Up Thai: Upscale Asian Fusion Dining and Cocktails on the Upper East Side, NYC

Up Thai Introduce

Located on the bustling 2nd Avenue, Up Thai stands as a sophisticated and vibrant culinary fixture in the heart of Manhattan’s Upper East Side. Far more than a typical Thai eatery, Up Thai successfully blends authentic Thai culinary tradition with modern Asian fusion elements, offering New Yorkers an upscale dining experience right in the 10021 zip code. The restaurant is celebrated for its warm, inviting atmosphere—balancing a Casual and Cozy feel with a distinct Trendy and Romantic vibe, perfect for any occasion from a power lunch to a celebratory dinner.

Up Thai’s dedication to a truly comprehensive experience is immediately evident in its exceptional beverage program. The menu features an impressive selection of signature cocktails, all priced at $16.00, including creative concoctions like the Uptini, Magical Spicy Margarita (M&M), and the exotic Lychee Tini. Diners have noted the theatrical and high-quality presentation of these drinks. Coupled with a Great wine list and Great beer selection—including drafts like SINGHA DRAFT and WRENCH HAZY IPA—it is clear that Up Thai is a serious destination for those who appreciate fine beverages alongside their meal. This commitment to a full bar experience, complete with Hard liquor and a dedicated Bar onsite, sets it apart in the neighborhood.

The menu shines with its Chef Signature Entrees and seasonal offerings. Highlights include the luxurious Beef Short Rib Panang ($34.00), the highly praised Soft Shell Crab Gaeng Kua ($28.00), and the delicate Steamed Branzino With Ginger & Scallion ($36.00). Traditional favorites are elevated, such as the Pad Thai and Pad Se-Ew ($18.00), which are found alongside specialties like the Kao Soy (Northern-Style Noodle Curry) ($20.00). Seafood lovers can indulge in the rich Crab Fried Rice ($28.00) or the theatrical Poh Tak (Thai-Style Bouillabaisse) ($30.00), ensuring a premium, memorable dining choice for every guest.

Location and Accessibility

Up Thai is ideally situated at 1411 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10021, USA. This prime address places it squarely in the heart of the desirable Upper East Side, making it easily reachable for locals, office workers, and tourists visiting nearby landmarks like The Met. The location is well-served by Manhattan public transportation, contributing to its popularity.

Accessibility is a key priority for Up Thai, ensuring a comfortable visit for everyone. The establishment features a Wheelchair accessible entrance, making entry smooth and simple. Once inside, guests will find both Wheelchair accessible seating and a dedicated Wheelchair accessible restroom. For those who choose to drive, parking options are available in the area, including both Free street parking and Paid street parking. The restaurant's convenience and thoughtful design make it a welcoming spot for all community members.

Services Offered

Up Thai is structured to provide flexible service options that cater to the demanding pace of New York life, ensuring maximum convenience and dining pleasure.

Full Dining Service: Available for Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, and Dessert, featuring full Table service, Seating, and a dedicated Bar onsite.
Reservations: The restaurant Accepts reservations; Lunch reservations recommended and Dinner reservations recommended due to its popularity, as there is Usually a wait.
Off-Premise Dining: Offers Takeout, traditional Delivery, and No-contact delivery, along with convenient Curbside pickup.
Late-Night Service: Provides Late-night food options, perfect for UES residents or those finishing up a late evening at the museum.
Catering: Full Catering services are available to bring the restaurant's high-quality Asian fusion cuisine to your next event or gathering.
Speed and Efficiency: Highly regarded for its Fast service, ensuring efficient and timely dining experiences.
Payment Flexibility: Accepts Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments for easy and swift transactions.

Features / Highlights

Up Thai distinguishes itself in the competitive Manhattan market through its exceptional quality, inventive menu, and dedication to inclusivity and hospitality.

