Thai Diner Introduce
Tucked into the vibrant NoLita neighborhood, **Thai Diner** at 186 Mott Street is far more than a typical Thai restaurant; it is a beloved New York institution that perfectly executes a thoughtful, delicious blend of traditional Thai flavors and classic American diner culture. This unique concept, spearheaded by the talented chef-owners behind the late, critically acclaimed Uncle Boon's, has earned a coveted **MICHELIN Bib Gourmand** distinction for its high-quality, good-value cooking.
Stepping inside, patrons are greeted by an atmosphere that is at once **Casual, Cozy, and Trendy**, with retro diner elements—such as a counter and booths—seamlessly integrated with Thai accents like woven bamboo and paper lanterns. This is a restaurant designed for versatility, making it the ideal spot for everything from a high-energy **Brunch** gathering to a relaxed **Late-night food** excursion. The restaurant prides itself on being a women-owned business, adding to its appeal in the competitive Manhattan dining scene.
The menu is what truly sets Thai Diner apart. It artfully combines comforting diner staples with the complex, bold, and balanced tastes of Thai cuisine. Favorites include re-imagined classics, signature dishes inherited from its predecessor, and all-day breakfast items that have become legendary among local food enthusiasts. Be prepared for a delightful, creative, and fully realized culinary experience that is truly unique to New York City.
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Thai Diner is strategically located at **186 Mott St, New York, NY 10012, USA**. This address places it at the bustling nexus of several iconic Downtown Manhattan neighborhoods: NoLita, Little Italy, and Chinatown. Its central location makes it highly convenient for a wide range of New Yorkers and **Tourists** to visit, serving as a perfect waypoint during a day of exploring the area's many shops and cultural sights.
The restaurant maintains excellent standards for accessibility, ensuring a welcoming environment for all guests:
- **Wheelchair accessible entrance**
- **Wheelchair accessible restroom**
- **Wheelchair accessible seating**
- **Gender-neutral restroom**
For those driving, **Paid street parking** is available in the surrounding area, though, like all Downtown locations, this may require some patience. The restaurant is also notably a **Transgender safespace** and is **LGBTQ+ friendly**, promoting a truly inclusive atmosphere for the diverse local **Crowd**.
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As an extremely popular New York destination, Thai Diner offers multiple service options, though customers should be mindful of its high demand:
- **Dine-in and Seating:** The restaurant offers a full **Table service** experience for **Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch, and Dinner**. A full **Bar onsite** is available, serving a wide array of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
- **Reservations and Wait Times:** While the restaurant **Accepts reservations** (available for Brunch, Lunch, and Dinner), they are often very limited and highly recommended to be booked well in advance. Thai Diner is primarily a walk-in-based restaurant, and patrons should be prepared that there is **Usually a wait**, which can be significant during peak meal times, particularly brunch.
- **Takeout & Delivery:** For added convenience, **Takeout** and **Delivery** services are available, allowing customers to enjoy the unique Thai-American cuisine at home or on the go.
- **Outdoor Seating:** Provides an enjoyable dining option when the weather is favorable, allowing guests to soak in the Mott Street energy.
- **Child-Friendly:** The venue is noted as **Good for kids** and provides **High chairs**, welcoming **Family-friendly** groups.
- **Late-Night Food:** The kitchen operates late, catering to those seeking a quality meal or snack during the evening hours.
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Thai Diner’s highlights stem directly from its inventive, high-quality menu and its celebrated atmosphere:
- **Iconic Signature Dishes:** The restaurant is famous for must-try dishes like **Uncle Boon's Crab Fried Rice** ($28.00), the ultra-popular **Thai Disco Fries** ($14.00, fries smothered in Massaman curry and coconut cream), and the unique **Spicy Thai Basil Cheesesteak** ($21.00).
- **All-Day Breakfast & Brunch:** Signature items include the decadent **Thai Tea Elephant Ear French Toast** ($17.00), **Coconut Pancakes (Vegan & GF)** ($17.00), and the customizable **George's Egg Sandwich** (Available Vegan, $15.00), solidifying its reputation as one of the best breakfast spots in NYC.
