River Introduce
For those living in or visiting the vibrant New York, NY, area, River Thai Restaurant stands out as a true culinary destination for authentic and high-quality Thai cuisine. Located on Amsterdam Avenue, this establishment has earned a loyal following by consistently delivering exceptionally flavorful dishes, warm service, and a relaxing, cozy atmosphere. It is widely recognized by local patrons as one of the best Thai restaurants in Manhattan, making the stretch of Amsterdam Avenue a special place for lovers of Southeast Asian flavors. Whether you are seeking a quick, healthy lunch, a comforting dinner, or a meal that accommodates specific dietary needs like vegan or vegetarian options, River Thai provides a compelling option that consistently exceeds expectations.
The restaurant specializes in a comprehensive selection of Thai favorites, ensuring that there is something to satisfy every craving. Their extensive all-day menu features well-known staples alongside creative special offerings. Diners frequently rave about the delicious, wonderfully seasoned curries, noting the perfect balance of flavor and spice. From the classic Pad Thai and Pad See Ew to the flavorful Green Curry and the highly recommended Pineapple Duck Curry from the Chef's Special section, River Thai maintains a commitment to quality, taste, and consistency across all its offerings, utilizing traditional preparation methods and fresh ingredients.
Location and Accessibility
River Thai Restaurant is conveniently situated in the heart of the New York, NY, region, making it easily accessible for local residents and visitors alike. The restaurant's address places it in a well-trafficked and recognizable part of the city.
The physical address for River Thai is:
1766 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10031, USA
The location offers several accessibility features and transportation options to enhance the convenience for all guests. For those arriving by vehicle, paid street parking is available in the vicinity. Importantly, the restaurant demonstrates a commitment to inclusivity with a wheelchair accessible entrance and wheelchair accessible seating, ensuring a comfortable experience for all patrons. The surrounding area is well-connected, making it a straightforward destination to reach via various forms of public transit for New Yorkers.
Services Offered
River Thai is dedicated to providing maximum flexibility in how customers can enjoy their delicious food. The restaurant offers a variety of service and dining options to suit busy New York lifestyles, from a peaceful dine-in experience to convenient takeout and delivery.
- Dine-in Service: Enjoy the cozy and casual atmosphere with full table service for both lunch and dinner. Seating and a clean restroom are provided.
- Outdoor Seating: A great option for enjoying your meal when the weather is pleasant.
- Takeout: Ideal for customers in a hurry or those who prefer to eat at home or work. Customers report that picking up directly from River Thai often yields the best, freshest results.
- Delivery & No-Contact Delivery: Convenient services to have your favorite Thai dishes delivered directly to your door anywhere in the service area.
- Reservations: The restaurant accepts reservations, which is recommended, especially for peak dining hours.
- Payment Options: The restaurant accepts Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and NFC Mobile Payments, making transactions simple and quick.
Features / Highlights
River Thai is celebrated not just for its extensive menu but also for a number of key features that contribute to its excellent reputation among Manhattan diners. The menu offers a depth of traditional and specialty items, ensuring a fresh and exciting experience with every visit.
- Comprehensive Menu Categories: The offerings span a wide range, including Starters (like Basil Chicken Dumplings and Satay), Soups (Tom Yum and Tom Kha), Curries (Yellow, Green, Panang, Massaman, Red), Noodles (Pad Thai, Drunken Noodles, Pad See Ew), Fried Rice, Wok Cooking dishes (Pad Basil, Cashew Nut), Big Bowl Noodle Soup, and Desserts (Mango & Sweet Sticky Rice, Fried Ice Cream).
- Diverse Dietary Offerings: The menu includes a strong selection of offerings to accommodate various diets, such as Vegan Options, Vegetarian Options, and Healthy Options, alongside comforting favorites.
- Chef's Special Selections: Highlighted specialty dishes include the Salmon Mango Salad, Pineapple Duck Curry, Shaking Beef, and Pla Rad Prik, showcasing unique and premium preparations.
- Beverage Selection: Refreshing drinks like Thai Iced Tea, Thai Iced Coffee, Boba Tea, and various juices are available to complement any meal.
- Popularity for Solo Dining: The casual and peaceful setting makes it a popular choice for individuals seeking a high-quality meal on their own.
- Kid-Friendly Environment: The restaurant is considered good for kids, making it a suitable spot for family dining.
- Atmosphere: Described as both casual and cozy, the atmosphere is relaxing, offering a peaceful dining experience.