Diverse Ownership: Proudly Identifies as LGBTQ+ owned and Identifies as women-owned, contributing to the diverse tapestry of NYC's business community.
Exceptional Ambiance: The atmosphere is noted as Romantic and Trendy, providing a beautiful backdrop for date nights and special occasions, complemented by Outdoor seating.
Outstanding Drink Program: Recognized for Great cocktails, a Great wine list, and a Great beer selection.
Inclusivity and Crowd: Recognized as LGBTQ+ friendly and a Transgender safespace, attracting a diverse crowd including Locals, Groups, and Tourists.
Chef-Driven Menu: Features extensive Chef Signature Appetizers and Entrees, including high-end seafood and duck preparations like Pla Saam Ross ($36.00) and Duck Tamarind ($30.00).
Dietary Options: Provides excellent Healthy options, Vegan options, and Vegetarian options, alongside classic Comfort food.
Unique Dessert: Offers a signature dessert, the Chocolate Thai Tea Lava With Vanilla Ice Cream ($15.00), a perfect fusion finale to the meal.

Contact Information

For booking recommendations or for ordering their delightful Thai and Asian fusion cuisine, please use the following contact details:

Address: 1411 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10021, USA
Phone: (212) 256-1199 (or +1 212-256-1199)

What is Worth Choosing Up Thai

Choosing Up Thai is choosing an elevated, memorable dining experience right in the heart of the Upper East Side. The restaurant's appeal lies in its successful blending of high-quality cuisine and a truly engaging atmosphere. The kitchen's ability to execute complex, flavorful dishes is frequently highlighted by customers, with the Soft Shell Crab Gaeng Kua being a prime example—described as having a "flavorful curry" that encourages diners to "scrape the bowl." Furthermore, specialty items like the Crispy Branzino With Mango Salad ($36.00) and the rich Duck Basil ($30.00) showcase the depth of the Asian fusion menu. Even the salads are noteworthy, with the dressing on the Beef Salad praised for being "very well balanced."

The theatrical and inventive cocktail list, which features drinks like the ULTIMATE THAITEA and others with impressive garnishes, significantly enhances the dining atmosphere, making the visit feel like a special occasion. This attention to detail extends to their dessert menu, with the signature Chocolate Thai Tea Lava providing a delicious fusion ending. Beyond the food and drinks, the restaurant’s commitment to excellent customer service and its welcoming identity—as both LGBTQ+ owned and women-owned—make it a truly positive and inclusive spot in the Manhattan dining scene. While one customer noted a long wait time for packing takeout, they also praised the staff's overall kindness, beauty, and friendly attitude from the moment they entered, indicating a generally high level of hospitality. The overall consensus is clear: Up Thai is a highly recommended UES establishment that delivers on its promise of delicious food, great cocktails, and a warm, stylish ambiance, ensuring every New Yorker's visit is worthwhile.

Up Thai Menu

Cocktails and Beer (Must be 21 to purchase)
Uptini $16.00
Tito’s Handmade Vodka/Infused Lemongrass and Basil Cordial Green Chartreuse/Lillet Blanc
KOPI $16.00
Thai Espresso Martini featuring Mr. Black
M&M (Magical Spicy Margarita) $16.00
Reposado Infused Chili/Mezcal/Agave Syrup/Lime Juice/Blue Fly Tea/Tonic
PALOMA PARADISE $16.00
Espolon Tequila/Mezcal/Elderflower Liqueur/Rose Syrup/ Ruby Red Grapefruit Juice/B’lure Flower Extract/Prosecco
UDORN MULE $16.00
Phraya/Amaro Ciociaro/Lime Juice/Lemongrass Ginger Syrup/Singha Beer
LEMONGRASS BASIL TONIC $16.00
Bombay Sapphire Gin/Hose made infused lemongrass Basil Cordial Amaro Montenegro/Tonic Water/Hopped Grapefruit Bitter
EAST SIDE STORY $16.00
Espolon Tequila Blanco/Kiwi/Amaro Montenegro/Yuzu Citrus
PASSION FRUIT MOJITO $16.00
Gosling Black Seal Rum/Passion Fruit/Fresh Lime/Prosecco
LYCHEE TINI $16.00
Infused Absolut Citron/Pineapple and Lychee nut Hopped Grapefruit bitters
ULTIMATE THAITEA $16.00
Mekhong Thai Rum/ Bailey/Thai tea/Xocolatl mole bitters
SINGHA DRAFT $9.00
100% barley malt beer (ABV =5.0%)
WRENCH HAZY IPA (DRAFT) $10.00
New England (ABV=7.1%)
PORT CITY OPTIMAL WIT (16oz Can) $10.00
CRAFT WITBIER (ABV=5%)