- **Creative Beverage Program:** Recognized for having **Great cocktails**, the list includes unique, spicy options like the **Spicy Tamarind Margarita** ($26.00) and large-format drinks like the **Muay Thai Punch** ($26.00), alongside house-made drinks like **Thai Ice Tea** and **Sparkling Limeade**.
- **Exceptional Desserts:** The restaurant is known for its **Great dessert** options, including the highly-praised **Mango Sticky Rice** ($14.00) and the rich **Thai Coffee Monster** ($12.00) or the **Green & White Cookie** ($8.00).
- **Wide Array of Offerings:** The menu caters to many preferences, offering **Alcohol, Beer, Coffee, Hard liquor, Healthy options, Vegan options, and Vegetarian options**, ensuring everyone in a **Groups** setting finds something to enjoy.
- **Snacks and Sides:** Excellent options for sharing include **Roti Kabocha (Vegan)** ($14.00), **Drunken Dumplings** ($15.00), and the highly recommended **Crispy Eggplant Matyinee** ($12.00).
- **Quality Recognition:** Holds a **MICHELIN Bib Gourmand** award, certifying its commitment to excellent food at a reasonable value point.
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For information, reservations (if available), or to place an order, please use the following contact details:
- **Address:** 186 Mott St, New York, NY 10012, USA
- **Phone:** (646) 559-4140
- **Mobile Phone:** +1 646-559-4140
- **Type:** Thai restaurant
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Thai Diner is absolutely worth choosing for New Yorkers who appreciate a dining experience that is both genuinely authentic in its Thai flavors and boldly inventive in its approach to comfort food. It offers a unique fusion concept that is expertly executed, making it a culinary benchmark in Lower Manhattan. The key elements that make it a must-visit are its star dishes, its all-day dining flexibility, and its vibrant, memorable atmosphere.
The restaurant’s signature creations alone justify the visit (and the likely wait). The **Thai Disco Fries** are an essential New York experience, transforming a simple comfort food into a rich, spicy, and creamy delight. Similarly, the **Uncle Boon's Crab Fried Rice** is legendary, offering a flavor profile that is deeply satisfying and worth every penny. For those seeking an inventive breakfast or brunch, the **Thai Tea Elephant Ear French Toast** offers a unique sweet-savory start to the day that is simply not available anywhere else in the city.
Moreover, the versatility of Thai Diner is crucial in the NYC market. It serves everything from early morning **Breakfast** (starting at 8:30 AM on weekdays) to **Late-night food**, and offers a fantastic array of **Cocktails** and **Small plates** perfect for social **Groups** or **Solo dining**. The ability to secure reservations, though limited, is a nod to its status as a sought-after spot. Given its popularity and the often long wait times, planning a visit during off-peak hours or utilizing the **Takeout** option for its iconic dishes is a savvy New Yorker move.
In summary, choose Thai Diner for the inventive food, the bustling, trendy atmosphere, the high-quality ingredients, and the promise of a memorable meal that perfectly captures the creative spirit of New York City's dining scene.
Thai Diner Menu
Sides
- Side Sliced Thai Bird Chilis $1.00
- Side Spicy Chili Jam $1.75
Contains Shellfish
- Roti $3.00
- Vegan Turmeric Roti $4.00
- Morning Glory Fai Dang $10.00
Morning Glory Stir Fry with Garlic and Thai Bird Chiles.
- Crispy Egg $2.00
- Fries $5.00
- Crispy Eggplant Matyinee $12.00
with Herbs, Pickled Chilis, Shallots & Spicy Herbal Sauce
- Side Roasted Chili Nam Jim $1.75
Contains Shellfish and Fish.
- Jasmine Rice $3.00
- Side Spicy Seafood Nam Prik $1.75
Contains Fish sauce.
- Half Avocado $4.00
- Purple Sticky Rice $4.00
- Side Toasted Chili Powder $1.75
Soups & Salads
- Tom Yum Bisque $12.00
Spicy Shrimp, Lemongrass, Galangal, Tamarind, Tomato & Makrut Lime Leaf Bisque ALLERGENS: Shrimp, Dairy, Fish, Allium, Mushroom, Lobster
- Som Tum Papaya Salad $15.00
Traditional Green Papaya Salad with Thai Bird Chilies, Long Beans, Tomato, Dried Shrimp, and Peanuts.