- Exceptional Lunch Special: Customers frequently praise the lunch special as a fantastic value, offering an affordable way to enjoy signature dishes like Pad See Ew and the renowned curries.
Contact Information
For reservations, takeout, or general inquiries, you can contact River Thai using the following information:
Address: 1766 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10031, USA
Phone: (646) 490-8290
Mobile Phone: +1 646-490-8290
What is Worth Choosing River Thai
For anyone in the New York area searching for an authentic and satisfying Thai meal, River Thai is a choice that comes highly recommended by its patrons. The continuous positive feedback revolves around several core strengths that distinguish this establishment. Firstly, the consistent quality and taste of the food are paramount. As one customer noted, the food remains better than most Thai restaurants in Manhattan, a testament to the kitchen's dedication. Dishes are cooked to order, with fresh ingredients and expertly balanced spices, evident in the popularity of their curries, which are described as "delicious" and "wonderfully seasoned."
Secondly, the value offered, particularly through the lunch special, is a significant draw. New Yorkers appreciate a good deal, and the combination of substantial portion sizes and high-quality preparation makes the lunch offerings an excellent choice for a midday meal. Furthermore, the commitment to variety means there is always something new to try, encouraging repeat visits. Enthusiastic diners often suggest trying everything on the menu, highlighting the breadth of their culinary expertise, from the Tom Yum Fried Rice to the Beef Rendang.
Finally, the combination of excellent service and a comfortable setting ensures a pleasant experience whether you are dining in, picking up, or receiving a delivery. The atmosphere is described as relaxing and the service is great, making the dining experience peaceful. River Thai’s reliability in maintaining consistent quality, taste, and spice levels, coupled with its wide array of offerings and accessibility, firmly cements its status as an absolute "GEM" on Amsterdam Avenue and a must-try Thai restaurant in New York, NY.
River Menu
All Day Menu - Salads
- Seafood Salad $20.99
Shrimp, squid, mussels red onion, scallion in spicy lime dressing.
- Mango Salad $9.99
Red onion, scallion in spicy lime dressing.
- Thai Salad $8.99
Tofu, lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, shallots, & boiled egg, peanut sauce dressing.
- Som Tum Salad $11.99
Spicy. Green papaya, tomatoes, peanuts, carrots, string beans & chilies.
- Plar Goong Salad $13.99
Shrimp, lettuce, red onion, lemongrass, tomatoes, shallots, cilantro, cucumber, scallions, kaffir lime leaves.
- Duck Salad $17.99
Not Halal. Crispy duck, lettuce, tomatoes, scallions, pineapple, cashew nuts & shallots.
- Chicken Larb Salad $13.99
Spicy. Spiced minced chicken, roasted rice powder, shallots, lettuce, scallions, cilantro, mint leaves & red chilies.
- Nua Nom Tok Salad $13.99
Spicy. Sliced beef, lettuce, shallots, cilantro, mint leaves, scallions, red chilies & roasted rice.
All Day Menu - Beverages
- Thai Iced Tea $4.99
- Spring Water $2.99
- Boba Tea $7.99
- Sparkling Water $3.99
- Thai Iced Cofffe $4.99
- Sweet Pink Lady $4.99
- Soda $2.99
- Juice $4.99
- Hot Tea $3.99
All Day Menu - Pot Cooking
- Yellow Curry $16.99
Spicy. Coconut milk, potatoes, onion, carrots, & curry powder.
- Panang Curry $16.99
Spicy. Coconut milk, string beans, carrots, bell peppers, & kaffir lime leaves.
- Green Curry $16.99
Spicy. Coconut milk, bamboo shoots, eggplant, bell peppers, string beans & basil.
- Massaman Curry $16.99
Coconut milk, potatoes, roasted peanuts, & onion.
- Red Curry $16.99
Spicy. Coconut milk, bamboo shoots, eggplant, string beans, bell peppers & basil.
All Day Menu - Starters
- Calamari $11.99
Crispy fried calamari with Thai sweet chili sauce.
- Tod Mun $9.99
Fried fish cake, kaffir lime leaves.
- Chicken Lettuce Wrap $10.99
Curried minced chicken, garden vegetables & cashew nuts.
- Basil Chicken Dumplings $9.99
Ground chicken, sesame oil & sweet soy dipping sauce.
- Vegetable Dumplings $6.99
Mixed vegetable, sesame oil, & sweet soy dipping sauce.
- Po Pia Sod | Cold Rolls $6.99
Garden vegetables, mint, carrot, tofu wrapped in rice paper, tamarind sauce & peanuts.
