar to “medium spicy” at other New York Thai restaurants. Diners are encouraged to communicate their preferred heat level to the friendly staff.

Playground Thai Restaurant is ideally situated at the heart of Queens’ vibrant culinary scene. The address is 71-30 Roosevelt Ave, Jackson Heights, NY 11372, USA. This prime location in Jackson Heights makes it highly accessible for New Yorkers relying on public transportation and those traveling from various boroughs.

Being on Roosevelt Avenue, the restaurant benefits from excellent transit access, a crucial factor in the city. While specific subway stops are not provided, the area is well-served by public transit options, including the Roosevelt Avenue-Jackson Heights station a short distance away. For those driving, the location provides:

• Paid street parking is available in the vicinity, which, while subject to city parking regulations, offers an option for drivers.
• Though the establishment's accessibility information is not fully detailed, its location on a major avenue typically aids in general access.

Playground is committed to providing service options that fit the fast-paced New York lifestyle:

• Dine-in: Enjoy the cozy and trendy restaurant atmosphere with full Table service for lunch and dinner.
• Takeout: Quick and easy pickup is available for those on the go.
• Delivery: Offering both standard delivery and No-contact delivery options, allowing New Yorkers to enjoy authentic Thai food at home.
• Late-Night Food: A significant highlight, offering service options late into the night, which is a major draw for the neighborhood.
• Accepts Reservations: Reservations are accepted, making it easier for groups or for planning a visit during peak dining hours.
• Payment Policy Alert: Based on customer reviews, patrons should be aware that the restaurant is CASH ONLY, despite being listed as accepting Credit Cards. It is strongly recommended to bring cash to ensure a smooth transaction.

Beyond its authentic cuisine, Playground offers several distinct features that enhance the dining experience in this Queens neighborhood:

• Full Bar Service: Featuring a full bar onsite offering Alcohol, Beer, Cocktails, Hard liquor, and Wine.
• Happy Hour Drinks: A popular highlight, offering great deals on drinks, perfect for a post-work gathering or a casual evening out.
• Diverse Offerings: The menu caters to a wide audience with options for Comfort food, Healthy options, and Small plates for sharing.
• Inclusivity: The restaurant provides a Gender-neutral restroom, emphasizing a welcoming environment for all patrons.
• Popular Dining Times: The venue is highly popular for Lunch, Dinner, and Solo dining, proving its versatility.
• Ambiance: The interior is described as Casual, Cozy, and Trendy, with a relaxed vibe that attracts a crowd of Locals, College students, Families, and Groups.
• Menu Variety: Featuring comprehensive menu sections including Soup (Small-Large), Signature dishes, CLASSIC NOODLE dishes, and an array of Side Order/Dessert options like Sticky Rice.

To place an order, make a reservation, or inquire about the daily specials, please use the following contact details:

• Address: 71-30 Roosevelt Ave, Jackson Heights, NY 11372, USA
• Phone: (718) 779-7912
• Mobile Phone: +1 718-779-7912

For discerning New Yorkers, Playground Thai Restaurant is a premier choice primarily because it offers an uncompromisingly authentic and high-quality Thai dining experience that is difficult to find outside of Thailand. The emphasis is on full, bold, and complex flavors—not watered-down sweetness—appealing to those who appreciate genuine Thai spice and culinary tradition. The combination of a menu rich in both beloved classics (like Green Curry) and unique, regional specialties (like Kua Kling), along with its highly-praised fast and friendly service, makes every visit efficient and satisfying. The added value of late-night hours and a full bar with happy hour specials solidifies its status as a versatile, local hotspot in Queens. When seeking real Thai food in a cozy, trendy setting, and needing the convenience of delivery or takeout, Playground should be at the top of your list. Remember to bring cash to fully enjoy this Jackson Heights gem.

Playground

71-30 Roosevelt Ave, Jackson Heights, NY 11372, USA