SUMMER SPECIAL APPETIZERS
Salad Roll $12.00
Soft rice paper roll filled with mango, cucumber, fresh mint, carrot, lettuce, red cabbage, and Thai basil, served with a zesty ginger mayo dipping sauce
Duck Bao $16.00
Fluffy bao bun packed with tender roasted duck in a sweet hoisin glaze, scallions, spicy mayo, served with pickled cucumber and radish.
Pomelo Salad With Grilled Shrimp $18.00
Pomelo tossed in a sweet and spicy lime-coconut dressing with toasted coconut, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaf, red onion, scallions, and fresh cilantro. Topped with grilled shrimp and crispy.

SUMMER SPECIAL ENTREES
Beef Short Rib Panang $34.00
Braised tender short ribs, string bean and sweet potatoes in Panang curry sauce
Soft Shell Crab Gaeng Kua $28.00
Crispy soft-shell crab served in a bold Southern Thai red curry, enriched with coconut milk, shrimp paste, turmeric, lemongrass, and dry chili paste. Accompanied by tender eggplant and finished with aromatic kaffir lime leaves.
Steamed Branzino With Ginger & Scallion $36.00
Delicately steamed branzino topped with fresh julienne ginger and scallion, finished with a warm pour of aromatic soy sauce for a light and elegant flavor.
Stir-Fried Suki With Shrimp, Chicken & Squid $26.00
Wok-fried glass noodles with shrimp, marinated chicken, and squid in signature spicy sukiyaki sauce. Loaded with bok choy, napa cabbage, carrot, scallion, Asian celery, egg, sesame and mushroom.
Crispy Branzino With Mango Salad $36.00
Golden crispy branzino paired with a bright, zesty mango salad made with fresh mango, red onion, scallion, tomato, Thai chili, and cilantro. A refreshing mix of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors to balance the crunch.

Chef Signature Appetizers
Thai Steamed Mussels $16.00
Prince Edward Island mussels, onion, bell pepper, Thai basil leaves and spicy Thai herbs. Spicy.
Hoi Jor $15.00
Deep fried tofu skin stuffed with ground pork, shrimp, and crab meat, served with plum sauce
Duck Roti Roll $16.00
Roti roll wrapped with roasted duck, scallion, julienne cucumber, and radish served with Hoisin mayonnaise sauce

Chef's Signature Salads
Mango Avocado Salad $15.00
Mixed green vegetables, cashew nut ,mango, avocado, red onion, tomatoes, scallion and cilantro with chili lime dressing. Vegetarian and gluten-free. Spicy.

