Room Service

The last time I went here, I was still recovering from my concussion (and telling people I head-butted someone in a bar fight.  Don't get on my bad side), and this place made it close to being all better.  That's right, people; this place can almost cure a brain-bruising.  It is easily the best Thai food in the city, and the best Thai food I've ever had.  Just the other night I went again with Ariana, Caitlin, and Susan and we got to sit next to the chandelier.  (You will get the significance of this when - not if - you go here.  Anyone who can tell me what material encases the chandelier gets a price.  Again, go.  You'll see what I mean.)

Room Service is a Thai restaurant in Hell's Kitchen, on 9th Ave. between 47th St. and 48th St.  From the outside it doesn't look like much, but inside the decor is chic and adorable.  The restaurant itself is not very wide but very long and decorated with tiles, mirrors, and chandeliers.  As for the service, everyone is perfectly nice, but you might have to wait a bit if the restaurant is crowded.

Their food.  Oh dear God, their food.  Everything I've ever ordered there was amazing.  Something to know: they have a lunch special that is basically a steal.  Starting at $6.90, you get one of their lunch dishes with a side of Jasmine rice, PLUS a free appetizer.  The price varies depending on what you order (I recommend the Lychee and Shrimp Fried Rice or the Ginger and Lemongrass Chicken), but the most expensive item is around $14.  The Jasmine rice isn't included with rice and pasta dishes, but I can accept that.

Appetizers.  I've tried the spring rolls (perfectly drizzled in a plum sake sauce), the shrimp and chicken dumplings (yumyumyum), and the coconut-battered calamari (basically like calamari onion rings but they come with a dipping sauce that can only be described as a sweat-and-sour salsa).  Each dish is reasonably priced and worth it.

spring rolls ($3.20/four spring rolls)

As for entrées My personal favorite is the Pineapple Fried Rice.  I've ordered it maybe seven times now, a couple times with tofu and once with mixed seafood.  One thing I will say: their tofu is not spectacular.  While it is perfectly edible and protein-enriched, it is not fall-to-your-knees-and-thank-the-lord-JESUS good.  My sister tried the Pumpkin Curry Chicken and almost cried with joy.  Other favorites are the Pad Thai and the Pad See Ew (like the Pineapple Fried Rice, you can choose between tofu, chicken, vegetable, shrimp, salmon, filleted fish, mixed seafood, maybe something else...).  The entrées range from $8.90 to $15 or $16.

pineapple fried rice with tofu

pad thai

The drinks are a little more expensive.  Beers are about $5.50, cocktails around $9-$12, with something for everyone in between.  For the more adventurous and lychee-inclined, I'd be jealous of any lychee drink: the lychee mojito, the lychee sangria, the lychee mimosa.  While the drinks can be more expensive than the food, from what I've seen, they are all extremely reasonable with their proportions.  Meaning the mojitos come in a full mixing glass (those ones that are about a pint).  For non-drinkers, the Thai Iced Tea is fantastic and the hot teas are also yummy.

the table next to us had what looks like a pomegranate mojito
and a lychee mojito

Sorry about the quality of the photographs.  It is a restaurant whose lighting (or lack thereof) foils the combination of even my cheap camera and photography skills.  Also, this place is perfect for before (or after) going to see a show!