Pranakhon

- 88 University Pl, New York, NY 10003

For New Yorkers seeking a true taste of Thailand’s vibrant, eclectic street food scene without leaving Manhattan, Pranakhon offers an exceptional and authentic experience near Union Square. The name itself is a nod to the original name of the capital city of Thailand (Phra Nakhon), and the restaurant’s inspiration is drawn directly from the diverse and lively outdoor alley, or 'soi,' food culture of Bangkok. This Asian-owned establishment successfully transports diners to the bustling streets of Thailand with its authentic flavors and stylishly decorated dining area, complete with a vibrant, slightly retro, and trendy ambiance.

Pranakhon is not just another Thai restaurant; it's a celebration of regional Thai dishes and street food favorites, earning recognition as a standout for authentic Thai food in New York City and even receiving a MICHELIN Guide designation. The extensive menu features classics alongside hard-to-find regional specialties, ensuring a culinary adventure with every visit. Dishes are well-executed, blending sweet, sour, salty, and spicy notes into a mosaic of bold and unforgettable flavors. Customers consistently praise the food as "delicious" and "amazing," with the commitment to fresh, quality ingredients evident in every plate.

The atmosphere is described as casual yet cozy, creating a welcoming space that is popular for both a quick bite and a leisurely dinner. The vibrant aesthetic, which some describe as "a little retro," contributes significantly to the overall dining pleasure. Furthermore, the restaurant is known for its fast service and is frequented by a diverse crowd, including Family-friendly groups, Groups, LGBTQ+ friendly diners, and Tourists, offering a truly inclusive and lively setting for everyone.

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Pranakhon is perfectly situated at 88 University Pl, New York, NY 10003, USA, placing it in the dynamic and highly accessible neighborhood near Union Square and the NYU campus. This location is a hub of activity, making it an easy destination for Manhattan locals and visitors exploring the area.

Accessibility is a priority at Pranakhon. The venue is equipped with a Wheelchair accessible entrance, Wheelchair accessible seating, and a Wheelchair accessible restroom, ensuring that all guests can comfortably enjoy their meal. For patrons who are driving, there is a Wheelchair accessible parking lot nearby, in addition to Paid street parking options typical of this downtown area. The restaurant’s proximity to major subway lines near Union Square also makes it easily reachable via public transport. The establishment's popularity, however, means it usually has a wait during peak hours, so planning ahead is highly recommended to secure a table for Lunch or Dinner.

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Pranakhon offers a comprehensive range of services and dining options designed to accommodate various needs, from a casual quick lunch to a full-service dinner party.

• Diverse Service Options: The restaurant facilitates multiple ways to enjoy its cuisine, including Dine-in, Takeout, Delivery, and No-contact delivery, providing maximum convenience for the busy New Yorker.
• Full Dining Schedule: Pranakhon is open for both Lunch and Dinner, providing a flexible option for mid-day meals, evening gatherings, or even Solo dining.
• Reservations Accepted: To manage demand for this popular spot, the restaurant Accepts reservations, with Lunch reservations recommended and Dinner reservations recommended, particularly for Groups.
• Full Bar Service & Unique Drinks: The venue features a Bar onsite and offers a wide array of drink options, including Alcohol, Beer, Cocktails, Hard liquor, and Wine. They also serve unique Homemade Drinks like Thai Iced Tea and Nom Yen.
• Specialized Menu Offerings: The menu is inclusive, featuring Healthy options, Vegan options, Vegetarian options, and a selection of Small plates and signature items like the Pranakhon Pad Thai and Short Rib Mussaman.
• Table Service and Catering: Guests benefit from attentive Table service during their visit, and the restaurant also provides Catering services for off-site events.
• Family-Friendly Amenities: The space is Good for kids and provides High chairs for families dining with young children.

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Pranakhon is distinguished by several features and highlights that set it apart in the competitive New York dining scene, focusing on authenticity, quality, and a welcoming atmosphere.

• Authentic Thai Street Food Experience: The core concept is to recreate the authentic, vibrant flavors found in Bangkok's 'soi' (alley) food scene, offering dishes that capture the essence of regional Thai cuisine.
• Exceptional Signature Dishes: The restaurant is lauded for its specialties. Customer favorites include the creamy and perfectly cooked Short Rib Mussaman, the Curry Pancake appetizer (roti flatbread stuffed with minced chicken), and the Soft Shell Crab Karee or Som Tum Poo Nim (Crispy soft-shell crab salad).
• Consistently Great Food and Service: Multiple customers confirm that the food has been "consistently great" over several visits, highlighting the reliability of the dining experience, with servers being "attentive and helpful" and service being Fast service.
• Great Cocktails & Tea Selection: Beyond the food, the drink program is a notable highlight, featuring both Great cocktails and an acclaimed Great tea selection, including their homemade Thai Iced Tea, often cited as the best in New York.
• Inclusive and Cozy/Trendy Atmosphere: The vibrant and cozy decor, complemented by the staff's orange vests reminiscent of Bangkok street vendors, creates a unique, trendy setting that is LGBTQ+ friendly and a Transgender safespace.
• Impressive Dessert Menu: Even when seasonal favorites like Mango Sticky Rice are unavailable, the Great dessert options like the Coconut Pudding and the layered I-Tim Sundae (with jackfruit, sago, and coconut crunchies) are highly praised as "yummy."
• Serves Local Specialty: The restaurant prides itself on serving dishes that represent the true diversity of Thai food, from the South-style Kang Pu Cha Plu (crab curry) to Northern noodle dishes like Khao Soi Haeng.

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For securing a reservation or inquiring about catering, use the following details:

Address: 88 University Pl, New York, NY 10003, USA

Phone: (212) 786-6789 or +1 212-786-6789

Given the frequent wait times, especially for dinner, prospective diners are strongly encouraged to call ahead or use a reservation system to ensure their spot at this highly-rated spot near Union Square.

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Pranakhon is unequivocally worth choosing for New Yorkers who demand authentic and flavorful Thai cuisine delivered with excellent, fast service in a lively, comfortable setting. It stands out in the NYC dining landscape by faithfully reproducing the excitement and diverse flavors of the Bangkok street food scene, as evidenced by its selection for the MICHELIN Guide.

Diners are consistently impressed by the quality of unique, must-try dishes like the Short Rib Mussaman and the perfectly crunchy Curry Pancake, as well as the generous portions of dishes like the Crab Fried Rice and the rich Tomyum Shrimp soup. Furthermore, the combination of an extensive menu—featuring everything from spicy street food staples to complex regional curries—with outstanding Great cocktails and a famously Great tea selection makes Pranakhon a perfect destination for various occasions. Whether you are dining solo for a quick bite or organizing a large group dinner, Pranakhon promises a consistently high-quality, memorable, and truly authentic Thai culinary journey right in the heart of New York City.

Pranakhon

88 University Pl, New York, NY 10003, USA