Chef's Signature Entrees
Up Thai Fried Rice Claypot $24.00
Sea scallop, shrimp, chicken, Chinese sausage, onion, scallions and shiitake mushrooms.
Similan Curry $22.00
Thai curry paste, chicken, potatoes and onion served with Thai roti and cucumber relish. Spicy.
Salmon Tamarind $28.00
Grilled fillet of salmon, bok choy, asparagus, zucchini, pumpkin topped with fried shallots.
Salmon Kiew Warn $28.00
Pan-seared fillet of salmon, Thai eggplant, bell pepper, and pineapple with green curry sauce. Served with jasmine white rice. Spicy. Gluten free.
Poh Tak (Thai-Style Bouillabaisse) $30.00
Salmon, sea scallop, shrimp, squid and mussels in glass noodle, onion, spicy Thai herb broth served with garlic bread. Spicy.
Gai Yang $24.00
Grilled marinated and de-boned half chicken, steamed assorted vegetables and coconut sticky rice. Served with sweet chili sauce.
Nam Tok $26.00
Grilled sliced top Sirloin, chili powder, roasted rice powder, red onion and scallions, with Thai chili-lime dressing. Served with cocount sticky rice. Spicy. Gluten-free.
Lemongrass Pork Chop $25.00
Grilled marinated pork chop served with steamed assorted vegetables, sticky rice and mango-chutney sauce.
Duck Tamarind $30.00
Crispy duck breast, eggplant with tamarind sauce. Served with jasmine white rice.
Duck Basil $30.00
Crispy duck breast, Thai chili, mini bell pepper, string bean, Thai basil leaves. Served with jasmine white rice. Spicy.
Kang Ped Pet Yang $30.00
Crispy half de-boned duck breast, curry, paste, lychee nuts, pineapple, bell pepper, onion, tomatoes and basil leaves. Spicy.
Talay Thai $32.00
Mixed seafood (Shrimp, Scallop, Squid and Clam) Thai chilli, onion, bell pepper, basil leaves and chilli jam. Spicy.
Pla Saam Ross $36.00
Deeo fried filleted Branzino with sweet and spicy tamerind sauce served with steamed vegetables. Spicy.
Pla Pad Ped $36.00
Fried Branzino with Homemade Red Curry stir-fried with young peppercorn, Thai eggplants, finger roots, kaffir lime leaf, long hot pepper and holy basil

Appetizers
Up Spring Rolls $15.00
Fried rolls. crab meat, shrimp, Shitake mushroom, cabbage, carrots, glass noodles and celery served with plum sauce.
Crispy Spring Rolls $9.00
Cabbage, carrots, glass noodles, Shitake mushroom and celery served with plum sauce. Vegetarian.
Curry Puffs $12.00
Minced chicken, potatoes, onion and curry powder served with sweet cucumber relish.
Chicken Satay $14.00
Grilled marinated chicken on skewers served with peanut sauce and cucumber relish.
Thai Crepe Dumplings $14.00
Minced chicken, peanuts and sweet turnips served with sweet soy sauce.
Steamed Dumplings $12.00
Ground chicken and shrimp, water chestnuts and shiitake mushrooms served with tangy soy sauce.
Pla Muk Tod $15.00
Crispy fried calamari served with spicy mayo.
Thai-Herbed Wings $14.00
Golden-fried chicken wings topped with crispy Thai herbs and served with sweet chili sauce.

Soup
Tom Kha Soup
King mushrooms and scallions, in coconut-galangal broth. Spicy.
Tom Juad Soup
Napa cabbage, mushroom, broccoli, tofu, carrot, zucchini, glass noodle, scallion, cilantro and fried garlic in clear broth.
Tom Yum Soup
Lemonglass Shrimp broth, king mushrooms, tomatoes, scallions and cilantro. Spicy.

Salads
Green Market Salad $12.00
Mixed green vegetables, romaine lettuce, tomatoes, radishes and red onion with ginger-soy dressing. Vegetarian.
Thai Salad $12.00
Mixed green vegetables, romaine lettuce, tomatoes and cucumber with peanut sauce dressing and topped with fried shallots. Vegetarian. Gluten-free.
Papaya Salad $13.00
Shredded green papaya, long beans, tomatoes and peanuts with Thai chili-lime dressing and topped with crispy pork rinds. Gluten-free. Spicy.
Nam Tok (Thai-Style Steak Salad) $26.00
Grilled sliced Top Sirloin, chili powder, roasted rice powder, red onion and scallions with Thai chili-lime dressing served with coconut sticky rice. Gluten-free. Spicy.