- Chicken Wings $11.99
Marinated Thai-style chicken wings in chef's special sauce.
- Roti Canai $9.99
Malaysian roti, coconut chicken curry.
- Lemongrass Shrimp Tempura $11.99
Wok tossed shrimp, lemongrass & dry chilies.
- Satay $10.99
Grilled chicken on skewers with peanut sauce & cucumber salad.
- Thai Curry Puff $9.99
Minced chicken & potato pastry puff, cucumber sauce.
- Vegetable Spring Roll $6.99
Hand rolled & fried, sweet plum sauce.
- Taro Puff $9.99
Taro, corn, coconut milk, cucumber sauce.
- Crispy Tofu $6.99
Sweet plum sauce & peanuts.
- Crab Rangoon $9.99
Crab stick meat, cheese, and celery wrapped in wonton skin.
All Day Menu - Noodles
- Pad Thai Noodles $16.99
Rice noodles, bean sprouts, scallions, egg, & crunchy peanuts.
- Pad See Ew Noodles $16.99
Flat rice noodles, sweet soy sauce, Chinese broccoli, & eggs.
- Pad Woon Sen Noodles $16.99
Clear noodles, egg, garlic, onion, celery, napa, carrots, & soy sauce.
- Drunken Noodles $16.99
Spicy. Flat rice noodles, broccoli, carrots, onion, bell peppers, garlic, chili, fried egg, & basil.
- Gai Kua Noodles $16.99
Sauteed flat noodles, red onion, scallions, beansprouts, lettuce, egg, sesame oil.
- Singapore Noodles $16.99
Noodles fused with yellow curry powder, onion, scallion, beansprout, egg.
All Day Menu - Desserts
- Fried Ice Cream $9.99
- Mango & Sweet Sticky Rice $11.99
Summer only.
- Crispy Fried Banana $6.99
Honey & roasted sesame seeds.
- Sweet Taro Thai Custard $10.99
- Thai Pumpkin Custard $9.99
- Mochi Ice Cream $10.99
- Jack Fruit & Sweet Sticky Rice $11.99
- Thai Custard With Sticky Rice $10.99
All Day Menu - Chef's Special
- Salmon Mango Salad $25.99
Red onion, scallion, mint, peanuts & papaya dressing.
- Chicken Rendang $19.99
Spicy. Indonesian/Malaysian coconut curry.
- Shaking Beef $21.99
Sautéed beef, onion, broccoli, bell peppers, garlic, carrots & soy sauce.
- Pineapple Duck Curry $27.99
Spicy. Not Halal. Coconut milk, red curry, pineapple, tomatoes, bell peppers & basil.
- Duck Gra Prow $27.99
Spicy. Not Halal. Thai chilies, string beans, onion, bell peppers, carrots & basil.
- Pra Ram Chicken $19.99
Sautéed peanut sauce, carrot & steamed broccoli.
- Garlic Salmon $27.99
Filet of salmon with garlic sauce, steamed mixed vegetables.
- Beef Rendang $21.99
Spicy. Indonesian/Malaysian coconut curry.
- Pla Choo Chee $25.99
Spicy. Fish fillet, choo chee coconut milk sauce, kaffir lime leaf & bell peppers.
- Garlic Eggplant $16.99
Sautéed eggplant, baby corn, napa, broccoli, & carrots in garlic sauce.
- Chicken Teriyaki $20.99
Grilled chicken breast served on a bed of broccoli with teriyaki sauce.
- Pla Rad Prik $25.99
Spicy. Fish fillet, spicy garlic sauce, onion, bell peppers & steamed broccoli.
All Day Menu - Fried Rice
- Thai Fried Rice $15.99
Egg, onion, scallions, tomatoes, & Chinese broccoli.
- Basil Fried Rice $15.99
Spicy. Egg, onion, bell peppers, & basil.
- Pineapple Fried Rice $15.99
Egg, onion, pineapple, scallions, & cashew nut.
- Tom Yum Fried Rice $21.99
Lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, onion, mushroom, egg.
- Nasi Goreng $16.99
Spicy. Indonesian fried rice, egg, carrots, onion, bell peppers.
All Day Menu - Sides
- Steamed Noodles $4.99
- Peanut Sauce $2.99
- Steamed Vegetables $4.99
- Brown Rice $3.99
- Jasmine Rice $2.99
- Fried Egg $3.99
- Sticky Rice $3.99
All Day Menu - Big Bowl Noodle Soup
- Steamed Mussels $23.99
Onion, lemongrass, basil sauce.