- Asian Greens Chowder $12.00
Vegan. Morning Glory, Bok Choy, Potato, and Chinese Celery in Coconut Broth with Crispy Garlic.
- Baan Salad $15.00
Vegan. Our House Salad with Crispy Red Curry Rice, Romaine, Watercress, Avocado, Red Onion, and Thai Herbs. Served with Sweet Chili Dressing.
Coffee & Tea
- Americano $3.50
- Cappuccino $5.00
- Hot Tea $4.00
- Stumptown Cold Brew Coffee $4.00
- Latte $5.00
Fun Stuff
- Astronaut Ice Cream $5.99
- Wax Lips $3.00
- Thai Tea Morning Buns (Frozen) $28.00
A 4 Pack of Thai Tea Morning Buns to be Baked off at Home. Comes FROZEN. Comes with a Pastry Bag of Thai Tea Icing
- Chocolate Rose $4.75
- Thai Diner Hat-Black $25.00
- Thai Diner Hat-Tan $25.00
Beverages
- Hildon Sparkling Water $7.00
- Leo Thai Lager $6.00
Must be delivered to someone with valid ID. Alcohol items must be purchased with food.
- Thai Ice Coffee $4.00
- Thai Disco Spicy Thai Lager $8.00
A Refreshing & Spicy Thai Bird Chili and Lemongrass Lager. Brewed exclusively for Thai Diner by our friends at Twelve Percent Brewing.
- Stumptown Cold Brew Coffee $5.00
- Soda $3.00
- Sparkling Limeade $4.00
- Hildon Water-750mL $7.00
- Thai Ice Tea $4.00
- Organic Coconut Water $7.00
BREAKFAST
- George's Egg Sandwich (Available Vegan) $15.00
Egg, Cheese, Avocado, Bok Choy & Thai Basil on Roti. Available Vegan. Allergens: Gluten, Egg, Allium, Dairy
- Coconut Pancakes (Vegan & GF) $17.00
with Pandan and Guava-Almond Sankaya Custards
- Soy Anise Eggs $15.00
Soft Boiled Soy-Anise Eggs with Chili Jam & Scallion Roti
- Thai Tea Elephant Ear French Toast $17.00
Homemade Thai Tea Babka French Toast with Thai Tea Butter & Salty Condensed Milk Syrup. Allergens: Gluten, Egg, Dairy
- Thai Iced Tea $6.00
- Thai American Breakfast Plate $17.00
Eggs your way with Coconut-Taro Rice Salad & Nam Jim. Available Vegan.
- Jok $17.00
Thai Style Congee Porridge with Turkey, Young Ginger, Egg & Soy
- Hildon Fizzy Water $7.00
750 mL
- Crispy Rice Eggs $17.00
Fried Eggs over Crispy Rice with Herbs Salad, Avocado & Sweet Chili
- Thai Ice Coffee $6.00
- Stumptown Cold Brew Coffee $5.00
- Hildon Still Water $7.00
750 mL
- Thai Diner Egg Sandwich $15.00
Egg, Cheese, Sai Oua Herbal Sausage & Thai Basil wrapped in Roti Allergens: Egg, Dairy, Gluten, Allium, Soy, Fish Sauce
Sweets
- Thai Coffee Monster $12.00
Thai Coffee Chiffon Cake with Cashew Pasty Cream & Thai Coffee Buttercream.......in Monster Form Allergens: Gluten, Cashews, Egg, Dairy
- Mango Sticky Rice $14.00
Champagne Mango with Coconut Sticky Rice and Crispy Mung Bean. Vegan, Dairy Free & Gluten Free
- Banana Tapioca Pudding $10.00
Banana Tapioca Pudding with Uncle Boons Thai Rum topped with Whipped Cream, Caramelized Bananas, and Thai Lotus Sesame Tuile. Gluten-Free.