Noodles
Pad Thai $18.00
Rice noodles, bean sprouts, scallions, red onion, egg and peanuts. Gluten-free.
Pad Se-Ew $18.00
Broad noodles, Chinese broccoli and egg with thick soy sauce.
Kea Mao $18.00
Broad noodles, egg, Chinese broccoli, chili, onion, tomatoes, bell pepper and basil leaves. Spicy.
Kua Gai $18.00
Broad noodles, egg, red onion, scallions, green leaves lettuce, bean sprout and sesame oil.

Noodle Soup
Kao Soy (Northern-Style Noodle Curry) $20.00
Egg noodles, red onion, green apple, fried shallot and pickled mustard greens in red curry coconut broth. Spicy.
Ba Mee $20.00
Egg noodles, BBQ roast pork, crab meat, bok choy, and bean sprouts with a bowl of soup on the side.

Fried Rice
Crab Fried Rice $28.00
Crab meat, scallions, butter, fried egg. Mixed with rice, Chili lime sauce on side
Thai Fried Rice $18.00
Chinese broccoli, onion, scallions, tomatoes and fried egg. Mixed with rice.
Basil Fried Rice $18.00
Onion, bell pepper, chili, Thai basil leaves and fried egg. Mixed with rice. Spicy.
Pineapple Fried Rice $18.00
Pineapple, onion, scallions, tomatoes, cashew nuts and fried egg. Mixed with rice.

Over Rice
Moo Dang (Roasted BBQ Pork) $18.00
Roasted BBQ pork, crispy pork belly, Chinese sausage, hard-boiled egg and cilantro with thick seasoned gravy.
Kao Nar Gai $18.00
Sliced marinated chicken, onion, scallions, bamboo shoots, shiitake mushrooms and Chinese broccoli with thick soy gravy.
Kao Nar Ped Krob $24.00
Crispy quarter duck breast over rice, Chinese broccoli, pickle mustard greens and pickle ginger.
Krapraw Gai Sub $19.00
Minced chicken, chili, mini bell pepper and basil leaves. Topped with fried egg. Spicy.
Kana Moo Krob $20.00
Crispy Pork Belly sautéed with Chinese broccoli topped with fried egg.
Krapraw Moo Krob $20.00
Crispy Pork Belly, chili, mini bell pepper and Thai basil leaves, topped with fried egg. Spicy

Curry
Red Curry $19.00
String beans, eggplant, bamboo shoots, bell pepper and basil leaves with coconut milk. Gluten-free. Spicy.
Green Curry $19.00
String beans, eggplant, bamboo shoots, bell pepper and basil leaves with coconut milk. Gluten-free. Spicy.
Panang Curry $19.00
String beans, bell pepper, sweet potatoes and kaffir lime leaves with coconut milk. Gluten-free. Spicy.
Massaman Curry $19.00
Potatoes, onion, avocado and peanuts with coconut milk. Gluten-free. Spicy.

Entrees
Pad Krapraw (Basil) $18.00
Thai chili, string beans, onion, Thai bell pepper and basil leaves. Spicy.
Pad Khing (Ginger) $18.00
Shredded ginger, onion, scallions, bell peppers and shiitake mushrooms.
Pad Kratiam (Garlic) $18.00
Minced garlic, onion, scallions and assorted vegetables.
Pra Ram $18.00
Sauteed fried meat with peanut sauce and steamed vegetables.
Cashew Nut $18.00
Pineapple, jicama, cashew nut, roasted pepper, scallions and chili jam. Spicy.
Eggplant Basil $18.00
Thai chili, eggplant, onion, bell pepper and Thai basil leaves. Spicy.