- Tamarind | Rice Noodle $18.99
Spicy. Hot & sour soup, chicken & shrimp, mushrooms, onion, scallions, bell peppers & chili paste.
- Laksa | Lo Mein $18.99
Shrimp, coconut curry in a laksa paste broth, Chinese broccoli & bean sprouts.
- Woon Sen | Clear Noodle $16.99
Clear broth soup, minced chicken, scallions, bean sprouts, cilantro, & garlic.
All Day Menu - Soups
- Clear Soup $9.99
Thai traditional clear broth soup with mixed vegetables, tofu & fried garlic.
- Tom Kha Soup $9.99
Coconut milk soup, onion, shrimp or chicken, mushrooms, galanga.
- Tom Yum Soup $9.99
Spicy. Hot & sour tangy soup, shrimp or chicken & Thai herbs.
All Day Menu - Wok Cooking
- Pad Basil $16.99
Spicy. String beans, basil, garlic, chili, bell peppers, & onion.
- Sweet & Sour $16.99
Pineapple, tomatoes, cucumbers, onion, carrot, baby corn, bell peppers & scallions.
- Pad Black Pepper Garlic $16.99
Roasted garlic, black pepper, & mixed vegetables.
- Chili Mango $16.99
Spicy. Fresh mango, carrot, onion & bell peppers, red chili paste.
- Pad Ped $16.99
Spicy. String beans, bell peppers, bamboo & red chili paste.
- Pad Ginger $16.99
Mushrooms, ginger, garlic, baby corn, onion, scallions, celery, carrots & bell peppers.
- Vegetable Basil $16.99
Spicy. Roasted garlic, chili, bell peppers, onion & mixed vegetables.
- Cashew Nut $16.99
Scallions, onion, bell peppers, pineapple, carrot, baby corn, celery & Thai spices.
River Details
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- No-contact delivery
- Delivery
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Offerings
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Healthy options
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Vegan options
- Vegetarian options
Dining options
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
Parking
- Paid street parking
River Photos










River Location
River Reviews
spicydrunken noodlesdeliverythai iced teacurrypad see ewtake outatmosphereduckgem
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1This wonderful restaurant is a hidden gem on Amsterdam Avenue. Service is great and the atmosphere is relaxing.The curries are delicious! Wonderfully seasoned with a bit of spice.I stopped by one day for a lunch special and ordered my favorite, the red curry. It was so good, I came back the next to try the green curry. Yum.Next week (if not sooner) the Drunken noodles and Thai Iced Tea.
October 02 · d lThe BEST THAI RESTAURANT in MANHATTAN! Ive been ordering take out from this place for several years, and the food STILL remains BETTER than most of the Thai restaurants in Manhattan.Their lunch special is a such a good deal! Pad See Ew and tom yum soup always hit thr spot. Curries are also solid. We just had the pineapple duck curry for dinner and it was just as good as the first time.Just go and try everything on their menu!! Kudos to River Thai for consistent quality, taste,and spice levels. They are an absolute GEM and make Amsterdam Ave a very special place.Pro tip: order delivery and do pick up. Ive found that picking up directly from River Thai yields the best results. Ive also dined in, and thr experience is always peaceful.
October 11 · May PamanaI went during lunch while I was in the area and my food didn’t take longer than 10 minutes. Everything was fast and really good. Flavor was 10/10 ! I had gotten the pad see ew with the salad and omg I was obsessed with the salad dressing alone, soooo good ! Will be coming back to try other dishes on their menu
July 14 · MI have nothing but great things to say about this place. I unexpectedly...had an amazing experience at this establishment. I had been in there before because I love Thai Iced Tea. So I went to get another 1 to travel with. I walked in and my eyes caught some deliciousness on someone else's plate. I had to step back and read the menu. I promise you I was not looking to see so many delicious looking dishes so I decided to stay awhile. Did I mention the customer service was excellent?... cause it absolutely was. The young lady was so nice and polite. Made feel like I was the only one important. I love experiences like that. Then the food absolutely complimented the customer service. I was not mad at all. Thank you for taking the time to make sure this 1st impression didn't need a second chance. Great job.
October 13 · ELLERBYDelicious thai spot housed in hamilton heights! Definitely recommend their thai tea as well as their pad see ew, lowkey would skip out on the spring roll next time, but still slay!
September 26 · Mariel Camargo
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