- Green & White Cookie $8.00
Pandan & Salty Coconut 'Cookie' filled with Pandan Sankaya
Thai Classics & House Specialties
- Khao Soi $26.00
Northern Style Curry with Egg Noodles, Coconut Milk, and Pickled Mustard Greens. Available with Chicken or Vegetarian with Mushroom and Rainbow Chard.
- Spicy Thai Basil Cheesesteak $21.00
SPICY Cheesesteak with Beef Ribeye, Garlic, Chiles, Thai Basil & American Cheese. Choice of Fries or small Baan Salad (Watercress, Avocado, Onion & Crispy Rice)
- Phat Thai $22.00
Stir Fry Rice Noodles with Peanuts, Crispy Shrimp Crumble, Egg, and Tamarind Sauce. GLUTEN FREE ***Sauce contains Garlic & Onion and cannot be removed for Alium Allergies. Allergens Regular: Peanuts, Fish sauce, Egg, Shellfish, Allium, Soy. Allergens Vegetarian: Soy, Egg, Allium, Peanuts. Allergens Vegan: Soy, Allium, Peanuts.
- Coconut Chicken Thailandese $28.00
Coconut Crusted Chicken with Passion Fruit Nam Prik. Served with Green Mango, Avocado, Mint, Cilantro, Shallot & Lemongrass. Gluten Free. ALLERGENS: FISH (in Nam Prik & Green Mango Dressing), ALLIUM, COCONUT
- Mom's Lettuce Wraps $24.00
Choice of Protein with Organic Lettuce, Young Ginger, Thai Bird Chilis, Crispy Shallot, Thai Herbs & Purple Sticky Rice with Sauces Vegan Sauces: Sweet Chili & Soy Anise Regular Sauces: Toasted Rice Spicy Jaew & Soy Anise
- Chicken & Banana Blossom Salad $22.00
Spicy Chilled Chicken & Banana Blossom Salad with Cashews, Lemongrass, Cilantro & Crispy Shallot. Served with Jasmine Rice
- Phat See Ew $22.00
Stir Fry Wide Rice Noodles with Soy, Garlic, Egg, and Chinese Broccoli. Served with Traditional Accompaniment of Chilies in Vinegar. ***Sauce contains Garlic & Onion and cannot be removed for Alium Allergies.
- Crispy Snapper With 5 Flavor Sauce $29.00
Crispy Fried Red Snapper in a Spicy, Sweet & Sour Tamarind Sauce. Served with Jasmine Rice Salad (Cucumber, Scallion & Opal Basil)
- Stuffed Cabbage Tom Khaa $26.00
Savoy Cabbage Rolls filled with Turkey, Jasmine Rice, and Mushroom in aromatic Coconut Milk with Galangal, Lemongrass, and Makrut Lime. Served with Roasted Chili Nam Jim on the side.
- Laab $23.00
Cucumber and Thai Herb Salad with Toasted Rice Powder and Chile Lime Dressing. Served with Sticky Rice. Available with Fried Chicken, Lamb, or Vegan with Mushrooms. Served with Sticky Rice.
- Uncle Boon's Crab Fried Rice $28.00
Traditional Style Crab Fried Rice with Egg, Cilantro, and Lime.
- Beef Shortrib Panang $29.00
Peanut & Makrut Lime Curry with Braised Beef Shortrib, Onion, Coconut Cream & Herbs. Comes with Jasmine Rice.
COCKTAILS
- Muay Thai Punch $26.00
Uncle Boons Thai Rum, Velvet Falernum, Almond & Thai Tea. 12 Oz Bottle.
- Aces Go Places $26.00
Bourbon, Lemon, Ginger & Pink Peppercorn. 12 Oz Bottle.
- Spicy Tamarind Margarita $26.00
Tequila, Tamarind, Thai Bird Chili & Lime. 12 Oz Bottle.
- Siam Fizz $26.00
Thai Basil Gin, Grape, Egg White & Cremant. 12 Oz Bottle.
- Guava Sour $26.00
Lemongrass Vodka, Guava & Mint. 12 Oz Bottle.
Snacks
- Thai Disco Fries (Vegan) $14.00
Fries smothered in Massaman Curry with Red Onion, Peanuts, Cilantro, Pickled Green Peppercorn and Coconut Cream. ***Curry Sauce contains Peanuts in addition to the Peanut Garnish.