Side Dishes
Jasmine White Rice $3.00
Berry Brown Rice $4.00
Black Sticky Rice $5.00
Fried Egg $3.00
Peanut Sauce $3.00
Steamed Assorted Vegetables $8.00
Sautéed Baby Bok Choy With Garlic Sauce $12.00

Desserts
Chocolate Thai Tea Lava With Vanilla Ice Cream $15.00

Drinks
Soda $3.00
Thai Iced Tea $6.00
Jasmine Iced Tea $5.00
Lychee Thai Tea $6.00
Thai Iced Coffee $6.00
Yuzu Lemonade $6.00
Thai Tea Lemonade $6.00
Juice $5.00
750 Ml Sparkling Water $6.00
San Pellegrino
Bottled Water $2.00
Poland Spring
ACQUA PANNA Natural Spring Water 750ml $6.00

Up Thai Details

From the business
Identifies as LGBTQ+ owned
Identifies as women-owned

Service options
Outdoor seating
Curbside pickup
No-contact delivery
Delivery
Takeout
Dine-in

Highlights
Fast service
Great beer selection
Great cocktails
Great tea selection
Great wine list

Popular for
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
Quick bite
Small plates
Vegan options
Vegetarian options
Wine

Dining options
Brunch
Lunch
Dinner
Catering
Dessert
Seating
Table service

Amenities
Bar onsite
Restroom

Atmosphere
Casual
Cozy
Romantic
Trendy

Crowd
College students
Family-friendly
Groups
LGBTQ+ friendly
Locals
Tourists
Transgender safespace

Planning
Lunch reservations recommended
Dinner reservations recommended
Accepts reservations
Usually a wait

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Children
Good for kids
High chairs

Parking
Free street parking
Paid street parking

Up Thai Photos

Up Thai Location

Up Thai

New York New York County New York 2nd Avenue

1411 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10021, USA

Up Thai Reviews

An average rating of ★4.8 from 6664 user reviews.

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★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

After quite an exhaustive visit to The Met, decided to grab a late lunch at Up Thai. This was our first visit and we did not have a reservation, but we were lucky to get a table. The host and the place is warm and welcoming but what won us over were the cocktails and food.One of the drinks, with a floating banana leaf and crispy Jasmine rice ball on the top was theatrical on the eyes as well as the pallette. Highly recommend going for the house special of the season.The dessing on the beef salad was very well balanced. And I would have married the soft crab in the cocount curry if we had not scraped the bowl for the last drop of that flavorful curry.The staff attended to us with utmost care and made the whole experience enjoyable. This is definitely worth a visit.
October 13 · Shreshta S (Shre)
After you step into the door, you will meet Host is very kind and beautiful , smiling and friendly to you. Including the atmosphere of the restaurant is nice. In addition, the smiling staff Talking about the delicious food.So even though steamed Buns, Pork is dry and hard , i love Steamed Fish with ginger and scallions. But after I’m done,I would like to pack my food home ,I was waiting for the staff to help pack food for me is very long long time, no one paid attention to me. Even though there was a woman had a tattoo came to ask and help me bring my food to pack for me while the restaurant is not busy on that time. On the other hand, after my food arrived. my bill came quickly !!!, How ever all of the staff and manager was cute, smiling and good mood from the entrance of the restaurant.
July 29 · Pat B Boon
Places was packed even at 4pm and rightfully so.Went with some friends and tried four different dishes. I would recommend the place for sure.Service was fast, food was plated well, portions were large for the price, and most importantly tasty.I would definitely recommend trying the Thai iced tea lemonade, a wonderful flavor combination I haven’t had before.I will be back.
August 03 · Bob Vassar
The best Thai restaurant. Pad Thai, Pra ram, Steamed Branzino, crab rolls, Panang curry and desserts! This is a kids-friendly restaurant where you bring your family. Staffs are very nice. On Fridays, you see lots of people here for a date spit and drinks! Recommend to make a reservation.
October 14 · Sage Choi
Another great Thai restaurant in NYC! The flavors weren’t mind-blowing or life-changing, but everything was executed very well.We got the mango avocado salad, the clay-pot fried rice, and the soft shell crab in red curry from the summer menu.Our favorite was probably the mango avocado salad—it had a perfect level of spice and acidity to complement the rest of the meal. The clay pot fried rice was a bit underwhelming for me. Although the blend of different types of meat offered great textures, the flavor was uniform throughout the entire dish—everything tasted like sweet soy sauce or eel sauce. The soft shell crab curry was great and tasted just as expected.
September 13 · Matthew Howell