- Shrimp Cocktail $16.00
5 Shrimp with Choice of Sauce...... Tom Yum Cocktail, Seafood Nam Prik or Turmeric Aioli
- Drunken Dumplings $15.00
Chicken & Tapioca Dumplings in a Spicy 'Drunken' Dipping Sauce with Soy, Thai Chilis, Green Peppercorn & Thai Basil
- Roti Kabocha (Vegan) $14.00
Flaky Turmeric Vegan Roti and Kabocha Pumpkin Red Curry for dipping. Comes with Two Vegan Roti
- Spicy Kabocha Pumpkin & Artichoke Fritters $15.00
with Thai Basil & Sweet Chili Sauce. Vegan & GF
- Corn Tod Mun (Vegan) $15.00
Spicy Corn Fritters with Makrut Lime Leaves, Sweet Chili Dipping Sauce & Ajat Pickles. Vegan.
Thai Diner Details
From the business
- Identifies as women-owned
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Delivery
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
- Great cocktails
- Great dessert
- Serves local specialty
Popular for
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Hard liquor
- Healthy options
- Late-night food
- Small plates
- Vegan options
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Trendy
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Groups
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Tourists
- Transgender safespace
Planning
- Brunch reservations recommended
- Lunch reservations recommended
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
- Usually a wait
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Parking
- Paid street parking
- Parking
Thai Diner Photos










Thai Diner Location
Thai Diner Reviews
discofrench toastbrunchegg sandwichsundaebreakfast sandwichstuffed cabbagebanana puddingcoconut chickenchicken liver
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1We came here for brunch. Just be aware. They don't take reservations, just walk ins, so be prepared to wait. This was actually our second try if you want to get seated right away, come early. Otherwise, the wait can be up to 2 hours. This time we got lucky and didn't wait too long.The restaurant is cute, but it's small and seating is limited. We tried quite a few dishes such asUncle Boon's Crab Fried Rice, coconut chicken thailandese, thai tea babka french toast, disco fries, Pha Thai with Crispy Fried Chicken, Crispy Eggplant Maytinee, Rooibos and Chrysanthemum Tea.Our favorites were the roti, crispy fried chicken, eggplant, and the fried rice. The disco fries were also really good. The Phat Thai was decent, but had a too much peanut for my taste. The babka French toast was a miss for me it was too dry and the spread had an odd flavor.Overall, it's a cool spot to check out if you're into Thai food and don't mind a wait. There are definitely other great Thai places around too, especially if you're short on time. Staff were nice but understandable can be very busy.
August 24 · babyluv macI had high expectations for the disco fries. They were good but I don’t know if it was my favorite combo. I got the dessert the coconut sundae and it was incredible! The staff was really accommodating and nice and the inside was really fun. They do have a bit of a. Wait for food but overall a great experience. I’d want to come back and try more food.
August 12 · Neha LuthraWe came here for breakfast. Overall, it was an enjoyable experience. I liked the welcoming staff, very nice. The food was okay. I very much enjoyed my crispy rice eggs, it was great. My french toast was underwhelming. The taste didn’t suit me. But the egg sandwich was enjoyable. The original sauces for everything are unique and tasty.
September 14 · AneishaCame for breakfast this morning, friendly greeting and our party of two had no wait without a reservation (weekday). Jasmine iced tea was nice but unremarkable. Both items of food, the crispy rice and the breakfast sandwich were delicious. I would come back if in the area.
October 06 · carson muellerLike insanely good… I’ve been trying to come here for forever (since before it got famous on the internet), so I’m very happy to say it was worth the hype. Mind you, I’ve tried to walk in multiple times for dinner and was met with excessively long wait times so I always ended up leaving. Today, my friend and I arrived around ~10:30 AM on a Wednesday and got a table immediately. The service was excellent and, more importantly, the food was delicious. Brought me back to Thailand. I recommend making a reservation if you want to go for dinner but, honestly, the breakfast was (maybe) better! P.S. get the Thai iced coffee!! So authentic and good.
October 08 · Olivia
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